OPEN// Egyptian, German FMs discuss regional developments
Official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tamim Khallaf stated that Abdelatty commended the close and longstanding relations between the two friendly nations, expressing his keen interest in further advancing cooperation in all sectors in a way that serves the shared interests of both peoples.
He praised the role of German companies in advancing development projects in Egypt and welcomed Germany's continued support for Egypt within various European institutions.
The spokesperson added that Abdelatty briefed his German counterpart on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, including progress in negotiations aimed at reinstating a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages and detainees.
He stressed the urgent need to halt the bloodshed of the Palestinian people and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, which continues to endure severe humanitarian conditions.
In this context, he outlined Egypt's preparations to host a conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, to be convened upon the establishment of a ceasefire agreement.
Abdelatty underscored that the establishment of a credible political horizon aimed at achieving a just and sustainable settlement to the Palestinian issue, one that ensures the restoration of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, topped by the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders with Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) as its capital, remains the cornerstone of peace and stability across the region.
They also stressed the necessity of consolidating the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran.
Abdelatty underscored the importance of resuming negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, stressing the pivotal role of the E3 group in addressing related concerns and in supporting the diplomatic process toward a settlement that will contribute to de-escalation in the Middle East. (MENA)
R R N/
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
30 minutes ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
France to Double Military Spending by 2027
Israa Farhan France's President Emmanuel Macron has announced an accelerated plan to double the nation's defense budget by 2027, three years earlier than previously planned, in response to growing geopolitical instability. Initially set for completion by 2030, the goal to double defense spending from 2017 levels will now be achieved by 2027, Macron confirmed on Sunday. The military budget, which stood at €32 billion (\$37.4 billion) in 2017, will rise to €64 billion under the new timeline. Macron stated that the increase will be supported by boosting economic activity rather than imposing new financial burdens. His remarks come as France faces the challenge of addressing a €40 billion shortfall in its 2026 national budget. Addressing the strategic importance of financial sovereignty, Macron remarked that military independence is closely tied to economic independence. He stressed that the increase in defense expenditure will be funded through enhanced national productivity and growth. Prime Minister François Bayrou is expected to deliver a detailed address on Tuesday outlining the government's fiscal strategy for 2026, including how it plans to balance expanded defense spending with broader economic reforms. 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 Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer 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 Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
France honours Egyptian MP Gehan Zaki with prestigious Legion of Honour award - Society
France awarded its highest national distinction, the Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honour), to Dr. Gehan Zaki, Member of the Egyptian Parliament and Cultural Diplomat, on Sunday in recognition of her exceptional contributions to cultural diplomacy, academic thought leadership, and the advancement of intercultural understanding. France has awarded Egypt's Dr. Zaki the Legion of Honour, the country's highest national distinction, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and international cooperation. Granted by presidential decree, the decoration is conferred exclusively through nomination—never by personal application—and honours individuals, French or foreign, who have demonstrated outstanding merit in either civilian or military life. The decree, issued by French President Emmanuel Macron and published in the Journal Officiel, elevated Dr. Zaki to the rank of Chevalier (Knight), citing her unwavering commitment to the universal values of peace, liberty, and human dignity. The honour is traditionally presented at the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, a symbolic venue that reflects France's historic ties with international partners across the globe. Dr. Zaki has earned international recognition for her work at the intersection of archaeology, cultural heritage, and diplomacy. In her capacity as a parliamentarian, she has played a prominent role in shaping policy dialogue around cultural preservation and cross-border collaboration. Before assuming her current position, Dr. Zaki served as Director of the Egyptian Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, where she championed artistic exchange between Egyptian and European creative communities. Her academic portfolio includes teaching roles at leading universities, where she delivered lectures on art history, intercultural studies, and heritage diplomacy. A prolific writer, Dr. Zaki has authored numerous publications exploring Egypt's cultural legacy and the transformative role of the arts in community development. Her work blends rigorous archaeological scholarship with contemporary perspectives on identity and global citizenship. She has also collaborated with international institutions such as UNESCO and ICCROM, while holding academic affiliations with both the Sorbonne University and Senghor University. As a cultural diplomacy expert, Dr. Zaki has represented Egypt at high-level global forums, fostering enduring relationships with European institutions, research centres, and cultural organisations worldwide. With this honour, she joins a distinguished group of Arab and Egyptian recipients of the Legion of Honour, including Mahmoud Fakhry Pasha, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Hazem El-Beblawi, and Mona Zulficar. Recent honourees have also included senior officials from the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the continued depth of France's engagement with the Arab world. Beyond celebrating Dr. Zaki's personal achievements, the award stands as a testament to Egypt's enduring role as a cultural bridge between civilisations—a mission she has long championed throughout her career. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Israeli plan to concentrate Gazans in closed zone faces widespread backlash - War on Gaza
An Israeli proposal to relocate Gazans into a so-called "humanitarian city" has faced fierce criticism, with opponents calling it a costly diversion at best and, at worst, a step toward the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their land. Defence Minister Israel Katz unveiled the plan during a briefing with reporters last Monday, outlining the construction of a closed zone in southern Gaza, to be built from scratch, during a potential 60-day ceasefire currently under negotiation in Qatar, amid Israel's genocidal assault on the Strip. For 21 months, Israel has relentlessly carpet-bombed Gaza, turning entire regions to rubble. The civilian population—more than two million people displaced by Israel's brutal airstrikes—would ultimately be relocated to this zone, according to Katz. The plan aims to initially house around 600,000 displaced residents from southern Gaza, with four aid distribution centers managed by international organizations, Katz said. However, the proposal has been met with fierce opposition. Critics have questioned its feasibility and morality, with Israel's opposition leader condemning the astronomical cost, while experts pointed out the lack of infrastructure needed to support such a large population in the area. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has equated the proposed facility to a "concentration camp," while Britain's minister for the Middle East and North Africa voiced his "appall" at the idea. "Palestinian territory must not be reduced," Hamish Falconer of the UK Foreign Office stated on X. "Civilians must be able to return to their communities." 'Extremist Delusions' Nearly 21 months of Israeli airstrikes and an inhumane blockade have left Gaza in ruins, displacing the majority of its population, creating acute shortages of food and essential supplies, and killing 58,026 people—most of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Those who would be relocated to the proposed facility would first undergo security screenings to ensure they are not affiliated with Hamas. Once admitted, they would not be allowed to leave. Israel's military, according to Katz, would offer security "from a distance." Yet even within Israel's own security establishment, the plan has been met with sharp criticism. Local media reports suggest that army chief Eyal Zamir denounced the proposal during a cabinet meeting, stating it would distract from Israel's primary military objectives: defeating Hamas and securing the release of captives taken on October 7, 2023. Channel 12 reported that unnamed security officials dismissed the plan as little more than a "gigantic tent city," warning it could pave the way for a return to Israeli military occupation in Gaza. The plan fits perfectly within the long-held goals of far-right Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, key coalition partners of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both Smotrich and Ben Gvir have long advocated for the re-establishment of Israeli settlements in Gaza, from which Israel unilaterally withdrew in 2005. They have also repeatedly called for the "voluntary expatriation" of Palestinians from Gaza—a euphemism for ethnic cleansing. The projected cost of the initiative—estimated between 10 and 20 billion shekels ($3-6 billion)—has only added to the outrage as the economic toll of nearly two years of war continues to mount. "That money is not coming back," opposition leader Yair Lapid stated on X. "Netanyahu is letting Smotrich and Ben Gvir run wild with extremist delusions just to preserve his coalition. Instead of plundering the middle class's money, end the war and bring back the hostages." 'Fantasies' The Palestinian Authority has been unequivocal in its condemnation of the proposed facility, with its foreign ministry asserting: "The humanitarian city has nothing to do with humanity." This sentiment was echoed by UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which stated the plan would effectively create "massive concentration camps" along the border with Egypt. A Palestinian official familiar with the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Qatar told AFP that Hamas has rejected the idea of concentrating Palestinians in a small section of southern Gaza, viewing it as preparation for their forced displacement to Egypt or other countries. Amnesty International, which has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, warned that relocating Gazans within the territory or "deporting them outside against their will would constitute the war crime of unlawful transfer." Last Friday, 16 Israeli scholars of international law sent a letter to Katz and Zamir, warning that the scheme could be classified as a war crime. Michael Milshtein, an Israeli former military intelligence officer, dismissed the plan as one of many "fantasies" floated by Israel's leadership in the face of growing public disillusionment with the war's trajectory and the lack of a political solution. He also highlighted the complete lack of infrastructure in the proposed zone, raising serious concerns over the provision of basic necessities such as electricity and water. "There is only sand and fields, nothing," said Milshtein, who now heads the Palestinian Studies program at Tel Aviv University. "Nobody tells the Israeli public what the price and consequences of reoccupying Gaza would be, both economically, politically, and security-wise," Milshtein added. "If people truly understood that the goal of the war is the reoccupation of Gaza, there would be massive social unrest in Israel." *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
