Sisi Inaugurates First Egypt International Airshow in Alamein

Sisi inaugurates Egypt’s International Aviation and Space Exhibition in New Alamein City. (Egyptian Presidency)
Sisi inaugurates Egypt’s International Aviation and Space Exhibition in New Alamein City. (Egyptian Presidency)
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Sisi Inaugurates First Egypt International Airshow in Alamein

Sisi inaugurates Egypt’s International Aviation and Space Exhibition in New Alamein City. (Egyptian Presidency)
Sisi inaugurates Egypt’s International Aviation and Space Exhibition in New Alamein City. (Egyptian Presidency)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated on Tuesday the first International Aviation and Space Exhibition at Alamein International Airport. The event drew broad participation from companies and experts in the aviation, space, and defense sectors.

Recognized as the largest exhibition of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, the event aims to support the development of manufacturing and digitization in aviation, defense, and space industries, while showcasing technological advancements in these fields, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The three-day show, held in the northern New Alamein City, features more than 300 companies and entities from 100 countries, said Colonel Arkan Harb Gharib Abdel Hafez Gharib, spokesman for the Egyptian Armed Forces.

The exhibition boasts aerial shows by aircraft from various countries. According to the event organizers, the shows feature aircraft such as the UAE’s Type 200 and F-60, Saudi Arabia’s Eurofighter Typhoon, France’s Rafale, the US F-16, Italy’s Air Machi and others.

For the first time, Chinese Y-20 transport aircraft is participating in an international aviation exhibition outside of China.

Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Samih Al-Hefni described the event as a “unique platform to boost international cooperation in the aviation industry.”

In a statement, he said the exhibition gathers leading global agencies and institutions involved in space technology and aviation, showcasing the latest technological advancements in the sector.

Brigadier General Dr. Hisham Al-Halabi, an advisor at the Egyptian Military Academy, pointed to Egypt’s previous hosting of several editions of the International Defense Exhibition (EDEX), stressing that these events “reflect the country’s growing capacity to host specialized international exhibitions.”

Egypt has held three editions of EDEX, with the most recent taking place in December 2023.

Sisi and dignitaries pose for a photo during the inauguration of the exhibition. (Egyptian Presidency)

On the sidelines of the International Airshow, Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production unveiled two armored vehicles, the ST100 and ST500. According to the ministry, the vehicles were produced in Egypt with 50% local components, and are 100% Egyptian in design, assembly, and execution.

The armored vehicles are resistant to mines and ambushes, capable of performing multiple tasks, and can be equipped for missions ranging from attack and intervention to reconnaissance, surveillance, and ambulance services.

Brigadier General Dr. Mohammed Qashqoush, an advisor at the Egyptian Center for Strategic Studies, said the exhibition has two primary objectives: advancing the aviation and space technology industries and fostering international cooperation in defense, particularly in aviation and air defense.

He highlighted the global participation in the exhibition, noting that it embodies multilateral partnerships, especially with countries like the United States and France, which are key contributors to Egypt’s aviation fleet, alongside China, Russia, India, and several Arab nations.

During the first day of the exhibition, Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization signed an agreement with China’s ELINC to produce advanced defense systems. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed with US Honeywell to certify the organization’s engine factory as an approved maintenance center for aircraft engines.



Türkiye Urges Iraq to Foster Positive Relations with Syria’s New Leadership

The fourth meeting of the Turkish-Iraqi High-Level Security Cooperation Mechanism in Ankara, August 2024 (Turkish Foreign Ministry)
The fourth meeting of the Turkish-Iraqi High-Level Security Cooperation Mechanism in Ankara, August 2024 (Turkish Foreign Ministry)
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Türkiye Urges Iraq to Foster Positive Relations with Syria’s New Leadership

The fourth meeting of the Turkish-Iraqi High-Level Security Cooperation Mechanism in Ankara, August 2024 (Turkish Foreign Ministry)
The fourth meeting of the Turkish-Iraqi High-Level Security Cooperation Mechanism in Ankara, August 2024 (Turkish Foreign Ministry)

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is on an official visit to Baghdad on Sunday to hold discussions with senior Iraqi officials on bilateral ties and regional and international developments.

During this visit, his fourth to Iraq since assuming office in June 2023, Fidan will meet with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, as well as Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, and President Abdul Latif Rashid.

According to sources within the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agenda will cover key issues related to the growing relationship between the neighboring countries, which has seen significant progress over the past three years, alongside current regional developments.

Sources indicated that Fidan will emphasize his country’s commitment to further strengthening its ties with Iraq based on a positive agenda and an institutional framework. He will stress the activation of various cooperation mechanisms established during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Iraq on April 22, 2024.

Fidan will also underscore Türkiye’s recognition of the importance of maintaining Iraq’s stability and security for the broader region, and its support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to counter the adverse effects of Israeli aggression and developments in Syria on Iraq’s stability.

Fidan is expected to advocate for constructive dialogue and neighborly relations between Baghdad and Syria’s new administration, emphasizing that such an approach would benefit both countries and the wider region.

The minister is also set to convey Türkiye’s expectations that Iraq officially designate the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as a “terrorist organization” and take necessary steps to fully eliminate its presence within Iraqi territory.

On security and counterterrorism cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad, sources stated that Fidan will express satisfaction with the growing understanding between the two countries in these areas. He will highlight Ankara’s approval of Iraq’s official stance on the PKK and its anticipation that Baghdad will declare the party a terrorist organization and eradicate its presence entirely.

Türkiye continues its military operations against PKK militants in northern Iraq. Ankara and Baghdad have agreed to coordinate their efforts against the group through a memorandum of understanding on military and security cooperation and counterterrorism. This agreement was signed by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler and his Iraqi counterpart Thabit Al-Abbasi during the fourth meeting of the High-Level Security Cooperation Mechanism in Ankara last August.

Fidan’s discussions will also address ways to enhance trade relations with Iraq, one of Türkiye’s most important economic partners, with a trade volume of $20 billion. He will call for the removal of artificial barriers to bilateral trade and reaffirm his country’s support for the strategic “Development Road” project, while emphasizing efforts to expedite its implementation.