Egypt’s role vital in curbing terrorism: French Senator

CAIRO – 28 October 2017: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has paid France a four-day visit, during which he discussed the possible ways of enhancing the bilateral cooperation between both nations in all fields. He also held a number of meetings with the head of the French National Assembly (the lower house of Parliament), the head of the French Senate, Foreign Minister Jean Yves Laudrian, and Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

French Senator and Vice-Chair of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee Nathalie Goulet spoke to Egypt Today on the significance of Sisi’s visit amid the regional and international challenges both countries face.

How do you see Egyptian-French relations amid President Sisi’s visit to France?

There is a long, almost eternal, friendship between the two countries. In Paris, particularly, every Parisian loves to go to the place de la Concorde to watch the beautiful obelisk.

What are your expectations about the outcomes of this visit ?
Now, I have no special expectations, but we have to be very careful and concerned about international instability and regional conflicts. We have to work together more and more and day by day against dangerous and unpredictable attacks. I think we have to cooperate to prevent our people from terrorism and extremism and to keep both countries safe.

How do you see the role Egypt could play to face terrorism and illegal immigration ?

Egypt is a very important country, whose role in preventing illegal immigration is vital. We have to cooperate more in this matter. We have to help Egyptians recover security-wise and economically. We have to restore trust to bring back tourists and help Egyptian youth receive good education and training.

What we really need is provide direct cooperation to the Egyptian youth in all kind of matters because life is not only about money and trade.

In matter of counter-terrorism, we have to work more in the field of intelligence to help train the police and security to protect the population, Muslims and Christians alike.

How do you see President Sisi after almost four years in power ?

In general, it is terribly difficult for anyone to face terrorism and balance security and freedom. We, in France, are facing the same challenge. Personally, I have been working on this issue for four years; it’s hard work and a daily headache.
President Sisi gave tremendous hope after the Muslim Brotherhood’s extremism was ousted. I hope Egypt will rid itself of terrorism without affecting or harming freedom and human rights.