French Foreign Minister praises Egypt’s counterterrorism

CAIRO – 9 June 2017: French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian praised Egypt’s efforts to fight terrorism and emphasized that it has France’s full support, during a meeting with Minister of Defense Sedki Sohi on Thursday.

The meeting tackled a number of issues currently affecting the region and means to support peace and stability in the Middle East, according to an official ministerial statement. The two parties agreed to pursue further discussions and coordination on these concerns in the future.

Sobhi stressed that Egypt is holding on its right to defend the peace and stability of the region, adding that it appreciates its historical ties with France as “one of the most important countries sponsoring peace.”

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mahmoud Hijazi and France’s Ambassador to Cairo André Parant also attended the meeting, as well as a number of high ranking military officers.

Le Drian also met with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi earlier today, where they addressed international efforts to counter terrorism and prospects of bilateral relations between Egypt and France.