Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia foreign ministers discuss US-Iran negotiations and regional developments
via Egypt Today1 min read
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad participated in a quadrilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan on Friday, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The meeting reviewed progress in the US-Iran negotiations and assessed regional developments. This was the third meeting under the quadrilateral mechanism, following sessions in Riyadh and Islamabad. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination in response to evolving regional dynamics, monitoring US-Iran negotiations, and advancing joint efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore security and stability. The ministers also addressed prospects for the regional order after the current war. The Minister underscored the importance of intensified coordination given the region’s sensitive circumstances and welcomed the outcomes of the first meeting of senior officials under the Quartet Mechanism. The ministers exchanged assessments of the war’s economic repercussions on the global economy, covering impacts on international shipping, supply chains, food and energy security, and oil prices. They agreed to maintain close coordination and consultation and to continue supporting the success of the US-Iran negotiations to promote de-escalation and restore calm, security, and stability across the region.
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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.