Kelly has talks on Halawa with Egypt EU envoy

MEP Sean Kelly, has highlighted the situation of Ibrahim Halawa with the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Egyptian Parliament Dr Ahmed Said.

21-year-old Irish national Halawa has been held in an Egyptian prison since he was arrested at an anti Government protest in Cairo 2013.

Mr Kelly organised the meeting with Dr Said to raise the case and discuss Irish Egyptian trade relations.

Mr Kelly thanked Dr Said for his time and openness during the discussion.

“I am extremely pleased with the meeting and am encouraged by the words of Dr. Said. I got the feeling today that Egypt recognises the seriousness of Ibrahim Halawa’s situation, which is welcome,” said Kelly.

“They say they are looking for a positive outcome for Ibrahim as soon as possible, and while we would all like to see his immediate return to Ireland, hopefully this is a step in the right direction,” he said.

“Ibrahim’s situation is a big concern to us all, and his well-being is on the highest importance. It is already more than a year since I co-authored the European Parliament resolution calling for Ibrahim’s release- that is another year in prison for Ibrahims with numerous trials having been postponed. This isn’t acceptable and I truly hope to see him back on home soil soon,” MEP Kelly said.

Mr Kelly and Dr Said also discussed Egyptian trade links, and the Egyptian beef market which has recently opened up for the Irish produce after a 17- year ban on EU beef.

Mr Kelly welcomed this reopening, and the chance to discuss it with the travelling Egyptian delegation.

“The meeting was a great opportunity to discuss the economic links between Ireland and Egypt particularly the reopening of the Egyptian market to Irish farmers,” he said.

“This will be present number of opportunities for Ireland to increase its exports. This is a boost to Irish agri-food markets at a time when they face the continuing uncertainly of Brexit, and I was pleased by Dr Said’s enthusiasm for this development,” he added.

Ibrahim Halawa who is jailed in Egypt since 2013.