Latest news with #Canadian-Egyptian
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt and Canada strengthen economic and diplomatic partnership - Foreign Affairs
Canada's Ambassador to Egypt, Ulric Shannon, emphasised the strong ties between the two nations during a roundtable with journalists, highlighting cooperation in trade, peacekeeping, cultural exchange and diplomatic relations. In his first roundtable discussion since assuming his role, Canada's Ambassador to Egypt, Ulric Shannon, reflected on the deep historical ties between the two countries, underscoring decades of collaboration in economic development, education, and regional stability. He invoked an Egyptian proverb -- those who drink from the Nile must return to it -- to express his connection to Egypt, where he began his diplomatic career two decades ago. Canada and Egypt have fostered partnerships in trade, investment, and peacekeeping, he stated, adding that Canada has invested over $1 billion in Egypt over 40 years, supporting sustainable growth and education. From the 1956 UN mission to the ongoing Canadian Forces' presence in Sinai, security cooperation remains a cornerstone, he noted. The ambassador highlighted the Canadian-Egyptian community's role and language as bridges for mutual understanding, adding that the discussion set the stage for deeper collaboration in the coming decades. The roundtable reinforced Canada's commitment to strengthening ties with Egypt, with the ambassador expressing optimism for future joint initiatives. "There are 20,000 Egyptian students enrolled either in a Canadian university or school in Egypt, and Canada has a good reputation in the field of education, with partnerships to establish schools and universities in Egypt following the Canadian curriculum. There is also cooperation in the health sector between the two countries with a priority on providing basic health services for women and girls in remote and underserved areas. The current Canadian development programme, which is valued at approximately $8-9 million annually, focuses on gender equality, economic empowerment, food security, reproductive health, and climate change resilience, with a particular emphasis on the most disadvantaged populations in Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta," Ambassador Shannon told Ahram Online. The ambassador expressed his country's deep appreciation for Egypt's efforts in managing regional crises, particularly its efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid. He emphasised that Canada is closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern. "We believe in the importance of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we intend to recognise the state of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly meetings next September, in support of the two-state solution," he stated Ambassador Shannon pointed to Canada's ongoing consultations with Egypt and tangible diplomatic efforts in this regard. He also stressed that the convening of the United Nations General Assembly next month will bolster these efforts. Canada has imposed sanctions against two Israeli ministers for encouraging violence against Palestinians. Egypt plays a pivotal role in the region, and Canada values Egypt's efforts to secure the release of hostages and achieve a ceasefire, Shannon stated With additional resources announced on 29 July 2025, Canada has now pledged over $355 million in international assistance to address humanitarian needs and enhance the resilience of Palestinian civilians since 7 October 2023. "The crucial point is ensuring this aid reaches Gaza, and of course, we are committed to the UN's mechanisms for distributing this aid," Shannon said, adding that while there are alternative methods, Canada adheres to the UN's channels. "We have repeatedly condemned Israel's refusal and obstruction of aid delivery; therefore, we are working to coordinate with all parties to ensure the aid reaches its destination," he added. Regarding tourism between the two countries, Shannon indicated the operation of direct flights between Cairo and Toronto five times a week, mostly carrying dual nationals. He highlighted that Canadian tourists tend to favour the Red Sea region and historical sites and that he and the Egyptian ambassador in Canada coordinate in encouraging Canadians to visit Egypt. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Ministry of Culture Names Mena Massoud as Arts Ambassador
The Canadian-Egyptian actor will serve as a cultural envoy, bridging Egypt's creative industries with global audiences. May 07, 2025 The Ministry of Culture has appointed Canadian-Egyptian actor Mena Massoud as the official Ambassador for Egyptian Arts and Culture. The announcement was made during a meeting in Cairo, where Dr. Henein praised Massoud for his international success and his commitment to promoting Egyptian heritage. Massoud, best known for his role as Aladdin in Disney's 2019 live-action adaptation, expressed his gratitude for the honour. He emphasised his dedication to fostering cultural exchange and supporting Egypt's artistic community. In his new role, Massoud will participate in various cultural initiatives, including serving as Guest of Honour at the upcoming Cairo International Film Festival. He will also engage in workshops and theatre projects aimed at nurturing emerging talent and enhancing Egypt's cultural outreach.
CairoScene
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Kotn's Tefnut: Built for the Wild, Styled for the City
Tefnut is a return to nature, a nod to Kotn's Egyptian roots, and a reminder that adventure begins with what you wear. There's a certain poetry in wearing something that feels like it belongs to the land itself—something that carries the elements, resists them, and moves with them. Tefnut , the latest collection by Kotn is a return to the origins of textile craftsmanship. Designed with a utilitarian edge and crafted from 100% organic paper-touch cotton, the collection reimagines what outerwear can be—breathable, lightweight, water-resistant, and built to endure without the synthetic footprint of modern techwear. For Kotn, this isn't just a design choice—it's a philosophy. The Canadian-Egyptian brand, founded in 2015 by Rami Helali, Benjamin Sehl, and Mackenzie Yeates, was built on a simple but radical idea: that fashion could be both ethical and essential. What started as an effort to reclaim the narrative of Egyptian cotton - long lost to the global fast fashion machine - and reconnect it to its land and its people, has since grown into a globally recognized label. Known for its minimalist, high-quality basics and its direct partnerships with farmers in the Nile Delta. Kotn has embedded itself in social impact, using its proceeds to fund schools in rural Egypt, a mission woven as deeply into its DNA as its textiles. Tefnut is the next step in that evolution. Shot against the alien-white rock formations of Egypt's Western Desert, the collection is a tribute to nature's resilience—crafted with a fabric that echoes the durability of the landscapes it was made for. 'A lot of activewear today, if not all of it, is made with oil. It's plastic,' says Helali. 'We wanted to achieve the same results—being out in the wild, in the elements, experiencing the beauty of nature—without compromising what we stand for, which is natural fibers.' The tightly woven cotton, a fabric that has existed for millennia, acts as an organic shield against wind and water. Over time, as it breaks in, it develops a lived-in softness, a personal imprint of every journey taken. Every detail in the collection serves a purpose—double-needle stitching reinforces the seams, pocket construction nods to heritage design, two-way zips allow for adaptability. The campaign itself is a personal one. Helali grew up exploring Egypt's outdoors with his closest friend, Zaatar. 'We'd seen so much of Egypt together—whether it was spearfishing, diving, camping—and that was the genesis of this idea. How do we take these experiences we grew up knowing so well and bring them to life?' he says. Bringing together a group of 26 people—including guides from Farafra Oasis, old friends, and creatives with backgrounds in extreme outdoor sports—the shoot became more than just a campaign. It became a shared experience, a reconnection to the land. 'That's what made it special,' Helali explains. 'Bringing all of these people together to experience the same adventures we had growing up.' At its core, Tefnut is a reminder that fashion doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment. It can be both functional and natural, forward-thinking yet deeply rooted in history. And in a world where outdoor gear is increasingly built from synthetics, Kotn is offering something different—something that, like the desert itself, is shaped by time, wear, and the stories it collects along the way.
