Egypt's el-Sissi meets Macron in Paris

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi met Monday with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris to discuss bilateral and regional issues.

During their working meeting, both leaders shared “strong concerns” about the escalation of violence in the Middle East and deplored the numerous civilian victims, the French presidency said.

They stressed the “absolute need” to cease hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians, the statement said.

Macron reaffirmed France’s support to Egypt’s mediation in the conflict

El-Sissi was in Paris to attend economic summits on Sudan and Africa, both hosted by France.

French and African leaders and international organizations were holding a conference Monday in Paris to negotiate debt relief and raise global support for Sudan's transitional leadership.