Egypt is key partner for France, EU, says French Foreign Ministry Spokesman

PARIS - 30 June 2017: France and the European Union have deeply-rooted ties with Egypt, deeming it as key partner, a French Foreign Ministry Spokesman said in statements on Friday.

The spokesman's statements came in reply to a question about France's plan to place the issue of human rights in Egypt on the agenda of the Egyptian-European Partnership Council's upcoming meeting.

The spokesman further underlined that French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian publicly raised the issue of human rights in all his talks.

In an interview with the French newspaper "Le Monde" on Thursday, the French foreign minister said the issue of human rights is a priority for France, adding he discussed this matter during his meetings with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.