Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, received a delegation from the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee of the French Senate at the headquarters of the General Secretariat on 17 December. The delegation was headed by Mr. François Panot, a member of the Council, as part of their official visit to Cairo.
Gamal Roshdy, the official spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated that Mr. Aboul Gheit welcomed the French delegation’s visit to the League's headquarters, emphasising the longstanding political, economic, and cultural ties between the Arab region and France. He highlighted the deep-rooted historical relations that have fostered cooperation and coordination across various fields, as well as the enduring official and popular connections between both sides, which underpin joint efforts on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The Secretary-General underscored the significance the Arab side places on the French government’s recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on the 4 June 1967 borders. He noted that such a stance aligns with France's pioneering role within Europe and represents a crucial step towards advancing and materialising the two-state solution.
Roshdy further explained that the delegation expressed keen interest in the Secretary-General's perspectives on the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian cause, particularly the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The French delegation also shared their views on several regional and international matters. In turn, the delegation reaffirmed France’s strong relations with Arab countries, stressing the importance of fostering regional stability through enhanced cooperation. They reiterated their commitment to deepening political and economic collaboration, underscoring the need to elevate bilateral relations to new heights in the coming period.
