See Thru was honoured to be invited to a breakfast this morning at the French consulate in Alexandria on the occasion of the visit of H.E. Mr. André Parant, the ambassador of France in the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Consul general of France in Alexandria and his wife; Mr and Mrs. Nabil Hajlaoui.
By : Haitham Bahey
Farah Aly
The breakfast was typically French, consisting of a large variety of pastries, breads and cheeses; accompanied by other typical French beverages like café au lait, hot chocolate and tea.
H.E Mr. André Parant; The French Ambassador
H.E Mr. Nabil Hajlaoui, the Consul General of France in Alexandria
The conversation started by a short discussion around the security measures in France after the recent Paris attacks, and the effect it will have on Arabs visiting France and the visa required to do so. Mr. Parant stated that despite the fact that the security measures have immensely increased in France, there will be no cancelations of visas for Arabs but there will be a deeper background check, a more detailed questionnaire from visa administrators and other means to ensure security. He was then asked about the Egyptian man that was injured during the attacks. H.E. replied by saying that due to the fact that Waleed Abd El Razik’s case is very critical, all measures are being done medically to return him back to Egypt healthy and everything is being done to help his family be around him during this difficult time.
Egyptian national Waleed Abdel-Razzak was found severely injured following bombings outside Stade De France
The conversation then shifted to the topic of the relationship between Egypt and France, and Mr. Parant ensured that despite everything that his happening in the world this special relationship between Egypt and France is untouched and unchanged. H.E. went on stating that this relationship between the two countries is as old as the Rosetta Stone, the first Suez Canal, and the Cairo underground metro. He then talked about the ongoing projects in Egypt and the new projects in New Cairo and projects concerning solar and eco-energy that the two countries will be collaborating on. He goes on by saying as the Ambassador he is ensuring the French government about the security and prosperity of Egypt to encourage and initiate more projects seeing the collaboration of both countries.
Shortly after he received a question from a member of the media asking his opinion about a united Arab Army, which he replied to by saying “ It’s a good thing that the Arabs are sticking together, just as long as the international laws are being followed.” He was later also asked about what America thinks about Egypt now buying weapons from France instead of them, and he lightly answered “ Ask America, I’ve heard nothing yet.” Also H.E. talked about Libya and the situation there and how complicated it is and that is why it requires the interference of the United Nations.
It was a very special way to start the day with such respected members of society, and with such exquisite French food. See Thru was honoured with the invitation and hopes for a reoccurrence.
H.E. Mr. André Parant; The Ambassador of France in Egypt
H.E Mr. André Parant, the French Ambassador