Kuwait's Crown Prince, Egyptian minister discuss strengthening cooperation
The meeting was also attended by Kuwait's Minister of Public Works and Transport, Noura Al-Mashaan, and the Egyptian ambassador to Kuwait, Osama Shaltout.
In a statement, the Egyptian transport ministry said Sheikh Sabah welcomed the Egyptian minister on his visit and praised Egypt's role in supporting various Arab issues and the wisdom of its leadership under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
The Crown Prince affirmed that the visit reflects the fraternal relationship between Kuwait and Egypt and the keenness of both countries' leadership to increase joint cooperation. He said Kuwait always welcomes Egyptian participation and cooperation in various fields.
For his part, El-Wazir conveyed greetings from President Sisi to Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and to the Crown Prince. He highlighted the strong and historical positions of the two countries and noted President Sisi's visit to Kuwait in April 2025 and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's visit in February 2025.
The Egyptian minister said that President Al-Sisi had directed efforts to increase joint cooperation with Kuwait in all fields. He reviewed the developments in the Egyptian economy, Egypt's efforts to improve the investment climate, and the major national projects implemented by the country, particularly in the transport sector.
El-Wazir added that a delegation of 17 Egyptian companies specialising in infrastructure and mega-projects, which accompanied him to Kuwait, is interested in cooperating with the Kuwaiti side in implementing development and infrastructure projects planned by the Kuwaiti government. He stressed that they could offer very suitable prices, high-quality standards, and timely execution in line with Kuwaiti priorities.
He also pointed to promising investment opportunities in Egypt, especially in seaports, dry ports, and logistic zones, as well as in the industrial sector, which he said could be a strong starting point for joint cooperation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily News Egypt
42 minutes ago
- Daily News Egypt
Wayak Communications Shines Bright with Dual Wins at 2025 MEA Markets Awards
In a moment of celebration for Egypt's communications industry, Wayak Communications has emerged victorious at the 2025 African Excellence Awards, securing two top honors: Best Boutique Public Relations Agency and Excellence in Crisis Management in the Middle East and Africa. The prestigious accolades were granted by UK-based platform MEA Markets, which lauded the agency's creative vision, resilience, and impact across a wide array of industries. Founded in 2013, Wayak Communications has carved a reputation as one of Egypt's most trusted and dynamic PR firms. With its headquarters in Cairo, the agency has spent over a decade refining its approach to public relations, combining strategic expertise with hands-on partnership—a philosophy embodied in its enduring slogan, Always Wayak. A Decade of Purpose-Driven Growth The MEA Markets jury commended Wayak for its tailored communication strategies and ability to manage high-stakes challenges. From real estate and pharmaceuticals to logistics and education, Wayak's portfolio reflects the diversity and depth of its expertise. Clients past and present include global and regional heavyweights such as Otsuka Japan, Mapei Italy, Giza Systems, and Egyptian leaders like Hikma Pharmaceuticals, IGI Developments, Tatweer Misr, CRED, and MIDAR. At the core of this success is a deeply collaborative culture. 'From the very beginning, our goal was simple—to be the closest to our clients,' said Nihal Attia, Chairman of Wayak Communications. 'Our motto is not just a slogan; it's a daily practice. We've built an agency where creativity thrives, and where each solution is custom-built to suit our partners' evolving needs.' This philosophy has proven particularly effective in crisis scenarios, where the firm's blend of agility, analytical precision, and deep media understanding has enabled clients to navigate turbulent times with clarity and confidence. Setting a New Standard in PR Partnerships Echoing that sentiment, Amany Aboul Fetouh, Managing Partner of Wayak Communications, emphasized the agency's commitment to long-term partnerships. 'We go beyond traditional PR,' she explained. 'Wayak is an extension of our clients' teams. That trust is earned through strategic thinking, transparency, and results.' The award for Excellence in Crisis Management is especially meaningful, she added, as it recognizes the firm's ability to guide clients through complex challenges, offering clarity and solutions in moments of uncertainty. 'In every crisis or challenge, we stand beside our clients—step by step.' The Power Behind the Name Behind the agency's name—Wayak, meaning With You in Arabic—is a philosophy that guides both internal culture and client relationships. The team is a key pillar of Wayak's achievements, bringing together diverse expertise in media, communications, analytics, and stakeholder engagement. This cohesive, mission-driven team is credited with transforming the agency into a leading voice in Egypt's PR landscape. Wayak's ability to harness data-driven tools and modern communication technologies has also positioned it at the forefront of an industry undergoing rapid evolution. Whether it's navigating digital disruption, managing reputational risk, or amplifying brand messages, Wayak continues to lead with agility and purpose. Looking Ahead As the communications landscape in the Middle East and Africa becomes more complex and competitive, Wayak's double win at the 2025 MEA Markets Awards signals not just recognition, but a reaffirmation of the agency's strategic clarity, client commitment, and industry leadership. With a clear focus on transparency, flexibility, and professionalism, Wayak Communications shows no signs of slowing down. In an industry where trust is earned and impact is measured in results, the agency is setting a new benchmark—Always Wayak, and always ahead.
See - Sada Elbalad
an hour ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Euro Drops against Egyptian Pound to 55.80
Taarek Refaat A state of decline in the euro price on Tuesday prevailed against the Egyptian pound at the end of dealings with a number of local banks operating in the Egyptian banking market, compared to the same levels at the beginning of today's trading. At the central Bank of Egypt (CBE) the euro recorded 55.80 to buy and 55.96 to sell, while the dollar recorded 48.35 to buy and 48.49 to sell. At the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), the purchase price of the euro was 56.00, and the selling price was 56.18. The price of the euro in the Banque du Caire reached 55.79 for purchase, and 56.19 for sale. Exchange Rates: US Dollar 48.3554 48.4923 Euro 55.8070 55.9698 Pound Sterling 64.2160 64.4172 Canadian Dollar 35.0224 35.1292 Danish Krone 7.4781 7.4997 Norwegian Krone 4.7048 4.7191 Swedish Krona 4.9916 5.0068 Swiss Franc 59.6612 59.8596 Japanese Yen 100 32.7389 32.8427 Saudi Riyal 12.8879 12.9251 Kuwaiti Dinar 158.1069 158.6063 UAE Dirham 13.1640 13.2027 Australian Dollar 31.2134 31.3115 Bahraini Dinar 128.2501 128.6302 Omani Riyal 125.5887 125.9540 Qatari Riyal 13.2531 13.3169 Jordanian Dinar 68.1062 68.4919 Chinese Yuan 6.7282 6.7480 read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Egypt Independent
4 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Crisis in Gaza seems hopeless. Here's a potential pathway for a 90-day solution
Even as someone who helped negotiate the only two ceasefires of the terrible war in Gaza, including the release of nearly 150 hostages, the situation today seems hopeless and destined to simply continue with no clear end in sight. That is not acceptable. This war must end. The hostages must come home. Humanitarian aid must surge. Gaza needs a multiyear recovery without Hamas in charge. This all needs to start now. So, how? To answer, let's review what happened over the last two weeks, some of the options that are now being proposed, and what might work to finally bring this to an end. Two weeks: cascading crises Only two weeks ago, there was hope that Israel and Hamas — through US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediation — were on the brink of a 60-day ceasefire. That deal entailed the release of half the living hostages Hamas still holds, thought to be ten people, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, including more than one hundred now serving life sentences, together with a 60-day ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas, daily surges of humanitarian aid, and a commitment by Israel, backed by Trump, to negotiate over those 60 days the conditions to end the war. A charity organization distributed food to Palestinians facing severe difficulties accessing basic necessities due to Israel's ongoing blockade and military operations in the Gaza Strip on July 24, 2025. Crowds gathered during the distribution in Gaza City, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis. Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images These promising talks reportedly broke down after Hamas leaders living comfortably in Qatar accepted its terms, but Hamas terrorists holding the keys to the hostages inside Gaza said no or demanded new terms. Israel and the US walked out of the talks, leading to their collapse. In the days that followed, reports emerged of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza — due largely, it appears, to Israel's decision in March to blockade Gaza and allow no assistance to enter at all over nearly 80 days. Israel now faces a crisis of its own making with the world's attention focused on its misguided humanitarian decisions, as opposed to focusing on Hamas as the obstacle to a ceasefire. Meanwhile, France responded with an initiative to recognize the establishment of a Palestinian state next month without demanding anything up front from Hamas or explaining how such an initiative might help end the Gaza crisis anytime soon. The UK went a step further and said it will also recognize a Palestinian state next month unless there is a ceasefire in Gaza, thereby guaranteeing that Hamas will not accept one. Hamas in turn welcomed these initiatives and released images of an emaciated hostage digging his own grave, thereby making clear that it now has no intent to cut a deal. Proposed ways forward Before discussing ways out of this impasse, let's stipulate that the delivery of assistance to the people of Gaza is non-negotiable and must continue no matter what. This is not only moral, but strategic, because Hamas views civilian suffering as a component of its strategy. Israel's blockade, a tactic the Biden administration never allowed, was a trap for itself, allowing Hamas to turn the tables even as the group obstructs the ceasefire needed to bring immediate and sustained relief to the population it purports to represent. Israel has since declared humanitarian pauses in fighting and restored delivery of UN aid, even with risk of some diversion to Hamas. This is the right move, and it must continue no matter what option is chosen going forward to secure the release of hostages. Demonstrators gather outside the Israeli Defence Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on July 5, 2025 during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza. Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images The options now being discussed can broadly be categorized into five outlines: 1. Military Victory: Proponents of this option, including inside the Israeli government, claim that Hamas's leaders inside Gaza will never accept a deal. Therefore, Israel has no choice but to further intensify its military campaign, including to find and eliminate those few remaining leaders of Hamas inside Gaza. The hope is that Hamas' control in Gaza will crack, and Israel can then establish a new Palestinian entity to secure and govern the strip, one that is not Hamas or the existing Palestinian Authority. But Israel has been doing precisely this since May, intensifying its military campaign with five divisions deployed into Gaza. This operation, called Gideon's Chariots, did help eliminate Mohammed Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza at the time, and seize 70% of the strip. but Israel also lost over forty soldiers, tragically killed civilians, and did not fundamentally change the equation or lead to a deal. An Israeli army infantry fighting vehicle along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on July 29, 2025. Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images There is no reason to believe that more of the same will deliver a different result, and to further intensify the war now as international support reaches its nadir carries strategic risks to Israel far greater than any potential tactical military gain. 2. Comprehensive Deal: Proponents of this option claim the obstacle to the 60-day ceasefire deal is its phasing since Hamas demands a permanent end to the war upfront. Thus, Israel should now propose the return of all hostages living and dead in exchange for a full withdrawal from Gaza, the establishment of a new governance structure that is not Hamas, and a large-scale release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. I call this the 'have it all' option because it suggests there is a magic key to free all hostages, end the war, and remove Hamas from any significant role in Gaza. In my experience negotiating with Hamas, however, this proposal likely leads to an even more intractable negotiation upfront. Hamas will haggle over every name on a proposed governing council, demand guarantees such as a UN Security Council resolution against future Israeli operations, refuse under any circumstances to disarm or relinquish security control, and demand the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. So, this is unlikely a faster path to a deal that brings a ceasefire or returns hostages than the phased deal that was nearly agreed to only two weeks ago. No doubt, Israel and the US missed an opportunity earlier this year to maintain the deal it inherited from the Biden administration, a deal backed by the UN Security Council and one that could have been extended through talks on these issues with a ceasefire in place. The point of this essay is not to argue what might have been, but rather what to do now — and the fastest path to stopping the war and freeing hostages. Opening an entirely new negotiation on a new deal would not achieve either, anytime soon. 3. Stick to a 60-day Proposal: Proponents of this option, and I have been one, believe the fastest path to stop the war and ultimately end it altogether remains the existing phased proposal. Hamas is divided within its ranks and the US could press the three countries with influence — Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey — to demand that Hamas take the deal, release ten hostages, and begin the 60-day pause. The 'or else' for Hamas and its leaders might include exile from Doha, together with requests for extradition to the United States for their role in killing Americans, and new sanctions to ensure they do not set up shop elsewhere, other than perhaps Iran, where they would be less effective and vulnerable to Israeli targeting. This pressure together with international support for the deal would help influence the holdouts inside Hamas. In my experience negotiating these deals, international pressure matters to Hamas as much as military pressure. The problem with this option now is that the French and UK initiatives have removed any such pressure or incentive from Hamas to close any deal, as a Palestinian state has been promised in September no matter what happens with the hostages. Hamas views creation of a Palestinian state not as an end goal but as a stepping stone to ending Israel's existence. Its leaders have deemed the French initiative 'one of the fruits of October 7,' and Hamas has since shown no readiness to renew talks on the 60-day deal, a point brought home with its grotesque displays of hostages starving in tunnels. 4. Unilateral Humanitarian Pause: An outlier option could see Israel declare a 30-day pause on major combat operations to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel would not withdraw its forces from present positions, and retain the right to respond in self-defense, but it would immediately shift international focus back on Hamas while also allowing the Israeli military forces to rest and refit. True, this would also allow Hamas to rest and refit with no hope of a near-term hostage release, but by alleviating the aid situation, Israel might benefit strategically by taking this card away from Hamas and demonstrating that Israel is now correcting for its own mistakes. It might also demand International Red Cross access to the hostages as a condition for the pause, an issue of urgency given the horrific images Hamas released of hostages in recent days. Palestinians gather as they carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel, amid a hunger crisis, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip July 20, 2025. Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters The problem with this option is that it says nothing about what happens after the pause, further removes pressure from Hamas, and would be extremely unpopular in Israel, both within the rightwing Israeli government but also the broader population, to include most hostage families that rightly demand a process leading to a deal – not a unilateral move by Israel that might benefit Hamas with nothing in return. 5. US Breaks with Israel: Proponents of this option believe the United States should announce a halt on all further arms sales to Israel and demand that Israel end the war unilaterally even with Hamas remaining in control of Gaza. Some go further and claim this should happen even without hostages being freed. Their argument is that the overwhelming priority is to stop the war and only the United States has leverage against Israel to force it into doing so. As for the hostages, proponents of this argument claim that Netanyahu, not Hamas, is the primary obstacle to a deal and that by halting US military support, the Israelis might make concessions needed to conclude a deal. These arguments are appealing to those appalled by the images from Gaza and wishing for a quick fix. But they would do nothing to stop, let alone end, the war. Hamas has shown no serious indication that it will release all the hostages if Israel simply gives up, and if Hamas remains in charge of Gaza there is no chance whatsoever for longer-term peace or an internationally backed relief plan that the strip so badly requires. In any case, this is a politically motivated and not realistic option for those who truly aim to stop the war. It's also highly unlikely to ever happen. Trump is unlikely to break with Israel, and Israel is unlikely to simply withdraw from Gaza without all the Israeli hostages and a deal that helps to ensure Hamas cannot retain its control there. In total, that is a depressing summary — it suggests that every broad option now being discussed is either unlikely to succeed or might make the situation even worse. Putting it all together So, what would I recommend? Senior officials do not have the luxury of admiring a problem or analyzing impractical or politically motivated options. They must think seriously about the best of the bad, or meld options together to chart a new path. That is what I might propose: Because, combining options two, three, and four offers an immediate path to alleviating the humanitarian crisis, returning the focus squarely on Hamas, and parlaying the unconstructive proposals coming from Paris, London, and other capitals. This new path — call it Option 6 — would combine a unilateral 30-day pause in Israeli military operations to alleviate the humanitarian situation with an ultimatum that by the end of the 30 days, Hamas must free half the living hostages to extend the ceasefire by 60 days under the existing proposal. From there, you could proceed with a firm, US-backed commitment to negotiate over those 60-days a comprehensive deal to end the war with a new governance structure in Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages. If Hamas refuses to release half the remaining hostages after 30 days, then Israel's unilateral pause would end. Israel could return to military operations but after its military has refit and with the legitimacy for its objectives somewhat restored internationally. Families of hostages protest, demanding their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, at the plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Ariel Schalit/AP This might also parry the French initiative to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN general assembly next month: If, following Israel's unilateral pause, Hamas has not released ten hostages, then the obstacle to peace would clearly be Hamas. On the other hand, if Hamas does release the ten hostages and we are entering a 60-day window for negotiations to end the war, then it would not make sense to declare Palestinian statehood at the start of that process, as opposed to an incentive towards its conclusion. Flip the script At bottom, this is an opportunity for Israel and the United States to flip the script entirely, urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and place the onus for ending the crisis more squarely on Hamas where it belongs. Trump and Netanyahu may not favor such an option as it takes pressure off Hamas on the front end, but it would dramatically increase such pressure — strategic pressure, not just tactical pressure — on the back end. It's also the only viable option at this moment that is likely to achieve what we all want to see: assistance distributed throughout Gaza, hostages coming out of Gaza, and an end to the war with Hamas no longer governing or in control of Gaza. The alternatives might score rhetorical points, but they won't help anyone in Gaza, not the civilians trapped in this awful war, nor the hostages now in tunnels for over 600 days. It's time indeed to flip the script. That means Option 6.
