Egypt’s top diplomat met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to discuss strategic relations, economic partnership, and cooperation in the Mediterranean.

The EU representative announced immediate assistance of €20 million to support Egypt as it welcomes a wave of Sudanese refugees on its southern border. The war in Sudan has resulted in over 1,800 deaths and the displacement of nearly two million people.

Egypt recently reversed a visa exemption for Sudanese citizens, requiring them to obtain visas before crossing the border. The United Nations and other nations will hold a pledging conference to raise funds for Sudan’s humanitarian needs. The meeting between the Egyptian and EU officials took place after a deadly migrant boat wreck off the coast of Greece.

Egypt has been hosting a large number of refugees and called for continued assistance from friendly countries. The number of migrants arriving by boat in Italy has significantly increased compared to the previous year.