ALEXANDRIA - 9 MAY 2026

Former French Consul General in Alexandria Gilles Gauthier described President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt as an “exceptional moment” in Egyptian-French relations, saying Cairo and Paris are entering what he called a “shared golden era” of partnership and cooperation.

Former French Consul General in Alexandria Gilles Gauthier speaks about Egyptian-French relations and Alexandria’s historic role in Francophone culture.

 

Former French Consul General in Alexandria Gilles Gauthier described French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt and his participation in the inauguration of the new headquarters of Senghor University in Borg El Arab as an “exceptional moment” in the history of Egyptian-French relations.

Speaking on Saturday, Gauthier said Macron’s visit to Alexandria sends a clear message that Cairo and Paris are moving together toward what he called “a shared golden era,” marked by unprecedented levels of coordination, cooperation, partnership, and mutual trust.

He noted that the visit comes as part of a long-standing pattern of high-level exchanges between the two countries, with a consistent focus on strengthening economic and cultural cooperation amid growing convergence in perspectives and strategic priorities.

Senghor University and Africa’s future

According to Gauthier, Macron’s decision to travel personally to Alexandria reflects France’s recognition of the city’s historic and cultural importance, as well as Senghor University’s role as one of the leading Francophone institutions dedicated to preparing African professionals and future leaders.

He highlighted the university’s historical roots, recalling that it was established through the vision of late former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali in partnership with Francophone nations.

Gauthier praised Egypt’s support for the development of the university’s new headquarters, describing it as a major step forward for the institution and its academic mission across Africa.

He said the new campus strengthens Senghor University’s role as a platform for training African leaders and professionals, a bridge connecting Egypt and France through their shared African dimension, and a key Francophone educational institution focused on development and cooperation.

The former diplomat also linked the timing of the inauguration to the upcoming “Africa Forward” summit scheduled to take place in Kenya on May 11 and 12, saying the overlap reflects a broader French strategy aimed at deepening partnerships with African countries through development and practical cooperation initiatives.

At the same time, he said the development reinforces Egypt’s position as a central partner in regional and continental stability.

Egypt’s Francophone role

Gauthier stressed that Egypt plays a significant role in supporting Francophonie in the region through its educational institutions and French-speaking elites, which strengthens its engagement with Francophone African countries.

He added that Alexandria itself remains home to a long-established Francophone community and a strong educational and academic ecosystem that has helped preserve the city’s historical cultural links with France.

According to the former consul general, Egypt and France share common objectives centered on development and stability, making their partnership a model of constructive cooperation built on trust and shared history.

He argued that Egyptian-French relations go beyond temporary political considerations, as they are rooted in deep historical, cultural, and human connections that allow the partnership to continue evolving despite regional and global challenges.

Alexandria’s special place

Gauthier also spoke about Alexandria’s symbolic importance to the French public, describing the Mediterranean city as a timeless symbol of cultural openness and pluralism.

“Alexandria holds a special place in the hearts of the French,” he said, adding that the city represents the enduring human and cultural ties connecting both peoples across generations.

He referenced his book A Woman from Alexandria, in which he reflects on his personal relationship with the city and with Egypt more broadly, exploring themes of memory, identity, and human connections that transcend borders and nationalities.