Egypt hosts Sahara and Sahel Observatory meeting on water sustainability and climate challenges
via Egypt Today2 min read
Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to water sustainability and regional cooperation during the 33rd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory OSS in Cairo. The session included ministers and officials from several African countries, along with representatives from regional and international organizations. Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, who chairs the Observatory’s Board, emphasized that hosting the meeting highlights the urgent need for regional integration and collective action against climate change and pressure on natural resources. He described the gathering as an opportunity to renew commitments to sustainable development and highlighted the Observatory's role in natural resource management and climate adaptation. Farouk outlined priorities such as improving program implementation, strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing governance, and expanding partnerships, stressing the importance of member states fulfilling financial commitments. Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sweilem, underscored the centrality of water resources to sustainable development and called for integrated water resources management, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Sweilem noted that challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification necessitate enhanced regional cooperation, data sharing, and advanced technologies. He highlighted the Observatory’s role in supporting member sta
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Must ReadDeputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa met with representatives of several Chinese companies to discuss new investment projects in Egypt. The Jiangsu Province Ports Group and Shanghai Huanshi Logistics proposed a $400 million container terminal at Ain Sokhna Port, designed for a capacity of 2 million containers. Additionally, a $2 billion logistics and commercial city, modeled after China’s Yiwu city, was proposed. This project, spanning 3 million square meters, is expected to create 150,000 jobs and will include a five-star hotel, an international school, and a hospital. The Hurricane Group also discussed a 100,000-square-meter industrial zone for chemical and consumer goods, aiming to export 70% of its production to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Chinese representatives also showed interest in establishing a bonded warehouse for re-exporting used machinery to African markets. Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone SCZONE, affirmed support for these ventures, noting Chinese firms are top investors in the region. Follow-up sessions are scheduled to finalize cooperation frameworks.
Must ReadEgypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, Badr Abdelatty, recently held a phone call with United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The discussion focused on the latest developments in negotiations between the United States and Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to reduce regional tensions. According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf, they assessed the progress of the talks, reviewed proposals, and explored pathways toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of maintaining negotiation momentum, consolidating a ceasefire, and ending regional conflicts, reiterating that diplomatic engagement is key to lasting stability. He also highlighted the need to address the security concerns of Gulf countries and affirmed Egypt’s continued coordination with partners to support political solutions for Middle East security and stability. This call followed the failure of the latest round of Pakistan-brokered negotiations between the US and Iran.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, on Monday to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments. Abdelatty emphasized the strategic partnership between Egypt and Russia, expressing Cairo's dedication to enhancing economic, trade, and investment relations. He commended the progress on joint strategic projects, specifically mentioning the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. Abdelatty also detailed Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and support the US-Iranian negotiation track, stating that diplomacy is the "ideal option" to avert a broader conflict. He cautioned about the global economic impact of the conflict, including increased energy and fertilizer prices, high inflation, rising food costs, and disruptions to trade and tourism. Patrushev conveyed his appreciation for his meeting with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and reaffirmed Moscow's interest in expanding cooperation with Egypt in various areas of mutual interest.
Must ReadOn Monday, April 27, 2026, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in separate phone discussions with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. The talks centered on efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and support ongoing negotiations. Key topics included recent regional developments and the necessity of intensifying support for the U.S.-Iranian negotiation track. Abdelatty and his counterparts underscored the importance of a consensual settlement and a commitment to a negotiated approach to achieve a ceasefire, end conflict, and reduce regional tension. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that discussions also covered ensuring freedom of navigation, emphasizing the significant impact maritime disruptions have on global supply chains and the international economy. Abdelatty reiterated that regional stability depends on respecting state sovereignty and addressing the security concerns of regional countries, especially Gulf nations, stressing that dialogue is the only path to peace and security.