Egyptian Foreign Minister Meets French Counterpart in Paris

Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel-Aati met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris on the sidelines of the G7 ministerial meeting with partner countries. They discussed the growing dynamics of bilateral relations, reflecting the privileged relationship between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi and French President Macron. Abdel-Aati praised the progress made in elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2025.

The two ministers reviewed the advancements in various fields, including politics, military, economy, and culture. Abdel-Aati commended the French Development Agency's role in supporting Egypt's development plans and financing several major projects that directly impact Egyptian citizens' lives. They also discussed the Cairo Metro Line 6 project, highlighting its strategic importance as a pillar of bilateral cooperation in transportation and infrastructure.

Abdel-Aati and Barrot consulted on regional developments amid potential military escalation and efforts to contain tensions. Abdel-Aati emphasized the need to prevent a resurgence of military clashes, prioritizing diplomatic channels and dialogue to avoid catastrophic consequences for regional and international security and global economic stability.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister reiterated Egypt's stance on the Sudanese crisis, stressing support for Sudan's unity, territorial integrity, and national institutions. He condemned targeted drone attacks on civilians and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a Sudanese-led political process. Abdel-Aati also expressed Egypt's support for efforts to restore security and stability in Yemen through diplomatic and political means.

Abdel-Aati and Barrot discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of economy, culture, and security. They acknowledged the importance of their countries' partnership in addressing regional challenges. The French Foreign Minister's office released a statement confirming the meeting's focus on deepening ties between Egypt and France.

Egypt and France have a long-standing relationship, with cooperation dating back to the 19th century. In recent years, they have strengthened ties in various sectors, including defense, energy, and infrastructure. The two countries have also collaborated on regional and international issues, such as combating terrorism and promoting stability in the Middle East.

The meeting between Abdel-Aati and Barrot reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance Egypt-France relations, with a focus on strategic partnership and cooperation on regional issues. The two ministers demonstrated their commitment to maintaining close communication and coordination on matters of mutual interest, ensuring continued progress in their bilateral relationship.

Key points

• Egypt and France aim to elevate their relations to a strategic partnership in 2025.
• The two countries discussed regional issues, including the situation in Sudan and Yemen.
• Abdel-Aati and Barrot emphasized the importance of diplomatic channels and dialogue in addressing regional tensions.