In a report, the ministry highlighted that this invitation is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a recognition of Egypt’s growing regional and global role, as well as a reflection of the distinguished level reached in Egyptian-French relations.
Symbolism of the invitation
The G7, founded in 1975 in response to the global oil crisis, brings together the world’s most advanced economies: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada.
Often described as the “board of directors of the world,” the group’s decisions and positions influence international politics and economics, the report said.
Egypt’s participation, for the second time after attending the Biarritz Summit in 2019, is therefore a rare distinction, according to the ministry.
The report emphasized that such invitations are extended only to countries whose voices are considered essential in shaping global dialogue, underscoring Egypt’s role in stabilizing the Middle East and North Africa, combating terrorism, and contributing to energy security.
Egypt’s invitation to the G7 Summit transcends bilateral ties with France, the ministry said, adding that it represents broader international recognition of Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting stability, security, and development.
The ministry noted that Egypt’s presence at the summit allows for direct dialogue with world leaders who value Cairo’s perspectives on regional and international issues. It also coincides with the transition of the G7 presidency from France to the United States, offering Egypt an opportunity to engage with both European and American leadership at a critical juncture.
The invitation is seen as a continuation of Egypt’s rising influence, first acknowledged during its participation in the 2019 summit while chairing the African Union, and now reaffirmed in 2026 as a testament to Cairo’s sustained contribution to global dialogue and regional stability.
Evolution of Egyptian-French relations since 2014
The report highlighted that Egyptian-French relations have undergone a qualitative transformation since 2014, evolving from traditional cooperation into a multidimensional strategic partnership.
This shift was built on mutual trust and close understanding between the two leaderships, reflected in cooperation across politics, economics, defence, and culture.
Politically, Cairo and Paris have coordinated on key regional files, including counterterrorism, the Libyan crisis, the Palestinian issue, and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Economically, French investments in Egypt reached $7.2 billion in 2025, with expectations to exceed $8 billion in 2026, while bilateral trade stood at $2.96 billion in 2025.
Militarily, France has become one of Egypt’s most important partners, supplying Rafale fighter jets, Mistral helicopter carriers, and advanced naval vessels, alongside joint exercises and security coordination.
Culturally, cooperation has flourished through educational exchanges, francophone institutions, and joint projects such as the new Senghor University campus inaugurated in Alexandria in May 2026.
The ministry emphasized that France has supported Egypt’s efforts to mediate ceasefires in Gaza, backed regional energy initiatives led by Cairo, and aligned with Egypt on the importance of regional stability. This convergence of interests has made Egypt one of France’s most important strategic partners in the Middle East and North Africa.
High-Level engagement and previous visits
High-level visits have been a cornerstone of this partnership. President El-Sisi’s upcoming trip will be his 10th visit to France since 2014, reflecting the intensity of bilateral engagement.
These visits have included participation in climate summits, international conferences, and bilateral meetings with President Macron.
Such exchanges, alongside frequent ministerial visits and phone consultations, have reinforced trust and cooperation.
The report listed the following visits by President El-Sisi to France:
- November 2014: First official visit after assuming the presidency, focusing on bilateral cooperation
- November 2015: Participation in the COP21 climate summit in Paris
- October 2017: First summit with President Macron to strengthen strategic partnership
- August 2019: Attendance at the G7 Summit in Biarritz
- December 2020: Official visit during which Macron awarded El-Sisi the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- May 2021: Participation in conferences on Sudan’s transition and financing African economies
- November 2021: Attendance at the Paris conference on Libya
- February 2022: Participation in the “One Ocean Summit" in Brest
- June 2023: Meeting with Macron during the “New Global Financing Pact Summit" in Paris
- June 2026: Upcoming participation in the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains.
French leaders have also visited Egypt on several occasions, including former French President François Hollande’s participation in the inauguration of the New Suez Canal in 2015 and President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit in 2019.
Macron also visited Egypt in 2025 and 2026. His visits included participation in a trilateral summit with Jordan and, most recently, the inauguration of Senghor University’s new campus in Alexandria alongside President El-Sisi.
Short link: