President Mohamed Morsi met on Sunday 13/1/2013 with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways of boosting bilateral ties between Egypt and the European Union (EU) in the various fields along with activating the soft loans program, offered by the EU to support development projects in Egypt.

At a press conference at the end of their talks on 13/1/2013 at Egypt's presidential palace, President Morsi underlined the strength and depth of relations between Egypt and the European Union.

Morsi asserted that Egypt appreciates the EU stances in support for its democratic transition as well as democracy in Arab Spring countries.

Morsi said that Rompuy's visit to Egypt emanates from ongoing dialogue between Egypt and the EU regarding bilateral, regional and international issues of joint interest.

Egypt has been making strides in building the modern and civil state, Morsi added.

The Egyptian leader went on to say that his country is highly appreciating clear EU stances on the Syrian crisis and peacemaking in the Middle East, based on general humanitarian principles.