Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Common goals to contain Turkish influence in the Middle East and fight radical movements are pushing France towards a strategic rapprochement with Egypt. This was confirmed by the Franco-Egyptian summit talks held on 8 December in Paris. They took place against the backdrop of growing criticism of human rights organizations against the Elysee Palace for its support of the "anti-democratic Egyptian regime."

Human rights groups have accused the Egyptian government of pursuing a repressive policy against "dissidents." According to them, from the moment A. al-Sisi came to power in Egypt, under the pretext of fighting terrorism, more than 60 thousand people were taken into custody. With this in mind, they called on the French authorities to put pressure on Egypt and suspend the supply of weapons.

However, the results of the negotiations show Paris’ reluctance to reduce the level of cooperation with Cairo. This, in particular, is evidenced by the statement of the French leader E. Macron. It notes that Paris and Cairo are united in building the space of civilization. E. Macron also stressed that he would not "lecture" Egypt on freedoms and make the issues of defense and economic cooperation dependent on disagreements over human rights.

Experts explain this approach of Paris, traditionally positioning itself as a “defender of democratic values” in the world: 1) the coincidence of strategic interests in North Africa. Both states share concerns about instability in the Sahel, threats from radical groups in Egypt, and a political vacuum in Libya; 2) concern of Paris and Cairo about the "aggressive" course of Turkey in the region and its growing influence on the Muslim population of both countries; 3) France’s intention to lead the emerging international "anti-Turkish" alliance and create barriers to Ankara’s geopolitical ambitions.

In general, according to experts, in the conditions of an unprecedented aggravation of Franco-Turkish contradictions, Paris sees in Cairo a "significant regional force", strategic ties with which are necessary for joint confrontation with Ankara.