Dr. Rania Al-Mashat assumes duties as UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary in Beirut
via Egypt Today3 min read
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat officially began her role as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia ESCWA on June 2, 2026, at the Commission’s headquarters in Beirut. Her appointment, announced by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on April 20, 2026, comes at a critical time for ESCWA Member States, marked by developments in the Middle East, pressures on energy markets, global trade, and supply chains, and broader economic and social challenges. This period also coincides with the UN80 Initiative, launched in March 2025, which aims to modernize the UN system. Dr. Al-Mashat expressed her honor in the confidence placed in her and stated that ESCWA will support Member States in advancing inclusive and sustainable development, fostering regional integration, and building strategic partnerships. She also plans to launch a coalition of regional think tanks to support evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Al-Mashat brings over 25 years of experience in economic diplomacy, macroeconomic and monetary policy, and sustainable development. She previously served in the Government of Egypt as Minister of Tourism, Minister of International Cooperation, and Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. Her experience also includes roles at the International Monetary Fund and as Sub-Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt for Monetary Policy. In her new position, Dr. Al-Masha
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Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to initiate the third round of the Egyptian-Japanese Strategic Dialogue. The dialogue aims to strengthen bilateral relations, activate cooperation across various sectors, and exchange views on regional and international issues. Minister Abdelatty highlighted the momentum in relations since the strategic partnership announcement in April 2023 and expressed a desire for annual dialogues. He emphasized Egypt's improved investment environment, strategic location, and free trade agreements, inviting Japanese companies to invest and diversify their production centers. The meeting also covered enhancing development cooperation through Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA projects, particularly in education, scientific research, and human capacity building, and acknowledged Japan's support for the Grand Egyptian Museum. Opportunities for trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Japan, and African countries were discussed, with a focus on implementing outcomes from the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development TICAD 9. The Japanese Foreign Minister praised the progress in Egyptian-Japanese relations and Egypt's role in regional security. A preliminary framework for the strategic partnership was signed, with a full document to be signed at the presidential level, alongside an agreement on diplomatic training
Egypt has inaugurated the Al-Nasr Floating Bridge 2, a new infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic and improving mobility between Port Said and Port Fouad. The opening ceremony was led by Suez Canal Authority Chairman Lt. Gen. Osama Rabie and Port Said Governor Major General Ibrahim Abu Limon, who conducted an inspection and a trial convoy. Located 170 meters from the existing floating bridge, the new 428-meter-long, 15-meter-wide structure is built from five steel pontoons, allowing sections to open for vessel passage through the Suez Canal. It can accommodate vehicles up to 100 tonnes. Both bridges combined are expected to handle up to 25,000 vehicles daily. Designed by the Port Said Naval Shipyard, the bridge incorporates solar-powered lighting, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The project was completed with the involvement of Suez Canal Authority subsidiaries and local engineering firms, under the supervision of Bureau Veritas, as part of a broader initiative to enhance connectivity across the canal cities.
Must ReadEgypt is looking to strengthen its strategic and economic partnership with Japan, proposing new investment opportunities and expanded industrial cooperation. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, conveying a message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Abdelatty expressed Egypt's interest in establishing a Japanese industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone SCZONE to allow Japanese companies to benefit from its investment and customs incentives. He emphasized Egypt's strategic solutions for Japanese companies aiming to diversify production bases and supply chains, and called for increased Japanese investment in various sectors, including industry, technology, innovation, scientific research, and digital transformation. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's role as a gateway for manufacturing and exports to Arab, African, and European markets, supported by its free trade agreements. He also stressed the importance of the development partnership in education, health, transport, energy, and sustainable development, urging continued cooperation on projects like the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology. The foreign minister outlined Egypt’s efforts to deepen trilateral cooperation with Japan and African countries, inviting Japan to the upcoming African Business Forum Alamein Africa Forum to expand trade and investment across the continent. He also reviewed Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. P
BreakingAn Iranian missile and drone attack on Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday injured several people and caused severe material damage to Terminal 1, according to the Kuwaiti military. Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation suspended operations and diverted flights. The US military reported that Iranian missiles launched towards Kuwait and Bahrain were either intercepted or failed to reach their targets. US Central Command also conducted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, targeting an Iranian military ground control station, and intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and another country, describing the attack as retaliation for a US missile strike on an oil tanker bound for Iran. These events occurred amidst ongoing efforts by Washington and Tehran to preserve a ceasefire and reach a broader agreement to end the war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.