Sisi discusses investments with French companies CEOs

CAIRO – 25 October 2017: Egypt's presidential spokesman, Alaa Youssef, stated that President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi will meet on Wednesday heads of big companies in France to discuss ways of investmenting in Egypt after the economic reforms adopted by Egypt.

Youssef added that French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed on Tuesday President Sisi, stating that the security of Egypt is one of France’s main interests and wishing that stability in the region would be reinstated.

“We are committed to weapon deals. We also talked about human rights and freedoms,” Macron added.

Macron stated that France realizes the role of President Sisi in combating terror and violent radicalism. Both presidents discussed deals supporting the development program adopted by Egypt.

“We are committed to projects that the Egyptian authorities prioritize, such as energy and transportation,” Macron said.

The French president announced that a French economic delegation will be sent to Egypt in the beginning of 2018, especially to certain economic zones, such as the one within the Suez Canal Axis, for the excellent economic opportunities available there.

Both presidents also agreed upon different cultural events to be held in Egypt and France, boosting student exchange, and improving the quality of education in the French University in Egypt. An Egyptian cultural center will also be established in France.

President Sisi thanked his French counterpart for the great reception the Egyptian delegation received since its arrival in France. “We agreed on intensifying consultation and coordination regarding matters that interest both countries,” he said.

The president added that they held talks on Egypt’s economic reform programs, as well as the social security network being established. “We closed deals with the value of €400 million ($471 million) in different economic and cultural sectors. That year coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Suez Canal,” Sisi stated.

“Terror has shaken the region. Terror could have destroyed the region and even Europe. We are keen on establishing a modern democratic state,” Sisi said.

“We are suffering from deteriorating education, healthcare, unemployment and housing crises. You never ask about the human rights of the families of our martyrs and the injured who fell as victims of terrorism. You never ask about the three million who are working in the tourism industry and who are suffering due to terror,” Sisi added.

The president added, “Human rights should not be considered exclusively in terms of political rights. We are not France in its cultural development. We are a different part of the world.”