France is a big country and a major player on the international scene. Its role in the Middle East is the most balanced among its peers. Given its deep historical experiences, it endeavors to act out its part reviving relations with European and Arab countries alike through adopting fair and just stances. An example of this is the country's attitude towards the Middle East crisis, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the US war against Iraq.

France is one of the founding members of the European Union and the largest in area. It is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and one of the five "Nuclear Weapons States" (NWS) under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

It is among the world's leading industrial countries and is the world's tourist Mecca with around 75 million having visited in 2003. It stands also the world's fifth trader with imports relatively exceeding exports.

Relations between Egypt and France date back to Napoleon Bonaparte's Expedition in 1789 which left its imprints on all aspects of Egyptian life. As time went on and with the ascension to power of Mohammad Ali The Great in 1805, ties of friendship deepened between the two countries. Egyptian missions were sent to France to specialize in modern sciences and fine arts.

Since he assumed power, President Hosni Mubarak visited France roughly about 41 times. His relations with former French President François Mitterrand and with incumbent President Jacques Chirac have been most friendly.

Bilateral relations are marked by the substantial convergence of political views, the deep anchoring in Egypt of French cultural presence, which has grown and been enhanced (opening of the French University in Egypt in 2002), and significant economic ties.

Several agreements have been signed with the purpose of encouraging and protecting investments, promoting tourism, and preventing double taxation. Other protocols on cooperation in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy and electricity grids have also been concluded.

In terms of trade, France lags far behind the United States, after Germany, but neck and neck with Italy and ahead of the United Kingdom. France's share of Egypt’s imports is around 5%. Its companies enjoy considerable potential for progress.

It is among the top five foreign investors in Egypt, behind Great Britain, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.