French Ambassador Eric Chevallier, along with French Consul General in Alexandria, Lina Blin, recently made several visits to Alexandria aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Egypt and France across various sectors. These visits underscore a growing commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the near future.
During their visit, Ambassador Chevallier and Consul General Blin had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Ahmed Zayed, the director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Discussions revolved around forthcoming partnerships between the prestigious library, the French Consulate General, and the French Institute in Egypt, signaling a collaborative effort to promote cultural exchange and knowledge sharing.
Another significant visit included a trip to the Center for Alexandrian Studies, a major hub for French research on Alexandrian heritage and a center for the dissemination of the city’s rich history. This visit emphasized France’s dedication to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Ambassador Chevallier and Consul General Blin also visited the French School in Alexandria, where they engaged with the school’s leadership and interacted with students across different sections, including theater. This highlights France’s commitment to promoting excellence in education and fostering cultural exchange.
The delegation also toured the Senghor Francophone University, where African professionals are trained to serve their countries with the decisive support of France and its Francophone partners. This underscores Egypt’s role as an international gateway with a keen focus on Africa.
Discussions with Vice Admiral Emmanuel Slaars, ALINDIEN COMFOR UAE, at the Consulate General of Alexandria centered on the situation in the Red Sea and France and the EU’s commitment to defending freedom of navigation. This highlights the strategic cooperation between Egypt, France, and the EU in ensuring maritime security.
The delegation’s first visit to the premises of the French Institute in Alexandria, accompanied by the Cultural Cooperation Advisor, showcased an exhibition on the Olympic and Paralympic Games created by talented students and teachers. This event celebrated the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and promoted cultural exchange.
Consul General Blin hosted a meeting with heads of Francophone and international educational institutions in Alexandria, recognizing their invaluable contribution to promoting French language and culture in the city.
At the port of Alexandria, Ambassador Chevallier and Consul General Blin discussed the development of the port and highlighted the Franco-Egyptian partnership on the Tahya Misr terminal operated by CMA CGM, underscoring France’s commitment to economic cooperation.
The delegation also visited the East Alex wastewater treatment plant operated by Suez, representing the first Franco-Egyptian operation in the sanitation sector. The plant serves as a model for energy production from biogas and mitigating environmental impact.
Meetings with environmental stakeholders in Alexandria addressed climate change risks and the challenges facing Mediterranean and coastal cities, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions.
In a gathering with the business community in Alexandria, Ambassador Chevallier and Consul General Blin reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Egypt, including in Alexandria.
These visits underscore the multifaceted nature of the Franco-Egyptian relationship and highlight the shared commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors for mutual benefit and prosperity.
