Cairo - Defense Minister Sedqy Sobhy met on Tuesday his visiting French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian to exchange views on regional developments. The meeting also tackled joint cooperation between the armies of Egypt and France. Sobhy said Egyptian-French military relations are based on cooperation and strategic partnership. He pointed to joint stances regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern. Le Drian said his country greatly appreciates the pivotal role played by Egypt in fighting extremism and terrorism. France, he added, is keen on boosting defense relations with Egypt, particularly where exchanging expertise and training is concerned.