Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian ways to develop bilateral relations as well as issues of common interest over phone on Wednesday. The two ministers asserted the distinguished Egyptian-French relations at all levels, and agreed on the importance of continuing to develop these relations to achieve the aspirations of the two nations, according to Egypt's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez. Hafez pointed out that the two ministers discussed the arrangements for the upcoming G7 summit in France this month, as Egypt was invited to participate as the current chair of the African Union. Both countries are showing understanding regarding the situation in Libya as Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a recent phone call his rejection to all forms of foreign interference in Libya's internal affairs. Al-Sisi asserted the importance of eliminating terrorism that poses threats to the security of both Libya and the Mediterranean region, emphasising Egypt's support to the Libyan National Army (LNA) in countering terrorism. Al-Sisi and Macron backed the UN's call for a ceasefire in the war-torn country, and to resume negotiations between the conflicting sides, primary the LNA and the Government of National Accord (GNA). Macron affirmed the importance of resolving the Libyan crisis, which he said represents a threat to the security of the whole region.
