Al-Mashat, French Ambassador Discuss Developing Joint Relations

Nada Mustafa

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, received Amb. Éric Chevallier, the new French Ambassador to Egypt, within the framework of the role played by the Ministry to develop and strengthen economic relations with multilateral and bilateral development partners, in a way that enhances the vision of National development.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister welcomed the French Ambassador to Egypt, wishing him success in his work. She also stressed the importance of Egyptian-French relations and their continuous development under the leadership of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and their impact on the implementation of many development projects in priority sectors through development cooperation relations, especially with the French Development Agency. H.E. also referred to the Egyptian-European Summit that was held recently, during which H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen signed the joint declaration to increase relations and move them to the level of strategic partnership, which will enhance relations between Egypt and European countries to more advanced stages.

Al-Mashat reviewed the role played by the Ministry in strengthening joint relations with multilateral and bilateral development partners, through the principles of economic diplomacy, efforts to provide concessional development financing and grants, and the implementation of debt swap programs for development. The two sides also discussed efforts to enhance the investments of French companies in Egypt and expand their business within the framework of the measures taken by the government to encourage private sector participation and open the way for more foreign investments.

The discussions also looked into the investment conference scheduled to be organized between the government and the European Union during the current year. The two sides also discussed the ongoing procedures for implementing the projects of the country platform for the “NWFE” program, and the French role in enhancing efforts for a just transition in the energy sector, as the French side is scheduled to contribute to financing the project on the delta control center in Alexandria as part of the energy pillar of the program.

The Minister discussed joint efforts with the French side in the field of wheat storage silos and enhancing food security efforts. The Minister also reviewed the Egyptian-European relations report that was issued last January to monitor the results of 4 years of joint work between Egypt and European countries within the framework of the Team Europe initiative.

For his part, the French ambassador in Cairo stressed the French side’s keenness to strengthen relations with Egypt in light of the common priorities and the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also applauded the measures taken recently by the government at the level of economic and structural reform to confront development challenges and support a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.

Earlier, Al-Mashat had received Ms. Cécile Couprie , the new regional director of the French Development Agency, and discussed the position of ongoing development cooperation programs and future partnerships. This week also witnessed the signing of an agreement to finance the third phase of the Gabal Al-Asfar Wastewater treatment plant between the Ministry of International Cooperation, the French Development Agency, and the European Union.

It is worth noting that the development cooperation portfolio between Egypt and France since 1974 amounts to €7.5 billion, through more than 42 cooperation protocols in various sectors, including transportation, electricity, civil aviation, housing, sanitation, health, agriculture, irrigation, small and medium enterprises, and the environment, antiquities, and basic and technical education, while the current development cooperation portfolio records about €2 billion.

During 2022, the Ministry of International Cooperation and the French Development Agency launched the new country strategy until 2025, which falls under the slogan “Towards shared prosperity.” It aims to achieve three main priority pillars: 1) Enhancing the integration of Egyptian financial, commercial and production systems at the regional level, 2) Support the development of social infrastructure, and 3) Promoting equitable and sustainable local development. The strategy's three pillars include main sub-pillars: 1) Promoting shared prosperity, 2) Reconciling development goals with climate goals, 3) Job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship.