🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
President Sisi briefed on food security and strategic reserves amid global challenges
via Egypt Today2 min read
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received a briefing on food security, strategic reserves, and agricultural plans nationwide on Saturday. The meeting included Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa El-Din Farouk, and Colonel Dr. Bahaa El-Ghannam, Executive Director of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority. Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that discussions covered the country’s food security system, including the production and distribution of strategic commodities to ensure sufficient reserves and maintain market stability. The Minister of Supply confirmed reassuring stock levels for essential commodities like wheat, rice, sugar, oil, pasta, and meat. The meeting also addressed the subsidized bread system, updates to the ration card system, and oversight of the National Food Safety Authority. The Minister of Agriculture reviewed preparations for the new wheat procurement season, aiming to collect approximately five million tons of locally produced wheat from April 15 to August 15, with a purchase price of 2,500 Egyptian pounds per ardeb. Developments in Egypt’s poultry sector and efforts to curb rising food prices were also discussed, alongside mechanisms to develop the commodities exchange to ensure price transparency and support small producers. Discussions covered improving the governance of subsidized agricultural fertilizer distribution an
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
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.
Must ReadEgypt has condemned the recent Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates, stating that these actions violate UAE sovereignty and international law. In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the repeated Iranian assaults pose a direct threat to regional security and stability. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting two ballistic missiles and three drones from Iran, which resulted in three moderate injuries. Since February 28, Iran has launched numerous drone and missile attacks against several Arab nations hosting US military bases, leading to hundreds of casualties. Despite a ceasefire with the US in early April, Iran has continued these attacks on the UAE. The Emirati Ministry of Defense has intercepted a total of 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 drones since the conflict began, with these attacks causing three deaths and 230 injuries among Emirati citizens and expatriates. Egypt emphasized that these assaults undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions and establish stability in the region, reaffirming its solidarity with the UAE and support for its security measures.