Latest news with #Egyptian-European
Egypt Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Amb to EU: There is growing European support for Cairo's role in regional peace
Martyrs in Gaza after continous Israeli bombardment of entire residential blocks - file CAIRO - 29 May 2025: Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt's Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg, and NATO, stated that one of the main pillars of Egyptian-European relations is supporting stability and security in the Middle East. He noted that this partnership reflects a special relationship between Egypt and the European Union and demonstrates European interest in listening to the Egyptian vision, leveraging Egypt's role in peacebuilding, and promoting political solutions to crises in the region. Abu Zeid added, in a Zoom interview with journalist Dr. Menna Farouk on Extra News, that European partners are keen to benefit from Egypt's expertise and regional relationships, and to rely on Egyptian diplomatic capabilities to resolve crises. He pointed out that this is clearly evident in the way the European Union deals with the Palestinian issue, demonstrating a strong interest in supporting Egypt's mediation role, addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and listening to the Egyptian vision regarding the need to reach a comprehensive and sustainable solution based on the two-state solution and the protection of Palestinian rights. He continued, noting that Egypt's role is not limited to the Palestinian issue, but also includes contributing to addressing other regional situations, such as those in Sudan, Syria, and the Red Sea. He pointed out that the European Union listens to Egyptian opinion and takes into account the advice it offers in developing its collective position, despite the fact that the decision-making process within the EU is extremely complex, as it consists of 27 member states and includes multiple institutions such as the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. He emphasized that the ability of Egyptian diplomacy to reach these institutions and persuade them of various positions has contributed to pushing the European Union to adopt honorable positions that support international law and call for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to regional issues, especially the Palestinian issue. He emphasized that these positions do not come out of nowhere, but rather are the result of significant diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Egyptian state.
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al Mashat participates in Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum
Basant Ahmed Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in the Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum, held at the General Authority for Investment. The forum was attended by H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; H.E. Mr. Benjamin Dosa, Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade and International Development Cooperation; Mr. Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Ambassador of Sweden to Egypt; Ms. Maria Håkansson, CEO of the Swedish Development Finance Institution "Swedfund"; and a number of major Swedish companies investing in Egypt, including IKEA, Ericsson, and Electrolux, among others. During her speech, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum represents a gathering that reflects the strength of the economic partnership between Egypt and Sweden, two nations that share a vision for progress driven by innovation, investment, and cooperation. H.E. noted that the first Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum contributed to enhancing dialogue, strengthening trade relations, and led to actionable insights on how to deepen cooperation. Among the key outcomes was a shared ambition to enhance financial mechanisms, support business expansion, and leverage expertise in technology and sustainability. The success of that forum laid the foundation for today's discussions, allowing for building upon mutual achievements. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that the presence of Swedish companies operating in Egypt plays a crucial role in driving innovation, creating job opportunities, and promoting industrial efficiency. This also reflects Egypt's centrality as a regional and international hub in trade and logistics, encompassing everything from infrastructure and digital solutions to financial tools that empower entrepreneurs and companies alike. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that the forum represents an opportunity to further integrate Swedish expertise with Egyptian ambition, ensuring the continued achievement of shared goals. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the strong Egyptian-European relations, both at the country and European financial institution levels, which support sustainable development efforts in Egypt and empower the private sector. She mentioned that next June will witness the launch of the investment guarantee mechanism, which was announced during the Egyptian-EU Summit. This mechanism provides guarantees worth 1.8 billion Euros to attract private capital and mobilize impactful investments across vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, digitalization, water, agriculture, and climate resilience. These guarantees will also play a pivotal role in mobilizing additional financing from European and international development banks, enhancing Egypt's investment landscape, and creating new opportunities for the private sector, including Swiss companies. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat touched on the ambitious measures implemented by the government since March 2024 to enhance macroeconomic stability and improve the business environment, aimed at driving growth, employment, and solidifying the economy's resilience. This was reflected in the shift in the quality of economic growth, now based on non-petroleum manufacturing industries, as well as an increase in private sector investments compared to a contraction in public investments. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also stressed the importance of fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Swedish companies in Egypt, as well as strengthening technical support within the framework of the national platform for the "NWFE" program. She also highlighted Egypt's endeavors in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to boost the competitiveness of Egyptian exports while adapting to the green transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that the forum provides a unique opportunity to build lasting partnerships, explore untapped potential, and align economic visions for a better tomorrow. She confirmed the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation commitment to maximizing the benefit from development cooperation mechanisms with the Swedish side to drive economic development. 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 Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer 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
Middle East
25-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// House speaker: Egypt committed to constants of strategic partnership with EU
CAIRO, May 25 (MENA) - Speaker of the House of Representatives Hanafy Gebaly has stressed Egypt's commitment to the constants of its comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU, lauding the positive momentum in Egyptian-European relations. Gebaly made the remarks in a meeting on Sunday with members of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries (DMAS). The European Parliament's group was led by Laurent Castillo. The House speaker said Egypt is moving ahead with implementing economic and political reforms, despite regional crises that have taken their toll on the country. He briefed the European Parliament's delegation on the legislative and oversight role played by the Egyptian parliament in promoting human rights. Gebaly stated that the Egyptian-European cooperation on illegal migration is based on addressing the root causes of this phenomenon. The House speaker praised the EU's keenness to support Egypt for being a key pillar of stability in the region, especially as the country faces regional challenges and regional and international economic crises. He called on the European side to speed up the disbursement of the €4 billion second tranche aid package by the European Union (EU) to Egypt. Regarding the regional situation, Gebaly underlined the necessity of reaching a ceasefire and allowing the access of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, while reaffirming Egypt's firm position on rejecting the displacement of Palestinians. The House speaker also stressed the two-state solution is the only path to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and achieving stability and peaceful coexistence in the region. On his part, Castillo commended the significant development in Egypt-EU relations, which have been elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, based on the EU's recognition of Egypt's important role, its political and economic influence, its strategic location and its promising future as well as the development boom it has achieved under the banner of the New Republic. Castillo expressed appreciation of Egypt's efforts in introducing economic and political reforms, countering illegal migration and bringing about regional stability, emphasizing the urgent need to continue the European-Egyptian parliamentary dialogue, with a view to enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides. (MENA) M R E/R E E
Daily News Egypt
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, EU discuss 2nd phase of €4bn macro-financial assistance; mission expected late May
Egypt is preparing to receive a high-level European mission at the end of May to conclude negotiations regarding the second phase of the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) mechanism, as part of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Annika Eriksgard, Director-General for Economic and Financial Affairs at the European Commission, held a video conference meeting to follow up on the implementation of this second phase. The meeting was part of a series of negotiation meetings conducted by the ministry concerning the economic aspects of structural reform procedures linked to the MFA's second tranche, valued at €4bn. Discussions during the video conference centred on the structural reform measures that the Egyptian state aims to implement. These reforms are overseen by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in coordination with various national entities, and fall under three main pillars: strengthening macroeconomic resilience and stability, improving the business environment and investment climate, and promoting the transition to a green economy. The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming visit of a European Commission delegation to Egypt at the end of May. The delegation is scheduled to hold a number of meetings with various national entities to finalize the procedures related to the second tranche of the mechanism. During the meeting, Al-Mashat praised 'the significant progress in Egyptian-European relations since the joint summit held last March, the elevation of relations to the level of strategic partnership, as well as the full coordination between various national and European entities to implement the main pillars of the comprehensive partnership between Egypt and the European Union.' Al-Mashat emphasized that 'the economic aspect is of great importance in light of the great importance the Egyptian state attaches to strengthening economic relations with international partners to meet the requirements of national development and moving forward with the implementation of the national program for structural reforms to improve the business environment and stimulate the investment climate.' The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation is responsible for implementing the economic aspect of Egyptian-European relations. These efforts are particularly focused on the Macro-Financial Assistance mechanism and budget support, as well as an investment guarantees mechanism. In December, Al Mashat announced that the European Commission had approved the disbursement of €1bn as part of the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) mechanism. This sum constitutes the first phase of a total funding package of €5bn.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt secures funding from France, EU for water, energy and rail projects
Egypt, France and the European Union (EU) have signed nine financing and grant agreements worth €262.3m to implement priority projects in Egypt's water treatment, sanitation, renewable energy, and railway sectors. The agreements were finalised during French President Emmanuel Macron's official state visit to Egypt and the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the two countries on Monday. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, highlighted the agreements as a 'pivotal development' in Egyptian-French relations, which extends the Egyptian-European strategic partnership. As part of President Macron's visit, Al-Mashat signed two agreements with the French side, in the presence of both President Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. These included a joint declaration to renew technical and financial cooperation for priority projects in Egypt, a renewal of an agreement signed on June 13, 2021. There was also a joint declaration to implement four priority projects supporting Egypt's economic development, reflecting a shared vision between the two countries. Al-Mashat stated that the signing of the joint declaration by both countries' leaders to elevate relations to a strategic partnership reflected the depth and strength of the historical ties between Egypt and France. She added that it would open opportunities to expand economic, trade, and investment relations, given the regional and international importance of both nations. The ministry will consult with French authorities to determine priority projects for cooperation, directing financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) to drive economic development in sectors of mutual interest, including sustainable infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and technological and human development, Al-Mashat noted. She also highlighted the improved Egyptian-European relations, particularly after they were elevated to a strategic partnership last year. The agreements include the following projects: Regional Control Center Project in Alexandria A concessional financing agreement for €50m from the French Development Agency (AFD) and a €10m grant from the European Union were signed for the 'Regional Control Center Project in Alexandria.' The EU grant will be managed by the AFD for the benefit of the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy. The project is part of the energy pillar of the 'NWFE' programme. The project seeks to provide stable, high-quality electricity supplies to Alexandria residents and modernise the electricity grid's control facilities in one of Egypt's most densely populated areas. It aims to support Alexandria in becoming a regional energy hub, addressing increased energy generation, rising demand, the integration of renewable energy sources, and network expansion. New Wastewater Treatment Plant Project in East Alexandria Financing and grant agreements were signed for the 'New Wastewater Treatment Plant Project in East Alexandria', including €68m in financing from the AFD and a €2m grant for the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities. The project aims to improve wastewater treatment services in Alexandria, supporting new urban development projects. It will alleviate pressure on existing facilities due to population growth, serving approximately 1.5m people (300,000 cubic meters per day) after the first phase's completion in 2032. Robiki / 10th of Ramadan / Belbeis Railway Line Project Financing and grant agreements were signed for the 'Robiki / 10th of Ramadan / Belbeis Railway Line Project,' consisting of €70m in financing from the AFD and an €800,000 grant for the Ministry of Industry and Transport. The project aims to enhance the competitiveness of local producers, accelerate economic growth, and create jobs by facilitating the movement of goods from dry ports to the sea, reducing transport costs and time. Al-Gabal Al-Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Financing and grant agreements were also signed for the third phase of the 'Al-Gabal Al-Asfar Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.' The project includes €50m in financing from AFD, a €1.5m grant, and a €10m grant from the EU, managed by AFD for the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities. This project seeks to enhance sustainable development in the water and sanitation sector by increasing the plant's treatment capacity to meet the needs of the rising population it serves. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Daily News Egypt
