Macron’s Cairo Summit: Addressing the Gaza Crisis and Bilateral Cooperation
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Cairo for two days to address the Gaza crisis, attending a summit with Egyptian President El Sisi and King Abdullah II of Jordan. The discussions will focus on securing a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid delivery. Additionally, the visit aims to bolster bilateral cooperation, including the recent delivery of a Rafale fighter jet to Egypt and enhancing trade relations.
French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Cairo on Sunday for a two-day visit aimed at addressing the escalating crisis in Gaza due to increased Israeli bombardments and halted humanitarian deliveries. The visit will include a tripartite summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and discuss urgent humanitarian aid. This information was shared by Mr. Macron in a post on social media.
During his previous visit to Egypt in October 2023, he addressed the onset of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, prompted by a Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties. On the following Tuesday, Mr. Macron is scheduled to visit the Egyptian port of El Arish to meet with humanitarian and security workers. Ms. Anne-Claire Legendre, an advisor to Mr. Macron, emphasized the importance of this trip in his continued efforts toward a ceasefire in Gaza.
Additionally, the visit will feature a business forum aimed at finalizing various agreements in health, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and technology. It coincides with the recent delivery of the first Rafale fighter jet to Egypt, representing a new phase in defense cooperation between the two nations, as stated by Ms. Legendre.
Recently, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul-Gheit criticized the ongoing violence in Gaza, attributing the incessant civilian casualties to an attempt to forcibly displace residents. He urged international actors committed to peace to intervene and halt these actions, condemning the behavior of the Israeli military.
Since the resumption of military operations on March 18, 2025, after a two-month truce, over 1,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including 322 children, according to Egyptian officials. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported a staggering toll of over 50,000 dead and around 114,638 injured since October 2023, predominantly affecting women and children.
France has been supportive of Egypt’s mediation efforts amid the conflict. Ms. Legendre noted that France has provided essential equipment and medicines to the Egyptian health system, facilitating treatment for patients outside Gaza and enabling the distribution of humanitarian resources within the region.
Humanitarian agencies have condemned Israel’s renewed assaults, which have caused significant displacement, with over 280,000 individuals displaced recently. The World Food Programme issued warnings regarding severe hunger and malnutrition risks as food stocks diminish, prices rise, and border crossings remain shut. Public health risks have also escalated due to restricted access to water and sanitation facilities.
President Macron’s trip follows the European Parliament’s approval of a €4 billion tranche of macro-financial assistance for Egypt, part of a larger €7.4 billion package. This funding shows appreciation for President El Sisi’s initiatives to enhance regional security and stability. Bilateral trade between Egypt and France remains robust, showcasing cooperation in defense, transportation, and technology sectors.
In conclusion, President Emmanuel Macron’s forthcoming visit to Cairo underscores France’s commitment to addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Through diplomatic dialogue with Egyptian and Jordanian leaders, Macron aims to push for an immediate ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. The visit also highlights the strengthening of bilateral ties between France and Egypt in various sectors, including defense and technology, amidst ongoing concerns regarding regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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