Egyptians outraged over medical aid to Italy as supplies dwindle at home
When Egypt's health minister visited Italy with a shipment of medical supplies, many citizens protested that trade and political ties were not worth the cost.
Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed sparked controversy on social media and among politicians and analysts after visiting Italy to provide medical aid to the European country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Zayed arrived in Italy April 5 following instructions by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, "offering solidarity and support to Italy during this ordeal,” according to a statement released by the Health Ministry. She and a delegation of the Egyptian armed forces brought two military aircraft carrying medical supplies such as protective gloves and disinfection materials.
The shipments bear the image of the Egyptian and Italian flags with "From the Egyptian people to the Italian people" written in Arabic and Italian.
Zayed's visit was criticized and ridiculed in Egypt and raised questions among political analysts. Social media users criticized the minister for appearing without a face mask, unlike the Italian Foreign Minister Luigi de Maio, who received her wearing one.
