Latest news with #US-Egypt
Egypt Independent
27-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
FM: Egypt looks forward to attracting further US direct investments
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty participated on Monday, May 26, 2025, in a session held on the sidelines of the two-day US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum, which kicked off in Cairo. Abdelatty said Egypt looks forward to luring more US direct investments in light of vast opportunities offered by the Egyptian market in various sectors. He lauded the depth of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the US. Abdelatty spoke about bold measures taken by the Egyptian government to improve the investment climate and the business environment, stressing the State's commitment to moving ahead with implementing economic reforms and giving a more room for the private sector in the economic activity. He highlighted Egypt's position on a number of regional crises, as he reviewed efforts made by the country to restore the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and allow the access of humanitarian aid in the Palestinian enclave, while finding a permanent and just political solution to the Palestinian issue. He, also, shed light on Egypt's stance on the situation in Sudan, Libya and the Red Sea, saying Egypt continues its tireless endeavors to bring about peace, security and stability in the region. He stated de-escalation in the Red Sea will have positive impact on navigation, international trade and supply chains, as well as contribute to the recovery of the international economy. The foreign minister noted that the resumption of regular navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal serves the global economy, especially after a series of geopolitical challenges that have affected navigation in recent times. In this regard, Abdelatty called for addressing the root causes of regional conflicts to preserve stability in the Red Sea in a sustainable way. MENA
Middle East
25-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// PM: Over 1,800 US firms operating in Egypt
CAIRO, May 25 (MENA) - Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli on Sunday said that more than 1,800 US companies are operating in Egypt, with total US investments exceeding 47 billion dollars over the past two decades. These companies are operating in different sectors, including energy, industry, information technology, financial services, and healthcare, a matter that reflects the strength and vitality of economic relations between Egypt and the US, Madbouli added while delivering a speech at the inaugural session of US-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum 2025. The event is attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel el Wazir, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania al Mashat and Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk. Attending the forum are also Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan el Khatib and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi. The forum is also attended by US Ambassador to Egypt Herro Mustafa Garg as well as members of the American Chamber of Commerce and the Egypt-US Business Council (EUSBC). Madbouli urged participants to explore the vast investment opportunities available across Egypt's productive sectors, emphasizing that Egypt is not only a market of over 107 million people but also a gateway to Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Thanks to its extensive network of trade agreements, Egypt offers investors access to more than 1.5 billion consumers, Madbouli added. President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, and John Christmann, CEO of Apache and Chairman of the US-Egypt Business Council, commending their efforts in leading this distinguished group of American business leaders. He also warmly welcomed all representatives of the American business community, noting that many of their companies continue to operate successfully in the Egyptian market. President and CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce Suzanne Clark and Chief Executive Officer of Apache Corporation and Chairman of US-Egypt Business Council John J. Christmann IV. Madbouli highlighted the forum's role in reflecting the strategic importance of US-Egypt economic cooperation, a relationship grounded in mutual respect, a shared desire for prosperity and a long-standing record of constructive partnerships. Egypt has worked tirelessly over the decades to strengthen this cooperation, both bilaterally and in response to regional developments, to achieve common strategic goals, the premier added. He added that Egypt has consistently proven to be a reliable and active partner for the United States, based on a shared understanding that addressing the deeply rooted challenges of the Middle East requires deepened cooperation between the two nations. Madbouli added that the forum demonstrates Egypt's firm commitment to empowering the private sector as a central pillar of its efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic development. The private sector empowerment is the cornerstone of Egypt's economic transformation strategy, underpinned by a strong commitment to creating a competitive, open, and enabling environment that allows private enterprises to drive innovation, generate employment and deliver long-term sustainable growth, the prime minister added. (MENA) A A E/M O H
The National
30-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Donald Trump's Suez comments sink Egypt-US relations deeper into uncertain territory
Egypt's relations with the US are edging deeper into uncertain territory as proposals affecting Cairo by President Donald Trump test one of Washington's most enduring partnerships in the Middle East. Soon after taking office in January, Mr Trump proposed that Palestinians from the war-battered Gaza Strip be resettled in Egypt and Jordan, an idea rejected by both countries. Last weekend, he suggested Egypt should allow US vessels, both military and commercial, to transit the Suez Canal free of charge. Analysts and sources with first-hand knowledge of the dynamics of US-Egypt relations rule out the possibility of the friendship forged in the 1970s turning into open hostility or a parting of ways, but they believe it is set for a period of tumult and distrust that could last until Mr Trump's second term ends in 2029. Egypt has said Mr Trump's proposal to move Palestinians from Gaza across the border into its sparsely populated Sinai Peninsula would not only make it party to a historical injustice and hollow out the Palestinian cause, but would also pose a threat to its national security. Cairo has yet to officially respond to the suggestion of free passage for US vessels through the Suez but the idea has been dismissed as preposterous by pro-government TV talk show hosts, who have devoted much of their broadcasts since the weekend to the issue, using patriotic and defiant rhetoric. Estimates put the total amount of transit fees paid annually by US ships that sail through the canal at about $150 million, with about 40 warships and 300 commercial vessels making the journey. "It is difficult to imagine that Trump is worried about this small amount of money," said Anis Salem, a retired career diplomat from Egypt who is now a senior member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, a think tank in Cairo. "It's likely more about his business mindset of 'no such thing as a free lunch'," he added, speculating that Mr Trump's demand may be rooted in his belief that the US air campaign against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces to stop their attacks on Red Sea shipping is designed to help the Suez Canal regain the traffic it has lost as a result. The Houthi attacks, ostensibly in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, have slashed by more than half Egypt's revenue from the canal, a main source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped nation of 106 million. Signs of tension between Cairo and the Trump administration emerged in early February when Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi indefinitely put off a White House visit he had been expected to make later that month, sources told The National at the time. The Egyptian leader's move followed Mr Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's population and bring the tiny enclave on the East Mediterranean under US control before turning it into a glitzy resort – ideas that have been denounced by much of the world but warmly embraced by Israel, Washington's closest Middle East ally and biggest beneficiary of US aid. For his part, Mr Trump omitted Egypt from his Middle East tour next month, when he plans stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. "It's a strategic mistake to belittle Egypt's role in the region by leaving it out of his tour," said Mr Salem. "After all, Egypt's US-sponsored 1979 peace treaty with Israel is probably one of Washington's biggest foreign policy achievement in 50 years." He pointed out that Mr Trump did not visit Egypt during his first term in office between 2017 and 2021. The direction in which US-Egypt relations will turn, however, may be decided in large part by whether Mr Trump pursues his idea of relocating Gaza's population and continues to give Israel free rein in the war, which has killed more than 52,300 Palestinians since it began 18 months ago. "A great deal depends on what happens in Gaza when it comes to Egypt's relations with the Trump administration," said Michael Hanna, the New York-based director of the US programme at the International Crisis Group. "Israel is of no mind to agree to a ceasefire or pull back from pieces of Gaza it has occupied, and it is not under any real pressure from the Americans to do any of that," he told The National. "Neither Egypt nor the US are looking for a fight but the Egyptians feel a little under siege these days." Significantly, Mr Trump exempted both Egypt and Israel from his decision to terminate foreign aid programmes. However, he appeared to raise the possibility of this changing in the case of Egypt when he publicly expressed disappointment at its rejection of his idea to resettle Palestinians there, despite receiving billions of dollars in US aid over the years. Egypt and the US are not new to disputes, having been at odds over a range of issues in the past. These include what successive Egyptian governments see as Washington's heavy bias in favour of Israel, Cairo's military ties with communist North Korea and, in the past decade, Egypt's arms purchases from Russia, which it has tacitly supported politically in its war against western-backed Ukraine. Another point of contention has been US criticism of Egypt's human rights record, which had at times led Washington to partly suspend or withhold its military assistance package, which currently runs at $1.3 billion a year. In recent weeks, Egypt has stepped up its policy of diversifying its US-dominated arsenal and deepening military ties with two of Washington's biggest adversaries – Russia and China. It has recently purchased a cutting-edge air defence system from Beijing and is considering buying Chinese jet fighters with capabilities similar to the US-made F-16s it already has in service, the sources say. It is also holding its first joint aerial war drills with China this month and has just completed naval war games with Russia in the Mediterranean. The sources said China's President Xi Jinping was likely to make a milestone visit to Egypt in the near future, although there has been no official announcement. However, while these arms purchases and war games send a clear message to Washington that Cairo is not beholden to US largesse or influence, the policy of diversifying Egypt's weaponry has its limitations, the sources said. The Egyptian military is mostly built on US weapons and systems after more than 40 years and billions of dollars of procurement, the sources said, suggesting that, in some cases, their compatibility with non-US weapons could pose a challenge. The two countries have also been co-operating in counter-terrorism, sharing intelligence and conducting joint war games since the 1980s, creating deep bonds between their militaries. US warships are given priority when transiting the Suez Canal and Egypt's airspace is routinely available to US warplanes. Moreover, they point out, the US continues to maintain a presence in the Middle East that, unlike other parts of the world where it faces competition from China and Russia, cannot be replaced by other powers. The Egypt-Israel peace treaty, for example, has been a cornerstone of Middle East stability since it was signed nearly a half century ago. Today, it serves as the guiding light for Washington's efforts to encourage more countries in the region to make peace with Israel. The US also is the only country with enough leverage over Israel to settle its decades-long conflict with the Palestinians, which Arab states, including Egypt, have been beseeching Washington to do for decades. With this in mind, Mr El Sisi has been careful not to antagonise the US President despite strong opposition to his Middle East ideas, always making clear in public comments that Mr Trump alone has what it takes to bring peace and stability to the region. "All this might at the end be no more than a storm in a teacup," said Mr Salem.
Shafaq News
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Trump, El-Sisi discuss Middle East stability, Red Sea security
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he held a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss Middle East developments, including military actions against Yemen's Houthi group and efforts to resolve the crisis in Gaza. Trump described the conversation on his Truth Social account as having gone "very well," underscoring the significance of the issues discussed. Egypt's presidency said in a statement that the two leaders focused on mediation efforts aimed at restoring regional stability, with a particular emphasis on securing Red Sea shipping routes and mitigating economic losses. The call came amid growing strains in US-Egypt relations following the indefinite postponement of El-Sisi's planned visit to Washington, D.C., on February 18, 2025. The trip was called off as tensions escalated over Gaza, with Egypt strongly opposing a US-backed plan that it viewed as undermining Palestinian rights and regional stability. Cairo has pushed for a reconstruction approach that safeguards Palestinian sovereignty, while Washington has advocated alternative measures that have drawn criticism from Arab nations.
Daily News Egypt
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Trump's Virtual World
'The United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, and we will also engage with it. We will own it and be responsible for dismantling all dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on site, levelling the area, and disposing of the destroyed buildings.' This is how former US President Donald Trump announced his plan for 'American Gaza' or, as he called it, the 'Riviera of the Middle East.' He repeatedly proposed relocating Palestinians to various countries—one, two, three, four, five, seven, eight, or even twelve different destinations. When previously asked whether he would allow Gaza's residents to return, he stated that he hoped to build 'a place beautiful enough' that they would not wish to return. Trump frequently mentioned 'American ownership' of the territory and envisioned 'long-term control' of the region by the United States. It appears that Trump remains in a state of euphoria following his victory in the US presidential elections. Almost daily—if not hourly—he makes statements that are not only provocative and unrealistic but also contradictory. Any observer can easily recognize this pattern: at one moment, he claims he will purchase the Gaza Strip, only to later deny it; at another, he asserts that Palestinians will be relocated to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, then reverses course by stating they may return after the territory is rebuilt. At times, he threatens to cut aid to Egypt, only to retract his statements soon after. Consequently, it has become common for news outlets—especially American ones—to feature breaking news alerts announcing yet another surprise statement from Trump before he retires for the night. One undeniable fact is Egypt's steadfast position, previously declared by all its officials—from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to the most junior diplomat at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Egyptian stance is clear: despite the importance of US-Egypt relations, Egypt will not compromise its principles or its role as a defender of Palestinian interests. Furthermore, Egyptian leadership recognizes that Washington has a vested interest in maintaining strong ties with Cairo—whether to uphold the peace treaty or to preserve regional stability. This understanding strengthens Egypt's confidence in its ability to withstand US pressure. Additionally, Egyptian diplomacy possesses several strategic alternatives to limit Trump's ability to implement his threats—an issue that may be discussed in detail at a later time. Reactions to Trump's statements have been overwhelmingly negative, often drawing ridicule and sharp criticism. During his first term, he sought to prove that he could fulfil most of his campaign promises, demonstrating that America is a global superpower capable of shaping the international agenda and implementing its plans despite internal and external opposition. This approach aligns with the 'Madman Theory,' which we previously analyzed in another article. However, this theory is not universally applicable. The Palestinian issue is uniquely complex and cannot be resolved using traditional European or even American historical frameworks—whether economic or military. It is not merely a regional conflict but a dispute over a single piece of land, with both parties holding deeply rooted historical, religious, and social claims that cannot be ignored or overridden. Trump's impractical plan is likely encouraged by the current state of devastation in Gaza, where a demographic crisis looms, threatening to trigger severe humanitarian and health challenges at any moment. While the vast majority of Palestinians aspire to rebuild their homes and live with dignity, they are often exploited by leaders who use religious slogans for personal financial gain. Beyond religious extremism, high unemployment, poverty, and despair continue to fuel unrest and may lead to further violence. Even if Hamas were to be eliminated, any reconstruction efforts for Gaza must focus on job creation, the establishment of industrial zones, investments in infrastructure, and the development of a seaport and international airport to provide residents with economic opportunities. Concrete initiatives of this nature could tangibly improve daily life for Gaza's residents, which in turn would enhance Israel's economic and security conditions. At present, Trump's plan appears simplistic, utopian, and unfeasible for many well-known reasons. However, from the perspective of a businessman who thrives on deal-making, Trump cannot be dismissed as naive. He was the only leader who disregarded Arab and Western warnings—including some from Israeli officials—and went ahead with relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, with no immediate consequences, contrary to expectations. It seems that Trump has sought to establish his system, replacing traditional American diplomacy—which has often failed to prevent large-scale global conflicts—with 'Trump's World,' where he acts unilaterally, at least until he proves successful. However, this vision is not entirely new. During his inauguration speech, he declared, 'America's golden age begins now,' echoing the words of the 25th US President, William McKinley. McKinley oversaw rapid economic growth in the late 19th century through protective tariffs and, during his tenure, the US annexed Hawaii. Following a victory over Spain, America also gained control over the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Cuba. Trump appears to be a modern replica of McKinley, from imposing tariffs on China, Canada, and the European Union to attempting to expand American territory—whether through acquiring Greenland, exerting influence over the Panama Canal, or now, proposing control over the Gaza Strip. Ultimately, what concerns us today is Trump's plan for Gaza. The question remains: Will the prolonged transitional phase of the global order, which has been in flux since the fall of the Berlin Wall, enable Trump to push through his plan? Or is he simply seeking a short-term political victory before moving on to another crisis, such as Ukraine? As the saying goes, 'The devil is in the details,' and in this case, the details are numerous and troubling. Some analysts suggest that Trump's ultimate goal is to permanently undermine the two-state solution, using an unrealistic proposal as a distraction to shift focus away from Palestinian statehood and toward an alternative governance arrangement involving administrative cooperation between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Perhaps one day, Trump's virtual world will simply vanish into thin air. Dr. Hatem Sadek – Professor at Helwan University
