Latest news with #MiddleEastandNorthAfricaDepartment
Libyan Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Why Libya matters in Moscow's challenge to Washington?
Copy Link The recent American military posturing near Libya has quickly elicited a Russian response. After US B-52 strategic bombers conducted flyovers alongside British forces above Sirte on 26 February 2025, followed by the USS Mount Whitney's appearances in Tripoli (20 April) and Benghazi (21 April), Moscow has countered by sending a high-level diplomat to Libya's capital. Alexander Kishniak, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department at Russia's Foreign Ministry, arrived in Tripoli on 28 April 2025. He delivered a verbal message from the Kremlin to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh that emphasised strengthening Libyan-Russian relations. According to the Government of National Unity's media office, 'Kishniak's message underscored the importance of bilateral relations, enhanced cooperation, and reactivating the Joint Libyan-Russian High Committee.' The same source quoted Dbeibeh as emphasising 'the building of balanced relations with Russia based on respect for Libya's sovereignty and stability, serving mutual interests between both countries.' This diplomatic exchange represents a new chapter in the ongoing American-Russian competition for influence in Libya—a struggle where Libya finds itself as the vulnerable third party. The critical questions facing Tripoli's government are multifaceted: How can it address Russian military presence on Libyan soil that poses existential challenges to state sovereignty? Is it possible to balance economic cooperation with Russia whilst confronting security risks? Can Libya protect its national interests within such an asymmetric relationship? Russia's approach mirrors Western tactics used throughout the Arab world—compartmentalising political and economic relations. This allows Moscow to pursue economic partnerships while simultaneously undermining Libyan sovereignty through military deployments, base establishments, interference in neighbouring countries, and support for Khalifa Haftar's forces to maintain political division. Meanwhile, Russia extends economic cooperation offers to western Libya's political leadership under attractive but ultimately deceptive pretences. The gravest danger may be Libya's transformation into a proxy battlefield in the larger Russia-Western confrontation—a scenario that could entangle the country in a destructive great power competition. While some pragmatists argue that political realities necessitate engagement with Russia despite these concerns, Libya's genuine challenge remains finding equilibrium between immediate political expediencies and its long-term national interests. This balancing act will determine whether Libya can maintain its sovereignty whilst navigating relations with these competing global powers.
Daily News Egypt
20-02-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, Germany discuss strengthening cooperation on water management
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, met on Wednesday with Mario Sander, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, to explore ways to enhance bilateral collaboration in water management. Sweilem highlighted the strong partnership between Egypt and Germany, noting that several key projects have been implemented through their cooperation. These include the second and third national drainage programs, the construction of the Assiut and Nag Hammadi Barrages, and irrigation development initiatives in the Delta. Germany has also supported the Regional Training Center for Water Resources and Irrigation, and both sides aim to collaborate on future projects such as the fourth national drainage program, beach protection efforts, and the second phase of the Nile Delta Water Management Project. Discussions focused on preparations for launching the Fourth National Drainage Program, which aims to renew covered drainage across 1.4 million acres. The meeting also addressed a feasibility study for beach protection along 15 kilometers east of the Kitchener Drain outlet in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The officials reviewed the progress of the JISA Water System and Irrigation Project, funded by the German Development Bank (KfW), agreeing to expand its scope to include rehabilitating the Ismailia Canal bridges and upgrading water infrastructure in the eastern Khandaq and Marqus Coast canals in the West Beheira Irrigation Department. They also discussed plans to improve water management in the Qota Canal in Fayoum, including modern irrigation techniques, canal rehabilitation, evaluation of pumping stations, and reuse of agricultural drainage water. Additionally, they examined the upcoming second phase of the Nile Delta Water Management Program, which will involve comprehensive water balance studies, infrastructure development, strategic planning for critical water areas, expanded agricultural drainage reuse, and capacity-building initiatives. Both sides agreed to collaborate on technical studies evaluating the transition from flood irrigation to modern irrigation systems in Egypt, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. Sweilem reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Germany, particularly in addressing water and climate challenges. He also emphasized the importance of Germany's support for the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA) to provide specialized training for African experts in climate change adaptation and water resource management.
