President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has hailed Egypt's relations with European Union states, adding that his planned visit to France and Italy is part of his efforts to restore Egypt's standing.
Speaking to FRANCE 24 TV channel, on the occasion of his first visit to Europe the president said he will clarify the truth behind the situation in Egypt and the region.
He said military cooperation with France dates back to many years, adding that Egypt owns the French Mirage 5 and Mirage 2000 aircrafts.
Egypt is keen on maintaining this cooperation, he said.
He pointed out that any future deals between the two countries would depend on what France is willing to provide under the current circumstances.
It also depends on the French understanding of the Egypt's security needs given the economic situation and the facilities France is willing to offer Egypt, he said.
On the ongoing fight on terrorism in Sinai and prospects of Egypt's joining of the international anti-Daesh coalition, Sisi said that Egypt was combating terrorism in Sinai for over a year now, asserting that Egypt has already joined the coalition.
Yet it carries out its efforts to combat domestic terrorism in Sinai, and western and southern borders even before joining the anti-Daesh coalition.
