
Egypt's Board of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones GAFI, led by Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, has approved the establishment of the country's first investment zone with a dedicated on-site customs system. This zone is designated for Orion Urban Development, a subsidiary of Talaat Moustafa Group Holding TMGH, to execute The Spine project in New Cairo. The Spine, considered one of Egypt's largest urban developments, will span 506 feddans within Madinaty and feature 165 mixed-use towers for residential, administrative, commercial, and hospitality purposes. Total investments are projected to exceed LE 1.4 trillion, with an estimated LE 818 billion in tax revenues for the state. Legal and regulatory procedures are being finalized for the Cabinet's official decision, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. Farid stated that this framework aims to streamline incorporation, licensing, and operational procedures, and facilitate import and export activities through the integrated customs infrastructure. Hisham Talaat Moustafa highlighted the project as an example of public-private sector cooperation and emphasized the role of investment zones in attracting global investments and fostering long-term economic growth.
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Must ReadThe Permanent Committee for Regulating the Nile River's Flow, chaired by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem, convened to assess the Nile's flow and Egypt's water situation during peak demand. The committee reviewed developments concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam GERD, labeling its operation as illegal and a violation of international law due to the absence of a binding agreement for its filling and operation. They discussed fluctuations in downstream discharge caused by the dam's unilateral operation and emphasized the need for downstream dam operators to update scenarios for efficient water management. The committee also analyzed rainfall across the Nile Basin and water inflows from the Blue Nile, White Nile, and Atbara River, noting above-average flow in June but below-average in July. They anticipate a clearer flood season assessment after early August and are monitoring climate patterns like El Ni帽o and La Ni帽a. Minister Sweilem directed continuous monitoring of hydrological and climate indicators and regular updates to forecasts to ensure optimal water resource management. He affirmed the Aswan High Dam's crucial role in Egypt's water security due to its storage capacity and operational flexibility.

On Sunday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Badr Abdelatty met with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President for Arab and African Affairs, to discuss regional developments and issues of mutual interest. The meeting reaffirmed the strength of the Egyptian-U.S. strategic partnership and their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation. Discussions covered Egypt's efforts to support security and stability in Sudan, emphasizing a sustainable ceasefire and a Sudanese-led political process. The situation in Libya was also addressed, with Abdelatty reiterating Egypt's support for Libya's unity, national institutions, and the need for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Developments in the Horn of Africa were discussed, with Abdelatty highlighting the region's importance to Egypt's national security and the need to respect sovereignty and reject destabilizing actions. On water security, Abdelatty stressed adherence to international law for transboundary water resources and rejected unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin, calling water security an existential issue for Egypt. Boulos praised Egypt's role in promoting regional security and stability, emphasizing continued coordination between Cairo and Washington.

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty met with a delegation from the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on the sidelines of the Jerusalem Conference in Cairo. Abdelatty stressed that regional security depends on restoring the Palestinian people's rights and implementing the US president's peace plan for Gaza. He condemned Israeli violations in the West Bank, including settlement expansion, land confiscation, and incursions into religious sites. Abdelatty urged the UN committee to mobilize international pressure within the United Nations to ensure compliance with international law, reiterating Egypt's rejection of attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause or displace Palestinians. The delegation, led by Cheikh Niang, expressed appreciation for Egypt鈥檚 role in defending Palestinian rights.