Egyptian Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Tarek Dahroug, affirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the city of Alexandria represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations and constitutes a new boost to the strategic partnership based on mutual trust and respect, reflecting the unprecedented level the relationship has reached.
In statements to MENA on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Dahroug said that the meetings between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and President Macron reflect the special nature of relations between Cairo and Paris and confirm the high level of coordination between the two leaderships in addressing regional and international challenges, de-escalating tensions, and enhancing efforts to achieve regional stability.
He explained that the visit is an extension of President Macron’s important visit to Egypt last year, which elevated bilateral relations to the level of a “strategic partnership.”
It also follows the first round of the strategic dialogue recently held between the two countries at the senior officials’ level, during which all aspects of bilateral relations and joint coordination on international and regional issues were reviewed in a manner that supports efforts to consolidate stability in the region and promote diplomatic solutions, he added.
Dahroug pointed out that the participation of the two presidents in inaugurating the new headquarters of Senghor University in New Borg El Arab city sends a strong message about the two countries’ commitment to supporting education as a fundamental pillar of development across the African continent, stressing that the institution is considered one of the leading projects in the Francophone sphere.
He added that Senghor University is not merely an academic institution; it serves as a civilizational bridge linking Egypt with France and the Francophone world, and as a gateway to enhancing cooperation between Egypt and the entire African continent.
The inauguration of its new headquarters in Borg El Arab, for which the Egyptian government has provided full support, doubles its capacity and strengthens Egypt’s role as a regional center for training and qualifying young African cadres in administration, health, the environment, and culture.
The ambassador also highlighted the growing momentum in economic cooperation, particularly with regard to enhancing French investments in Egypt, especially in the fields of clean energy, transportation, and infrastructure, in addition to expanding prospects for scientific and research cooperation and activating partnerships between universities and research institutions in both countries.
Dahroug concluded by affirming that the ongoing efforts exerted by the Egyptian state to empower the private sector and attract foreign investments have created a favorable climate for strengthening the presence of French companies.
