Egypt And France Forge Stronger Ties With New Energy And Development Initiatives

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, recently hosted a high-level meeting with French representatives at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The session was attended by Mr. Éric Chevallier, the French Ambassador to Cairo, Ms. Magali Cesana from the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and the Recovery, and Mr. Arthur Bauer from the French Treasury.

The meeting aimed to enhance Egyptian-French relations and review ongoing projects crucial for economic and social development. Dr. Al-Mashat welcomed the French delegation and congratulated Ambassador Chevallier on presenting his credentials to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. She also extended a warm welcome to Ms. Cesana, emphasizing Egypt’s appreciation for its growing bilateral relationship with France, especially in light of recent developments and collaborations under the European Union’s Team Europe initiative.

Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the robust momentum in Egyptian-French cooperation since 2019, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding for a strategic partnership with the French Development Agency. This partnership aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and includes various memoranda signed during key visits by President Emmanuel Macron and President El-Sisi.

In response, Ambassador Chevallier congratulated Dr. Al-Mashat on her new role and reaffirmed France’s commitment to the partnership. Ms. Cesana expressed France’s eagerness to deepen cooperation in transport, energy, water treatment, and agriculture. She also highlighted ongoing projects such as the construction of the sixth line of the Great Cairo Metro and efforts with French company Alstom to localize the railway industry in Egypt.

Ms. Cesana underscored France’s support for Egypt’s engagement with international financial institutions to address economic challenges posed by the Russo-Ukrainian war and the COVID-19 pandemic. She also expressed anticipation for the inaugural meeting of the Joint Industrial Committee, which aims to boost industrial production, investment partnerships, and focus on priority sectors.

Dr. Al-Mashat stressed the committee’s importance in enhancing local industry and attracting investments. She also discussed key development projects, including the Wholesale Market project in Ismailia, the Regional Control Center in Alexandria, and the East Alexandria sewage station. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the government’s commitment to efficient investment spending and economic stability, aligning with Prime Minister’s directives to cap public investments.

The meeting underscored the growing partnership between Egypt and France, aiming to drive forward mutual economic interests and development goals through continued collaboration and strategic initiatives.