CAIRO – 7 April 2025: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held on Monday with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron a press conference at Al-Ittihadiya Palace as they lauded the Egyptian-French relations and announced elevating it to the level of ‘strategic partnership’.
In his speech, President Sisi said that elevating relations with France to a ‘strategic partnership’ is an important step toward achieving the aspirations of both countries. He added that he agreed with Macron to implement all aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Sisi welcomed Macron and his accompanying delegation, and noted that during their meetings, they reviewed bilateral relations, particularly strengthening French investments in Egypt.
“We discussed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the need to restore the ceasefire,” Sisi said, explaining that they also discussed the Gaza Reconstruction Conference, which Egypt will be hosting following the cessation of hostilities within the Strip.
President Sisi extended during the press conference, his thanks and appreciation to the French side for their support for the Palestinian people.
Both leaders emphasized during their meeting the need to return to the ceasefire in Gaza and allow the entry of humanitarian aid. They also agreed to reject calls to displace Palestinians from their lands.
Sisi confirmed that promoting peace in the Middle East will not be achieved without a just settlement for the Palestinian issue.
Regarding Syria, Sisi said that emphasized with Macron the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory.
Both leaders also affirmed full support for the new Lebanese president and government, and the need to cease hostilities in the country.
Sisi says that he discussed with Macron developments related to the water security file and the Egyptian position, which believes that the Nile River is a ‘historical link’ that must achieve benefit for all, while taking into account the specificity of Egypt’s dependence on the Nile River.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he ‘will be happy to visit Al Arish to be in such near location to support civilians in Gaza,’
Macron condemned in his speech at the press conference the resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza and called for respecting the ceasefire, releasing of hostages in Gaza, and a return to negotiations as soon as possible.
“I would like to reiterate our support for the Gaza reconstruction plan, and that we will participate in the Gaza reconstruction conference,” Macron said.
He added that France supports the transitional process toward a unified, stable, and sovereign Syria, while rejecting any foreign interference.
“We are also committed to the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon and reject all hostile and terrorist acts.”
Regarding the water security issue, Macron said that France will exert utmost efforts and work to find solutions so that the Nile waters shared equitably among neighboring countries.
The French president noted that he supports an end to the war in Ukraine because of the difficult repercussions and consequences of this war.
“I salute the steadfastness of the Egyptian international positions, as well as the clarity and firmness with which you proceed, without any double standards,” Macron concluded.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received at Ittihadia Palace on Monday French President Emmanuel Macron, amid an official reception ceremony, where the national anthems of both countries were played.
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by a session of plenary talks between the two countries' delegations. They also witnessed the signing of several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
A tripartite summit is expected to be held between President Sisi, Macron and King Abdullah of Jordan after the end of the Egyptian-French summit, to discuss conditions in the region including the developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
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