Rome: Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, met with Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the Rome Mediterranean Dialogue Forum to enhance bilateral ties and address pressing regional issues of mutual interest. The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to expanding cooperation across various fields.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty commended the strategic partnership between Egypt and France. He emphasized Egypt’s reforms aimed at creating an investor-friendly climate and expressed eagerness to attract more French investments. Abdelatty praised ongoing collaborations with French companies engaged in key projects across Egypt and stressed Egypt’s expectation for France’s continued support within the framework of the EU-Egypt Strategic Partnership.
The discussion also focused on the ongoing situation in Gaza, where Abdelatty highlighted the urgency of achieving an immediate ceasefire and ensuring unrestr
icted delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas. He called for intensified international and regional efforts to de-escalate tensions and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to advancing the two-state solution, emphasizing the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state in line with international resolutions.
The ministers exchanged views on developments in Lebanon. Abdelatty highlighted the importance of an immediate ceasefire, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and supporting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He also advocated for strengthening Lebanese state institutions and enabling the Lebanese army to maintain security in the country’s southern region. Additionally, he reiterated Egypt’s ongoing efforts to resolve Lebanon’s presidential vacuum through national consensus, free from external interference.
This meeting reinforced the commitment of both Egypt and France to fostering stronger bilateral ties while addressing critical challenges in th
e Middle East.