Alexandria: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said on Saturday, May 9, 2026, that Egypt has always served as a bridge for cultural dialogue among peoples, stressing the importance of promoting dialogue and cultural diversity. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Senghor University campus in New Borg El Arab, Alexandria, President El-Sisi described the opening as a landmark moment occurring amidst growing development challenges. The President reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Senghor University and its role in preparing qualified cadres capable of contributing to development efforts.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo, Burundi’s Foreign Minister ‰douard Bizimana, a galaxy of politicians and academics from across the world, as well as several African officials. President Sisi said Egypt has always been a beacon of knowledge and a bridge for civilizational communication among peoples, stressing the country’s commitment to supporting international partnerships based on solidarity and integration, particularly among Global South nations.
Sisi said Egypt was not only a cradle of knowledge throughout history, but also an active partner in making and disseminating science and culture. The President noted that the opening of the university’s new premises comes at a critical time marked by mounting development challenges and an increasing need for effective international partnerships based on solidarity and complementarity, especially among countries of the Global South.
Sisi praised the role played by the International Organization of La Francophonie as a multilateral framework promoting dialogue, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, and human rights, while emphasizing education as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development. He said Egypt has been keen since joining the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation in 1983, which later evolved into the International Organization of La Francophonie, to contribute to supporting the shared goals of the Francophone world alongside partnerships with northern countries.
The president highlighted Egypt’s strategic position as a meeting point linking Africa, the Arab world, the Mediterranean region, and Francophone countries. He also commended the pivotal role played by France in supporting the Francophone world and its institutions, foremost among them Senghor University. President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s appreciation to President Macron for France’s support in developing African cadres. This support, provided through financial contributions, scholarship programs, and the transfer of expertise, reflects a shared commitment to stability and development in Africa.