Latest news with #Khallaf
Egypt Independent
19-07-2025
- Egypt Independent
Foreign Ministry welcomes US decision to upgrade its travel advisory for Egypt
The official spokesperson for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Tamim Khallaf, welcomed America's decision to upgrade its travel advisory for Egypt to Level II, alongside countries such as France and Germany. The Foreign Ministry's spokesperson called this a significant positive step. He also welcomed a similar move taken by the British Foreign Office to update its travel advice for Egypt to Level II, especially as nearly one million Britons visit Egypt annually, reflecting the country's climate of security and stability. Khallaf emphasized that the amendments to the travel advice come are the fruits of recent talks conducted by the Foreign Ministry and Egyptian embassies abroad with several countries to support increased tourist flow to Egypt.
Al-Ahram Weekly
19-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
US, UK upgrade Egypt travel advisories in recognition of stability - Tourism
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf welcomed on Friday the recent decisions by the United States and the United Kingdom to upgrade their travel advisories for Egypt to Level Two. In a statement, Khallaf noted that Egypt has been placed under the US State Department's Level Two: Exercise Increased Caution category, alongside countries such as France and Germany, describing the move as a "notable positive step." He also highlighted the updated UK travel advisory, which emphasized that nearly one million British citizens visit Egypt annually—a reflection, he said, of the country's stable and secure environment. Khallaf stressed that these updates are the result of extensive diplomatic efforts by Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassies abroad to improve Egypt's international standing. Before the change, the US travel advisory had placed Egypt at Level Three: Reconsider Travel, urging Americans to avoid visiting due to safety concerns. The UK also maintained more restrictive guidance for certain areas, especially outside of major tourist zones. The revised travel guidance is expected to boost tourism flows and support Egypt's economy, strengthening its position as a leading global destination for historical and cultural tourism. Tourism remains a key source of foreign currency for Egypt. The government has launched a national strategy to develop the sector and attract 30 million visitors by 2028. In 2024, Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists, generating $14.1 billion in revenue, surpassing the previous record of 14.9 million tourists in 2023. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Libya Review
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Egypt Reaffirms Support for Libyan Stability & Elections
Egypt has reaffirmed its close monitoring of the situation in Libya, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcing the successful evacuation of 71 Egyptian nationals from Tripoli. The move comes amid recent security concerns in the Libyan capital. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, spokesperson for Egypt's Foreign Ministry, stated that Cairo is operating a dedicated operations room to track developments and ensure the safety of Egyptian citizens residing in Libya, particularly in conflict-prone areas. He confirmed that Egypt's diplomatic mission in Libya remains active in offering protection and necessary support to its nationals. Khallaf highlighted Egypt's view of Libyan stability as integral to both Arab and Egyptian national security, citing deep strategic and geographic ties between the two countries. He stressed Cairo's full support for Libya's political process, including holding presidential and parliamentary elections, unifying state institutions, and securing the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries to reach a sustainable political resolution. According to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the evacuation was carried out in line with directives from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to ensure the protection of Egyptians abroad. An EgyptAir flight was dispatched to Libya to repatriate citizens who had registered with the Egyptian embassy in Tripoli and the ministry's operations centre. The ministry confirmed that the repatriation was fully funded by the Egyptian government, with no financial burden placed on the evacuees. It also noted that the national committee handling Libyan affairs had worked over recent days to coordinate all logistical arrangements for the return. The statement concluded by affirming the continued readiness of both the operations room and Egypt's embassy in Tripoli to provide 24/7 support for Egyptians in Libya and respond promptly to any emerging needs. Tags: EgyptEvacuationlibyaLibyan CrisistripoliViolence
Al-Ahram Weekly
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
INTERVIEW: Egypt pursuing multitrack Gaza strategy despite renewed Israeli war - FM spokesperson - Foreign Affairs
Despite renewed Israeli war on Gaza, Egypt is pressing forward with its ambitious reconstruction plan, navigating a complex landscape of ceasefire efforts, international diplomacy, and the pursuit of a lasting two-state solution, Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said in an interview with Ahram Online. Ambassador Khallaf outlined that Cairo continues to engage with the Americans to consolidate a fragile ceasefire while laying the groundwork for a post-war Gaza. Ahram Online: Given that Israel has resumed its war on Gaza, how does this impact Egypt's ability to move forward with the reconstruction plan? Tamim Khallaf: We are working on two simultaneous tracks. We are exerting vigorous efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and prevent its unraveling. At the same time, we must make all necessary initial preparations for the reconstruction of Gaza so that we can hit the ground running once conditions are favourable. Reconstruction requires intensive planning, funding, and operational and logistical arrangements. Therefore, we will proceed with our efforts so that we will be all set once circumstances permit. AO: The plan has gained backing from the Arabs, the OIC, and the EU, but can it advance without the US and Israel's approval? TK: We are constructively engaging with the US regarding the plan. It is a thorough and meticulous plan which we believe is workable, realistic, and operationally feasible. Egypt relied heavily on its extensive experience from previous reconstruction cycles in Gaza to develop it. It started as an Egyptian plan, then was endorsed as an Arab one, and is now gradually morphing into an international one after the significant global support it received. We will continue interacting positively with our American partners to see the plan come to fruition. AO: How do you plan to address Washington's objections or skepticism? What contacts have been established so far with the US, and what aspects of the plan do you believe could make Trump change his mind? TK: We continue to engage positively with the US administration and will address comments or suggestions from our American partners constructively and with an open mind. Egypt and the United States share the same objective of a stable and peaceful Middle East, and it's only natural that as strategic partners, we engage in a productive conversation to fulfill our common objective. AO: The Israelis have bypassed the plan and continue blocking aid while moving forward with plans to expel the Palestinians. Doesn't this render the plan ineffective? How can it progress under such conditions? TK: We will continue to promote the plan internationally because it's a viable plan and one that keeps Palestinians in their territory. In the meantime, we continue to make strenuous efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and create favourable conditions for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Palestinians are exceptionally sensitive to attempts to detach them from their homeland. Their collective memory is charged with profound grief, given the historic injustice inflicted on them. AO: Hamas disarmament/expulsion from Gaza has been branded as a major obstacle by Israel. What is Egypt's vision on this issue? TK: The Arab summit endorsed the establishment of a Palestinian committee entrusted to administer Gaza temporarily. The 15 members of this committee will be Palestinian technocrats not affiliated with any factions. Its main functions will be to govern Gaza, manage humanitarian assistance, and serve for an interim period, paving the way for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. Its members enjoy consensus among Palestinians; accordingly, they should be supported internationally. The committee was designed to be non-factional to uphold impartiality and integrity. It's a reasonable way forward. AO: Although the plan was unanimously approved by all Arab countries, some expressed reluctance on account of Hamas or the PA, either implicitly or by absence. What concerns have been conveyed to you? TK: The summit reflected profound Arab solidarity and consensual endorsement on key issues, including Egypt's reconstruction plan. The final statement of the Arab summit reflected a decisive and collective Arab position, and all 22 Arab states attended. AO: Then what steps will Egypt take to ensure the plan translates into concrete action? TK: We are in the process of planning an international conference in Egypt on Gaza's reconstruction. It will be convened in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government and solicit funds from donor countries and international financial institutions. Egypt is working on three simultaneous tracks: consolidating the ceasefire, promoting the reconstruction plan, and organizing the international conference. AO: With the war ongoing, does this conference still hold relevance? TK: Absolutely. War is never perpetual, and Gaza will eventually have to be rebuilt. The reconstruction conference will be a significant milestone towards securing the necessary funding for the reconstruction process. So, despite the renewed aggression, we must exert all efforts to contain any further escalation, consolidate the ceasefire, and ensure its full implementation to proceed with early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. AO: The plan addresses the broader question of the two-state solution. Will this go hand in hand with the reconstruction, or is it a step to be taken later? TK: As humanitarian, security, and governance issues are addressed in Gaza, the global community has a responsibility to offer a political horizon that generates hope and brings peace between Palestinians and Israelis. This should culminate in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the lines of 4 June 1967, where Palestinians can finally live free from Israeli occupation. We must offer a future for the Palestinians anchored in hope, not despair. The way to repel extremism is to set Palestinians free and allow them to exercise their right for self-determination living in an independent state, side by side with Israel. Any attempt to circumvent this self-evident reality prolongs the conflict rather than bringing its closure. Once a Palestinian independent state is established, generational healing between Palestinians and Israelis will follow. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
23-02-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Egypt, China FMs review Egyptian efforts to consolidate Gaza ceasefire deal
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty discussed with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Egypt's efforts to consolidate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and implement its three phases. During a phone call on Saturday 22/2/2025, Abdelatty and Wang reviewed developments in the Middle East as well as the evolving situation in Sudan, Gaza and Syria. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's plan for the early recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, while the Palestinians remain on their lands, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf. He added that the Egyptian plan is supported by the Arab nations, with the Chinese top diplomat sharing a similar support. The two foreign minister said that they are looking forward to convening the joint government committee under their chairmanship, within the framework of putting into effect the outcomes of the strategic dialogue tour that took place in Beijing in December 2024, the spokesman said. The expressed desire to boost bilateral economic and trade relations, through stimulating further Chinese investments in Egypt, for the benefit of both countries, the spokesman added. The phone call tackled the updates in Sudan, with the Egyptian foreign minister emphasizing the necessity of respecting Sudan's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, along with reaching a ceasefire deal there, with a view to launching a comprehensive political process for all Sudanese powers meant to restore the country's security and stability, Khallaf noted. They discussed the developments in Syria, underscoring the importance of launching a comprehensive political process entailing all components of the Syrian people, in order to stabilize Syria and contribute to the counter-terrorism and extremism efforts in the region, Khallaf added.
