Latest from Daily News Egypt
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Al-Sisi presses Iran on Qatar attack, welcomes ceasefire in call with Pezeshkian
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi condemned Iran's recent missile attack on Qatar and welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel during a telephone call on Wednesday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Egyptian presidency said. In a statement, the presidency said Al-Sisi expressed 'Egypt's categorical rejection' of the attack and affirmed his country's condemnation of any act violating the sovereignty of nations, 'particularly that of brotherly Arab and Islamic countries.' The Egyptian leader also welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire, stressing the importance of consolidating and adhering to the agreement. The statement noted this was crucial, given the recent regional escalation that had 'nearly plunged the region into widespread chaos and violence.' The call also covered Egypt's diplomatic outreach to contain the crisis. According to the Egyptian Presidency spokesperson, Mohamed El Shennawy, the leaders reviewed the 'intensive efforts and communications Egypt has undertaken in recent days with various concerned parties, most notably the United States, to contain the escalation and restore calm and stability.' The statement reiterated Egypt's commitment to continue exerting all necessary efforts to solidify the ceasefire agreement. The two presidents agreed that the current 'delicate and sensitive' phase requires the pursuit of comprehensive political solutions and approaches that consider the multiple dimensions of regional security. They also stressed the importance of resuming negotiations on the nuclear programme between Washington and Tehran. The leaders emphasised the need to address concerns related to nuclear non-proliferation and to advance efforts toward establishing a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction, the statement said. For his part, the Iranian president expressed his thanks and appreciation to President Al-Sisi. According to the spokesperson, Pezeshkian praised 'Egypt's prudent positions in support of restoring stability in the region and its efforts to prevent bloodshed among all parties.'
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt committed to strengthening partnerships with African nations: El-Shimy
Mohamed El-Shimy, Minister of the Public Enterprises Sector, held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 17th US-Africa Business Summit, currently taking place in Luanda, Angola, from 22 to 25 June. El-Shimy is participating as Egypt's official representative, accompanied by Nevine El-Husseiny, Egypt's Ambassador to Angola, as part of Cairo's ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation with African countries. During his meeting with Esperança da Costa, Vice President of Angola, both sides reaffirmed the strength of historic ties between Egypt and Angola and discussed avenues for expanding cooperation in key priority sectors. The meeting also highlighted the significance of the summit as a forum for dialogue between governments and the private sector, particularly as Angola holds the presidency of the African Union this year and celebrates 50 years of independence. El-Shimy also met with several African ministers and senior officials attending the summit, including Rui de Oliveira, Angola's Minister of Industry and Trade; Isaac Francisco, Minister of Agriculture; Sílvia Paula, Minister of Health; and Armando Manuel, Chairperson of Angola's Sovereign Wealth Fund. Other key meetings included discussions with Julien Paluku, Minister of Trade of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Karim Zaidan, Morocco's Minister of Investment; and Mohamed Arkab, Algeria's Minister of Energy. The talks focused on boosting cooperation between Egypt and these countries in various fields including investment, joint industrial ventures, and trade exchange—contributing to deeper regional economic integration and advancing sustainable development objectives. El-Shimy stressed that Egypt, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, attaches great importance to enhancing partnerships with African nations on the basis of mutual interests and regional unity. He noted that the Ministry of Public Enterprises Sector is working actively to expand collaboration with African counterparts, especially in strategic productive sectors. He added that these engagements align with Egypt's broader strategy to open new markets for Egyptian companies across the continent, facilitate the transfer of industrial and technological expertise, and foster joint ventures with both public and private sector partners in African states. El-Shimy concluded by highlighting the wide-ranging opportunities available for cooperation across multiple sectors and reiterated the importance of the summit as a key platform for direct interaction between government leaders and private sector stakeholders across Africa.
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's President reviews energy plan, stresses renewables and localisation
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has directed the government to intensify efforts to attract investment in the renewable energy sector and pursue the local manufacturing of its components, the presidency said in a statement. The president met in Alamein City on Tuesday with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Essmat to review the electricity ministry's action plan. According to presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, the discussion covered the development of Egypt's energy mix, the use of renewable energy and storage batteries, and efforts to improve the national grid through electrical interconnection projects. The electricity minister outlined measures taken by the ministry to improve services, including coordinating with the petroleum ministry to secure gas and fuel for power stations. He also detailed the regular monitoring of maintenance programmes, efforts to combat electricity theft and reduce losses in the network. Essmat stated that plans were underway to add approximately 2,000 megawatts (MW) of new capacity from renewable sources, representing investments of around $2.3bn. The spokesperson added that the meeting also addressed efforts to localise the manufacturing of equipment for the electricity and renewable energy sectors. This includes coordination with major foreign companies that manufacture storage batteries and wind turbines to establish those industries in Egypt. The minister provided an update on the national grid's capacity to absorb renewable energy. He noted that current installed renewable capacity totals 8,031 MW, sourced from wind, solar, and hydropower. The meeting also reviewed projections for renewable capacity in 2030 under the country's Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy, as well as the expected solar and wind capacity to be added to the grid by June 2028. The spokesperson said the meeting also covered developments on major energy projects. These include the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, the 3,000 MW Egypt-Saudi Arabia electrical interconnection project with investments of about $1.8bn, and the ongoing efforts to implement the Egypt-Greece electrical interconnection. President Al-Sisi stressed the need for the government to ensure a sustainable supply of electricity for the national grid, industrial sectors, and services, and to intensify work on projects aimed at raising the efficiency of the energy system. He directed the government to continue improving electricity services in all governorates and to enhance the national grid's ability to handle expected increases in consumption. This would be achieved through the continuous modernisation of generation plants, transmission and distribution networks, and control centres, the statement said.
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Trump brokers fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel
A precarious ceasefire between Israel and Iran is already under strain, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the agreement brokered early Tuesday by US President Donald Trump. The conflict, which has spilled over into Qatari and Iraqi territory, has prompted growing international concerns over the risk of a broader regional war. President Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, acknowledged that both parties had violated the truce and urged Israel to immediately halt its bombardment: 'Bring your pilots back at once.' He reiterated that the United States is not pursuing regime change in Iran but remains firmly opposed to Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump disclosed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had contacted him offering to mediate the crisis. Although the ceasefire officially took effect at 7 a.m. local time in Jerusalem, several Israeli cities—including Beersheba—came under rocket fire, killing at least four civilians. In retaliation, the Israeli military launched strikes on Iranian targets, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, defence sites, and locations near Tehran suspected of housing nuclear infrastructure. Iranian state media reported that an Israeli airstrike on residential buildings in the northern city of Astaneh Ashrafieh killed nine civilians and wounded 33 others. Tehran denied any truce violations and blamed Israel for reigniting hostilities. Iran's Supreme National Security Council warned that its forces remain 'on high alert' and prepared to deliver a 'decisive response,' claiming that national unity and leadership had 'forced the enemy to accept a ceasefire.' Behind the scenes, Reuters confirmed that Qatar played a key mediating role. A senior source said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani engaged Iranian officials following a call from Trump, leading to Tehran's initial agreement to de-escalate. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly expressed regret over Monday's missile strike on the US Al Udeid airbase in Qatar—an incident Doha condemned as a serious violation of its sovereignty. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi expressed Cairo's full support for Qatar during a phone call with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, commending Doha's air defence response and diplomatic posture. Qatar summoned the Iranian ambassador in Doha and filed a complaint with the UN Security Council, warning of a 'grave escalation' and asserting its right to respond under international law. Simultaneously, drone attacks on Tuesday morning targeted installations affiliated with the US-led coalition in Iraq. Though no casualties were reported, Iraqi security sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper that the strikes were likely part of Iran's response to recent US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and called on both sides to uphold it, expressing hope that the agreement could serve as a basis for addressing other regional conflicts. Israel's Transport Minister announced the full reopening of Ben Gurion Airport following 'security coordination.' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an Israeli strike on a radar site near Tehran was carried out in direct response to an Iranian violation of the ceasefire. He added that subsequent strikes were suspended after a call from President Trump. Meanwhile, Iranian state media declared that Israel had been 'forced to accept the ceasefire.' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains open to de-escalation—on condition that Israeli airstrikes cease—warning of 'further responses' if aggression persists. Signs are emerging of Iran's potential willingness to resume nuclear talks with the United States, contingent upon the cessation of Israeli attacks. According to The Washington Post, the ceasefire draft includes American assurances of expanded diplomatic engagement if Tehran honours the truce. In parallel, Gaza continues to endure Israeli bombardment for the 99th consecutive day since hostilities resumed in October. Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday reportedly killed 80 Palestinians, including 56 civilians who were waiting for humanitarian aid, according to medical sources in the enclave. The military wing of Islamic Jihad, Al-Quds Brigades, claimed responsibility for destroying an Israeli military vehicle near Al-Katiba Mosque in Khan Younis with a powerful explosive device.
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Africa's health future must be shaped from within: Egyptian minister
Egypt's Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, affirmed that the future of healthcare in Africa must be defined by the continent's own priorities and lived realities. He emphasised that while international partnerships are welcome, they must align with African needs and ensure genuine ownership, sustainability, and long-term impact. Speaking at the closing session of the Regional Steering Committee (RESCO) meeting in Cairo, Abdel Ghaffar expressed Egypt's pride in hosting the event and reiterated the country's firm commitment to implementing its outcomes to help deliver tangible improvements in public health across Africa. The minister noted that the discussions were marked by dynamic exchanges on healthcare investment and the need for equitable and sustainable solutions, contributing to the development of a practical and forward-looking roadmap for the continent's health systems. Abdel Ghaffar outlined three strategic priorities agreed upon during the meeting. First, he stressed the urgent need to strengthen domestic health financing. This, he said, requires integrating health into national development strategies and mobilising internal resources to guarantee universal health coverage. The second priority involves enhancing local manufacturing of medicines and medical supplies—an essential step to expand healthcare access, bolster local economies, and reinforce resilience to future health crises. The third key area focuses on accelerating the digital transformation of health systems. This includes investing in digital infrastructure, establishing integrated electronic health records, developing early warning systems, and improving disease surveillance platforms. Abdel Ghaffar pointed to Egypt's own advancements in this area and reaffirmed the country's readiness to support regional efforts in building interoperable digital health networks. In closing, the minister called for stronger regional coordination through technical and steering committees, describing them as essential tools to support both political and technical leadership across the continent. 'Let us work together towards a stronger, healthier, and more united Africa,' he concluded.
