Written by: Hussein Ahmed

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received President Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, today in the new city of Borg El Arab, on the sidelines of the event to inaugurate the new headquarters of Senghor University.

The official spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic stated that the President was there to receive the French President upon his arrival at the new headquarters of the university, where a commemorative photo was taken on this occasion, followed by an extensive meeting between the two presidents in the presence of the delegations of the two countries.

Ambassador Mohamed El Shenawy noted that the President welcomed the French President’s visit to Egypt, pointing out that it reflects the distinguished Egyptian-French friendship relations, and praising the remarkable development of relations in various fields, especially after they were elevated to the level of strategic partnership during the French President’s visit to Egypt in April 2025.

Sisi and Macron in Alexandria

The President also stressed the importance of continuing to work to enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, education, industry and transport, in order to achieve the common interests of the two friendly peoples and contribute to advancing the strategic relations between Egypt and the European Union.

The official spokesperson stated that the French President expressed his delight at visiting Egypt again, congratulating the President on the opening of the new headquarters of Senghor University, considering it an academic edifice that enhances scientific and cultural cooperation between the member states of the International Organization of the Francophonie, and supports its efforts in preparing qualified cadres for leadership.

The French President also appreciated the current progress in bilateral relations, stressing his agreement with what the President said about continuing to improve them, expressing his country’s keenness to develop cooperation in various fields, praising the volume of trade and French investments in Egypt, and emphasizing France’s aspiration to deepen the economic partnership between the two countries.

The official spokesperson added that the meeting also addressed developments in regional issues, as the President reviewed the Egyptian efforts aimed at containing the current tensions, stressing the need to spare the region further escalation and instability, given its negative repercussions on the security of the region and the world, as well as its impact on supply chains, trade and transportation.

In this context, President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for the security and stability of its brotherly Arab nations, emphasizing Egypt's categorical rejection of any infringement upon their sovereignty or the well-being of their people. The French President commended Egypt's efforts and expressed his hope for a swift resolution to the current crisis, one that would restore peace and stability to the Middle East.

The official spokesman stated that the two presidents also discussed developments in the Palestinian issue, where the President reviewed the Egyptian efforts to consolidate the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and implement the requirements of the second phase, stressing the need to enhance the access of humanitarian aid to the Strip without restrictions, and to begin the early recovery and reconstruction process.

In this regard, the President expressed Egypt’s deep concern over the escalating violations in the West Bank, stressing that there is no way forward except to revive the political process leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and based on the two-state solution. In this context, he expressed Egypt’s appreciation for the constructive role played by France in supporting the Palestinian cause.

The talks also addressed developments in Lebanon, where the importance of maintaining peace and stability was emphasized, as well as exploring ways to enhance cooperation between Mediterranean countries in order to achieve development, prosperity and common well-being for both sides.