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President Sisi launches 4th National Youth Conference in Alexandria Abdel Mo’ti Abu Zeid

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Contact us Letter from Cairo Shimaa Abd El-Sabour Rami Ahmed State Information Service (SIS) A bi-monthly periodical on the Foreign Information Sector current political, economic, and Address: 3 Al Estad Al Bahary St. Nasr City, Cairo. cultural developments in Egypt. Tel: 22610761 Issued by: Fax: 22608444 Foreign Information Sector Web Site :www.sis.gov.eg State Information Service E-mail :[email protected] Arab Republic of Egypt

To navigate the issue on the website of the State Information Service click here 2 Editorial Egypt pursues terrorism and its financiers

Many researchers and experts agree that Egypt is at the forefront of the countries combating terrorism and that it is adopting an effective strategy to fight terrorism and destructive thoughts. The Egyptian strategy to combat such a global phenomenon is based on confronting financiers and supporters, adopting a decisive security approach as well as launching pre-emptive strikes against terrorist groups operating inside and outside Egypt. Moreover, the popular support of the Egyptian people to their armed and police forces in the war against terrorism has been detrimental to the success of the Egyptian efforts in this regard. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s speech to the Arab-American Summit in Riyadh in May 2017 echoed the same stance with vigor and candor, thus putting the international community in the face of a number of challenges that needs to be addressed urgently should there is a consensus globally on the necessity to entirely root out such a phenomenon. On the backdrop of the Egyptian stance came the measures taken by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates, The Kingdom of Bahrain as well as Egypt following the availability of strong evidence about Qatar’s involvement in the support, finance and sheltering of terrorists groups. Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against terrorism being a threat not only to Egyptian and Arab national interests but to international security and peace as well. Egypt has been steadfast in its efforts to fight terrorism and extremism, cutting channels among terrorist groups and financiers as Egypt is one of the fundamental pillars for security and stability in the region. The fight against terrorism features high on the priorities of Egyptian foreign policy. Egypt in different fora called upon the international community to adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism that does not target a certain terrorist organization but all terrorist groups worldwide. Towards this end, Egypt called upon the international community to improve the social and economic conditions of the peoples of the region suffering from such vicious terrorist attacks, the most ferocious globally. Out of its conviction that the fight against terrorism is a fight for existence, Egypt reiterated its vision that the fight against terrorism must be decisive and comprehensive, that all forms of terrorism must be tackled, all supply and finance lines must be cut off, that the fight must not be limited to one terrorist organization, that the war against terrorism is a war of long breath so as to be able to eradicate terrorism and extremism sponsored by countries and groups under the guise of religion as a means to spread devious thought. In the 4th National Youth Conference held in Alexandria on 24-25 July, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s stance regarding terrorism ant its financiers during a session titled “Creating a Failed State: Confrontation Mechanisms”. He stressed the necessity to combat countries that support terrorism. “Egypt will never backtrack in the fight against terror,” the president made it clear. He warned that terrorism has exceeded its regional borders . “Extremism is unacceptable because it runs counter to the natural growth of ,” he said. 3 President Sisi launches 4th National Youth Conference in Alexandria

Inaugural session of 4th National Youth Conference in Alexandria Economic & social reform only way to preserve the State The Fourth Youth Conference, entitled “Egypt Vision 2030” opened at the Alexandria Library in the presence of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The two-day event focused on vital national and popular issues. Groups of youth, ministers and senior officials, as well as MPs took part in the event. About 1,300 persons representing youth from the West Delta region were present. A documentary on recommendations of the previous youth conferences was played in the first session. Another documentary reflecting on an idea to hold a world youth forum was also screened. It was then announced that a world youth forum would take place in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm El- in November. An official website of the world youth forum was also launched for youth from all over the globe to interact and communicate. A third documentary on youth in the West Delta region and problems they are facing was also played. President Sisi said that all problems will be probed and solved no matter how difficult they are. He then announced the opening of the conference. During a session titled “Creating a Failed State: Confrontation Mechanisms, President Sisi calls on the media to support the State and patriotism. During the “Ask the President” session, President Sisi answered questions raised on social media on several public, political and economic topics. The session comes within the framework of the president’s keenness to open communication channels with the citizens. The conference tackled high prices, joint responsibility of state, community and citizen and horizons of sustainable development in the economic sectors. 4 Economic reforms vital for providing Minister of Education Dr. Tarek Shawki during sufficient resources to upgrade education, the 2030 vision session, the president said health, services the culture of the society regarding education The first working session of the Fourth which has built up throughout the past decades Youth Conference kicked off under the title must be taken into consideration otherwise of “Egypt Vision 2030” in the presence of developing education will not be implemented President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Prime Minister on the ground. The society has to be ready Sherif Ismail, Minister of Defense and Military to accept development in order to offer high Production Sedqi Sobhi, Parliament Speaker quality education to all students, the president Ali Abdel Aal and a number of ministers and said. President Sisi referred to salaries of top state officials along with 1,300 youth from teachers, saying he is well aware that they are universities and governorates of West Delta underpaid but the problem lies in available region attended the two-day conference. resources. Addressing the working session, Minister of Planning and Administrative Reform Hala El-Saeed said any state should have a crystal-clear vision to achieve the aspired- for development. She cited the example of South Africa, a country that has successfully implemented a vision to achieve its economic development goals. The minister also pointed out to the success story of Singapore which has been named “Asia Heaven” for the big progress it has achieved over the past three years. She also voiced confidence over achieving the goals of such vision in view of the wide participation of the government, private sector, civil society, youth and intellectuals. Minister of Planning Dr. Hala El-Saeed said the basis of Egypt vision 2030 strategy is to build the Egyptian people through the quality of education and honing the skills of graduates to reach global standards along with enhancing the health system and health offices. She referred to the establishment of Yassin El-Zoghby meets President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi an industrial basis and promotion of small Prime Minister Sherif Ismail asserted that and medium-sized enterprises, saying an his government has addressed long-term issues increase in exports by 23% has been reached through a number of tough decisions over for the first time. The country aims at reaching the past three years. Addressing the session self-sufficiency in wheat by 80% and expand on Egypt 2030 Vision, Ismail said that the agricultural and trade investment in order to reform process will continue over the next increase job opportunities particularly for two to three years. He stressed that “every fresh graduates, she added. She pointed out decision taken by the political leadership is to efforts to cover a comprehensive health a step toward a better future”. He pointed insurance coverage for all citizens. out to severe economic problems including President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that no the budget deficit and the country’s public amendment will be done to the educational debt that had be addressed. There are other system unless its success is absolutely critical issues that require solutions including guaranteed. Commenting on a speech by infrastructure that should be improved to 5 absorb the growing population and the need He pointed out that he has regular meetings to attract more investments, the premier with officials to discuss the problem. said. Ismail cited among other problems the Sisi said the recent economic measures subsidy system that requires a reshuffle to were tough, but would have positive results. secure that it reaches those who deserve it. “We did not have other options but to take He stressed that the government’s goal is to such inevitable choices,” he added. The markedly improve the living conditions of government has measures to protect citizens citizens through providing job opportunities, if any economic decision is taken so as not to offering efficient services, and developing the cause any pressure on them, the president said. educational and healthcare systems. The ration card system covers about 75 Egypt’s constant policy is non-interference million citizens, and the person’s share in other countries’ domestic affairs has been increased from EGP 15 to 50, he President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi asserted added. Sisi said that the pensions have been Egypt’s constant policy is non-interference increased last year to hit a minimum of EGP in the domestic affairs of other countries. 500 pounds, after it was from EGP 200 to Addressing the “Ask the President” session 300 in the past. He added that an exceptional of the youth conference in Alexandria, Sisi and periodic bonus was granted to those who stressed the necessity to combat countries that are not governed by the civil service law for a support terrorism. “Egypt will never backtrack minimum of EGP 130. The president said that in the fight against terror,” the president made the social insurance system covers 1,750,000 it clear. He warned that terrorism has exceeded families, while the Takaful and Karama social its regional borders and it must be combated. safety nets program serves 1,750,000 others. “Extremism is unacceptable because it runs He added that farmers are also exempted from counter to the natural growth of humans,” he the agricultural tax for three years. said. The president confirmed that the Middle Sisi said civil companies are working in East and Europe will never witness stability several projects under the supervision of the if terrorism is not defeated. “The impact of Armed Forces. He added that the government terrorism is not local in one, two or three is doing utmost to provide protection measures, countries, but it exceeds the region to other that are still not enough. The president said the regions,” said Sisi. He noted that preparedness State has been working on fixing the subsidy for combating this phenomenon has increased. system since more than two years through

President Sisi answers questions from Egyptian youth in ‘Ask the President’ session 6 President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 4th National Youth Conference in Alexandria a process of completing the databases. He pertaining to housing projects. “I want added that the ration card system is the most accomplished buildings to be sold with a successful mechanism so far for providing suitable planning that meets demands of subsidy for all with their different citizens as much as possible,” he said. The conditions. president asserted that Egyptians deserve “Establishing databases at the national level better lives. He said he deals with citizens as takes time and effort from the state,” he said. one family. Sisi said that the government made an President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that achievement in the issue of electricity as it Al-Quds is witnessing regrettable incidents solved it while combating terrorism. He added and that Israel should respect the feelings of that another achievement for the government Muslim toward their sanctuaries. Asked about is the giant leap reached in developing the the latest wave of violence in the holy city, Sisi road and bridge system. He estimated the cost said “This must be brought to a halt and the of the national road system to hit EGP100 feelings of Muslims must be respected.” “It’s billion. The State has made a huge leap in important not to take provocative measures the establishment of social housing units, the for Muslims whether in Palestine, our region president said. He hailed efforts made by the or the Islamic world,” he told the session. Housing Ministry in providing social housing “Al-Aqsa Mosque is a very sacred matter for units. The State is building 10 new cities, and Muslims. I hope the existing measures which the Egyptians will benefit from them at an provoked Muslims will be stopped,” he said. unprecedented time, Sisi said. He expressed President Sisi urged the Egyptian people to confidence in the future of the Egyptian State. widely participate in the coming presidential Asked about future social protection election, whatever the candidate they want to measures, Sisi said that the previous steps cost choose. The president affirmed that he would EGP 85 billion, adding that such measures will accept any result of the polls. He added that the be improved as long as the financial situation whole world should see the will of the Egyptian of the State gets better. people. The Egyptian people challenged the most powerful terrorist organization in the President Sisi said he supports central world, Sisi said. “No one will be able to lead governance during the current stage as the Egyptians against their will”, he added. 7 The president pledged not to govern against best use of natural resources, rationalizing the the people’s will. “We are at a difficult stage, use of water, increasing crops and enhancing and every day we achieve better results,” he competitiveness of the agricultural crops in said. “Terrorists aim to weaken the morale of the local and external markets. During the all Egyptians,” Sisi said. first session of the fourth National Youth The president hailed a recent increase in Conference dubbed “Egypt’s vision 2030”, the foreign exchange reserves with the Central El-Banna said that the prices of wheat crops Bank of Egypt to $35 billion. “I hope they increased after updating the exchange rate, will become $350 billion,” he said, asserting while 25 silos with a capacity of one and half that the State “is moving well”. “The current million tons were established. The minister difficulties are the hardest to be shouldered further reiterated that Egypt produces 2.4 by citizens,” the president said, reiterating million tons of sugarcane, while the country’s that “Egypt will become a strong country with needs reach 3.2 million tons. Additional 55 a better future.” feddans were cultivated with sugarcane during this year, he reiterated. The minister also said The banking sector is qualified to support that the lands planted with cotton reached youth projects, Sisi said. He added that a 129,000 feddans, adding the Egyptian cotton large allocation has been made to finance was mixed during the security vacuum in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, 2011-2012. he added. 2,400 kilos added to roads with special The president said that the country has standards not been able to confront this intellectual terrorism as required so far. He added that Transportation Minister Hisham Arafat the political will is not enough to counter said that about 2,400 kilometers were added terrorism, which needs a will by all Egyptians to roads with special standards. During the to be uprooted. The president assured the first session of the fourth National Youth people that the State is achieving progress in Conference dubbed “Egypt vision 2030”, the the problems it addressing. minister underlined that the special standards “We have finalized 11 files,” he said, adding are adding three alleys in each direction, that the remaining is the file of prices. He noting that bridges were established on the argued that the State is working on improving Nile. He further reiterated that there is a third the mechanisms of market and offering more stage of the national project for roads which supplies to cut prices. “Other measures have includes 1,700 kilometers. Arafat underscored been also taken by the government,” he that three bridges were finalized on the Nile said, adding that the State will not enter in a during the last phase, adding that another five standoff with businessmen. fly-overs are being implemented. Concerning The president said that by June 30 next the railways, the minister said that the railway year one million feddans will be added to the crossings and stations were developed, adding agricultural lands in Egypt. He said that there that his ministry currently targets developing is a program to breed one million head of the infrastructure of the railways. cattle, adding that the plan has no relation with Industrial development, external trade the public or private sector. As for new cities, ratings rise the president said they meet top standards. Trade and Industry Minister Tareq Qabil They cover all parts of Egypt, he added. asserted that the ratings of Industrial Vision 2030 focuses on rationalizing use development and external trade grew at a fast of water pace according to the planned strategy. During his participation at the fourth Youth Conference Agriculture and Land Reclamation Minister Egypt Vision 2030, the minister said that the Abdel Mon’em El-Banna said that the strategy ministry’s strategy was part of Egypt vision 2030 pertaining to agriculture focuses on the 2030 aiming to make the Egyptian economy 8 competitive, balanced and diversified. He population growth. During the first session added that many accomplishments were of the fourth National Youth Conference, the made in different governorates and industrial minister reviewed the issue of population cities, adding that there is a goal to make the growth and its consequences. Emad Eldin Egyptian economy reach the top 30 economies affirmed that population growth harms the in the world by 2030. fruits of development. He further underlined Urban development main base for Egypt that population growth was normal during vision 2030 2005-2007 while its worst phase was during 2011-2014. Housing Minister Mostafa Madboli asserted that urban development is the main base of Solidarity minister: Economic reform Egypt vision 2030. During the first session expands social protection measures of the fourth National Youth Conference, the Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali said minister reviewed what has been accomplished recent economic reform measures have much in Egypt vision 2030. He also said that the contributed to expanding social protection Housing Ministry put a strategy for urban measures. Addressing a session titled “Takaful development which aimed to increase urban and Karama” held on the fringe of the second areas from 7% to 11%, noting that the strategy day of the Fourth Youth Conference, Wali said was launched in 2014. He noted that Egypt the social protection measures are related vision 2030 aimed to end unsafe areas in to the development plan for 2030 and the 2020/2021, noting that the state’s goal was economic reform program presented by the to build 150,000 housing units annually. government to the parliament. The allocations Regarding water and sanitation, the minister of the social protection program reached EGP said that 700 projects have been finalized with 3.6 at its beginning, said the minister, adding investments of EGP 46 billion. He asserted that that the plan of 2030 aimed at doubling the the first Egyptian experiment in constructing number of the beneficiaries among 10 to new cities was considered as one of the most 20 percent of the most poor categories of successful examples in establishing new urban the society. The allocations of the fiscal year communities. 2016-2017 reached EGP 18 billion with a plan Education vision 2030 provides education, to increase the number of covered families training to everyone from 1.6 million to 3 million according to the Minister of Education Dr. Tarek Shawki said 2030 development plan, said the minister, Egypt vision 2030 aims at providing education asserting that the government would continue and training to everyone at high quality without expanding the social protection programs to discrimination and within an efficient, just, cover more families. fair and sustainable institutional system that Egypt will not take its place among world focuses on students and trainees who are able countries without facing challenges to think and use technology. Addressing the 4th Youth Conference “Egypt Vision 2030” session, the minister said the vision includes President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said improving the quality of education to meet Egypt will not take its place among world international standards. The education process countries without exercising patience and is of common responsibility and the society has facing challenges. Addressing a session titled to be ready to accept development in order to “Economic reform.. indicators, results and guarantee high quality graduates, he added. protection package”, within the activities of the Fourth National Youth Conference, the Health min. stresses importance of outlining president deemed the reluctance to take a strategy to curb population growth proper action as a “betrayal of homeland”. Health Minister Ahmed Emad Eldin stressed Egyptians proved that they are well aware of the importance of outlining strategy a to curb their responsibilities towards their country, 9 Economic reform program aims at reducing dependence on aid Minister of Finance Amr El-Garhy has said Egypt’s economic program is integrated with the aim of achieving the highest level of economic growth and reducing dependence on aid. Addressing the economic reform session on the sidelines of the youth conference, the minister said “We have been using expression economic reform for 30 years and conduct incomplete reforms either with regards to the timing of taking decision or not dealing with important economic files.” From 1997 and till 2003, the government defended the Egyptian pound for six years and we repeated the same stance from 2011 till 2016 until the foreign reserve faded away, said the minister, adding the problem does not only lie on the decrease of reserve but on its impact competitiveness and industry. The minister added that the volume of industry and Sisi said, adding “We must decisively solve our exports does not exceed 20 billion dollar while problems in order to move forward”. President it stands at 200 billion dollars in countries Sisi pressed for the necessity of introducing such as South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia and economic reform measures without reluctance. Turkey. He considered as “treason” the reluctance in Total revenues of public business sector taking a “right” and “well-studied” decision companies exceed EGP 80 bn as per the state’s interests. Total revenues of public business sector Addressing a session on “Economic companies exceeded EGP 80 billion from Reform” on the second day of the Fourth June 2016 to June 2017, Minister of Public Youth Conference, Sisi said the president Enterprise Sector Ashraf Sharqawi said. should not hesitate in taking a decision for the Revenues increased due to the rise in exports best interest of his nation, voicing hope over an carrying out economic and structural continuing the steps that have already started reform in these companies, he added. Salaries in this regard. Egyptians have proved that of workers at such companies - standing at they are up to their responsibilities with full EGP 13.8 billion - were paid from the firms’ understanding and deep awareness, he added. revenues not from the state budget, he said. He praised the mightiness and steadfastness of He made the remarks during a session on the Egyptian people, noting that Egypt will not economic reform held within the framework of take its place among world countries without the 4th National Youth Conference. President bearing much of the difficulties it faces. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the session. Egypt has no other option except reform He noted that there are major challenges in order to leave a real state for the coming besetting public companies, especially mal- generations, Sisi said, noting that public distribution of laborers. enterprises companies need genuine reform, Media urged to support State, patriotism urging the media to shed light on the companies and industries which have really benefited from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that he the current reform measures with special focus is working to solve all problems that could lead on the industries that need high technology. to toppling the Egyptian State. Addressing a 10 session on mechanisms to face the making of a failed state, Sisi said it is important to lift spirits of the people in the face of attempts to weaken the State. He made it clear that his strategy for the next four years is to maintain all aspects of the State. President Sisi said that boosting the moral support of the Egyptian people after a difficult period of four years or more was among the goals of establishing the new Suez Part of the activities of the second day of 4th Youth Conference Canal. The State is ready to finance cinema He added the national project of the production working on promoting the national population database is a rebuilding of the sense, he added. President Sisi suggested to memory of the State which has suffered for form a teamwork under writer Medhat el-Adl many decades from lack of information that to develop an integrated vision to produce has actually led to a deficiency in delivering artistic works aiming to counter attempts to subsidies to their actual beneficiaries. He weaken Egypt. Criticism affects the stability of noted that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the Egyptian State, the president said. Egypt was keen on adopting the modern scientific was saved from fighting thanks to the solidarity ways in building a strong database that could of the Egyptian people and the Armed Forces, guarantee punctuality and transparency in the he added. citizens’ relations with the State. Sisi calls for outlining integrated info. The State is capable of outlining a system comprehensive strategy for all the conditions President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called for of its citizens whether economic or social in outlining an integrated information system order to reallocate the resources so as to cope in one year at the most. The infrastructure of up with the various levels of the citizens. He that system should be highly secured because said the project will take into consideration it will have big benefits, Sisi said in his speech the most needy categories of the society based during the second session of the Fourth Youth on cooperation among the various ministries Conference. The State is willing to provide any and the special interest of Prime Minister kind of financial support for the project, he Sherif Ismail. Erfan also extended thanks to noted. Sisi said the State can very well benefit PM Ismail and the communication minister from skilled youth in this regard to be able to on their support to the project, voicing hope finalize the system as soon as possible. over further developing cooperation among the ministries of planning, administrative ACA: National project of population development and other concerned ministries database most important in modern Egypt to materialize such aspired-for database as President of the Administrative Control soon as possible. Authority Mohammad Erfan asserted that Egypt to lure $30 bn investments in SCZone the national project of the population in coming 5 years database is the most important one in modern Egypt. Addressing a session on “the state’s The Investment and International comprehensive population database system” Cooperation Ministry and the General held on the fringe of the second day of the Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone Fourth Youth Conference, Erfan said the State (SCZone) are working together to lure local and should have accurate information about its foreign investments worth 30 billion dollars in citizens and their social fabric and structure. the Suez canal economic zone in the coming 11 five years, said Investment Minister Sahar Alexandria. The president gave a speech at Nasr. Speaking at a session of the Egyptian the ceremony and honored a number of youth government simulation program of the Fourth who excelled in several fields. The ceremony National Youth Conference, held under the included a show of artistic talents by a number aegis of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Nasr said she will visit Singapore in August of youth from western Delta governorates. to promote the most important investment A documentary on prominent figures who opportunities in the SCzone. made big contributions in different fields was Nasr further stressed that her ministry screened during the ceremony. It presented is working on attracting FDIs to shore up a group of youth who had rare experiences Egypt’s economy via securing more jobs for in serving the society in a number of fields youth, reducing unemployment rates and including Aya Taha who, despite her suffering increasing the citizens’ income. The Investment from muscle atrophy, was a top Thanwaya Ministry works on injecting investments Amma student this year. Nour el-Sherbini, in major national projects, topped by the new administrative capital, Nasr said. She who retained the title of the World Squash added that China Fortune Land Development Championship, held at Egypt’s Al- Gouna on Company (CFLD) plans to plough cash into April 5-14, was among the heroes of the film. the infrastructure of the new administrative The documentary also presented Yassin El- capital and designing and establishing an Zoghby, a 16-year-old high school student, integrated city stretching over an area of 63 who toured Egypt’s Delta cities on his bicycle square kilometers. The new city is expected despite the loss of one of his leg. to ensure cumulative FDI flows amounting to 6.7 billion dollars by the fifth year and secure In the ceremony, President Sisi granted the 160,000 jobs, Nasr noted. Creativity Award to a number of prominent Sisi in closing ceremony of youth figures, students and employees. Late conference: journalist and former Head of Radio and Television Union Safaa Hijazi was on the top Egypt not to allow anybody to stop will, of the list of honored persons. challenge march President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said the President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended Egyptian State and people will not allow the closing ceremony of the Fourth National anybody to stop their will and challenge Youth Conference in the coastal city of march. Addressing the closing ceremony of the 4th National Youth Conference, Sisi added that the Egyptian people are capable of challenging all difficulties. Sisi hailed the Egyptian people who have proven once again to be able to impose their free will to build their state. He added that the National Youth Conference managed to create common spaces and open effective channels of communication 12 President Sisi at the Closing Session of the 4th National Youth Conference President Sisi honors a number of youth who excelled in several fields between the State and the society in general The State managed to develop an advanced and young people in particular. Egypt strategy to reform its national economy, he has always been prepared to face endless added. challenges and to defend the The economic reform decisions were taken civilization against any attacks, the president based on a firm belief in the awareness and said. The homeland faces great challenges patience of the Egyptian people, in addition and strenuous plots to undermine the will to my confidence in the planning methodology of its people and their dream to build it, he of these decisions, which will lead to real added. positive results, Sisi said. The cash reserve Sisi warned of the growing threat of of foreign currencies doubled in less than terrorism at the regional and international three years, the total balance of payments levels, which is supported by states and exceeded $ 7 billion in the first half of the agencies that provide terrorist groups with current year, and unemployment rates have money, training, and media support. The role fallen in conjunction with a rise in growth, played by those countries has become clear he added. to the whole world, the president said. He The government and state agencies were pledged to continue Egypt’s march to uproot tasked to take a series of social protection terrorism. President Sisi said the Egyptian measures for the most affected people, State will be built by the Egyptian people, which will continuously develop them and who would confront all plots made against expand their beneficiaries, the president their country. He vowed revenge for the said. He affirmed the State’s full support martyrs of the homeland. for the “World Youth Forum”, inviting kings, The president said that Egypt faces major presidents, princes and leaders of the friendly economic challenges that have accumulated countries to attend the forum. over the past decades, and must be faced Sisi tasked the government to cooperate with no delay. I took office while the country with young people in developing a mechanism is suffering a severe economic crisis in to periodically monitor and evaluate the conjunction with a decline in public revenues implementation of the 2030 strategy. He of tourism and production, he added. It was also tasked the government to immediately a duty to put the economic reform file on the study all requests and complaints submitted priorities of the national agenda, Sisi said. by the people of the provinces of the West 13 Delta region, which were delivered to young 3-year development plan shall be in place man Yassin Zoghbi and to prepare reports for the ancient city of Rosetta. An industrial on actions taken regarding them. He further stock market will be built on a space of 75 tasked the government to immediately feddans in the nearby town of Wadi El- develop integrated plans for complete Natrun in Beheira Governorate. It would cultural centers in the new administrative be constructed within one year, according capital and the New El- Alamein City. to the president’s decree including also a Egypt to invite heads of states to ‘World number of projects in Kafr el-Sheikh and Youth’ conf. in November Gharbiya governorates. Fatah Al-Bab & El-Zoghbi, special guests at 4th Youth Conference In the past four sessions of the Youth Conference held in Sharm El-Sheikh, , Ismailia, and Alexandria, it became a tradition that two special guests of the youth would be invited to participate in the proceedings and talk with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to put forward their ideas or discuss new visions. In this session, Mariam Fatah Al-Bab, a young lady who wonderfully got 99% in the final exams of Thanawaya Amma (High School Certificate), was invited to participate in the Conference, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has in appreciation for her excellent results at issued a number of decrees to approve the exams. recommendations adopted during the 4th Another guest, Yassin El-Zoghbi, became National Youth Conference held in Alexandria. an icon of challenge and determination. The president said the State will sponsor Yassin, aged 18 years, is one of the people with World Youth Forum to be held in Sharm El- special needs, who toured the governorates Sheikh in November. Heads of states are of West Delta Region on a bicycle to convey scheduled to attend the conference alongside messages of complaints by some of his fellow the youths. Under recommendations of this nationals to the officials, participating in the year’s round of the conference, President Sisi Conference. The President paid a special directed the government to pick a group of tribute to Yassin El-Zoghbi and promised young people into a committee to develop a to consider all the complaints he delivered plan and to follow up the implementation of the State’s strategy 2030. and seek solutions for them. Also, he called on the government to intensify efforts for expanding urban space in the port city of Alexandria with 18,000 feddans and to improve traffic strategies before end of 2017. The recommendations included a plan covering the development of slums by building 7,500 housing units before mid-2018. The president decided a

14 Egypt determined to combat terrorism, root out financiers abroad

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said terrorism represents a serious threat to all peoples of the world. Addressing US-Arab-Islamic summit held May 21 in Riyadh, President Sisi added that uprooting terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that includes political, ideological and developmental dimensions, alongside military and security measures. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reiterated Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Egypt’s stance rejecting the support and United Arab Emirates and Bahrain severed finance of terrorism. The remark was made diplomatic relations with Qatar in a coordinated at his meeting with Arab information ministers move. Yemen, Libya’s government and the who attended in Cairo on July 12 meetings Maldives and others joined later. The four of their council. President Sisi underlined countries as part of their unified ongoing the important role of the media in molding commitment to combatting terrorism acted awareness of peoples regarding the challenges to update their respective lists of designated and threats facing the Arab countries in light of terrorist organizations and individuals. As a the current unprecedented regional situation result fifty nine individuals and twelve entities and the growing threat of terrorism. were designated by the four countries. Terrorism caused much damage to the Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain Arab nation over the past few years, said the said in a joint statement that the Qatari president, adding that confronting terrorism government’s intransigence and rejection of a at all levels through a comprehensive strategy list of 13 demands submitted by the four states is a necessity. to solve the current crisis showed its link to President Sisi highlighted on this score the terrorist organizations, its continued pursuit important role of the media for publishing to undermine the security and stability in the accurate information and spreading the values Gulf and the region and its deliberate intention of tolerance. He further underlined the role of to harm the interests of the peoples of the Arab media in the face of other media outlets region, including the Qataris. The announcement which are seeking to create a fake awareness came after the four states received the Qatari in favor of terrorism. The president also response to their demands from Kuwaiti Emir confirmed Egypt’s keenness not to interfere Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. in the internal affairs of other countries and The four Arab states have accused Qatar of not to conspire against any country. The Arab supporting terrorism. ministers expressed appreciation for the Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain Egyptian people and government for their stressed that the Qatari government has foiled sacrifices in confronting terrorism. all diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis, a move 15 that confirms its intransigence and rejection groups through their media, Abu Zeid noted. of any settlement and reflects its intention The Foreign Ministry stressed the importance to continue its policy aiming at destabilizing of the anti-Daesh international coalition and undermining security in the region, the meeting held in Washington. Delivering Egypt’s joint statement said. The four states expressed address before the meeting, Spokesman for their disapproval of the lack of courtesy and the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said respect of the diplomatic principles showed the get-together comes at a very critical by the Qatari government toward the Kuwaiti time, particularly after the Iraqi government efforts, saying “Doha leaked the list of demands announced the liberation of Mosul from Daesh in a bid to fail the efforts of Kuwait and bring militants. Abu Zeid expected the anti-Daesh back the crisis to the zero point”. war to enter a new phase in the aftermath They underlined that their justified demands of the Arab-Islamic-US summit, which was came as a result of the Qatari government’s held in Riyadh in May and discussed means hostile acts and its continuous breaking of its of eradicating terrorism. He also stressed the commitments, especially the Riyadh agreement importance of confronting terrorism through signed by Doha in 2013. They asserted that drying up its funding resources and restricting all political, economic and legal measures countries that sponsor it. will be taken in the form and the time they Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain see appropriate in a way that preserves their cut off ties with Qatar in protest at its support rights, security and stability and protects their for terrorist and extremist groups in the region, interests against the hostile policies of the especially in Libya, Syria and Yemen, Abu Qatari government. Zeid said. Since the formation of the anti- They also stressed that their demands Daesh international coalition, Egypt was keen are aiming at fighting terrorism, preventing to adopt a comprehensive strategy based on harboring terrorism and financing it and countering terrorism and refuting claims fanned countering extremism in all forms to achieve by Daesh terrorists, he noted. The Spokesman global peace and protect Arab and international also praised the role played by Al Azhar and security. They reaffirmed that the Qatari people Darul Iftaa to spread the moderate teachings are integral part of the Gulf and of in the world. and that all their measures are targeted against Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met on July the Qatari government in order to correct 17 with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah its path which is seeking to divide the Gulf Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in Cairo. Shoukry Cooperation Council, undermine the Arab expressed Egypt’s appreciation to the endeavors and international security and destabilize the of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- region and interfere in the internal affairs of Jaber Al-Sabah to settle the crisis with Qatar countries. on the backdrop of its negative role in the Egypt’s delegation to meetings of the Global region, said the Foreign Ministry Spokesman Coalition Against Daesh affirmed July 11 that Ahmed Abu Zeid. The minister further stressed it is no longer acceptable for the coalition to that Egypt is committed to the list of demands include terror-sponsoring states, Spokesman submitted to Qatar, adding that the measures for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said. taken against the Arab country will continue. The mounting threat of terrorism also originates The four countries (Egypt-Saudi Arabia-UAE- from countries that promote ideologies of terror Bahrain) sense that Qatar goes on adopting the 16 policy of procrastination, paying no attention to the aspirations of the region’s peoples to curb terrorism, Shoukry affirmed. Egypt is standing by the list of demands it and three Gulf Arab countries made of Qatar and will keep sanctions against Doha in place. “The Foreign Minister affirmed to his Kuwaiti counterpart Egypt’s commitment to the list of demands presented to the state of Qatar and the continuation of sanctions taken against it,” Foreign Ministry Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (C) reads a statement while giving a joint press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir (L), UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid bin Zayed (2nd-L) and Bahrinin Foreign Minister Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa (3rd-L) after their meeting said in a statement. The in Cairo on July 5, 2017. insistence comes “in light of what the quartet states see as Qatar’s stalling terrorist groups by the US; and provide detailed and procrastination, and lack of concern for the information about opposition figures that Qatar demands of the four states,” he said. Shoukry has funded, ostensibly in Saudi Arabia and told Sabah the only way the crisis would be the other nations. resolved was if Qatar fulfilled the demands, The foreign ministers of Egypt and Bahrain which include curtailing its support for the along with the UAE minister of state for foreign Muslim Brotherhood, shutting down the Al- affairs and the Kuwaiti minister of state for Jazeera satellite TV channel, closing a Turkish cabinet affairs attended meetings of the foreign military base and downgrading its relations ministers of the countries fighting terrorism with rival Iran. President Sisi told kuwaiti on July 12 in Jeddah with the participation of foreign minister he appreciated what Kuwait’s US State Secretary Rex Tillerson. Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Reaching a settlement in the Qatari crisis Sabah was doing to preserve Arab unity but requires a positive interaction from Qatar that Egypt would not let anyone interfere and abandoning its support to terrorism and in its affairs and would stand strong against extremists, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry policies that support terrorism, Presidential said after the meeting which tackled the Spokesman Alaa Youssef said in a statement. different aspects of the Qatari crisis and its According to the list, Qatar must refuse to developments, as Shoukry re-explained the naturalize citizens from the four countries Egyptian concerns towards Qatar and reiterated and expel those currently in Qatar, in what Egypt insistence on the demands of the four the countries describe as an effort to keep countries boycotting Doha. The top diplomat Qatar from meddling in their internal affairs. said that Egypt’s participation in such a meeting They are also demanding that Qatar hand along with the Arab countries came within over all individuals who are wanted by those the context of the special ties binding these four countries for terrorism; stop funding states with the US, and as part of Washington’s any extremist entities that are designatedas efforts to uproot terrorism. 17 Egypt calls for crystallizing common vision to make best use of Nile water

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held talks with Ugnadan President Museveni. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi voiced Egypt’s Talks tackled fostering cooperation between support of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s Egypt and Uganda in all domains as well as efforts to restore harmony among Nile basin strengthening cooperation among Nile basin states. President Sisi, during a meeting with states. Museveni on the sidelines of the first-ever President Sisi voiced happiness to visit summit grouping Nile basin states, said Egypt is Uganda for the second time in few months, keen on ending the state of division among Nile hoping to further enhance relations with the basin states to foster cooperation among them African nation in all domains. The Ugandan not only in the water domain but in the other president voiced hope that his endeavors to domains as well. He underlined the importance reach consensus among Nile basin countries on of putting into consideration Egyptian concerns many issues would be crowned with success. as regards Nile water, the main source of water Uganda is the current chair of the Nile Council in Egypt. He called for crystallizing a common of Ministers of Water Affairs of the NBI. vision to make the best use of Nile water to Egypt froze its NBI membership in 2010 guarantee water security and achieve hoped- over disagreements about the Cooperative for development in Nile basin states. Framework Agreement, more commonly known President Sisi also took part in closed-door as the Entebbe Agreement. The NBI comprises consultative talks grouping leaders and heads 10 permanent members: Burundi, Democratic of state of the Nile basin countries. He held a Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, , meeting with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Rwanda, , South Sudan, Tanzania, and Museveni on the sidelines of the summit. Uganda. Eritrea has observer status. 18 President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi poses with heads of the Visegrad Group; Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Prime Minister of Poland Beata Szydlo, for a group photo in the Pesti Vigado building before the beginning of the meeting of government heads of the the Visegrad Group or V4 countries in Budapest, Hungary, 04 July 2017. Egypt, Hungary agree on preserving unity, integrity of region’s countries

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in the extraordinary Visegrad Group-Egypt Summit in Budapest, along with the prime ministers of Hungary, Poland, Czech and Slovakia. The summit addressed a number of top issues, namely Egypt’s role in the Middle East, in addition to cooperation in the field of combating terrorism and illegal immigration as well as cooperation in energy. Summit talks also included promoting trade and investment between the Group and Egypt as well as between Egypt and the EU. In his remarks during the visit, President Sisi stressed the importance of the summit in strengthening cooperation between Egypt and the V4 across various fields; given the historic bonds that Egypt shares with the four countries. He affirmed that Egypt looks forward to promoting cooperation with the V4 to the level of strategic partnership between the two sides. The President reviewed Egypt’s efforts to restore stability and realize development, praising the Group’s support of Egypt, which demonstrated their understanding of the nature of the transitional period and security challenges that Egypt encountered to establish a modern democratic state. The President voiced hope to enhance economic ties with the V4, at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He affirmed Egypt’s openness to discussing ways for economic and industrial cooperation, saying Egypt can act as an access point between the V4 and Arab and African markets, and thus realize mutual benefit. 19 President Sisi reviewed the latest Egypt. They expressed interest in enhancing developments in the Middle East, particularly economic relations and increasing trade with in Libya, and stressed the importance that Egypt through intensifying cooperation the international community would work and investment and participating in the on restoring stability in Libya by adopting a development projects that are implemented decisive position to halt some countries from in Egypt. They also voiced their support providing terrorist groups with funds, arms of Egypt’s counter-terrorism efforts and and fighters. Talks also tackled efforts to affirmed their readiness to provide the push forward political process in Libya and necessary support, in light of the dangerous ways of supporting state institutions and the repercussions of terrorism on the security in Libyan army to enable them to undertake the Mediterranean region and Europe. They their role in restoring stability and security stressed the importance of continuing political and monitoring borders. He emphasized the efforts made by Egypt to find solutions to the need to lift the embargo imposed on arming crises in the Middle East. the Libyan army. The V4 heads of government stressed the The President outlined Egypt’s counter- importance of the Egyptian-EU strategic terrorism efforts and noted that terrorism has partnership and affirmed their determination caused the loss of innocent lives, destruction to further enhance relations so as to realize of institutions and infrastructure in addition mutual benefits. They noted the importance to jeopardizing peaceful coexistence. The of the upcoming meeting of the partnership President affirmed that a comprehensive council between Egypt and the EU to further approach is required to confront terrorism enhance cooperation. through drying up the sources of its funding They also confirmed that addressing the and restricting countries that sponsor it. current migrant crisis requires addressing President Sisi affirmed that Egypt is keen its root causes by strengthening cooperation on enhancing cooperation with the EU and among the migrants’ home countries as well as playing an active role in the framework of the transit countries. They lauded Egypt’s efforts Euro-Mediterranean cooperation through the to stop illegal immigration and expressed Union for the Mediterranean. He explained their support and assistance of these efforts. that the latest developments in the Middle The summit addressed ways to enhance East pose new challenges on countries in the cooperation in the energy sector, given the south and north of the Mediterranean that various opportunities in the fields of natural require increasing cooperation to address gas as well as solar, wind and nuclear energy. them, particularly illegal immigration that has to be addressed from the root causes in addition to alleviating the plight of the people in some of the countries in the Middle East and finding political solutions to its crises. He stressed the importance of striking the balance between realizing security and development within the framework of equality and shared responsibilities. The V4 heads of government welcomed developments in Egypt to restore security and stability and to implement economic reform and affirmed their full support of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi shakes hands with Hungarian Prime 20 Minister Viktor Orban. Brief History of Bilateral Relations

- Egypt and Hungary have enjoyed Ottoman rule of Egypt and Hungary during historically strong relations throughout their the period from 1526 till 1699. Throughout rich histories, and there are several important this era, architecture, public administration, milestones that will be described hereafter legal and fiscal policy were twinned in the that prove the existence of connections two countries to a large degree. and relations between these two friendly - During that same period, the Ottomans peoples in all walks of life. solicited the military expertise and support - If we go back to the dawn of civilization, of a Hungarian Army Battalion under the we find that in the historical land of Pannonia command of General Sneijder to suppress the in the Carpathian basin (present-day Nubian revolution in during the Hungary) there have been several important decade from 1530 till 1540. This battalion discoveries of ancient Egyptian artifacts, the never returned to Hungary yet intermingled most important of which being the Egyptian with the Nubian tribes and today they are Vase that is being proudly displayed in the the forefathers of a Nubian sect under the Egyptology section of the Museum of fine name of Magyarab. This name consists of two Arts in Budapest overlooking Heroes Square. parts “Magyar” (meaning Hungarian) and This, and subsequent discoveries, are further Ab (meaning tribe in the Nubian language). proof that relations between the inhabitants Until today, we find many dark-skinned of Pannonia and go back to Nubians who bear the surname Al Magari ancient times and witnessed the exchange (meaning the Hungarian in ) and of gifts and emissaries. who still partially use their mother tongue - Hungarians also confirm that the glorious Hungarian in their intra-tribal dealings Sepulchre and Crown of Szent Istvan, the especially those tribes that inhabit the Wadi founder of Modern Hungary, is enamored Halfa region of Egypt. with Jewels brought to Hungary from Egypt - These tribes were then re-discovered in the tenth century AD. by Count Laszlo Almasy who spent several - With the Mongol expansion into Europe, years living with them and who recorded Hungarian tribes of Central Asian origin their tribal customs and habits and published settled down in the Carpathian basin. These them in several writings under his name. tribes also intermingled with several other Surprisingly, it is the same multi-talented ethnic groups such as the Khazarian Jews, Count Almasy who is credited with helping the Gypsies and Turkic tribes and even some to establish the Civil Aviation sector in Egypt Aramaic and Arabic/Semitic tribes. in the 1930s by establishing several training - Later on, and while Europe experienced programs in the first ever Aerodrome in the dark ages, relations between Hungary Egypt in Heliopolis that now fittingly bears and Egypt experienced a hiatus as economic his name albeit with some colloquial Arabic activity and living conditions deteriorated modification - Egyptians today know it as in the European continent in spite of the Mattaar Almaza (or Almaza airport). The geo-political and economic emergence of legacy of Count Almasy in Egypt extends the Muslim/Arab world. even further, as he discovered the region - Following that hiatus, bilateral relations of Uwainat and the preservation of Al Gilf returned even stronger with the Joint Al Kabeer in the Western Desert of Egypt 21 and thus he was deservingly granted the which coincided with strengthening the title Abu Ramla - master of the Egyptian relations with the Eastern Camp desert - by his bedouin friends. It is also well and adopting Socialist policies after accounted for that Count Almasy had strong the 1952 Revolution, which resulted in links with the Egyptian Royal Family of King promoting Egyptian-Hungarian relations Farouk, and had a lifelong friendship with and augmenting trade, as Egypt imported Prince Alaa El Din Mokhtar. (Count Almasy’s modern and agricultural machineries from biography was emphatically portrayed in the Ganz Company and electric lamps from Oscar winning motion picture The English Tungsram Company. However, the most Patient). significant Hungarian product the Egyptians - Another event that further strengthened have always remembered is the Hungarian relations between the two countries was the Express Train, which is still functioning on grandiose marriage of Khedive Abbas Helmi the Egyptian railways, and the Egyptians II to the Hungarian Countess named it “the Hungarian”. In the Egyptian Marianne Torok von Szendro in 1910. Inspired by his deep love for his new wife, the ruler of Egypt commissioned the construction of the wondrous palace of Al Salamlek in the Montaza district of Alexandria. The Hungarian countess in turn converted to Islam and was granted the name Gawidan Hanem AbdAllah. - The official diplomatic relations between Egypt and Hungary were established after the latter’s independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1928. The first Egyptian Ambassador was dispatched to Hungary in 1948. - The Hungarian excavation missions started their work in Egypt in 1907, and made some significant discoveries in Sharouna in Menya Governorate, and Fashn in Beni Suef Governorate. In 1983, the missions made discoveries in Thebes area, and discovered the tomb of Noble Digihotmos in Al Khoukha area in Luxor as well. - After World War II, Hungary fell under the Soviet hegemony, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi signs the guest book during his meeting with Hungarian President Janos Ader (L) at the Sandor Palace in Budapest, Hungary 22 on July 03, 2017. modern culture, “The Hungarian” has of Egyptian-Hungarian relations. In 2007 become an adjective describing anyone or and 2008, a number of deferred agreements anything that is fast and effective, such as were signed, the most important of which the Egyptian football player Mostafa Abdo was the Economic Cooperation Agreement, who was described as the Hungarian for his accordingly the Egyptian-Hungarian Joint fast running in the playground. Committee was established; this committee - The Egyptian agronomists would never held its first Round in November 2008. forget their Hungarian peers for their - This political, commercial and contractual assistance in establishing the Egyptian momentum resulted in the visit of former Agricultural Museum in Dokki. The president Mubarak to Hungary, on October Hungarian experts were the first to introduce 13th to 15th, 2009, which is considered the the agricultural nurseries to Egypt, and most first visit for an Egyptian leader to Hungary. Egyptians might not know that the name The former president was accompanied by “soba” given to the nursery is derived from the Egyptian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Hungarian word “Szoba”, which means Investment, Trade and Industry, in addition the warm room. to a businessmen delegation. This historic - One of the main pivots of the Egyptian- visit witnessed the establishment of the Hungarian relations during the communist Egyptian-Hungarian Joint Business Council, era was dispatching Egyptian students to the and contributed to Hungarian premier Hungarian universities to study mathematics, Gordon Bajnai’s acceptance of the invitation to visit Egypt and paying a successful visit engineering, medicine, and agriculture. th th 600 Egyptian students graduated in the on February 8 and 9 , 2010. Hungarian universities and a number of them - The two visits focused on reinforcing became university professors and assumed bilateral economic relations and increasing senior positions in Hungary and awarded the inter-investments. The bilateral relations are highest Hungarian decorations, such as Dr. indeed witnessing notable growth, reflected El-Sayed Hassan at Óbuda University, and in the keenness of the business communities Dr. Mostafa Anwar at Budapest University of on achieving joint ventures and increasing Economics, and Dr. Samir Rady the renowned the volume of trade. agricultural expert. - Undoubtedly, those important visits - With the fall of the Iron Curtain and caused a qualitative shift in the Egyptian- the transition of the Hungarian regime Hungarian bilateral relations, and directly from totalitarianism to capitalism, Hungary resulted in the establishment of the First began to focus on joining Euro-Atlantic Egyptian-Hungarian Parliamentary institutions, especially the NATO in 1999, Friendship Association at the Hungarian and the European Union in 2004, at the Parliament in July 2010, and operating four expense of the Hungarian traditional weekly EgyptAir flights as of July 2010, relations with the Arab world and African and the increase of the Hungarian tourists’ countries, and consequently Egypt, despite number to 60 thousand. the continuation of political consultation - Other cooperation fields and opportunities mechanisms with Hungary. are ongoing to strengthening and deepening - Hungarian president László Sólyom bilateral cooperation, and the Egyptian and paid a successful visit to Egypt in December Hungarian Governments are supporting all 2006, where he met with Former President available opportunities to serve the interests Mohamed Hosni Mubarak. This visit marked of both countries.(Source: Egyption Foreign the beginning of a new phase and revival Ministry Website) 23 Brave reforms put Egyptian economy on track

Egypt has started to reap the benefits of the brave economic steps it has taken, particularly as the growth rate hit 4.3% in the third quarter of the ending Fiscal Year 2016-2017, spurred by the sectors of tourism, transport, industry and construction. The overall budget deficit declined to 8.4% and the annual inflation rate dropped to 30.9%. These indicators show that the economy is on track after the measures taken by the government to reform it. According to the World Bank, the overall economic growth rate is expected to hit 5% in the medium range plus a decrease in the unemployment rate to 10% in the next five years; deficit budget would also reach 8% in the FY 2018-2019; public debt is expected to drop to 85% of the GDP compared to 96% currently. Meanwhile, Fitch rating agency has affirmed Egypt at B with stable outlook; Standards & Poor’s has changed Egypt’s rating from B- to B with stable outlook. The Egyptian economy is expected to recover in the FY 2018-2019 driven by investments and local consumption. Egypt’s “Step toward the Future” plan is aimed at realizing sustainable development via drafting policies aimed at restoring financial balance through reducing budget deficit, achieving fair tax plan among all brackets, and promoting growth rate plus controlling inflation. The country also works on enhancing business environment and attracting new investments via applying a set of rules and regulations, particularly as the New Investment Act and its executive regulations have been finalized. Egypt also takes steps toward implementing mega national projects in different strategic fields such as the New Suez Canal, renewable energy, reclamation of 1.5 million feddans, upgrading road network, development of sea ports and maritime transport. The economic reform program has led to boosting exports’ competitiveness, in light of liberalizing the exchange rate of the Egyptian pound against foreign currencies; hence, an increase of exports’ rate of 14% was registered in the period from January to April 2017, reaching $ 7.4 billion against $ 6.5 billion in the same period of the last year. The reform program also includes a partial sale of government banks and firms, including public utilities firms for the first time. The government has also put into effect the Civil Service Act to mend the State’s administrative body. On infrastructure, the government has increased electricity output by boosting power generation by 45% thanks to inaugurating three power plants by the German giant Siemens, connecting 4.8 GW to the Egyptian national grid. This is plus embarking on establishing the New Administrative Capital and providing it with the necessary infrastructure. On the other hand, Egypt hosted and participated in a number of international conferences and meetings to push forward economy, including the Economic Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, the African Economic Blocs Summit “the COMESA, the SADC, and the EAC, the Egyptian-South Korean Business Forum, and Mega National Projects Conference. Egypt participated in international conferences such as the Annual Investment Forum for the Markets of the Middle East and North Africa held in London, the International Investment Conference held in South Africa, and the meetings of the Arab Ministers of Finance and the Governors of the held in Bahrain. 24 Sixth century medical recipe uncovered in St Catherine's Monastery

St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai – possibly houses the world’s oldest continuously operating library.

In a ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters, Minister of Antiquities Khaled El- Enany announced the discovery of a very important medical manuscript uncovered by the monks of St Catherine’s Monastery in South Sinai during restoration works carried out in the monastery’s library. The ceremony was attended by Greek Minister of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media Nikos Pappas, the Archbishop of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Cultural Minister, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Minister of Tourism and South Sinai Governor. The discovered manuscript is one of those known as “Palmesit” manuscripts, dating to the 6th century AD. The manuscript is written on leather and bears parts of a medical recipe of the renowned Greek physician Hippocrates. The manuscript has also three other medical recipes written by an anonymous scribe, one of which contains drawings of medicinal herbs of the Greek recipe. The second layer of writing found on the manuscript is a text of the Bible known as the “Sinaitic manuscript,” which spread during the . “Palmesit manuscripts” are a very well-known type of manuscript written on leather and formed of two layers. The first one, he explained, was previously erased in order to be re-written on the leather again. This was done due to the high cost of leather at that time. The monastery of St Catherine’s contains many “Palmesit” manuscripts in addition to a library containing 6,000 manuscripts, among them 600 manuscripts written in Arabic, Greek, Ethiopian, Coptic, Armenian and Syriac. They are mainly historical, geographical and philosophical manuscripts and the oldest dates to the 4th century AD. 25 150

26 years on establishing 150 Khedival Cairo celebrated

On July 6, 2017, Cairo Governorate celebrated its National Day, which coincided this year with the 150th anniversary of establishing Khedival Cairo. In 1863, Khedive Ismail assumed power in Egypt; he had great ambitions towards modernizing the nation and the capital in particular. He greatly expanded Cairo, building a new quarter of the city modeled on Paris, the Capital of France; hence, Cairo was named Paris of the East. The capital city became an open museum, thanks to the then-modern European architectural styles applied everywhere in the city. This can be best seen in nowadays downtown Cairo, something a visitor can observe at first sight. Cairo is also home to magnificent royal palaces as Mohamed Ali Pasha Palace, which was renovated some years ago, El-Gawhara Palace in Saladin Citadel, the Kasr el-Nil area, best known for its four giant lion statues situated at the front and rear parts of the Kasr el-Nil Bridge, and Qasr el-Qubba, now a presidential palace. Celebrating 150 years on establishing Khedival Cairo, the Cairo Governorate has launched folkloric and cultural activities on the occasion. Celebrations included holding a symposium on Khedival Cairo history, marathon, martial music show, and photo exhibition in downtown Cairo’s streets, as well as photo competition under the title “Our Heritage in 27 Khedival Cairo”. The Governorate also organized trips on foot for students and youths to learn about the history and architectural value of Khedival Cairo’s buildings. It is worth recalling that the Fatimid Ruler of Cairo (Al-Qahirah) Jawhar el-Siqilli laid the cornerstone of the city of Cairo on July 6, 969 AD. The City is situated at the eastern bank of the River Nile, bordering the governorates of Giza and Qalyoubia to the north, with a total area of 1881.04 square kilometer. Recently, the Egyptian government has started renovation plan to restore the spirit of the Khedival Cairo, particularly the downtown Cairo area, which accounts for 75% of the Khedival Cairo. The renovation project aims at renovating some 500 buildings of a unique architectural style that were designed by then famous Italian architects, 100 years ago. The renovation works are made at a cost of LE 400 million (roughly $ 22 million), mostly from non-governmental organizations and corporations that own some of the buildings in Downtown Cairo. On the occasion of celebrating 150 years on establishing Khedival Cairo, the government has decided to issue silver souvenir money of the LE 100, LE 50 and LE 10 banknotes. 28 Ronaldinho: ‘Coming Back Where It All Started! Cairo Is Amazing!’

Ronaldinho during his trip to see the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Ronaldinho in Egypt to promote Tour ‘n’ Cure campaign

As part of Egypt’s world-renowned international “Tour n’ Cure” campaign, the former football idol Ronaldinho Gaucho visited Egypt on July 5th, 2017. Like fellow superstars Messi and Dani Alves, Egypt’s Prime Pharma group hopes Ronaldinho’s visit will encourage Hepatitis-C victims worldwide to seek state-of-the-art medical treatment in Egypt while simultaneously enjoying 5-star holiday pampering. This is Ronaldinho’s second visit since he last played for Barcelona against Egypt’s Al-Ahly football club in 2007 and “he is very happy and excited because he waited for it for too long,” according to Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto de Assis Moreira. Ronaldinho endorsed the campaign in association with Prime Pharma group, which is responsible for providing an integrated treatment plan that includes medical examinations in Egyptian hospitals, administration of the antidote and a one-week rehabilitation period following four months of treatment. Barcelona football star Lionel Messi visited Cairo for the medical tourism program earlier in February. “Messi’s visit to Cairo echoed worldwide. The company received six requests from foreign countries to treat their nationals in Egypt, including Romania, Spain, England and Pakistan,” Tamer Wagih, the chairperson of Prime Pharma said. 29 Ronaldinho during his visit to the Pyramids (Courtesy: Ronaldinho official Twitter account) As part of the “Tour n’ Cure” program, Prime Pharma aims to attract 100,000 foreign hepatitis C patients for treatment in Egypt, aiming to promote “medical tourism” in the country. Prime Pharma agreed last year with the Ministry of Tourism and EgyptAir to facilitate this goal by offering a 50 percent discount on airline tickets, as well as deals with five-star hotels to host patients during their week of sightseeing, Wagih explained. The program provides treatment for foreigners at a total cost of $5,900, including accommodation and airfare. In other countries, treatment usually costs an average of $100,000, according to Wagih. Ronaldinho’s three-day itinerary included a visit to the pyramids and other touristic sites. Posting pictures of his trip on Facebook he wrote: “Cairo is incredible.” He further added that he will call on the entire world to visit Egypt to enjoy its tourist attractions that are not present elsewhere. He also travelled to the North Coast to attend a major event in which he announced his sponsorship of Prime Pharma. The Ronaldinho Foundation aims to provide treatment to those in need around the world in cooperation with international companies and donor institutions. The World Health Organization has commended Egypt on its success in getting the necessary medication to those in need. 30 Professor Magdi Yacoub For Nobel Prize Professor Magdi Yacoub was born in Egypt and graduated from Cairo University Medical School in 1957, trained in London and held an Assistant Professorship at the University of Chicago. He is a former BHF Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery for over 20 years and Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Harefield Hospital from 1969-2001 and Royal Brompton Hospital from 1986-2001. Professor Yacoub established the largest heart and lung transplantation programme in the world where more than 2,500 transplant operations have been performed. He has also developed novel operations for a number of complex congenital heart anomalies. He was knighted for his services to medicine and surgery in 1991, awarded Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 1998 and Fellowship of The Royal Society in 1999. A lifetime outstanding achievement award in recognition of his contribution to medicine was presented to Professor Yacoub Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub with a heart patient of The Chain of Hope. by the UK Secretary of State for Health in the same year. supervised over 18 higher degree (PhD/MD) students and Research led by Professor published over 1,000 articles. Yacoub include tissue engineering Sir Magdi has an active interest in global healthcare heart valves, myocardial delivery with particular focus on developing programmes in regeneration, novel left ventricular Egypt, The Gulf Region, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Jamaica. assist devices and wireless sensors He is Founder and President of the Chain of Hope charity, with collaborations within treating children with correctable cardiac conditions from Imperial College, nationally war-torn and developing countries and establishing training and internationally. He has also and research programmes in local cardiac units.

31 Professor Magdi Yacoub became the first Egyptian to receive the Order of Merit. He received the UK Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the first Egyptian to ever receive the prestigious award. Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub was awarded the Order of Merit for his accomplishments in the fields of cardiothoracic surgery and transplants. The Order of Merit is a dynastic order and is restricted to a maximum of 24 living recipients at any time. It was founded in 1902 by King Edward the VII and amongst its recipients is Sir Winston Churchill. By 2001, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub had retired from performing surgery for the UK Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub was able to grow National Health Service at the age of 65. part of a human heart valve, from stem cells for Today, Professor Yacoub continues to work the first time in history. as ambassador and consultant for transplant The Aswan Heart Centre Project (AHC) is an surgery and performs heart surgery on children exceptional project launched in 2009 to establish through his charity, The Chain of Hope. a centre of excellence to combat heart disease The Chain of Hope is a charity that treats in Egypt. A project of great significance to the children with life-threatening heart conditions in developing countries. He also established Egyptian People, it places emphasis on making the Aswan Heart Center (AHC) in April 2009 available state-of-the-art facilities, resources, in upper Egypt, in addition to, various training research and scientific methods to provide heart and research programs around the world. In patients – especially the underprivileged – with recent years, a British medical team led by the highest standards of care available today. The

32 AHC is an integral part of the Magi Yacoub Foundation (MYF), one of Egypt’s most renowned charity organizations in Egypt. The MYF is the body responsible for strategic management and administration of the AHC. Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub is the Chairman of the Executive Board that is in charge of the Centre’s day-to-day operations and oversight, with other Members appointed by the Magdi Yacoub Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Honors and awards: - 1992 knighted by HM Queen Elizabeth II - 1998 Texas Heart Institute Ray C. Fish Award for Scientific Achievement in Cardiovascular Disease - 1999 Lifetime outstanding achievement award in recognition of contribution to medicine, Secretary of State for Health (UK) - 2001 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Heart Failure Summit : Kaufman Awardee - 2003 Golden Hippocrates International Award for Excellence in Cardiac Surgery (Moscow) - 2007 Pride of Britain - Lifetime Achievement Award - WHO Prize for Humanitarian Services - 2004 International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation Lifetime Achievement Award - 2006 European Society of Cardiology Gold Medal - 2007 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Lifetime Achievement Award Queen Elizabeth II delivering the Order of the Merit to Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. 33 34 Egyptian footballer Salah to Liverpool in a club-record transfer

The English Premier League club of Liverpool has confirmed the transfer of the Egyptian international footballer Mohamed Salah from the Italian side Rome for a club-record of € 42 million. ‘Mohamed has the perfect mix of experience and potential – this is a really exciting signing for us,’ Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s Manager said of his new player. “Most important though, for us, is that he is hungry, willing and eager to be even better and improve further. He believes in what we are trying to do here at Liverpool and is extremely keen to be part of it. He is very excited about performing for our wonderful supporters,” Klopp added. For his part, Salah said “I’m very excited to be here with such a big team as Liverpool…I will do my best to better serve the team.” Born on June 15, 1992 in Basyoun, el-Gharbiya Governorate, Mohamed Salah made his début with the Cairo-based the Arab Contractors Club in May 2010. Thanks to his talent and outstanding skills, Salah made a transfer to the Swiss Super League Club Basel in April 2012, which gave him a chance to play in the UEFA Champions League, where he played against the English giants Chelsea. In January 2014, Chelsea signed Salah for € 13.25 million, being the first Egyptian player to sign for the Blues. Unfortunately, Salah made only three Premier League appearances for Chelsea, before his loan move to AFC Fiorentina, Italy for 18 months from which he moved to AS Rome, a transfer that changed Salah’s football career completely. For AS Rome, Salah scored 19 goals and was chosen the team’s Player of the Year in 2016-2017. Salah made 11 appearances for the Egypt U-20 team and Egypt U-23 team, representing Egypt in both 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2012 Summer Olympics. Since 2011, he made 53 appearances for the Egyptian National Team, scoring 29 goals. Early in 2017, Mohamed Salah led the Egyptians to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Gabon, before losing to Cameroon 2/1. Salah won the CAF’s Best Junior Player in Africa in 2012, Best Player in the Swiss Super League in 2013, Player of the Year in AS Rome two times in 2016 and 2017, and the Best Arab Player at the Globe Soccer Award in 2016. He was also named in Cup of Nations Team of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Gabon.

35 Canada wins FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup in Cairo Canada snatched its first ever basketball world title, pounding Italy 79/60 in the final of the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup for men hosted in Cairo July 1-9, 2017. Egypt ranked 12 out of 16 teams, including Italy, the USA, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, France, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Japan, New Zealand, Angola, Korea, Iran, and Mali. The participating delegations praised Egypt’s success in organizing the competition and the warm welcome they received in the country. The organizing committee organized trips to the participating teams to Egypt’s tourist attractions, particularly the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and the historic city of Cairo, promoting tourism during the activities of the tournament. 36 Farida Osman Wins Egypt’s First Ever Swimming World Championship Medal

Egyptian swimmer Farida Osman won a bronze medal at the FINA Swimming World Championships, becoming the first Egyptian to score a medal of any color in the championship. The 22-year-old swimmer attained third place in the 50m butterfly in a time of 25.39, with only 0.01 seconds apart from the silver winner. While competing in the Hungarian city of Budapest, Osman set a new personal and African record that she has held since 2013. In the semi-finals of the championship, she broke her African record twice. Osman broke the African record for the third time in this event, topping her previous mark set at the semi-finals by 17th FINA World Aquatics Championships “ 0.25s. She missed Women's 50m Butterfly” awarding ceremony the silver by 0.01s to Ranomi Kromowidjojo the 2015 World Championship of the Netherlands, while after clocking 25.78 seconds, an the gold was claimed by African record at the time. Sarah Sjoestroem of Sweden, who Osman had an outstanding competition, swam a 24.60s. This represents a where she smashed five African records. She breakthrough for the 22-year- broke the record of the 50m fly three times, swimming a old, who reached the finals in her 25.74s in the heats. She then improved it in the semi-finlas, favorite discipline for the third timing 25.73s before making a huge improvement in the time in a row. final with 25.39s, quashing her old mark of 25.78s set in Having finished seventh in the Kazan in 2015. World Championship in Barcelona In Budapest, she swam a 24.78s in the 50m freestyle in 2013, Osman became the first- heats, improving her previous record of 24.91 set at the ever Egyptian swimmer to qualify Rio Olympics last year. That record lasted only for hours for a final at any FINA World as she broke it again in the afternoon timing 24.62s in the Championship. Two years later, semifinals but unfortunately she ended 9th to miss out on she finished fifth in the 50m fly at the final race. 37 Osman also finished 17th in the 100m fly, timing 58.67s, missing the semi-finals by 0.01s. She also competed in the 100m freestyle, finishing 25th in the prelims, timing 55.52s. The FINA World Championships – or World Aquatics Championships – is the main global competition for aquatic sports: swimming, diving, high-diving, open- water swimming, synchronized swimming, and water polo. The tournament ran from 14 to 30 July this year. About Farida Osman Farida Osman is an Egyptian swimmer born on Jan. 18, 1995. Although raised in Cairo, Egypt Osman was born in Indianapolis, Ind. She has represented Egypt on the international platform, and has performed gold-medal swims. Standing 5’8″ Osman specializes in the sprint butterfly and freestyle events. Born to dentist parents, Randa Elsalawy and Hisham Osman, both attended IUPUI in Indianapolis. She started her swimming career at the age of five alongside her brother, Ahmed, and she made her first Egyptian Olympic team by the age of 17. UC Berkeley She was initially told she had been put on a waiting list, but just days before the 2012 2013-2014 Olympic Games she received her invitation. Osman is seen as a symbol of hope to media As a freshman Osman made an immediate outlets not only for the low representation of impact on the California squad. After a successful Arab women that compete in the Olympics, but Pac 12 meet, she qualified for the 2014 NCAA because in the entire history of the Olympic Championships. She made the ‘A’ final in the Games only five African women have won a 100 butterfly, placing eighth, and she earned medal in swimming. In the 2013 recruiting NCAA All-America honors. Osman also was the class Osman was the no. 12 overall, and was anchor leg on both the 200 and 400 freestyle a part of a California recruiting class that was relays that finished second and third. She earned compromised of four of the top 12 recruits. the team’s “Most Improved” award. 38 2014-2015 Osman was a member of the 2015 Pac 12 Championship Team that won their second- straight conference title. She anchored the winning 200 medley relay that broke the meet record, she won the 50 freestyle earning an NCAA ‘A’ cut, won gold by anchoring the 200 freestyle relay, she quadrupled her wins by taking gold in the 100 butterfly in an NCAA ‘A’ cut, she swam the butterfly leg on the runner- up 400 medley relay, finished third in the 100 freestyle, and anchored the second-place 400 freestyle relay. International Competition Egyptian swimmer Farida Osman Osman is the African and Egyptian record holder in the 50m freestyle. She is also the Egyptian record holder in the 100m freestyle and butterfly. Her best event might be the 50 butterfly, an event that she won at the 2011 FINA World Junior Championships. Not only did she break the meet record there, but she was the first Egyptian woman to win a gold medal at the meet. FINA World Championships Osman competed at the 2011 FINA World Championships. She swam her typical sprint events, including the 50m backstroke, and her best finish came in the 50m butterfly in and made the semi-finals in the 100M Fly 33rd. Just before coming to California for her where she finished 12th with a time of 58.26 first semester, she had a successful meet at the 2013 FINA World Championships. She 2016-2017 NCAA Championships th finished 7 in the 50m butterfly, setting an Osman won the 100 Fly setting a new pool African record, and she also finished 24th in the th record with a time of 50.05. Osman also finished 100m butterfly and 40 in the 100m freestyle. fourth in the 50 Free just missing third by .09 seconds. In the 100 Free, Osman sprinted to a 2012 London Olympics fifth place finish with a time of 47.07. Osman is also an Olympian – she represented Egypt at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. 2017 FINA World Championships After qualifying in the 50m freestyle, she came st 50m Butterfly Final – Day Seven: Egypt’s to a 41 -place finish at the Games. Osman annihilated her African record for the third time to snag bronze in 50m butterfly 2016 Rio Olympics final (25.39) behind Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom Osman again represented Egypt at the Rio (24.60), who won gold, and the Netherlands Olympics. Osman placed 18th in the 50M Free Ranomi Kromowidjojo (25.38) who won silver. 39