🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
El-Sisi directs removal of investment obstacles in housing, utilities, and drinking water sectors
via Egypt Today3 min read
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with state officials on April 18, 2026, to address and remove obstacles hindering investments in Egypt's housing, utilities, and drinking water sectors. During the meeting, President El-Sisi reviewed progress on various housing and development initiatives, emphasizing the need for clear timelines for project completion. Discussions included the expansion of housing programs, the status of projects in different governorates, and advancements in the presidential "Housing for All Egyptians" initiative. The meeting also covered developments in middle- and upper-middle-income housing programs, aiming for 220,000 units, and luxury housing programs targeting 130,000 units. Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Randa El Menshawy reported on the launch of the first phase of a private sector participation program for low-income housing, which will include 17,000 units in eight new cities. She also provided updates on the rental unit program, which aims to provide 10,000 units in its initial phase, and efforts related to alternative housing under the old rent law. The "Decent Life" Haya Karima initiative was also discussed, with President El-Sisi stressing the completion of its first phase this year and prioritizing wastewater treatment plants in the second phase. Other topics included the Al-Fustat Park project, developments along the North Coast and Red Sea, and progress in New Alamein City, including the International Conference and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
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Must ReadEgypt has urged the complete implementation of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan during discussions with regional partners on the Palestinian cause. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with counterparts from Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia, and the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Abdelatty emphasized the necessity of ensuring continuous humanitarian, relief, and medical aid flow into Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. He also underscored the importance of the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip commencing its work within the enclave to manage daily affairs and enable the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities. The minister called for the rapid deployment of an international stabilization force to establish a secure environment for the transitional phase. Regarding the West Bank, Abdelatty condemned escalating settler violence, annexation, and settlement expansion policies, which he stated violate international law. He also denounced the Knesset’s approval of a law authorizing the execution of Palestinian prisoners and repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning these actions could escalate tensions. The ministers agreed to maintain close consultations to support the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed their commitment to collective efforts for regional security and stability.
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Must ReadEgyptian 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