German-made Frigate Joins Egyptian Navy Fleet

A snapshot of the newly received MEKO A-200 frigate named (Al-Aziz) by the Egyptian Navy on Tuesday, 18 October 2022. Courtesy of the Egyptian Armed Forces spokesman's Facebook page.
A snapshot of the newly received MEKO A-200 frigate named (Al-Aziz) by the Egyptian Navy on Tuesday, 18 October 2022. Courtesy of the Egyptian Armed Forces spokesman's Facebook page.
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German-made Frigate Joins Egyptian Navy Fleet

A snapshot of the newly received MEKO A-200 frigate named (Al-Aziz) by the Egyptian Navy on Tuesday, 18 October 2022. Courtesy of the Egyptian Armed Forces spokesman's Facebook page.
A snapshot of the newly received MEKO A-200 frigate named (Al-Aziz) by the Egyptian Navy on Tuesday, 18 October 2022. Courtesy of the Egyptian Armed Forces spokesman's Facebook page.

The Egyptian naval forces received Sunday a new German-made MEKO-A200 frigate at a base in the coastal province of Alexandria, the Egyptian military said in a statement.

Built by Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the frigate delivery procedures were completed in Bremerhaven, Germany.

The Commander of the Northern Military Region and several Naval Forces commanders and students at the Naval College attended the reception ceremony.

The Commander of the Egyptian Naval Forces, Lieutenant General Ashraf Atwa, stressed the highest degrees of excellence in the combat system and modern technology of the frigate.

The Al-Qadir frigate represents a significant technological addition with immense combat capabilities to the Navy's potential, said the spokesperson for the Egyptian Armed Forces.

He added that the frigate possesses numerous advanced technical features and armament systems that enable it to efficiently and effectively carry out all combat missions, thus supporting the Navy's combat capabilities.

The spokesperson emphasized that the frigate will enter active duty in the Egyptian Navy, contributing to the ability to face challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure complete control over Egypt's extended coastlines in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

In a traditional maritime ceremony, many naval vessels and helicopters participated in a naval parade off the coast of Alexandria, celebrating the arrival of the Al-Qadir frigate.



Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on Syria in the post-Bashar al-Assad era. During a press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said: “A new chapter has begun in Syria. We agree that, as two key neighbors of Syria, we must work together.”
Mikati received an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded ministerial session. Separate working meetings were also held between Turkish and Lebanese ministers.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan pointed to the challenges Lebanon and Palestine faced this year due to “Israeli threats and aggression.” He emphasized that “Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the stability of the region, just as regional peace cannot be achieved without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “Any state that believes increased killing will bring security is making a grave mistake. Israel refuses to understand this truth.”
He also praised Mikati’s leadership and stressed the need for a ceasefire and Israel’s adherence to it.
On Syria, Erdogan stated that a new phase has begun, emphasizing the need for stability in the country.
He said: “For 13 years, we have endured instability in Syria, which has caused immense suffering in the region. Türkiye opened its doors and welcomed Syrians, just as Lebanon did. Achieving stability in Syria and returning it to normalcy are priorities for the coming phase. Establishing a permanent and sustainable governance structure is essential for Syrians and the region.”
Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He continued: “Lebanon and Türkiye will stand by Syria to support its recovery in the coming phase. As we have done in the past, we will act as good neighbors, promoting Syria’s stability. The international community must also take responsibility to ensure regional security and stability.”
For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude to Erdogan, saying: “At every critical juncture Lebanon faces, you have been a steadfast supporter on all levels. We deeply appreciate your brotherly spirit toward our nation and people.”
Mikati highlighted the suffering Lebanon continues to endure due to Israeli aggression, which has caused significant human, economic, financial, social, and environmental damage in recent months.
He underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in halting Israeli aggression, given its extensive network of Arab and international relationships.
On Syria, Mikati acknowledged Ankara’s active role in the region and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing hope for freedom and stability for the Syrian people. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanon-Syria relations based on mutual respect and good neighborly ties.