Egypt has become the latest member of the Africa Finance Corporation, opening up the path for potential investments tallying up to one billion dollars. “With the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the African continent and Egypt in particular, we are pleased to accede to membership of a renowned and trusted pan-African institution like the Africa Finance Corporation,” Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said. The most populous nation in North Africa, Egypt has previously seen investments from the AFC worth over $100 million in infrastructure projects such as Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation. The meeting, which involved Prime Minister Madbouly and Finance Minister Mohamed Maait, saw the signing of an instrument of adherence to the AFC’s membership. Since its establishment, it has invested $8.7 billion in projects in 35 African nations.

The committee in charge of managing the Zamalek Club headed by Hussein Labib issued a press statement before the African Handball Super Cup match between Zamalek and Al-Ahly, scheduled for Friday, at Hassan Mostafa Hall in 6 of October City, welcoming any reconciliation between the two clubs. It called on all conscious fans and media establishments to announce their reject of any fanaticism and stress the values of sportsmanship and fair competition instead. The committee also affirmed its respect for all parties, and denied animosity or disagreement with anyone despite disagreements. Tensions between Al-Ahly and Zamalek club leaders had reached a high when, back in October 2019 the Al-Ahly Sporting Club addressed the Chief of the Presidential Staff, the Public Prosecutor, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Interior Minister, calling on them to intervene to deter Zamalek president Mortada Mansour from “spreading lies” and defaming the family of Mahmoud al-Khatib, chairman of Ahly. Ahly said in a statement that Mansour is now defaming families and spreading lies through phone-ins with satellite channels.

CAIRO – 9 September 2021: The annual core inflation rate recorded 4.5 percent in August 2021, compared to 3.6 percent in July 2021, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) said in a statement Thursday. The Consumer Price Index in Egypt has recorded a monthly rate of negative 0.3 percent in August, compared to negative 0.2 percent for the same month last year, and to 0.6 percent in July 2021, the statement added. Core inflation discounts or strips out certain categories that are considered more volatile. The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) said earlier Thursday that Egypt’s annual consumer price inflation recorded 6.4 percent in August 2021, compared to 3.6 percent in August 2020.

CAIRO – 9 September 2021: The Cairo Opera Orchestra will host the international soprano Amira Selim in the launching ceremony of its new artistic season on September 11 at 8 p.m. on the Grand Theater. The orchestra will be led by Maestro Nair Nagy, and accompanied by the Cairo Opera Choir. The concert presents classic works of leading international composers. It is noteworthy that the Cairo Opera Orchestra was established in 1994 to accompany various other opera groups in their performances. It provided the opportunity for talented Egyptian musicians and extended the scope of artistic activities by presenting a series of symphonic concerts in various countries around the world.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Some 200 foreigners, including Americans, flew out of Afghanistan on an international commercial flight from Kabul airport on Thursday, the first such large-scale departure since US and foreign forces concluded their frantic withdrawal at the end of last month. Americans, green card holders and other nationalities including Germans, Hungarians and Canadians were on the flight, the official said. “I can clearly say that this is a historic day in the history of Afghanistan as Kabul airport is now operational,” said Qatari special envoy Mutlaq bin Majed al-Qahtani. “Call it what you want, a charter or a commercial flight, everyone has tickets and boarding passes,” al-Qahtani added, noting that another commercial flight would take off on Friday. A foreign diplomat, likewise speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to brief the media, said another 200 foreigners, including Americans, would depart in the next couple of days.

AFP - Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal's Premier League match against Norwich on Saturday is a "must-win" game after their worst start to a league season for 67 years. The Gunners have failed to score and conceded nine goals in demoralising defeats to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City. Arteta's position as manager is under increasing threat, with the Spaniard reportedly given four more Premier League games to save his job. "We have to reset now, we need to restart, hopefully get everybody back on track and start to win football games." The former Arsenal midfielder, who was appointed manager at the Emirates in December 2019, was asked whether Saturday's match was a "must-win" game.

CAIRO – 9 September 2021: Egypt has a pioneering experience implemented by the Ministry of International Cooperation by matching development funds with the UN goals for sustainable development, using the curricula and the global framework of the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat said Thursday. This came during the first workshop of the Egypt-ICF, on its second day, which discussed the experience of the Ministry of International Cooperation in matching development finances with the UN goals for sustainable development. She pointed out that the most sustainable development goals in development finance are $5.9 billion in 34 projects in energy, as well as 36 projects with a value of $5.7 billion in industry, innovation and infrastructure, and $4.9 billion in clean water and sanitation. This is a practical application of the second principle of economic diplomacy, according to the minister, adding, "This step, taken by the Ministry of International Cooperation, was very necessary and supportive of national efforts to achieve sustainable development." Al-Mashat stressed the need to agree on standards for accountability, communication, guidance and learning, explaining that the Ministry of International Cooperation's ongoing development financing portfolio includes 377 projects, worth $25.6 billion, aimed at enhancing development efforts and progressing towards sustainable development goals by 2030.

CAIRO - 9 September 2021: The Health Ministry said that 399 new coronavirus cases were detected in Egypt on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections to 291,172. In a statement on Monday, Spokesman for the Health Ministry Khaled Megahed said 13 patients have died from the virus over the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 16,824. As many as 765 patients were discharged from hospitals after receiving necessary medical care, taking the number of recoveries to 244,062, he added. Egypt’s Health Minister Hala Zayed warned that Egypt might witness a hike in Coronavirus infections by the end of September and next October. She reiterated that a protocol has been developed for the treatment of the coronavirus cases with the best treatment services to overcome the pandemic.

MADRID : Forward Antoine Griezmann is set for his second debut with Atletico Madrid when they travel to Espanyol this weekend, after rejoining the champions from cash-strapped Barcelona on the final day of the transfer window. Griezmann, who had joined Barca from Atletico in a 120 million euros (US$141.94 million) transfer in 2019, re-signed on a loan deal after it became clear the Catalans needed to get him off their wage bill for the season. I want them to know that I'll try and make them proud," Griezmann said. I know that's down to me, and I'll give my all to ensure that happens - it's actions rather than words." Barcelona versus Sevilla and Villarreal against Alaves were postponed following Spanish government intervention after the Spanish FA (RFEF) had refused the request.

Austin spoke to a small group of reporters in Kuwait City at the conclusion of a four-day tour of Persian Gulf states. He said the United States is prepared to prevent an al-Qaeda comeback in Afghanistan that would threaten the United States. I think that’s the nature of the organization.”The Taliban had provided al-Qaeda with sanctuary while it ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The US invaded and overthrew the Taliban after it refused to turn over al-Qaeda leaders following the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the United States. In a February 2020 agreement with the Trump administration, Taliban leaders pledged not to support al-Qaeda or other extremist groups that would threaten the United States.

Manchester United fans inside Old Trafford stadium before the match as a limited number of fans are permitted at outdoor sports venues Pool via REUTERS/Paul EllisReuters - Manchester United supporters will be able attend their Champions League opener against Young Boys after the Swiss team agreed to a late change of COVID-19 regulations for Tuesday's game, the Times reported. The NHS pass, a requirement for Premier League ticket holders, allows fans to show that they are either fully vaccinated or have returned a negative COVID-19 PCR or lateral flow test result within 48 hours of kickoff. However, United have confirmed 1,800 tickets would now be available for supporters, who will be allowed to attend the game if they return a negative lateral flow test from an approved site next to the stadium, the Times said. On Monday, European soccer governing body UEFA said fans would be able to travel to away games subject to national government COVID-19 restrictions in host countries. United will return to action on Saturday against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

CAIRO – 8 September 2021: Egypt sent three military aircrafts, Wednesday carrying urgent humanitarian aid to Sudan ending an air bridge that was extended over the two past days, according to Egyptian military spokesman. The aircrafts were loaded with tons of humanitarian aid to help alleviate burdens on Sudanese citizens. Khartoum has, meanwhile, voiced gratitude and appreciation for efforts exerted by Cairo to help the Sudanese people. The aid reflects strong historical ties between Egypt and Sudan. On Monday, Egypt operated the second air bridge of humanitarian aid to Sudan sending tons of food and blankets, spokesperson of the Egyptian Armed Forces stated.

Can kids get “long COVID” after coronavirus infections? Estimates vary on how often the symptoms known as long COVID-19 occur in kids. Coughing, chest pain and brain fog are among other long-term symptoms sometimes found in kids, and can occur even after mild infections or no initial symptoms. Kids can develop other rare problems after an initial coronavirus infection, including heart inflammation or a condition known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Because of the potential for long-term consequences, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends follow-up doctor visits after children recover from an initial coronavirus infection.

In pre-COVID times, business events __ from small academic conferences to giant trade shows like CES __ routinely attracted more than one billion participants each year. Still, it could be several years __ if ever __ before conferences attract the crowds they did before the pandemic. Virdi, who is deaf, said she’s relieved that in-person conferences are requiring masks for safety. He’s had some requests for help with virtual presentations, he said, but demand for in-person events is stronger. Karamat says the pandemic is already reshaping the convention industry.

(AP) — The death toll in Louisiana from Hurricane Ida rose to 26 Wednesday, after health officials reported 11 additional deaths in New Orleans, mostly older people who perished from the heat. The latest deaths attributed to Ida happened between Aug. 30 and Monday, but were just confirmed as storm-related by the Orleans Parish coroner, the Louisiana Department of Health said in a statement. More than a million people were left without power, including the entire city of New Orleans, when Ida struck on Aug. 29. Across New Orleans and southeastern Louisiana, families are still waiting to hear when their children can return to school, as districts assessed hurricane damage. Prior to Ida, schools around Louisiana had been open despite widespread cases of COVID-19, although under a statewide mask mandate for all indoor locations.