France Seeks to Ease Tensions with Muslim Nations over Cartoon Controversy

9 November 2020 – bySylvanus@Bladi · 1 min read

As Muslim countries or countries with a Muslim majority are angry with France and President Emmanuel Macron, who defended the right to publish satirical cartoons, including those of the Prophet Mohammad, in his country, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is playing the card of appeasement during his visit to Egypt on Sunday.

"I have recalled and I recall here the deep respect we have for Islam. (...) What we are fighting is terrorism, the hijacking of religion, extremism," the French minister said at a press conference. During this visit, he discussed with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and held a meeting with his counterpart Sameh Choukry.

Mr. Le Drian is expected in Morocco. As part of this visit, a meeting with his counterpart, Nasser Bourita, is planned, followed by a working lunch. Several files of common interest, including the regional context, will be discussed. The migration issue will also be at the center of the discussions.

Category: France

Keywords:

France Religion Egypt Islam Emmanuel Macron