President Sisi to attend UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020
FILE - President Abdel Fatah El SisiCAIRO - 18 January 2020: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi will take part in the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 to be held on Monday.The opening session will consist of speeches by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and African leaders. It will be followed by others on sustainable funding, infrastructure, trade and investment in light of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), renewable energy, and growth opportunities.The summit will be attended by the UK prime minister, African heads of states, chiefs of international organizations, and businesspeople. On the sidelines, an exhibition will be held for British and African companies working in the sectors of robotics, artificial satellites, new and renewable energy, and sustainable construction materials.Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Badr Abdel Aati had talks Friday with a high-level British delegation, under the UK chief negotiator for the Middle East and North Africa, on reaching a new partnership deal between the two countries.The meeting falls within the third round of negotiations between Egypt and UK to reach a new partnership agreement after the UK's exit from the European Union (EU).The third round of negotiations brought together all ministries and parties concerned from Egypt and Britain.The two sides' talks focused on all files related to the new draft agreement to ensure that the Egyptian goods and products continue to enter the British market.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 15:33 UTC
GEM receives 356 artifacts from Tut,Ramses II, Thutmose III, Ptah treasures
File- GEM has received a collection of 356 artifacts from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. The first row consisted of 18 coffins and the second consisted of 12 coffins for men, women, and 3 children.For the first time GEM will display Tutankhmaum treasures in one place. The total number of antiquities belonging to King Tutankhamen is 5398. Among king Tut’s artefacts that was transferred is his coffin.The transferred coffin is one of the three coffins of Tutankhmaum, portraying the golden king as God Osiris. It is 223.5 cm in length, 86.8 cm in diameter, while its height is 105.5 cm.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 13:52 UTC
Amb. Noke: Japan's peace, prosperity based on that of Libya
Members of Libyan internationally recognised pro-government forces ride in military vehicles on the outskirts of Tripoli, Libya April 10, 2019. REUTERS/Hani AmaraCAIRO - 18 January 2020: As the Berlin Conference is set to kick off Sunday to obtain a real commitment from parties to cease military actions in Libya, Japan’s Ambassador Masaki Noke spoke about the importance of achieving peace and stability in this part of the world.“Peace and stability in this part of the world in northern part of Africa is very important for the stability in the region and Japanese peace and prosperity is also based on peace and prosperity of this area,” said Noke in statements to Egypt Today magazine on Saturday.He further said that Japan “would hope that all the stake holders and interested parties work in a constructive manner to establish peace and stability through dialogue.”Noke went on explaining that there have been certain developments regarding Libya; however, it is still early to predict what will happen.“There are some positive elements we would hope they further develop to arrive at a better situation in the region,” he added.President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Saturday headed for Germany to participate in an international conference on Libya, which will kick off on Sunday.The conference will be attended by representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council along with the states concerned with the Libyan crisis in addition to representatives for international and regional organizations.Other leaders and top officials who will attend the summit include: Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Algerian President Abdul Majeed Tebboune, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğanand Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit.Libya's prime minister of the Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj, Commander of the Libya National Army Khalifa Haftar and UN Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame will also attend the international conference.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 13:52 UTC
Protesters gather at Paris theater to confront Macron over pension reform
PARIS (Reuters) – Protesters opposed to the French government’s proposed changes to the pension system tried to force their way into a theater in Paris where President Emmanuel Macron attended a show with his wife. Videos on social media showed protesters chanting “Macron resign” and at one stage trying to enter the venue near the Gare du Nord train terminus in northern Paris. Macron was previously targeted by “yellow vest” protesters in their year-long movement against the cost of living, accused of being arrogant and out of touch. But with participation in rail strikes waning, opponents of the pension reform have staged more direct action. Macron, who included changes to the pension system in his 2017 election campaign, wants to replace dozens of existing schemes with a universal, points-based system.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 18, 2020 13:41 UTC
Ashmawy: Ramsees II statue is a reproduced one
File-The reproduced King Ramsees II statue. CAIRO – 18 January 2019: The ministry of antiquities replied to the uproar made on social networks regarding the neglect that the statue of King Ramses II was said to have been subjected to.The head of the Egyptian Antiquities sector Ayman Ashmawy said that King Ramses II statue that was transferred from in front of Zagazig University is a reproduced one.Ashmawy further added that it was placed in front of the University for decoration purpose.The real King Ramses II statue was transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum.Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities previously announced that about more than 90 percent of the Grand Egyptian Museum work was finalized. The total number of antiquities belonging to King Tutankhamen is 5398. Among king Tut’s artefacts that was transferred is his coffin.The transferred coffin is one of the three coffins of Tutankhmaum, portraying the golden king as God Osiris. It is 223.5 cm in length, 86.8 cm in diameter, while its height is 105.5 cm.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 13:07 UTC
Egypt says did not make concessions in GERD negotiations
Egypt’s Irrigation Ministry denied that it was under pressure in the last round of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) negotiations on Tuesday to waive some of its demands. Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan held the latest round of talks on GERD in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday under the auspices of the United States and the World Bank. The three countries reached a draft deal on filling the GERD reservoir. In a statement on Friday, the ministry explained that the joint statement issued by the Washington meeting indicates foundations consistent with Egypt’s proposals regarding the rules for filling and operating the dam and resolving disputes around it. The statement stressed that the next meeting in Washington is of great importance to agree on all outstanding issues and reach a comprehensive agreement.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 18, 2020 13:07 UTC
Cold, rainy weather for Egypt on Sunday
Meteorologists anticipate cold weather on the northern parts of Egypt until northern Upper Egypt on Sunday, with more moderate temperatures on southern Upper Egypt and growing very cold throughout the country by night. Mist is expected during the morning hours across Egypt’s northern parts, disrupting visibility on the roads. Low- and medium-level clouds are anticipated north of the country, accompanied by rainfall on the northern coasts, and on parts of Lower Egypt and Cairo. Winds will be mostly western to northwestern, active on the northern coasts, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, disturbing the maritime navigation there. Waves in the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea will be moderate to rough, ranging between two and 2.5 meters in height, with northwestern surface winds on both seas.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 18, 2020 13:07 UTC
Social solidarity minister launches campaign to save homeless people
Social Solidarity Minister Nevine el KabbajCAIRO, Jan 18 (MENA) - Social Solidarity Minister Nevin el Qabbaj launched on Saturday a campaign to save homeless people nationwide and offer them a better life.In a statement, the minister said that the Social Solidarity Ministry seeks to rescue the largest number of homeless children and adults and convince them to move to care homes, especially in the cold wave that currently hits the country.About 17 convoys are touring the governorates to save the homeless people, she added.The ministry receives notifications about homeless people through the hotline 16439, the Government Complaints Portal's hotline 16528 or the ministry's official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 12:45 UTC
LNA confirms closure of oil facilities to cut militias funding
A general view of pipelines at the Zueitina oil terminal in Zueitina, west of Benghazi April 7, 2014. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-FetoriLNA insists on militias dismantling, clashes resume CAIRO - 14 January 2020: The Libyan foreign ministry issued a statement on Tuesday requesting the international community to fulfill its duties by pressuring GNA-affiliated militias to surrender and give up their weapons obeying the Libyan people's will. Anadolu Agency reported that the LNA is amassing southern Tripoli while Al Arabiya announced that clashes resumed in Salahuddin district south of Tripoli. Oil facilities belong to the Libyan people so they must not be a political bargaining card,” NOC Chairman Mostafa Sonaa Allah.The chairman added that the closure may cause a fall in exchange rate, huge budget deficit, and the exit of foreign companies working in the sector. The other consequences cited by the NOC chairman is that fields closure will incur an instant loss in production while the closure of ports will mandate the reduction of production and even cutting it when the storage full capacity is reached, which can happen in less than five days.Sonaa Allah stated, “the National Oil Corporation calls upon institutions that pretend protecting oil facilities to fend off any closure attempt.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 12:33 UTC
Egypt’s economic reform proves successful: Egypt’s PM
Egypt’s economic reform program proved to be a great success, Madbouly said. The World Bank delegation explained that Egypt is a strategic partner of the World Bank, and praised its efforts within its economic, legislative and structural reform that has contributed to achieving sustainable development goals. They said that Egypt has overcome the various challenges it faced during the past years, which resulted in achieving positive results in various economic indicators. Madbouly stressed during the meeting that Egypt’s government attaches special importance towards enhancing private sector participation in economic activity. “The level of cooperation with the World Bank encourages us,” Madbouly said.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 18, 2020 12:22 UTC
Officials, activists: 2 Iraqi protesters killed in Baghdad
BAGHDAD (AP) — Two protesters were killed and over a dozen wounded in central Baghdad on Friday in renewed violence between anti-government demonstrators and Iraqi security forces, activists and officials said. Riot police fired tear gas and hurled sound bombs to disperse crowds on the strategic Sinak Bridge after protesters attempted to breach cement barriers previously erected by security forces, causing the casualties, activists and medical and security officials said. Two protesters were killed and at least 20 wounded, three activists and a security official said. Friday’s violence breaks a period of calm between protesters and security after tensions soared between Tehran and Washington following a US drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. Image: Posters of protesters who have been killed in anti-government demonstrations and their belongings are displayed in Tahrir Square, in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Jan. 17, 2020.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 18, 2020 12:00 UTC
Lawsuit demands Turkey to repay Egypt 23M gold coins
On Nov. 23, 2013, Egypt downgraded bilateral diplomatic relations with Turkey when it declared Turkish Ambassador Hussein Botsali a persona non grata.The diplomatic disagreement has been deepened recently; on the 6th of January 2020, Egypt Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Turkish Chargé d'affaires to express their refusal to the latest Turkish comments when Egypt interrogating the staff of Turkish-funded news agency of Anadulo. The Egyptian Interior Ministry said on Wednesday it thwarted schemes for the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group, as the ministry’s national security sector spoted an electronic platform “funded by Turkey,” with the aim of “destroying the pillars” of the Egyptian state.Turkey’s foreign policy in the Middle East widened its rift with Egypt when Turkish President Recept Tayeb Erdogan urkish President Recept Tayeb Erdogan and Sarraj signed controversial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on drawing maritime borders in the Mediterranean Sea- one of the largest natural gas resources in the region- and on enhancing military cooperation. The deals provoked anger in Egypt, Cyprus and Greece that voiced their rejection of the deal as it contradicts with the international agreements.In a joint press conference held in Cairo for the foreign ministers of Egypt, Greece, France and Cyprus, it has been affirmed that the necessity to fully respect the sovereignty of all countries, including their sovereign rights in their water regions in the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, they strongly condemned the continuous Turkish acts (drillings) in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and regional waters and called on Turkey to immediately halt illegal exploration activities.sovereignty of all countries, including their sovereign rights in their water regions in the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, they strongly condemned the continuous Turkish acts (drillings) in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone and regional waters and called on Turkey to immediately halt illegal exploration activities.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 11:37 UTC
President Sisi meets with WB, explains recent GERD developments
FILE- President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi during a conference in Egypt- press photoCAIRO - 18 January 2020: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Saturday confirmed the importance of the Nile water for Egypt and its people.At a meeting with a World Bank delegation, he explained the recent developments of the Ethiopian dam file and current negotiations on the issue, said Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi.The meeting took up progress achieved in national projects in Egypt which are allowing more job opportunities for young people, added the spokesman.President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Saturday expressed hope that cooperation with the World Bank would continue for supporting Egyptian development efforts.At a meeting with a bank delegation, the president added that Egypt is seeking to upgrade its strategic relations with the World Bank Group, said Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi.The bank delegates underlined the important role of Egypt and the Middle East and praised its success in overcoming different challenges it faced over the past few years.They also lauded the strong political leadership of Egypt and solidarity between the leadership and people that helped Egypt overcome these challenges, the spokesman pointed out.They noted that their current visit to Egypt is aimed at getting acquainted with the Egyptian government's economic reform efforts and making field visits to development projects to which the bank is contributing, added the spokesman.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 11:35 UTC
Iraq, Washington review security relations, future of US forces in country: army spox
FILE PHOTO: U.S. soldiers gather at a military base north of Mosul, Iraq, January 4, 2017. REUTERS/Stephen Kalin /File PhotoCAIRO – 18 January 2020: Talks are undergoing between Washington and the Iraqi government to review the security relations between both countries, and discuss the future of the U.S. forces in Iraq, revealed Spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf.“The Iraqi government is conducting dialogues with the United States regarding security relations, and Iraq has observations and proposed related to this matter, and [Iraqi government] will work to avoid any conflict with its sovereignty,” said Khalaf, adding that “negotiations have not ended yet.”Earlier last week, it was reported that negotiations between both sides to begin and continue for months or a year. One of the announced proposals were that NATO to remain in Iraq, while the U.S. forces remain as part of the alliance.The Iraqi parliament, earlier this month, adopted a resolution obliging the government to end the presence of any foreign forces on Iraqi soil, and prevent it from using its lands, airspace and water for any reason.Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi later announced that he had asked U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to send delegates to Iraq to put in place the mechanisms for implementing the decisions of the Iraqi parliament for a safe withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.The prime minister added that American forces had entered Iraq and drones are flying in its airspace without permission from Iraqi authorities, which is a violation of the bilateral agreements.Washington responded by rejecting the withdrawal, and said that any delegation to be sent to Iraq will discuss “how to best recommit strategic partnership - not to discuss troop withdrawal, but our right, appropriate force posture in the Middle East,” AP quoted Pompeo’s spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.
Source:Egypt Today
January 18, 2020 11:26 UTC
Egypt’s Sisi heads to Berlin to participate in resolving Libyan crisis
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday is set to begin a foreign tour, that includes Germany and Britain, to participate in efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis. Sisi is due to attend the Berlin conference on Sunday aiming to bring peace to Libya, to which he was invited by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He will also visit the British capital, London, to participate in the British-African investment summit. A few days earlier, President Sisi had received a phone call from Merkel to discuss the Libyan situation. The GNA stressed the importance of Qatar’s participation because it was and remains the most important supporter of the February 17 revolution, which toppled the regime of former Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 18, 2020 10:30 UTC