Latest news with #FMAbdelatty
Al-Ahram Weekly
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt, Italy discuss securing ceasefire in Gaza, Libya - Foreign Affairs
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty discussed key regional developments in a phone call on Sunday with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, focusing on reaching a ceasefire in Libya and the Gaza Strip, as well as concerns related to the Horn of Africa and Egypt's water security. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers asserted the need for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya as a critical step toward restoring stability. They also stressed the importance of dismantling militias and the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, describing this as the only viable path to ensuring long-term peace and preventing irregular migration across the Mediterranean. Additionally, FM Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's intensive diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians to alleviate their suffering amid Israel's ongoing genocidal war. For his part, the Italian foreign minister praised Egypt's relentless efforts to halt the war and ensure the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza's starving population. Tajani also expressed Italy's full support for the planned International Conference on the Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza, which Egypt will host once a ceasefire is secured, confirming his country's participation in the conference. Both ministers also agreed to maintain close coordination to intensify international pressure for reaching a ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian aid access to Gaza. Furthermore, both sides exchanged views on the escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. FM Abdelatty also highlighted Egypt's concerns regarding the Nile River and water security, reiterating Cairo's position on the need for adherence to international law governing shared water resources. He stressed the importance of cooperation based on consensus and mutual benefit to safeguard the interests of all Nile Basin countries. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of unilateral actions that violate international law in the Eastern Nile Basin. He asserted that Cairo will take all the necessary measures, in line with international legal frameworks, to protect its vital water interests. Both ministers also underscored the importance of continued coordination between Egypt and Italy, particularly given the strong ties between the two countries' leaderships. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
FM Abdelatty delivers El-Sisi message to Nigerian president on strengthening cooperation
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja and delivered him a written message from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, emphasizing the distinguished bilateral relations and expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation across various fields and support Africa's security and stability. During their meeting on Monday, FM Abdelatty conveyed President El-Sisi's greetings and appreciation to the Nigerian president, praising the historic and close ties between the two nations. According to a Foreign Ministry statement, he affirmed Egypt's keenness to advance bilateral cooperation in light of both countries' shared aspirations for strengthening security, stability, and development across the African continent. Close follow-up Abdelatty indicated that his visit to Nigeria is part of a follow-up on the outcomes of the meeting held between the two presidents in Brazil in November 2024 and the outcomes of the third round of political consultations at the foreign ministers' level, which took place in Cairo in January 2025. These consultations culminated in an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership, embodying the mutual commitment to strengthening relations and exploring new areas of cooperation that would serve the interests of both peoples. Egypt's top diplomat also stressed the importance of leveraging the capacities of both countries and enhancing cooperation in priority sectors, particularly trade and investment. Economic ties The statement highlighted that Abdelatty was accompanied by a high-level delegation of 30 Egyptian businessmen and representatives of companies operating in various fields. The delegation's visit aims to promote economic and investment cooperation, as well as explore new partnership opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare, construction, and industry. "This step reflects Egypt's commitment to supporting African economic integration and bolstering the the private sector's role in driving joint development," Abdelatty noted. Additionally, FM Abdelatty expressed Egypt's appreciation for Nigeria's official endorsement of Dr. Khaled El-Anany's candidacy for the position of director-general of UNESCO. El-Anany also attended the meeting with the Nigerian president. Abdelatty also highlighted the broad African support for El-Anany's candidacy since its announcement in April 2023. Confronting terrorism The foreign minister affirmed Egypt's readiness to share its expertise and provide comprehensive support in Nigeria's fight against terrorism. The statement indicated that the cooperation includes training, field support, and confronting extremist ideologies through Al-Azhar and the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding. The meeting also discussed developments in the Sahel, West Africa, the Horn of Africa, Sudan, and Libya, reflecting a shared vision between the two countries on the importance of intensifying joint efforts to promote stability and address security challenges threatening Africa. Increased cooperation For his part, the Nigerian president praised Egypt's pivotal role in supporting security, stability, and development across Africa, as well as the remarkable progress in Egypt-Nigeria bilateral relations. He also affirmed Nigeria's commitment to expanding cooperation and coordination at both African and international forums to serve the interests of both the Egyptian and Nigerian peoples. Abdelatty's visit to Nigeria marked the beginning of a five-leg tour in West Africa, which also includes Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Senegal. The tour aims to strengthen bilateral relations and coordination on counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel and West Africa. During his visit to Abuja, he met with his counterpart, Yusuf Tuggar, and attended the opening session of the Egypt-Nigeria Business Forum. Egypt's foreign minister also signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigerian Minister of Civil Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo to cooperate in civil aviation. The agreement aims to develop air and ground services and establish a structured framework to enhance cooperation between the civil aviation authorities of both nations. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt asserts support to Nigeria counterterrorism efforts
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty asserted Egypt's full support to Nigeria's comprehensive efforts to combat terrorism, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation against terrorist organizations operating across the Sahel region. FM Abdelatty made this statement during a high-level meeting on Monday with Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun in Abuja. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty said the Lake Chad Basin represents a natural geographic extension of the Sahel to Egypt's neighbouring regions. "This underscores the need to strengthen joint mechanisms to address the root causes of violence and instability in West Africa and the Sahel, which directly impact the security of both nations," he stressed. FM Abdelatty, who is currently visiting Abuja, Nigeria, as part of a five-leg tour in West Africa, highlighted the critical role of intellectual and ideological engagement in combating extremism. He also reviewed Egypt's ongoing efforts in this respect, including its plan to increase the number of Al-Azhar envoys in Nigeria to 75 by October 2025. The envoys would teach Al-Azhar's moderate Islamic curriculum in various schools and Islamic institutes across Nigeria to promote tolerance, pluralism, and moderate Islamic values, which Egypt considers essential in its fight against extremism. The meeting also covered other key regional issues of mutual concern, particularly developments in the Sahel and West Africa. Both sides discussed ways to support stability and address the region's growing security challenges. They affirmed the importance of enhancing coordination to empower African nations to respond effectively to emerging crises and fulfil the aspirations of their peoples for peace and development. During the visit, the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), which operates under the National Security Adviser's office. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in technical training, capacity building, and knowledge exchange related to counterterrorism and combating extremist ideologies. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to addressing terrorism through an integrated approach that encompasses security, developmental, and preventive dimensions, aiming to eradicate the roots of extremism. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
7 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt expresses desire to expand collaboration with ECOWAS in counterterrorism efforts
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty expressed on Monday Egypt's desire to expand collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in training, capacity building, and technical assistance for the regional counterterrorism force. This occurred during FM Abdelatty's meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, with ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Abdel-Fatau Musah, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the beginning of the meeting, Abdelatty extended Egypt's congratulations on the occasion of ECOWAS's 50th anniversary. He also praised the community's achievements in advancing regional integration, particularly facilitating the free movement of people and boosting intra-regional trade among member states. Moreover, he commended ECOWAS's efforts to uphold peace and security across West Africa. FM Abdelatty also emphasized the deep-rooted historical ties between Egypt and ECOWAS member states and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to sharing its expertise and capabilities across various sectors. He highlighted Egypt's strong African identity and steadfast dedication to promoting stability, security, and development across the continent. Furthermore, he called for developing a practical and constructive framework for enhanced coordination and cooperation between Egypt and ECOWAS in confronting terrorism and extremism. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's firm stance rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, expressing Cairo's full readiness to support the region's counterterrorism efforts. In this respect, he expressed Egypt's desire to expand collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission in training, capacity building, and technical assistance for the regional counterterrorism force. The minister also proposed exploring avenues for preventive cooperation under a comprehensive strategy addressing the ideological, developmental, and security dimensions of terrorism. This includes support for disarmament, demobilization, reintegration (DDR) programmes, community reconciliation, transitional justice, and anti-extremism initiatives. Egypt's top diplomat also highlighted the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding's (CCCPA) critical role in providing specialized capacity-building programmes on counterterrorism and cross-border threats, in collaboration with regional and international partners. Abdelatty further underscored the pivotal contribution of Al-Azhar, Egypt's leading Sunni Muslim institution, in combating extremist ideologies and promoting the values of moderation and tolerance through its scholarly missions deployed across Africa. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
21-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt FM begins 5-leg West Africa tour for bolstering ties, counterterrorism efforts
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty travelled on Monday to the Nigerian capital, Abuja, beginning his tour to five West African countries, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and coordination on counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel and West Africa. The five West African countries are Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Senegal. During his tour in Nigeria, Abdelatty will hold high-level meetings with several senior Nigerian officials, representatives of regional blocs, members of the Nigerian business community, and the Egyptian expatriate community, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thirty CEOs and representatives of major Egyptian companies from various sectors are accompanying the minister on his African tour, which aims to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation with these countries. According to the statement, the tour reflects Egypt's commitment to active engagement and partnership with the African continent, supporting sustainable development efforts and promoting regional stability. The African tour followed Egypt's active participation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, where President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi and FM Abdelatty held several meetings with African leaders and officials. During that session, El-Sisi announced the launch of the New Partnership for Africa's Development's (NEPAD) Centre of Excellence for Climate Initiatives in Cairo, describing the step as essential to equip the African countries with tools for adaptation and resilience. "Despite ongoing regional and international challenges, Africa holds vast potential and numerous opportunities for achieving sustainable development and prosperity," the president affirmed. For his part, FM Abdelatty discussed ways to intensify cooperation with African countries during the event. He stressed the importance of leveraging the expertise and capabilities of leading Egyptian companies, particularly in the energy, construction, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors. Abdelatty also highlighted Egypt's ongoing efforts to support development in Africa, particularly through the activities of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD), affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "EAPD supports Africa's development aspirations through the provision of capacity-building assistance, the transfer of knowledge, skills, and expertise, and the promotion of creative industries," El-Sisi said during the 23rd African Union Summit in June 2014. The agency also supports and promotes the private sector's role in trade and investment, contributing to the continent's overall economic development. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
