“We expect a real reaction, real support, from Europe for Egypt in the forthcoming period,” Sisi said.
On Nov. 24, Egypt was hailed as a strategic partner during Sisi’s visit to Italy. Officials said Italy, which did not focus on Cairo’s human rights record, sought to build defense and military relations with Egypt amid the threat by Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.
“Italy is absolutely convinced that the Mediterranean is not the frontier but the heart of Europe, and Egypt must be considered a strategic partner in addressing together the problems of this area,” Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said. “The only way to avoid an escalation of them is through very strong cooperation between Egypt and Europe.”
France has also been wooing Egypt with offers of air, ground and naval platforms. On Nov. 25, Sisi met French leaders in a discussion said to have included defense and military cooperation.
France’s DCNS has already signed an estimated 1 billion euro contract for four Gowind-class corvettes to the Egyptian Navy. Officials said Paris has offered to sell Egypt upgraded French-origin Mirage-2000 fighter-jets.
“Any future [defense] deal will depend on France’s offer,” Sisi, who wrapped up his tour on Nov. 27, said in an interview to French television.
Officials said Egypt and France would also cooperate in counter-insurgency. They said France offered training and equipment for Egypt’s security forces, particularly those deployed in the turbulent Sinai Peninsula.”
“Egypt is a country struck by terrorism, especially Sinai,” French President Francois Hollande told a news conference on Nov. 26. “Like many other countries in the region, Egypt is facing terrorist movements that may exist in neighboring countries. We must work together to combat terrorism.”
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http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/11/27/shunned-u-s-egypt-strengthens-defense-energy-ties-europe/