CAIRO, April 6 (MENA) - French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Cairo strengthens the ongoing coordination between Egypt and France regarding regional and international issues, given both countries’ influential roles on the global stage,Egyptian Ambassador in Paris Alaa Youssef told MENA Sunday.

Macron is visiting Egypt for three days as a distinguished guest, showing strong relations between the two countries across political, economic, cultural, military, educational, and other fields, he added.

The ambassador revealed that the visit will mark the upgrading of bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, reflecting the depth and strength of the historical ties between Egypt and France.

Youssef noted that the visit is highly intensive, featuring the signing of numerous agreements in various sectors, including economy, basic and higher education, energy, development, transportation, and health.

Additional agreements will be signed between the French Development Agency (AFD) and several Egyptian ministries to implement priority projects for Egypt, he added.

A high-level delegation is accompanying Macron, including French government ministers and numerous CEOs of leading French companies operating in sectors such as transport, telecommunications, defense, civil aviation, and energy, in addition to representatives from the cultural and higher education fields, the ambassador said.

This reflects Paris’s great interest in the visit and underscores the rich and diverse nature of bilateral relations, he added.

A key event during the visit will be an economic forum, attended by both presidents and major economic players from both countries. The forum aims to explore economic opportunities in greater detail and to boost French investments in Egypt, especially in light of the incentives offered by the Egyptian government, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, youssef said.

Forum participants will also discuss bilateral cooperation in key areas such as energy, healthcare, innovation, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and IT. French private sector representatives are scheduled to meet with Egyptian ministers to explore ways to build on the visit’s momentum and enhance economic and investment ties, he added.

The visit will also feature a high-level conference on higher education and research, reflecting both countries’ shared interest in promoting education and supporting existing partnerships between Egyptian and French universities, the ambassador said.

Youssef affirmed that the relationship linking Egypt and France is longstanding, based on mutual respect and a shared belief in their important roles on the international and regional stages in promoting stability and peace around the world.

He emphasized the close and regular communication between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Macron, as well as their shared views on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. “There is a strong convergence in their positions on regional and international developments and within international organizations.”

Youssef said that Macron’s visit carries several important messages, foremost among which being support for Egypt’s continuous efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.

He stressed that France greatly values Egypt’s tireless efforts to end the war in Gaza and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to the people of the enclave.

Regarding Macron’s planned visit to Arish in North Sinai, Youssef said it holds a significant meaning as it sends a message of French and European support for Egypt’s role in seeking a resolution to the Gaza war, stopping the bloodshed, ensuring humanitarian aid delivery, and securing the release of hostages and detainees.

He added that the Arish visit also affirms France’s recognition of Egypt’s support for the Palestinian people. “During the visit, France will provide aid for injured Palestinians, further highlighting France’s appreciation for Egypt’s efforts in treating many wounded Gazans in its hospitals, particularly in Sinai and Arish.”

Youssef confirmed that France backs Egypt’s reconstruction plan for Gaza, noting that the initiative is gaining growing international support, including from several European countries.

He referred to the recent joint statement by France, Italy, Germany, and the UK supporting Egypt’s plan as a realistic solution for rebuilding Gaza and improving the lives of its residents in a sustainable manner.

He also stressed that Egypt and France are in full agreement in firmly rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians.

Youssef said the messages carried by Macron’s visit affirm that Egypt-France relations are not confined to a few sectors, but are wide-ranging and deeply interconnected.

The economic, political, cultural, and educational dimensions all serve as pillars that drive the relationship forward and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world, he concluded. (MENA)

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