In Pics: Egyptian expats in Paris warmly welcomes Sisi

CAIRO – 7 December 2020: A large number of the Egyptian community in France along with a number of members of the Egyptian community in the Netherlands, gathered outside Elysee Palace, welcoming Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s official visit to Paris. 

 

 

The gathering was organized during a joint press conference between President Sisi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The Egyptian expatriates were carrying Egyptian flags and pictures of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, chanting “Long Live Egypt,” and “We love you, Sisi.”

 

 

In addition to this, they also played the Egyptian national anthem and other songs talk about patriotism.

 

 

Egypt’s President Sisi held official talks with Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed regional issues, bilateral relations and military cooperation. They also agreed on backing joint counter-terrorism efforts.

 

Sisi, during a press conference after the meeting, said he discussed with Macron the necessity of spreading the values of tolerance, moderation and coexistence among religions, civilizations and peoples.

 

They also agreed on the need to fight extremism and terrorism as well as hatred of others and racism, thus contributing to promoting dialogue between people of different religions and cultures.

 

 

Sisi started his official visit by a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, where they discussed the eastern Mediterranean, Libya, Syria, cultural understanding and respect between Europe and the Islamic world.

 

French FM Le Drian reflected France’s desire for strong coordination with Egypt in the eastern Mediterranean in light of Cairo’s ‘strategic balance’ in the area.

 

Sisi's visit comes as part of the two countries' keenness on developing their strategic relations as well as holding talks on means of boosting standing ties in the coming phase.