Egypt, Djibouti explore expanded infrastructure, development cooperation
President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh received Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al-Wazir, along with a delegation representing leading Egyptian public- and private-sector companies specialising in infrastructure, transport and industrial zone projects. President Guelleh said the visit reflects the deep-rooted and historic ties between Djibouti and Egypt, which constitute a solid foundation for advancing the interests of both nations. Guelleh welcomed Egyptian companies to participate in the implementation of infrastructure, transport, industrial, logistics, agricultural and tourism projects in Djibouti, citing their professionalism and extensive experience both domestically and internationally. He noted that, in line with presidential directives, the Egyptian delegation includes representatives of seven major companies specialising in infrastructure, transport and industrial zones, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to supporting Djibouti’s development efforts. He emphasised the companies’ strong technical capabilities and proven track record across Africa in delivering large-scale projects in key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 29, 2025 15:56 UTC
Egypt-Sudan trade exchange hits $1.15bn in 2024
He reiterated Egypt’s readiness to support Sudan during its economic recovery phase by forging strategic partnerships and enhancing trade and investment linkages. She highlighted the need to further develop trade and investment relations, increase trade exchange, and expand cooperation in expertise-sharing and training in a manner commensurate with the close ties between the peoples of the Nile Valley and their shared interests. They noted that trade exchange between Egypt and Sudan reached approximately $1.15bn in 2024 and agreed to take all necessary measures to further increase trade volumes in a manner that meets the aspirations of both nations. The two sides agreed on a package of measures and executive programmes to enhance economic integration, including the formation of a technical working group to boost trade exchange and identify priorities for merchandise trade. In addition, the two sides agreed to grant priority to Egyptian companies in Sudan’s reconstruction projects.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 29, 2025 15:56 UTC
Kremlin demands Ukraine’s total withdrawal from Donbas before any ceasefire
The Kremlin issued a stark ultimatum on Monday, insisting that Ukrainian forces must completely abandon the Donbas region before any cessation of hostilities can begin. Warning of the consequences of delay, Peskov added that Kyiv would “lose more territory” if a deal is not struck. The Russian pivot to territorial demands provides a cold reality check to the diplomatic momentum built on Sunday. Trump announced that American, Ukrainian, and Russian working groups—focused separately on security and economics—will be established by early January. Zelenskyy emphasised that any deal involving “thorny territorial issues” must pass through the Ukrainian parliament or a popular vote.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 29, 2025 15:56 UTC
Egypt, Lebanon sign deal to supply natural gas to Deir Ammar power plant
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.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 29, 2025 15:56 UTC
Takeaways from Trump’s meeting with Zelensky in Florida
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.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 29, 2025 15:26 UTC
Central Bank of Egypt announces banks to close Thursday for end of 2025 fiscal year
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.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 29, 2025 14:39 UTC
Trump doubles down on big foreign policy bets in end-of-the-year flurry
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.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 29, 2025 14:27 UTC
Photos: Rotary Club Cairo Sky participates in landmark RYLA 2025/2026 leadership seminar
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.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 29, 2025 14:27 UTC
Egypt and Japan sign LE 1 billion agreement to build first-of-its-kind Suez Canal Dive Support Vessel
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.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 29, 2025 11:18 UTC
Egypt’s Foreign Minister responds to calls for war with Israel
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.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 29, 2025 08:45 UTC
Italy arrests nine over alleged Hamas funding through charities
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.
Source:Egypt Independent
December 29, 2025 01:20 UTC
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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
Source:Egypt Independent
December 28, 2025 18:11 UTC
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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
Source:Egypt Independent
December 28, 2025 18:11 UTC
Madbouly reviews outcomes of Digital Economy Advisory Committee
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.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 28, 2025 18:07 UTC
Japan provides EGP 1bn grant to Egypt for Suez Canal diving support vessel
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.
Source:Daily News Egypt
December 28, 2025 18:03 UTC