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See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Pakistani PM Extends Eid Al-Adha Greetings to President Sisi
H-Tayea Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to extend warm Eid Al-Adha greetings. During the talks, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the Egyptian leadership, government, and people on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. He expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt's constructive role and diplomatic efforts in promoting peace during the recent Pakistan-India crisis. The leaders also discussed key regional developments, including the evolving situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Sharif recalled his official visit to Cairo in December 2024 to attend the D-8 Summit, and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment further to strengthen the longstanding ties between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and healthcare. President El-Sisi warmly reciprocated the Prime Minister's Eid greetings and extended his best wishes to the people of Pakistan. He expressed Egypt's interest in deepening its partnership with Pakistan and acknowledged Pakistan's ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in South Asia. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue working together to promote mutual interests and regional peace. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Egypt Independent
08-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Iranian Tourism Minister talks boosting mutual tourism and Egypt's vital regional role in exclusive interview
Iran's Minister of Tourism and Culture Reza Salehi Amiri said that Egypt and Iran have entered a new phase of bilateral relations, following the historic meeting between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his Iranian counterpart during the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation In this exclusive interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm, the minister explained that efforts are now underway to stimulate mutual tourism. Tehran aims to attract one million Iranian tourists to Egypt over the next five years, while efforts are underway to restore direct flights between Cairo and Tehran. The minister said that the most important features of tourism in Egypt are the pyramids, the Nile, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. He also praised Egypt's role in supporting Gaza and its efforts to stop the war, stressing that negotiations with the US on the nuclear issue are independent of the Gaza issue. Interview: How do you view bilateral relations between Egypt and Iran? Relations between Egypt and Iran are truly historic – both countries possess world-renowned civilizations that have stood the test of time. Though the relationship between the two countries has experienced its ups and downs, the current phase is developing well thanks to the wisdom and courage of its presidents. The visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his historic meeting with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi – during their participation in the D-8 Summit held in Cairo – was very fruitful and built upon many areas. Therefore, my visit to Cairo comes to consolidate the relationship between the two countries. We can thus say that the relationship between both countries has entered a new phase. Within my work there are serious steps between both countries to develop many areas, particularly within tourism and the economy. Is there a timeline for revitalizing tourism between the two countries in light of developing relations? Iran is prepared, and is currently working to finalize a memorandum of understanding to present to Egypt. The memorandum should cover all relevant measures in this area, including efforts to restore direct flights between Cairo and Tehran, which would greatly facilitate matters for tourists and investors. I believe that by the end of this year, we will witness tourism programs and the return of direct flights between the two countries. Upon my return to Tehran, I will meet with a representative from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to achieve this. We will also work to establish tourism agencies and companies. We have declared in Iran that this year is the year of 'investment,' both domestically and abroad, in accordance to an announcement from the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. You participated in the meetings of the D-8's Tourism and Culture Ministers. Are there any proposals regarding a common visa for these countries, similar to the Shingle visa? I have proposed working among the D-8 countries to do away with visa requirements. Iran has already abolished the requirements for approximately 33 countries, including Egypt. It is therefore of the utmost importance and necessity that we work to abolish visa requirements among member states, which would save costs for tourists and investors in these friendly countries. Are serious steps being made in dealing in local currencies, especially for BRICS countries? Yes, we are working on this. We want to see local currencies among D-8 countries, similar to our cooperation with BRICS. Tehran has no objection to developing this relationship and engaging with these countries in all economic, industrial, and medical tourism fields. In your opinion, what is the preferred destination for Iranian tourists, and what do you think of Egyptian tourists? The Pyramids and the Nile top the preferred tourist destinations for Iranian tourists, as will the Grand Egyptian Museum, a truly unique treasure trove that will create a boom in attracting tourists to Egypt. In addition, there is Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, as well as religious tourism, which includes the mosques of the Prophet's family. I have agreed with Egyptian Minister of Tourism Sherif Fathy, to write a memorandum of understanding to work in accordance with Egyptian and Iranian law and vision together. I also invited him to participate in a visit to Tehran in July. We aim to have about one million Iranian tourists visit in the next five years, equivalent to 200,000 tourists annually. Just as Egypt has its ancient Pharaonic civilization and antiquities that dazzle the world, Iran also has many tourist attractions such as Isfahan, Khorasan and more. What is your impression of Egypt? Egypt now boasts numerous new industrial and tourist cities, and has the infrastructure and roads that pave the way for it to occupy the top positions in global tourism, thanks to the efforts of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Furthermore, Egypt's people are great, its civilization is ancient, its history is celebrated, and its society is united. What are the components of tourism in Iran? We have approximately 43,000 historical monuments, 6,000 tourism companies, approximately 15,000 tour guides, and 455,000 tourist beds. The government has a program to double this number by constructing over 500 new hotels, and approximately 300 catering establishments have been registered with UNESCO. We also have 800 historical sites that have been converted into tourist attractions. While we currently receive around 7.5 million tourists annually, we have a plan to increase that number to approximately 12 million. Is there a three- or four-year tourism plan or program in place? Egypt is our priority in promoting tourism in the Arab region. Central Asia and the Caucasus, as well as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as Russia and China, are also at the forefront. In your opinion, have the wars in the region affected tourism? Yes, this is true. Egypt and Iran therefore agree on the necessity of halting Israel's criminal war on the Gaza Strip, as well as its attacks on Yemen and, before that, Lebanon and Syria. Therefore, if this war were to cease it would only positively impact the economy and tourism, improve security and stability, and boost the safety of infrastructure. How do you view Egypt's efforts to stop the war on Gaza? Egypt has a major role to play in working to stop Israel's on the Gaza Strip, as it shoulders the Palestinian cause. From the very first moment the war broke out, Cairo has been relentless in exerting pressure and engaging in negotiations to end the war. It is the first line of defense for the people of Gaza. Iran appreciates Egypt's role, its support, and its assistance to the oppressed in Palestine. Egypt is truly the guarantor of regional and global stability, security, and peace. What of the resistance in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon? The resistance in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon are setting the most wonderful examples in defending their homelands and their lands. They are also avenging the blood spilt due to the arrogant Zionist occupation, which has violated everything and is only deterred by resistance which teaches it lesson after lesson, even if the price are innocent souls. Yet it is the only way to liberate their lands. Do you think the US is bargaining with Iran over the nuclear issue by using the pressure card on the resistance? First, Iran will spare no effort to assist any resistance movement that seeks to reclaim every inch of its territory and avenge its dignity. It does not treat the resistance as a business like the US does on many issues. Iran stands with the resistance and fully supports it. However, negotiations with Washington over the Iranian nuclear issue are far from a bargain or a withdrawal of support for the resistance in any country. Our goal in the negotiations is to lift US sanctions, while emphasizing that Tehran has no plan to acquire a nuclear bomb. I believe the indications surrounding the negotiations are positive.
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Reviving Pak-BD ties
EDITORIAL: Relations between the two South Asian cousins, Pakistan and Bangladesh, have been improving since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last August in a students-led mass uprising and fled to India. Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for the resumption of formal talks after a 15-year-long hiatus. There have been several high-level informal exchanges, however. Last September Bangladesh's interim leader Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of UN General Assembly session; and again, in December at the D-8 Summit in Cairo. The next month, i.e. January last, a six-member military delegation, led by Lt-Gen S M Kamrul Hasan, made an exceptional visit to Pakistan and called on the three armed forces chiefs and also held discussions with other high-ranking officers. Then in February Bangladeshi navy participated in a multinational maritime exercises held off the Karachi coast. These interactions are reflective of a strong mutual desire to revitalize relations. According to media reports, while the government-to-government talks were resumed two months ago, before then a container ship carrying 50,000 tons of rice had sailed from Karachi to Chittagong for the first time since 1971. And direct private trade had already started in November last. There is a lot of room for increasing bilateral trade which at present stands around $700 million annually. Meanwhile, visa procedures have been simplified as direct flights between the two countries are expected to be resumed soon. Our Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to go on a two-day visit to Bangladesh later this month. All this would have been unthinkable under Sheikh Hasina, who had no inclination to let the bygones be bygones, whether that involved citizens of her own country – in 2015, her government sent two opposition leaders to the gallows allegedly for committing war crimes during the 1971 war of secession — or relations with Pakistan which she regularly criticised. Cozying up to India, she ruled with an iron hand that finally led to her undoing and exile to India. Some of the old issues, nevertheless, still linger on. Dhaka reportedly has been preparing to formally raise its demand for USF 4.52 billion in financial compensation from Pakistan. After Thursday's meeting with Amna Baloch Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin said his side had raised historically 'unsettled issues' with Pakistan, including a formal public apology for the events of 1971, as well as monetary compensation. None of this is likely to yield the sought outcome. However, the two sides also discussed expansion of trade and commerce as well as increasing cooperation in agriculture and other sectors. Baloch also called on Yunus who while emphasising strengthening of ties with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potential, said 'there are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward.' Both sides can do that without prejudice to their respective positions on old and unresolved emotive issues. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Asia Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Asia Times
Bangladesh-Pakistan thaw putting the heat on India
The virtual geopolitical map of South Asia is essentially being redrawn—not with sweeping declarations, but with quiet, deliberate strokes. For decades, the bond between India and Bangladesh stood as a testament to shared history and hard-won liberation. But that solidarity, once assumed unshakable, is beginning to fray. At the center of this shift stands Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, now leading Bangladesh's interim government. Under his watch, Dhaka is looking past the familiar embrace of New Delhi and extending a cautious hand toward an unlikely partner: Islamabad. This is no mere diplomatic nicety. When Yunus met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the margins of the D-8 Summit in Egypt last year, it was the first public thaw in a long-frozen relationship. That moment, barely noticed beyond foreign ministry press rooms, has since gathered momentum. The outreach to Beijing that followed—underscored by Yunus's high-profile visit and rumors of Chinese infrastructure creeping dangerously close to India's northeastern frontier—has only deepened New Delhi's unease. For many of the Bangladeshis who grew up in the shadow of 1971, the image of a national leader shaking hands with a Pakistani counterpart is jarring. The Liberation War, marked by genocide and trauma, is not just a historical event—it is a national memory burned deep and bitterly into the Bangladeshi psyche. Under the previous Bangladeshi leader, Sheikh Hasina, rapprochement with Pakistan was a red line. Bangladesh, however, is signaling that it no longer views its foreign policy through a single lens. In a region where alliances are shifting and influence is up for grabs, Dhaka is playing a more unpredictable game. And for India, long accustomed to viewing its neighbor as a diplomatic constant, the message is clear: nothing in South Asia is immutable—not even the past. What's most revealing about the recent flurry of Bangladesh-Pakistan diplomatic and intelligence exchanges is not their substance but their stagecraft. These are not backchannel overtures or discreet summits hidden from view. They're calculated public displays—photo ops paired with press releases—that are meant to speak volumes. For Islamabad, long sidelined in South Asian geopolitics, this is a lifeline. It sees in Dhaka a new partner, and a chance to regain relevance in a neighborhood where it has steadily lost influence. Economic incentives, defense cooperation and even shared interests in multilateral forums are all now on the table. And Pakistan is not wasting time. Bangladesh's rationale, however, is less about rekindling old ties and more about widening the playing field. With India's regional dominance increasingly viewed through a lens of asymmetry and assertiveness, Dhaka is hedging. The interim government, untethered from the emotional weight of political dynasties, is embracing a colder, more transactional diplomacy. But this new pragmatism comes with risks. The memory of 1971—the genocide, the mass displacement, the war crimes—still hangs heavily over the national psyche. For millions of Bangladeshis, reconciliation is as much a matter of policy as it is a matter of principle. Any move that even hints at absolution or amnesia risks igniting public outrage, especially among a younger generation that is both politically engaged and historically aware. Whether this diplomatic thaw evolves into something lasting or fizzles under the weight of historical trauma remains to be seen. But what's certain is that the regional balance is shifting. Bangladesh is no longer content to play the predictable junior partner in India's shadow. In this emerging post-Hasina landscape, the country is testing the boundaries of its autonomy, carving out space to redefine its alliances on its own terms. The past came roaring back to center stage during the recent foreign secretary-level talks between Bangladesh and Pakistan—the first in over 15 years. Held in Dhaka, the consultations were anything but routine. Bangladesh's demands were unapologetically direct: US$4.52 billion in reparations, including unpaid wartime dues and cyclone relief, and a long-overdue, unequivocal apology for the genocide of 1971. That Islamabad has repeatedly dodged responsibility—offering only tepid expressions of 'regret' while sidestepping accountability—remains one of the most enduring fractures in South Asian diplomacy. And while the interim administration may appear more willing to engage, these demands echo those made by every Awami League-led government before it. The message is clear: rapprochement cannot come at the expense of remembrance. Yet, even as historical wounds remain open, Dhaka is diversifying its defense and diplomacy. Bangladesh's participation in Pakistan's AMAN-25 naval drills and its reported interest in Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jets mark a subtle but significant departure from its traditional military sourcing. For many foreign policy hawks, the calculus is unmistakable—China may remain a dominant supplier, but strategic diversification is now a clear priority in Dhaka. This recalibration also extends beyond the China-Pakistan axis. The recent visit of Bangladeshi Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman to Moscow, alongside the arrival of Russian warships in Chittagong, underscores Bangladesh's intent to expand its security partnerships. And the elevation of Khalilur Rahman—formerly the government's envoy on the Rohingya crisis—to the post of national security adviser signals a more assertive, regionally-focused strategic posture. The stakes have only grown higher under intensifying American pressure. Washington's calls for stronger alignment on Myanmar policy add another layer of complexity to Dhaka's already delicate balancing act. The challenge is not simply choosing allies but managing expectations while protecting sovereignty. Still, it would be a mistake to conflate Bangladesh's changing foreign policy with a betrayal of its foundational ideals. The rejection of the Awami League's authoritarianism does not imply a rejection of the values forged in 1971—freedom, justice and sovereignty. These are not slogans for the history books; they are the aspirations of a new generation demanding dignity at home and credibility abroad. New Delhi should take note. A political transition in Dhaka does not automatically translate into deference. If India expects loyalty without engagement, it is misreading the moment. Bangladesh's foreign policy alignment is no longer a foregone conclusion. And the road ahead demands more than perfunctory summits or press releases: It calls for honest reckoning with history, with each other and with the regional realities of a fast-shifting world order. Abu Jakir is a Dhaka-based journalist
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Bangladesh to widen trade ties
Listen to article In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, Pakistan and Bangladesh are working closely to strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples. Taking a step forward in this direction, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in the last week of April 2025. The visit is expected to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in the fields of tourism and investment, where ample opportunities await Pakistan in Bangladesh's growing market. The Deputy High Commissioner, S M Mahbubul Alam, said there is ample scope for widening and strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral relations between the two countries while addressing a reception arranged by the Bangladesh Mission to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The National Day celebration commenced with a grand ceremony, beginning with the national anthems of both countries. Minister of Sindh government Saeed Ghani was the guest of honour. Bangladesh High Commissioner in Pakistan Iqbal Husain Khan, Consuls General of different countries in Karachi, other diplomats, senators, members of national and provincial assemblies, political leadership, government officials of Pakistan and Sindh Province, business leaders, cultural activists, women entrepreneurs, media personalities and journalists attended the celebration. He added that Bangladesh and Pakistan have maintained excellent bilateral relationships. Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif held several meetings over the past months. They met in September 2024 on the sidelines of the 79th UNGA in New York and again in December 2024 during the D-8 Summit in Cairo. The meetings highlighted the desire to enhance cooperation, especially in economic development, trade, investment, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties. On April 17, 2025, the 6th Round of Foreign Secretary-Level Consultations took place in Dhaka. Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Ambassador Jashim Uddin and Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Ambassador Amna Baloch led the respective delegations and discussed all aspects of bilateral relations. The deputy high commissioner highlighted increased trade activity, including a direct container ship link operational since November 2024 and upcoming direct flights. Delegations from FPCCI, TDAP, TCP, and cultural troupes have visited Bangladesh. Key Bangladeshi exports include jute, garments, leather goods, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. Pakistan also participated in the Bangladesh Investment Summit in April 2025. He underscored Bangladesh's tourism appeal, including Cox's Bazar and the Sundarbans, and its strong remittance and export economy. Alam invited more business delegations and tourists from Pakistan to Bangladesh and assured extending all possible support to facilitate visits, including coordinating and processing visas on priority basis.
