Egypt and Lebanon signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to supply the Deir Ammar power plant with Egyptian natural gas, a move intended to increase electricity generation capacity for Lebanese citizens. He also conveyed his greetings to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, wishing Egypt continued progress in the new year. Badawi emphasised that energy and gas cooperation is a top priority for both countries. He confirmed that Egypt would provide full support to Lebanon’s gas sector by transferring expertise in the exploration, extraction, transport, and distribution of gas to power plants, industrial sectors, and homes. The minister added that the agreement builds upon the results of a recent visit to Lebanon by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Trump also said he would speak with Putin again after his meeting with Zelensky. It’s a pattern that has disturbed Ukraine’s supporters in the past: Ahead of meeting Zelensky, Trump hears Putin’s point of view, and the subsequent meeting goes south. This time, Trump’s talk with Putin didn’t preclude a positive meeting with Zelensky. Trump said after his meeting with Zelensky that “we’re getting closer to an agreement” on the region’s fate, which he called “one of the big issues.”A complicated relationshipSince their first, disastrous meeting in February, each meeting between Trump and Zelensky during Trump’s second term has been closely watched for its tone and tenor. “He walked in, he said, ‘This place is gorgeous,’” Trump said of Zelensky as the meeting ended.

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced that, in observance of the end of the fiscal year for banks operating in Egypt on December 31, 2025, all banks will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The CBE added in a press release on Sunday that banking operations will resume on Sunday morning, January 4, 2026.

Trump announced on Christmas Day that US forces struck “ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria,” whom he accused of persecuting Christians. Critics argue that Trump is trying to browbeat Ukraine into a peace deal that involves huge concessions even though it’s the victim of an unprovoked invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump hold a press conference after their lunch meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. There is so far little obvious progress on standing up the international peace force needed to facilitate another crucial aspect of the peace deal — the disarming of Hamas. Trump’s continued focus on big gambles overseas might seem to undercut the “America First” focus of many of his voters.

The Rotary Club of Cairo Sky participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) seminar, organized by the District RYLA Committee under the leadership of Chairperson Nelly Desouky. Cairo Sky member PDG Waly inaugurated the meeting with a keynote lecture on leadership styles and the qualities of a successful leader. The club facilitated the participation of an unprecedented 24 youth delegates from Cairo University (Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy), Career 180, and Rotaract Sky. Cairo Sky member Amin delivered a presentation on the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business. Additionally, club member Fatma Naguib conducted a session on self-powers and self-worth inventory.

Egypt and Japan on Sunday signed an executive agreement for a US$22 million grant project from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – equivalent to one billion Egyptian pounds – to finance the construction and delivery of the first-of-its-kind DSV (Dive Support Vessel) for the Suez Canal Authority’s fleet. The agreement stipulates that the Japanese government, through the JICA, will provide a grant to finance the construction and delivery of the DSV for the Suez Canal Authority to perform multiple tasks. A vital waterwayThe minister added that the agreement’s most significant feature is its focus on enhancing the capabilities of the Suez Canal Authority, the global waterway that serves approximately 12 percent of global trade. The head of the Suez Canal Authority said that the DSV is an unprecedented addition to the Authority’s fleet. Rabie added that these new vessels will significantly contribute to supporting the authority’s marine rescue team during its diving operations and participation in search and rescue operations and dealing with emergencies.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty responded on Sunday to calls made by some for Egypt to forcibly deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, even if it led to war with Israel. Any decision regarding war or peace is made by the highest leadership in the country, he clarified, and must come in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the Egyptian leadership exercises wisdom and restraint, noting that war inevitably results in further devastation. The events of October 7, 2023, were a decision made unilaterally, without prior consultation, he noted. Abdelatty indicated that Egypt has borne a heavy burden, exceeding its capacity, but the country has never hesitated to support Palestinians, whether in securing a ceasefire or delivering humanitarian aid.

Rome Reuters — Italian prosecutors said on Saturday they had arrested nine people on suspicion of financing Hamas through charities based in Italy, in an operation coordinated by anti-mafia and anti-terrorism units. Those arrested allegedly diverted to Hamas-linked entities around 7 million euros ($8.24 million) raised over the last two years for ostensibly humanitarian purposes, prosecutors said. Meloni’s support for Israel during its war with Hamas in Gaza has triggered large and repeated street protests in Italy. Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed more than 71,000 people, according to the enclave’s health ministry. It was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.

A map from the United States Geological Survey charts an earthquake that occurred some 32 km (20 miles) off Taiwan’s northeastern coastal city of Yilan on Saturday, December 27, 2025. United States Geological Survey

Rescue team members search for passengers missing since Friday night after a boat carrying several people sank off the coast of Indonesia in the Padar Island Strait on December 27, 2025. Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency/Reuters

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met on Sunday with Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat to review the outcomes of the work of the Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee, as well as the working groups affiliated with the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship. In this regard, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing sustainable and comprehensive support for entrepreneurship through its relevant institutions. For her part, Minister Al-Mashat outlined the results of ongoing coordination and intensive efforts by members of the Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee and the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship. Al-Mashat explained that the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship has developed supportive policies targeting startups at the idea, establishment, and early growth stages, in line with Law No. During the meeting, Al-Mashat reviewed a package of initiatives and policies that are ready for launch by the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship.

Japan will provide an EGP 1bn ($22m) grant to Egypt to build and supply a first-of-its-kind diving support vessel (DSV) for the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) fleet, according to an executive agreement signed on Sunday. The grant, provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is intended to enhance maritime safety, emergency response, and the sustainable operation of the waterway. Rabiee described the DSV as an “unprecedented addition” to the SCA fleet that would significantly support marine rescue teams in diving, search, and recovery operations. The 45-metre vessel will be built entirely in Japan according to SOLAS requirements and under the supervision of the Japanese classification society NK. Technical equipment includes two decompression chambers to support diving and rescue operations, as well as a waste treatment unit.

Mahmoud Essmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, concluded his meetings and field visits during his current trip to China with a series of discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing the localisation of electrical equipment manufacturing in Egypt. Talks also covered plans to establish a factory to localise gas-insulated cable technology, in addition to producing a range of equipment supporting cable line installation and smart monitoring systems. These efforts fall within the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy’s broader strategy to support domestic industry, localise modern technologies and expand the manufacture of electrical equipment. He pointed to existing electricity interconnections and trade agreements that enhance Egypt’s position as a gateway for regional energy cooperation and equipment exports. Essmat also outlined ongoing efforts to support and develop the electricity system, highlighting the national energy strategy and the progress achieved in recent years to position Egypt as a regional hub for electrical equipment manufacturing.

The visit began with a comprehensive presentation outlining the mandate, key projects, and strategic initiatives of DPFZA, followed by an expanded meeting to review current and future opportunities for cooperation. Egyptian companies expressed full readiness to cooperate and contribute to these projects in line with the highest international standards. During the meeting, Al-Wazir praised the strong historical and brotherly ties between Egypt and Djibouti, stressing Egypt’s commitment to following up on the outcomes of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s visit to Djibouti in April 2025. The Green Port Solar Project is regarded as a cornerstone for ensuring sustainable operations at the Doraleh port, aiming to provide clean and stable energy while reducing exposure to global fuel price volatility. These agreements underscore Egypt’s expanding regional role in infrastructure, logistics, and renewable energy, while reinforcing Djibouti’s position as a strategic gateway for international trade in the Horn of Africa.

Minister of Public Enterprises Sector Mohamed El-Shimy met with Hisham Talaat Moustafa, CEO and Managing Director of Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG), and his accompanying delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital to review the latest developments in joint hotel investment projects. Discussions focused on prospects for continued cooperation and the progress of major hotel development projects that add significant value to Egypt’s tourism sector, most notably the expansion of the historic Mena House Hotel overlooking the Giza Pyramids. The project is being implemented through Legacy Company, a partnership between EGOTH—an affiliate of the Holding Company for Tourism and Hotels under the Ministry of Public Enterprises Sector—and ICON, a subsidiary of Talaat Moustafa Group. The development aims to enhance the hotel’s operational efficiency and service quality in line with the highest international standards. During the meeting, Minister El-Shimy reaffirmed the Ministry of Public Enterprises Sector’s commitment to supporting serious investment partnerships—particularly with leading national entities—to develop hotel infrastructure, increase accommodation capacity, maximize economic returns, and advance the state’s objectives for sustainable tourism development.