Cairo: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a significant joint statement at the Ittihadiya Palace, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Egypt and France by elevating them to a strategic partnership.According to State Information Service Egypt, this pivotal agreement was formalized as both leaders exchanged signed copies of the joint statement. Following the ceremony, Presidents El-Sisi and Macron engaged in a bilateral meeting, which was succeeded by extensive high-level discussions between delegations from both nations.The event also witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering collaboration in multiple sectors. Key agreements included a declaration of intent between the Egyptian and French Ministries of Health, an agreement to establish a French health center in Cairo, and a roadmap for the implementation of Cairo's sixth metro line. Additionally, declarations of intent were signed to enhance higher education collaboration, implement priority projects, initiate four investment projects, and establish 100 Francophone schools in Egypt.A joint press conference was anticipated to follow the signing ceremony, where both leaders were expected to elaborate on the agreements and the future trajectory of Egypt-France relations.President Macron's visit to Egypt, which began on Sunday, spans three days and includes discussions on recent developments in Gaza, as well as strengthening political and economic ties between the two countries.