Egyptian Foreign Minister meets with IOM, ILO, ITU heads in Geneva
During his meeting with Pope, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's appreciation for its longstanding cooperation with the IOM on comprehensive migration management and sustainable development, aligning with the Global Compact for Migration. He outlined Egypt's holistic migration strategy, addressing both security and developmental aspects and focusing on the root causes of irregular migration. He highlighted Egypt's concerns about the deteriorating political and humanitarian situations in neighbouring countries, exacerbated by conflict, political crises, and climate change, leading to increased displacement and migration flows into Egypt.
'Egypt hosts over 9 million migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers,' Minister Abdelatty noted, emphasising the strain on the national budget and host communities due to the inadequacy of international support. He reiterated Egypt's call for intensified international efforts to ensure fair and sustainable burden-sharing and responsibility-sharing, urging the IOM to support Egypt in managing migrant influxes and bolstering its migration management efforts. He also reviewed Egypt's ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, in line with its national strategy, and discussed joint cooperation to support early recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming Egypt's rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians and underscoring UNRWA's crucial mandate.
Minister Abdelatty's meeting with Houngbo focused on Egypt's development efforts and collaboration with the ILO. He commended the excellent cooperation between Egypt and the ILO, highlighting the Cairo office's role in implementing various projects. He expressed Egypt's desire to strengthen this cooperation to support employment, decent work, and improve the working environment, attracting investments and aligning with Egypt's Vision 2030.
The minister reviewed positive developments in Egypt's labour environment, including the establishment of over 50 new trade unions last year and efforts to finalise a draft law on domestic workers. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to promoting international labour standards, citing the recent ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention and expressing a desire to utilise the ILO's technical support in implementing its obligations.
Finally, Minister Abdelatty met with Bogdan-Martin, praising the longstanding relationship between Egypt and the ITU and the Cairo office's role in implementing joint projects. He affirmed Egypt's active participation in ITU mechanisms and activities, including its Council membership, and expressed a desire to expand cooperation in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and its digital strategy.
He reviewed Egypt's efforts in implementing its digital strategy, including building a digital economy, developing digital infrastructure, and promoting digital transformation, as well as digitising government services and supporting technological innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted the government's belief in the vital role of the information and communications technology sector in attracting investment and encouraging global companies to expand in Egypt. The meeting also addressed artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, with Minister Abdelatty expressing Egypt's desire to cooperate with the ITU to maximise the benefits of AI applications and find innovative solutions to societal challenges. He highlighted the establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence in 2019, the launch of the national AI strategy in 2021, and the forthcoming launch of its second version.
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Egypt Independent
an hour ago
- Egypt Independent
On the development of national media
We consistently complain about the declining performance of our media, and its inability to meet our expectations. While some criticize the absence or scarcity of serious public opinion institutions—and cast doubt on the methodologies of foreign surveys, arguing they are 'susceptible to manipulation and bias'—others claim that a 'culture of public polling' is fundamentally lacking in our region for political and cultural reasons. Nonetheless, the essence of this constant complaint is undeniable. The most prominent evidence of this dissatisfaction with the performance of our 'traditional' media can be seen by any observer: a massive shift away from conventional channels towards social media platforms. There is a continued reliance by a significant portion of the local public on foreign, Arabic-speaking media for news, information, and analysis concerning their own country. This is compounded by the almost effortless discovery of sharp and frequent criticism of traditional media outlets and their stars across social media. If we can agree that this general feeling of dissatisfaction with the performance of national media exists, and then agree that there is an overwhelming desire—and even a stated political will—to 'develop' the media, then reaching an agreement on the nature of this 'development' becomes a difficult and elusive task. This paradox creates a rare situation among reform and development experiences in various fields. Its symptoms are evident in an analysis of the complaints that crystallize this public dissatisfaction. We find that some critics focus their critiques on the prevalence of closed-mindedness and the entrenchment of a traditional, conservative culture in media practices, while others see a spread of an openness that borders on permissiveness and a dissolution of values. As a result, we also see complaints about the absence of critique and opposition, while others criticize the media for neglecting to highlight government achievements. Some will attack the media's focus on international and regional affairs, while others will complain about the lack of a strong external media presence and a retreat into domestic issues. This clear contradiction in what motivates public dissatisfaction with the performance of national media reflects the reality that Egyptian society is full of multiple—and at times contradictory—trends and currents. This is, of course, a healthy state of affairs, as long as the tools used to manage this diversity are professional and operate within the law. Among the factors that deepen the negative effects of this public dissatisfaction is that most critics direct their critiques, attacks, or change proposals toward the single largest owner and almost sole manager of the media: the national state. Since its establishment, the state – through its executive bodies – has managed, directed, funded, or controlled the media, with very few exceptions. In reality, this is a genuine dilemma, and none of us has a decisive or final solution for it. That's because part of the problem is based on the conflicts of interest that are necessarily present in any healthy society. This is strengthened by the intellectual, political, and social diversity that is required, which is then reflected in the contradictory stances toward media management and its content. Nevertheless, the most organized countries in the developed world have previously faced this very problem. Among the best practices they have adopted to address and control its effects, we find three solutions. The first is that the state has the right to own and supervise a system of what is called 'public media.' Through this system, it can broadcast messages and content that serve higher national interests and embody public visions that enjoy a broad consensus. However, the state is also obligated to ensure that its media system reflects the diversity of viewpoints within society. Its performance must be governed by strict administrative, financial, and professional standards, and it should offer a sophisticated and advanced product, serving as a role model for private channels. The second solution is to make the media landscape free, diverse, and pluralistic. This would allow every trend, school of thought, and stakeholder to find an opportunity for self-expression, as long as they abide by mandatory legal and professional considerations. Of course, this would require adapting ownership to allow for fair competition and to avoid monopolies and harmful concentrations of ownership. The third solution is to give society an opportunity to manage its national media space through a diverse, broad, and balanced representation of its various groups. This approach would eliminate the biggest pretext for public complaints and allow the media to earn the appropriate amount of public trust and satisfaction. It would also enable the media to fulfill its presumed role in achieving self-sufficiency, ensuring the necessary credibility, and preserving higher national interests. Author's bio: Yasser Abdel Aziz is an Egyptian writer, media expert, and consultant with a master's degree in public law and PhD in media from Cairo University. He boasts distinguished career that includes serving as the Cairo bureau chief for Asharq Al-Awsat and working as a correspondent for several major Arabic newspapers. He has also acted as a consultant for including Al-Masry Al-Youm, Al-Watan, and Kuwait's Al-Jarida and trainer for the BBC World Trust in the Middle East and North Africa. He has published multiple books and research papers on media ethics and the organization of the media sector.
Egypt Independent
3 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
In exclusive interview, Pakistan's ambassador to Cairo talks relations with Egypt, Cairo's role in halting the Gaza war, and situation with India
In an exclusive interview, Pakistan's ambassador to Cairo, Amir Shouket, stated that his nation appreciates the role Egypt has played in halting the war on the Gaza Strip. He noted that Egypt was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan, and the two countries exchanged resident ambassadors in 1948. Pakistan views Egypt as a country of great importance in the Middle East and the Islamic world. He also warned that the conflict in Kashmir will remain as a source of tension between India and Pakistan. Interview How do you view relations between Egypt and Pakistan, politically and economically? Relations between Pakistan and Egypt are feature common bonds of faith, cultural affinities and similar views towards regional and international issues. Egypt was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan and the two countries exchanged resident Ambassadors in 1948. Pakistan views Egypt as a significantly important country in the Middle East as well as in the Islamic world; Pakistan and Egypt are also both members of OIC, and D-8. In relatively recent history, Pakistan's national poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal visited Egypt (Alexandria and Cairo) in 1931. During his visit, he met the Egyptian intelligentsia, religious and political leaders as well as student leaders. Later in 1946, the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the First Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Egypt and met with Egyptian political leaders and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. In subsequent years, Presidents from Egypt and Pakistan, Prime Ministers from Pakistan and Ministers from both countries paid several visits. It is encouraging that the leadership of our two countries met during the recent years and reaffirmed their mutual desire to transform the existing bilateral relationship into a strong partnership to benefit of peoples of our two brotherly countries. We are eagerly waiting for the visit of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Pakistan. Egypt is a gateway to Africa. Pakistan is gateway to Central Asia. There is immense scope, potential and mutual desire of the leadership of these two countries to capitalize this potential and geo-strategic location to significantly enhance the existing volume of bilateral trade for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. What is the volume of trade between the two countries, and what are the ways to increase it? Bilateral trade, which usually hovered around US$200-300 million, jumped to around $605 million in 2022 following a spike in imports of mineral fuels from Egypt, before it declined due to global economic conditions. There are a number of areas in which both countries can enhance their cooperation, such as science and technology, information technology, tourism and housing. In September 2023, the Pakistan-Egypt Business Opportunities Conference was organized by the Embassy in collaboration with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce. Almost 150 delegates from Pakistan participated in the Conference. Pakistan also organized the Fourth Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Egypt at Cairo in January 2024. The existing bilateral consultation system between Pakistan and Egypt consists of a Joint Ministerial Committee that covers a range of diverse avenues of cooperation including bilateral trade. Recently, frequent interactions between DPM/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar & Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Abdelatty have further strengthened the mutual desire to consolidate the existing mechanism of cooperation particularly enhancement in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Egypt. There is immense potential for investments in textile sector, sports goods, real estate, tourism and hospitality sector, mining sector waiting to be capitalized by both the countries. Since the past two years, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has offered one window swift facilitation for foreign investors in Pakistan. Additionally, the simplification of VISA regime for 126 countries, including Egypt, offers Pakistan as an ideal avenue for investment. Apart from these incentives there is huge potential for investment in agriculture, clean energy sectors of Pakistan. Information Technology and software development sectors have witnessed phenomenal increase in return on investments for prospective investors. With approximately 700,000 IT workforce members and 60 percent of the population being young, Pakistan is poised to produce more engineers and developers in the IT sector. In your opinion, what is Pakistan's view of Egypt's role in stopping the war on Gaza, and is the idea of normalization with Israel impossible? Regarding Gaza, Egypt and Pakistan have pushed for ceasefire right from the beginning. Both countries share an identical stance on the Gaza and Palestine issue at numerous regional and multilateral forums. Pakistan is closely supporting provision of humanitarian assistance for the residents of Gaza in active collaboration and cooperation with Egypt. On a solution for the Gaza catastrophe, Pakistan is fully aligned with Egypt. We highly value Egypt's pivotal role in containing Israel's aggression and continuously engaging all the stake-holders to find a permanent and lasting solution to the conflict. Is the situation with India currently calm, and what is the solution to end the tension? Pakistan adheres to the ceasefire with India agreed after the intervention of President Trump. We welcome President Trump's statements regarding the threat posed by unprovoked recent Indian aggression against Pakistan, and his intent to mediate on Kashmir dispute. Pakistan has historically maintained its legitimate and decades old principled stance that Kashmir dispute should be resolved by fully implementing the relevant UNSC resolutions and in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of people of Kashmir. Kashmir issue is an unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent and UNSC. This dispute will remain one of the central issues behind tension between Pakistan and India. The other issue is the Indus Water Treaty which can trigger escalation between two nuclear states at any time. How did Pakistan defeat India in its last war? Pakistan believes in peaceful neighborhood, regional peace and development, and prosperity for the residents of more than a billion people in South Asia. We respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of all other states, and do not harbor nefarious designs against any regional state. However, we maintain minimum credible deterrence for preserving strategic balance in South Asia. The unprovoked Indian aggression, despite Pakistan's consistent offer to investigate the Pahalgam terror attack, enlisting international state(s) supported by credible evidence was outright rejected by India. Still, Pakistan responded in a measured, mature and firm manner without targeting civilian installations. Our Air warriors did not leave Indian birds, who launched missiles targeting innocent civilians, to see light of the next day. Through indigenous technology harmoniously employed throughout the conflict, Pakistan proved its superiority in the face of naked Indian aggression. Above all, the resolve of the entire nation reinvigorated the spirit of Pakistan Armed Forces towards a decisive victory. How do you view the Iran-Israel war? Pakistan is non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council. Our permanent representative in the UN requested urgent meeting at UNSC at the outset of Iran-Israel war. We have clearly and unequivocally termed the Israeli attack on nuclear facilities in Iran as illegitimate. These facilities are under the safeguards of UN. Therefore, Israel's aggression is highly condemnable and dangerous for regional stability. Pakistan is in favor of dialogue and diplomacy. We've seen Pakistan announce its support for Iran. What form will this support take, and will it arm Tehran? Pakistan supports Iran diplomatically, politically and as a brotherly neighboring country. Our DPM/Foreign Minister had categorically rejected fake news and misinformation manufactured regarding Pakistan's arms support to Iran. Why did Pakistan close its border with Iran amid the escalation with Israel? We did not close our borders with Iran. However, we established the monitoring mechanism on our border crossings with Iran in view of presence of Pakistan's Zaireen and students who were stranded in Iran after the Israeli aggression. What message you would like to give on the Independence Day of Pakistan this year? This year, Independence Day is being observed with a unique, illustrious stature as witnessed by the entire global community where Pakistan beams brilliantly after inflicting a well resonated, firm response to the aggression during the glorious Operation 'Bunyan Al-Marsoos'. We bow our heads in respect and express infinite gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling us to defend our motherland, and defying hardly the ill-fated attempt of establishing a new normal in South Asia, in a manner never witnessed in our history. I express my profound admiration for small but dynamic Pakistan community in Egypt for their good work towards consolidating existing bond of friendship between the two brotherly countries. While we commemorate this significantly special Independence Day, we should not forget our brothers and sisters in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine. They are subjected to oppression and worst kind of human rights abuses. Still, they are upholding the spirit of freedom alive. Peace in South Asia and the Middle East will remain elusive till the resolution of these two decades old promised issues by the United Nations relevant resolutions, and in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and Palestinians. We remain steadfast in raising our voice for Palestinians and for the Kashmiris' right to self-determination.
See - Sada Elbalad
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Egypt Urges Nations Not to Take Part in Palestinian Displacement
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