French defence PM leaves Cairo

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian left here on Sunday after a visit to Egypt during which he met with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

During his talks with Sisi, Le Drian said that France is looking forward to participate in the opening ceremony of the new Suez Canal on August 6.

Also, they discussed the ongoing international efforts to fight terror and handle all terrorists groups decisively and without discrimination.

During his stay, Le Drian also convened with Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab and his counterpart Sedki Sobhi and touched on ways of fostering Egyptian-French military cooperation in the fields of training and exchange of expertise.

At the conclusion of the visit, the French minister met with Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb and tackled Al Azhar's role in propagating the moderate teachings of Islam, renewing the religious discourse and combating extremism and Fatwas inciting violence.