Cairo: SiltaNews – News Desk
By: Ashraf Gaber
Dr Hanafi Al-Gebali, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives, inaugurated the proceedings of the Parliamentary Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Summit of Parliamentary Leaders, hosted by the Egyptian Parliament from November 28 – 29, 2025, as part of the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Barcelona Process. Dr. Hanafi Jubali highlighted that the Barcelona Process, whose launch anniversary is commemorated today, represented a historic milestone and cornerstone for Euro-Mediterranean partnership, positioning it among the most significant international models for achieving comprehensive regional cooperation.
Heemphasized that the forum provides a genuine opportunity to review the trajectory of Euro-Mediterranean partnership, assess achievements, and address with realism and courage the challenges confronting our Euro-Mediterranean region as a unified civilizational space with an intertwined destiny that cannot be separated.
During his address, Dr. Hanafi Al-Gebali stressed that the Euro-Mediterranean region faces unprecedented challenges stemming from political instability, protracted conflicts, and regional tensions that threaten collective security structures, casting dark shadows over the security and stability of the entire region. He noted that Egypt hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh International Peace Summit, attended by prominent world leaders, which served as a foundation and roadmap for establishing and achieving just and lasting peace throughout the Middle East.
The Speaker further emphasized that sustainable stability cannot be achieved without genuine economic growth that benefits our peoples. He pointed to Egypt’s ambitious vision for the Euro-Mediterranean region, centered on the urgent need to promote commercial and energy connectivity projects between the two shores of the Mediterranean, support the green transition, encourage investment, and facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge.
In conclusion, Dr. Hanafi Al-Gebali underscored that Euro-Mediterranean partnership is not a choice but a strategic necessity imposed by geography, history, intertwined interests, and the aspirations of peoples seeking security, prosperity, and justice. He reaffirmed that Egypt, through its presidency and parliament, will remain committed to supporting all efforts that strengthen regional cooperation and consolidate values of peace, development, and solidarity.
The session was attended by Mohamed Abu El-Einain, Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives and President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and Mohamed Al-Yamahi, President of the Arab Parliament.