The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the third round of bilateral discussions with French officials on Wednesday to discuss various issues of interest to both nations. The talks were centered on the current deadlock in the negotiations with Ethiopia over the Renaissance Dam, water management issues in Africa, and the Egyptian vision on the issue.
According to the Ministry’s statement, the discussions also covered ways to enhance cooperation in Africa, given Egypt’s pivotal role in preserving regional security and stability. The French vision of the security situation in the Sahel, the Sahara, and the Horn of Africa was also presented.
Moreover, the importance of continuing cooperation with Europe, including France, to implement the outcomes of the African-European Summit held in Brussels last February was addressed. The talks focused on the implementation of the EU initiative for the Global Gateway and the projects to link the African continent, such as the Cairo-Kampala project. The Ministry emphasized the need for these initiatives to be subject to African discussion, so that their implementation reflects the interests of all African countries.
Egypt and France also touched upon the significance of continuing their cooperation on climate issues, which is a crucial aspect for both nations. Egypt hosted the COP 27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh last November, emphasizing the importance of climate action.
In conclusion, the talks between Egypt and France demonstrated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties on African issues and working towards a common vision. The discussions on the Renaissance Dam and climate change emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration in addressing these crucial global issues.