Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati attended on Monday the signing of a Declaration of Intent on migration co-operation between Egypt and France, marking a new step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Abdel-Aati said the agreement represents an important milestone in bilateral efforts to address irregular migration.
He noted that it builds on the strategic partnership launched during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt in April 2025.
The minister said the declaration adopts a comprehensive and balanced approach to migration, focusing not only on border management and the return of irregular migrants, but also on tackling the root causes of migration, including economic and social challenges.
Abdel-Aati welcomed France’s commitment to expanding co-operation in higher education, vocational training, skills development and job creation, saying these efforts would help reduce the drivers of irregular migration while supporting sustainable development.
He also highlighted the pressure Egypt faces from hosting large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers, stressing the need for greater international solidarity and fair burden-sharing.
The minister said Egypt’s comprehensive national strategy to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling has successfully prevented any illegal migrant boats from leaving the country’s Mediterranean coast for Europe in recent years, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to protecting its borders and supporting regional stability.
