President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Sunday a delegation of the European Parliament (EP), led by President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Elmar Brok.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry was present at the meeting, Presidential Spokesman Alaa Youssef said.

Egypt is keen on developing relations with the European Union (EU) countries in the coming period, Sisi said, adding that the meeting comes at a very critical time as the Middle East region and several European countries suffer from several prolems, such as terrorism and illegal immigration.

The president briefed the European delegation on the latest developments in Egypt and economic measures taken by the Egyptian government to improve the economic situation here.

Egypt is a home to nearly five million refugees, who constitute a heavy burden on the Egyptian government, Sisi noted.

He also urged the international community to stand by the Egyptian people during this critical period to go on with their development march.

Brok, for his part, praised the significant role played by Egypt in the Middle East region and Europe.

He further praised Egypt's recent economic decisions and the adoption of an anti-illegal immigration law by the Egyptian House of Representatives.

The EU is keen on reinforcing relations with Egypt in the coming period, the delegation members said.

They further praised efforts exerted by the Egyptian government in the educational field.

Source: MENA