Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi received French President Emmanuel Macron at Cairo’s Ittihadiya Palace on 7th April, Monday, where the two leaders formally announced the elevation of Egyptian-French relations to the level of a strategic partnership. The announcement followed high-level bilateral talks and an expanded meeting that included ministerial delegations from both countries.
The meetings resulted in the signing of several memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements across key sectors, including healthcare, transportation, energy, artificial intelligence, and vocational training. President Al-Sisi hailed the visit as a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral ties and emphasized the importance of increasing French investments in Egypt. He pointed to the longstanding presence of French companies in the country and called for deeper collaboration in industry, green economy initiatives, and the localization of railway manufacturing.
Economic and Infrastructure Cooperation
During Macron’s high-level visit, several pivotal agreements were signed between Egypt and the French Development Agency (AFD), amounting to €262.3 million in loans and grants. These agreements, witnessed by Egyptian Ministers Kamel El-Wazir, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, and Rania Al-Mashat, alongside key French ministers, span crucial sectors such as transportation, water, and energy. The partnerships reflect the depth and diversity of the long-standing bilateral relations between Egypt and France.
Key Agreements in Transportation
One of the most notable agreements in the transportation sector involves the development of the 10th of Ramadan Dry Port. This initiative aims to link the dry port and industrial zones in Rubiki, the 10th of Ramadan, and Belbeis with Egypt’s main seaports. Co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the project seeks to streamline export logistics, enhance industrial competitiveness, and promote a shift towards railway transportation, reducing road congestion and boosting economic activity for thousands of workers.
Advancements in Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Egypt and France have also inked key agreements to enhance water and sanitation services, reflecting their commitment to sustainable development. One such project involves the expansion of the Jabal Al-Asfar wastewater treatment plant, one of Africa’s largest treatment facilities. This expansion will add one million cubic meters per day in treatment capacity, catering to an additional 5.5 million people. Co-financed by the European Union and the African Development Bank, the project incorporates energy efficiency measures, sludge recovery, and CO2 emission reductions of 900,000 tons annually, while creating over 2,000 jobs.
Another critical agreement covers the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in East Alexandria, designed to process 300,000 cubic meters per day. Serving 1.5 million residents, this facility will improve sanitation services, enable the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, and support marine decontamination. Additionally, the inclusion of a sludge-to-energy system will help mitigate 30,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Energy Modernization for a Sustainable Future
To enhance Egypt’s electricity supply, the AFD and the European Union have pledged support for the modernization of the regional control center covering Alexandria and the North Coast. The project aims to improve power stability for approximately 9 million people, reduce technical losses by 10%, and integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid. Furthermore, the modernization initiative aligns with Egypt’s vision for future energy interconnection with European markets, reinforcing energy security and sustainability.
Geopolitical Discussions and Regional Security
Beyond economic cooperation, President Al-Sisi and President Macron addressed pressing geopolitical issues. They reaffirmed their unified opposition to the displacement of Palestinians or the annexation of Palestinian territories. The two leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid.
“Peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without a just resolution to the Palestinian issue,” Al-Sisi stated. “I discussed with President Macron the need to launch a genuine political process based on the two-state solution, establishing a Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Al-Sisi also announced Egypt’s intention to host an international reconstruction conference for Gaza once military operations cease. In addition, both leaders discussed other regional challenges, including the Syrian conflict and instability in Lebanon. They emphasized the need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty, de-escalate tensions in Lebanon, and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Strategic Maritime and Economic Security
Another critical issue discussed was the growing threat to maritime navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. President Al-Sisi revealed that attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea had cost Egypt approximately $7 billion in lost Suez Canal revenues in 2024, significantly disrupting global trade.
Egypt’s water security was also a key agenda item. Al-Sisi reaffirmed that the Nile River is a matter of national survival and expressed Egypt’s readiness to cooperate with Nile Basin countries based on international law and shared interests.
Bolstering Egypt’s Economic Stability
President Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to Egypt’s stability, particularly in light of regional turmoil. He expressed support for Egypt’s ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission to advance economic reforms. Al-Sisi praised France’s efforts at the European level in securing the approval of the second tranche of a €4 billion financial assistance package for Egypt. He called for the timely disbursement of these funds to support Egypt’s economic resilience.
Strengthening Franco-Egyptian Collaboration
These agreements mark a new chapter in the financial cooperation between France and Egypt, fostering trust and collaboration between public and private sectors from both countries. The European Union’s support, particularly under the Global Gateway initiative, further underscores the broader European engagement in Egypt’s developmental agenda.
Since 2006, the AFD has been instrumental in advancing French-Egyptian cooperation, providing crucial support for Egypt’s economic, social, and environmental transitions. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt’s Vision 2030, these investments reaffirm France’s role as a key strategic partner in Egypt’s development journey.
Concluding the joint statements, President Al-Sisi expressed optimism that the visit and the signed agreements would usher in a new phase in the longstanding partnership between Egypt and France, deepening their cooperation and mutual understanding.
