France wishes the success of the upcoming COP27, which will be held in Sharm El Sheikh next November, affirmed French Ambassador to Egypt Marc Baréty.
During his meeting with a host of journalists on the occasion of France National Day, which falls on July 14, the ambassador said that Egypt and France are holding regular consultations to prepare for the upcoming climate conference.
He pointed out to the recent visit of the French ambassador for climate change negotiations to Egypt, saying that the French official held a series of meetings with a number of Egyptian officials on preparations of the upcoming conference.
The ambassador, meanwhile, said that he met recently with Prime Minister Moustafa Mabdouli, during which they discussed a host of issues related to environment along with other issues of mutual interest.
France hopes that Egypt would succeed in attaining the conference’s goals, he further said.
Talking about enhancing aspects of cooperation between Egypt and France and increasing the volume of trade exchange, the ambassador said that Egypt and France are promoting economic cooperation, especially in spheres related to transport, water, energy and green hydrogen.
France is keen on promoting volume of trade exchange with Egypt, affirmed the ambassador, noting that total French exports to the Egyptian market stand at 2 billion euros, while the Egyptian exports to the French market amount to 800 million euros.
France needs to diversify its exports and needs also to encourage small-sized companies to do business in Egypt, he further said.
Responding to a question about cooperation between the two countries in combating illegal immigration, the ambassador pointed out to Egypt’s crucial role in confronting this phenomena, noting that his country is cooperating with Egypt in this sphere.
There is a 100-million-euro program with the European Union (EU) to support the Egyptian government in its efforts to confront illegal immigration, he added.
France stands fully ready to enhance cooperation with Egypt in this respect, he went on to say.
Regarding the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the ambassador said that France seeks the resumption of negotiations between all sides concerned in order to reach to a satisfactory solution, especially that Egypt is concerned about its water security.
Talking about the government’s plan to withdraw from certain economic activities, the ambassador said that he welcomes such decisions, which were announced by the government in order to increase the private sector’s participation in the Egyptian market.
When asked about the Libyan file, the ambassador said that Egypt and France are seeking to attain economic stability in Libya, hailing Egypt’s efforts to achieve stability in the war-torn north African country.
Source: State Information Service Egypt