New Delhi, Jan 21 (ANI): (File picture) Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will visit India to be a chief guest in the Republic Day celebrations and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Egypt in areas ranging from agriculture and digital. (ANI Photo)
President Sisi underscored the vital need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to implement the relevant UN resolutions…reports Asian Lite News
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al Sisi reiterated on Wednesday, the crucial importance of ending the ongoing war in Gaza, warning against any military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah.
During a phone call with Prime Minister of Netherlands, Mark Rutte, President Sisi said that any military operation in Rafah will have catastrophic consequences on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and on regional peace and security.
According to spokesman for Presidency, Ahmed Fahmy, the call focused on the situation in Gaza, and Egypt’s efforts to restore regional stability by reaching a ceasefire in the region and providing access for humanitarian aid.
President Sisi also underscored the vital need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to implement the relevant UN resolutions.
Sisi’s statement was after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have deployed its elite Nahal Brigade in the Rafah region of the Gaza Strip.
This a clear message that the Rafah ground invasion is imminent even as the US and other Western allies of Israel are objecting to it.
Israel defence ministry sources told IANS that the Yuftah armoured brigade and Carmeli infantry brigade of the IDF, which were in Northern Gaza, have been deployed to Central Gaza to move the Nahal brigade into the Rafah region.
It may be recalled that the Nahal brigade was involved in the ground invasion of the Central Gaza Strip and also in the Khan Younis area –the stronghold of Hamas.
Sources told IANS that once the Israeli government takes a political decision regarding Rafah operations the Nahal brigade will lead the ground offensive.
The IDF has said that there are six remaining battalions of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, including four in Rafah. It has also informed the Israel war cabinet that it has conducted all necessary preparations to take Rafah and can launch an operation the moment it gets government approval.
Meanwhile, top Israeli officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, have reached Egypt and met the country’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Chief of Staff Osama Askar.
They stressed that this would pave the way for the political track, which aims to resolve the conflict based on the two-state solution, according to the statement…reports Asian Lite News
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to intensify international efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
During a phone conversation on Tuesday, both leaders focused on the latest developments in the Palestinian coastal enclave, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Egyptian Presidency.
They also agreed on exerting efforts to allow urgent access to humanitarian aid and taking the necessary measures to protect civilians and stop the bloodshed.
They stressed that this would pave the way for the political track, which aims to resolve the conflict based on the two-state solution, according to the statement.
Meanwhile, Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to restore calm and the steps it was taking to deliver relief aid and evacuate foreign nationals and wounded Palestinians from Gaza.
Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise strike led by the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement on October 7, in which Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
The ongoing conflict, raging into the second month, has killed over 11,500 Palestinians in the coastal enclave, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Sunak welcomes opening of the Rafah crossing to allow British, other foreign nationals, and injured Palestinians to leave Gaza…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, Sunak’s office said in a statement following the call.
Sunak’s office said the pair “discussed diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, prevent escalation in the wider Middle East and achieve long-term peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people.”
Sunak also welcomed the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow British and other foreign nationals and injured Palestinians to leave Gaza, his office said.
The prime minister updated El-Sisi on plans for a second UK aid flight to support the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent.
He said ensuring life-saving aid and medical treatment reaches civilians by all available routes is a top priority and the UK stands ready to provide further support.
During the talks, El-Sisi underscored the crucial need for the international community to adopt a decisive stance to push, in earnest, for a ceasefire and for the enforcement of an immediate humanitarian truce, given the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.
The President confirmed that settling the Palestinian issue requires the implementation of the two-state solution, stressing that military solutions seriously compromise security and stability in the entire region.
President El-Sisi stated that Egypt exerts enormous efforts at both the political path to achieve calm and spare blood as well as at the humanitarian level by leading the coordination and delivery processes of humanitarian assistance and relief to the people in Gaza. British Prime Minister Sunak expressed profound appreciation for Egypt’s role, affirming the United Kingdom’s stance with regard to the vital importance to protect civilians, deliver aid and reach a humanitarian truce.
WHO hails Egypt’s role
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation on Wednesday, welcomed Egypt’s announcement that it would treat 81 injured or sick people from the Gaza Strip in its hospitals.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes Egypt’s decision to accept 81 injured and sick people from the #Gaza Strip for treatment. WHO has been working to support the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population in planning and establishing a comprehensive triage, stabilization, and medical evacuation system, by providing ongoing training for health care staff. WHO is also working with the Egyptian Red Crescent Society to ensure that psychological trauma support services are available to patients” said the WHO.
The WHO has also called on authorities for accelerated access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
“WHO calls for urgent, accelerated access for humanitarian aid–including fuel, water, food and medical supplies–into and throughout the Gaza Strip and access for patients to referral services outside Gaza. Ultimately, WHO calls for a humanitarian ceasefire to prevent further loss and suffering,” WHO said in a statement.
The WHO team has also visited the Al-Arish, Sinai Governorate of Egypt and met with the medical staff to ensure the intensive care facilities and training of the medical staff.
Biden appreciated Egypt’s efforts toward achieving peace and stability in the region…reports Asian Lite News
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his US counterpart, Joe Biden, agreed on the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing “in a sustainable manner,” the Egyptian presidency said on Thursday in a statement.
In a phone conversation, Biden appreciated Egypt’s efforts toward achieving peace and stability in the region, the statement added.
Relevant authorities in the two countries will coordinate with international humanitarian organisations under the supervision of the UN to secure the arrival of aid, it said.
The talks came hours after Biden wrapped up a visit to Tel Aviv, Xinhua news agency reported.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sisi expressed Egypt’s firm support for the Palestinian people and its strong rejection of any attempt to relocate them to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
On Wednesday, Israel’s wartime cabinet decided to allow basic humanitarian aid from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, a development that Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry described as “positive”.
Over the last few days, tons of humanitarian aid supplies from Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Turkey and the WHO have been waiting near the Rafah crossing to be delivered to Gaza but blocked by Israeli bombardments.
On October 7, Hamas showered Israel with thousands of rockets in a rare surprise attack, to which Israel responded with massive airstrikes on Gaza and punitive measures, including a siege on the enclave with supplies of clean water, electricity, fuel, and other necessities cut off.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has killed more than 4,000 people on both sides.
The relationship between Egypt and the UAE is the cornerstone of the stability of the Middle East and the Arab region, according to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi…reports Asian Lite News
He made this statement while receiving Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, with the attendance of General Mohamed Zaki, Minister of Defence and Military Production, and Mariam Khalifa Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative in the Arab League.
President el-Sisi conveyed his most sincere greetings to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, wishing the UAE further development and prosperity.
Lt. General Al Rumaithi highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two fraternal countries, as well as the keenness of the UAE to enhance their strategic cooperation in all areas, most notably in exchanging military expertise.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue strengthening their military and security coordination, in line with their growing overall bilateral ties.
Earlier in the day, Lt. General Hamad also met General Mohamed Zaki, Egyptian Minister of Defence and Military Production, as part of his official visit.
The two top brass discussed an array of the current regional and global issues of mutual interest and their impact on security and stability in the Middle East region. They also explored ways of strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
Lt. General Hamad Al Rumaithi also had discussions with Lieutenant General Osama Askar, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, on topics of interest for both countries with a focus on military aspects.
Earlier this week, President Sisi urged for a peaceful solution to the Yemeni crisis, expressing his country’s support for the legitimate Yemen government.
Sisi’s remark came during a joint press conference with Rashad al-Alimi, Head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), following their talks in Cairo.
“I affirmed our full support for the unity, independence, and territorial integrity of the Yemeni state,” stressed the Egyptian President.
Cairo also welcomed the UN announcement on June 2 of a renewal of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the forces of Yemen’s government and the Houthi militia for another two months, according to Sisi, who underlined the importance of Yemen’s security and stability to Egypt and the whole Arab world.
“I call on all parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement as this represents a positive development that can be built upon to launch a comprehensive political process in Yemen,” Sisi added.
He also highlighted the need to intensify joint action to protect the “security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf, for this vital issue is linked to regional and international security and stability”.
Against the backdrop of the recent developments in the world and the region, the leaders discussed the ties between the three countries and ways to strengthen them on all levels, reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Tuesday attended a tripartite meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
The meeting discussed ways of enhancing relations between the three countries, and the importance of cooperation and coordination to drive development and enhance stability in the region, as well as bolstering global energy security and market stability.
Sheikh Mohamed, El-Sisi and Bennett also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual concern and relevant developments.
This was Prime Minister Bennett’s second visit to Egypt. His first official visit to Egypt took place in September last year.
On Sunday, Sheikh Mohamed and El-Sisi deliberated the prospects of further advancing cooperation across all fronts for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples.
During a meeting in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, where Sheikh Mohamed arrived earlier on Sunday, the two leaders reviewed issues of interest, and the latest developments on the regional and international scene. They affirmed the importance of strengthening Arab solidarity in the face of common challenges, with Sheikh Mohamed commending the privileged relations between the two nations.
“Egypt is a cornerstone of Arab security and its pivotal role and efforts are well appreciated,” Sheikh Mohamed said, pointing to the UAE’s keenness to maintain constant channels of cooperation between the two nations to promote their common interests and achieves stability, security and peace in the region. He expressed his sincere thanks to the Egyptian President for the warm reception and hospitality he received during the visit.
For his part, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi welcomed Sheikh Mohamed’s visit, expressing his pride in the longstanding relations between the UAE and Egypt and the joint action that unites them in facing the challenges besetting regional stability and security.
He also affirmed Egypt’s keenness to strengthen relations with the UAE in various fields, and underlined the importance of increasing bilateral meetings to ensure constant coordination over the rapid developments witnessed by the region and the world.
At the end of the meeting, they reaffirmed the common vision shared by the two countries regarding many files and issues of interest. They stressed on the need to continue enhancing Emirati-Egyptian cooperation and coordination for consolidating joint Arab action, with Al-Sisi stressing in this context Egypt’s unshakable commitment toward the security of the Gulf and its rejection of any attempts to destabilise it.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Vice, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council, and Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Court of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince.
Major General Abbas Kamel, Chief of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, Major General Ahmed Ali, Chief of the President’s Office, and Presidential Spokesperson, Bassam Rady also attended the meeting.
They stressed on the need to continue enhancing Emirati-Egyptian cooperation and coordination for consolidating joint Arab action, with Al-Sisi stressing in this context Egypt’s unshakable commitment toward the security of the Gulf and its rejection of any attempts to destabilise it.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, deliberated the prospects of further advancing cooperation across all fronts.
During a meeting in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, where Sheikh Mohamed arrived earlier on Monday, the two leaders reviewed issues of interest, and the latest developments on the regional and international scene.
I met with my brother President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Sharm El Sheikh today, where we discussed ways to further boost our deep ties and areas of continued cooperation to benefit our two nations. Our talks also covered the latest international developments. pic.twitter.com/wU4axpVe7M
They affirmed the importance of strengthening Arab solidarity in the face of common challenges, with Sheikh Mohamed commending the privileged relations between the two nations.
“Egypt is a cornerstone of Arab security and its pivotal role and efforts are well appreciated,” Sheikh Mohamed said, pointing to the UAE’s keenness to maintain constant channels of cooperation between the two nations to promote their common interests and achieves stability, security and peace in the region. He expressed his sincere thanks to the Egyptian President for the warm reception and hospitality he received during the visit.
For his part, President El-Sisi welcomed Sheikh Mohamed’s visit, expressing his pride in the longstanding relations between the UAE and Egypt and the joint action that unites them in facing the challenges besetting regional stability and security.
He also affirmed Egypt’s keenness to strengthen relations with the UAE in various fields, and underlined the importance of increasing bilateral meetings to ensure constant coordination over the rapid developments witnessed by the region and the world.
MBZ, Sisi vow to boost joint Arab action (WAM)
At the end of the meeting, they reaffirmed the common vision shared by the two countries regarding many files and issues of interest. They stressed on the need to continue enhancing Emirati-Egyptian cooperation and coordination for consolidating joint Arab action, with Al-Sisi stressing in this context Egypt’s unshakable commitment toward the security of the Gulf and its rejection of any attempts to destabilise it.
The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Vice, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, along with other senior officials.
Major General Abbas Kamel, Chief of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, Major General Ahmed Ali, Chief of the President’s Office, and Presidential Spokesperson, Bassam Rady also attended the meeting.
Earlier this month, the President Al-Sisi had visited Saudi Arabia and met with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt affirmed their determination to enhance cooperation on all political issues and seek to strengthen common positions that preserve their security and stability, a joint statement issued by both the countries stated.
Both countries have stressed the importance of joint Arab action and the role of the Arab League in resolving the region’s crises in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the principles of international law, the Arab News reported.
Maritime conference in Egypt
High ranking officials from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the UAE maritime sector participated in the International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference (MARLOG 11), held in Alexandria, Egypt.
The conference was organised by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport under the auspices of the League of the Arab States and the Ministry of Transport, in cooperation with international organisations.
The event focused on the theme, ‘Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy,’ and was attended by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; and Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Minister of Transport of Egypt.
During its participation, the UAE showcased the its approach towards innovation and adoption of the latest digital solutions in the maritime sector. The delegation also discussed various aspects of cooperation between the UAE and Egypt to develop the capabilities of the maritime sector in the two countries.
The UAE has over 20 leading seaports and some of the largest oil export terminals in the world. It ranks 3rd in the Bunker Supply Index and is home to the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, the developer of Maqta Gateway, which is the UAE’s first digital port community powered by blockchain. The UAE is also home to DP World, a leading smart trade enabler, that has launched a number of innovative solutions that have revolutionised the global supply chain.
