France and Egypt agree on increasing cooperation after mistral defence deal

Oct 14, 2015 French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls recently agreed to increase cooperation with Egypt. This came on the heel of a 950 million euro Mistral warship deal between the Egyptian Navy and Direction des Constructions Navales Services.

The deal was signed by Egyptian Navy Chief of Staff, Ahmed Khaled and Vice President of DCNS, Nathalie Smirnov, in the presence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls.

Speaking at a news conference afterwards, the French leader said:

“We invest in Egypt and the loans are some of the most important we invest in the world. More than 6 billion euros. Trust in the future of Egypt, determination to support President Sisi and the Egyptian government in their commitment to stabilise the country and its development especially its democratic development. France’s availability to contribute to the realisation of economic partnerships. This is, Ladies and Gentlemen, to sum up the triple message that I am bringing to Cairo.”

Egypt recently acquired four small Gowind warships, built by Mistral manufacturer DCNS, as it strives to boost its military power in the face of a two-year insurgency.

While addressing pressmen, Egyptian president said:

“We have also welcomed the growing military relations between the two countries which has resulted in the purchasing of the helicopter carriers Mistral. During our meeting we have confirmed the common desire to increase cooperation between the two states in all fields, which will achieve the interest between the people of the two nations.”