Egypt is engaged in intensive discussions with authorities in Somalia and Yemen to secure the prompt release of Egyptian sailors held aboard a vessel off the Somali coast.
The foreign ministry is closely monitoring the situation with both countries to ensure the sailors' well-being and access to basic necessities. Egypt is also in contact with the vessel's owner to facilitate the release and ensure the company fulfills its international obligations. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is personally overseeing these efforts, which include regular communication with the sailors' families.
Eight Egyptian sailors were reportedly kidnapped in early May from the oil tanker MT Eureka off the Yemeni coast, with the vessel subsequently steered towards Somalia's Puntland region. Reports suggest the tanker, carrying fuel, was intercepted by armed individuals believed to be Somali pirates, who then took control and moved it near the Somali coastline. There are indications of financial demands for the release of both the ship and its crew, with the Marine Officers Union previously citing a ransom demand of $2.25 million.
Egyptian diplomats have emphasized the need for a swift and safe release, with Minister Abdelatty having discussed the matter with his Somali and Yemeni counterparts, given the vessel's Yemeni ownership. Both Egyptian and Yemeni foreign ministers have committed to expediting the sailors' release and ensuring their safety.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
A free daily or weekly digest of the stories that matter from 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Ahmed Mekky is making his cinematic comeback after a 13-year absence with the social drama Mawsem El Teen The Fig Season. This film marks his first collaboration with actress Riham Abdel Ghafour and director Mohamed Shaker Khodeir. Mekky's last big-screen appearance was in Samir Abu El Neel in 2013, making Mawsem El Teen a significant project in his career.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, September 3, 2026, where he stressed the shared destiny of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. President El-Sisi highlighted the importance of joint efforts to address regional challenges, asserting that the security of Saudi Arabia and all Arab nations is integral to Egypt's national security. The leaders discussed bilateral relations, with President El-Sisi advocating for continued advancement and strengthening of cooperation across various sectors to serve common interests and foster development and prosperity in both countries and the wider region. He also extended congratulations to the Saudi Crown Prince on the approaching Saudi National Day, wishing for continued stability and prosperity for the Kingdom. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reciprocated the sentiments, affirming the fraternal and historic ties between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He praised the progress in their relations and the close coordination in supporting peace and stability in the Middle East. The discussion also touched upon regional and international issues, with both leaders emphasizing the need to de-escalate current regional tensions to protect peace and stability, especially concerning their impact on energy security, supply chains, and global trade.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has sent a letter to Italy鈥檚 Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, congratulating her government on becoming the longest-serving Italian government since World War II. The letter was delivered by El-Sisi to Italy鈥檚 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani during discussions in Egypt. President El-Sisi also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Meloni to visit Egypt for continued coordination and consultations on matters of mutual interest. The discussions highlighted the importance of implementing the outcomes of the Egyptian-Italian Joint Committee to enhance trade and investment cooperation, particularly in energy, education, maritime transport, agriculture, and tourism. Tajani affirmed Italy鈥檚 commitment to deepening cooperation with Egypt and stressed the need for ongoing coordination to address irregular migration. The talks also covered regional and international developments, including the Iran war and efforts to de-escalate Middle East tensions. El-Sisi emphasized the critical importance of the Nile River to Egypt's national security and rejected unilateral measures concerning it. Both sides agreed on coordinating efforts to support security and stability in the Horn of Africa, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its states. They also stressed the need to ensure freedom of navigation in international waterways, with El-Sisi underscoring the Red Sea's strategic importance to Egypt and rejecting any attempt