Al-Sisi, Macron reaffirm strategic partnership, support regional stability

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and France while underscoring the importance of supporting stability and de-escalation efforts across the Middle East. The remarks came during talks held in New Borg El Arab on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new campus of Senghor University, the academic institution affiliated with the International Organisation of La Francophonie and specialised in training African professionals and leaders. According to the Egyptian presidency, Al-Sisi welcomed Macron upon his arrival at the university’s new headquarters before the two leaders held expanded discussions attended by senior officials from both countries. The talks focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, and ways to expand cooperation across multiple sectors. The presidency said Al-Sisi described Macron’s visit as reflecting the strength of Egyptian-French ties, particularly following the elevation of relations to the level of a “strategic partnership” during the French president’s visit to Egypt in April 2025. Al-Sisi stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation in trade, investment, education, industry, and transport in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries and further strengthens relations between Egypt and the European Union. For his part, Macron expressed his pleasure at returning to Egypt and congratulated Al-Sisi on the inauguration of the new Senghor University campus, describing the project as “a remarkable global initiative” that enhances scientific and cultural cooperation across the Francophone world. The French president praised Egypt’s commitment to investing €60m in the university and said that La Francophonie “belongs to everyone who chooses to embrace the French language.” Macron described the Francophone community as a key driver of Africa’s development and highlighted France’s educational presence in Egypt, noting that approximately 60 French schools currently operate across the country. He also stressed the importance of rebuilding unity among nations and giving future generations the opportunity to reconnect the Mediterranean region amid mounting geopolitical challenges. “The alliance between Egypt and France is an alliance for peace and stability,” Macron said, adding that the increasing complexity of global challenges requires closer international cooperation. Al-Sisi, meanwhile, said Africa’s future depends on empowering youth and preparing qualified professionals capable of addressing development challenges. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Senghor University and providing scholarships for African students. The Egyptian president described the university as “a key pillar” in helping African countries formulate effective national policies and praised France’s role in supporting the Francophone world and advancing African capacity-building efforts. Regional developments also featured prominently during the talks. Al-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to contain ongoing tensions in the Middle East and prevent further escalation, warning of the impact of instability on regional and global security, including disruptions to trade, transportation, and supply chains. He reiterated Egypt’s support for the sovereignty, security, and stability of Arab states, while rejecting any infringement on their territorial integrity or national resources. Macron, in turn, praised Egypt’s role in regional de-escalation initiatives. The two leaders also discussed the war in Gaza, with Al-Sisi outlining Egypt’s efforts to consolidate the ceasefire agreement, advance the second phase of the deal, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave, and support reconstruction efforts. The Egyptian president also expressed concern over escalating violations in the occupied West Bank and reiterated that the only viable path to peace remains a political process based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Al-Sisi praised France’s support for the Palestinian cause, while Macron expressed hope for a swift resolution to the crisis and the restoration of stability across the region. The discussions additionally covered developments in Lebanon, with both leaders stressing the importance of preserving peace and stability and strengthening cooperation among Mediterranean countries to support shared development and prosperity.    The post Al-Sisi, Macron reaffirm strategic partnership, support regional stability first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.