Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received Wednesday French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault in the presence of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and the French special envoy for the Middle East peace process along with the French ambassador to Egypt. 

During the meeting, Sisi congratulated the French foreign minister on his new post, affirming that Egypt attaches great importance to its strategic ties with France, said Presidential Spokesman Alaa Youssef.

Sisi also conveyed his greetings to French President Francois Hollande, adding that he is looking forward to receiving Hollande during his visit to Egypt in April. 

Egypt is keen on continuing cooperation with France in implementing mega projects and increasing investments of the French companies in the country, especially in the fields of infrastructure, transportation and energy, Sisi said. 

The French minister, for his part, affirmed his country's keenness on boosting cooperation in Egypt in the various sectors. 

He also affirmed Egypt's crucial role in the Middle East, adding that Egypt is a vital partner for France. 

He further said that his country is looking forward to intensifying consultation with the Egyptian side on ways of boosting distinguished bilateral ties along with discussing the latest regional conditions. 

Sisi, meanwhile, welcomed France's efforts to resume the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, affirming Egypt's support to all efforts aiming to reach a just solution to the Palestinian issue and lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders with Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) as its capital.

Source: MENA