Egypt, France discuss conflicts in Syria, Libya

CAIRO (AA) – Leaders of Egypt and France held talks on developments in conflict-ridden Syria and Libya, according to the Egyptian Presidency on Tuesday.

President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi received a phone call late Monday from his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron during which they discussed a host of Middle East issues, including the conflict in Syria and Libya, presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said in a statement.

The talks also dwelt on efforts to combat terrorism as well as bilateral relations, the spokesman said.

According to the statement, the two leaders shared identical views on the need to advance political talks with a view to reaching settlements to end the conflict in both countries.

There was no official statement issued by the Elysee Palace about the talks.

Syria has fallen into civil war since 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.

Libya has also remained dogged by turmoil since 2011, when a bloody uprising ended with the ouster and death of President Muammar Gaddafi after more than four decades in power.

France has recently become one of Egypt’s main sources of armaments after the U.S. and Russia.

Cairo also recently purchased two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships (helicopter carriers) from France, along with 24 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft.