CAIRO – 14 May 2024: Egypt condemned Tuesday the terrorist attack carried out by the Islamic State (IS) against a military post in Iraq's Salaheldin governorate and that killed an officer and four soldiers. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli and his Iraqi counterpart Mohamed Shia' al-Sudani attended in June the signing of 11 MoUs in the fields of funding and providing technical support to SMEs; training of diplomats; training of public employees; tourism; technical cooperation between the trade ministries of both countries to help Iraq become WTO member; youth and sports; social safety; and, planning. Madbouli commended the endorsement of the Iraqi budget for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, saying it reflects an ambitious reform programme that consists of measures and practical solutions to the delay in executing projects. The prime minister added that such step would have a positive impact on cooperation programmes with Egypt, including the implementation of reconstruction projects by Egyptian firms, which are ready to transfer their experience to Iraqi counterparts through partnerships.

CAIRO – 14 May 2024: Consultant to Health Minister for Population Affairs and Family Development Amr Hassan stated Tuesday that curbing high population growth in Egypt could be achieved by eliminating unintended pregnancies experienced by 20 percent of Egyptian women. The official pointed out that the current fertility rate in Egypt is 2.84, and that tackling the problem of unintended pregnancies may make the country reach the normal replacement rate that is 2.1. Quarter of the population lives in Greater Cairo comprising the governorates of Cairo, Giza, and Qalyoubeya. The most populous governorates in Delta are Cairo (10,303,000); Giza (9,581,000); Sharqia (7,965,000); Daqahleya (7,091,000); and Qalyoubeya (6,176,000). The birth rate fell gradually from 2.685 million in 2015 to 2.596 million in 2016; 2.557 million in 2017; 2.382 million in 2018; 2.304 million in 2019; 2.235 million in 2020; and 2.183 million in 2021.

Middle East leaders are expressing heightened concern over leadership attraction, development, retention, and succession compared to their global counterparts, according to the 2024 Heidrick & Struggles Middle East CEO and Board Survey. Despite the World Bank’s forecast of 2.7% economic growth for the Middle East and North Africa in 2024, regional leaders are primarily focused on economic (56%) and geopolitical (56%) uncertainties. However, a key differentiator for Middle East leaders lies in their emphasis on leadership issues. “In 2024, Middle East organizations face an increasingly complex external business environment, and regional intricacies that demand a localized approach,” said Richard Guest, partner in charge of Heidrick & Struggles’ Middle East and North Africa. Markus Wiesner, regional managing partner of Heidrick Consulting, emphasized the importance of culture and strategic planning in leadership development.

CAIRO - 13 May 2024: A total of 10 dead bodies were recovered from the Al-Salam neighborhood, east of the Palestinian city of Rafah, as a result of the Israeli bombing, said the Civil Defense in Gaza. The Israeli occupation army threatens to completely invade the Palestinian city of Rafah, which is the last refuge for the displaced in the stricken Strip. Since the beginning of the ground operation launched by the occupation forces on the Gaza Strip, last October 7, citizens are asked to evacuate from the north and center of the Strip, and to head to the south, claiming that it has “safe areas.”Thousands of martyrs and wounded have still not been recovered from under the rubble due to the continued bombing and the seriousness of the field conditions, in light of a stifling siege of the Gaza Strip and severe restrictions on the entry of fuel and urgent vital aid to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian conditions.

File- An Egyptian soldier keeps watch at the closed Rafah border crossing, between southern Gaza Strip and Egypt November 6, 2014. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu MustafaCAIRO – 14 May 2024: Egyptian sovereign officials refute media reports alleging telephone discussions regarding the crisis of the Rafah border crossing between the Egyptian intelligence chief and the head of the Israeli Shin Bet. Israeli Walla news website claimed that the chief of the Israeli Shin Bet made a phone call with head of the Egyptian Intelligence Services Abbas Kamal to speak about finding a solution to the crisis of Rafah border crossing. Egypt has warned against the escalation of the ongoing Israeli military ground offensive in the Palestinian City of Rafah, especially after Israeli troops controlled over the Palestine side of the Rafah border crossing. Shoukry re-warned against the dire consequences of closing the Rafah crossing and continuing the Israeli wide-range attacks.

CAIRO – 13 May 2024: President Abdel Fattah al Sisi arrived on Monday at Dabaa Corridor to inaugurate the first phase of the harvest season of the “Future of Egypt” Project for Sustainable AgricultureThe “Future of Egypt” is considered the first venture, under the broader New Delta Project, to achieve self-sufficiency and export agricultural surplus. The project is also meant to reduce the bill of imports through securing hard currency and achieving the sustainable development goals. The ceremony started with a recitation of verses of the Holy Quran. Attending the ceremony are Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki and a number of ministers and senior state officials.

During his speech, Sisi said that the water Egypt receives does not increase, “so we cannot bear wasting it through any irrigation methods. He noted: “I can argue this with anyone, the private sector couldn't engage in a project of this size at a lower cost. And the effect of all the projects we built is showing positively day after another.” Sisi stressed. The “Future of Egypt” is considered the first venture, under the broader New Delta Project, to achieve self-sufficiency and export agricultural surplus. The project is also meant to reduce the bill of imports through securing hard currency and achieving the sustainable development goals.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry confirmed on Sunday that there are established mechanisms to address any breaches of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. Shoukry advocated for the immediate reopening of the Rafah crossing to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the encircled Palestinian populace. Slovenian Foreign Minister Fajon mirrored Shoukry’s sentiments, denouncing the employment of starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza and advocating for the establishment of humanitarian passages by Israel. The Slovenian Foreign Minister reiterated her nation’s plea for a truce and compliance with international law. She decried the recent Israeli offensives on Rafah and pressed for the recommencement of peace negotiations to avert further conflict exacerbation.

Egypt has declared its support for South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which seeks to address alleged violations by Israel of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry released a statement on Sunday, detailing that this move is a response to the escalating intensity and frequency of Israeli operations targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The statement highlighted the systematic nature of these actions, including the direct targeting of non-combatants and the destruction of vital infrastructure. According to the statement, such Israeli actions have forced Palestinians to flee their homes, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis and making living conditions in Gaza untenable. Egypt is urging Israel to fulfil its responsibilities as an occupying force and to adhere to the provisional measures set forth by the International Court of Justice.

At the beginning of the meeting, Madbouly pointed out the important role played by the IFC as a strategic advisor to the government, providing technical advice on the state ownership policy document adopted by the Egyptian government to increase the private sector’s contribution to economic activity. Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Africa, indicated the continuation of consultations with the Egyptian team responsible for the government offerings program, where many workshops are being held that include discussions on reaching specific mechanisms regarding the sectors agreed upon. He said that the Prime Minister’s talk about supporting the private sector in Egypt confirms beyond any doubt that the Egyptian government is moving forward with determination in this path. Meanwhile, Pimenta praised the support Egypt recently received from global financial and development institutions through the conclusion of several agreements, stressing that this contributes to significantly relieving pressure and giving greater confidence in the Egyptian economy. The meeting witnessed the presence of Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Cheikh Oumar Sylla, IFC Regional Director for North Africa, Stéphane Gimbert, IFC Regional Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti, and several IFC representatives.

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has released comprehensive guidelines for banks, detailing the required procedures for addressing customer complaints effectively. In its recent circular to all banks, the CBE emphasized the importance of adhering to these guidelines to safeguard customer rights. The CBE insists on banks providing adequate resources to the Customer Protection Unit and other relevant departments to ensure efficient complaint handling. In handling complaints, banks should evaluate them swiftly and equitably, adhere to the principle of good faith, and avoid requesting irrelevant documents or information. Finally, the CBE requires banks to issue a written or electronic response to customer complaints within a maximum of 15 days from receipt.

CAIRO – 12 May 2024: President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi is closely following - alongside a crisis task force - the developments in Gaza Strip instantly, and he instructed the intensification of efforts necessary to inhibit more escalation in the enclave, a high-profile source told Extra News Sunday. Also, an Egyptian high-profile source negated news circulated by Israeli media on a coordination between Egypt and Israel on Rafah Border Crossing, renewing the warning about the implications of escalation on humanitarian conditions in Gaza Strip. Egypt refused to coordinate with Israel on the delivery of humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing, amidst an unprecedented escalation by Israel, a high-level source revealed Saturday. The source emphasized Egypt's position, holding Israel accountable for the deteriorating situation in Gaza, and warned of the consequences of Israel's ongoing takeover of the Rafah crossing. As Egypt shares a border with Gaza through the city of Rafah, it strongly condemned the recent Israeli takeover of the Rafah border crossing from the Gaza side, which has blocked the main point of aid delivery.

CAIRO – 12 May 2024: Assistant to Foreign Minister for European Affairs Khaled Emara met with Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui who was holding the third round of shuttle diplomacy on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, visiting Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The two sides exchanged views on crises taking place in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. With regard to the Russia-Ukraine War, they conferred over its impact on international security and stability, and the necessity of achieving a political settlement through negotiations. In January, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi held a visit to Egypt and met his counterpart Sameh Shokry to discuss the Gaza War and the security threats in the Red Sea issuing a joint statement on their vision on the resolution of those crises.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently embarked on an inspection tour of various factories in 10th of Ramadan City. The tour began at the Sanipure factory, where the Prime Minister evaluated the operational processes and tackled issues directly. Founded in 2021 by a team of seasoned professionals in sanitary ware manufacturing, Sanipure is supported by Egyptian investors and stakeholders. Madbouly noted that Sanipure occupies a vast 80,000 square meter space in 10th of Ramadan City, representing an investment of around EGP 2.5bn. The Prime Minister was briefed on the furnace operations, preparation, and quality control measures.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has welcomed the leader of the Indian Bohra Community, His Holiness Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin. The assembly was attended by Abbas Kamel, the Director of the General Intelligence Service, and Mufaddal Mohammed, the Bohra Community’s representative in Egypt. The President’s spokesperson, Ahmed Fahmy, conveyed that President Al-Sisi expressed a warm welcome to Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin. Sultan Saifuddin reciprocated with profound gratitude towards President Al-Sisi and extolled Egypt’s strides in national development. Furthermore, he applauded the government and President Al-Sisi for their dedication to fostering the ideals of unity and acceptance, thereby strengthening societal harmony and tranquillity.