French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day visit to Egypt this week bolsters the strategic cooperation between Paris and Cairo.
Macron’s trip occurs as Egypt confronts mounting economic hurdles due to the Gaza war.
Macron Tours Aid Facilities Near Gaza Border
On Tuesday, Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi toured El-Arish, a key transit point for Gaza-bound aid. The French leader carried red roses as he visited wards of a hospital treating wounded Palestinians.
"The situation today is intolerable and it has never been so serious," Macron stated regarding Gaza. He called for "the resumption of humanitarian aid as quickly as possible."
The El-Arish hospital has treated about 1,200 Palestinian patients since October 2023.
Many have suffered limb amputations or brain injuries.
France Signs Major Investment Agreements
France finalised its financial commitment to Egypt during Macron’s visit.
Nine financing and grant agreements worth €262.3 million were signed to support water treatment, sanitation, renewable energy, and railway initiatives.
Egyptian Minister of Planning, Rania Al-Mashat, described these agreements as a major advancement in Egyptian-French cooperation. The funds will help expand trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.
Macron and al-Sisi formalised a renewed joint declaration for technical and financial cooperation. Another declaration will implement four projects aligned with Egypt’s economic goals.
Economic Impacts of Gaza War Hit Egypt Hard
The Gaza war has taken a heavy toll on Egypt’s economy.
Border crossing closures and reduced Suez Canal traffic have cut into national revenues.
Thousands of Egyptians assembled in El-Arish on Tuesday, waving Egyptian and Palestinian flags.
They held banners with messages such as "No to Displacement" and "Gaza is a Red Line."
This show of public support occurred during Macron’s visit to the area. The French president saw firsthand the large warehouses filled with aid trucks waiting for permission to enter Gaza.
France Throws Weight Behind Egypt’s Gaza Plan
Macron’s visit sought to spotlight the necessity of establishing another ceasefire in Gaza. The previous truce collapsed in mid-March when Israel resumed its military operations.
"We also call for the resumption of a ceasefire as a matter of urgency. This is what we need," Macron declared in front of French humanitarian aid that has been refused entry into Gaza.
The French leader has thrown his support behind Egypt’s plan to reconstruct Gaza once the conflict ends. This plan has received endorsements from the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Trilateral Meeting Rejects Palestinian Displacement
Macron met with al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II during his visit. The three leaders opposed any calls for displacing Palestinians from their land.
They all backed the Egyptian plan for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction. The three countries agreed to coordinate efforts for a conference on Gaza’s reconstruction, which Egypt intends to convene once the war ends.
Al-Sisi noted that lasting peace in the Middle East won’t be possible without a just settlement of the Palestinian issue.
Egypt has focused on ending the bloodshed and launching a political initiative to establish an independent Palestinian state.
French Arms Exports Central to Relationship
Beyond humanitarian concerns, Macron’s visit has economic motivations for France. Egypt is a major market for French defense products.
Egypt ranked as the top importer of French arms (2012-2021). After ordering 30 Rafale fighter jets in 2021, Egypt helped preserve France’s defense industry during economic difficulties.
The French president is keen to promote defense exports as they contribute considerably to France’s economy. This visit helps boost these economic ties while addressing humanitarian concerns.
Pressure on Israel to End Gaza Blockade
Macron pressed Israel to lift its blockade of aid deliveries to Gaza.
His office stated the trip was intended to put pressure on Israel for “the reopening of crossing points for the delivery of humanitarian goods into Gaza.”
The French president spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the Gaza situation before his Egypt visit. Macron asked Trump’s support for a 40-50 day ceasefire, the release of hostages, and resumed talks for a political solution.
Al-Sisi and Macron affirmed the need for an immediate ceasefire and accelerated delivery of humanitarian aid.
Both leaders stressed the necessity of protecting civilians and aid workers.
France and Egypt: A Strategic Partnership
The Macron visit confirms the “depth and strength of historical ties” between Egypt and France.
This partnership has become a cornerstone of France’s Middle East policy.
Egyptian-French coordination has grown since the start of the Gaza war. Cairo and Paris have maintained a consistent position on Gaza throughout the conflict.
As the war enters its 18th month, France’s backing of Egypt’s peace efforts may prove invaluable. The international pressure to end the fighting rises daily.
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