🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egyptian Foreign Minister discusses regional stability and bilateral ties in South Korea
via Egypt Today3 min read
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.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
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.
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.
Must ReadFrench Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot welcomed the upcoming opening of L’Université Senghor in Borg El Arab, Alexandria, stating it reflects the partnership between Egypt and France. His remarks were made during a phone call with Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Egypt on Saturday to inaugurate the university’s new campus. L’Université Senghor is a French-language international university focused on African development. Established in 1990 and named after former Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor, it provides postgraduate master’s programs in environment, administration, culture, and health. The university was previously located in central Alexandria’s Mansheya district before its permanent move to Borg El Arab.