FM begins his visit to Washington with intensive meetings with Congress members

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, began his visit to Washington, with intensive meetings with a number of members of Congress. 

Minister Abdel Aaty met on Thursday 19/9/2024 with Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democratic Representative Katherine Clark, Democratic Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, and Republican Senator Susan Collins, Minority Leader of the Senate Appropriations Committee, in separate meetings.

the Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, stressing the special nature of the Egyptian-American strategic partnership that extends for decades and achieves mutual benefit. 

In this context, he discussed launching a new round of strategic dialogue between the two countries in Cairo.

During his meetings, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was keen to emphasize the importance of enhancing cooperation between Egypt and the United States in the economic field, by increasing the volume of US investments in the country, and the ongoing coordination with the American Chamber of Commerce to host the Future of Egypt Economic Forum in Cairo next year, which represents a qualitative leap in the rates of trade exchange and investments between the two countries.

The Minister reviewed the steps and measures taken by the Egyptian government to advance the human rights system in Egypt, including issuing the National Strategy for Human Rights and reviewing legislation related to the Criminal Procedure Code, in addition to the achievements made in the field of women's rights and religious freedoms.

The Foreign Minister's meetings addressed the crises in the region, and in this context he pointed to the unprecedented strikes witnessed by the border countries with Egypt, which is reflected in the increased severity of the risks and economic and security consequences on them.

Dr. Abdel-Ati reviewed the repercussions of the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, stressing Egypt's position rejecting any form of displacement of Palestinians, or the liquidation of the Palestinian cause, and the necessity of Israel's withdrawal from the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor to allow the resumption of the flow of humanitarian aid.

He also stressed the need to work to avoid the expansion of the conflict in the region as a result of the continuation of Israeli practices and policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In this regard, he reviewed the intensive efforts made by Egypt with various parties to urge them not to escalate and exercise self-restraint.

Dr. Abdel-Aaty discussed the Sudan file, stressing Egypt's supportive stance towards the Sudanese state institutions, as the only way to restore stability and security in the country, and the importance of intensifying humanitarian support for Sudan and international partners fulfilling their pledges. The meetings also discussed the Libyan files and the security of navigation in the Red Sea.

FM wraps up 1st day of his visit to Washington by holding series of meetings with 12 US Congressmen

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel Aaty concluded the first day of his visit to Washington Thursday 19/9/2024 by holding a series of meetings with 12 US Congressmen, including Senator Steve Scalise, Republican Majority Leader in the US House of Representatives, Senator Jon Ossoff, member of the powerful US Senate Intelligence Committee and US Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.

the meetings provided the opportunity to review all aspects of bilateral political, economic, commercial and military relations and the progress Egypt has witnessed on the level of human rights. The meetings also reflected an increasing awareness among US Congress members of the constructive Egyptian role in the region, the developments it is witnessing at various levels, and the assiduous efforts it is exerting to support regional security and stability despite the serious volatile conditions that the Middle East is suffering from.

The meetings saw consultations and exchange of visions and assessments on major regional issues, most notably the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and developments in Libya, Sudan, Somalia, the Horn of Africa and the Ethiopian dam file, the spokesman said. They witnessed an agreement in visions regarding most of these issues and an appreciation for Egypt’s views regarding ways to properly deal with them in a way that contributes to strengthening regional peace and security.

Friday 20-09-2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty on Friday 20/9/2024 took part in a roundtable organized by The Atlantic Council, as part of his visit to Washington D.C.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with US Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty expressed Egypt's rejection of using the Yemeni crisis as a gateway for non-Red Sea bordering countries to engage in security arrangements related to the region, emphasizing the direct link between the security of the Red Sea and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for all efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, its executive mechanisms, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf said in a statement.

He added that such a solution should meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people and alleviate their humanitarian suffering.

Abdelatty also reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Yemen’s unity, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as Cairo's backing for the legitimacy of the Yemeni government and the independence of its state institutions.

He highlighted the priority Egypt places on Yemen’s security and stability, alongside the security of the Red Sea and the safety of maritime navigation in the region, as key elements of Egypt’s national security and the security of the Arab region and Red Sea.

Abdelatty further stressed the importance of the international community playing its role in mitigating the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen and providing the necessary support to fund UN relief programs in the country. He noted Egypt's backing of related UN efforts.

He also referenced Egypt's efforts in providing various forms of support to the Yemeni people, particularly in the areas of medical and food assistance.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with US Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said Egypt proceeds with its intensive contacts with all parties concerned to contribute to finding a sustainable solution to the Libyan crisis out of Egypt’s responsibility to help Libyans in light of the historical and fraternal ties binding the two countries.

He said the efforts exerted confirm Egypt’s support for the Libyan-Libyan solution path and its respect for the role of Libyan institutions, leading to the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously in a way that serves efforts to reach a solution to the crisis under pure Libyan leadership.

Abdelatty emphasized the importance of respecting the terms of reference of the Skhirat Agreement.

He also underscored the necessity of working on ending the foreign presence in Libya, and the exit of all foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya within a specific time frame in a way that preserves the unity, stability and sovereignty of Libya. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with US envoy to Lebanon Amos Hochstein.

Abdelatty underscored the utmost importance of continuing efforts to contain the escalation in southern Lebanon and avoid sliding into a comprehensive regional war.

He warned again of the serious and accelerating developments Lebanon has witnessed over the past few days.

Abdelatty pointed out that they are a clear indication that the region is at a dangerous turn as a result of irresponsible unilateral actions that may lead to consequences affecting the entire region.

reviewed Egypt's strenuous efforts to calm the region in general and southern Lebanon in particular, stressing at the same time the priority of reaching a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza.

He also expounded the overall intensive contacts held by Egypt with various regional and international parties with a view to stopping the escalation, pointing out to the importance of continuing joint efforts for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 as regards maintaining the security and stability of the Lebanese-Israeli border, and ensuring that Lebanese sovereignty is not violated.

Abdelatty also affirmed the importance of providing international support to the Lebanese government and various state institutions in order to help the country overcome the political and economic crises it is facing. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with US Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perello

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty underlined Egypt's fixed position towards Sudan, which is based on supporting Sudanese state institutions, protecting Sudan's unity and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference in its affairs.

He highlighted Egypt's efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis, citing its hosting of the summit of Sudan's neighboring countries in July 2023 and the Sudanese Political and Civil Forces Conference in July 2024 in addition to its active participation in the Geneva talks recently.

Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt continues to open its doors to Sudanese citizens fleeing the scourge of war, stressing the importance that international donors fulfill their pledges to support countries hosting Sudanese refugees.

He pointed out that the minister was keen to shed light on Egypt’s tireless efforts to overcome all problems facing the movement of aid trucks through the border crossings with Sudan.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOA) Mike Hammer and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stressed that the Horn of Africa region has always been a priority file for the Egyptian foreign policy given its direct connection to Egypt’s national security.

The minister stressed Egypt's keenness to support efforts to achieve stability and restore security in the countries of the Horn of Africa, as well as to combat terrorism, extremism and organized crime in this area which is vital for regional and international security and for safeguarding global shipping movement in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

He affirmed Egypt’s keenness to work for strengthening peace, security and sustainable development efforts in the African continent, highlighting the Egyptian leadership’s leading role in the post-conflict reconstruction and development file of the African Union, in addition to Egypt’s hosting of the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUCPCRD) and the establishment of Cairo International Center on Conflict Resolution, Preservation and Peacebuilding (CCCPA).

Also, he confirmed Egypt’s keenness to achieve stability in Somalia by supporting its state institutions, promoting respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as supporting efforts of the Somali federal government to realize security, combat terrorism and have control over all Somali national soil, Khallaf said. He pointed out that Egypt’s stance emanates from its responsibility toward contributing to the maintenance of regional and international peace and security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Arab League Charter.

Abdelatty added that pursuant to this, Egypt is providing support to the Somali brothers in the areas of building security and military capabilities, in light of its longstanding experience and leadership in the field of combating terrorism, realizing security and enforcing law.

According to foreign ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf, the meeting saw the exchange of views between both sides on a number of regional issues of mutual concern, especially the ongoing arrangements for the new African Union mission to Somalia and the importance of promoting stability in Somalia, which is vital for securing global trade movement in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, combating terrorism, cross-border organized crime and illegal migration to Europe.

FM meets representatives of Egyptian community in US during visit to Egypt’s embassy in Washington

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty visited the headquarters of the Egyptian Embassy in Washington, where he met with some leading representatives of the Egyptian community in the US on the sidelines of his current visit to the US capital.

According to foreign ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf, the minister referred, during the meeting, to the priority that the state gives to the affairs of Egyptian citizens living abroad.

The top diplomat reviewed the most prominent determinants of Egyptian foreign policy and its priorities, in addition to the activities Egypt undertakes to deal with regional challenges and crises and tackle international issues.

He underlined the great importance that the foreign ministry attaches to supporting the state’s economic efforts, working to attract investments, backing the national economy and promoting development projects, Khallaf said.

He added that the minister was keen to listen to the views and proposals of the community representatives on this score, praising the role played by Egyptians abroad in strengthening people-to-people ties between Egypt and the countries in which they reside.

Saturday 21/9/2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad Ahmed Attaf on the sidelines of their participation in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. 

Abdelatty hailed the deep historical ties between Egypt and Algeria, reaffirming Egypt's commitment to implementing the shared vision of the leaderships of both countries, aimed at elevating relations to a strategic level in both political and economic dimensions. 

He praised the significant development in the level of political coordination and consultation between the two countries. 

The two ministers discussed the latest developments in the explosive situation in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the recent escalation in Lebanon over the past few days. 

Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's intensive efforts and contacts with all active parties to reach a ceasefire, contain regional escalation, and work toward establishing calm to prevent a full-scale war that threatens the security and safety of the entire region.

The meeting also included discussions on files of mutual interest in the Arab and African arenas, focusing on developments in Libya, Sudan, and the African Sahel region. 

The two ministers agreed to intensify coordination and cooperation to support efforts aiming at achieving security and stability.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.

They discussed means to cement cooperation between both sides. 

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s complete rejection of Israeli practices of forced displacement of Gazans and attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause. 

The minister highlighted the important role of Nderitu to put an end to Israeli violations against all Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty participated in a meeting organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank, the UN Development Program and a number of international partners on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79).

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty shed light on Egypt’s great efforts to counter corruption.

The minister highlighted Egypt’s third national anti-corruption strategy 2023-2030 which aims to uproot all forms of corruption. 

The meeting also focused on the negative impacts of corruption on development financing and climate change.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York. 

Abdelatty has stressed that Egypt is committed to achieving sustainable development at economic, social and environmental levels. 

He asserted that Egypt works on realizing the goals of sustainable development through backing the 2030 Agenda in different fields.

The minister also shed light on national initiatives launched by the government to contribute to achieving sustainable development, namely the presidential “Decent Life” initiative. 

Abdelatty underlined the need to boost future cooperation the ESCWA in different fields.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria Geir Pedersen.

Abdelatty conferred with Pedersen on the path of cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations in supporting a political settlement in Syria.

The foreign minister emphasized Egypt's support for efforts of the UN envoy, highlighting the need to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the Syrian crisis that addresses all its repercussions, ends the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people and ensures Syria's sovereignty, security, and stability, defeats all forms of terrorism on its territory, ends foreign interventions in its affairs, and enhances the country's ownership of this settlement and the inter-Syrian dialogue, while resolving the issues of refugees and the displaced among others, in line with Security Council Resolution no.2254.

The meeting addressed the international stance on the crisis and the need to achieve tangible progress in advancing the various tracks of the political process towards a comprehensive settlement. It also discussed efforts of the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee regarding Syria, which held its latest meetings on the sidelines of the Arab League Foreign Ministers Council session in Cairo on September 10 this year.

Also, the two sides discussed current regional and international developments and their impacts on the stability of countries in the region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Sigrid Kaag, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, on the sidelines of the high-level part of the UN General Assembly sessions in New York.

Abdelatty stressed the need for a ceasefire and the elimination of any obstacles Israel is placing to prevent aid from reaching Gaza in order to resolve the crisis the region is now facing.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the UN representative and reaffirmed Egypt's ongoing support to allow her to fulfill the responsibilities delineated in Security Council Resolution no.2720, which mandated the establishment of a Mechanism for Gaza with the objective of “accelerating the provision of humanitarian relief consignments to the Gaza Strip through states which are not party to the conflict, consulting all relevant parties, to expedite, streamline, and accelerate the process of providing assistance while continuing to help ensure that aid reaches its civilian destination.”

He stressed the importance of cooperation among all countries with the UN chief coordinator to finalize the necessary procedures for the mechanism as quickly as possible, asserting the need to continue providing the Security Council with transparent and clear updates on the latest developments related to the establishment of the UN 2720 Mechanism.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Executive Director of the African Peer Review Mechanism Marie Antoinette Rose Kater, on the sidelines of his participation in the highlevel segment of the United Nations General Assembly in New York

Abdelatty underlined Egypt's commitment to enhancing the vision and mission of the African Peer Review Mechanism.

The minister emphasized directing Egypt's expertise to assist the sisterly African countries and benefit from African experiences in building their governance institutions, providing necessary training, and building capacities. This includes efforts through the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding.

He congratulated the new Executive Director on her appointment to lead the continental secretariat of the African Peer Review Mechanism. He expressed Egypt's full support and keenness to cooperate with it on all priority issues for the African continent, especially regarding the implementation of the Agenda 2063, in light of Egypt's current presidency of the steering committee of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union Development Agency NEPAD.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyar Saidov, on the sidelines of the highlevel segment of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, currently taking place in New York City.

Abdelaaty expressed Egypt's appreciation for the friendship and historical ties that connect it with Uzbekistan.

He pointed out to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's visit to Uzbekistan in 2018 and the visit by the Uzbek president to Egypt in 2023, saying these high-level visits marked the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The minister affirmed Egypt's commitment to maintaining the momentum generated by the presidential visits by regularly holding political consultations and exploring new horizons for joint cooperation that serve the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.

He also asserted the need to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Egypt and Uzbekistan, noting the exceptional investment opportunities the Egyptian market offers.

He noted the attractive investment atmosphere in Egypt which can provide promising opportunities for Uzbek companies to manufacture and access African, Arab, and European markets.

The top diplomat also pointed out to the importance of establishing an institutional framework for economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly through collaboration between the chambers of commerce. It is important to establish a new council for businessmen, led by companies specialized in the economic fields that are a priority for Egypt and Uzbekistan, he said.

The meeting tackled regional and international issues of mutual interest, stressing the importance of doubling efforts to achieve international peace and security in light of the multiplicity and succession of crises and challenges.

The two sides stressed that realizing global peace and security would contribute to achieving stability and development worldwide.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) Volker Türk on the sidelines of his participation in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Abdelatty confirmed that Egypt is committed to efforts to improve its human rights situation from a comprehensive perspective, including through continuing the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy, which was outlined as a purely national initiative to improve the general environment for rights and freedoms.

He said that he had handed over to the Egyptian president a report on the implementation of the national strategy in its second year, which reflected the amount of progress achieved toward meeting its goals.

He highlighted the resumption of the National Dialogue rounds in which all walks of life of the society and people of all affiliations participate, in addition to the reactivation of the Presidential Pardon Committee, as well as the launch of initiatives to promote economic, social and cultural rights and protect the rights of various groups in the society, to strengthen the principle of citizenship, fight discrimination and protect religious freedoms, in addition to amending national legislation aimed at strengthening the right to justice and enhancing guarantees of fair trials, including preparing a new draft of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Also, he stressed Egypt's keenness to fulfill its obligations under the international human rights conventions to which it is a party.

Abdelatty asserted Egypt’s continued support for the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and keenness to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with him and with the commission, in order to benefit from its expertise in supporting national efforts to promote human rights in accordance with its national priorities, including through the implementation of cooperation programs.

The minister expressed his hope to expand the capacity building programs provided to Egypt, including to support the implementation of the National Human Rights Strategy.

The meeting took up regional developments, most notably the Gaza war, with the minister expressing appreciation for the UNHCHR’s continued efforts to shed light on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the violations to which its civilian population are exposed due to the unrelenting Israeli aggression, and stressing the importance of continuing to pressure Israel to reach an agreement to cease fire, stop targeting civilians and civilian facilities, allow urgent humanitarian aid to enter the war-ravaged enclave, and remove all obstacles preventing the entry of urgent relief aid.

Also, he emphasized the importance of communicating with major Western countries that take it upon themselves to defend human rights, to pressure Israel to respect the rules of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.

Sunday 22-09-2024

The first interactive dialogue at the "Future Summit"

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty on Sunday participated in the first interactive dialogue at the "Future Summit", which focused on transforming global governance and enhancing the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan, coinciding with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (UNGA 79).

In his speech, Dr. Abdelatty highlighted the challenges faced by developing countries in recent years, including the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and the increasing impact of climate change. He noted that these challenges hinder progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The Minister emphasized the urgent need for reforming the international financial organizations to empower developing countries to respond effectively to interconnected global crises and adapt to future challenges. He called for new financing mechanisms and reform of international financial institutions to enhance the representation of developing countries and increase lending capacities to meet their development needs.

Abdelatty also underscored the necessity of reforming the global debt institutions to promote comprehensive growth and improve debt management in low- and middle-income countries.

He advocated for better credit rating standards and the accelerated issuance of special withdrawal rights for developing nations. Finally, he stressed that enhancing international tax cooperation is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and expressed Egypt's hope for a successful international framework agreement on this issue.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Angolan counterpart in New York

Foreign, Emigration and Expatriates Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty had a meeting with his Angolan counterpart Téte António on the fringe of the meetings of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Sunday.

During the meeting, Abdelatty congratulated the Angolan diplomat on Angola's chairmanship of the African Union in 2025, according to a statement by Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf on his official X account. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Zambian counterpart Mulambo Haimbe on the sidelines of the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Abdelatty expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between Egypt and Zambia and the momentum witnessed over the recent period, which was crowned by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's visit to Zambia last year.

The top diplomat expressed hope of holding the Egyptian-Zambian Committee as soon as possible and preparing well for its outcome in a way that serves efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, especially infrastructure, energy, agricultural manufacturing, pharmaceutical industries and medical supplies, education, and others.

The two ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation and regional integration, especially in light of the two countries' membership of the COMESA group, and Zambia's current presidency of the group in succession of Egypt.

They agreed to intensify consultations at the multilateral level in regional and international organizations on issues of interest to both countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation of Republic of Equatorial Guinea

On the sidelines of his participation in the high-level segment of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, met on September 22, 2024, with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe.

Minister Abdelatty congratulated the Foreign Minister of Equatorial Guinea on the formation of the new government last month, with renewed confidence in him, and his reappointment to his post, wishing him success.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the path of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and agreed to continue striving towards activating various facets of the mechanisms of their relations in various fields, in a manner that serves the common interests of the two countries and peoples, especially in the fields of housing, healthcare, security and defense, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, energy, etc., and to benefit from the relevant Egyptian expertise and capabilities.

The two ministers also agreed to intensify coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Planning Minister Rania el-Mashaat met with the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde on the sidelines of the high-level meetings of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Planning Minister Rania el-Mashaat say that Egypt appreciates its strategic cooperation with the World Bank Group, particularly where its national program for comprehensive economic reform is concerned.

Their talks focused on the unprecedented regional and international challenges, which spill over into the development process in Egypt.

Abdelatty underscored the role of the WB in bankrolling cross-border water projects, welcoming cooperation with the Group in development efforts in Nile Basin countries in line with international law.

Mashaat touched upon WB reports on the situation in Gaza and Abdelatty posted the managing director of the Group on Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire in the besieged enclave.

The Egyptian top diplomat pressed for action to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza without obstacles. He stressed the need to prevent a wider conflict in the region to avoid a vicious circle of confrontations and violence.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Lebanon’s Abdallah Bou Habib on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 79th UN General Assembly.

The meeting took up the hazardous developments in the Middle East, with focus on Israel’s continued offensive on the Lebanese lands and war on Gaza, according to the statement.

The two foreign ministers condemned the attacks on Lebanon and called for respecting its sovereignty, the statement said.

Abdelatty said Lebanon’s security is integral to regional security. Bou Habib thanked Egypt for its support for Lebanon in the face of Israel’s aggression and threats of ground invasion.

They both agreed on the need for Israel to end its assaults and for key world players to act to prevent an expansion of confrontations that could lead to a large-scale regional conflict

Israel must honor its commitments in line with international law and international humanitarian law, as well as the four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war, the foreign ministers said.

They stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire is the only solution to the current crisis in the Middle East, urging peaceful means to stop the escalation and solve pending issues between Israel and Lebanon in line with UN Security Council resolution no. 1701.

They also reiterated calls for resuming the two-state political process to establish an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Lebanon’s Abdallah Bou Habib have pressed for international action to implement resolutions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council to oblige Israel to stop its aggression on the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

A binding resolution is needed to force Israel to halt its assaults, the two top diplomats said in a joint statement Monday.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with his Ugandan counterpart Jeji Odongo 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty discussed with his Ugandan counterpart Jeji Odongo Sunday prospects of bilateral cooperation between Cairo and Kampala, and the importance of working to strengthen cooperation ties between the two sides.

The meeting came on the sidelines of Abdelatty's participation in the high-level segment of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting comes in light of the historic relations binding the two countries.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest, and addressed the successive developments witnessed by the region and their repercussions on the stability of the African continent.

Abdelatty was keen to highlight Egypt's vision on the foundations of sound cooperation between the Nile Basin countries and stressed the importance of developing a common vision that takes into account the concerns of all countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Kenyan President William Ruto, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Kenya across various fields.

Abdelatty conveyed greetings and appreciation from the Egyptian President, expressing satisfaction with existing cooperation between the two countries. He also conveyed Egypt’s desire to further develop bilateral relations.

Abdelatty emphasised Egypt’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual interest, aiming to maximise benefits for both nations.

Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, participated in the session "Hope for Digitization: A Digital Future for All, Comprehensive and Meaningful", which was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Digital) event within the activities of the "UN Future Summit Working Days", which paves the way for the official summit scheduled to be held in conjunction with the High-Level Week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat has delivered a speech at “The Hope of Digital – Inclusive and Meaningful” session within SDG Digital 2024, held at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. The event is part of the Summit of the Future Action Days, which aims to prepare for the upcoming official summit coinciding with the High-Level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

In his speech, the ICT Minister said that digital transformation imposes both hope and fear for millions around the world, and perhaps more so in the Global South, where technological advancements are widening the economic gaps among nations. He emphasized that the ambiguity about AI impact on jobs is leading many to wonder if they will find a job in the digital world.

The ICT Minister pointed out that the digital era presents immense digital hopes and opportunities to leverage technology for job creation and achieve development. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to expand digital skilling scholarships to more than half a million beneficiaries across the nation this year, multiplying the number of beneficiaries by 125 over the past six years. He remarked the significant impact of these training scholarships in qualifying participants to secure exceptional job opportunities with multinationals and start their entrepreneurial projects.

Talaat explained that a project is implemented to extend fiber optic cables in Egypt’s rural communities, benefiting over 58 million citizens—around 50% of Egypt’s population, within the framework of the Decent Life initiative for developing the Egyptian countryside. The ICT Minister pointed to ongoing efforts to digitize and make government service available through multiple channels so that no one is left behind.

The session underscored the importance of leveraging tech solutions and innovations to create an inclusive and meaningful digital future for all. It was joined by the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, alongside ministers from various African countries, numerous officials from multinationals, international organizations, and experts.

Held under the theme “A Digital Future for All,” SDG Digital highlighted how digital technologies and innovative solutions can help achieve a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future.

The ICT Minister’s participation in this event comes in response to invitations from the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Under-Secretary-General for Policy.

On the sidelines of the event, Talaat met with officials from the World Bank, including the Vice President for Digital Transformation Sangbu Kim, the Director of the Digital Development Global Practice Christine Zhenwei Qiang. They explored means to foster cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the World Bank, focusing on driving digital transformation, developing digital infrastructure, and supporting MCIT efforts in capacity-building.

The meeting delved into the Ministry’s projects to develop the digital infrastructure for improving telecom and Internet services nationwide. This includes a project to deliver high-speed Internet to rural areas under the Decent Life initiative.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the remarkable developments in the Egyptian ICT sector, reflected in various indices and international reports on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and innovation.

In a similar vein, the ICT Minister held a meeting with the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for consulting and IT services leader NCR Atleos Paul Campbell. They discussed the company’s activities, future plans, and potential expansion in Egypt, particularly in exporting IT services to clients worldwide.

The meeting also shed light on Egypt’s competitive advantages in the offshoring industry, helping to establish the country as a leading global destination for IT service exports.

Moreover, Talaat met with the Vice President of Customer Care and Experience in the U.S. at Startek Amal Gabal. They discussed the potential establishment of a delivery center in Egypt. The meeting underlined the Digital Egypt Strategy for Offshoring Industry 2022-2026, as well as the government support provided to companies operating in Egypt’s offshoring sector.

Startek is a US multinational company operating in the offshoring industry. It has 34 centers in 13 countries around the world.

The meetings were attended by the CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) Ahmed Elzaher, Assistant Minister for Strategy and Implementation Sherine El-Guindy, Head of the Applied Innovation Center (AIC) Ahmed Tantawy, and the Director of the Central Department of International Relations at MCIT Samah Aziz.

Monday 23-09-2024

The two ministers exchanged views on ways to further enhance the close friendship & various aspects of cooperation between Egypt and Croatia.

Abdelatty stressed the need for revving up trade relations between Egypt and Croatia and revitalizing cooperation between Alexandria Port and the Port of Rijeka.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty discussed with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and Canada as they are getting ready to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

They also discussed ways to boost all aspects of cooperation at all levels, most notably in economic domains, along with continuing to support the growth of trade exchange, with Abdelatty shedding light on the Egyptian state’s economic development efforts and stressing the need to encourage Canadian investors to benefit from the promising opportunities in the Egyptian market, the favorable economic climate in Egypt and the internationally recognized structural reform measures Egypt has taken, in addition to investment incentives it is offering.

The ministers agreed on the need for giving a stronger momentum to relations and pushing them to broader horizons, as well as working to continue to foster cooperation and coordination in various fields.

They both stressed the importance of working to facilitate trade and tourism movement and increase academic and scientific cooperation between the two countries’ universities.

Figuring high during the talks was the step of cancelling measures obligating Canadian citizens to apply for an advance visa before traveling to Egypt, which the Egyptian minister expects to be announced soon.

The top Egyptian diplomat underlined the importance of building on the shared desire to develop bilateral cooperation and assisting Egyptian-Canadian citizens to connect with their motherland while continuing to work to overcome any hurdles hindering this.

The meeting witnessed discussions over regional developments and international issues of mutual concern as well as related challenges.

The Canadian minister was keen to listen to Abdelatty’s explanation of the Egyptian position on the whole situation in the region, most notably the raging Israeli war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. During the talks, the Egyptian minister highlighted the strenuous and sincere efforts exerted by Egypt to immediately stop the Israeli aggression and bring an end to the Israeli occupation, in addition to guaranteeing the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to the suffering Palestinians, and working to establish a Palestinian state on the entire Palestinian lands.

The two top diplomats’ talks also tackled the crisis in Sudan and the unjustified Israeli military escalations against Lebanon.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Alexandra Hill Tinoco, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of El Salvador, on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said that Egypt cherishes its relationship with El Salvador, promising to work to strengthen bilateral cooperation and broaden its scope to extend to numerous spheres, and to hold a new round of joint political consultations in Cairo during the course of the current year to explore ways to foster cooperation.

Abdelatty stressed the importance of promoting economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries, particularly in the domains of agriculture, textiles, livestock, pharmaceuticals and tourism.

He shed light Egyptian efforts to attract foreign direct investments and encouraged investors in El Salvador to capitalize on the promising investment opportunities which the Egyptian market offers.

At their meeting, the two ministers agreed to intensify consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest at the international level.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty met with Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, Secretary General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, on the fringe of the high-level debate of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York. 

Abdelatty thanked Imam for supporting Egypt's presidency of the D-8 as of May 2024 through December 2025.

He said he is looking forward to boosting cooperation with the D-8 in preparing for a summit in December. 

He said Egypt, as president of the D-8, gives top priority to enhancing cooperation among member states, especially the economic files.

Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in a high-level discussion titled "International Financial Architecture for the 21st Century" during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the "Summit of the Future" held in New York .

The session included participation from Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator; Mr. John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Climate Envoy; Ms. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; and Mr. José Antonio Ocampo, former Minister of Finance of Colombia.

In her speech, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of reforming the international financial structure for a fair future. She noted that the financing tools available to multilateral development banks today must be utilized in a way that achieves both climate and development agendas simultaneously.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also stressed the need to enhance representation in these banks to better reflect the needs of developing and least developed economies. Furthermore, she highlighted the necessity for various institutions to collaborate in addressing the needs of emerging markets and bridging developmental gaps that impact countries and result in global repercussions.

Regarding geopolitical challenges, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed to issues related to the sequencing of various financial reforms and the need for a coordinated approach to address them swiftly. She noted that geopolitical dimensions often hinder developing countries from obtaining much-needed financing, even when following the correct channels and procedures. Additionally, private sector investments may be impeded by political considerations.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation underscored the importance of providing additional financing to countries facing high debt levels, indicating that in some cases, more than 60% of GDP is allocated to debt servicing. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stressed the urgent need for a mix of public and private investments to drive transformation and called for a focus on practical examples and the coordination of efforts to address these challenges effectively.

For his part, Mr. John Kerry stated that the international community's failure to commit to climate action negatively impacts all aspects of life on Earth. Despite approximately 200 countries pledging not to expand fossil fuel projects, the actual practices are quite the opposite. He remarked, "We are talking about the future; there can be no conversation about the future without providing the necessary investments to achieve a sustainable transition, mobilizing between $2.5 to $5 trillion annually to eliminate emissions by 2030." He urged developed countries to increase their international contributions toward climate action and reduce reliance on projects that increase emissions.

Mr. Kerry further emphasized, "We must provide the necessary investments to realize our goals and adopt constructive initiatives like the “NWFE” program in Egypt, which we have worked on with our partners. This program aims to close 12 conventional energy stations with a capacity of 5 gigawatts while launching renewable energy projects with a capacity of 10 gigawatts, thus enhancing the position of clean energy in Egypt and enabling it to export to neighboring countries."

Mr. Achim Steiner highlighted that reforming the infrastructure of the international financial system has become a central goal necessary to overcome the contradictions within this system. He remarked that it is inconceivable for the current financial system, which has operated for 80 years, to function effectively in today's context.

Ms. Mary Robinson noted that the international community has not done enough to protect the environment and the planet, pointing out that Africa has not attracted the necessary investments for energy transformation, while 90% of energy investments in the past four years have gone to China and developed countries.

Meanwhile, the former Minister of Finance of Colombia stressed that the most pressing issue currently is the debt crisis affecting many countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which requires international cooperation to address. He underscored the importance of increasing development financing.

Addressing Debt Challenges for Sustainable Development

In a related context, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat participated in a discussion titled "Addressing Debt Challenges for Sustainable Development" during her engagement at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the "Future Summit" in New York.

The session discussed the sharp rise in debt levels in developing countries, coupled with increasing debt servicing and refinancing costs, which reduce the fiscal space for implementing sustainable development goals, as well as multilateral solutions to address this issue. The session featured participation from Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and Mr. José Antonio Ocampo, former Minister of Finance of Colombia.

In her remarks, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat addressed the obstacles facing countries in their pursuit of progress, including developmental gaps that hinder growth. She pointed out that recent global challenges have threatened national systems' ability to achieve sustainable development goals and that these challenges and international conflicts have repercussions on emerging economies that extend well beyond the conflict areas.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat continued that in their pursuit of advancement, countries find that their domestic resources alone are insufficient, and thus, this financing gap can be filled through various funding sources, although these sources are not always accessible. Countries facing poverty, hunger, or the need to invest in more schools or healthcare often resort to commercial financing or bond issuance, leading to crises that increase borrowing costs.

Regarding solutions, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of coordination among creditors. Multilateral solutions, such as the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment, aim to bring together all major creditors, including non-traditional lenders like China and India, as well as private sector participants, to ensure a coordinated approach to debt restructuring. She highlighted that financial stability through liquidity provision is crucial, where the allocation of Special Drawing Rights from the International Monetary Fund can support immediate liquidity for countries without adding debt burdens.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also mentioned the sustainability of debt in the long term, noting that multilateral initiatives like the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), and the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative provide targeted debt relief for eligible countries, freeing up resources for development.

Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, met with Ms. Nadia Calvino, the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the financing arm of the European Union (EU), Europe’s climate bank, and one of the largest multilateral development partners of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to discuss mechanisms to enhance future cooperation. This was during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the "Summit of the Future" in New York.

Al-Mashat noted that the EIB is one of the largest multilateral development partners of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a key member of the Team Europe initiative, working to support a wide range of development projects in various critical economic sectors, noting that over the past four years, the EIB has been the largest development partner that provided investments and financing to the private sector through innovative tools.

emphasized the importance of mechanisms development to benefit from the center in encouraging South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation between Egypt and the region through the exchange of knowledge between the countries of the South and benefiting from Egypt's pioneering development experiences with development partners, which contributes to integration and bridging development gaps between developing countries and emerging economies.

The meeting reviewed the EIB initiatives launched in COP28 and preparations for COP29, as well as the initiatives that Egypt and the EIB could launch together, which the (NWFE) program can benefit from, especially in energy projects, in light of the partnership between the bank.

It is worth noting that Egypt and the EIB have been working together since 1979, financing 127 projects with a total of about €14 billion in the public and private sectors for sustainable investment projects. The current cooperation includes the implementation of 16 development projects in various sectors such as transportation, environment, water and sanitation, small and medium enterprises, and civil aviation. The EIB office in Cairo was created in October 2003, and it was the first office to operate outside European territory.

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union, hosted a high-level event titled “Tapping Innovative Financing Instruments to Accelerate Sustainable Development: A Roadmap for Just Development Finance” during the “Summit of the Future” and the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The event gathered prominent speakers, including Dr. Abdallah Dardari, UNDP Regional Director for Arab States; Dr. Markus Berndt, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Representation to the UN and the United States; Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy for Financing the 2030 Agenda; Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank; and Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt. Together, they discussed how innovative financial instruments can accelerate sustainable development and fill the existing financing gaps in developing nations.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the importance of the event in the current global context. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the global financial system is undergoing rapid and profound changes, with significant implications for developing and least developed countries. She outlined key challenges, such as multidimensional poverty, climate change, poor natural resource management, and global health crises, all of which are hindering progress toward achieving stability, sustainable development, and economic growth.

Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that these global challenges are creating immense financial pressures on developing nations, making it increasingly difficult for them to meet their international commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Many of these countries, she noted, are struggling to preserve the developmental progress they have already achieved and are finding it hard to maintain economic stability in the face of escalating global uncertainties.

She noted Egypt’s partnership with UNDP, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank, which has been instrumental in supporting the country’s development efforts. The event, she explained, was aimed at exploring ways to effectively utilize financial resources for sustainable development and addressing sectoral gaps that continue to hamper progress. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that financing development initiatives should not fall solely on the shoulders of governments. Rather, there is a growing need for a collaborative approach involving international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, and the private sector. She stressed the importance of blended finance mechanisms that integrate public and private sector investments to bridge the financial gaps in development sectors.

Reflecting on the specific challenges faced by developing nations—particularly those with high levels of debt and rising financing costs—Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated the need for a comprehensive, integrated financial framework. Such a framework, she explained, would ensure that financing is aligned with the needs of sustainable development, while also taking into account climate finance as a key component. To this end, she highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts in partnership with UNDP to develop a national financing strategy that incorporates climate considerations and supports sectoral development.

Dr. Al-Mashat also discussed the Ministry’s integrated framework for sustainable economic growth following its merger with the Ministry of International Cooperation. This framework is built on three core pillars: fostering constructive partnerships among all stakeholders, ensuring effective national coordination, and promoting international cooperation. The framework relies on evidence-based policies and data to identify and address gaps in various development sectors. It also emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic stability, structural reforms to enhance competitiveness, improving the business environment, and promoting resilience in fiscal policies. Additionally, the framework prioritizes the mobilization of both domestic and international financing to accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs, with a special focus on channeling resources into priority sectors and stimulating private sector investments.

Dr. Abdallah Dardari, UNDP’s Regional Director for Arab States, echoed Dr. Al-Mashat’s concerns, stating that the international community is facing mounting challenges in its pursuit of the SDGs. He pointed out that the current global economic environment, characterized by rising interest rates, higher borrowing costs, and shrinking fiscal space, is putting immense pressure on both businesses and governments. This, he noted, has made it even more difficult to mobilize the necessary financial resources to achieve sustainable development goals. Dr. Dardari stressed the importance of innovative, low-cost financing solutions and the need to increase investments, particularly in infrastructure, to bridge development gaps. Geopolitical tensions, he warned, are further complicating the path toward achieving the SDGs, making it all the more important for countries to adopt innovative financial strategies.

In his remarks, Dr. Markus Berndt, Head of the EIB Group Representation to the UN and the United States, affirmed the European Investment Bank’s commitment to working closely with countries to support infrastructure development and strengthen the private sector. Dr. Berndt outlined the EIB’s top priorities, which include enhancing financing capacity, scaling up climate action, mobilizing private sector investments, improving development effectiveness, and fostering multilateral cooperation. He praised Egypt’s NWFE program, describing it as a prime example of how international partnerships can be leveraged to maximize the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation and achieve sustainable development goals. The NWFE program, he said, demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing both development and climate challenges.

Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy for Financing the 2030 Agenda and Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), addressed the pressing global challenges, particularly in food security. He revealed that 350 million people worldwide are currently suffering from hunger, while 50 million more are at risk of famine. Dr. Mohieldin highlighted the positive strides made in the energy sector but cautioned that the global water crisis is becoming increasingly alarming. This, he explained, underscores the urgent need for greater investments in water infrastructure and resource management to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

In closing, the high-level event underscored the critical importance of mobilizing innovative financing tools, engaging the private sector, and fostering international cooperation to address the pressing challenges faced by developing countries. The discussions reiterated the need for a comprehensive approach to financing that integrates climate action, infrastructure development, and sectoral investments, all aimed at accelerating progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030.

The launch of the "Egypt’s Integrated National Financing Strategy"

Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, announced the launch of the "Egypt’s Integrated National Financing Strategy" during a high-level event organized by Egypt titled "Tapping into Innovative Financing Instruments to Accelerate Sustainable Development: A Roadmap to Just Development Finance" in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union, as part of the “Summit of the Future” events during the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly's 79th session in New York. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egypt's integrated national financing strategy represents a collaborative initiative between the Egyptian government and the United Nations. It was developed within the framework of the Financing Strategy for Sustainable Development Goals in Egypt, led by UNDP, in cooperation with various international organizations, including the International Labour Organization, UNCTAD, UNICEF, and UN Women, with support from the UN Joint Fund for Sustainable Development Goals. She expressed gratitude to Dr. Hala El-Said, Economic Advisor to the President and former Minister of Planning, for initiating this effort last year.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that the strategy provides a comprehensive national financing framework aimed at enhancing sustainable development in line with the national sustainable development agenda and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the strategy focuses on mobilizing sustainable financing to close funding gaps and reduce financial risks and future debts, embodying the principle of “the right financing.” She affirmed that these efforts align with the priorities set by the Egyptian leadership, which emphasizes investment in human capital as essential for achieving inclusive economic development, improving living standards, and enhancing skills across various sectors through serious economic and structural reforms.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted that the strategy targets seven key sectors identified as national priorities by the Egyptian government, each having direct implications for specific development goals, as well as indirect effects on a broader range of development objectives. These sectors include social protection, sanitation, health, transportation, education, climate change, and women’s empowerment.

Moreover, the strategy adopts a (F2F) approach, promoting the transition from traditional financing mechanisms to comprehensive financing strategies for sustainable development.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat indicated that the strategy outlines a series of actions to close financing gaps that the Egyptian government will implement, including conducting cost estimates for sustainable development goals (SDGs), expanding public-private partnerships, enhancing the green banking system, and supporting the digital economy. Additionally, it aims to intensify financing tools for priority sectors and climate investments, increase foreign direct investment, improve incentives for localizing SDGs, and enhance the alignment and effectiveness of development financing with sustainable development goals while strengthening executive oversight and civil society supervision of the integrated national financing framework.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation will convene a supervisory committee meeting, coordinating with the working groups on financing for development and sustainable financing, and will lead the establishment of annual indicators for the roadmap of the integrated national financing framework.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the strategy's flexible structure ensures its adaptability to changes in the Egyptian economic scenery through ongoing review and adjustment, while its cooperative framework contributes to a dedicated and actionable roadmap for sustainable development financing in Egypt.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdullah Al-Dardari, UNDP Director for Arab States and Assistant SG, stated, "High-level discussions at this event are crucial to addressing the urgent need for innovative financing solutions to support sustainable development in Egypt and the region. By bringing together partners from the public, private, and international sectors, we are paving the way for stronger cooperation and more effective resource mobilization. The launch of Egypt’s integrated national financing strategy is a prime example of how countries can take tangible steps to align financing flows with their developmental objectives."

Dr. Markus Berndt, Head of the European Investment Bank's Representation Group to the United States and the United Nations, commented, "We are pleased to be with our esteemed partners in Egypt at this event. We have a longstanding partnership with the European Investment Bank since 1979, during which we have invested nearly €15 billion in various development and infrastructure projects, as well as in the private sector." He emphasized that this meeting is crucial for enhancing the frameworks of multilateral financial systems, and therefore, the European Investment Bank reaffirms its readiness to partner with various stakeholders to increase financing capacities, promote climate action, and mobilize financing for the private sector.

It is worth noting that the side event included three internal discussion sessions following the opening session chaired by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, with participation from Dr. Abdullah Al-Dardari, and Dr. Markus Berndt, followed by an interactive panel discussion on "The Role of Multilateral Development Banks and International Institutions in Promoting Innovative and Just Financing," concluding with an interactive discussion with member states, permanent missions, and the private sector, culminating in the launch of Egypt’s integrated national financing strategy.

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat has participated in the Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (AI4SD) side event within the UN General Assembly (UNGA) High-level Week 2024 and Summit of the Future, in New York.

The event was hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It introduced cutting-edge AI models and partnerships that address some of the region’s most pressing challenges.  

The event featured several international dignitaries, including the President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan; the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in th

UAE Omar Sultan Al Olama; the Minister of Information Technologies and Communications in Colombia Mauricio Lizcano; the Minister of Information and Communications Technology of Rwanda Paula Ingabire; the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini; and the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States of UNDP Abdallah Al Dardari.

In his speech, Talaat emphasized the huge potential of AI to transform various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and energy. When used responsibly and ethically, AI solutions can promote efficiency and sustainable practices. For example, AI-powered solutions can improve resource management, predict and mitigate the effects of climate change, and enhance access to quality education and healthcare services, he added.

The ICT Minister highlighted the Egyptian government's efforts to integrate AI across various key sectors in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He reviewed notable examples, including the use of AI in agriculture to improve crop productivity and manage water resources more efficiently. This directly supports SDG2 “End Hunger” and SDG6 “Clean Water and Sanitation for All.”

In healthcare, AI is utilized to enhance diagnostic accuracy, contributing to SDG3 "Good Health and Well-being." Additionally, AI-powered educational platforms offer exceptional learning experiences, aligning with SDG4 “Quality Education.” The use of AI in developing the litigation system also supports SDG16 “Peace, justice and strong institutions.” Furthermore, AI solutions are applied in offshoring and the call center industry to improve customer service efficiency and reduce operating costs, thereby contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Talaat emphasized Egypt's commitment to promoting the responsible use of AI for sustainable development, recognizing the importance of ethical considerations, transparency, and inclusiveness in its implementation. He pointed out the government's efforts to ensure that all segments of society can benefit from AI.

The ICT Minister praised the AI4SD platform, launched through the partnership between the UAE and UNDP, explaining that this initiative highlights the importance of collective action in integrating AI into sustainable development initiatives.

On the sidelines of the event, Talaat met with Dardari to highlight the importance of cooperation between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and UNDP. They discussed enhancing AI applications, supporting startups in developing AI solutions across different sectors, and boosting digital innovation in Egypt. The meeting also recognized the ongoing partnership between the two entities, which has successfully delivered various development projects and initiatives.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt Alessandro Fracassetti and Assistant Resident Representative Abeer Shakweer attended the meeting.

The meeting covered Egypt's upcoming hosting of the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Summit on October 1-3. This summit is significant as it leads global discussions on digital public infrastructure (DPI) and provides a platform for Egypt to share its experience with other countries. The participants also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two sides to ensure the summit's success.

During the meeting, Talaat commended the Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) initiative, which seeks to bridge the digital divide, promote digital literacy, and foster partnerships to drive digital transformation as a key enabler of sustainable development.

Concluding his visit to New York, the ICT Minister met with Trellix officials, including Chief Revenue Officer Jason Andrew and Regional Sales Manager Tarek Hamouda. The meeting focused on the company’s plans to expand operations and explored opportunities to establish an office in Egypt. They also discussed investing in the offshoring sector, taking advantage of Egypt’s competitive strengths, such as its digital talent, linguistic diversity, and strategic geographical location.

The meeting also reviewed the Egyptian government's efforts to develop the offshoring industry, including offering training and capacity-building programs to prepare young people for careers in this sector. Additionally, the government is providing incentives to attract investors, all within the framework of the Digital Egypt Strategy for Offshoring Industry. This strategy aims to boost Egypt’s digital exports and strengthen its position as a leading destination for outsourcing and offshoring IT services.

For his part, Andrew noted that the company is considering investing in Egypt’s offshoring sector, highlighting the country’s abundance of skilled human resources capable of providing outsourcing services to clients worldwide.

Trellix is a global cybersecurity company formed through the merger of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye, serving 35,000 customers worldwide.

The meetings were attended by the CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) Ahmed Elzaher, the Assistant ICT Minister for Strategy and Implementation Sherine El-Guindy, the Head of the Applied Innovation Center (AIC) Ahmed Tantawy, and the Director of the Central Department of International Relations at MCIT Samah Aziz.

It is worth noting that the ICT Minister has been in New York to participate as a speaker in the SDG Digital event within the Summit of the Future Action Days, which aims to prepare for the upcoming official summit coinciding with the High-Level week of the 79th UNGA session.

The visit agenda included several meetings with leaders of international organizations and officials from American companies to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in ICT.