Stability in Egypt behind increasing investments
Egypt-France, Politics, 4/3/2001

French National Assembly Speaker Raymond Forni affirmed the importance of Egypt's regional role, especially in the light of current logjam in the Middle East peace process.

During his meeting with members of the Egyptian-French Business Council late Sunday, Forni said despite the French influence in the European Union, Paris does not seek to replace the US in the region.

"The Palestinians became an oppressed and displaced people," said Forni, referring to incessant Israeli sanguinary practices.

"Europe should be more committed to the peace process," the French Chief lawmaker stated.

He called for the return of the Middle East situation to the point where it broke off nine months ago. Forni, meanwhile, praised the current economic boom in Egypt. He said he visited Cairo's underground project and asserted it was better than that of Paris.

Forni said that he asked his Egyptian counterpart Fathi Sorour to form a joint Egyptian-French parliamentary committee with the aim of furthering relations in the various domains within the context of what he termed as "popular diplomacy."

Transport Minister Ibrahim Al-Demeiri, on his part, called on Egyptian and foreign investors to develop cooperation in several transport domains.

"France attaches great importance to boosting cooperation with Egypt in light of France's pivotal status in the European Union and Egypt's pioneer role in the Middle East," French National Assembly Speaker said Sunday.

The French Parliament's Chief praised the development of Egypt's democratic experience which, he said, puts into consideration the country's national interests and deep-rooted values.

The statements came during a meeting between Forni and Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture Youssef Wali.

The meeting touched on agricultural cooperation between France and Egypt, as well as the current Middle East standoff and the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts so that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would not deteriorate and spread to other regions in the world.

On his part, Wali underlined President Hosni Mubarak's interest in developing relations with Paris in all fields, particularly in light of the deep cultural and political ties that have always linked the two nations.

The Minister referred to cooperation projects between Egypt and France in the fields of advanced agricultural research, the technology used in the foodstuffs industry and animal production development.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak, Chirac call for halting violence in Palestinian territories   (3/31/2001)
  Mubarak visits Paris   (3/26/2001)
  France, Egypt identity of views regarding ME peace   (2/10/2001)

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