
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Badr Abdelatty met with Somali President Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on April 18, 2026, during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Minister Abdelatty conveyed President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's greetings and affirmed Egypt's rejection and condemnation of the appointment of a diplomatic envoy to "Somaliland," describing it as a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the African Union's Constitutive Act. He reiterated Egypt's steadfast support for Somalia's unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions, and stressed Egypt's firm rejection of any unilateral actions that could undermine Somalia's unity. The Foreign Minister also highlighted Egypt's commitment to supporting Somalia across political, military, security, and humanitarian fields, emphasizing Somalia's stability for Horn of Africa security. President Mohamud expressed appreciation for Egypt's support and keenness to strengthen cooperation. Minister Abdelatty noted positive developments in bilateral relations, including direct EgyptAir flights, a military cooperation protocol signed in August 2024, the relocation of the Egyptian Embassy to Mogadishu, and the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership in January 2025. He also underscored Egypt's interest in increasing trade and exports to Somalia, and ongoing cooperation through institutions like the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development. Egypt
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Egypt's Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar announced significant progress in controlling population growth and improving demographic indicators by the end of 2025. This marks the first outcome of the 2025–2027 Emergency Population and Development Plan. The eighth edition of Egypt's composite population indicators showed a reduction in "red zones," areas most in need of intervention, to 20 by the end of 2025, down from 43 previously. Deputy Health Minister Abla al-Alfi noted that the number of governorates free of red zones increased to 13 by the end of 2025. Annual births fell below two million for the first time in years, with the total fertility rate declining to 2.34 children per woman in 2025, from 2.54 in 2023. The crude birth rate also fell to 18.1 per 1,000 people from 19.4 per 1,000 in 2023. Health Ministry Spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar attributed this progress to integrated policies expanding family planning and reproductive health services and raising public awareness. Future efforts will focus on targeted interventions, especially in Upper Egypt governorates.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s commitment to cooperation with regional and international parties to resolve conflicts peacefully during a meeting with media representatives in Seoul, South Korea. The Minister highlighted Egypt's efforts to support security and stability in the Middle East and discussed developments concerning the Palestinian cause, Sudan, Lebanon, the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea. Abdelatty also reviewed Egyptian-South Korean relations, praising progress in bilateral ties and expressing interest in strengthening economic, trade, and investment cooperation, citing Egypt's economic reforms and investment climate.

Egypt's Ministry of Health announced on Friday that there are no confirmed hantavirus cases in the country, emphasizing continuous epidemiological surveillance in coordination with national and international authorities. The ministry stated that Egypt's health situation remains "stable and fully safe." This statement follows a World Health Organization WHO report of two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases, including three deaths, on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondiu cruise ship, which had sailed from Argentina and Cape Verde. Hantavirus infection, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent excretions, is rare but can be severe and fatal. While human-to-human transmission is limited, it has been observed with the Andes virus. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome HPS has a mortality rate of up to 38% among patients with respiratory symptoms. The Egyptian ministry is monitoring media reports but reassures citizens that the "current situation does not warrant concern." Egypt's epidemiological surveillance system operates efficiently at all entry points, and the ministry is coordinating with WHO and other international bodies to ensure a rapid response to any developments, prioritizing public health with transparency and professionalism.
BreakingUS President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled from May 9 to May 11, which will also include a significant prisoner exchange. The agreement, revealed by Trump on his Truth Social platform, entails a "suspension of all kinetic activity" and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. President Trump stated he personally requested the ceasefire and expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their agreement. He hopes this marks "the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought war," adding that ongoing talks are bringing them closer to resolving what he described as the largest conflict since World War II.