France: Egypt pillar for security, stability in MENA

CAIRO – 16 December 2017: Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met on Saturday with French Defense Minister Florence Barley to discuss ways of boosting defense and military cooperation between the two countries.

Egyptian Minister of Defense Sedki Sobhi and French Ambassador to Egypt Stéphane Romatet attended the meeting, which was held at the presidential palace.

The meeting was aimed at intensifying cooperation between the two states to face common challenges, especially the threat of terrorism.

Egypt’s presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady said in a statement on Saturday that President Sisi has confirmed the strength of bilateral relations in the military field and looks forward to boosting cooperation in all fields of common interest.

The spokesperson added that the French minister confirmed that Egypt is an important pillar for security and stability in the Middle East, adding that they discussed military and security cooperation between the two countries and recent developments in the region.

Florence Barley also confirmed her keenness to follow up on the results of the successful visit of President Sisi to Paris last October.



She also praised Egypt’s efforts in fighting terrorism, confirming that France is supporting Egypt in this mutual challenge, and she asserted the importance of continuing consultations to face the common challenges, Rady noted.