French Amb. to Cairo says France security begins in Egypt

On Wednesday, Stephane Romatet, the French ambassador to Cairo, said that Egypt’s security is part of his country’s national security, praising the depth of relations between the two countries.

The French ambassador also confirmed that Egypt and France have similar views on all regional and international issues of common concern, including the situation in Libya.

These remarks came during the award distribution ceremony, held Tuesday evening, of the first edition of the Egyptian-French startup competition.

Romatet also praised the high growth rate of the Egyptian economy despite the repercussions of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on the global economy.

He pointed out France is interested in enhancing joint cooperation ties with Egypt in the environment sector, startups, transportation, the financial and banking sector, and therefore there was close interest from both countries in strengthening mutual cooperation in the fields of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

As for cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, Romatet said that it has become a basic factor in protecting the economy.

Central Bank of Egypt Governor Tareq Amer, the communication minister, and the French ambassador in Cairo officially launched the Egyptian-French competition for startups in its first version in November 2019, in the presence of more than 300 companies.

The competition falls within the framework of Egyptian-French cooperation in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship after the signing of the Declaration of Intent during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Cairo.

With regard to developments in Libya, the French diplomat urged the newly elected interim executive authority to work to complete the formation of an inclusive government before February 26, so as to be able to assume its duties represented in paving the way for the country’s national elections on December 24, 2021, and start a new stage of political stability in the North African country.

He added that Cairo and Paris see that it is necessary to give the Libyan unity government the opportunity to lead the country for a successful transitional period that will end up organizing elections in Libya.

Earlier this month, Libya’s rival political groups agreed to form an interim government after five days of talks in Switzerland. Mohammed Younes Al-Mnifi was elected head of the Presidency Council and Abdul Hamid Dbeibah as its Prime Minister.