Latest news with #AbdelFattahAl-Sisi
Daily News Egypt
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Al-Sisi, Italian defence minister discuss Gaza, security cooperation
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the military and security fields, as well as the war in Gaza, the Egyptian presidency said. The meeting, which was also attended by Egypt's Minister of Defence, General Abdel Meguid Sakr, and the Italian ambassador, covered ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries to consolidate their strategic relationship and advance mutual interests amid regional and international challenges. According to a statement from the presidency's spokesperson, the Italian minister conveyed greetings from Italy's prime minister, and Sisi highlighted the importance of continuing the positive momentum in bilateral relations. The talks addressed the situation in the Palestinian territories and Egypt's efforts to secure a ceasefire. 'The necessity of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, immediate action to end the humanitarian suffering of the sector's residents, work to release hostages and detainees, and begin the reconstruction process were affirmed,' the spokesperson said. The statement added that both sides stressed their rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their land and the importance of implementing the two-state solution through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as the only way to achieve lasting peace. The officials also discussed ways to continue enhancing cooperation in combating illegal migration. In this regard, the Italian minister expressed his country's appreciation for the efforts made by Egyptian authorities, which have resulted in stopping the departure of any boats carrying illegal migrants from Egyptian coasts towards Europe since 2016, the statement said. The meeting also touched on developments in a number of other crises in the Middle East, with both sides affirming the need to support peace efforts and establish security and stability. They also discussed Italy's strategy of openness towards the African continent, which aims to enhance development and joint cooperation, and explored opportunities for Egypt to engage in cooperation projects with Italy within this framework.
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egyptian president follows up on initiatives to counter extremist thought
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Monday reviewed the Ministry of Awqaf's (Religious Endowments) efforts to renew religious discourse and combat extremism, his office said in a statement. The president met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Awqaf Minister Usama Al-Azhari, who presented a report on the ministry's initiatives. Al-Azhari briefed the president on the 'Correct Your Concepts' awareness initiative, which he described as a cornerstone of the ministry's strategy to build enlightened religious and societal awareness. The initiative aims to correct misconceptions and counter forms of non-religious extremism that contribute to the decline of values and ethics in society. President Al-Sisi directed the continuous follow-up of the initiative's implementation mechanisms to ensure its national objectives are met, in coordination with state institutions and civil society. The president also followed up on the latest developments in formulating a strategic vision for renewing religious discourse. Al-Azhari explained that the strategy consists of four main pillars: confronting religious extremism in all its forms, confronting all forms of non-religious extremism represented by the decline of values and negative behaviours, human development, and civilization building. The minister presented the 'Renewal of Religious Discourse' document, which includes executive measures for each of the previous pillars, aiming to formulate a rational religious discourse that promotes values of peace, security, and tolerance. Al-Azhari also presented the ministry's new digital platform, which is part of its efforts to counter extremist thought and enhance awareness. The platform includes various sections covering different aspects of Islamic and encyclopedic sciences, as well as initiatives to rationalise behaviour and address negative phenomena in society such as bullying, harming people with disabilities, drug abuse, and vandalism of public property. The minister also discussed future plans to develop the platform, including converting its content into visual and audio formats for social media and utilising artificial intelligence technologies. The meeting also covered the latest developments in the 'Al-Aswat' (The Voices) competition, which aims to discover the best voices in Quranic recitation, religious invocations, and chanting. The Egyptian President directed continued coordination with the relevant authorities to enhance the capabilities of imams, qualify distinguished personnel capable of facing challenges and improving the level of religious discourse, and develop communication mechanisms, especially in combating extremist thought and consolidating awareness of contemporary issues.
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi: Egypt intensifies efforts to end Gaza crisis, facilitate aid delivery
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi declared on Monday that Egypt has been working tirelessly since the outbreak of the Gaza war on 7 October 2023, in coordination with Qatar and the United States, to achieve three primary objectives: ending the war, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, and securing the release of hostages. In a televised address to the Egyptian people, as well as to the broader Arab and international communities, Al-Sisi emphasized that his message comes at a 'critical time,' amid widespread speculation regarding Egypt's position on the ongoing conflict. He reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering commitment to a ceasefire and to the two-state solution, which he called the only viable path to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Al-Sisi made it clear that Egypt categorically rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians, warning that such actions would undermine the very concept of a two-state solution and any potential peaceful resolution. 'Any forced displacement would destroy the very idea of a two-state solution or any peaceful settlement,' he stated, reiterating Egypt's steadfast opposition to any efforts to expel Palestinians from their land. On the humanitarian front, the president highlighted that Gaza typically requires between 600 and 700 truckloads of aid daily. Despite the challenging field conditions over the past 21 months, Egypt has done everything possible to deliver as much aid as possible, he noted. Al-Sisi acknowledged that the operation of the Rafah crossing is not solely under Egypt's control, as it also depends on security and coordination with the Palestinian side. 'We have a massive stockpile of aid ready to enter Gaza, and we will not block it—our values and ethics do not allow that,' he affirmed, but added that aid delivery 'requires coordination with the other party inside Gaza.' The president reiterated that Egypt continues to collaborate closely with Qatar and the United States to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance, despite occasional obstacles that hinder progress. 'Conditions in Gaza have been catastrophic in recent months. The situation has become unbearable. We must deliver the largest possible quantity of food, medicine, and other supplies to alleviate the crisis,' Al-Sisi stressed. Addressing the Egyptian public, Al-Sisi emphasized Egypt's longstanding and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, stating, 'Don't think for a moment that we could be passive toward our Palestinian brothers. Egypt has a respectable, honest, and unwavering role that will not change.' In his closing remarks, Al-Sisi made a direct appeal to the international community, calling on all countries, including the European Union and the United States, as well as regional partners, to exert maximum effort to end the war and facilitate aid delivery. He also made a personal appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging him to 'do all you can to end this war and facilitate aid delivery. I believe the time has come.' Al-Sisi's statements came shortly after a response from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which expressed frustration over 'repeated attempts to distort Egypt's role in Gaza.' The ministry emphasized that Egypt is fulfilling its humanitarian and national responsibilities with integrity, despite facing significant on-the-ground challenges. It also stated that Egypt would not be distracted by 'malicious campaigns' designed to undermine its efforts, noting that such attempts ultimately harm the Palestinian cause amid Gaza's dire humanitarian situation.
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi reviews transport, industry projects, urges drive to make Egypt global logistics hub
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi held a meeting on Sunday with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry Kamel Al-Wazir, and Presidential Financial Advisor General Ahmed El-Shazly to review the progress of key transport and industrial development projects, according to a statement by the presidency. Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said the meeting focused on advancing railway projects, particularly the Arish–Taba line and the Bir Al-Abd–Arish extension, which are designed to spur development in the Sinai Peninsula and create a logistics corridor linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. The discussions also included updates on the development and modernisation of major seaports, including Ras Sudr, Gargoub, Abu Qir, Greater Alexandria, New El-Mex, Ain Sokhna, Taba, and Damietta, recognising their central role in Egypt's national economic strategy. Progress on Cairo's fourth metro line and the high-speed electric rail network was also reviewed, as part of broader efforts to modernise Egypt's transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the country. The meeting further addressed plans to develop industrial zones in Upper Egypt, particularly in Wadi Al-Saririya and Al-Matahara in Minya, as well as northern Fayoum. These projects aim to stimulate industrial activity in underdeveloped regions and create employment opportunities, especially in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and ready-made garments. President Al-Sisi stressed the importance of completing all projects according to schedule and directed continued work to establish integrated logistics corridors that seamlessly connect industrial zones to Egypt's upgraded ports. He underlined that these initiatives must be integrated with the country's modern network of roads, highways, and railways to strengthen Egypt's position as a global trade and logistics hub.
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Al-Sisi, Macron discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts, France's planned recognition of Palestinian state
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi received a phone call on Saturday from French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss bilateral ties, efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, and France's forthcoming recognition of a Palestinian state, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency. Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said the call reaffirmed the strength of Egypt-France relations and both leaders' commitment to build on the momentum from Macron's recent visit to Cairo—particularly in economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The discussion covered Egypt's ongoing mediation efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire and facilitate the exchange of hostages and detainees. Both leaders also underscored the urgent need to guarantee the adequate and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. President Macron expressed France's full support for Egypt's diplomatic efforts, while both leaders stressed the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue based on international legitimacy. Al-Sisi welcomed Macron's recent announcement of France's intention to formally recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming high-level segment of the UN General Assembly in New York this September. He described the move as consistent with France's longstanding support for the two-state solution, which he affirmed remains the only viable path to lasting peace and stability in the region. The call also addressed Egypt's backing of a joint French-Saudi initiative to hold a high-level international conference on Palestinian peace efforts, scheduled to take place in New York later this month, the statement added.
