Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a joint communique in Cairo on Monday to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership. President Sisi hailed the move as a significant step towards deepening cooperation across all fields and opening new horizons that serve the interests of both nations and their peoples. In a joint press conference following the talks, Sisi called for greater involvement of French companies in the Egyptian economy, particularly given their long-standing presence and experience in the country. Gaza Ceasefire The two leaders held in-depth discussions on key regional and international developments, with particular focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the swift entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages. Sisi and Macron also reaffirmed their shared opposition to any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land and reviewed the Arab plan for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction. They agreed to coordinate efforts for a Gaza Reconstruction Conference to be hosted by Egypt once hostilities cease. Sisi stated that he and Macron explored ways to launch a credible political horizon to revive the peace process and establish a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Syria & Lebanon The leaders also addressed the situations in Syria and Lebanon. They agreed on the need to preserve Syria's unity and territorial integrity and stressed the importance of an inclusive political transition. They also underlined the necessity of ending the Israeli occupation of Syrian territory. On Lebanon, both presidents voiced support for the new Lebanese president and government in their efforts to achieve stability. They emphasised the need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 without selectivity. Water Security Discussions also covered water security, with Sisi reiterating Egypt's firm stance on the Nile River as a historic and geographical link among basin countries. He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to international law and equitable cooperation, while stressing the country's total dependence on the Nile as a lifeline. The situation in Sudan and regional developments in the Sahel and Horn of Africa were also discussed. The two leaders agreed to intensify cooperation to promote security and stability across these regions. Finally, Sisi and Macron highlighted the need to restore normal shipping traffic through the Suez Canal and avoid forcing vessels to take longer, costlier alternative routes due to recent attacks in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Sisi noted that Egypt lost around $7 billion in Suez Canal revenue in 2024, with negative consequences for global trade and supply chains. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
