European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton stressed on Tuesday member countries’ responsibility toward Egypt to achieve democracy and economic growth.
The EU will respond to any Egyptian request and provide expertise and resources, but it is up to Egyptians to determine the future of their country, Ashton told reporters after meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit. There is a need to develop foreign investments in Egypt and enable the international community to support this process, and Egypt has the freedom to propose how this can be achieved, she said.
The EU will support the role of the European Investment Bank which is offering 488 million Euros to support infrastructure projects and investments in Egypt, said Ashton, who added that the EU would enhance the bank's capacity to offer more aid to Egypt if it wishes.
Aboul Gheit, for his part, said the government is currently considering how the EU and others can boost the Egyptian economy.
