Macron’s building blocks with Egypt and Lebanon

Love him or hate him, you must acknowledge that French President Emmanuel Macron is relentless. I will admit that I have always been skeptical of his approach and strategy for Lebanon, but his perseverance, consistency and sustained focus on helping Beirut has won me over. He has, for one thing, kept Lebanon at the top of the news agenda and, in times of superpowers colliding, that is precious help.

Since Macron started his Lebanon initiative, the country has changed. Hezbollah is no longer at the same level of power as it used to be. Between the Israeli punishment and the political change in Syria, the Iranian proxy is now in a dire situation, whether it admits it or not. This means there is now a path to deep and real change in Lebanon. And this could apply to the entire Mediterranean.

Macron’s consistency also carries a broader strategy focused on the coastline. This is not new, but he has painstakingly added the building blocks to try and bring about change. In this context, Lebanon cannot be isolated from Macron’s approach to Egypt or, to a broader extent, Syria or even Algeria. It is about building stability by empowering greater local agency.

Although these efforts seem isolated, there is a logic in creating partnerships between the north and south of the Mediterranean and building trust among countries. Despite the ongoing global commercial and geopolitical storm, I would highlight the French president’s visits to Lebanon in January and Egypt this week as the turning of a new page for the Mediterranean.

The French president’s visits to Lebanon in January and Egypt this week mark the turning of a new page for the Mediterranean

Khaled Abou Zahr

When it comes to Egypt, there has been a reciprocal will to enhance and strengthen relations into a strong partnership. This was clear for Cairo as it emerged from the so-called Arab Spring, as France appeared to be the best potential ally to rebuild and diversify the Egyptian armed forces.

Since 2015, this has resulted in France and Egypt concluding major military and naval deals totaling more than €10 billion ($11 billion). Key agreements include the purchase of 30 Rafale fighter jets in 2021, following an earlier 2015 deal for 24 jets. The navy has also acquired two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships (delivered in 2016) and four Gowind 2,500-tonne corvettes, one built in France and three in Egypt under a technology transfer agreement. Additionally, Egypt procured a French Future Multi-Mission Frigate in 2015.

These deals highlight France’s position as one of Egypt’s top defense suppliers. This collaboration also extends to infrastructure and culture, which are just as important, with a clear will to highlight the historical bond between the two countries. The year 2019 — the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Suez Canal — was named the France-Egypt “Cultural Year.”

In addition, Egypt and France last year signed an agreement to enhance international partnerships between their universities. It is through this mix that greater agency for the region is built and the pillars for real geopolitical cooperation are developed.

It was also not a surprise that new Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s first Western visit was to Paris. He met with Macron at the Elysee Palace late last month. Unsurprisingly, the meeting included a videoconference with interim Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, as there can be no security and peace in Lebanon without stability and balanced relations with Syria.

The approach was actually even broader, as it included a five-party summit with the leaders of Greece and Cyprus focused on stability and maritime safety in the Eastern Mediterranean. This meeting highlighted to all participants the importance of containing security concerns at the Syrian-Lebanese border, where confrontations had recently escalated.

It is with the help of countries like Egypt and through proposals that come from within the region that change can be implemented

Khaled Abou Zahr

Macron has also committed to hosting an international reconstruction conference for Lebanon. However, this needs to be done while also developing the country’s political stability. Hence, Beirut must include within the country’s reform process the disarmament of Hezbollah, as stipulated in the ceasefire deal that ended the November 2024 conflict with Israel. Despite France’s continuous support, it is Lebanon’s responsibility to achieve real reforms in the financial, judicial and governance sectors. These steps are a precondition to unlocking international funding.

There is a clear vision of how empowering historical allies in the Mediterranean can help solve problems for all and bring stability. During Macron’s three-day visit to Egypt this week, this was quite clear. The agenda focused on regional security, humanitarian aid and strengthening ties, underlining that it is with the help of countries like Egypt and through proposals that come from within the region that change can be implemented.

This was exemplified by Macron calling for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the resumption of humanitarian aid during meetings with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah. He also toured aid facilities and a hospital in El-Arish near the Gaza border. The visit resulted in new strategic partnership agreements covering the transport, health and education sectors.

There is no doubt that Macron’s building blocks between the giants of the Mediterranean, such as Egypt, and involving them in the peace and security of the pearl that is Lebanon is a positive way to increase the agency of the countries of the Mediterranean. It is an approach that is also close to the people. Macron’s symbolic gestures — such as riding the Cairo metro alongside Egyptian citizens and walking through a historic bazaar, just as he did in Beirut in January — show real solidarity with the people of the region and highlight long-standing cultural ties. His message that “you can always count on France” is genuine, but it is also up to the countries themselves to push for change.

• Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of SpaceQuest Ventures, a space-focused investment platform. He is CEO of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.