CAIRO, May 21 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty praised the momentum witnessed in the strategic relations between Egypt and France across various fields.

His statements came during a meeting Wednesday with Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, which took place on the sidelines of the African-European ministerial meeting held in Brussels.

The development in the two countries’ relationship came following the historic visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Egypt last April, during which bilateral relations were elevated to the strategic level, Abdelatty said.

He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening joint cooperation in all political, economic, cultural, and educational fields, to deepen the partnership between the two countries in a way that serves their mutual interests.

The minister highlighted the importance of the French private sector accessing the Egyptian market and benefiting from the investment opportunities available in Egypt, thus enhancing economic and trade relations between both countries.

He also welcomed the support provided by the French side to Egypt within European Union institutions, particularly regarding the European financial package for Egypt. He outlined the economic repercussions on Egypt resulting from tensions in the Middle East and their impact on maritime security in the Red Sea and revenues from the Suez Canal, in addition to the effects of Egypt hosting a large number of foreigners exceeding 9.5 million.

The two ministers exchanged views on several regional issues of mutual interest, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. Minister Abdelatty praised France’s position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and welcomed the joint statement issued by the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, and Canada regarding the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, which called for an end to the war on Gaza and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip.

He also expressed hope that France and other European countries move forward in recognizing the State of Palestine, considering this a key pillar for achieving peace in the Middle East. (MENA)
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