French President Emmanuel Macron was received with full honors by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi at Ittihadia Palace on Monday, marking the start of a three-day official visit focused on bilateral relations and regional security, particularly the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The French and Egyptian presidents met Monday in Cairo © ENS
French President Emmanuel Macron was received with full honors by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi at Ittihadia Palace on Monday, marking the start of a three-day official visit focused on bilateral relations and regional security, particularly the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The reception ceremony featured the playing of the national anthems of both countries, setting the tone for a day of high-level diplomacy and strategic engagement.
According to Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El Shennawi, the two leaders were scheduled to hold a private bilateral meeting followed by a plenary session with delegations from both nations.
Key topics on the agenda included expanding cooperation in trade, defense, education, health, and renewable energy. A series of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed in the presence of both presidents, followed by a joint press conference.
Later in the day, a tripartite summit is planned, bringing together President Sisi, President Macron, and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
The summit aims to address regional developments with a particular focus on the humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. All three leaders are expected to underscore the need for a renewed ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to affected Palestinian civilians.
President Macron arrived in Cairo on Sunday and was welcomed with a cultural tour led by President Sisi. The two leaders visited Khan El-Khalili, Cairo’s historic bazaar known for its vibrant market stalls and centuries-old architecture. Macron also toured the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), soon to be officially inaugurated as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization.
This visit comes at a critical time for the region and symbolizes a deepening of strategic ties between France and Egypt. Both leaders are expected to reaffirm their shared commitment to regional stability and international cooperation.
On Monday, the heads of six United Nations agencies issued a joint statement urging the urgent renewal of a ceasefire in Gaza, citing the collapse of humanitarian access and the devastating impact on civilians.
Arab states formally support the Palestinian cause but security, regional and sectarian tensions have strained their ties with the Palestinians scattered across the Middle East, leading to political and military crises.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that Hamas "must have no part" in the future governance of Gaza, reiterating France’s position that the group should no longer pose a threat to Israel.
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