Sisi Receives French Defense Minister

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Monday French Defence Minister Florence Parly, according to presidency spokesman ambassador Bassam Radi.

At the outset of the meeting, Parly conveyed French President Emmanuel Macron's greetings to Sisi, stressing the country's keenness to enhance bilateral relations, and partnership with Egypt at all levels, especially the military and security ones.

"Egypt is considered the key pillar of stability and security in the Middle East region and Africa," she confirmed.

Moreover, they tackled ways to boost joint cooperation between both countries, as well as exchanging views regarding various regional issues, and crises.

The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki and French Ambassador to Egypt.

It is worth mentioning that, bilateral relations between France and Egypt are based on strong, longstanding ties of friendship and confidence, and have developed considerably in all areas over the last four years.

High-level bilateral meetings have increased considerably, with visits at the level of Heads of State on an almost yearly basis.

The two countries hold close political dialogue on regional issues, such as the Middle East Peace Process, Libya and Africa.

Moreover, France is a leading economic partner for Egypt.

France’s leading position in the field of archaeology in Egypt is ensured by the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology (IFAO), the French-Egyptian Centre for the Study of the Temples of Karnak (CFEETK), the Centre d’Etudes Alexandrines (CEAlex), and several archaeological missions.