Sisi’s visit to France tops French media headlines

CAIRO – 24 October 2017: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi's visit to France topped the headlines of various French national media platforms. The visit is the third since Sisi took office in 2014 and the first since French President Emmanuel Macron was elected in May 2017.

The French media pointed to the statements made by presidential spokesperson, Alaa Youssef, which confirmed the distinguished Egyptian-French relations. Youssef also said that the Egyptian-French bilateral relations witnessed a momentum in several fields including trade and investment, as well as continuous coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.

Furthermore, the French media highlighted that the two presidents will discuss the Syrian and Libyan crises. The media also reported that the meeting will witness signing several economic, cultural and educational bilateral agreements.

France Info (TV channel): reported on its website that the Egyptian-French bilateral relations witnessed a momentum during the past years especially on issues of common concern like the Libyan and Palestinian issues as well as security and military cooperation. The TV channel added that the latest deal of 12 Rafale fighter jets is a great example of the strong relationship between the two countries.

French newspaper Liberation: pointed that Sisi would meet his French counterpart for the first time as well as meeting with several investors and businessmen. The newspaper added that Sisi will also meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian who leads the French-Egyptian military cooperation deals.

France 24 TV channel: described the relations between the two countries as “distinguished;” especially since Sisi took office in 2014. France 24 explained that the two countries share the position towards several issues including Libya and counter terrorism.

Quwa – Defence News and Analysis group: reported that the French Ministry of Defense is interested in selling A400M air launchers and NH90 helicopters.

French newspaper La Dépêche: said that the visit would include signing more military deals between Cairo and Paris. It pointed out that Egypt became one of France's most important allies in many fields including the military one.

French newspaper Le Figaro: said that the two presidents will discuss common issues, mainly countering terrorism. The newspaper also said that the two presidents will also discuss ways to strengthen cultural and educational relations. It also referred to the French-Egyptian military cooperation deals that amounted to more than €6 billion including Rafale fighter jets.

On Tuesday, Sisi and Macron held a joint press conference in Paris as part of the Egyptian president four-day official visit to France. Macron praised the Egyptian Armed Forces over their counter-terrorism efforts and mourned victims of terrorist attacks. The French president also confirmed his country’s support to the “ambitious” economic reform program implemented by Egypt and said that the Suez Canal is a place where great opportunities are present.