French Senator Catherine Morin-Desailly speaks about Egyptian-French cooperation and regional stability from Paris.
CAIRO - 9 MAY 2026
French Senator Catherine Morin-Desailly, head of the French-Egyptian Friendship Group in the French Senate, has described Egypt as a pivotal state at the heart of the Middle East, calling it “a cornerstone of regional stability” and a trusted strategic partner for France.
Speaking in an interview from the headquarters of the French Senate in Paris, Morin-Desailly said French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Alexandria reflects the depth of the political, economic, and cultural partnership between Cairo and Paris, as well as the two countries’ shared commitment to supporting stability across the region.
She stressed that Egypt and France share a common approach toward regional crises, centered on encouraging political and sustainable solutions, supporting ceasefire efforts, promoting dialogue, and strengthening multilateral diplomacy to contain conflicts and prevent escalation.
Morin-Desailly highlighted Egypt’s central role in several major regional files, including Gaza, Libya, and Sudan, saying Cairo has consistently pursued dialogue-based policies aimed at preserving regional security and stability.
She praised Egypt’s diplomatic efforts since the outbreak of the Gaza war following the October 7 attacks, noting that France highly values Cairo’s mediation efforts and ongoing coordination with Paris regarding humanitarian aid deliveries through the Rafah Border Crossing.
The senator reiterated France’s support for the two-state solution despite what she described as the growing complexity of the conflict.
“Egypt occupies a unique position that enables it to bridge gaps and help contain regional crises.”
Catherine Morin-Desailly
She noted that talks between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Macron in Alexandria would provide an important opportunity to deepen coordination on regional challenges ranging from Libya and Palestine to Lebanon.
On bilateral relations, Morin-Desailly described Egyptian-French ties as comprehensive and deeply rooted, particularly in the fields of economy, culture, education, scientific research, and archaeology.
She revealed that the French Senate is set to host a major conference in September, organized by Business France, dedicated to Egypt and bilateral cooperation, with the aim of encouraging French companies to expand investments and participate in infrastructure projects in Egypt.
The senator also highlighted the strong parliamentary relationship between the French Senate and the Egyptian Senate, particularly following the reestablishment of Egypt’s upper house.
She noted that exchanges and high-level visits between the two institutions have intensified in recent years, including visits by Egyptian Senate officials to France at the invitation of French Senate President Gérard Larcher.
Egypt and France continue to align on regional diplomacy and crisis management.
France remains one of Egypt’s major European economic and investment partners.
Exchanges between the French Senate and Egyptian Senate have intensified in recent years.
Morin-Desailly added that President El-Sisi has consistently made a point of visiting the French Senate during his trips to France, reflecting what she described as a relationship built on “clarity, mutual trust, and shared ambition.”
“We are sincere friends and partners,” she said. “At the same time, both sides maintain high expectations toward one another.”
The senator also emphasized the strong educational and cultural ties between Egypt and France, particularly within the framework of Francophone cooperation.
She said the inauguration of the new headquarters of Senghor University in Borg El Arab reflects the depth of that partnership.
According to Morin-Desailly, Macron’s attendance at the inauguration carries significance beyond symbolism, as it combines educational cooperation with political consultations on regional developments.
She described the project as the culmination of years of joint planning between the two countries.
France, she noted, has significantly expanded support for educational and training initiatives in Egypt in recent years, including Senghor University and the French University in Cairo.
“These projects represent a strategic pillar for preparing young generations, especially in Africa, and align with Egypt’s vision of becoming a regional hub for education and training,” she said.
Morin-Desailly described Senghor University as a leading educational platform for Africa, offering specialized academic and training programs tailored to the continent’s development needs.
She linked the university’s mission to Egypt’s broader African strategy, recalling President El-Sisi’s focus during Egypt’s presidency of the African Union on preparing qualified young professionals and strengthening training centers across Africa.
“Today, we urgently need highly qualified young talent,” she said. “France is proud to support these projects, not only because they strengthen Francophonie, but because they are essential educational and development initiatives for the future of our youth.”
The senator added that she has closely followed the progress of the Senghor University project through repeated visits to Alexandria and meetings with university officials, French diplomats, and Egyptian authorities overseeing the initiative.
She also noted the symbolic significance of the university’s connection to former Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor, one of the founders of the International Organization of La Francophonie.
Morin-Desailly concluded by saying that leading the French-Egyptian Friendship Group for nearly two decades has given her a deep understanding of Egypt and reinforced her appreciation for the strength of the bilateral relationship.
She stressed that throughout her tenure, she has worked consistently to deepen ties between Cairo and Paris, encourage dialogue, and support more joint initiatives and partnerships between the two countries.
Morin-Desailly’s remarks ultimately reflect how Paris increasingly views Cairo not only as a regional ally, but as a central partner in shaping stability, education, and development across the Mediterranean and Africa.
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