Latest news with #Al-Sisi
Daily News Egypt
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi meets US CENTCOM chief to discuss military ties, Gaza ceasefire
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Sunday in Cairo with Michael Kurilla, commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), for discussions on military cooperation and regional developments, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. The meeting, also attended by Egypt's Minister of Defence Abdel Meguid Saqr and US Ambassador Herro Mustafa, focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States. Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said General Kurilla conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump, which President Al-Sisi welcomed warmly, reaffirming the importance of US-Egypt ties. Talks covered ways to deepen military and security collaboration in light of shared concerns over regional stability and counterterrorism. President Al-Sisi highlighted Egypt's ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate hostage exchanges, and ensure the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave. He also praised President Trump's recent diplomatic engagement aimed at ending the violence. The discussions extended to broader Middle East issues, including the need to revive the peace process and pursue sustainable political solutions to ongoing crises in Syria, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa. On water security, President Al-Sisi reiterated the strategic significance of the Nile River to Egypt, describing it as a matter of national security and a key regional priority.
Al-Ahram Weekly
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Working collectively for Africa - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt stressed the importance of Africa's security and integration during the African Union's Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting this week 'Peace is the foundation of development, and integration is the path towards a better future for the continent,' President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi said during his speech addressing the African Union's (AU) Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, this week. The AU meeting gathered African leaders to discuss continental challenges including peace and security, economic integration, regional cooperation, and intra-African trade. It also focused on challenges facing the continent such as armed conflicts, the spread of terrorism, and the repercussions of climate change. Held under the theme of 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations', the meeting took place at a time when the African continent is facing various challenges to its stability and security, explained Mohamed Hegazy, a former deputy to Egypt's foreign minister. The situation in Sudan and Somalia, the pressure of the war on Gaza on the continent, the terrorist activities of the Houthis and the Shabab groups in Yemen and Somalia, the difficult economic situation as a result of the war in Ukraine and the new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, are among the issues the continent has had to deal with, Hegazy said. Highlighting Egypt's efforts to maintain peace and security in the continent, President Al-Sisi affirmed Egypt's full commitment to supporting the North African Region Capability (NARC) as part of its broader interest in backing the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and its leading role in post-conflict reconstruction and development in the continent. The NARC is a regional organisation concerned with promoting peace, security, and stability in the continent, according to the protocol establishing the AU's Peace and Security Council (PSC). The APSA is a framework established by the AU to address peace and security issues across the continent. As the current chair of the NARC, Al-Sisi reviewed Egypt's efforts to ensure its preparedness to promote peace on the African continent in the full belief in the importance of its readiness to protect the capabilities of the African peoples and meet their aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity, as he put it in his speech. Al-Sisi took part in the meeting in his capacity as chair of the NARC as well as of the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee of the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). In his speech as Chair of the AUDA-NEPAD, Al-Sisi called on all countries to work collectively to overcome its challenges as 'the Africa we want is not a dream but a near reality.' He outlined Egypt's key achievements as leader of the NEPAD Committee for two years, pinpointing the feasibility study that was conducted to launch a NEPAD Development Fund to cover Africa's development financing gap. He called on the AU's relevant bodies to approve the fund to start much-needed investment projects in the continent. The key points that the president focused on include closing the continent's development financing gap, accelerating the implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063, investing in human capital through health and education, as well as addressing the threat of climate change, Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed Al-Shennawi said. Al-Sisi announced the imminent launch of the NEPAD's Centre of Excellence for Climate Initiatives in Cairo, describing it as a vital step to equip the African countries with tools for adaptation and resilience. He also underscored that despite ongoing regional and international challenges Africa holds vast potential and numerous opportunities for achieving sustainable development and prosperity. 'Let us seize this summit as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to Africa's future… Together, we can transform our collective vision into reality and secure our people's rightful share of peace, prosperity, and progress,' he said. Al-Sisi's participation, according to Hegazi, showed Egypt's keenness to take part in various important issues, among them security and the stability of the continent in its capacity as chair of the NARC. Through its participation, Egypt also wants to follow up on the progress of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement that entered into force in 2019 during Egypt's one-year chairmanship of the AU, Hegazy said. On the bilateral level, President Al-Sisi met many African leaders, among them Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, Angolan President João Lourenço, the present AU Chair, Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema, chairman of Libya's Presidential Council Mohamed Al-Menfi, and former Nigerien president Mahamadou Issoufou, who leads efforts on the AfCFTA. The meetings held on the sidelines of the AU's Coordination Meeting tackled ways of enhancing regional cooperation, development, and stability across Africa. In addition to focusing on bilateral relations, the African leaders also discussed several regional issues of mutual interest, particularly the situations in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, the Sahel, and Somalia. Al-Sisi highlighted the importance of African integration, achieving stability, and joint work, Hegazy said. 'This is the trilogy that Egypt focused on during this week's meeting. It will focus on the same issues when it speaks for the continent during the G20 meeting to be held in Cairo on 1 September,' he said. The AU Mid-Year Coordination Mechanism was established in 2017 to replace the AU's traditional mid-year summits. It brings together a select group of African leaders, including the chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities, AU commissioners, and the heads of regional mechanisms. Its primary aim is to coordinate and harmonise the work of the AU Regional Economic Communities to accelerate the implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063 — Africa's strategic plan for growth and sustainable development. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
16-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt and China: A decade of strategic partnership - Economy - Al-Ahram Weekly
Economic cooperation and the strategic partnership between Egypt and China reached new levels following the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Cairo last week Egypt and China signed a handful of cooperation deals last week in the areas of finance, e-commerce, green and low-carbon development, development assistance, and health. The signatures came during the two-day official visit of the Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang to Cairo on 9-10 July. During his visit, Li met with President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hanafi Gebali and held extensive talks with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli. President Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to enhancing cooperation with China in various sectors of mutual interest and working to activate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, especially with the upcoming celebration, to be held in 2026, of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China. He also commended the contributions of Chinese companies to Egypt's development projects, expressing Egypt's eagerness to attract further Chinese investments, especially in the sectors of renewable energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, and tourism. President Al-Sisi underscored Egypt's interest in promoting cooperation with China in manufacturing, development, and debt swap mechanisms, said the presidential spokesman. In response, Li said China's relations with Egypt were built on long decades of strategic partnership, mutual respect, and common interests. He noted the rapid development in bilateral relations and the close coordination between the two countries on both the regional and international levels, appreciating Egypt's pivotal role as a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East. Li also said China hopes to work with Egypt to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate mutual trust, and continue to give each other firm support, enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership, delivering more results through cooperation in various areas, and building a China-Egypt community with a shared future for the new era. Al-Sisi and Li exchanged views on regional and international developments. Both sides stressed the importance of underpinning the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran and resuming the diplomatic path to resolving the crisis through peaceful means. Both also underscored the necessity of reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid and the importance of reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. Madbouli and Li held an expanded session of talks on 10 July at the cabinet's headquarters in Egypt's New Administrative Capital. Describing Li's visit to Egypt as 'historic', Madbouli commended China's pivotal role in supporting Egypt's development efforts, particularly through the participation of numerous Chinese companies in key infrastructure projects in the country, such as the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital, the new Alamein City Towers, the light rail transit project, as well as the development of China's successful TEDA area in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), an industrial cooperation model hosting 185 companies. Madbouli also voiced the hope that Li's visit would mark the start of a new stage of bilateral cooperation, particularly in localising industry, and transferring Chinese technology to Egypt, especially with regards to solar energy project components, localising electric vehicle manufacturing, and seawater desalination. Given China's global leadership in EV manufacturing, Madbouli urged Chinese companies to establish operations in Egypt and take advantage of the incentives offered by the government. He called on Chinese companies and institutions to boost their investments in Egypt, leveraging Egypt's memberships in free-trade zones with Arab, African, and European countries. Madbouli also stressed the importance of addressing the trade imbalance between the two countries by expanding Egyptian exports to China. He noted that Egyptian products are of high quality and already reach markets in North America, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics, bilateral trade between Egypt and China exceeded $17 billion, with Egypt's imports from China reaching $15.5 billion, in 2024. Li highlighted China's efforts to increase Egyptian exporters' access to the Chinese market, noting that significant measures have already been taken in this regard. The Chinese premier further reiterated China's interest in fostering investment cooperation with Egypt in various sectors, including renewable energy, industry, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and the financial sector. Madbouli and Li witnessed the signing of a handful of cooperation deals between the government and the China International Development Cooperation Agency on e-commerce, green and low-carbon development, development assistance, finance and health. Economic and business observers believe the deals will boost Egypt's ambition to become a regional energy and logistics hub and to China's efforts to promote South-South cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Among the landmark deals, the People's Bank of China and the Central Bank of Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen financial cooperation that covers local-currency use when it comes to settling cross-border transactions and the exchange of information and professional expertise in monetary policy, financial markets, central bank digital currencies, digital innovation and electronic payment systems. Businessman Mohamed Farag Amer, former deputy chairman of parliament's Industry Committee, described the decision of China and Egypt to use local currencies in settling their business transactions as a landmark step that reflects the trust between the two countries. 'This step will help reduce the dependence on foreign exchange, particularly the US dollar, and comes as a response to the intention of the BRICS countries to settle their financial transactions in local currencies instead of the dollar,' Amer said. Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat and President of the China International Development Cooperation (CIDA) Agency Chen Xiaodogn also signed five cooperation documents aimed at strengthening Egyptian-Chinese strategic relations. The documents include a memorandum of understanding on the first development cooperation strategy between the two countries for the period 2025-2029 and the first phase of the debt-for-development swap programme. 'Egypt is the first country with which the CIDA has inked such a development financing agreement,' said Al-Mashat, noting that 'Egypt has significant experience and success in debt swap mechanisms, especially with Italy and Germany, with over $900 million in such programmes.' The two sides also inked an exchange of letters for a 1.520 million Chinese Yuan feasibility study grant for a project to set up a prosthetics system, an MoU boosting cooperation in human resource development under which the Chinese side will train some 2,000 Egyptians, and an exchange of letters for a grant to set up a biosafety lab. Al-Mashat emphasised that Li's visit to Egypt and his meetings with Al-Sisi and Madbouli reflect the continuous progress of bilateral relations between the two countries and help implement the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by the presidents of the two countries in 2014. * A version of this article appears in print in the 17 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi reviews Egypt's food security, strategic commodity reserves
President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi held a high-level meeting on Tuesday with key government officials to review Egypt's food security strategy and assess the status of the country's strategic commodity reserves, according to a presidential statement. The meeting included Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Supply Sherif Farouk, Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk, and the Executive Director of the 'Future of Egypt' Development Authority. Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy confirmed that Egypt's strategic reserves of essential goods—including wheat, sugar, vegetable oils, meat, and poultry—remain stable and sufficient. Discussions highlighted recent procurement agreements, including the purchase of 3.4 million tonnes of wheat, 192,000 tonnes of crude vegetable oils, 4,000 tonnes of frozen poultry, and 6,000 tonnes of frozen meat. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to diversifying import sources to mitigate risks from global supply disruptions. President Al-Sisi stressed the importance of full coordination among relevant agencies to ensure an integrated approach to national food security. Special emphasis was placed on collaboration with the 'Future of Egypt' authority to boost cultivation of strategic crops in the New Delta project and advance self-sufficiency goals. The meeting also covered regulatory efforts related to bakeries, mills, and local markets, alongside progress in the rollout of 'One-Day Markets.' A total of 200 such markets were launched in November 2024, with another 200 planned for May 2025. On the retail front, officials discussed plans to attract foreign investment and expand commercial infrastructure, with new retail chains slated for El-Obour, Nasr City, and Qalyoub. Preparations are also underway to launch 'Carry On,' the country's first government-backed retail brand, in partnership with the private sector. Additional topics included the digital transformation of Egypt's agricultural sector, updates to subsidy recipient databases, and the establishment of the national commodities exchange. Registration of exporters and importers on the exchange platform has begun, and a draft law to formally regulate its operations—based on international standards—is in development. The meeting also addressed the production and distribution of fertilizers, particularly nitrates and urea, with Al-Sisi calling for gradual reforms that support farmers while maintaining food security. The president underscored the need to improve local cattle breeds to boost meat and dairy production, as part of broader efforts to enhance agricultural output and reduce reliance on imports.
Daily News Egypt
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi welcomes Trump's remarks on Nile Dam, endorses US vision for ‘just peace'
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Tuesday welcomed recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding the Nile Dam in Ethiopia, voicing support for what he described as Trump's 'vision for achieving a just peace' in global conflict zones. In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Al-Sisi praised what he called the US administration's 'serious efforts' to mediate international disputes and end wars. He expressed confidence in Trump's ability to help resolve complex issues—including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and across Africa. Addressing the Nile dam dispute, Al-Sisi said Egypt values Trump's interest in securing a fair agreement that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders, while reaffirming Egypt's view of the Nile as a 'source of life' for its people. Trump's remarks came during a meeting Monday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, in which he referenced the Ethiopian dam, describing it as 'one of the largest in the world.' He added that it had 'stopped the flow of water to what's known as the Nile River'—a rare public alignment with Cairo's long-held concerns that GERD poses a potential threat to Egypt's water security. 'If I were Egypt, I'd want the water in the Nile,' Trump said, before adding, 'We believe this issue will be resolved very soon.' The comments sparked debate, particularly over Trump's apparent acknowledgment that the US had supported the dam's construction—an unexpected development amid longstanding tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile water rights. Negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), have repeatedly stalled in recent years despite international mediation. Egypt fears the dam will significantly reduce its share of Nile water, while Ethiopia insists the project is essential for economic development and electricity generation.
