El-Sisi, Macron discuss regional escalation, bilateral ties as they open Senghor University

ALEXANDRIA – 9 May 2026: The Egyptian and French presidents met in Alexandria on Saturday to inaugurate the new campus of Senghor University, while discussing Middle East tensions and bilateral relations.

Senghor University, headquartered in New Borg El Arab city, is a French-speaking international university dedicated to supporting development in Africa.

Established in 1990 and named after former Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor, it offers postgraduate master’s programmes in four main fields: environment, administration, culture and health.

The university was originally based in central Alexandria’s Mansheya district before its permanent relocation to New Borg El Arab.

Regional Escalation

During expanded talks attended by delegations from both countries, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi highlighted to French President Emmanuel Macron Egypt’s efforts to contain current regional tensions.

 

He stressed the need to spare the region further escalation and instability, given its negative impact on regional and global security, as well as its repercussions on supply chains and trade and transport flows.

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm position in support of the security and stability of Arab states, and its categorical rejection of any infringement on their sovereignty or the capabilities of their peoples.

The French president, in turn, praised Egypt’s efforts and expressed his aspiration for a swift resolution of the current crisis in a way that restores peace and stability to the Middle East.

Gaza, West Bank

On the Palestinian cause, the Egyptian president reviewed Cairo’s efforts to uphold the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and implement the requirements of its second phase.

El-Sisi stressed the need to ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the strip and to move forward with early recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Moreover, El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s deep concern over escalating violations in the West Bank.

He stressed that there is no alternative but to revive the political process leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international legitimacy and the two-state solution.

He also expressed Egypt’s appreciation for France’s constructive role in supporting the Palestinian cause.

Lebanon, Mediterranean Cooperation

The talks addressed developments in Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability.

They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation among Mediterranean countries to promote shared development, prosperity, and growth on both sides of the Mediterranean.

 

Bilateral Relations

During the meeting, Macron said France is keen to deepen its economic partnership with Egypt, praising the volume of their trade exchange and French investments in the country.

El-Sisi welcomed Macron’s visit to Egypt, saying it reflects the distinguished ties of friendship between the two countries.

The Egyptian president praised the notable progress in bilateral relations across various fields, particularly after the elevation of ties to the level of a strategic partnership during Macron’s visit to Egypt in April 2025.

El-Sisi stressed the importance of continuing efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, industry, and transport, in a way that further serves the two countries’ interests and supports strategic relations between Egypt and the European Union.

Senghor University Inauguration

Macron expressed his pleasure at visiting Egypt again and congratulated El-Sisi on the inauguration of the new campus of Senghor University.

 

He stated that the university strengthens scientific and cultural cooperation among member states of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and supports efforts to prepare qualified future leaders.

The French president also praised the current progress in bilateral relations and affirmed France’s commitment to advancing cooperation across various sectors.