Deputy agriculture minister, AU delegation discuss joint cooperation


Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Livestock, Fisheries and Poultry Mostafa el Sayyad, on Friday discussed in a meeting with a delegation from the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), all aspects of cooperation between Egypt and African states under the bureau’s umbrella.

During the meeting, Sayyad stressed Egypt’s willingness to assist African countries in the plant and livestock area.

Following the meeting, the AU-IBAR delegation visited the Agriculture Ministry’s laboratories in Giza’s Dokki district, where they have been posted on their high-quality capabilities.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

YEMENI ARMED FORCES TARGETS BRITISH OIL TANKER “POLLUX”SIMAK to Redefine Landscape of Regional Seafood ProcessingPM inspects New Garden City in New Capital

Statement issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces regarding targeting the British Oil Tanker “POLLUX” with a number of appropriate naval missiles: “As a response to the unjust aggression against our country by the American-British alliance, and in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people, the Yemeni Armed Forces’ Navy carried out a successful operation targeting the British oil tanker “POLLUX” in the Red Sea using a significant number of appropriate naval missiles. The strike was precise and direct, by the grace of Allah.

The Yemeni Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to continue military operations in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea against “Israeli” navigation or any vessels heading to the ports of occupied Palestine until the aggression is halted and the siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza is lifted.

The Yemeni Armed Forces will not hesitate to execute and expand their military operations in defense of our beloved Yemen and to demonstrate practical solidarity with the Palestinian people.”

Sour
ce: National News Agency – Lebanon

Muscat: Fisheries Development Oman (FDO), a pivotal entity in Oman’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, is set to participate in the highly anticipated Gulfood Exhibition and Conference.

Taking place from February 19-23, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this event aligns with FDO’s commitment to sustainable growth and supporting the economic diversification goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

FDO, along with its subsidiary companies Blue Waters, Natural Shrimp Aquaculture Company (NSA), and Oriental Shrimp Aquaculture Company (ORA), will showcase a range of products, including White Pacific Shrimp and Seabream, demonstrating its dedication to quality and innovation.

Representatives will be available for discussions, explaining the product range to visitors. Other FDO subsidiaries that will also be present at the event are Blue Waters, which specializes in finfish operations, and Shrimp Aquaculture Company, which focuses on developing shrimp aquaculture projects and processing facilities.

Live cooking
sessions during the event will provide visitors with a taste of fresh Omani seafood products, fostering engagement and exploring business expansion opportunities with suppliers and distributors.

FDO’s participation during this event will be spearheaded by SIMAK, the upcoming flagship seafood cannery nestled within the Fishery Zone of the Special Economic Zone of Duqm (SEZAD), is poised to redefine the landscape of seafood processing and distribution. SIMAK marks a significant milestone in the region’s endeavour to provide value-added services to the burgeoning fishery sector.

With an impressive processing inflow of 30,000 tons per year, SIMAK boasts a staggering estimated output of over 100 million cans annually, translating to more than 16,000 tons of premium-grade seafood products. This state-of-the-art facility will focus on processing Tuna, Sardine, and Mackerel, offering a compelling value proposition to stakeholders across the supply chain.

SIMAK boasts the largest processing capacity in the GCC in i
ts sprawling industrial setup within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), Oman encompassing cutting-edge facilities for processing, cold storage, and finished goods storage, ensuring optimal efficiency and quality control.

SIMAK presents a compelling value proposition, leveraging its access to both local and external sources for raw materials, cost advantages derived from proximity to local suppliers and burgeoning markets, and premium quality products at competitive prices, ensuring freshness and authenticity.

‘SIMAK offers several commercial partnership opportunities viz white labeling for regional retailers and brands, catering to discerning consumers across the MENA, USA, EU, and West Africa markets. By providing top-tier quality canned products, SIMAK aims to establish itself as the partner of choice for brands seeking excellence and reliability’, said Zakariya Al Hasni, CEO of International Sea Food Company (SIMAK) during the event.

Al Hasni, added ‘We are Driven by a commitment to sustainabili
ty, SIMAK integrates business-led and environmental sustainability initiatives into its operations. From leveraging the latest technological advancements to promote efficiency and reduce waste, to implementing eco-friendly practices such as water conservation and solar energy utilization, SIMAK is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint while maximizing operational efficiency’.

He told Oman News Agency (ONA) that SIMAK prioritizes the development of the local economy by sourcing from SMEs and local fishermen, fostering employment opportunities, and investing in skill development initiatives. Through Omanization and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, SIMAK aims to empower local communities and drive socio-economic growth.

SIMAK adheres to rigorous quality control standards, with certifications from renowned bodies such as FDA, ISO, and HACCP underway.

With a strategic focus on market expansion, SIMAK is set to showcase its offerings at international platforms like Gulfood in Dubai,
while simultaneously exploring opportunities for RandD and product innovation. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence positions it as a trailblazer in the global seafood industry.

Source: Oman News Agency

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli toured on Saturday 17/02/2024 the residential neighborhood R5 in the New Administrative Capital.

It was named after the New Garden City district as it is similar in design to the Garden City downtown Cairo.

The district covers 885 feddans and it includes 385 apartment buildings grouping 21,494 units, 513 commercial units and 456 villas, Housing Minister Essam el Gazar.

New Garden City New Capital is a blend of modern and classical styles, featuring magnificent architectural designs that bridge the past and present.

The district is carried out by the New Urban Communities Authority, City Edge Real Estate Company, and the Ministry of Housing.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Business Sector Minister: Action strategy achieved unprecedented profits in past period


Public Business Sector Minister Mahmoud Esmat said the action strategy and the all out plan for modernization and development achieved fruitful results in the past period.

The performance of many companies was developed and the outcome of activities grew, which attained unprecedented profits of 18 billion Egyptian pounds last year, added Esmat in an address to the inaugural session of the 10th economic conference of Akhbar El Youm, that is held under the sponsorship of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, in the presence of several ministers.

He said tens of agreements and partnership programs were made with the private sector in a number of industrial industrial sectors and economic activities.

The minister stressed the greater support of the political leadership to develop companies of public business sector, in addition to the implementation of various projects.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

FM urges raising Africa’s voice on international arena


Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has called for raising Africa’s voice on the international arena.

Shoukry’s call came as he opened a roundtable organized by the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA) entitled: “The emergence of a new era? The African peace and security regime in a changing world”.

The roundtable, held on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, was attended by a number of ministers and senior officials from regional and international organizations, as well as heads of thinktanks and research centers, said Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The foreign minister hailed Africa’s membership in the G20 group of the world’s largest economies as being a positive step.

However, he asserted that this move should be followed by other steps to address the historical injustice against Africa with regard to the UN Security Council’s membership, given the unified African position based on
the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

The spokesman noted that the foreign minister highlighted the current challenges facing the African continent on peace and security levels, citing the crises in Libya, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, as well as the war in Gaza and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Those crises clearly show flaws in the existing international frameworks to achieve peace and sustainable development, Shoukry said.

The top Egyptian diplomat stated this roundtable provide an ideal opportunity for holding a constructive dialogue on advancing African and international efforts aimed at supporting global peace and security in the face of overlapping crises.

Shoukry underscored Egypt’s commitment to backing an ambitious African vision for responding to those challenges, through enhancing Africa’s leadership of the peace and development agenda in the continent.

He reviewed Egypt’s tireless efforts to settle conflicts in Africa and mitigate their grave humanitarian reperc
ussions, referring to the Sudan Neighboring Countries initiative as an example.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

FM urges raising Africa’s voice on international arena


Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has called for raising Africa’s voice on the international arena.

Shoukry’s call came as he opened a roundtable organized by the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA) entitled: “The emergence of a new era? The African peace and security regime in a changing world”.

The roundtable, held on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, was attended by a number of ministers and senior officials from regional and international organizations, as well as heads of thinktanks and research centers, said Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The foreign minister hailed Africa’s membership in the G20 group of the world’s largest economies as being a positive step.

However, he asserted that this move should be followed by other steps to address the historical injustice against Africa with regard to the UN Security Council’s membership, given the unified African position based on
the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

The spokesman noted that the foreign minister highlighted the current challenges facing the African continent on peace and security levels, citing the crises in Libya, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, as well as the war in Gaza and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Those crises clearly show flaws in the existing international frameworks to achieve peace and sustainable development, Shoukry said.

The top Egyptian diplomat stated this roundtable provide an ideal opportunity for holding a constructive dialogue on advancing African and international efforts aimed at supporting global peace and security in the face of overlapping crises.

Shoukry underscored Egypt’s commitment to backing an ambitious African vision for responding to those challenges, through enhancing Africa’s leadership of the peace and development agenda in the continent.

He reviewed Egypt’s tireless efforts to settle conflicts in Africa and mitigate their grave humanitarian reperc
ussions, referring to the Sudan Neighboring Countries initiative as an example.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Egypt establishing logistics hub for Gaza aid in North Sinai


Mohamed Abdel-Fadil Shousha, the governor of North Sinai, announced on Saturday 17/02/2024 that the Egyptian government is establishing a logistics hub in Rafah, Egypt to receive aid provided by Egypt, foreign countries, as well as regional and international organizations.

This hub will be used to store and prepare the aid for delivery while protecting it from inclement weather, the governor revealed during a press conference in Arish.

The hub includes truck waiting areas, secure warehouses, administrative offices, and accommodation for drivers, the governor explained.

It has been equipped with all necessary amenities and electricity to ensure smooth transportation to and from the area, he added.

The new facilities will relieve the burden on drivers, reduce congestion in Arish and on the roads, and facilitate the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent in delivering aid, the governor said.

The influx of aid arriving in Arish through air, land, and sea routes necessitates the establishment of a designated hub t
o receive, organize, and prepare the aid for delivery through the Rafah Border Crossing, he said.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Egypt establishing logistics hub for Gaza aid in North Sinai


Mohamed Abdel-Fadil Shousha, the governor of North Sinai, announced on Saturday 17/02/2024 that the Egyptian government is establishing a logistics hub in Rafah, Egypt to receive aid provided by Egypt, foreign countries, as well as regional and international organizations.

This hub will be used to store and prepare the aid for delivery while protecting it from inclement weather, the governor revealed during a press conference in Arish.

The hub includes truck waiting areas, secure warehouses, administrative offices, and accommodation for drivers, the governor explained.

It has been equipped with all necessary amenities and electricity to ensure smooth transportation to and from the area, he added.

The new facilities will relieve the burden on drivers, reduce congestion in Arish and on the roads, and facilitate the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent in delivering aid, the governor said.

The influx of aid arriving in Arish through air, land, and sea routes necessitates the establishment of a designated hub t
o receive, organize, and prepare the aid for delivery through the Rafah Border Crossing, he said.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

ICC Prosecutor briefs Egypt’s FM on probe into Israeli violations in Gaza, West Bank


Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held discussions with Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), regarding the latest developments in the ICC’s investigations into Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Shoukry and Khan met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) held in Germany from February 16-18.

During the meeting, Shoukry emphasized the humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza due to the Israeli military operation and policies of starvation, blockade, and infrastructure destruction in the strip.

Shoukry stressed the importance of all international parties shouldering their legal and humanitarian responsibilities by accurately naming and intervening to halt the Israeli violations.

Khan highlighted the ICC’s commitment to transparency as a means to achieve justice, including in situations concerning Gaza.

He commended Egypt’s regional role in curbing the implications of the crisis in Gaza and ensuring the entry of humanitaria
n aid to meet urgent needs.

Egypt has continued to deliver tens of thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza from its own institutions, as well as from countries around the world and international relief organizations.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli stated last week that Egyptian trucks have already delivered 130,000 tons of aid to Gaza since October 7, with 100,000 tons originating from Egypt.

The Gaza Strip is currently facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history. The Israeli attacks have resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure, causing hospitals and vital facilities to be rendered non-operational.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, the Israeli assaults over the past 133 days have led to the death of 28,775 people and the injury of 68,552.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

ICC Prosecutor briefs Egypt’s FM on probe into Israeli violations in Gaza, West Bank


Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held discussions with Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), regarding the latest developments in the ICC’s investigations into Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Shoukry and Khan met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) held in Germany from February 16-18.

During the meeting, Shoukry emphasized the humanitarian crisis faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza due to the Israeli military operation and policies of starvation, blockade, and infrastructure destruction in the strip.

Shoukry stressed the importance of all international parties shouldering their legal and humanitarian responsibilities by accurately naming and intervening to halt the Israeli violations.

Khan highlighted the ICC’s commitment to transparency as a means to achieve justice, including in situations concerning Gaza.

He commended Egypt’s regional role in curbing the implications of the crisis in Gaza and ensuring the entry of humanitaria
n aid to meet urgent needs.

Egypt has continued to deliver tens of thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza from its own institutions, as well as from countries around the world and international relief organizations.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli stated last week that Egyptian trucks have already delivered 130,000 tons of aid to Gaza since October 7, with 100,000 tons originating from Egypt.

The Gaza Strip is currently facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history. The Israeli attacks have resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure, causing hospitals and vital facilities to be rendered non-operational.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, the Israeli assaults over the past 133 days have led to the death of 28,775 people and the injury of 68,552.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Shoukry: We warn of the dangers of any Israeli invasion of Palestinian Rafah


Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met, on the sidelines of his participation in the Munich Security Conference meetings, with Lieutenant General Hanen Ould Sidi, Mauritanian Minister of National Defense, in order to enhance aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman and director of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that Minister Shoukri congratulated the Mauritanian side on winning the presidency of the African Union (AU), stressing Egypt’s support for Mauritania during its presidency of the AU.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed his aspiration to hold the joint committee between the two countries during the first half of this year in Mauritania.

The official spokesman added that the Minister of Foreign Affairs also reviewed Egypt’s vision regarding the current developments in the Gaza Strip, pointing to Egypt’s tireless efforts to establish a truce, and to seek immediate implementati
on of the ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid without any obstacles.

Minister Shoukri reaffirmed Egypt’s firm position calling for the need to avoid risks related to expanding the circle of conflict, and warned of the dangers of any Israeli invasion of Palestinian Rafah, which would have extremely negative repercussions at all levels.

Ambassador Abu Zeid stated that the two ministers exchanged visions regarding the current situation in the Sahel and Sahara region, in terms of enhancing joint cooperation in confronting terrorism and the security challenges surrounding the region. It has been emphasized that these challenges must be confronted by formulating an integrated vision that is not limited to the security aspect only, but extends to combating extremist thought with enlightened centrist thought.

For his part, Lieutenant General Ould Sidi praised the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries, stressing Mauritania’s full support to Egyptian interests in all frameworks and withi
n the corridors of the African Union. The Mauritanian Minister of Defense also stressed that with regard to the security challenges facing the Sahel and Sahara region, his country is counting on strengthening cooperation with Egypt, in light of the great security expertise that Egypt possesses in relation to combating terrorism.

He also stressed the importance of the role of religious institutions in confronting extremist thought, led by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, which is considered a beacon of moderate thought in the Islamic world.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

HARIRI HOLDS SERIES OF MEETINGS AT CENTER HOUSEFM Shoukry discusses Gaza war, regional crises with counterparts, global leaders at Munich Security Conference

Prime Minister Saad Hariri received this morning former PM Tammam Salam at the Center House. The pair reportedly discussed the latest developments.

British Chargé d’Affaires

Prime Minister Hariri also met with the Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy in Lebanon, Camilla Nickels. The meeting focused on the relations between the two countries.

Minister Charbel

He also discussed with former Minister Marwan Charbel the latest developments.

Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires

Prime Minister Hariri received the Charge d’Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Lebanon, Amin Al-Nasrawi, who subsequently explained that “the meeting was a good opportunity to listen to Prime Minister Hariri’s opinion on many political, economic, and security matters that Lebanon and the region are going through, in addition to reviewing Lebanese-Iraqi relations.’

Major General Ibrahim

Hariri also welcomed with the former Director General of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, with whom he tackled the most recent developments.

Sour
ce: National News Agency – Lebanon

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry discussed the latest developments in the region with several heads of state and counterparts on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference, held from 16-18 February.

According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid, Shoukry held separate meetings with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken; the Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi; Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte; Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati; and International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor Karim Khan.

During the conference, the Egyptian top diplomat also discussed the ongoing Israeli war in the Gaza Strip in separate meetings with Dutch FM Hanke Bruins Slot; Croatian FM Gordan Grlic-Radman; Austrian FM Alexander Schallenberg; Norwegian FM Espen Barth Eide; and Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Al-Yahya.

Shoukry also held separate meetings with Anne-Claire Legendre, the French President’s Advisor on the Middle East and North Africa, Fl
orian Herrmann, the German Head of the State Chancellery and Minister of State for Federal Affairs and Media, and Hanena Ould Sidi, the Mauritanian Minister of National Defence.

Shoukry also met with several senior global leaders and officials, including members of the Elders Group, founded by the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, which aims to promote peace globally.

The group’s leaders expressed their appreciation for Egyptian efforts since the beginning of the Gaza crisis to contain its repercussions and deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip, according to the statement.

In addition, Shoukry opened a roundtable organised by the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA), entitled: “The Emergence of a New Era? The African Peace and Security Regime in a Changing World”.

During the roundtable, the Egyptian top diplomat discussed the current challenges facing the African continent on peace and security levels in Libya, Sudan and the Horn of A
frica; the war in Gaza; and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

On the sidelines of the conference, Shoukry also held media briefings to present Egypt’s stance on the most significant challenges facing the Middle East region, especially the war in Gaza.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

HARIRI HOLDS SERIES OF MEETINGS AT CENTER HOUSEFM Shoukry discusses Gaza war, regional crises with counterparts, global leaders at Munich Security Conference

Prime Minister Saad Hariri received this morning former PM Tammam Salam at the Center House. The pair reportedly discussed the latest developments.

British Chargé d’Affaires

Prime Minister Hariri also met with the Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy in Lebanon, Camilla Nickels. The meeting focused on the relations between the two countries.

Minister Charbel

He also discussed with former Minister Marwan Charbel the latest developments.

Iraqi Chargé d’Affaires

Prime Minister Hariri received the Charge d’Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Lebanon, Amin Al-Nasrawi, who subsequently explained that “the meeting was a good opportunity to listen to Prime Minister Hariri’s opinion on many political, economic, and security matters that Lebanon and the region are going through, in addition to reviewing Lebanese-Iraqi relations.’

Major General Ibrahim

Hariri also welcomed with the former Director General of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, with whom he tackled the most recent developments.

Sour
ce: National News Agency – Lebanon

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry discussed the latest developments in the region with several heads of state and counterparts on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference, held from 16-18 February.

According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid, Shoukry held separate meetings with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken; the Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi; Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte; Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati; and International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor Karim Khan.

During the conference, the Egyptian top diplomat also discussed the ongoing Israeli war in the Gaza Strip in separate meetings with Dutch FM Hanke Bruins Slot; Croatian FM Gordan Grlic-Radman; Austrian FM Alexander Schallenberg; Norwegian FM Espen Barth Eide; and Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Al-Yahya.

Shoukry also held separate meetings with Anne-Claire Legendre, the French President’s Advisor on the Middle East and North Africa, Fl
orian Herrmann, the German Head of the State Chancellery and Minister of State for Federal Affairs and Media, and Hanena Ould Sidi, the Mauritanian Minister of National Defence.

Shoukry also met with several senior global leaders and officials, including members of the Elders Group, founded by the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, which aims to promote peace globally.

The group’s leaders expressed their appreciation for Egyptian efforts since the beginning of the Gaza crisis to contain its repercussions and deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip, according to the statement.

In addition, Shoukry opened a roundtable organised by the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa (CCCPA), entitled: “The Emergence of a New Era? The African Peace and Security Regime in a Changing World”.

During the roundtable, the Egyptian top diplomat discussed the current challenges facing the African continent on peace and security levels in Libya, Sudan and the Horn of A
frica; the war in Gaza; and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

On the sidelines of the conference, Shoukry also held media briefings to present Egypt’s stance on the most significant challenges facing the Middle East region, especially the war in Gaza.

Source: State Information Service Egypt