Kuwait Renews Egypt Deposit, Reinforcing Bilateral Ties

The Central Bank of Egypt. (Reuters)
The Central Bank of Egypt. (Reuters)
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Kuwait Renews Egypt Deposit, Reinforcing Bilateral Ties

The Central Bank of Egypt. (Reuters)
The Central Bank of Egypt. (Reuters)

Kuwait has renewed its deposit at the Central Bank of Egypt, a move that reinforces ties between the two countries.

Kuwait’s ambassador to Egypt Ghanem Saqr Al-Ghanem told Asharq Al-Awsat the extension followed “a thorough study” and reflects Kuwait’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s economy as “a fundamental pillar of Arab and regional security.”

He added that relations between the two countries are “at their best.”

Al-Ghanem described the decision as “a new step reflecting the strength of the special and strategic relations between the two brotherly countries,” adding it confirms continued Kuwaiti support for Egypt amid regional and international challenges.

He noted that the renewal highlights Kuwait’s commitment to Egypt’s economic stability and reflects “deep-rooted ties, shared interests and solidarity in facing regional challenges.”

An Egyptian banking expert told Asharq Al-Awsat the extension will bolster foreign currency reserves, support the economy and “shut down rumors” that the deposit would not be renewed.

The step underscores strong relations and is likely to enhance future partnership and investment between the two countries, he added.

A report by the Central Bank of Egypt on the country’s external position said Kuwait renewed a $2 billion deposit that had been due to mature in September 2025, extending it to September 2026.

The report, cited by Egyptian media on Sunday, said Kuwaiti deposits consist of two tranches of $2 billion each. One has been extended to next September, while the other matured in April. The report, which covers the first quarter of the current fiscal year, did not specify whether the April tranche was also renewed.

It added that long-term Arab deposits at the central bank stood at $9.3 billion at the end of September 2025, including $5.3 billion from Saudi Arabia and $4 billion from Kuwait, split across two deposits renewed annually in April and September.

In December 2025, Kuwait renewed a separate $2 billion deposit for another year through April 2026 to support Egypt’s foreign currency reserves, according to the same report.

Banking expert Mohamed Abdel Aal said the latest extension will support Egypt’s economy across key indicators, particularly reserves, and could pave the way for deeper cooperation, whether through continued deposits or converting them into investments that strengthen bilateral partnership.



Pilgrims Pray on Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches Peak

The flow of pilgrims to Mina proceeded smoothly and easily, supported by all services (Photo: Ali Khamaj)
The flow of pilgrims to Mina proceeded smoothly and easily, supported by all services (Photo: Ali Khamaj)
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Pilgrims Pray on Mount Arafat as Hajj Reaches Peak

The flow of pilgrims to Mina proceeded smoothly and easily, supported by all services (Photo: Ali Khamaj)
The flow of pilgrims to Mina proceeded smoothly and easily, supported by all services (Photo: Ali Khamaj)

Huge numbers of Muslims prayed on Mount Arafat on Tuesday at the climax of the hajj pilgrimage.

From daybreak, thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on the 70-meter rocky hill near Makkah.

Law enforcement personnel and field teams managed crowd flows along vehicle and pedestrian routes, while comprehensive medical, ambulance, and logistical networks stood fully prepared to support the pilgrims.

After Mount Arafat, pilgrims will spend the night in Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic "stoning of the devil" ritual in Mina, starting on Wednesday.


Saudi Joint Chiefs of Staff Director Inspects Armed Forces Preparations for Hajj

Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Pilot Hamid Al-Omari and other officials are seen during his inspection tour. (SPA)
Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Pilot Hamid Al-Omari and other officials are seen during his inspection tour. (SPA)
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Saudi Joint Chiefs of Staff Director Inspects Armed Forces Preparations for Hajj

Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Pilot Hamid Al-Omari and other officials are seen during his inspection tour. (SPA)
Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Pilot Hamid Al-Omari and other officials are seen during his inspection tour. (SPA)

Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Pilot Hamid Al-Omari, on behalf of Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, inspected on Monday the readiness of Armed Forces units involved in this year’s Hajj across the holy sites to ensure support for security and government agencies serving pilgrims.

The tour included the air force detachment at Arafat Airport, Ministry of Defense camps, religious affairs facilities, military police operations at the Grand Mosque, Armed Forces headquarters in Al-Awali, and the Defense Ministry’s field hospital in Mina.

Al-Omari reviewed operational plans, awareness programs, crowd management efforts, and medical preparedness to support pilgrims throughout the Hajj season.

The Military Police of the Royal Saudi Land Forces is participating in the Ministry of Defense's comprehensive Hajj plan, coordinating with internal security forces to manage crowd movement in the Grand Mosque's courtyards, oversee the Grand Mosque's gates, and organize the flow of pilgrims arriving from Mina, ensuring smooth movement during peak times.

The participating force underwent intensive training and exercises simulating various scenarios to boost its capacity for effective response and crowd management in coordination with relevant security entities.


Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Train in Pakistan’s Balochistan

People inspect the wreckage of vehicles the day after a deadly train blast, in Quetta, Pakistan, 25 May 2026. (EPA)
People inspect the wreckage of vehicles the day after a deadly train blast, in Quetta, Pakistan, 25 May 2026. (EPA)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Train in Pakistan’s Balochistan

People inspect the wreckage of vehicles the day after a deadly train blast, in Quetta, Pakistan, 25 May 2026. (EPA)
People inspect the wreckage of vehicles the day after a deadly train blast, in Quetta, Pakistan, 25 May 2026. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Monday the “heinous terrorist” attack targeting a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom reiterates its “complete rejection of all forms of terrorism and extremism and strongly condemns attempts to undermine the security and stability of Pakistan and its people.”

It expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Pakistan.

An explosion targeted a train in Balochistan's provincial capital, Quetta, on Sunday, killing at least 24 people and wounding more than 50 others, according to officials.