Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks in Paris on Friday with senior French officials on strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating positions on key regional files, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Abdelatty arrived in the French capital on Thursday to lead Cairo’s campaign in support of Egypt’s candidate for the post of UNESCO Director-General, Khaled El-Enany, ahead of the vote scheduled for October 6.
On the sidelines of the visit, the minister also met with executives from leading French companies and investment funds to explore ways of deepening economic cooperation. He highlighted Egypt’s efforts to attract more French investment, praising the role of French firms operating in sectors such as transport.
Egypt is the third largest destination for French investment in the Middle East, with around 160 French companies active in the country, according to the ministry.
Abdelatty underscored that Egyptian–French relations had reached the level of a “strategic partnership.” He pointed to opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, transport, ports, automotive industries, telecommunications, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, areas showcased during the Egypt–France Economic Forum held in Cairo last May.
On regional issues, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s “central commitment to the Palestinian cause.” Speaking at the French Institute of International Relations, he reiterated Cairo’s long-standing support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state, describing it as the only basis for a just and lasting peace.
He stressed the need for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the rejection of any attempt to annex the West Bank or displace Palestinians. Abdelatty also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s recent 20-point plan to halt the Gaza war, which has been endorsed by several Arab states.
France is among the European countries that formally recognized the State of Palestine during last month’s UN General Assembly. Paris also co-chaired with Saudi Arabia an international conference in New York aimed at advancing the two-state solution.
Former assistant foreign minister Gamal Bayoumi told Asharq al-Awsat that Abdelatty’s visit represented “an opportunity to coordinate positions on both regional and international issues.” He emphasized France’s role as a major development and trade partner for Egypt and its support for the Palestinian cause.
Beyond Gaza, Abdelatty discussed developments in Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, and Libya. He stressed the need to safeguard Sudan’s unity and sovereignty, rejected Israeli violations of Syrian territory, and called for Israel’s withdrawal from the five occupied Lebanese positions in line with international resolutions.
