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.



Funerals Performed in Saudi Arabia for Victims of Aramco Helicopter Crash

The funeral prayer is performed at the Al-Furqan Mosque in Dammam. (SPA)
The funeral prayer is performed at the Al-Furqan Mosque in Dammam. (SPA)
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Funerals Performed in Saudi Arabia for Victims of Aramco Helicopter Crash

The funeral prayer is performed at the Al-Furqan Mosque in Dammam. (SPA)
The funeral prayer is performed at the Al-Furqan Mosque in Dammam. (SPA)

Funerals were performed in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region on Monday for the 14 victims of a Saudi Aramco helicopter crash.

Governor of the Eastern Region Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz performed the funeral prayer for seven of the victims at Al-Furqan Mosque in Dammam. Prayers were performed for three other victims in the al-Qatif region.

The Energy Ministry and Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser offered their condolences over the martyrs.

The accident occurred around 6 a.m. in Ras Tanura on Sunday, and everyone killed was a Saudi national, said the Energy Ministry in statement said. An investigation was opened into the cause of the crash.

An official source at the ministry said the aircraft was a Leonardo AW139. It was transporting oil sector workers from the underwater and offshore oil fields in the Gulf.


Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Qatar after Citizen Dies Following Recent Military Operations

Illuminated skyscrapers are pictured along the corniche promenade in Doha on June 29, 2026. (AFP)
Illuminated skyscrapers are pictured along the corniche promenade in Doha on June 29, 2026. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Qatar after Citizen Dies Following Recent Military Operations

Illuminated skyscrapers are pictured along the corniche promenade in Doha on June 29, 2026. (AFP)
Illuminated skyscrapers are pictured along the corniche promenade in Doha on June 29, 2026. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia offered its condolences to Qatar on Monday over the death of a Qatari citizen who was injured by shrapnel resulting from the recent military operations in the region. One resident was also wounded in the incident.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Kingdom expressed its solidarity with Qatar, its government and people, extending its condolences to the family of the deceased, and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Qatar had on Sunday announced the death of a citizen and the injury of a resident, in a maritime incident, as a result of their being hit by shrapnel from military operations in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said as part of routine monitoring and verification procedures for maritime vessels conducted by General Directorate of Coasts and Boarders Security, it was noted that a vessel with two individuals on board had failed to return at its scheduled time.

The Maritime Search and Rescue Team of the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security located the missing vessel on Sunday.

Search operations confirmed that a Qatari citizen was martyred after sustaining injuries from shrapnel resulting from the military operations in the area. An Arab resident was also injured and has been transferred to hospital for medical treatment. He is in stable condition.


Saudi FM Kicks off Official Visit to China

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah seen in Riyadh in May 2025. (EPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah seen in Riyadh in May 2025. (EPA)
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Saudi FM Kicks off Official Visit to China

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah seen in Riyadh in May 2025. (EPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah seen in Riyadh in May 2025. (EPA)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrived in Beijing on Tuesday on an official visit to China.

He is scheduled to meet with senior government officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest.