Egyptian president, EU to focus on economy
Sep 12, 2012, 2:01 PM
Associated Press
BRUSSELS (AP) – An official says Egypt’s President Mohammed Morsi and European Union leaders will discuss the bloc’s participation in a financial relief package for Egypt that could reach up to $10 billion.
Morsi, who is making his first visit to the West, is holding talks Thursday with EU President Herman Van Rompuy, executive head Jose Manuel Barroso and EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton.
Morsi, who is hoping to carry out structural reforms to overhaul Egypt’s ailing economy, is seeking a $4.8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, but more could be required.
The EU plans to contribute loans and grants but has not yet decided how much, according to a senior EU official who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
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