Hollande to attend inauguration ceremony of New Suez Canal

French President François Hollande will visit Egypt on August 6 to attend the inauguration of the New Suez Canal.

This will be Hollande's first visit to Egypt since he took office, a source with the Élysée Palace said on Wednesday.

Hollande will attend as a guest of honor at an invitation by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Hollande will lead a delegation of French officials, including his Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

During his one-day visit to Egypt, the French president will also hold talks with Sisi on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the source said.

He will also be invited to a banquet to be held in his honor just before he takes the flight back home to Paris, the source added.