Leaders Discuss Gaza with Trump: Macron’s Cairo Summit and Strategic Partnership

On Monday, leaders from Egypt, France, and Jordan discussed the Gaza situation in a call that coincided with Macron’s visit to Cairo. They emphasized immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the rejection of Palestinian displacement. A strategic partnership between France and Egypt was also formalized to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including economy and education.

On Monday, key leaders from Egypt, France, and Jordan, including President Emmanuel Macron, President Donald Trump, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and King Abdullah II, convened a call to address the escalating situation in Gaza. Mr. Macron’s visit to Cairo coincided with this call as he attended a summit focused on Gaza and the formalization of a strategic partnership between France and Egypt.

During this summit, President Macron and President El Sisi engaged in discussions that emphasized the urgency for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and the necessity of humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst increasing violence. The leaders expressed shared concerns and reiterated the importance of not displacing Palestinians from their land.

Furthermore, they indicated support for a reconstruction conference in Gaza and condemned the continuation of violence, with Mr. El Sisi asserting Egypt’s commitment to the Arab plan for Gaza’s postwar recovery. Additionally, Mr. Macron highlighted the need for Hamas to avoid any role in Gaza’s governance due to its perceived threats to Israel.

The leaders also addressed broader regional issues, reinforcing their support for Lebanon’s new leadership and emphasizing the need for representation of all societal components, particularly non-Muslim religious minorities. They detailed the newly signed strategic partnership focusing on economic cooperation, including advancements in railway manufacturing and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Mr. Macron reiterated France’s dedication to Egypt’s 2030 development agenda, with substantial financial support already provided. Egyptian President El Sisi highlighted the necessity of increased cooperation to manage illegal immigration, given that Egypt is currently hosting over nine million refugees.

At a business forum designed to bolster Egyptian-French economic cooperation, Mr. Macron noted the importance of increasing French language proficiency among Egyptians, suggesting this would enhance their employability. Following the forum, he inaugurated the Adly Mansour transit station, a significant achievement in public transport infrastructure co-developed with the French government.

President Macron’s visit to Egypt included cultural engagements, such as a tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum and the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar, and concluded his activities with a ceremonial metro ride, underscoring deepening ties between the two nations.

In summary, the recent discussions among leaders from Egypt, France, and Jordan underscore the urgent need for peace and humanitarian support in Gaza. The establishment of a strategic partnership between France and Egypt aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, particularly economic and educational. Both nations reaffirm their commitment to regional stability and the importance of addressing key issues such as illegal immigration and the governance of Gaza.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com