Egypt FM in Nigeria for talks on bilateral cooperation, counterterrorism - Foreign Affairs
The visit marks the first stop in Abdelatty's tour of five West African countries.
According to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, Abdelatty praised the growing momentum in Egyptian-Nigerian relations and highlighted the third round of political consultations held in Cairo in January 2025—the first at the ministerial level—as a reflection of both countries' desire to elevate ties into a comprehensive partnership.
Abdelatty also reviewed the current cooperation, emphasizing the need to build on the outcomes of the Egyptian-Nigerian Business Forum in Abuja to boost trade and investment across key sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, construction, and information technology.
The Egyptian delegation included representatives from leading companies as well as from the Egyptian Exporters Association, the Federation of Egyptian Industries, the Egypt Future Agency, the Export Council for Medical Industries, and the Mineral Wealth Authority—signalling Cairo's commitment to expanding economic ties.
Counterterrorism cooperation
On the security front, Abdelatty underscored Egypt's readiness to share its counterterrorism expertise by providing advanced field training and support for combating extremist ideologies.
He stressed the importance of rejecting violence, promoting tolerance, and disseminating moderate Islamic values, while noting the key role played by both the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, and Al-Azhar in supporting Nigeria's fight against radicalization.
Support for UNESCO candidacy
The talks were also attended by Khaled El-Anany, Egypt's candidate for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Abdelatty expressed appreciation for Nigeria's support of El-Anany's candidacy during the 47th session of the African Union Executive Council, calling it a vote of confidence in the Egyptian nominee's qualifications and capacity to represent Africa at the UN cultural agency.
Development aid and regional issues
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's continued support for Nigerian institutions through the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD), noting that over 570 Nigerians have participated in 260 training programmes offered in cooperation with Egyptian institutions.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, particularly developments in the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia.
Discussions focused on efforts to stabilize West Africa and strengthen joint African action within the African Union framework, in light of growing security threats across the continent.
For his part, Onyeama praised Egypt's regional leadership, particularly its efforts in reconstruction, development, and integration. He expressed Nigeria's interest in drawing on Egyptian expertise in infrastructure, technical education, healthcare, and modern agriculture.
The ministers concluded by affirming their commitment to closer coordination within international and regional organizations and mutual support for international nominations.
During his visit, Abdelatty is scheduled to meet senior Nigerian officials, regional bloc representatives, members of the business community, and Egyptian expatriates.
His African tour will continue with visits to Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Senegal.
It follows Egypt's active participation in the African Union Executive Council's 47th Ordinary Session, where President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Abdelatty held multiple meetings with African leaders and officials.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Independent
an hour ago
- Egypt Independent
Limited aid enters Gaza: A fight for survival as starvation deepens
One hundred sixty-one aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip from Thursday until dawn Friday, utilizing the Zikim crossing in the north and the Kerem Shalom crossing. An Egyptian source informed Al-Qahera News Channel that the aid shipments primarily consisted of flour, baby formula, and other food supplies, with aid continuing to flow for the third consecutive day. The source also clarified that the Israeli delegation departed after receiving Hamas's response, with negotiations expected to resume next week following a review of Hamas's proposal. The population of Gaza has been suffering from a severe and rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis, with starvation and malnutrition reaching catastrophic levels. This dire situation is primarily a consequence of the ongoing conflict, the extensive blockade, and severe restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. Even before the recent escalation of conflict in October 2023, Gaza's population, numbering around 2.3 million Palestinians, was already highly vulnerable due to a prolonged blockade and economic deterioration spanning over 15 years. This had led to high rates of poverty and reliance on external aid. Impact of recent conflict The current crisis deepened dramatically following the start of large-scale military operations in October 2023. This conflict has: Destroyed local food production: What little local food production existed has been largely wiped out due to military operations. Decimated infrastructure: Critical infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, schools, shelters, bakeries, and water systems, has been extensively damaged or destroyed, hindering the ability to provide basic necessities. Mass displacement: A significant portion of Gaza's population, estimated at 1.9 million people (90%), has been displaced, often multiple times, leading to overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in shelters. Aid restrictions and access challenges Despite international calls, the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza has been severely restricted. While some aid is allowed to enter, it is widely considered insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the population. Key challenges include: Limited crossings: Access points for aid are limited and subject to strict controls. Security inspections: Aid trucks face prolonged and complex security inspections. Internal distribution issues: Even once aid enters Gaza, ongoing fighting, a breakdown of law and order, and Israeli military restrictions make safe and efficient distribution within the enclave extremely difficult. Aid convoys have reportedly come under fire, and distribution points have become dangerous. Fuel shortages: Severe fuel shortages further complicate the delivery of aid and the functioning of essential services like hospitals and water pumps. Escalating hunger and disease The culmination of these factors has led to an unprecedented level of food insecurity: Catastrophic hunger: According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the leading international authority on food crises, the entire population of Gaza is facing crisis-level or worse food insecurity, with hundreds of thousands at risk of famine. Malnutrition surge: Organizations like the UN World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF report alarming rates of acute malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant/breastfeeding women. As of July 2025, nearly 100,000 women and children were suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Starvation deaths: The Gaza Health Ministry and UN agencies have reported a surge in deaths due to starvation and malnutrition-related complications, including dozens of children. Some reports suggest hundreds, predominantly children, have died due to hunger. Disease outbreaks: The lack of food, clean water, adequate sanitation, and functioning healthcare facilities has created conditions ripe for widespread disease outbreaks, further weakening a population already on the brink. International response and accusations Human rights organizations and UN agencies have described the situation as a 'man-made disaster' and a 'slow-motion genocide,' accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war through its blockade and military operations. They have repeatedly called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and protection of while denying these accusations, maintains that it allows aid in and blames Hamas for diversion and UN agencies for distribution failures The ongoing crisis in Gaza represents one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies globally, with experts warning that famine is not just a risk, but silently unfolding.
See - Sada Elbalad
6 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egyptian Pound Hits Highest Level against Dollar in 2025
Taarek Refaat The Egyptian pound (EGP) has climbed to its highest level against the U.S. dollar since November 2024, sparking speculation about whether the rally will continue, possibly pushing the currency higher versus dollar. Currently trading near EGP 49 per dollar, the pound has recovered from levels above EGP 51 just weeks ago. The currency's recent strength is attributed to a mix of global capital movements and increased investor confidence in Egypt's economy. The pound's appreciation is partially a result of broader global economic trends. As investors move capital away from the U.S. dollar toward emerging markets and certain developed economies such as those in Europe, currencies like the Egyptian pound are seeing upward pressure. This reallocation has led to greater inflows into Egyptian treasury bills and instruments such as Currency Investment Products (CIP), contributing to the pound's strengthening. Domestically, several structural improvements are helping support the currency. The return of both direct and portfolio foreign investments has played a critical role in boosting confidence in Egypt's macroeconomic outlook. Recent U.S. policies, including tariff escalations and mounting political pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, have encouraged investors to look beyond American markets. Egypt has emerged as a beneficiary of this shift, attracting notable investments from China and Turkey in recent months. Additional support is expected from continued engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Egyptian government has confirmed that reviews four through six of its $8 billion loan program will be completed by September and October, which could unlock further disbursements. So far, Egypt has received $3.5 billion under the program. At the same time, discussions are underway with Kuwait to convert $4 billion in deposits held by Egypt's central bank into direct investments, a move widely seen as a strategic shift in bilateral economic relations. In parallel, Qatar is preparing to invest in Egypt's tourism sector, particularly in North Coast and New Alamein projects, while Saudi Arabia is boosting investments in infrastructure and energy development. Despite ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, early signs of recovery in Suez Canal traffic are contributing to a more stable foreign exchange environment. Although canal revenues fell by 54% year-on-year during the first nine months of 2025, recent crossings by large vessels are viewed as a positive signal. At the same time, tourism and remittances from Egyptians abroad are providing critical foreign currency inflows. Improved security and logistical conditions in key tourist destinations are also aiding recovery in these sectors. Annual inflation dropped to 14% by the end of June, coinciding with the pound's strengthening trend. Lower inflation has enhanced Egypt's attractiveness to foreign investors, especially those interested in high-yield government debt instruments. The result has been the return of short-term capital, often referred to as 'hot money,' as investors seek to capitalize on Egypt's relatively high interest rates before any potential rate cuts by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) in the fourth quarter. Analysts estimate that the Egyptian pound remains undervalued by approximately 10%, even after its recent gains. While some international institutions have suggested the pound may be undervalued by as much as 30–40%, a more conservative view places its fair value at around EGP 44.5–45 per dollar. This perceived undervaluation offers upside potential for foreign investors, reducing concerns about exit risks and further strengthening Egypt's external debt profile. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Al-Ahram Weekly
17 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt denounces ‘malicious propaganda' against its supportive stance on Palestine - Foreign Affairs
Egypt strongly condemned what it described as a "malicious propaganda campaign" launched by certain groups and organizations seeking to distort Egypt's supportive stance toward the Palestinian cause. Egypt also rejected the "baseless accusations" alleging its involvement in the blockade of Gaza or obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Egyptian foreign ministry. The statement emphasized 'the superficiality and lack of logic in these baseless accusations, which contradict not only Egypt's official position but also its national interests.' The claims ignore the significant role Egypt has played—and continues to play—since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the statement said. This includes Egypt's tireless efforts to broker a ceasefire, lead humanitarian relief operations, and facilitate the entry of aid through the Rafah crossing. Egypt has also spearheaded efforts to draft and promote a Gaza reconstruction plan that was adopted by Arab states and supported by several international parties. This plan focuses on rescuing innocent Palestinians in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid, and initiating early recovery and reconstruction phases. These efforts 'are in line with Egypt's unwavering stance aimed at ensuring the Palestinian people's resilience and ability to remain on their land, while resisting forced displacement, land seizure, and attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause,' read the statement. Egypt accused "malicious organizations and entities" of orchestrating propaganda campaigns aimed at fostering distrust among Arab populations and diverting international attention from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Cairo reiterated that the Rafah crossing, a key gateway for aid, has never been closed on the Egyptian side and that the crossing on the Palestinian side is "occupied by the Israeli occupation authorities, which prevents access through it." Egypt urged caution regarding the 'deliberate lies' exploiting the suffering of Palestinians under occupation to serve 'malicious narratives." 'These narratives are nothing more than part of psychological warfare designed to frustrate Arab peoples, create division and discord among them, and serve well-known intentions to liquidate the Palestinian cause," the statement underscored. Additionally, the statement affirmed Egypt's ongoing commitment to alleviating suffering in the Gaza Strip, securing a ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, and initiating reconstruction efforts. It also pledged to continue working towards unifying the West Bank and Gaza Strip, ensuring Palestinian territorial contiguity, and launching a political process for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital, based on international law and the June 4, 1967 lines. As many as 166 aid trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday through dawn Thursday through the Zikim crossing in the northern strip of Gaza and Karm Abu Salem in the southern strip, according to the Egyptian news channel Al-Qahera News. The aid shipments are the largest since Israel imposed an all-out blockade on the strip on 1 March, which pushed most of the 2.3 million Palestinians into a famine. They come amid widespread condemnation by dozens of international aid organisations and Western, Arab, and muslim nations of the Israeli policies of starving Gazans. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
