Egypt Daily News – President Macron confirmed, during a joint press conference with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, that France is Egypt’s number one European partner outside the oil sector, with total investments exceeding 7 billion euros.
He mentioned the signing of new grants and loans totaling over 160 million euros to support projects in the fields of energy, transportation, water, and sanitation, as part of the French Development Agency’s commitments, which have reached 4 billion euros since 2006.
Macron explained that France is paying special attention to Egypt’s urban transport sector, emphasizing continued cooperation on Cairo Metro projects, including the third line, the modernization of the first line, and contributing to the implementation of the sixth line.
Regarding bilateral cooperation, the French president referred to partnerships in the fields of healthcare, higher education, and food industries, announcing the signing of an agreement to employ Egyptian engineers with “KPMG Mini” and enhancing cooperation in cancer control.
Macron pointed out that his visit coincided with the arrival of the first two Rafale aircraft as part of the second contracted batch and praised the educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of education and antiquities. He announced plans to expand French schools in Egypt to 100 schools.
The Rafale F3-R is an advanced version of the multirole fighter jet, first introduced in 2018. This variant features improved integration of weapons and onboard systems, including the Meteor air-to-air missile, designed to engage long-range targets and ensure air superiority. It is also equipped with the RBE2 AESA radar, offering long-range detection, high precision, and multitasking capabilities. Additionally, the SPECTRA system provides outstanding protection against radar and missile threats, combining detection, jamming, and decoy functions. The aircraft is also capable of carrying advanced weapons like the AASM Hammer guided bombs and the Scalp cruise missile.
Although Egypt’s Rafale jets are currently equipped with the F3-R standard, there are plans to upgrade them to the more advanced F4.2 standard. This upgrade would include improvements in connectivity, radar systems, and software, allowing the jets to meet modern operational needs.
On the political front, Macron praised Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting ceasefire efforts in Gaza, emphasizing the alignment of French and Egyptian views in rejecting ongoing Israeli strikes, calling for the resumption of negotiations, and the release of hostages.
President Macron also stressed his country’s rejection of forced displacement and the annexation of Palestinian lands, calling for a political solution leading to a new Palestinian government in Gaza under the leadership of the National Authority.
In a broader regional context, Macron announced France’s support for Egypt’s efforts to resolve the crises in Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria, affirming his country’s commitment to helping these nations restore stability. He also highlighted the importance of reaching a mutually agreed solution for sharing Nile River waters.
On the Ukrainian issue, Macron confirmed his country’s support for the vision of Presidents Trump and Zelensky in achieving a just peace, warning against continued Russian escalation and its impact on global food security, particularly in African countries, including Egypt.
President Macron concluded his speech by reaffirming that Egypt is a strategic partner for France, praising its international stance supporting peace, and noting the shared vision between the two countries on regional and international issues, from Gaza to Ukraine.
