GENEVA 

The European Union and Egypt pledged to deepen cooperation across political, economic and security fields during their first-ever joint summit Wednesday, where the bloc praised Cairo's mediation in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and signed new partnership agreements.

"Egypt plays a key role in the region and beyond in promoting stability and conflict resolution," European Council President Antonio Costa told a joint press conference, calling the meeting "a significant milestone" in EU-Egypt relations.

He commended Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's "unwavering engagement and tireless mediation efforts" in sealing "the first phase of the ceasefire deal on Gaza," which "brought hope to the Palestinian people."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the summit as proof that "our partnership is stronger today than ever before," also crediting Sisi for his country's role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire plan.

She announced that the EU is "preparing to launch a Palestine donor group" and is ready to "play its part" in ensuring that the ceasefire holds and humanitarian aid reaches civilians.

Von der Leyen also highlighted a €5 billion ($5.8 billion) macro-financial assistance package and Egypt's accession to the Horizon Europe program, calling the signing "a very special moment." She noted progress in migration, security and energy cooperation, emphasizing that "Europe and Egypt share strategic interests in the stability, security and prosperity of our people."

Sisi said the summit "holds special significance" as the first between the EU and a southern Mediterranean partner, adding that Egypt seeks "to push this elevated relationship forward."

He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to "achieve a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip" and invited European nations to join the upcoming conference on early recovery, reconstruction and development in Gaza.

He also underlined Egypt’s efforts on migration, noting that "since September 2016, we stopped the departure of any boat from Egyptian coasts" while hosting "more than 9.5 million foreigners" who receive "the same treatment as Egyptian citizens."