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Egypt and Finland discuss enhanced cooperation and regional stability during presidential visit
via Egypt Today2 min read
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Cairo, emphasizing the strong bilateral relations and commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors. Following talks at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, El-Sisi described the discussions as constructive and comprehensive, covering regional and international developments, as well as opportunities to deepen bilateral ties. The Egyptian president stressed the importance of enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation, encouraging stronger engagement between the business communities of both countries. Discussions explored cooperation in key sectors including information and communication technology, digital transformation, renewable energy, education, healthcare, advanced industries, mining, and wood industries. The talks also addressed cooperation within the Egypt–European Union strategic partnership, with El-Sisi highlighting Finland’s role in supporting this partnership. On regional issues, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting stability and security, stressing the need for continued coordination to address ongoing crises in the Middle East. He reiterated Egypt’s rejection of attacks against Arab states and emphasized that Arab security is integral to Egypt’s national security. The president also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to promote de-escalation and prevent further conflict in the region, welcoming the current truce as a positive step. Regarding the Palestinian issue, El-Si
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Al Ahly has announced the departure of coach Jess Thorup by mutual consent, following a season that saw the Egyptian club finish below expectations. Thorup, 56, who was appointed in October on a two-and-a-half-year deal, signed a settlement agreement after receiving his full contractual dues. While he led Al Ahly to the Egyptian Super Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Zamalek, the team's performance declined in the latter part of the campaign. Al Ahly concluded the league in third place, missing out on qualification for next season’s African Champions League and instead securing a spot in the Confederation Cup. The club was also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the continent's premier club competition.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, commended Egypt's diplomatic efforts and its significant regional role, particularly in securing a ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum SPIEF 2026, Zakharova highlighted Egypt's strength and influence in the Middle East. She affirmed Russia's openness to global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of the Arab region and the shared, long-standing special relationship between Moscow and Cairo. Zakharova noted that Egypt's policies align with the will of its people, fostering strong opportunities for international cooperation, an approach similar to Russia's.
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Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, Badr Abdelatty, met with members of Japan’s House of Representatives and House of Councillors, including the Egypt-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association, during his visit to Tokyo. Minister Abdelatty highlighted the rapid development of Egyptian-Japanese relations since their elevation to a strategic partnership in 2023, noting increased high-level visits and cooperation. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation and expressed hope for reciprocal parliamentary visits, inviting the association to visit Egypt. Abdelatty also acknowledged Japan’s support for major development projects in Egypt, such as the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Egyptian-Japanese partnership in education, and the Cairo Metro Line 4 project. He reviewed economic reforms in Egypt, stressing the enhanced competitiveness of the national economy and encouraging Japanese companies to invest in promising opportunities, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The meeting also included discussions on regional developments in the Middle East, including the Gaza Strip, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Egypt’s water security. Kuniko Inoguchi, a member of the Japan-Egypt Parliamentary Association, conveyed remarks on behalf of former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, praising the historical ties and strategic partnership between the two nations and affirming the association's commitment to strengthening bilate