A Well-Deserved Tribute: CEMO–Paris Honors Ambassador Alaa Youssef for His Distinguished Service and Defense of Egypt’s Interests
Thursday 27/November/2025 - 04:23 PM
Khaled Saad Zaghloul
- From Geneva to Paris… Ambassador Alaa Youssef: A Fighter Confronting the Muslim Brotherhood’s Media and Political Campaigns
- Abdel Rahim Ali: “Ambassador Alaa Youssef is a warrior in a diplomat’s suit”
The Middle East Studies Center in Paris (CEMO), chaired by journalist and writer Abdel Rahim Ali, honored Egypt’s Ambassador to France, Alaa Youssef, at the conclusion of his tenure, in recognition of his outstanding role and tremendous efforts in defending Egyptian interests throughout his diplomatic career—whether in Geneva, Paris, or earlier as the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency.
Dr. Abdel Rahim Ali described Ambassador Alaa Youssef as a “dear and highly valued figure” both personally and in the context of Egyptian diplomacy, stressing that his career and achievements “will be remembered by history.”
Ali recalled Youssef’s early role during a critical period, when he served as Presidential Spokesman in 2014 following the election of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi—a period marked by intense media offensives launched by the Muslim Brotherhood and opponents of the June 30 Revolution both inside and outside Egypt.
CEMO’s president further described Ambassador Youssef as “a fighter in a diplomat’s suit,” standing on the front lines to counter these campaigns and defend his country. After Egypt stabilized internally, Youssef moved to Geneva, where he confronted another wave of aggressive, well-funded campaigns orchestrated by the Brotherhood’s international organization within the UN system and human rights circles. Ali stressed that Youssef countered these fabrications with admirable skill during a particularly sensitive period—supported on several occasions by CEMO’s activities in Geneva at the time.
Ali added that the battle against misinformation continued in Paris, where Ambassador Youssef worked tirelessly to present the true image of Egypt, away from the narratives promoted by the Brotherhood’s international network. He noted that what Youssef had been asserting years ago is now the prevailing view in France, especially as French officials are increasingly moving toward designating the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, a step the United States has already taken.
Ali praised the ambassador’s pivotal role in strengthening mutual understanding between the French government and people on one side, and the Egyptian state and people on the other. This rapprochement contributed to diversified military cooperation and culminated in President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt. Among Youssef’s most remarkable achievements was his key involvement in Egypt’s historic victory at UNESCO—where, for the first time, an Egyptian nominee, Dr. Khaled El-Anany, won the post of Director-General.
Ali then presented Ambassador Youssef with CEMO’s Honor Shield, wishing him success in his new position in Egypt, where he will oversee the foreign media portfolio at the State Information Service. Ali expressed full confidence in Youssef’s ability to excel and transform the SIS into a major international media actor.
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Ambassador Alaa Youssef: Appreciation and Farewell
For his part, Ambassador Alaa Youssef praised the efforts of Dr. Abdel Rahim Ali, acknowledging his influential role in countering the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood and his long-standing work on issues related to political Islam during challenging years for Egypt.
The ambassador emphasized Ali’s major contribution through his media presence, political analysis, and overwhelming electoral victory during his term in the Egyptian Parliament.
Speaking before an audience of French and Egyptian figures in Paris, Ambassador Youssef expressed deep respect for Dr. Abdel Rahim Ali and said that he continues to follow his analyses with great interest, appreciating his role in informing public opinion and explaining the challenges facing Egypt.
He also thanked Ali for bringing together many of Youssef’s long-time French friends and colleagues—individuals who played essential roles in strengthening Egyptian–French relations.
Ambassador Youssef said he leaves his post in Paris with pride and satisfaction over what was accomplished, particularly in relation to high-level visits such as President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt. He stressed that the outcomes of Egyptian–French cooperation stand among the most significant milestones of his diplomatic career.
He highlighted Egypt’s recent victory at UNESCO, describing Dr. Khaled El-Anany’s election as Director-General as a “resounding triumph,” praising France’s support for the Egyptian candidate and affirming that El-Anany “fully deserves this trust.”
He also underscored the importance of the Holy Family Trail project in Egypt, calling it a cause close to his heart for its cultural and historical value.
The ambassador revealed that he recently participated in a major event at UNESCO presenting updates on the Grand Egyptian Museum, whose area exceeds twice the size of the Louvre and is fully dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilization. He invited attendees to visit the museum and Egypt in the near future.
Ambassador Youssef concluded by renewing his gratitude to Dr. Abdel Rahim Ali for the honor and recognition, expressing his eagerness to continue strengthening Egyptian–French relations from his new post in Cairo.
A large number of prominent French figures from the country’s political and cultural spheres attended the ceremony. Among the most notable were:
Pascal Drohaux, former adviser in the French government and political analyst; Amelle Lacrafi, MP for the ruling Renaissance Party; Senator Catherine Delaie; Philippe Delors, Vice President of Alstom Foundation; Jean-Pierre Hamim, renowned expert and architect; the musician Alain Weber; and the Egyptian-French historian Dr. Ahmed Youssef.
Also in attendance from the diplomatic corps were Egypt’s Consul General in Paris, Ambassador Tamer Tawfik, and Dr. Shahenda Ezzat, Egypt’s Cultural Counselor in Paris.
