Amr Mohamed Kandil
Sunday December 29, 2024
A file photo of a meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Egypt, November 2022 – Egyptian Presidency
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and France’s President Emmanuel Macron have stressed the need to initiate a comprehensive political process that includes all segments of the Syrian population.
In a phone call on Saturday, Sisi and Macron stressed the importance of preserving Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as they discussed a range of regional issues and bilateral relations, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.
Syria is struggling for stability after its government crumbled on 8 December and Bashar Al-Assad, who clung to power as president through 14 years of civil war, has fled to Russia where he was granted political asylum.
The fall of Assad comes after insurgents, led by the Sunni group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, have seized control of the capital, Damascus, in the aftermath of a surprising offensive.
This major development ends more than a five-decade rule by the Assad family.
SUPPORTING SOMALIA
During the call. Sisi emphasized that Egypt is actively working to support Somalia in achieving security and stability, whether through bilateral cooperation or by participating in the African Union peacekeeping mission at Somalia's request.
Sisi stated that Egypt is following with interest the recent agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia through Turkish mediation.
Sisi voiced hope that this agreement will contribute to enhancing security and stability in the Horn of Africa region and align with the principles of international law.
He underlined during the call the close connection between security and stability in the Horn of Africa and Egyptian national security.
Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that both Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a deal to solve their conflict, lasting since the beginning of the year, through an agreement mediated by Ankara.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have worsened since January over a deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The agreement, which allows Ethiopia potential access to the sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland, has been vehemently opposed by Somalia as an infringement on its sovereign rights.
GAZA TRUCE, PRISONER SWAP
The two presidents’ call included an exchange of views on regional developments, including Gaza.
Sisi and Macron stressed the urgency of reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, facilitating the exchange of captives and detainees, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to the enclave.
They also underscored the necessity of avoiding escalation and a comprehensive war in the region.
Macron commended Egypt's tireless efforts since the onset of the crisis in Gaza, expressing France's full support for Egypt in its pursuit of a settlement that guarantees regional security and stability.
LEBANON CEASEFIRE
Additionally, they emphasized the importance of implementing the terms of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and fully executing the UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
They called for continued support to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese army and for expediting the election of a new president for Lebanon to contribute to stability in the country.
ENHANCING COOPERATION
The call also addressed the overall bilateral relations between Egypt and France.
Sisi and Macron emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in various fields, particularly economic relations and investments.
They highlighted the need to attract more French companies to invest in development projects in Egypt.