Cairo: France and Egypt have entered into a strategic partnership, signing multiple agreements across sectors including healthcare, transportation, and energy. The deals, announced during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Cairo, aim to reinforce Egypt’s stability in the face of ongoing regional unrest.
"Egypt is a key ally for France," Macron stated during a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He emphasized France's dedication to supporting Egypt, particularly as the Middle East experiences growing tensions and Egypt battles economic challenges.
Macron also reiterated his support for ongoing negotiations between Egypt, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the European Commission. The IMF recently approved a $1.2 billion disbursement to assist Egypt, which is struggling with high inflation and a foreign currency crisis.
As part of the new cooperation, France’s overseas development agency will provide Egypt with loans and grants totaling 260 million euros ($284.5 million), targeting critical sectors such as transport, water, health, and energy.
Both leaders took the opportunity to renew their joint appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages held in the conflict.
