Egypt holds fast to Nile water rights, reaching legally binding deal on GERD: Al-Sisi

Egyptian, French leaders discuss regional issues, including Palestinian cause, in Paris meeting

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has asserted his country's adherence to its water rights via a fair and legally binding agreement on the controversial Ethiopian dam.
The agreement would guarantee clear rules for the process of filling and operating the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Al-Sisi stressed that Egypt will never accept any damage to its water interests, but that it hopes to achieve the common interests of all parties involved in the GERD issue.
The president's remarks came during a meeting, on Monday, with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in the French capital, Paris.
During the meeting, the two presidents reviewed the developments in the Palestinian Cause, amid the latest Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip, and ways to revive the floundering peace process.
Al-Sisi affirmed Egypt's firm stance in support of the Palestinian people, and the need to halt the violence as soon as possible. This includes reaching a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
On Sunday, Al-Sisi arrived in France to participate in the Paris Conference to Support the Transition in Sudan and the Summit on Financing African Economies, which are taking place on 17 and 18 May, respectively.
Egyptian Presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady stated that Al-Sisi's participation comes at President Macron's invitation, as Egypt is one of Sudan's important supporters in its democratic transition.
The meeting between Al-Sisi and Macron witnessed discussions on ways to strengthen the methods of bilateral cooperation between the two countries at various levels, especially at the economic and commercial levels.
This would take place by increasing the volume of French investments in Egypt, especially since France is one of Egypt's most important partners in Europe. There are also significant opportunities in the Egyptian market to take advantage of modern infrastructure and improve the business performance climate.
The meeting between the two leaders also witnessed discussions on a number of regional files, especially developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Libya, and Syria.
Al-Sisi said there is no way to resolve these crises except through political solutions that preserve the unity of land and the integrity of national institutions. This would provide the basis for security to combat terrorist organisations.
Macron expressed his country's desire to intensify joint coordination with Egypt on Middle East issues, in light of the latter's political weight in the region. He praised Egyptian efforts made to support efforts to reach political solutions to the existing crises.
He further praised the successful steps of the comprehensive development process in Egypt and the major national projects underway.
Macron also noted France's keenness to support Egypt's development efforts and support in all fields through the exchange of experience and joint investment.