Seminar: “Challenges in the Middle East” Seminar Attended by Former French Minister of Defense and Foreign

On Tuesday evening, the Kemet Boutros-Ghali Foundation for Peace and Knowledge organized a seminar titled "Challenges in the Middle East" at the Diplomatic Club. The seminar was attended by Jean-Yves Le Drian, the former French Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs and current envoy of President Macron to Lebanon, as part of his official visit to Cairo. The event was moderated by Ambassador Laila Bahaa El-Din, Executive Director of the Kemet Boutros-Ghali Foundation.

The event was attended by Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with several former foreign ministers, public figures, political science professors, and ambassadors from various countries.

Le Drian expressed deep concern about the risk of an explosion in Lebanon, which is undergoing a complex phase on political, economic, and social levels. He stressed the urgent need to assist Lebanon in emerging from the institutional crisis it has been stuck in since 2022.

Mamdouh Abbas, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, opened the seminar by welcoming the French minister and described the meeting as the foundation’s first activity in the Francophone context.

Abbas stated:
"We are witnessing today the collapse of the international order and a blatant disregard for international law and the principles adopted by the victorious nations after World War II. We are also witnessing unprecedented double standards in the international community's dealings with a heinous aggression against the only people still under occupation, who have been demanding their right to self-determination for over 75 years."

He criticized the international community for allowing the Israeli occupation to violate all norms and international conventions without any real attempt to curb its brutality, stating that it has been allowed to kill more than 35,000 civilians, mostly women and children, while receiving billions of dollars in weapons without restriction.

Addressing the French minister, Abbas said:
"We can only convey to you some of the questions raised by the Egyptian public: France used to have a balanced Arab policy — when will it regain that balance? As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a representative of the European Union, France has a special responsibility in maintaining global peace and security. France also enjoys good relations and major interests with our Arab world."

Le Drian thanked the foundation and attendees, especially Minister Sameh Shoukry, for their presence. He praised the role of the Kemet Boutros-Ghali Foundation in promoting intellectual dialogue.

He noted that the seminar came during another tragic time when the principles upon which the post-1945 international order was established are once again in question. He stressed that such forums are essential to build bridges and nurture dialogue among nations and peoples. He praised Boutros Boutros-Ghali, describing him as part of a long line of great Egyptian diplomats.

Le Drian said:
"He was a prominent international figure as Secretary-General of the United Nations and later of the Francophonie organization. He remains an inspiration, particularly in his constant advocacy for human rights and peace during a period marked by identity crises and post-Yugoslav conflicts. Boutros-Ghali was a great voice heard around the world, working to bridge the North-South divide."

He continued:
"We are now witnessing a reversal of the international system and the return of violent wars, including in the Middle East — with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — and in Europe with Russia’s war against Ukraine."

Such a situation, Le Drian argued, demands joint efforts from those concerned with global peace to reflect and debate openly.

He praised the special relationship between France and Egypt, saying:
"Egypt is a great country and a strategic historical partner. We share rich ties across various fields — security, culture, Francophonie, and economy."

He continued:
"As Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs, and now as President Macron’s envoy, I consider Egypt a key partner in many crises affecting regional and French security. Egypt's critical location between the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa gives it a unique central position. Economically and commercially, France sees Egypt as a reliable partner."

On Egypt’s challenges, Le Drian mentioned:

The war in Sudan, which directly impacts Egypt.
Ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa.
The unresolved Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue, which needs a diplomatic solution that benefits all concerned parties.
On the war in Gaza, Le Drian asked:
"Who better than Egypt — with its historic ties and geographical proximity — to assess the risks of this unprecedented conflict?"

He called the situation a tragedy, citing over 35,000 deaths, most of them women and children, and a war lasting over seven months, with multiple players and contradictions involved.

Le Drian expressed sorrow for all victims, saying:
"The Hamas attack on October 7 killed more than a thousand people, including 42 French citizens. Of the roughly 100 hostages still held in Gaza, three are French. As President Macron stated, all victims are equal in our eyes, regardless of origin or religion."

He emphasized:
"The suffering of the people of Gaza is intolerable and unacceptable. I salute the efforts of regional countries — starting with Egypt — to facilitate aid delivery. I also pay tribute to humanitarian workers who have paid a heavy price in this conflict."

He described the conflict as partly due to the "political blackout" caused by the absence of a Palestinian state, despite the global consensus on a two-state solution.

Le Drian concluded that the Palestinian issue remains central, not only in the Arab and Islamic worlds but also in Western public opinion, including the U.S.. France has long supported the two-state solution as the only political option for long-term stability.

In his lecture, he outlined France’s policy and position on current regional and global conflicts, emphasizing four key determinants of peace or war in the region:

Israeli internal dynamics, including potential elections and their effects on Lebanon, Iran, and internal Palestinian factions.

Will the Palestinian Authority regain control over Gaza?
Will Israel continue blocking the PA's role in Gaza?
What international (or Arab) presence might follow, and under what conditions?
The American equation, especially with the U.S. presidential election less than six months away.

Le Drian referenced growing anti-Israel sentiment in U.S. public opinion, including university protests, and questioned how U.S. policy would shift if Trump returns to power.
The Arab world’s position, particularly the Arab Group (Egypt, Jordan, and Gulf states), which proposed a solution to end the crisis.

He praised France's strong coordination with the Arab Group and their efforts for an effective, sustainable ceasefire and planning for the "day after".
The Iranian factor, with its complex implications — from the Shiite crescent to the nuclear file and regional threats.
Finally, Le Drian reiterated France’s stance on Gaza, referencing President Macron’s “Peace and Security for All” initiative, built on three pillars.