Macron's visit to Egypt is of 'utmost importance': French Ministry's spox

CAIRO - 9 May 2026: The spokesperson for the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Pascal Confavreau, affirmed that President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Egypt is of "utmost importance," embodying the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries and reflecting Paris's confidence in Cairo's pivotal role in regional stability.

 

In a statement to the Middle East News Agency (MENA) on Saturday, on the occasion of the French president's visit to Alexandria, Confavreau said that Egypt plays a fundamental role in addressing the situation in the Middle East and promoting de-escalation, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

 

He praised Egypt's significant efforts to achieve a ceasefire, as well as its role as a key platform for delivering humanitarian and relief aid to the Strip.

 

 

French support for Egypt's role in Gaza and Regional Development

 

He explained that President Macron's visit to Alexandria includes talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in addition to the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Senghor University of Francophonie in Borg El Arab City.

 

This reflects the growing cultural and educational dimension of bilateral relations, as well as an in-depth political dialogue between the two sides.

 

He added that the visit comes as a continuation of the growing momentum in relations between Paris and Cairo, which has received a significant boost since April 2025 with the launch of the strategic dialogue between the two countries.

 

This has been accompanied by enhanced cooperation in priority sectors, particularly the economy, energy, and transportation, with support from the French Development Agency.

 

 

Cairo-Paris economic, infrastructure cooperation

 

He noted that France supports Egypt's efforts to achieve sustainable development, within the framework of both countries' involvement in ambitious regional projects, especially in the areas of smart transportation and infrastructure development, which represent a fundamental pillar for enhancing trade and connectivity between the African and European continents.

 

Pascal Confavreau emphasized that the Egyptian-French partnership also extends to the fields of culture and education, given Egypt's status as one of the largest Francophone spaces and its annual graduation of thousands of French-speaking students.

 

The French Foreign Ministry spokesperson commended the joint cooperation in various fields and the ongoing communication between Cairo and Paris, especially regarding coordination on regional and international issues.