President Sisi, Mayor of Paris discuss ways of cooperation enhancement

CAIRO – 7 December 2020: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Monday afternoon with Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, at the headquarters of the mayor of Paris, said Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rad in a statement.

The meeting has tackled Egypt’s experience in major national projects over the past years, exploring cooperation opportunities between Paris, Radi added.

Anne Hidalgo expressed her country’s aspiration for joint cooperation with the Egyptian government and the Cairo governorate, especially in the cultural and service sectors, Radi said.

President Sisi dicussed the size and diversity of the major national projects underway in Egypt, which provides multiple areas for joint cooperation in the newly-built cities, especially the new administrative capital, besides the tourism and antiquities sector, Radi continued, noting that President focused on ways of strengthening cooperation at the economic and trade levels.

The meeting also dealt with a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, especially combating terrorism and extremist ideology.

During his official visit to Paris, 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.