FM heads to Qatar, Saudi Arabia


Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Friday’s evening heads to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, said Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The spokesman added that Shoukry and Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Saturday will co-chair the Egyptian-Qatari joint higher committee’s meeting in Doha.

The committee will discuss ways of fostering bilateral relations at the political, economic and security levels, as well as holding in-depth talks on regional issues, notably the crisis in the Gaza Strip, according to the spokesman.

The Egyptian and Qatari foreign ministers will highlight their countries’ efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.

The spokesman noted the two top diplomats will witness the signing of a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in certain areas.

On Sunday, Shoukry will fly to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where he will take part in a political consultative meeting between Egypt and the Gul
f Cooperation Council (GCC).

The two sides will probe ways of strengthening joint coordination and cooperation in the political and economic spheres.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Shoukry to receive Dutch FM


Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will hold on Monday a session of talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot.

The meeting, which will be held at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, will deal with relations binding Egypt and The Netherlands and means to cement them in various domains in addition to regional and international issues of mutual concern topped by the conditions in the Gaza Strip.

The two ministers are due to hold a press conference at the end of their talks.

Shoukry will receive Monday Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation and Governor of Egypt at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, reviews with members of the Bank’s Board of Directors the results of their visit to Egypt.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Shoukry warns of serious consequences of Israel’s launching of military operation in Rafah


Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry warned of the serious consequences of any Israeli military operation in the city of Rafah, and its catastrophic humanitarian implications for Palestinian citizens, as well as its potential security impacts on the region’s stability.

This came during the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Sunday in the joint consultative meeting of the foreign ministers between Egypt and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Foreign Ministry Official Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said that Shoukry emphasized the need to put an end to Israeli practices that obstruct the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and the necessity of fully delivering aid, including northern Gaza.

The spokesperson also mentioned that Shoukry stressed in his speech the increasing importance of the political consultation mechanism as an institutional framework bringing Egypt together with the GCC countries, providing important opportunities for developing partnersh
ips and cooperation programs in priority areas for the benefit and prosperity of the sisterly peoples.

He pointed out that Egyptian-Gulf political, economic, and social interests are strategic common interests that are indivisible and inseparable, and that bilateral relations remain a cornerstone for stability in the region.

Abu Zeid added “The Foreign Minister addressed the delicate situation our Arab region is going through following the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip,” emphasizing the pivotal role of joint Arab coordination in mitigating this humanitarian crisis, stopping Israeli aggressions against Palestinian brethren, and preserving the stability and resources of the region.

This comes at a time when the international community has shown an inability to demonstrate a decisive will to stop the ceasefire violations or to halt Israeli practices targeting Gaza’s population, including innocent children, starvation, siege, and attempts at forced displacement, representing systematic practices to settle the
Palestinian issue.

The spokesperson revealed that Shoukry’s discussions with his counterparts in the GCC countries also addressed security threats to navigation in the Red Sea, as well as the situations in Libya, Sudan, Syria, and Somalia.

Also, Shoukry briefed his counterparts on developments regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Ethiopian side’s obstinate approach that disregards principles of good neighborliness, leading Egypt to suspend its participation in the negotiations.

On his part, the Secretary-General of the GCC Jassim Al-Bedaiwi reaffirmed the historical and distinguished strategy of Egyptian-Gulf relations, considering Egypt as an indispensable strategic fraternal partner. He emphasized the mutual desire of both sides to deepen bilateral cooperation pathways, as well as the joint interest in confronting the challenges facing the Arab region.

In a related context, GCC chief reiterated the Arab position demanding the necessity of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, stopping t
he Israeli war on the territory, and ensuring the full delivery of aid, along with providing all forms of support to the Palestinian people.

He also affirmed that the water security of Egypt and Sudan is an integral part of Arab national security, explaining the GCC countries’ rejection of any action that infringes upon the rights of both countries in the Nile waters.

The official spokesperson concluded his remarks by stating that today’s foreign ministers’ meeting is the second since the adoption of the political consultation mechanism between Egypt and the GCC countries, with the memorandum of understanding for its establishment signed in February 2022.

He explained that the establishment of the mechanism aims to deepen the already distinguished partnership frameworks between the two sides on political and economic levels, as well as to enhance the level of political coordination between Egypt and the GCC on regional issues to preserve the safety and potentials of their peoples.

Source: State Informati
on Service Egypt

Health Min. stresses importance of cooperation to support mental health in society


Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar underlined the importance of cooperation with all governmental, non-governmental and private bodies concerned and partners to confront any mental health phenomena that may surface in the Egyptian society.

He made the remarks during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of establishing Fahim Foundation.

He congratulated Nabila Makram, the foundation’s founder and chairperson of board of trustees, for the success of the institution, especially in spreading awareness about psychological diseases and providing mental health support.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Mental health, psychological security best ways to overcome any crisis – official


Social Solidarity Minister Nevine Qabbag stressed on Sunday that mental health and psychological security are the best ways to overcome any crisis, saying family and societal support is the first step on road of treatment of any mental disorder.

During a ceremony organized by Fahim Foundation for mental illness on the occasion of the first anniversary of its establishment, the minister said early detection of mental disorder improves treatment chances by 80 to 90 percent.

She said the foundation came to light in 2023 with the aim of lifting the stigma of mental illness by raising awareness through lectures, workshops, media campaigns, and other outreach initiatives and help them obtain appropriate treatment without fear or intimidation.

In one year, the foundation carried out 100 activities in cooperation with various bodies and specialists to help 1,500 persons suffering from metal disorder, the minister said.

Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the ministry’s role is not confined to
hospitals and patients but it also aims at preserving the health of citizens and raising their awareness about nature of diseases.

The minister said mental health is not a stigma but a disease and so people should resort to a mental therapist to address any disorder they might endure.

Former Emigration Minister Nabila Makram, who founded Fahim foundation, underlined the importance of raising societal awareness about the nature of mental health and merging psychiatric patients in society.

She expressed appreciation for the role of psychiatrists in providing real support to patients to help them address their mental problems and develop a positive character capable of facing challenges.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Egypt PM lauds efforts of higher medical committee in February


Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli lauded the key role played by the cabinet’s higher medical and relief committee in February to alleviate the suffering of people and offer needed medical treatment in coordination with the ministries concerned.

The premier reviewed a report presented by the committee’s chairman Hossam el Masry on efforts of the committee during February 2024.

Masry said the committee responded to about 991 cases that were detected via media and social media networks, noting that 249 decisions of treatment at state expense were issued during February.

He added that the committee took necessary measures for 117 cases of oncology and gamma knife, and provided medications for 92 cases.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Women make up 62% of Egyptian diplomats, 20% of ministers


Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine al-Qabbaj stated Sunday in a conference that women composed 62 percent of diplomats as well as 22 percent and 14 percent of members in the House of Representatives and Senate, respectively.

Further, women represent 20 percent of ministers, 42.8 percent of investigators at the Administrative Prosecution, and 44 percent of members of the National Council for Human Rights in addition to 66 female judges.

For the first time, there are currently women holding the positions of deputy governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, chief of an economic court, and national security advisor to the president of the republic.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Higher education min. asserts importance of scientific cooperation between Egypt, Hungary universities


Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Mohamed Ayman Ashour emphasized the importance of enhancing scientific and research cooperation between Egyptian and Hungarian universities within the framework of improving the quality of educational services, enhancing the ranking of Egyptian universities in international classifications, and encouraging investment in higher education.

This came during the minister’s opening, along Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary Janos Csak, of the inaugural session of the Academic and Scientific Forum between Egypt and Hungary, in the presence of Deputy Minister for Research Affairs Yasser Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities Mostafa Refaat, Egyptian Ambassador to Hungary Mohamed El Shenawy and Hungarian Ambassador in Cairo Andras Kova´cs, along with a host of ministry officials and presidents of Egyptian and Hungarian universities, at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Ashour welcomed all participan
ts attending the forum, affirming the Egyptian state’s interest in expanding the establishment of branches of foreign universities with distinguished academic reputations, within the framework of implementing the principle of international reference, which is one of the most important objectives and principles of the national strategy for higher education and scientific research.

He pointed out that the forum would be an important opportunity to increase cooperation between the two sides, exchange experiences, knowledge, and skills, support cooperation efforts in areas of mutual scientific research interest, and agree on academic specialties for collaboration.

On his part, Janos Csak pointed out that Hungary hosts many international students from various countries worldwide, expressing his happiness with the cooperation with Egypt as a gateway to Africa, in addition to the shared culture with Mediterranean countries

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Trade min. participates in 18th Egyptian-Saudi Joint Committee


Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir on Sunday headed to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to take part in the 18th session of the Saudi-Egyptian Joint Committee due to convene on Monday.

The session will be co-chaired by Samir and his Saudi counterpart Majid bin Abdullah al Qasabi, the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Foreign Trade.

The committee is set to tackle various commercial, industrial, social, cultural and media topics as well as other topics related to housing, petroleum, education and tourism, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry Sunday.

It will also discuss proposals on boosting cooperation between the two countries, in order to achieve the interests of both countries as well as a consensus among the Egyptian and Saudi governments

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Cabinet hails successes of textile development sector


The state is exerting strenuous efforts to restore the textile industry in Egypt to its previous high-quality rate as one of the pillars of the country’s economy, said Cabinet media center Sunday.

In a report, the center said such efforts depend on paying attention to improving the quality of cotton and providing appropriate environment for cotton growers to encourage them to increase the production.

The report shed light on the direct successes of efforts aimed at developing the spinning and weaving industry, citing a report issued in 2020 by Fitch Ratings Inc., an American credit rating agency, that there is a big chance to increase textile and clothes production in Egypt and another report issued in 2020 by UNIDO, United Nation Industrial Development Organization, that the textile industry is an important element for Egyptian economy.

It also pointed out to a report issued in 2023 by the US Department of Agriculture and another report the Monitor in 2022 that Egypt achieved successes in the textile indu
stry and its exports.

Source: State Information Service Egypt