French President Macron launches strategic Africa tour with Egypt visit
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13 oC
Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
Emmanuel Macron arrived in the northern Egyptian city of Alexandria on Saturday, launching a multi-country African tour that will also take him to Kenya and Ethiopia amid efforts to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation across the continent.
Macron was welcomed upon arrival by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, according to Egyptian state media. The two leaders are expected to participate in the inauguration of the new campus of Senghor University in the Borg El Arab district west of Alexandria.
The Egyptian presidency said the opening ceremony would also be attended by several African officials and representatives connected to the Francophone world.
Founded in 1990 in Alexandria, Senghor University is one of the major academic institutions affiliated with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Named after former Senegalese president and poet Léopold Sédar Senghor, the university specializes in postgraduate education focused on development, public health, administration, environment, culture, and education, with programs aimed at training African professionals.
According to the Élysée Palace, Macron’s visit to Egypt is intended to reinforce bilateral relations and discuss ongoing developments in the Middle East, including regional security and diplomatic challenges.
During the visit, Macron and Sisi are also expected to tour the historic Citadel of Qaitbay, the 15th-century fortress constructed on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Following his Egypt visit, Macron will travel to Nairobi on Sunday for talks with William Ruto. Officials expect several agreements to be signed between French and Kenyan companies during the visit, aimed at boosting economic and commercial cooperation.
On Monday and Tuesday, Macron and Ruto are scheduled to co-chair the “Africa Forward” summit, which the French presidency described as the first African leaders’ summit attended by Macron since he assumed office in 2017.
The French president is expected to conclude his African tour in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, where he will meet Abiy Ahmed and participate in discussions at the headquarters of the African Union focused on enhancing cooperation in peace and security initiatives across Africa.
Macron’s trip comes as France seeks to redefine and strengthen its partnerships across the African continent amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing competition for influence in the region. (ILKHA)
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