“I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements (over human rights),” Macron said during a joint press conference with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi after the two leaders held talks in the Elysee Palace.
“It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one our partners in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
Earlier in the morning, France had welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade through Paris.
France views Egypt and its leader as a bulwark against Islamist militants in the Sinai peninsular and Libya.
