Watch: Macron and Al Sissi visit iconic Umm Kulthum café in Cairo

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sissi and French President Emmanuel Macron made a symbolic visit to the famous Umm Kulthum Café in Cairo's historic Khan al-Khalili bazaar on Sunday, drawing attention as both leaders took a brief respite from their diplomatic engagements. The café, named after Egypt's legendary singer Umm Kulthum, is a popular spot that resonates with Egyptian cultural history and tradition.

Macron, who is in Cairo to attend a crucial summit with Egypt and Jordan's leaders focused on the ongoing war in Gaza, seized the opportunity to engage with local culture during his visit. The café, known for its deep ties to Egyptian heritage, provided a warm backdrop for the leaders' casual visit as they enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of one of Cairo's most iconic landmarks.

The visit comes at a pivotal time, as Macron seeks to reinforce France's diplomatic involvement in the Middle East, particularly in addressing the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The summit, which is set to include discussions on regional security and humanitarian efforts, underscores the need for a coordinated response to the conflict, with Egypt playing a key role as a neighbour and mediator.

While the leaders' visit to the café was a moment of cultural exchange, the underlying diplomatic focus remains squarely on finding solutions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Macron and Al Sissi's presence in Cairo highlights their shared commitment to working toward peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Egypt, Jordan, and France as they navigate the complexities of the Middle East crisis.