OPEN// FM engages with US-based Egyptian expats, urges their participation in upcoming elections
Abdelatty praised the diaspora's role in boosting Egypt-US relations and contributing to the national economy. He highlighted Egyptian-American business participation in the Egypt-US Economic Forum in May and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to improving consular services, including digital transformation and new state-led initiatives.
He urged Egyptians abroad to vote in upcoming elections.
Also, he advised them to abide by US residency laws, warning of legal consequences for violations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nabil Habashi outlined during the meeting new incentives for expatriates, such as streamlined remittance services, overseas bank account access, and preferential housing and education benefits. He also discussed preparations for the sixth annual expatriate conference in August 2025 and encouraged ongoing dialogue with the diaspora.
(MENA)
R E E/
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily News Egypt
8 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Strategic Dilemma: Sovereignty, Diversification, and the $7.5bn Offer
The recent offer from the United States—$7.5bn in military modernization aid in exchange for guaranteed free passage through the Suez Canal—has placed Egypt at a crossroads. This proposal comes amid rising tensions over US aid conditions, congressional scrutiny of Egypt's human rights record, and Cairo's deliberate strategy to diversify its military partnerships with China and Russia. As an Egyptian politician, I recognise the gravity of this decision: balancing national sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and the undeniable financial allure of Washington's offer. The Suez Canal: A Sovereign Asset beyond Price The Suez Canal is not merely a waterway; it is a symbol of Egyptian sovereignty and a pillar of our economy. The Canal generates over $9bn annually—more when geopolitical conflicts to the south are resolved—and is governed exclusively by Egyptian law and international treaties, such as the 1888 Constantinople Convention, which guarantees free navigation without compromising Egypt's right to regulate transit fees and security. The US demand for 'free passage' in exchange for aid risks undermining this sovereignty, echoing President Trump's earlier controversial remarks that dismissed Egypt's control over the Canal. Accepting such terms could set a dangerous precedent, inviting further external pressure on our strategic assets. The $7.5bn Temptation and Its Strings The US offer is undeniably significant. It could modernise Egypt's ageing F-16 fleet, replenish missile stockpiles, and strengthen border security—all critical needs. However, history shows that US military aid is rarely unconditional. Congress has repeatedly withheld portions of Egypt's $1.3bn annual assistance over alleged human rights concerns, and the Biden administration has waived requirements only when aligned with US geopolitical interests—such as in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Worse still, the proposed deal coincides with threats to cut aid if Egypt refuses to accept displaced Gazans—an absolute red line for Cairo. Can we trust that this $7.5bn won't come with hidden political costs? Diversification vs. Dependency: Egypt's Strategic Calculus Egypt's recent pivot toward Chinese and Russian arms—such as the HQ-9B air defence system and potential J-10C fighter jet deals—reflects a calculated strategy to reduce dependence on Western suppliers. The US has long restricted access to critical technologies (e.g., AIM-120 missiles for F-16s) to placate Israel, while China offers advanced systems with fewer political strings attached. Yet US law explicitly penalises countries that engage in 'significant transactions' with Russia or China's defence sectors, potentially jeopardising future aid. This puts Egypt in a bind: forfeit diversification—and with it, strategic flexibility—or risk losing US support. The Path Forward: Sovereignty and Pragmatism Egypt must negotiate from a position of strength. The Suez Canal's value to global trade grants us leverage; the US needs the Canal more than we need their aid. Any agreement must: Explicitly respect Egyptian sovereignty over Canal management and fee regulation. Avoid linkage to unrelated issues, such as Gaza displacement or human rights benchmarks. Permit continued military diversification, ensuring US aid complements—rather than replaces—partnerships with China or Russia. Be subject to time limits that correspond to the value and duration of the aid provided. The $7.5bn is tempting, but Egypt's long-term security cannot be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Our military partnerships must serve our interests—not the agendas of external powers. As the Arab world's and Africa's leading military power, Egypt has earned the right to chart its own course—one that balances pragmatism with unyielding sovereignty. The choice is difficult, but one thing is certain: we will explore all options, but never submit. Dr. Mohamed El-Seidy: EgyptAir pilot, education and sustainable mobility entrepreneur, and member of CPYP
Daily News Egypt
8 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, Somalia leaders discuss strategic partnership, counterterrorism in New Alamein
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Monday with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the coastal city of New Alamein during an official visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and addressing regional developments, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy, the meeting included a one-on-one session followed by expanded talks between the two countries' delegations. Discussions centred on reinforcing the strategic partnership and enhancing coordination on regional security challenges. At a joint press conference following the talks, President Al-Sisi said the two leaders discussed political and security conditions in the Horn of Africa, as well as expanding cooperation across political, economic, security, and defence sectors. He noted that the talks built on the political declaration signed in January 2025, which aims to elevate Egyptian-Somali relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Al-Sisi announced that both sides had agreed to activate the military cooperation protocol signed in August 2024. The protocol includes efforts to strengthen Somali security personnel and state institutions to combat terrorism and restore state authority across Somalia. He also reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the African Union's support mission in Somalia and called for predictable, sustainable international funding to ensure the mission's continued effectiveness. Al-Sisi praised President Mohamud's efforts to promote national unity and fight extremist groups, reaffirming Egypt's full support for all initiatives aimed at fostering political consensus and achieving lasting peace and development in Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his visit sought to reinforce the historic ties between Egypt and Somalia. He expressed gratitude for Egypt's continued support, especially in healthcare, education, and institutional development. 'We are grateful for Egypt's role in providing healthcare services in Somalia—services that were previously unavailable,' he said. President Mohamud also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Egypt across various sectors, with a particular focus on boosting private sector partnerships and exploring mutually beneficial investment opportunities. He extended a formal invitation to President Al-Sisi to visit Somalia, saying: 'The Somali people are eager to welcome you warmly.' The visit comes amid intensifying diplomatic engagement between the two countries, as the Horn of Africa continues to face persistent security and political challenges. Volatility in the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor, has also raised concerns due to ongoing regional tensions and proxy conflicts. The renewed Egyptian-Somali engagement is widely viewed as part of Cairo's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in East Africa by supporting regional stability, enhancing institutional resilience, and countering terrorism and economic fragility.
Middle East
13 hours ago
- Middle East
OPEN// President Sisi affirms Egypt's full support for all efforts to achieve national consensus in Somalia
EL ALAMEIN, July 7 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi affirmed Egypt's full support for all efforts aimed at achieving national consensus on political files in Somalia in a way that enhances security and establishes the foundations for stability and sustainable development in the country. In remarks during a joint press conference with his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in El Alamein City Monday President Sisi said, the talks with the Somali president involved in-depth discussions on a number of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, foremost among them the security and political situation in the Horn of Africa and the security of the Red Sea. President Sisi stressed the agreement on the need to intensify cooperation to ensure the stability of this vital region, given its direct impact on both regional and international security and stability. Sisi added that the discussions also addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, in light of the joint political declaration signed last January, aiming to elevate relations between the two countries to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He said an agreement was reached on the importance of building on the current momentum and taking concrete steps to deepen cooperation in specific areas of mutual interest—particularly in political, economic, security, and military fields and also emphasizing continued consultation and coordination on related issues. President Sisi welcomed his Somali counterpart to his second home, Egypt, in a visit reflecting the depth of fraternal ties between the two countries- based on a shared history, religion, and culture, as well as common visions and objectives. He said the visit comes as part of the mutual commitment to advancing strategic partnership between the two nations in a way that serves the interests of their brotherly peoples and supports development efforts and stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. (MORE) Y R E/S A S
