Hollande arrives in Jordan, concluding Egypt visit

(MENAFN- Daily News Egypt) French president François Hollande arrived in Jordan Tuesday morning, marking the final leg of his Middle East tour after he concluded his two-day visit to Egypt.

Hollande flew to Amman earlier on Tuesday, after an event-filled Monday that included meetings with Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, parliament speaker Ali Abdul Aal, and Egyptian public figures, including politicians and journalists.

Hollande also visited landmarks such as the Saladin Citadel, the Coptic museum and the Abdeen palace, where President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi accompanied him.

During the French president's visit, French and Egyptian parties signed 18 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOU).

Hollande's visit comes amid heightened tension between Egypt and Italy, extending to other European countries, over the death of Italian PhD candidate Giulio Regeni, whose body was found in February bearing signs of torture.

Al-Sisi has repeatedly stated Egypt is ready to cooperate with Italian investigators with transparency.

Al-Sisi moreover claimed Egypt is the target of "attempts at defamation" that aim to "destroy state institutions" and "isolate" the country from its European neighbours.

"Our relations with France and Italy are unique and we will never forget the Italian and French support for Egypt in its time of need," Al-Sisi said during a press conference held following his meeting with Hollande Sunday.