Macron’s Egypt visit focuses on Gaza crisis, strengthening bilateral ties
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Egypt on Sunday for a three-day official visit aimed at discussing the escalating situation in Gaza and bolstering ties between the two countries.
This marks Macron’s fourth visit to Egypt since taking office, with the trip beginning with a tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum. On Monday, Macron is set to meet with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for high-level talks on regional issues. The meeting will be marked by the signing of economic agreements. The visit will also include a trilateral summit with King Abdullah II of Jordan to address the ongoing war in Gaza, reflecting France’s active role in seeking solutions for the Middle East.
The leaders are expected to tackle the Gaza conflict, as well as broader regional challenges, including crises in Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Palestine. Macron, accompanied by a high-level delegation of French ministers and business executives, aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between Egypt and France. This cooperation is further highlighted by discussions on transportation projects, such as the Cairo Metro, which are key to the economic relationship between the two countries. The visit also underscores France’s interest in expanding its investments in Egypt, with bilateral trade between the countries reaching nearly $3 billion in 2024.
A significant aspect of Macron’s visit will be his stop in North Sinai, where he will meet local officials in Arish to discuss humanitarian aid for Gaza. Macron’s visit to the region, which has become a critical hub for aid deliveries, carries a strong political message, reinforcing France’s opposition to the displacement of Palestinians. His tour will include visits to humanitarian facilities, including the Red Crescent’s storage sites, and Arish General Hospital, where many injured Palestinians have been treated. The visit will conclude with a press conference in Arish, highlighting France’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s efforts in the Gaza crisis.