A French official source said in a statement on Thursday that a loan of 70 million euros and another of 80 million euros to Egypt will be signed during the visit of French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, who will also meet with the Franco-Egyptian Business Club to discuss investment and trade possibilities.
The source also said that relations with Egypt have seen a major boost under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, culminating in the signing of various contracts and agreements, especially in the military field.
The source added that Valls will also discuss with Sisi means of security and defense cooperation, counter-terrorism methods, the situation in Syria, Yemen and Libya, and efforts to revive the peace process in the Middle East in light of the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories and Jerusalem.
Valls is also meeting with Prime Minister Sherif Ismail to discuss partnership in infrastructure projects, particularly in the Suez Canal, as well as cooperation in renewable energy, the metro line and satellites, according to the source.
He is also meeting with Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb to promote religious dialogue and the values of moderate Islam by imams dispatched to France, the source said.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
