Egypt, France launch first strategic dialogue in Cairo

CAIRO - 21 April 2026: Egypt and France held the first round of their strategic dialogue in Cairo, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations following the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership.

The talks were co-chaired by Ambassador Mohamed Abou Bakr, Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs, and Martin Briens, Secretary General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with both sides leading official delegations.

According to a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the dialogue builds on the decision to upgrade relations to a strategic partnership during the French president’s official visit to Egypt in April 2025. Both sides welcomed the progress achieved so far and reviewed the initial outcomes of implementing the partnership.

Discussions covered ways to enhance economic and financial cooperation, including the implementation of a bilateral financial agreement for the period 2026–2030. The two sides also highlighted the role of the French Development Agency in Egypt, marking 20 years of its presence and its impact on development projects across the country.

During the talks, both countries emphasized cooperation in key sectors such as transport, energy, and housing, following the signing of financing agreements worth over €260 million during the French president’s visit. They also underlined the importance of continued collaboration in sustainable development, including green industry initiatives.

The dialogue addressed cooperation in transport infrastructure, including ongoing discussions related to Cairo Metro Line 6, as well as broader efforts to enhance connectivity and support economic growth.

On migration, both sides reviewed progress in bilateral discussions aimed at reaching an agreement on return and readmission, while also promoting legal migration pathways and vocational training. They expressed optimism about concluding an agreement in the coming weeks.

Cultural and educational cooperation was also a key focus, with both countries highlighting the importance of academic exchange, language education, and joint initiatives to promote French language learning in Egypt. Plans to establish French-language public schools and expand university programs were also discussed.

The two sides also explored opportunities for cooperation in innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and creative industries, alongside efforts to strengthen scientific research and academic partnerships.

On global and regional issues, Egypt and France exchanged views on climate change, biodiversity, environmental protection, global health, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of science-based approaches and multilateral cooperation. They also stressed the need for coordination within international frameworks, including the United Nations and major global forums.

Regarding regional developments, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in addressing crises in the Middle East and Africa, including efforts to achieve lasting peace based on a two-state solution, as well as monitoring developments in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa.

The two countries agreed to continue their strategic dialogue, with the next round scheduled to take place in France in the first half of 2027.