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Egypt Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria prioritize Libya elections: FM
CAIRO, May 31 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said Saturday the tripartite meeting with his counterparts from Tunisia and Algeria reached a consensus on the top priority of holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya as the 'cornerstone' for ensuring security and stability in the country. This came in response to a question from the Middle East News Agency during the joint press conference held Saturday with Gambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mamadou Tangara. The developments in Libya affect the security and stability of the three countries. There is a common interest in strengthening cooperation and consultation between them regarding the situation there, especially since the situation in Libya is 'fragile,' with a state of instability in the capital, Tripoli, and in the west, the top diplomat said We hope, through coordination and consultation with our brothers in Algeria and Tunisia, to activate Libyan ownership of the political solution, because there is no military solution. There was consensus and agreement that the root of the problem is the presence of mercenaries, armed militias, and harmful foreign interference in Libya, and thus there is a need for foreign forces to leave, militias to be dismantled and disarmed, and for political progress to be supported within Libya, preserving the unity of the Libyan state and unifying its institutions, he added. The minister praised the strong relations between Egypt and Gambia, noting that they are set to develop further in the near future, particularly in terms of trade exchange. He also expressed Egypt's appreciation for Gambia, especially in light of its current presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He highlighted Gambia's well-recognized role in supporting Palestinian rights and the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state. (MENA)
Middle East
3 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria prioritize Libya elections: FM
CAIRO, May 31 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said Saturday the tripartite meeting with his counterparts from Tunisia and Algeria reached a consensus on the top priority of holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya as the 'cornerstone' for ensuring security and stability in the country. This came in response to a question from the Middle East News Agency during the joint press conference held Saturday with Gambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mamadou Tangara. The developments in Libya affect the security and stability of the three countries. There is a common interest in strengthening cooperation and consultation between them regarding the situation there, especially since the situation in Libya is 'fragile,' with a state of instability in the capital, Tripoli, and in the west, the top diplomat said We hope, through coordination and consultation with our brothers in Algeria and Tunisia, to activate Libyan ownership of the political solution, because there is no military solution. There was consensus and agreement that the root of the problem is the presence of mercenaries, armed militias, and harmful foreign interference in Libya, and thus there is a need for foreign forces to leave, militias to be dismantled and disarmed, and for political progress to be supported within Libya, preserving the unity of the Libyan state and unifying its institutions, he added. The minister praised the strong relations between Egypt and Gambia, noting that they are set to develop further in the near future, particularly in terms of trade exchange. He also expressed Egypt's appreciation for Gambia, especially in light of its current presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He highlighted Gambia's well-recognized role in supporting Palestinian rights and the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state. (MENA) M S H/R G E
Middle East
23-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// Bulgarian FM praises Egypt's strategic ties with EU and strong role in regional stability
CAIRO, May 23 (MENA) - Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev lauded Egypt's enduring role as a cornerstone of regional stability, citing its balanced diplomacy, wise crisis management, and pivotal contributions amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. In an exclusive interview with the Middle East News Agency (MENA) before departing Cairo, Georgiev commended Egypt's relentless efforts toward achieving peace, its mediation to de-escalate tensions, prevent regional spillover, secure a Gaza ceasefire—in coordination with Qatar and the United States—and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Also, he expressed gratitude for Egypt's role in securing the release of hostages, including Bulgarian nationals held in Gaza and Yemen. Georgiev emphasized Egypt's importance not only to Bulgaria but to the European Union, highlighting the upgrade of Egypt-EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024 and the launch of a Joint Cooperation Committee in February. These developments, he said, marked the beginning of an enhanced cooperation roadmap spanning defense, trade, innovation, and connectivity. He commended the consistent communication and positive relations between the Egyptian and Bulgarian presidents, noting that they lay a solid foundation for President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's anticipated visit to Sofia. He noted his two recent conversations with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty and pointed out that his current visit to Egypt is further testament to the importance both countries place on maintaining a close and constructive political dialogue. As an EU member, Bulgaria actively supports the bloc's foreign policy tools and seeks to deepen cooperation with Egypt across key sectors—energy, security, migration, food security, and research and development, Georgiev said. He described Egypt as a vital partner in shaping a strategic EU-Arab vision for the region. Regarding EU financial support for Egypt, Georgiev noted that the €4 billion in assistance is part of a broader package under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, totaling €7.4 billion. This includes a short-term €1 billion macro-financial assistance—already disbursed—and a longer-term €4 billion assistance program. He clarified that the initiative aims to support macroeconomic stability in Egypt while backing a domestic reform agenda in coordination with the ongoing IMF program. The €4 billion in concessional loans is expected to be disbursed in three tranches, each contingent on satisfactory progress in IMF-backed reforms. Georgiev expressed full confidence in the outcome of this joint institutional process and looked forward to the successful disbursement of the financial aid. On bilateral trade, Georgiev confirmed Bulgaria's interest in exploring new opportunities and expanding existing partnerships. He reported that bilateral trade reached a record $1.81 billion last year—an increase of approximately 41% over the previous year—including $378 million in Egyptian exports to Sofia. He voiced optimism about the growing presence of Bulgarian IT and outsourcing companies in Egypt and the rising interest in investment and production in sectors such as food manufacturing, agriculture, and textiles. He noted that Bulgaria has solidified its position as the fourth-largest exporter of high-quality wheat to Egypt, with a nearly 60% increase in exports—from 285,000 tons to nearly 452,000 tons—valued at over $110 million. According to him, Bulgaria is also actively participating in the 'Solidarity Lanes' initiative to facilitate grain exports through alternative routes. In coordination with Romania and Turkey, Bulgaria supports efforts to clear mines, secure Black Sea corridors, and ensure vital food supplies reach Africa, including Egypt, at fair prices. Georgiev reaffirmed Bulgaria's solidarity with Gaza, citing a €200,000 donation through the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization. He said that during the Cairo Ministerial Conference on Humanitarian Response in Gaza, Bulgaria announced its readiness to provide further assistance, including voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization and other humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza in 2025. The Bulgarian minister affirmed support for the Arab plan to reconstruct Gaza and expressed sincere hope for its successful implementation. He reiterated Bulgaria's full commitment to backing all international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the region. (MENA) R E E/
Al-Ahram Weekly
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt plays crucial role in pushing for Gaza war end ahead of Baghdad Summit: FM - Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty affirmed on Tuesday that Egypt is playing a crucial role in advancing efforts to end the Gaza war ahead of the 34th Arab Summit, set to be held in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, on 17 May. Speaking to the Middle East News Agency (MENA) on the sidelines of preparatory meetings, FM Abdelatty praised Iraq for hosting the summit at a time of critical regional importance. He noted that the Palestinian cause will dominate the discussions, especially amid the ongoing Israeli military assaults in Gaza and the West Bank. 'This is a decisive moment for the Arab world. The summit is taking place as our region faces grave challenges, not least of which is the catastrophic situation in the occupied Palestinian territories,' the minister said. The minister also revealed that a trilateral summit between Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq will occur on the sidelines of the main summit. The trilateral summit is part of an established coordination mechanism to enhance cooperation between the three countries on joint infrastructure, energy, and connectivity projects. Gaza ceasefire efforts FM Abdelatty emphasized that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is personally leading Egypt's diplomatic push to end the war in Gaza. Through a series of summit-level engagements and direct communications with global leaders, the president is pushing ahead with efforts to stop the Israeli offensive and accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. 'President El-Sisi was recently in Moscow, where the Palestinian file was discussed in depth with President Vladimir Putin,' Abdelatty said. He added that Egypt is also coordinating closely with European partners ahead of a key conference in New York scheduled for mid-June, part of a broader effort to revive the two-state solution. He also stated that the mediation efforts exerted during the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire had helped release more than 31 captives, which was a clear achievement. The Egyptian and Qatari mediation efforts have also led to the recent release of Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander, Abdelatty affirmed. Abdelatty stressed that Israel's blockade over Gaza and weaponising starvation against the Palestinians constitute a flagrant violation of all United Nations resolutions and international conventions, particularly international law, international humanitarian law, and the four Geneva Conventions, which place specific obligations on the occupying power. These obligations include ensuring access to essential goods, food supplies, and medical aid for civilians under occupation. He noted that no humanitarian or medical aid trucks have been allowed to enter the strip in over 65 days due to Israeli restrictions. 'We are exerting tremendous efforts — not only through Egypt's mediation in coordination with Qatar, or through talks with the United States — but also via intensive engagement with key international stakeholders,' he said. Moreover, Minister Abdelatty expressed hope that these efforts would lead to a broader ceasefire agreement and a return to the terms outlined in the now-violated 19 January ceasefire. He added that Egypt also actively engages with the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, comprising seven nations, to halt the war. Additionally, Cairo spearheads diplomatic efforts with European powers to recognize the State of Palestine. 'It's unacceptable for one state to wield veto power over the peace process,' the minister stressed, warning that such obstruction undermines prospects for a peaceful solution. Additionally, he affirmed that Egypt is prepared to host an international reconstruction conference for Gaza once a ceasefire is reached. All logistical preparations have been finalized, with support from the United Nations, the World Bank, and other partners. 'We are ready to move forward with the Cairo International Conference for Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza. But the first step must be a ceasefire,' Abdelatty concluded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
16-04-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
FM Warns of Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
Nada Mustafa Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, has described the situation in the Gaza Strip as "extremely dangerous," particularly regarding the humanitarian and medical conditions. This, he said, is due to the continued suspension of aid entry from the Israeli side since the resumption of military aggression in March. Speaking during a joint press conference held on Wednesday with Polish Foreign Minister (FM) Radosław Sikorski, Abdelatty emphasized that the only viable solution is to return to the ceasefire agreement signed on January 19. He noted that this agreement represents the only path toward achieving sustainable calm, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and the release of all hostages. The Egyptian minister affirmed that Cairo's efforts remain ongoing and are focused on reaching an agreement that would secure the release of a group of hostages and prisoners. This, he added, would contribute to de-escalation, halting the aggression, and ensuring the entry of critical humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza, where supplies are nearing depletion. Abdelatty also highlighted ongoing coordination with Qatar and the United States, noting that Egypt's efforts have not ceased. He pointed out that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's recent visits to Qatar and Kuwait are part of Egypt's sincere diplomatic efforts, in cooperation with Arab partners, to reach a ceasefire. FM further underscored the importance of the extensive consultations between President El-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reaffirming the continuation of joint Egyptian-Qatari efforts aimed at ending the aggression and ensuring full humanitarian access. In response to a question from the Middle East News Agency (MENA) about what role Poland and the European Union, currently under Poland's rotating presidency, could play in pressuring Israel to return to the ceasefire and allow humanitarian access to Gaza, Minister Sikorski stated that his country supports a two-state solution. However, he admitted that, unfortunately, their efforts are limited to encouragement, advocacy, and doing everything within their capacity. 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 Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) 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 Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
