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Sisi goes shopping for arms in Paris

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been exploring a number of arms deals with France, yet critics argue this is aimed at buying European support at the expense of Egypt's economy.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (C) shares a laugh with French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (R) and French Army General Bruno Le Ray (L), military governor of Paris, in front of the statue of Napoleon in the courtyard at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, France, October 24, 2017. REUTERS/Charles Platiau - RC1FF2C305B0
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CAIRO — On Nov. 9, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in Sharm el-Sheikh at the World Youth Forum. During the meeting, Sisi praised the cooperation and distinguished relation with France that had materialized during his latest official visit to Paris.

Sisi had visited France on Oct. 24 for the third time since assuming office. The visit was economic in nature, which was evidenced in the size of the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed during the visit. The French Foreign Ministry announced several agreements with Egypt, including four loans in the fields of energy, health and social security.

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