President Sisi to Macron: Egypt's support for NY-host Conference on a Peace Settlement, Implementation of two-state Solution
CAIRO – 2 June 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from France's President, Emmanuel Macron, on Monday. They tackled the ways to enhance bilateral ties and the non-stop Israeli genocidal war on the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the two Presidents discussed issues pertinent to bilateral relations. They expressed satisfaction at the outstanding level of cooperation between the two countries, particularly after President Macron's historic visit to Egypt in April 2025, during which the two sides promoted their bilateral relations to the level of Strategic Partnership.
The two Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing this partnership, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, notably expanding French investments in Egypt and boosting French companies' involvement in Egyptian economic projects.
President El-Sisi and President Macron also discussed regional developments, primarily the Palestinian cause. President El-Sisi lauded France's position in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights. The President also reviewed Egypt's persistent efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, exchange hostages and detainees and ensure delivery of humanitarian aid and relief into the sector. President El-Sisi underscored Egypt's support for the Conference on a Peace Settlement and the Implementation of the two-state Solution, which is scheduled to convene in New York this month. The President reiterated that the establishment of a Palestinian State along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only path to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.
French President Macron expressed appreciation for Egypt's role in reinforcing regional security and for its efforts to restore stability in the region. He affirmed his support for all Egyptian initiatives aimed at ending the war in Gaza and resolving the humanitarian crisis there. France's President commended efforts exerted on the official and popular levels, which he noted during his visit to Egypt, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly in delivering humanitarian aid and providing medical care for injured and ill Palestinians.
During their call, the two Presidents confirmed the importance of continuing coordination between Egypt and France on regional issues of mutual concern so as to contribute to enhancing regional security and restoring stability in the region.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
40 minutes ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Marching to Gaza: A convergence of conscience by land and sea - War on Gaza
Activists, doctors, students, artists, and unionists from across South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are gathering for the Global March to Gaza. Their destination is the Rafah crossing—the last viable access point between Gaza and the outside world. Their mission is urgent. Since Israel imposed a total blockade on 2 March, Gaza has plunged deeper into a humanitarian crisis. Acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies have become widespread. Humanitarian agencies report that over 90 percent of Gaza's 2.3 million residents face severe food insecurity. Health systems have collapsed, and the death toll since Israel's war began in October 2023 has surpassed 54,000. Even at US-Israeli-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution points—critical sites for aid—Israeli forces have reportedly targeted civilians. The Palestinian Health Ministry said that in just eight days, 102 people were killed and 490 were injured while attempting to access food and supplies. Coordinated deliveries in northern Gaza and Rafah have met lethal resistance: drones, artillery, and sniper fire have targeted civilians queuing for basic essentials. "We are living through a historic moment. What's happening in Gaza is a test of our humanity," said Saif Abukeshek, Palestinian activist and head of the International Coalition Against the Israeli Occupation, which is organising the Global March to Gaza. "Either we stand up for the values we claim to hold or we lose them, perhaps forever." The march, supported by more than 150 NGOs and participants from 36 countries, will occur between 12 and 20 June. Protesters will gather in Cairo, travel through Sinai to Al-Arish, and attempt to reach the Rafah crossing on foot. Support for the initiative spans continents. Rights organisations from Toronto, Berlin, and Melbourne have pledged backing, alongside public figures including Greek economist Yanis Varoufakis, Irish Nobel Peace Laureate Mairéad Corrigan-Maguire, comedian Jonathan Randall, author and TV host Marianela Pereyra, and blogger Candice King. The organising committee mirrors this diversity: Spanish-Canadian activist Manuel Tapial, French physician Dr Catherine Le Scolan-Quéré, Mexican professor Patricia Luevano, Swiss doctor Regula Grabherr-Fawzi, Portuguese advocate Ana Rita, and South African MP Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. Their demands are clear: an end to Israel's use of starvation as a war tactic, lifting the 17-year blockade, reopening the Rafah crossing, delivering essential aid, and establishing a sustained humanitarian corridor. They also seek accountability for violations of international law. "I fear the day my child asks, 'What did you do when you saw the genocide?'" Abukeshek added. The march's main demonstration is scheduled for 15 June. Participants will stay near the crossing until 20 June, hosting rallies, vigils, and press briefings. "Over 2,000 people have already committed to join us by air, despite every logistical challenge. And the numbers will grow," Abukeshek confirmed. Dr Huseyin Durmaz of the International Health Initiative noted, "We have made the necessary explanations to the Egyptian authorities. We await permission for this peaceful civil action." Formal approval is still pending. Parallel movements by land and sea The Global March is part of a broader mobilisation. In Tunisia, the "Somoud" convoy, backed by football ultras, unions, students, and healthcare workers, has drawn over 7,000 applicants for its 9 June departure. "I believe the siege can be broken. If this march isn't enough, we march again—and again—until we break through," said Abukeshek. Another front is opening at sea. On 1 June, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) ship Madleen departed Catania, Sicily, with 12 activists and a cargo of humanitarian aid: flour, baby formula, medical supplies, prosthetics, water purification kits, and sanitary products. Environmentalists and human rights defenders are on board, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan. Other passengers include Yasemin Acar (Germany), Baptiste Andre (France), Thiago Ávila (Brazil), Omar Faiad (France), Pascal Mauriéras (France), Yanis Mhamdi (France), Suayb Ordu (Türkiye), Sergio Toribio (Spain), Marco van Rennes (Netherlands), and Reva Viard (France). "Our mission is peaceful. We are unarmed. Everyone on board is trained in nonviolence," the FFC stated. But the risk is real. On 2 May, the FFC vessel Conscience was attacked by Israeli drones in international waters off Malta. The ship's engine was set ablaze. A decade earlier, Israeli forces raided the FFC's Mavi Marmara, killing 10 activists. The Israeli military has signalled its readiness to block the Madleen, stating it is "prepared for a range of scenarios" as the vessel nears Gaza. The naval blockade has been in place since 2007 and remains strictly enforced. Israeli Army Radio quoted military officials reaffirming their position: "We enforce the maritime security blockade on Gaza and are prepared for a range of scenarios." Amid mounting global scrutiny, UN human rights experts have urged Israel not to interfere, citing international law: vessels in international waters must not be obstructed, and Palestinians have a right to receive aid through their territorial waters. "Aid is desperately needed to forestall annihilation, and this initiative is a symbolic and powerful effort to deliver it," the experts said in a joint statement. On 4 June, an Israeli-made Heron drone operated by the Greek Coastguard was seen monitoring the Madleen during its 2,000-kilometre voyage, expected to arrive near Gaza by 7 June, pending safe passage. Though differing in form, the land and sea efforts share one goal: to challenge the siege on Gaza and prompt international action. "No matter the odds, we must keep trying. Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity," said Greta Thunberg before boarding the ship. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
2 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
FM Commends Distinguished Ties between Egypt, Greece during Meeting with Counterpart
Taarek Refaat Badr Abdel Aati, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs praised the historical ties between Egypt and Greece and the distinguished political, economic, and cultural relations, which culminated last month in the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership. This came during Abdel Ati's meeting Wednesday with Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis. The meeting addressed ways to develop the distinguished bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. During the consultations, Abdel Ati affirmed Egypt's aspiration to continue advancing the strategic relations between the two countries to broader horizons in various fields. The Foreign Minister also briefed his Greek counterpart on the court ruling issued on May 28 regarding the lands surrounding Saint Catherine's Monastery. He emphasized that the Monastery, its archaeological sites, its spiritual value, and its religious status should not be affected. He noted that the court ruling preserves the monastery's spiritual value and high religious status, and that the ruling allows the monastery's monks to continue to benefit from it and the religious and archaeological sites in the area. He emphasized that, contrary to what was falsely reported in the media, the ruling clearly affirmed the religious, spiritual, and monastic ownership of the monastery and the surrounding lands. This represents an important historical step that confirms the sanctity and religious status of the monastery. It also enables the monastery to continue performing its religious and spiritual functions without any change to the status quo. Minister Abdel Aati highlighted the President's affirmation on several occasions, including during his recent visit to Athens on May 7, of Egypt's full commitment to preserving the monastery's sacred religious status and protecting it from any form of encroachment. He explained that this reflects Egypt's full and unwavering respect for the monastery's religious and sacred character, within the framework of the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among religions, deeply rooted in Egypt's history. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
See - Sada Elbalad
3 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt, Cyprus Conduct Joint Military Training "Ptolemy 2025"
Taarek Refaat Elements of the Egyptian and Cypriot Special Forces conducted the "Ptolemy 2025" joint training exercise, which lasted for several days in Cyprus. The training included a number of theoretical lectures on various topics to exchange combat experiences, achieve integration and cohesion, unify operational concepts, and hone skills among the participating forces. A number of practical training activities were also conducted, highlighting the field skills of the Egyptian and Cypriot Special Forces, enabling them to carry out all assigned tasks with efficiency and competence. In addition, a number of standard and non-standard shooting exercises were conducted, reflecting the professional level of the participating forces from both sides. The training came within the framework of the joint training plan of the armed forces with friendly and sister countries, to support cooperation in various military fields. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
