Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi praised on Thursday what he described as ‘remarkable’ and ‘steady’ growth in relations with France.
Egypt, he said, aspires to keep strengthening political coordination and the exchange of views with France on regional and international issues of common interest.
He added during a meeting with French President, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris that Egypt would work to enhance coordination with France on the issues of sustainable development, supporting peace and security in the region, and maximizing benefits from the capabilities and opportunities available to the two countries.
President Sisi said Egypt is particularly interested in cooperation with France where the European state has distinguished expertise and capabilities, such as transport, renewable energy and green hydrogen.
“We are also keen to encourage French companies to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Egypt,” the Egyptian leader told his French counterpart during the meeting.
President Macron, for his part, expressed his country’s appreciation for its close ties with Egypt as well as what he described as ‘deep bonds’ with Cairo.
He said relations between Paris and Cairo gained momentum in various fields, especially in trade and the economy.
France, President Macron said, is keen on intensive coordination and consultations with Egypt.
He described the Arab country as one of his country’s ‘most important’ regional partners.
President Macron also expressed appreciation for Egypt’s role in laying the foundations of stability in the Middle East, the Mediterranean region and the African continent.
Egypt is also, he said, a main player in the fight against terrorism, the extremist ideology and illegal immigration.
President Sisi and President Macron reviewed, meanwhile, ways to develop bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern, especially developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its negative repercussions on food and energy markets worldwide.
The two leaders also discussed developments in Sudan and the coordination of efforts with Egypt as a leading partner of the European Union in the fight against terrorism and illegal immigration.
They affirmed their two countries’ keenness to cooperate in and coordinate the enhancement of international initiatives to support developing countries and facilitate their access to the necessary financing so that they can face the negative economic repercussions of global challenges.
Also in Paris, President Sisi met Tunisian President, Kais Saied, on the margins of the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact which kicked off in the French capital earlier in the day.
The Egyptian leader praised what he called ‘distinguished’ relations with Tunisia.
He underlined Egypt’s support to the North African nation and its keenness to keep advancing the frameworks of bilateral cooperation with it at various levels.
President Saied, for his part, said Tunisia takes pride in its close ties with Egypt at the official and popular levels.
He praised Egypt’s achievements at the domestic level in terms of security, stability and development.
President Sisi also met President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
He highlighted Egypt’s desire to further boost cooperation with the Council.
He said this cooperation is important for addressing regional and international challenges.
Michel, for his part, said it is important to listen to Egypt’s position on regional issues,given the fact that Egypt is an important strategic partner of the European Union.
The EU, he said, wants to continue advancing cooperation with Egypt at various levels.
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