Egypt, France to boost security, political co-op

CAIRO – 25 October 2017: Egypt and France share a close strategic partnership, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed during a Tuesday joint press conference, after meeting with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

Macron, the youngest President in the history of France, described Cairo as "a key ally to uproot terror cells in the Middle East".

The two leaders had a detailed discussion on ways to boost cooperation in security and the war against terrorism. Means of stepping up bilateral political, economic and military ties between the two countries were discussed as well.

President Sisi was welcomed to Paris on Monday by French Defense Minister Florence Parly for a three-day visit.

“Our first common combat is the fight against terrorism," Macron added during the conference. "France is standing by Egypt’s side because the security of this friendly country is also our own security.”

"We have agreed to act together and to have a clear diplomatic action to work, everywhere, for regional stability, the states' integrity and the eradication of terrorist movements."

Macron also added that he is aware of the security context and conditions under which President al-Sissi operates, including stability, the fight against terrorist movements and the fight against violent religious fundamentalism.

Egypt has been managing to contain an Islamic militant insurgency led by a local affiliate of the Islamic State group mostly in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt has concluded several arms deals with France since 2015, including the purchase of two French-made Mistral-class helicopter carriers, 24 French Rafale warplanes and missiles.