By Jana al-Masry | 2024-08-22

The United States and France have continued to demonstrate their joint commitment to the security and stability of the Middle East, in partnership with regional allies such as Egypt.

Egypt controls the Suez Canal and plays a key role in securing maritime navigation in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, which has been roiled of late by the Iran-backed Houthis.

It also has engaged in indirect mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas to bring about a ceasefire and a return of hostages.

Cooperation between France and Egypt supports "security in the Middle East, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean," said military expert Wael Abdel Muttalib.

"Cooperation has reached high levels, especially between the air and naval forces, as the two sides conduct annual training exercises," he told Al-Fassel.

Joint exercises

Egypt began hosting a deployment of the French Air and Space Force on August 5 as part of the Amun series of military exercises.

"Egypt has a fighter squadron of French aircraft," Abdul Muttalib said, and military personnel take part in air combat tactics training, air refueling operations and air interception operations in order to repel any potential attack.

Joint naval exercises are conducted in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

Egypt, which remains one of the largest recipients of US military aid, received more than $1.2 billion for the year 2023, per the Pentagon.

The two nations have taken part in regular bilateral and multilateral training exercises, including the Bright Star series, which began in 1980.

The United States also assists Egypt's counterterrorism efforts.

Shared vision of stability

In addition to promoting regional security, which includes working closely with Egypt to deliver aid to Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the United States and France invest heavily in Egypt's development and infrastructure.

"French investments in Egypt amount to $7.2 billion through 940 companies operating in various fields," Ain Shams University economics professor Shaher Abdullah told Al-Fassel.

Egypt has received $2.6 billion in French development sector funding, and the two countries have launched a new strategy to develop infrastructure and enhance development, he said.

This aims to support entrepreneurship and create job opportunities, as well as "to support Egyptian financial, commercial and production systems at the regional level," he said.

The United States also has "a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation" with Egypt via expanding trade, increasing private sector investments and collaborating on clean energy, per the US State Department.