A European parliamentary delegation appreciated Egypt's efforts in bearing the 'burdens' of hosting refugees, affirming its understanding of the economic and regional challenges facing the country, coinciding with repeated Egyptian demands for 'international support for hosting millions of refugees.'

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty received in Cairo on Tuesday the delegation of the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament, chaired by MEP Mounir Satouri, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Abdelatty affirmed that the delegation's visit reflects the close cooperation relations with the European side in its various institutions, stressing 'the importance of communication with European parliamentary circles, in light of the momentum witnessed in Egyptian-European relations, especially since the upgrading of relations to the level of strategic and comprehensive partnership.'

Meanwhile, the European delegation appreciated the development of strategic relations with Egypt, affirming that Cairo is a key partner for the European Union in supporting stability in the region. It also stressed the importance of intensifying parliamentary cooperation between the two sides, enhancing mutual visits, and exploring broader horizons for cooperation.

According to the Foreign Ministry statement: 'The delegation expressed its appreciation for the Egyptian efforts in hosting large numbers of refugees and the burdens borne by the Egyptian state in this regard.'

Last week, Egypt renewed its demand for international support for hosting millions of refugees. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said during his meeting with Susan Rapp, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), on Thursday, that his country 'adopts a comprehensive approach to migration issues.'

Egypt hosts more than 10 million foreign nationals, led by Sudanese and Syrians, which costs the country more than $10 billion annually, according to official estimates.

During his meeting with the delegation of the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament on Tuesday, Abdelatty reviewed the efforts made by his country 'to upgrade the human rights system in its comprehensive concept, which aims to enhance human rights and achieve social justice for the Egyptian citizen.'

He also reviewed the role played by the Permanent Supreme Committee for Human Rights, which he chairs, highlighting the successes achieved in the field of civil and political rights and on the legislative level. He also stressed the commitment to continue constructive dialogue, noting that improving human rights conditions is an ongoing and cumulative process.

Abdelatty pointed out the importance of achieving a balance between different rights, whether civil, political, economic, social, or cultural, with special attention to women, children, youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities.