Cairo, Egypt – In a striking scene that broke with strict diplomatic protocol, French President Emmanuel Macron attracted attention this Sunday morning. He did so by engaging in his favorite sport, jogging, in the heart of the Sidi Bishr district in eastern Alexandria. This occurred on the sidelines of his current official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Spontaneity in “Al-Issawi Street”
Cameras and passersby’s phones captured the French president strolling along the famous Aïssou Street, one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares parallel to the Corniche, dressed in full athletic wear.
Despite the security detail accompanying him, the walk was characterized by its spontaneity and simplicity. Macron was keen to maintain his usual morning exercise routine, which he practices in the various capitals around the world he visits.
This move was met with widespread approval from Alexandrians who happened to be in the area, reflecting the French president’s personal side and his desire to engage with the vibrant pulse of cities, away from closed halls. It also conveyed an indirect message about the security and stability enjoyed by the “Bride of the Mediterranean.”
A packed program and a strategic partnership
This sporting event is part of a busy schedule for Macron’s visit to Alexandria with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The visit began with a flurry of activity, including the inauguration of the new campus of the Senghor International University in New Borg El Arab City. The university is a prestigious educational institution and a beacon of Francophonie serving the entire African continent.
The visit was not limited to educational and sporting aspects, but also included a tourism and historical dimension. The two presidents inspected the historic Qaitbay Citadel in the Bahari district and took a walking tour of the city’s waterfront promenade to observe the ongoing development work.
The events concluded with an official dinner hosted by President El-Sisi in honor of his French counterpart. During the dinner, the depth of the strategic partnership between Cairo and Paris was emphasized, along with the coordination of positions on regional issues.
Alexandria at its finest
Alexandria appeared at its most splendid during the visit, with its main squares and the Corniche adorned with Egyptian and French flags, amidst a warm official and popular welcome. Observers believe that choosing Alexandria for this visit, and Macron’s appearance running through its streets, enhances the city’s civilized image in the eyes of the international community. It also underscores its status as a global cultural and political center.
