President El-Sisi Meets with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

President El-Sisi starts his official visit to France with a meeting with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, today evening in the headquarters of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

As stated by the Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian welcomed His Excellency President El-Sisi in Paris, affirming that this visit and the upcoming discussions with French President Macron would support the course of relations between both nations in a constructive and positive manner. He also stressed France’s aspiration to enhance the cooperation framework with Egypt in various fields.

Mr. Le-Drian also expressed France’s aspiration to intensify coordination with Egypt regarding Middle East issues, in light of the strategic balance Egypt is achieving in the Middle East and its region. He added that Egypt, under the leadership of President El-Sis, succeeded in restoring its pivotal and effective regional role, thus reflecting the enduring legacy of the Egyptian civilization. This success is embodied in the successive achievements that have taken place in Egypt on the security, economic, development and social levels and when it comes to combating terrorism.

The Spokesman also added that the meeting discussed several regional files, especially the developments of the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Libya, Syria and other countries in the region. His Excellency stressed that there is no way these conflicts can be settled unless the international community provides full support to the national institutions of these countries so as to help them recover, strengthen them to face foreign interference and combat terrorism and achieve balance among the countries of the region.

The President also stressed Egypt’s keenness to fortify the extended strategic partnership it has with France, which is considered an important cornerstone to preserve security and stability across the Mediterranean basin and Middle East regions. In this regard, His Excellency expressed his aspiration to coordinate and consult with the French side in the coming period on various political, security, and economic files that are of common interest. President El-Sisi stressed on the growing importance in the current time of supporting dialogue and communication to achieve a common understanding between the Islamic and European worlds that would eventually lead to mutual respect for both parties’ peculiarities.

President El-Sisi and Mr. Le-Drian also discussed the recent developments regarding the Palestinian cause and means to revive the peace process. They agreed to have the coordination between Egypt and France during the coming period with international partners focused on bringing the parties back on the path of negotiations to reach a fair and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international references.