(5) O Plano de Acção tem como duplo objectivo a criação de medidas concretas tendo em vista o cumprimento das obrigações das Partes enunciadas no Acordo Euro-Mediterrânico, bem como a criação de um quadro mais amplo para o reforço das relações UE-Egipto, implicando um grau significativo de integração económica e um aprofundamento da cooperação política, em conformidade com os objectivos gerais do Acordo Euro-Mediterrânico, APROVOU A PRESENTE RECOMENDAÇÃO: Artigo único O Conselho de Associação recomenda que as Partes executem o Plano de Acção UE-Egipto constante do Anexo, na medida em que essa execução se oriente para a concretização dos objectivos previstos no Acordo Euro-Mediterrânico. Feito em Bruxelas, em 6 de Março de 2007. Pelo Conselho de Associação O Presidente A. ABUL GHEIT (1) JO L 304 de 30.9.2004, p. 39. ANNEX EU/EGYPT ACTION PLAN 1. Introduction The Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Union as key partners and, near neighbours, reaffirm their commitment to deepen their political, economic and social relations on the basis of their close cooperation and strategic partnership that has developed in the last few decades and within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the Association Agreement embodying the objectives and principles of the Barcelona Declaration, and complementing its multilateral process. The evolving regional and international context of Egypt-EU relations has fostered greater scope for cooperation. On the one hand, the enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004 which has brought a historical shift for the Union in political, geographic and economic terms, paved the way for the European Neighbourhood Policy that aims to deepen the EU’s relations with its neighbouring countries to the East and South. On the other hand, Egypt continues to pursue its dynamic foreign policy aiming to strengthen its relations with its international partners in particular the EU, its commitment to further integration with the global economy, and its efforts for further political and economic development and modernisation. Thus, a major opportunity has evolved for Egypt and the EU to further develop their strategic partnership through an increasingly close and enhanced relationship. This will involve a significant degree of economic integration and deepening of political, cultural and social cooperation, aiming to promote peace, stability, security, growth, development and prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean region as well as modernisation of the Egyptian economy and society. In this regard, the Action Plan between Egypt and the EU within the European Neighbourhood Policy sets ambitious objectives based on joint ownership, common interests, reciprocal commitments, differentiation, shared values and implementation of national plans and reform programmes, politically, economically, socially and institutionally.