Egypt and Bulgaria Vow to Deepen Political Dialogue

Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)
Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)
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Egypt and Bulgaria Vow to Deepen Political Dialogue

Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)
Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)

Egypt and Bulgaria have confirmed their deep commitment to deepening political dialogue and enhancing the bilateral relations in a way that reflects the nature of the EU-Egypt partnership, according to a joint statement.

The first meeting of the joint committee on Saturday was held in Cairo and co-chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, and Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Gabriel.

Both sides addressed the geopolitical tensions globally, focusing on developments in Europe, the Balkans, and the escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip.

In a press conference alongside Shoukry, the Bulgarian minister emphasized Egypt's pivotal role and strategic significance in the region. The minister underscored Bulgaria's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Egypt to tackle urgent global challenges.

On Saturday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Gabriel held talks emphasizing the negative impact of the Gaza conflict, which has increased the tension in the Red Sea and the wider region.

Madbouly urged a swift solution to the conflict and a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause, citing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the economic implications for the world.

In addition, he underscored Egypt’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for an independent state along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gabriel stressed the need to urgently reach a solution for the Gaza crisis and ensure the immediate release of the captives, highlighting the regional parties' role in resolving the crisis and expressing her support for the two-state solution.

In a joint press conference with his Bulgarian counterpart, Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands. He warned against the Israeli measures, which naturally lead to this forced displacement, stressing that these measures must be seen as a “systematic policy.”

Shoukry said that Egypt has repeatedly warned of the spillover of the conflict in the region.

The top Egyptian diplomat shed light on the deal formulated through consultations between intelligence agencies in Paris. He also highlighted Israeli statements that considered the deal unacceptable or unsuitable as a basis for a truce.

Shoukry cautioned against the Israeli intentions of escalating military operations in southern Gaza, warning of the grave implications, including high civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

He added that there are 1.4 million Palestinian citizens who are crowded into the very small area of Rafah city while being unable to protect themselves from these military actions.

“There is international consensus that the region cannot bear the same intensity of military operations that we witnessed in the past period,” Shoukry stated.

“The humanitarian conditions are deteriorating, and any expansion of military operations will have grave consequences,” he added.



US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
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US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)

The United States is deferring the removal of certain Lebanese citizens from the country, President Joe Biden said on Friday, citing humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deferred designation, which lasts 18 months, allows Lebanese citizens to remain in the country with the right to work, according to a memorandum Biden sent to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden said in the memo.

"While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military assault in Gaza.

The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally, and led to levels of destruction in Lebanese border towns and villages not seen since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war.

On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.