As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt is seen as a critical diplomatic mission with far-reaching implications for both nations and the broader Middle East.
Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, Egypt’s former Assistant Foreign Minister, described the visit as “of great importance” to the relationship between Egypt and France, particularly given the timing. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has exacerbated an already fragile security situation, not only affecting the Palestinian people but also threatening the stability of the region.
In a statement to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), Ambassador Hegazy explained that Macron’s visit comes at a pivotal moment. The trip follows a recent tripartite summit in Cairo, where Egyptian and Jordanian leaders met with the French President to discuss the growing threats to the Palestinian cause. Among the most pressing issues discussed was Israel’s controversial plan to expel Palestinians from their land in what is seen as a forced displacement campaign. The summit also focused on Egypt’s Arab-led plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been severely impacted by the conflict.
A key part of Macron’s visit involves advancing the Gaza reconstruction plan, which France has expressed strong support for. In cooperation with Egypt, the two leaders aim to push forward an international conference aimed at rebuilding Gaza, with Egypt preparing to host it later this month. The conference is expected to involve a wide range of international and regional partners, including the United Nations.
The French President’s visit also highlights the continued collaboration between France and Egypt on broader regional issues. According to Hegazy, discussions between Macron and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will extend beyond Gaza to include the political and security situations in Libya, Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria. Both leaders are also expected to address ongoing concerns about terrorism, illegal immigration, and regional security cooperation.
Macron’s visit will include stops at several significant sites. One of the most notable is the Grand Egyptian Museum, where he will witness the country’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. He will also deliver an important speech at Cairo University and take part in the Egyptian-French Universities Forum, a significant platform for academic collaboration between the two nations.
However, it is the French President’s visit to the city of Arish, near the Rafah crossing, that is perhaps most symbolic. This visit underscores France’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, which Macron has repeatedly described as a “humanitarian disaster.” Macron is also set to meet with members of the Egyptian Red Crescent and French forces in the European Union Border Monitoring Mission, which has been redeployed to assist with relief efforts.
Ambassador Hegazy stressed that the visit would also involve key agreements in transportation, health, and humanitarian aid. Notably, a new health memorandum of understanding will assist in the treatment of Palestinians evacuated from Gaza since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. Macron’s emphasis on the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries and the call for a ceasefire further solidifies the urgent nature of his mission.
The visit is also expected to mark a significant moment in Egyptian-French relations. Macron is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes ministers of foreign affairs, defense, economy, health, transportation, and scientific research. This delegation signifies the strong strategic partnership between Egypt and France, and an enhanced partnership agreement will be signed during the visit to broaden cooperation across various sectors.
In closing, Ambassador Hegazy expressed confidence in the ability of Egypt, in collaboration with France and its regional and international partners, to play a pivotal role in addressing the crises facing the Middle East. He stressed the shared commitment to halting the bloodshed in Palestine, thwarting Israel’s forced displacement plans, and launching a process that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Macron’s visit, thus, is not just about diplomacy between two nations; it is about laying the groundwork for regional peace and reconstruction, offering hope in an increasingly turbulent Middle East
