The visit, he stated, created a decisive visual moment that resonated with both peoples and saw the signing of several agreements.
Among them was a strategic partnership that laid the foundation for expanded cooperation in health, education, transport, and energy.
Speaking at the French Embassy’s Bastille Day celebration in Cairo, Chevalier said French companies would continue to grow their presence in Egypt and contribute to job creation.
As part of the partnership, Egypt will become the first country to host a branch of Gustave Roussy, one of the world’s top oncology centres.
In education, 40 agreements were signed to strengthen scientific cooperation and increase the number of French schools in Egypt from 60 to 100. In sports, Chevalier noted cooperation between the Egyptian and French football associations to support Egypt’s women’s U-17 and U-20 teams, part of the embassy’s commitment to gender equality and equal opportunity.
On Gaza, Chevalier said Egypt and France were fully aligned.
He called for an immediate ceasefire and voiced strong support for Egypt’s role in ongoing negotiations. He also rejected the latest mechanism for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, saying it endangered civilians and contradicted international norms. “We demand the return of the traditional mechanism that respects humanitarian rules through the United Nations (UN) and its agencies,” he said.
Chevalier stressed France’s support for Egypt’s rejection of Palestinian displacement. He stressed that Palestinians must remain on their land and that there is no such thing as a voluntary relocation under current conditions.
He reaffirmed that a political solution must include recognition of a Palestinian state, stressing that France is fully determined to achieve these two goals, and its decisions are sovereign.
Chevalier also noted that the postponed two-state solution conference—initially scheduled for June at the UN headquarters in New York and co-hosted with Saudi Arabia—would now be held before the end of September, with Egypt and the Arab League playing key roles in preparations.
He added that recognizing a Palestinian state does not conflict with Israeli interests, explaining that if both parties want to live in peace, there is no alternative but the two-state solution because it also serves Israel's security interests.
Chevalier announced that classics of French literature would be available in local bookstores at symbolic prices starting in September.
Higher Education Minister Dr Ayman Ashour, who attended the event, welcomed France’s growing scientific cooperation with Egypt.
The ceremony opened with the national anthems of both countries and a performance by singer Shahd Al-Saadani, who sang a selection of classic French songs. A slew of Egyptian and foreign diplomats, ministers, artists, and media figures atteneded the event.
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