gettyimages-2260111714_jpg
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, speaks during a media interview at the party headquarters following a general election in Tokyo, on February 8, 2026, . Kyodo News/Getty Images
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 13:46 UTC
Lavrov says multipolar shift ‘unstoppable’ as Indonesia joins BRICS
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterised the global shift towards a multipolar world as an “objective” and “unstoppable” historical process, while accusing Washington of attempting to weaponise the U.S. dollar to obstruct emerging economic centres. In an expansive interview with TV BRICS marking Russia’s annual Diplomatic Worker’s Day, Lavrov asserted that the collective economic weight of the BRICS nations has already surpassed that of the G7. At the same time, the ongoing transformation on the global stage towards a multipolar world is crucial. It includes guaranteeing Russia’s security at a time when certain individuals in Europe openly threaten war. The United States’ objective is global economic dominance.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 09, 2026 11:34 UTC
Egypt launches form for alternatives housing to those affected by old rent law
The CEO of the Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Support Fund in Egypt, May Abdel-Hamid, confirmed that the government has begun compiling a list of requests for alternative housing units for tenants under the old rent law through an online form currently available on the “Digital Egypt” platform. In a Sunday interview with journalist Ahmed Moussa, Abdel-Hamid clarified that submitting the application does not mean vacating the current housing unit currently. The form is specifically for individuals seeking alternative housing, she said, and aims to identify their current residences, their actual needs, and the size of the units they occupy. Completing the form is an essential step that enables the government to begin constructing housing units in areas experiencing high demand. She affirmed that the government is committed to providing alternative housing in the same governorate and for the same purpose, in consideration of citizen living conditions.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 10:49 UTC
Trump’s growing volatility is putting the world on edge
The disciplined execution of the early months of President Donald Trump’s second term — when well-drafted executive orders reshaped Washington and America’s global priorities — are now a memory. But they sprang from a rational playbook drawn up during Trump’s four-year exile from the White House. Protesters gather in Nuuk, Greenland against President Donald Trump’s demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., January 17. This, like Trump’s call for a “softer touch” generated helpful headlines after the public turned on his enforcement methods. But there’s growing evidence that such extremism is a dominant feature of Trump’s second term.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 10:49 UTC
To shift or not to shift
Those were the days that the WEF religiously followed its declared mission of “Improving the State of the World”Now the WEF has gone through a major shift. In his January speech, President Trump oozed power and deployed ridicule as a message for submission. In our meeting, President Trump was focused, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and humane in his responses. It is not Trump alone, but there is great hope that Trump can surprise us in his remaining years with a shift where his leadership brings positivity, even as negativity reigns today. The more power you have, the greater empathy and humble manner you should display.”May all those with power remember that they can shift the world – hopefully for the better.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 10:49 UTC
Israel tightens grip on West Bank ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to US
Tel Aviv, Israel — Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’ s visit to Washington, DC, this week, Israel has taken a series of sweeping steps to tighten its grip on the occupied West Bank. The territory is held by the United Nations and the international community for a future Palestinian state. Palestinians watch from balconies as an Israeli military vehicle drives through the village of Beit Awwa near Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. In an interview with Time Magazine in October, Trump said he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Last May, Israel authorized the largest expansion of settlements in the West Bank in decades, approving the establishment of 22 new settlements.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 10:49 UTC
Tourism minister highlights growth in Egyptian-Turkish ties
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy on Sunday February 8, 2026 praised strength of Egyptian-Turkish relations, noting the recent successful visit of the Turkish president to Egypt. Fathy said Egypt welcomed 19 million tourists in 2025, a 20 percent increase over 2024, targeting a further 10 percent growth in 2026. Speaking on the sidelines of EMITT, Istanbul’s international tourism exhibition, Fathy reviewed developments in Egypt’s tourism sector and prospects for bilateral investment and cooperation. The minister highlighted cultural tourism growth, with a 30 percent increase in ticket sales for archaeological sites and museums, particularly following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which hosts around 15,000 daily visitors. He also noted the use of digital marketing and AI in promotional campaigns and highlighted year-round demand for luxury tourism and Nile cruises.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 10:49 UTC
Iran say it will not abandon uranium enrichment no matter what
Iran stated that it viewed the talks held with the US on Friday a “step forward,” with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressing that his country will not abandon uranium enrichment even if war is imposed upon it. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on the “X” platform on Sunday that his country will not tolerate any threats and that dialogue has always been its strategy for reaching peaceful solutions. The Iranian Foreign Minister explained that the most important point in the previous negotiations was zero enrichment, “which was unacceptable to us,” adding that during the negotiation session, they emphasized the necessity of continuing enrichment. During a press conference, Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that the negotiations in Muscat were limited to the nuclear issue, which they declared they would be negotiating exclusively on. He noted that Tehran has doubts about the seriousness of the US in continuing negotiations regarding its nuclear program, given that no date has yet been announced for resuming talks.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 08:22 UTC
Rising reports of animal bites in Egypt raises concerns
An official report issued by the Preventive Medicine Sector in the Health Ministry revealed that more than 1.2 million cases of animal bites or scratches were recorded between January and September 2025 alone across Egypt, RT reported on Sunday. The official report shows an alarming increase that reflects the spread of stray dogs and the growing risk of rabies across the country. The report indicated that the governorates of Cairo, Giza, and Beheira topped the list with the highest recorded cases, with Cairo accounting for approximately 15 percent of the total cases and Giza for about 10 percent. It also noted that reports have spread to Upper and Lower Egypt governorates, not just the Cairo and the Delta region. The annual figure, exceeding one million cases, is among the highest globally, placing Egypt among the countries with the highest burden of human rabies risk.
Source:Egypt Independent
February 09, 2026 08:22 UTC
El-Sissi reaffirms Egypt's support for Somalia's territorial integrity at Cairo meeting
Algérie Patriotique Factuality OwnershipThe Egyptian president reacted favorably to recent remarks made by his counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, regarding relations between Algeria and Egypt. In an official statement released on Facebook, he praised President Tebboune's words, stating that they reflected "the depth of the historical ties" uniting the two countries. The Egyptian head of state emphasized that the shared history of Algeria and Egypt is marked by a long history of strugg…
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 09, 2026 06:51 UTC
Cairo, Athens call for international stability force in Gaza and settlement of Iranian nuclear file
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sunday called for the rapid deployment of an international stability force to monitor a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasised Cairo’s ongoing efforts to reach a consensual settlement regarding the Iranian nuclear file. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the “National Committee for Managing the Gaza Strip,” describing it as a transitional framework designed to manage the daily affairs of the population. On regional stability, the two ministers agreed on the importance of de-escalation. Abdelatty stated that Egypt would maintain intensive contacts to reach a settlement on the Iranian nuclear issue that addresses the concerns of all parties, in a bid to support regional and international security. Abdelatty expressed a desire to further strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation and to expand bilateral frameworks into new fields.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 08, 2026 21:30 UTC
Yield on Egypt’s international bonds falls to 4% amid strong market performance: Finance Minister
Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk said that risks related to Egypt’s public debt have declined, driven by growing investor confidence in the country’s economic trajectory and improving macroeconomic indicators. He noted that Egypt’s strong performance in international markets has contributed to a drop in yields on its international bonds to 4%. He explained that the government is prioritising incentive programmes and targeted initiatives to stimulate economic activity, while maintaining fiscal discipline and financial stability. Kouchouk added that the government is working to improve all debt-related indicators in order to create greater fiscal space, enabling higher economic growth and increased social spending. The finance minister also highlighted a rise in foreign direct investment and a 40% increase in private investment during the first quarter, as well as growth in goods and services exports.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 08, 2026 18:55 UTC
Saudi Ports Authority seeks Suez Canal partnership for Jeddah port development
Saudi Arabia’s ports authority is seeking to partner with the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) for the development of Jeddah port and other infrastructure projects, the head of the Saudi body said on Sunday. Sulaiman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua, President of the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), expressed his desire to collaborate with the SCA in the construction of ferries and to utilise the authority’s specialised companies for dredging and quay works. The move comes as Saudi Arabia advances plans to upgrade Jeddah port and execute several major infrastructure developments. Al-Mazroua also confirmed that both Saudi ports and the Suez Canal are prepared for the return of major shipping lines to the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab once regional conditions stabilise. As part of the meeting, Rabiee invited the Saudi delegation to visit the Suez Canal pavilion at the International Maritime Exhibition (IME 2026) to view the authority’s latest maritime equipment and services.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 08, 2026 18:55 UTC
Al-Sisi reaffirms support for Somalia’s unity, warns against threats to Horn of Africa stability
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi reaffirmed on Sunday Egypt’s “categorical rejection” of any actions that could threaten Somalia’s security, stability, or territorial integrity, underscoring Cairo’s commitment to supporting stability in the Horn of Africa and deepening cooperation with Somalia across political, security, and development spheres. Al-Sisi said Egypt maintains its long-standing position in support of Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, warning that any steps undermining state sovereignty or regional stability would violate international law and risk fuelling further instability in the Horn of Africa. Al-Sisi also announced plans to dispatch a multi-specialty medical convoy to Somalia in the near future to support the country’s healthcare sector and expand humanitarian cooperation. He also said that any recognition of what he described as “Somaliland” would violate international law and threaten Somalia’s territorial unity. Al-Sisi concluded by stressing that Egypt will remain a committed partner to Somalia and will continue working with regional and international partners to enhance stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea in support of sustainable development and regional security.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 08, 2026 18:30 UTC
Egypt health minister highlights youth investment at Diplomacy Forum
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, underscored the importance of investing in youth, health and education as pillars of Egypt’s future during a youth diplomacy forum held in Cairo. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Youth Diplomacy Programme at the Olympic Centre in Maadi, Abdel Ghaffar addressed around 160 participants alongside Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy. The health minister outlined major developments in Egypt’s healthcare sector, noting that the health budget increased from EGP 42.4bn in 2014 to EGP 406.47bn in 2025. The session concluded with an open dialogue between the minister and youth participants on health, education and human development. Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy emphasised the programme’s role in equipping young people with the skills needed to represent Egypt on the international stage.
Source:Daily News Egypt
February 08, 2026 18:30 UTC