Latest news with #TaarekRefaat
See - Sada Elbalad
an hour ago
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Delivers Medical Aid to Gabonese Ministry of Health in Support of Bilateral Health Cooperation
Taarek Refaat In a renewed gesture of African solidarity and health diplomacy, Egypt's Ambassador to Gabon, Reham Hussein Ammar, officially handed over a consignment of Egyptian medical aid to Gabon's Minister of Health, as part of Cairo's ongoing support for the Egypt-Gabon Joint Hospital in the capital, Libreville. The aid package, which includes essential pharmaceuticals, was provided by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) — an initiative under Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at strengthening cooperation with African nations through development-focused support. Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Gabonese Minister of Health expressed deep gratitude to the Egyptian government and people for their continued commitment to improving public health services in Gabon. The Minister highlighted Egypt's role not only in providing medical supplies but also in offering scholarships and professional training programs across several sectors, which he described as critical to Gabon's human capacity development. He also voiced hope for the swift arrival of additional Egyptian doctors to serve at the Egypt-Gabon hospital, and expressed interest in expanded future cooperation, saying the medical aid is 'a promising sign of deeper engagement.' In her remarks, Ambassador Ammar reaffirmed Egypt's strategic vision for reinforcing ties with African nations, particularly in vital sectors like health. She emphasized that the donation symbolizes Egypt's 'long-standing commitment to revitalizing African partnerships, with health care as a cornerstone of that mission.' 'The Government of Egypt attaches great importance to sharing its pharmaceutical capabilities and medical expertise with sisterly African nations, including the Gabonese Republic,' she said. The Egypt-Gabon Joint Hospital, established in 2009 in Libreville, stands as one of Egypt's flagship development projects in Central Africa. Staffed by Egyptian medical professionals and equipped with Egyptian-supplied technologies, the hospital treats thousands of patients annually and has become a regional hub for multi-specialty care, attracting patients from across Gabon and neighboring provinces. Egyptian officials say the hospital exemplifies African-led cooperation and sustainable development, aligning with broader continental goals under the African Union's Agenda 2063. This latest shipment of medical supplies reflects Egypt's intent to scale up its presence and positive impact in Africa through practical, people-centered initiatives — particularly in health care, where access and equity remain key challenges across the continent. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 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 Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
2 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Israeli Court Rejects Netanyahu's Request to Delay Corruption Testimony for Second Time
Taarek Refaat In a significant judicial rebuke, the Jerusalem District Court on Friday rejected, for the second time in one day, a request by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay his testimony in his long-running corruption trial, despite his claims of being occupied with urgent national matters. According to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu submitted a confidential envelope earlier in the day containing what he described as a 'high-level diplomatic, security, and national agenda,' in a bid to justify his absence from next week's hearings. However, the three-judge panel ruled that the contents of the envelope 'did not contain extraordinary details that justify postponement.' The court's firm stance underscores its intent to move forward with the 'Case 1000 series' — the umbrella term for multiple corruption cases involving the prime minister — after a nearly three-week hiatus in proceedings. Hearings are set to resume this Monday, where Netanyahu is expected to take the stand. National Duties vs. Judicial Process Netanyahu, who remains Israel's longest-serving prime minister and one of its most polarizing political figures, cited 'top-priority national responsibilities' in his plea for a two-week deferral. The court, however, appeared unconvinced, emphasizing the importance of judicial consistency and the need to prevent indefinite delays. This is not the first time Netanyahu has sought postponements on the grounds of official obligations. But the dual rejection within a single day signals the court's growing impatience with what critics say are stalling tactics aimed at prolonging a trial that has already dragged on for years. The prime minister faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust across three major cases. Prosecutors allege he accepted lavish gifts from wealthy businessmen and offered regulatory favors in exchange for favorable media coverage — charges Netanyahu has consistently denied, calling the trials a politically motivated 'witch hunt.' Political and Legal Crossroads The legal proceedings continue to run parallel to Netanyahu's efforts to navigate an increasingly complex regional and domestic political landscape. His government faces mounting international scrutiny over the situation in Gaza and domestic unrest over judicial reforms and economic grievances. Observers say the outcome of the corruption trial — and Netanyahu's own testimony — could have significant implications for both his political future and the integrity of Israel's legal system. Despite the court's ruling, Netanyahu's legal team is expected to continue pressing for flexibility, possibly citing evolving security developments or diplomatic engagements. For now, however, the message from the bench is clear: the trial will proceed, and so must the prime minister's long-awaited appearance in court. 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 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 Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
5 hours ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Secures Strategic Membership at ARSO
Taarek Refaat In a notable diplomatic achievement, Egypt has been elected to both the Board of Directors and the Standards Management Committee (SMC) of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), reinforcing its position as a regional leader in quality infrastructure and industrial development. Represented by the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOSQ), the country secured the prestigious seats during ARSO's 31st General Assembly, held this week with participation from 34 African nations — the largest attendance in the organization's history. The elections were fiercely contested, with only 12 countries earning seats on the Board and six selected for the influential Standards Management Committee. Egypt now joins an elite group of nations, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, in shaping the continent's standardization roadmap through the SMC. Meanwhile, the Board of Directors now includes Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and others. "This victory reflects the deep trust our African partners place in Egyptian expertise and our long-standing commitment to advancing quality systems across the continent," said Eng. Khaled Sofy, Head of EOSQ, following the announcement. Sofy credited the achievement to strategic national support, particularly from Vice Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Gen. Kamel El-Wazir, noting that 'Egypt's voice in regional and international quality platforms continues to grow stronger thanks to sustained government backing.' The General Assembly also saw several key milestones: The election of Botsile Kebapetse as ARSO's new President for the 2025–2028 term, succeeding Prof. Alex Dodoo. The admission of The Gambia as ARSO's 44th member state, signaling growing continental cohesion around unified quality standards. Egypt's new roles in ARSO are expected to enhance its influence on policy-making related to industrial standardization and technical regulations. Officials say this will play a pivotal role in accelerating intra-African trade, reducing technical barriers, and supporting the goals of Agenda 2063 — the African Union's blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development. 'Being at the heart of ARSO's leadership allows us not just to contribute but to help steer regional industrial policy in line with global standards,' Sofy emphasized. The outcome cements Egypt's reputation as a powerhouse in the standardization space, with broader implications for trade facilitation, product safety, and cross-border industrial cooperation across Africa. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 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 Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
6 hours ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Afreximbank's Assets Surge to $43.5 Billion
Taarek Refaat As his transformative tenure comes to a close, Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), announced a monumental rise in the institution's assets, revenues, and impact over the past decade, as he officially steps down during the opening session of the Bank's 32nd Annual Meetings hosted in Nigeria. Speaking before stakeholders and dignitaries, Oramah revealed that Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees soared from $5 billion in 2015 to $43.5 billion in April 2025—a more than eightfold increase. Over the same period, total revenues jumped from $408 million to $3.24 billion, while net income surged by 700%, reaching $1 billion in 2024. Oramah, who has helmed the bank since 2015, reflected on a decade marked by crises and resilience. 'We were tested by shocks—from commodity price crashes and a global pandemic to geopolitical upheaval—but with strong shareholder support, we delivered," he said. Though stepping down, Oramah set an ambitious tone for Afreximbank's next chapter, forecasting that the bank's total assets and guarantees could exceed $250 billion within the next ten years. 'Today, Afreximbank is not just a bank—it is a continental shield in times of crisis and a catalyst for Africa's transformation,' he stated. Afreximbank's track record under Oramah's leadership has been marked by bold and responsive financial interventions across the continent and beyond. Between 2020 and May 2025, the bank invested $120 billion across Africa and the Caribbean, addressing urgent development and recovery needs. Over the past decade, it deployed a total of $155 billion in trade finance and economic support, solidifying its role as a financial backbone for African economies. During the 2015–2016 commodity price shock, Afreximbank disbursed $10 billion to support countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana in meeting their trade-related debt obligations and stabilizing their foreign exchange markets. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank allocated $8 billion in assistance—including $2 billion specifically for the procurement of 400 million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccines. In response to the geopolitical and economic disruptions caused by the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Afreximbank disbursed $50 billion between 2022 and 2023, further reinforcing its role as a crisis-response institution for the continent. Innovation in Payments and Trade Finance Since the launch of Afreximbank's proprietary "AfPAY" cross-border payment system in 2020, the bank has facilitated $68 billion in commercial payments across 61 African and Caribbean nations. Additionally, it supported $33 billion in trade finance through letters of credit and confirmation services in over 30 countries. These financial instruments have helped reduce Africa's dependency on foreign currency and streamlined intra-African trade in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda. Shareholder equity has grown dramatically—from $1 billion in 2015 to $7.5 billion in 2025, while liquidity expanded tenfold from $450 million to $4.5 billion over the same period. As Professor Oramah exits his post, he leaves behind not just a stronger institution, but a symbol of African financial sovereignty and resilience. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead Afreximbank during these defining years," he said, thanking Nigeria for hosting what would be his final address to shareholders as president. His legacy, by all metrics, is one of exponential growth, bold leadership, and deep commitment to Africa's future. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 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 Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
8 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Abou El-Enein Assumes Egypt's Presidency to Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean
Taarek Refaat In a significant diplomatic milestone, Egypt has assumed the presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), with Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Mohamed Abou El-Enein, formally receiving the presidency during the 9th Summit of Speakers and 18th Plenary Session held in Spain. The handover comes at a time of unprecedented challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region, marked by escalating conflicts, mounting humanitarian crises, and growing calls for deeper regional integration. A Call for Shared Responsibility and Regional Unity In his keynote address during the official handover ceremony, Abou El-Enein emphasized Egypt's unwavering commitment since the inception of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) to the principles of shared ownership and collective responsibility. These principles, he argued, are essential for achieving sustainable growth and prosperity for the peoples of the region. 'Egypt has always believed that no real cooperation can take place without laying the foundation for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,' he declared. 'At the heart of this foundation lies the unassailable right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy.' The summit took place under the looming shadow of the ongoing war in Gaza, which Abou El-Enein described as an 'act of genocide' by Israeli forces. He warned that Israel's continued escalation and disregard for international law undermine efforts to foster meaningful cooperation between member states of the Union. Despite the the union's accomplishments in development and regional integration programs, the Egyptian deputy speaker cautioned that the intensifying regional crisis threatens to derail these gains. 'The current phase is critical. It demands unified efforts and coordinated activities to confront the threats to security and development in the region,' he said. Highlighting Egypt's balanced and proactive diplomacy, Abou El-Enein underscored the country's dual-track approach—both governmental and parliamentary—rooted in dialogue, mutual respect, and regional stability. 'Egyptian diplomacy is founded on the language of cooperation,' he affirmed, noting that parliamentary engagement plays a key role in bridging gaps and fostering consensus among diverse stakeholders. Parliamentary Assembly Echoes Egypt's Stance At the close of the session, members of the PA-UfM issued a strong condemnation of Israel's violations in Gaza, calling for senior Israeli officials to be referred to the International Criminal Court. The Assembly reiterated its support for Egypt's unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, particularly its categorical rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians and its demand for a sovereign Palestinian state in line with international resolutions. Egypt's new leadership of the Assembly signals not only a shift in parliamentary momentum within the Mediterranean basin but also a reaffirmation of Cairo's central role as a mediator, advocate, and voice for justice in the region. Deputy Speaker Mohamed Abou El-Enein during the 9th Summit of Speakers and 18th Plenary Session, Spain Deputy Speaker Mohamed Abou El-Enein during the 9th Summit of Speakers and 18th Plenary Session, Spain 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 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 Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
