Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed key issues of cooperation during a phone call on Saturday, ahead of Macron’s upcoming visit to Egypt, according to a statement from Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy.

The two leaders explored prospects for strengthening bilateral ties in a way that serves the interests of both countries. Discussions also included the possibility of holding a trilateral Egyptian-French-Jordanian summit in Cairo during Macron’s visit.

The call also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip, where el-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Both presidents stressed the importance of restoring calm through an immediate halt to hostilities and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two heads of state underscored the need for a two-state solution as the only guarantee for lasting peace in the region, according to the presidential statement.

Macron to urge for Gaza ceasefire

Macron is scheduled to arrive in Egypt on Sunday, with plans to visit the city of Arish near the Gaza border on Tuesday.

The French president aims to emphasize the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and support humanitarian aid efforts, according to an announcement by the Élysée Palace on Thursday.

The French presidency noted that Macron will meet in Arish with teams from French and international NGOs, as well as the Egyptian Red Crescent, at the port, which serves as a key hub for aid deliveries through the Rafah crossing. He may also meet with Palestinians in the area.

Macron is also expected to meet French security personnel serving with the European Union Border Assistance Mission, which is planned to be redeployed at the Rafah crossing.

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According to the Élysée statement, the visit will spotlight the challenges facing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza amid ongoing developments.

Agreements with Egypt

On Monday morning, Macron is scheduled to meet President el-Sisi and will participate in the signing of economic agreements related to transportation, health, and renewable energy, as well as partnerships between French and Egyptian universities.

During the visit, a new health memorandum of understanding will be signed between Cairo and Paris, aiming to treat Palestinians evacuated from Gaza since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023.

Macron and el-Sisi will also discuss the urgent need to restore calm and reach a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent what the Élysée described as a "humanitarian disaster" threatening the population amid continued Israeli strikes.

The talks will include discussions on the Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, a French-backed initiative that Paris believes needs additional measures regarding security and governance in the territory.

Macron will be accompanied by several ministers, including Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Economy Eric Lombard, Minister of Health Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Research Philippe Baptiste, and Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot.

'Put an end to the strikes' 

Macron called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, urging an immediate halt to "Israel's" military operations in Gaza and a return to the ceasefire, amid mounting civilian casualties and renewed regional tensions.

"I called on the Israeli prime minister to put an end to the strikes on Gaza and return to the ceasefire, which Hamas must accept. I underlined that humanitarian aid must be delivered again immediately," Macron wrote in a statement on X.

His remarks come as Gaza reels under renewed Israeli bombardment, following the collapse of a fragile two-month truce.