Egypt’s Sisi, Putin meet as Russia steps up Africa push: What to know Wednesday’s meeting comes on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering in Moscow bringing together African leaders and officials. Egypt
Canada, UAE sign trade pact as Ottawa seeks to diversify beyond US The agreement is set to broadly lift tariffs on key products as Canadian officials hope to boost bilateral trade to $7 billion within a decade. United Arab Emirates
Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Egypt looks for upsurge in tourists from sanctions-hit Russia Cairo and Moscow are holding talks to allow the Russian payment system MIR in Red Sea resorts. Egypt
Egypt’s car industry suffers under dollar crisis Car prices experienced a steep spike in Egypt over the past months as the dollar rose against the Egyptian pound and import restrictions were imposed amidst a decline in supply and a redirection of Egypt’s market shares to other countries. Egypt
Egypt, Congo boost ties with electricity deal Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed to partner in the field of electricity as part of Egypt’s plan to boost its presence in the African continent amid the stalled talks on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis. Egypt
Egypt looks for boost from gas deal with Israel, EU The EU, Egypt and Israel signed an agreement for the export of natural gas to Europe, which would reduce the latter’s dependence on Russian gas. Egypt
Israeli minister backs Moroccan claims to Western Sahara sovereignty On a first official visit to Morocco, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked said Israel recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, and stated Israel’s intention to enable Moroccans to work in Israel in the construction and nursing sectors. Israel
Saudi Arabia, Jordan strengthen ties with energy, mining deals Saudi Arabia is now a major investor in Jordan. Jordan
Egypt, Saudi Arabia sign agreements on green hydrogen, infrastructure The deals came during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
Iran, Kazakhstan boost trade relations with new railway network Kazakhstan is a strong ally of Iran, and has helped the Islamic Republic circumvent sanctions. Iran
Israel expects post-COVID tourism rebound this summer Israeli experts do not expect tourism to reach this summer the record level of 2019, but they certainly notice a trend of increase on both outbound and incoming tourism. Israel
Egypt uses augmented reality to promote medical tourism Egypt’s General Authority for Health Care announced the use of metaverse technology to promote its medical tourism project as the country’s tourism sector is trying to compensate for the losses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Egypt puts up for sale land plots for expats wishing to build cemeteries The Ministry of Housing and Urban Communities in Egypt has put up for sale cemetery lands for Egyptians abroad in four new cities, priced in dollars, as part of the government’s efforts to counter a severe foreign currency shortage. Egypt
Netanyahu builds next electoral platform on new podcast With a new podcast and headquarters and renewed enthusiasm, opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu is already campaigning for the next election. Israel
