President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed the growing military ties between the two countries, expressing hope that the economic cooperation would witness similar growth. He stressed that Egypt welcomes increasing French investments, especially in light of the promising investment opportunities offered by the country, particularly projects to be implemented within the framework of the Suez Canal zone development project. Sisi said that Egypt plans to establish three new cities within three years, including the new administrative capital, which will depend on the renewable energy. He added that Egypt looks forward to the French contribution in the project. He commended the remarkable economic progress in Egypt at all levels over the past year, encouraging French companies to increase investment in the country. Sisi Saturday received an invitation from his French counterpart Francois Hollande to take part in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP21), slated for December. The invitation was delivered by visiting French Prime Miniter Manuel Valls. Presidential Spokesman Alaa Youssef said Sisi and Valls stressed the deeply-rooted political, cultural and economic relations binding Egypt and France, which have recently witnessed a great momentum. Valls said that a stable and developed Egypt is a fundamental pillar of security and stability in the Middle East, Africa and also Europe, describing Egypt as a key partner of France's in achieving many common interests. The French side praised the accelerated pace in establishing cooperation with Egypt in various fields, which resulted in reaching a deal to buy two Mistral warships in a record time. Source: MENA & Egypt's State Information Service
