Amidst accelerating regional and international transformations, French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt from April 6 to 8, 2025, marked a significant diplomatic move aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding economic, developmental, and cultural cooperation.
Warm Presidential Reception in Cairo
The visit commenced with an official meeting between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his French counterpart at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, featuring a formal reception ceremony, a national anthem salute, and an honor guard review. In his opening remarks, President El-Sisi warmly welcomed Macron, emphasizing “the historic nature of the bilateral relations and the strong ties between the two peoples.”
Key Political Files: Gaza and Libya in Focus
The political discussions centered around pressing regional crises, especially the situation in Gaza. Macron praised Egypt’s leading role in brokering a ceasefire, managing humanitarian aid, and evacuating the wounded. The leaders also discussed developments in Libya, emphasizing the need to support elections there, in addition to the situations in Sudan and Syria.
Macron stressed that “Egypt plays a pivotal role in ensuring Middle East stability,” calling for “the establishment of a regional system based on cooperation and peace.”
Signing Strategic Agreements Worth €7 Billion
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a historic agreement between Egypt and a coalition of French companies to establish a green hydrogen production facility in Ras Shuqair, with investments exceeding €7 billion. The project aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, aiming to position the country as a regional hub for clean energy.
Key Agreements Signed Between Egypt and France
The visit of Macron to Egypt resulted in the signing of several agreements in various fields, including:
1.Economic and Investment Cooperation
Several major investment deals were signed, notably:
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Renewable Energy Projects
- Investment agreements worth €3 billion in solar and wind energy projects, particularly in Upper Egypt.
- Cooperation between French company Engie and Egyptian company NEOM to develop green hydrogen projects.
- Transfer of French technology in peaceful nuclear energy to support Egypt’s Dabaa nuclear power plant.
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Infrastructure and Transportation
- Strengthening cooperation in transportation and infrastructure, including metro and highway projects, and modernizing Egypt’s railway network in collaboration with Alstom.
- Supporting French companies operating in Egypt, such as Orange and Total Energies.
2. Military and Security Cooperation
The visit witnessed a major boost in defense cooperation, including:
• A new arms deal featuring Rafale fighter jets and advanced air defense systems.
• Joint military exercises to combat terrorism in the African Sahel region.
3.Cultural and Scientific Cooperation
- Launching student exchange programs between Egyptian and French universities, alongside the establishment of 100 Francophone schools in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Education.
- Strengthening academic cooperation between Cairo University and Sorbonne University in research fields.
- Supporting the restoration of Egyptian antiquities, especially in Luxor, with assistance from the French Institute for Oriental Archaeology (IFAO).
President El-Sisi praised these agreements, stating that they “will further solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries.“
Macron’s Words: “Egyptian Hospitality is Unforgettable”
In a joint press conference with President El-Sisi, Macron stated:
“I thank the Egyptian people for their wonderful hospitality. In Cairo, I found the spirit of history, civilization, and openness to the future.”
and added:
“During this visit, I realized that Egypt is not just a strategic partner but a true ally in facing the challenges of a changing world.”
Macron’s Tour of Khan El-Khalili and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Macron toured the Khan El-Khalili market, meeting several artists and craftsmen, expressing his admiration for Egypt’s traditional arts. He also visited the Grand Egyptian Museum, expressing awe at the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.
He delivered a speech at Cairo University, emphasizing “the importance of cultural and knowledge exchange,” and announced scholarships for Egyptian students to study in France under the Erasmus+ program.
Symbolic Visit to Arish
In a politically and humanitarianly significant gesture, President El-Sisi accompanied Macron to Arish, where they inspected development projects and met with aid teams supporting Palestinians arriving from Gaza. During the joint press conference, Macron said:
“This place embodies the essence of humanitarian solidarity. I salute Egypt’s efforts in supporting its brothers.”
Local Reactions in Egypt and France
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In Egypt
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Public Opinion and Media
- Newspapers like Al-Ahram and Al-Watan hailed the visit as “a qualitative shift in bilateral relations.”
- TV channels highlighted the expected economic benefits, such as job creation and infrastructure development.
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Experts and Economists
- Dr. Mohamed Abdel Aal (Economist) stated that “the agreements will support Egypt’s economic growth by 2% annually.”
- Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed (Political Science Professor) noted that “France seeks to compensate for declining American influence in the region.”
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The Egyptian Street
- Citizens reacted positively, particularly to news about scholarships and new investments.
- Some activists expressed hope that the agreements would translate into improved public services.
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In France
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French Media
- Le Monde described the visit as “a triumph of French diplomacy in Africa and a strategic stop for redrawing the Euro-Mediterranean partnership map.”
- France 24 reported that “Egypt has become a strategic partner for France in the region.”
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French Public Opinion
- Citizens welcomed the increase in investments in Egypt, which would bolster the French economy.
- The political elite praised military cooperation, particularly in combating illegal immigration.
Wide International Reactions
The visit garnered significant attention from global media, with The Guardian highlighting renewable energy projects as “a gateway for renewed French influence in Africa and the Middle East.”
Key international reactions included:
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United States:
The White House praised the Egyptian-French cooperation as “a positive step towards enhancing Middle East stability.“
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European Union :
The EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreements, stating that they “strengthen the Europe-Egypt partnership.“
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Gulf Countries:
Saudi Arabia and the UAE expressed support for economic cooperation, particularly in clean energy.
Notable figures also tweeted their praise, including:
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Kristalina Georgieva (IMF Managing Director):
“An excellent step towards boosting Egypt’s economic stability and the shift to clean energy.”
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António Guterres (UN Secretary-General):
“Egypt’s peace initiatives and European cooperation in Gaza represent a model to be emulated.”
Massive Interaction on Social Media
Hashtags such as:
- #Macron_in_Egypt
- #Green_Hydrogen
- #Egypt_France_Partnership
- #Arish
- #Egypt_France_2025
dominated platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where thousands of Egyptian and French users expressed pride in the visit, especially regarding education, environment, and culture.
Analysis of the Visit’s Implications
- France’s Repositioning in the Middle East
Macron seeks to establish France as a key player in energy and development files. - Egypt as a Gateway to Africa and Europe
The agreements reaffirm Egypt’s central role in cross-border infrastructure and energy projects. - Green Hydrogen: The Energy of the Future
A move towards transitioning from a carbon-based economy to a green economy, boosting Egypt’s position on the global clean energy map. - Expanding Education and Academic Cooperation
Enhancing soft power for both countries and creating a new bilingual and bicultural generation.
Conclusion:
President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt marked a crucial step in enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The agreements reached will have a positive impact on both nations and received broad domestic and international acclaim, reflecting the strength of Egyptian-French relations.
This visit was not merely ceremonial but represented a fundamental shift in bilateral relations, moving from traditional cooperation to a multi-dimensional future partnership including:
- Green economy development
- Establishing a joint smart education system
- Embodying humanitarian diplomacy amidst geopolitical tensions
- Jointly addressing security challenges
Media outlets and decision-makers are encouraged to build upon this visit to further elevate the relations and strengthen Egypt’s pivotal role in regional and international dynamics.
