Egypt-Switzerland trade exchange hits $2.3bn in 2025: El-Khatib
El-Khatib described the Egypt-Switzerland partnership as a distinguished model of bilateral cooperation, citing the diversity and strength of relations across precision industries, pharmaceuticals and heavy industry. In this context, El-Khatib said Egypt is a pivotal partner due to its strategic location and expanding productive capacity. Trade relations between Egypt and Switzerland are gaining tangible momentum, the minister said, noting that bilateral trade exchange reached approximately $2.3bn last year, recording a surplus in Egypt’s favour. In terms of trade facilitation, El-Khatib said Egypt aims to rank among the world’s top 50 countries in trade competitiveness by reducing customs clearance time and costs. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to removing non-tariff barriers in cooperation with the European Union and international partners, and to opening a new chapter in investment relations.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 26, 2026 19:40 UTC
Engineering exports hit record high of $6.5bn in 2025
Egypt’s engineering exports maintained strong momentum in 2025, recording a 13% year-on-year increase to reach approximately $6.5bn, up from $5.7bn in 2024. This represents the highest export value ever achieved by the engineering industries sector, according to the Engineering Export Council of Egypt (EECE). On a monthly basis, December 2025 saw an unprecedented surge in engineering exports, rising by 18% compared with December 2024. Export value reached about $620.6m, up from $525.3m a year earlier, marking the highest monthly figure in the sector’s history. He stressed that despite ongoing global challenges, the engineering sector delivered historic, record-breaking results, representing the strongest performance in its history.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 26, 2026 19:40 UTC
PM says excellence must become “work culture” at Egypt Government Excellence Award
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Monday that government excellence should be an inherent work culture rather than a periodic award, as he honoured winners of the fourth Egypt Government Excellence Award. “Excellence is not just a prize awarded periodically, but a work culture that must remain an inherent characteristic of daily practices in all institutions,” Madbouly said following the distribution of awards to various government entities and individuals. She added that excellence is measured by its impact and a belief in “investing in the future” of human capital. The water utility category was established through a memorandum of understanding to implement internal excellence awards within the company and its subsidiaries. Individual awards cover senior leadership, department managers, and the best civil servants and work teams.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 26, 2026 17:44 UTC
Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria call for immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Libya
The foreign ministers of Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria on Monday called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya, asserting that a Libyan-Libyan solution remains the sole path to sustainable stability. Following a trilateral meeting in Tunis, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf issued a joint statement urging for presidential and legislative elections to be held simultaneously as soon as possible. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed his country’s categorical rejection of any external dictates, stating that Libya’s security represents an “original extension” of Egyptian and Arab national security. Abdelatty called for a comprehensive approach to the crisis that addresses economic and social dimensions alongside political and security tracks. Tunisia expressed its readiness to host high-level meetings involving all relevant Libyan parties to advance a comprehensive framework for a solution.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 26, 2026 17:43 UTC
Countdown to Ramadan drama race begins as female stars dominate 2026 season
The countdown to the annual Ramadan drama marathon has officially begun. Between the return of leading actresses absent from Ramadan drama for several years, the continued dominance of established stars, and the confident rise of younger names asserting their presence, the 2026 season appears poised to reshape the balance of power in television drama. Equally notable is the return of Hend Sabry, marking her comeback to Ramadan drama after a four-year absence since “Hagma Mortadda” in 2021. Mai Ezz El-Din returns to the Ramadan race with a new series directed by Morcos Adel, currently in preparation as the remaining cast is finalised. Mai Omar has also announced a new Ramadan project, El Set Monaliza, written by Mohamed Sayed Bisheer and directed by Mohamed Ali.
Source:Daily News Egypt
January 26, 2026 16:43 UTC
Ramadan Sobhi’s fate remains uncertain after his punishment is suspended
Debate has arisen regarding Pyramids FC player Ramadan Sobhi’s return to the pitch following a court ruling suspending his punishment over forgery of an official document. Giza Criminal Court of Appeals on Sunday upheld Sobhi’s one-year prison sentence but suspended its execution. Many fans have been left wondering about Sobhi’s future, specifically whether he will be able to return to Pyramids FC training or participate in upcoming domestic or continental matches, including the CAF Champions League. Sobhi’s lawyer, Hani Zahran, previously confirmed that appealing to the Federal Court would not halt the four-year suspension imposed on the player. “Ramadan will remain suspended until the appeal is reviewed, a response is issued, and a hearing date is set,” he explained.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 16:09 UTC
The elephant in the room between Trump and oil execs: Iraq
London — President Donald Trump President Donald Trump painted a simplistic picture for the US operation in Venezuela: go in, get the oil and start exporting. But the post-invasion fallout in Iraq offers valuable lessons for oil companies considering entering Venezuela. Scott Nelson/Getty ImagesIraq’s oil industry had been nationalized and closed off from Western oil companies since the 1970s. He said the contracts effectively invited foreign firms into Iraq as contractors rather than allowing them ownership rights over the oil reserves. The security situation inside Iraq rapidly deteriorated after the invasion, aided in large part by a power vacuum.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 16:09 UTC
Photos: Scholar Nermin al-Houti reflects on Naguib Mahfouz’s literature in landmark Cairo Book Fair symposium
The Associate Professor in the Department of Criticism and Dramatic Literature at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, Nermin al-Houti, discussed why the late Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz remains an enduring icon of Arabic literature. Al-Houti took part in a wide-ranging intellectual symposium titled Identity in the Literature of Naguib Mahfouz, held as part of the Fair Personality program. Al-Houti observed that Mahfouz successfully projected Egyptian national identity onto the global stage through his depiction of the “Al-Hara” (a traditional alleyway). During the symposium, al-Houti outlined four primary pillars for studying identity in Mahfouz’s literature, beginning with the documentation of social and political transformations across Egypt and the Arab world. Often referred to as the “Balzac of the Arabs,” he is credited with maturing the novel form within Arabic literature and bringing it to a global audience.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 16:09 UTC
Xi has absolute control over China’s military. Now he wants more
Beijing — Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s decision to place the country’s Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s decision to place the country’s top-ranking general under investigation is a stunning move that leaves Xi virtually alone at the top of the military hierarchy – raising deep questions about the implications for the world’s largest armed forces, as well as Beijing’s ambitions to take control of Taiwan. Tingshu Wang/ReutersXi’s ‘unassailable position’The circumstances around Zhang’s investigation remain unclear likely not only to those outside but also within the black box of China’s military, a massive and opaque entity even by China’s usual standards. It’s also one that is closely linked to the organization of China’s military, which is controlled by the party, not the state. ‘State of disarray’The latest move now leaves Xi virtually alone at the top of China’s military hierarchy. High-level ousters have left the PLA leadership “in a state of disarray right now,” said Thomas at the Asia Society.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 16:09 UTC
FM reaffirms to Tunisian Mufti depth of brotherly relations
The meeting underscored the depth of the historical, cultural, and religious ties that bind Egypt and Tunisia, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation and communication between religious institutions in the two countries. During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty affirmed the deep fraternal and historical bonds between Egypt and Tunisia, as well as the civilizational and cultural affinity that characterizes relations between the two brotherly nations. Abdelatty further expressed his aspiration to strengthen communication between institutions concerned with religious affairs in both countries in a way that contributes to addressing current intellectual challenges. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Grand Mufti of Tunisia expressed his appreciation for the fraternal relations between Egypt and Tunisia, commending Egypt’s role in supporting the values of moderation and tolerance. He also affirmed the Tunisian side’s keenness to continue coordination and cooperation with Egypt in intellectual and religious fields in a way that strengthens the bonds of cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 12:25 UTC
Parl’t debates legislation regulating children’s use of social media
The House of Representatives announced on Sunday, January 25, 2026, plans to introduce a legislation regulating children’s use of social media networks. This came in a statement issued by the House concerning the state’s plans to draft a law outlining controls on children’s use of social media. The parliament hailed the state’s plans to draft such a law regulating children’s use of social media applications, like several countries that have implemented measures such as banning the use of mobile phones for children. The House emphasized that this move reflects the state’s awareness of challenges facing Egyptian children, including psychological and behavioral risks resulting from excessive use of social media, which can reach the point of digital addiction. The House of Representatives intends to take all serious steps required, within the framework of the Constitution and the executive parliamentary regulations, to study and pass the legislation that organizes this matter and puts an end to the digital chaos facing children, the statement read.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 12:25 UTC
FM voices keenness on boosting cooperation with Algeria
This came during a meeting between Abdelatty and Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, on the sidelines of their presence in Tunisia. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the meeting addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. Minister Abdelatty praised the notable development witnessed in relations of cooperation and coordination between the two countries, stressing the importance of continuing consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Regarding the situation in Libya, the two ministers exchanged views on recent developments in the Libyan scene. Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the political settlement track in a manner that preserves Libya’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and ensures that the political process remains exclusively Libyan-owned.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 12:25 UTC
Authorities arrest fishermen involved in hunting whale shark
Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment in Egypt, Manal Awad, announced on Sunday the arrest of a group of fishermen involved in the capture of a whale shark, a rare and endangered marine creature. This came after Environment Ministry monitored videos circulating on social media documenting the capture of the whale shark and its inhumane treatment, sparking outrage online. Awad emphasized that the accused will be referred to the competent legal authorities after their involvement in catching a rare and endangered marine species was proven. This action is part of ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and marine life in Egypt and to enforce the law. The Ministry of Environment emphasized the importance of cooperation and community participation in protecting rare marine life, urging citizens to report any practices that threaten marine life.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 09:38 UTC
Venezuela’s acting president says she has had ‘enough’ of US orders
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said Sunday she has had “enough” of Washington’s orders, as she works to unite the country after the US capture of its former leader Nicolás Maduro. CNN has contacted the White House for comment on Rodríguez’s latest statement. Law enforcement officials move captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, second from left, out of the helicopter in New York on January 5. A fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, after a series of explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Luis Jaimes/AFP/Getty ImagesRodríguez was also expected to prioritize the Trump administration and US oil companies for future oil sales.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 09:38 UTC
Dozens of settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
Dozens of settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem on Sunday, under the protection of Israeli forces. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that dozens of settlers entered the compound in groups, conducted tours, and performed Talmudic rituals, all under the protection of the Israeli forces. The Jerusalem Governorate stated that settlers chased the shepherds and forced them to leave their land at gunpoint. In Masafer Yatta, West Bank, settlers continued their attacks on Palestinians, detaining several residents and attempting to steal their livestock. Towns raidedPalestinian media reported that settlers wearing Israeli military uniforms detained six Palestinians near Khirbet al-Fakhit in Masafer Yatta, abusing them before releasing them.
Source:Egypt Independent
January 26, 2026 09:38 UTC