The Enduring Power, Magic of Football On The Radio

 Radio commentators in the stands at Wembley in 1948. Photograph: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Radio commentators in the stands at Wembley in 1948. Photograph: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
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The Enduring Power, Magic of Football On The Radio

 Radio commentators in the stands at Wembley in 1948. Photograph: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images
Radio commentators in the stands at Wembley in 1948. Photograph: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

It was the sound that the goal made that was particularly stirring. As Mohamed Salah’s impudent chip against Manchester City arced into the net the noise it made was noticeably different to the goals that had preceded it. The crackle from the crowd had added gasps of astonishment to mark the spectacular, plus the dizzying wow-factor to signal a flurry in quick succession, mixed in with standard goal jubilation.

For those of us who somehow managed not to be watching the game of the season live on telly (or even luckier in the flesh at Anfield), it still managed to be an extraordinary radio experience. The emotional soundscape made it obvious this was no ordinary match.

“It’s the old line that the pictures are better on radio,” smiles Rob Nothman, former producer and now a broadcasting coach. “If you have a quality commentator who can take you to the ground, describe what’s going on, give you all the information, but can also paint pictures, it’s evocative, it can grip you.”

Deciphering the nuances of live football from what you can hear over the radio was a much more useful skill a generation or so ago when there was significantly less action on television. Childhood memories of having a little speaker or headphone glued to your ear as the only means to follow a crucial match remain vivid. Radio played a huge part in how we consumed the game, a major source of information on goals, formations, news, opinion, atmosphere, you name it.

It feels particularly poignant to reflect on the power of football on the radio to honour the memory of Jimmy Armfield, whose voice, warmth and experience made him a master of this art. “He had knowledge, authority and clarity,” reflects Nothman. “When he opened his jacket he had a variety of medals – great player, great manager and he was able to bring that across as a broadcaster but in a sympathetic way. Such a lovely man, we will all miss him terribly.”

In this modern media age it’s realistic to wonder what the future holds for football on the radio. The younger fan is brought up on a diet of goals broadcast in a flash over a mobile phone, instant Twitter opinions, fan TV channels and so on. With attention spans changing to suit current social media trends, watching a full game without any distraction is more of a challenge. Kids tend to prefer highlights, shorter bursts, more action and less analysis.

Mark Chapman, the broadcaster who works across various media, is a staunch defender of the special qualities of radio. It remains, he explains, a significant way to absorb football even in this quick-refresh world. “I still maintain it is the fastest way of getting the goals,” he says. “TV is on a slight delay, and we will certainly get it before an app is updated. In this fast-moving world, radio is still the most immediate way of getting your information.

“If there is a massive news story, if you think what needs to be mobilised from a TV point of view to start covering it, that takes a fair amount of time compared to radio who can have someone on the phone within 10 seconds and straight through to a presenter. Just because radio has been around for the longest time compared to the other mediums it still to me feels very modern.

“There is an immediacy of wanting to see the goal and Twitter and so on but there is still a place for live commentary on the game, for debate. The point is listening to a piece of radio might not be the same as watching it but in some ways it can be better. This commentary might be amazing! If you get the right team radio is a much better way to consume a dreadful game.

“I will give you an example: I was driving back from the FA Cup draw in Coventry a couple of weeks ago and that Monday night game was Brighton v Crystal Palace. The 5 Live commentary team was Jonathan Pearce and Steve Claridge and it was hilarious. I couldn’t tell you much about what happened in the first half but as a listen on the radio it was great.”

This week is the anniversary of the first live broadcast of a football match over the airwaves. On 22 January 1927, from a wooden hut that resembled a garden shed erected at Highbury, the top-flight clash between Arsenal and Sheffield United was broadcast over the BBC’s radio service.

A notable detail is that debate to get permission for the radio experience at sports grounds had gone on for some time as the authorities were concerned that live broadcasts would have an impact on attendances and affect ticket sales. The very first commentator was the splendidly named Henry Blyth Thornhill Wakelam – a former rugby player.

Chapman’s love for the magic of football on the radio endures. “There is still nothing better in any of the jobs that I do than saying: ‘It’s 5 o’clock, you are listening to 5 Live and this is Sports Report. You know there are two million people in cars coming back from sport ready to listen to the headlines.” Cue that music …

The Guardian Sport



Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Strikes Gulf of Aden Region

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of Aden region on Saturday. (USGS)
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of Aden region on Saturday. (USGS)
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Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Strikes Gulf of Aden Region

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of Aden region on Saturday. (USGS)
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of Aden region on Saturday. (USGS)

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the Gulf of Aden region on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said.

The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), the USGS said.


‘Nothing Matters’: Attitude Adjustment Helps Tsitsipas Rediscover His Rhythm

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his victory over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman during their men's singles match on day six of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris on June 2, 2023. (AFP)
Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his victory over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman during their men's singles match on day six of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris on June 2, 2023. (AFP)
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‘Nothing Matters’: Attitude Adjustment Helps Tsitsipas Rediscover His Rhythm

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his victory over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman during their men's singles match on day six of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris on June 2, 2023. (AFP)
Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his victory over Argentina's Diego Schwartzman during their men's singles match on day six of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris on June 2, 2023. (AFP)

Stefanos Tsitsipas said he is getting back to his best by easing the burden on his shoulders and playing without any expectations as he cruised into the fourth round of the French Open with a 6-2 6-2 6-3 victory over Diego Schwartzman on Friday.

Once considered the rising star to take on the mantle as the "Big Three" - Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic - give way to a new generation, 24-year-old Tsitsipas has yet to win a Grand Slam.

The Greek lost two major finals to Djokovic, including this year's Australian Open title clash, and has seen younger players like Carlos Alcaraz emerge and rise to world number one.

But Tsitsipas said he has changed his mindset to play with a carefree attitude and not focus on the result, which helped him beat claycourt specialist Schwartzman in straight sets.

"I've produced some really good tennis when I'm at a psychological state of 'nothing matters and I don't care anymore'. And I just want to play it, I don't care what the outcome will be," Tsitsipas told reporters.

"And (in) moments like this, I have broken back. I've suddenly found my rhythm back into the game. I guess there is lack of expectation, lack of thought... when you're out there because you're constantly analyzing every decision.

"When you let go of that, when you - I don't like using that word because I've never really done it in a tennis match - when you kind of 'tank', for some players it can be very beneficial and help them play better in a way."

Tsitsipas was at his sublime best against Schwartzman, firing 34 winners past the Argentine, including one of the shots of the tournament - a sliding backhand winner around the post that drew a roar from the crowd.

"We never practice that, it was a one-off," he said with a laugh. "It was the very last millisecond when I decided, 'You know what, forget the net, we don't need it on that particular occasion.'

"I saw there was a gap there I could utilize and it just went through. It was a very good, satisfying feeling getting that winner down the line... It felt like hitting a home run."


YouTube Scraps 2020 US Election Misinformation Policy

A picture taken on October 5, 2021 in Toulouse shows the logo of YouTube social media displayed by a tablet. (AFP)
A picture taken on October 5, 2021 in Toulouse shows the logo of YouTube social media displayed by a tablet. (AFP)
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YouTube Scraps 2020 US Election Misinformation Policy

A picture taken on October 5, 2021 in Toulouse shows the logo of YouTube social media displayed by a tablet. (AFP)
A picture taken on October 5, 2021 in Toulouse shows the logo of YouTube social media displayed by a tablet. (AFP)

YouTube will stop removing content that falsely claims the 2020 US presidential election was plagued by "fraud, errors or glitches," the platform said Friday, a decision quickly criticized by anti-misinformation advocates.

The announcement by the Google-owned video website is a marked departure from its policy initiated in December 2020, which attempted to curb false claims -- most importantly pushed by then-president Donald Trump -- that his re-election loss to Joe Biden was due to the vote being "stolen."

"The ability to openly debate political ideas, even those that are controversial or based on disproven assumptions, is core to a functioning democratic society -- especially in the midst of election season," YouTube said in a blog post.

"We will stop removing content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches occurred in the 2020 and other past US presidential elections."

YouTube's updated policy, which goes into effect immediately, comes as tech platforms grapple with a key issue in America's hyperpolarized political environment: How to combat misinformation without curtailing free speech?

YouTube appeared to acknowledge that policing misinformation comes with downsides.

"Two years, tens of thousands of video removals, and one election cycle later, we recognized it was time to reevaluate the effects of this policy in today's changed landscape," the video-sharing giant said.

"In the current environment, we find that while removing this content does curb some misinformation, it could also have the unintended effect of curtailing political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm."

But that response prompted sharp criticism from US advocacy groups.

"YouTube is dead wrong in its assertion that removing false election content curtails political speech without meaningfully reducing real-world harms," said Nora Benavidez, from the nonpartisan group Free Press.

"Its dangerous decision to immediately stop removing content... which continues to sow hate and disinformation that threatens our democracy must be reversed immediately."

YouTube insisted that its other existing rules against election misinformation remain unchanged, including its prohibition of content that deceives voters or incites people to interfere with democratic processes.

"YouTube was one of the last major social media platforms to keep in place a policy attempting to curb 2020 election misinformation," said Julie Millican, vice president of the left-leaning watchdog Media Matters.

"Now, it's decided to take the easy way out by giving people like Donald Trump and his enablers free rein to continue to lie without consequence about the 2020 elections."


One Dead, Two Missing in Japan after Heavy Rain

A general view shows a flooded street in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture on June 3, 2023, after heavy rains caused by passing Tropical Storm Mawar hit much of the country the day before. (AFP)
A general view shows a flooded street in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture on June 3, 2023, after heavy rains caused by passing Tropical Storm Mawar hit much of the country the day before. (AFP)
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One Dead, Two Missing in Japan after Heavy Rain

A general view shows a flooded street in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture on June 3, 2023, after heavy rains caused by passing Tropical Storm Mawar hit much of the country the day before. (AFP)
A general view shows a flooded street in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture on June 3, 2023, after heavy rains caused by passing Tropical Storm Mawar hit much of the country the day before. (AFP)

Heavy rain across parts of Japan has killed one person, left two missing and injured dozens more, authorities said Saturday, with thousands of residents issued evacuation warnings.

The inundation has been caused by the remnants of former Typhoon Mawar, now downgraded to a tropical storm.

A rescue team in central Aichi region's Toyohashi, where the country's highest-level evacuation alert was issued Friday, "found a man approximately in his 60s in a submerged car, but he was later confirmed dead," a city official told AFP.

In western Wakayama, where several rivers burst their banks, officials told AFP that they had resumed the search for one man and one woman missing in the region.

A total of six people were seriously injured and 24 suffered minor injuries as of Saturday morning, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.

In central and western Japan, many evacuation orders -- which are non-compulsory, even at the highest level -- were being downgraded as rains eased.

But new warnings were issued in areas close to Tokyo in the early morning due to flooding risks.

With several cities including Aichi's Toyohashi and Koshigaya near Tokyo reportedly seeing the highest 24-hour rainfall on record, the Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to "be on high alert for landslides, overflowing rivers, and flooding of low-lying areas".

Some 4,000 households in regions close to Tokyo suffered power outages early Saturday, the Tokyo Electric Power Company said, but the issue was mostly resolved several hours later.

Shinkansen bullet trains were temporarily suspended between Tokyo and Nagoya, but Japan Railway said they resumed operations around noon.

Scientists say climate change is intensifying the risk of heavy rain in Japan and elsewhere, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.

Strong rain in 2021 triggered a devastating landslide in the central resort town of Atami that killed 27 people.

And in 2018, floods and landslides killed more than 200 people in western Japan during the country's annual rainy season.

Earlier this week, Mawar -- then a typhoon -- passed just north of the Pacific island of Guam, uprooting trees and leaving tens of thousands of homes temporarily without power.


US Defense Chief Tells China Talks Essential to Avoid Crisis

Attendees watch a livestream of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaking during a plenary session on a screen outside the main hall during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore, 03 June 2023. (EPA)
Attendees watch a livestream of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaking during a plenary session on a screen outside the main hall during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore, 03 June 2023. (EPA)
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US Defense Chief Tells China Talks Essential to Avoid Crisis

Attendees watch a livestream of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaking during a plenary session on a screen outside the main hall during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore, 03 June 2023. (EPA)
Attendees watch a livestream of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaking during a plenary session on a screen outside the main hall during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore, 03 June 2023. (EPA)

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was deeply concerned by China's unwillingness to engage on military crisis management, warning that talks are key to avoiding conflict.

The relationship between the United States and China is at its lowest point in decades, as they remain deeply divided over everything from the sovereignty of Taiwan to espionage and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, Austin said that open lines of communication between US and Chinese defense and military leaders were essential to avoid conflict and bolster stability in the Asia-Pacific.

"I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," Austin told the meeting in Singapore.

"The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict."

China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu had this week declined an invitation to meet Austin at the security summit. Li, a general who has been sanctioned by the US, delivers his own speech on Sunday.

On Friday, the two shook hands on the sidelines of the conference but did not hold detailed talks, the Pentagon said.

"A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement," Austin said.

Dialogue between the two countries has stalled since

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled a visit to China

in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was tracked flying across the United States.

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in Washington, said on Friday in an emailed statement that communication between China and the US was conducive to a greater mutual understanding.

"However, now the US says it wants to speak to the Chinese side while seeking to suppress China through all possible means and continue imposing sanctions on Chinese officials, institutions and companies," the statement said.

China will have bilateral talks with defense chiefs from a dozen countries at the summit, Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences, said in comments published by state-backed Chinese newspaper the Global Times on Saturday.

Taiwan tensions

One of the thorniest security issues between the two superpowers is over the future of Taiwan, a democratically governed territory which Beijing wants to bring under its rule.

There are increasing concerns that China could invade Taiwan with the US drawn into any conflict.

Austin pointed to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an example of "how dangerous our world would become if big countries could just invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity".

He said the US was "deeply committed" to preserving the status quo in Taiwan and opposes unilateral changes from either side.

"Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today and it’s our job to keep it that way," Austin said.

Chinese Senior Colonel Zhao Xiaozhuo told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting that Austin's comments risk creating confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region, including over Taiwan.

"It (US) wants instability in Taiwan so that it can bring its soldiers to Taiwan, and earn money from selling military weapons to Taiwan," said Zhao, a researcher at China's Academy of Military Sciences.

US military officials have previously said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on his armed forces to develop the capabilities for a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027.

"It doesn't mean that he's made a decision to do that," Austin said in response to a question about Xi's plans.

Under President Joe Biden, the US has been strengthening its ties with allies in Asia, including Australia, Japan, India, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Beijing has criticized a deal announced by Australia in March to buy US nuclear-powered submarines.

Australia is set to spend A$368 billion ($250 billion) over three decades on the submarine program, part of a broader security pact with the US and Britain known as AUKUS.

"(AUKUS) promotes greater stability and security," Austin said.


Aboul Gheit: Saudi-Egyptian Consensus Leads to Fundamental Change in Arab Status

Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit
Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit
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Aboul Gheit: Saudi-Egyptian Consensus Leads to Fundamental Change in Arab Status

Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit
Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit

Secretary-General of the Arab League (AL), Ahmed Aboul Gheit, confirmed that an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, including the United Arab Emirates and some other Arab countries, especially in North Africa, “could lead to a fundamental change in the general Arab situation and the outside world.”

He added that the entente between Egypt and Gulf States during the years that followed Egypt's uprising in 2011, greatly influences the Arab arena.

“Arab countries are greatly aware today of the importance of joint Arab action to save the region,” Aboul Gheit affirmed.

The AL Secretary General told Egypt’s “eXtra News” channel that the major Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Egypt were capable of stopping foreign interference in Arab affairs.

Aboul Gheit then commented on reports speaking about a new Arab system, saying they “lack realism.”

He rejected the calls of some to expand the Arab world and make it a “Middle Eastern” system that includes Iran, Türkiye, Ethiopia and Israel, describing such suggestions as “unreasonable.”

He then affirmed that the latest decisions of the Arab summit in Jeddah regarding Türkiye and Iran were less intense than before.

Commenting on the Sudanese issue, Aboul Gheit said that a year ago, he had predicted this clash to occur, noting that neither the Sudanese armed forces nor any armed forces in any Arab country can allow the presence of an armed militia on its soil.

On Syria’s response to the Arab role after Damascus regained its seat in the Arab League, Aboul Gheit said he expects the Syrian performance to be “calm and balanced.”

He then hoped that the Syrian delegation to the AL expresses no resentment against the League, which is a reflection of Arab will.

Aboul Gheit explained that in 2011 and 2012, some Arab countries took positions against foreign interference in Syria.

“Syria suffers from a difficult situation, and has not yet recovered since 2011,” he added.

At the international level, he said the situation is increasingly dangerous in light of the rising possibilities of confrontation between nuclear States, describing the confrontation taking place against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian war as “a dangerous moment in the life of humanity.”

Aboul Gheit then expected the emergence of new international powers. He spoke about a "Eurasian" bloc, an alliance between Russia and China that extends from the Ukrainian border and reaches the Pacific Ocean or the eastern shore of China.

He said this bloc will face a stronger economic bloc, the “Western bloc” led by the European Union and the US.

“China is closely monitoring what is happening now in terms of developments, and is preparing for a possible confrontation in the coming years,” the AL Secretary General said.

 


Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Ready to Launch Counteroffensive

Local resident Aran stands inside the shop he rents, which was destroyed by recent shelling in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Makiivka (Makeyevka) outside Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, June 2, 2023. (Reuters)
Local resident Aran stands inside the shop he rents, which was destroyed by recent shelling in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Makiivka (Makeyevka) outside Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, June 2, 2023. (Reuters)
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Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Ready to Launch Counteroffensive

Local resident Aran stands inside the shop he rents, which was destroyed by recent shelling in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Makiivka (Makeyevka) outside Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, June 2, 2023. (Reuters)
Local resident Aran stands inside the shop he rents, which was destroyed by recent shelling in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Makiivka (Makeyevka) outside Donetsk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, June 2, 2023. (Reuters)

Ukraine is ready to launch its long-awaited counteroffensive to recapture Russian-occupied territory, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an interview published on Saturday.

"We strongly believe that we will succeed,” Zelenskiy told the Wall Street Journal.

"I don’t know how long it will take. To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready."

Kyiv hopes a counteroffensive to reclaim territory will change the dynamics of the war that has raged since Russia invaded its smaller neighbor 15 months ago.

Zelenskiy said last month Ukraine needed to wait for more Western armored vehicles arrived before launching the counteroffensive. He has been on a diplomatic push to maintain Western support, seeking more military aid and weapons, which is key for Ukraine to succeed in its plans.

Russia holds swaths of Ukrainian territory in the east, south and southeast.

A long spell of dry weather in some parts of Ukraine has driven anticipation that the counteroffensive might be imminent. Over the past several weeks Ukraine has increased it strikes on Russian ammunition depots and logistical routes.

On Saturday Ukraine's military said in a daily report that Mariinka in the Donetsk region in the east was the focus of fighting. Ukrainian forces repelled all 14 Russian troops' attacks there, the report said.


Two Wounded in ‘Security Incident’ along Israel-Egypt Border

The Israeli and Egyptian flags are seen at a border crossing, (Reuters file photo)
The Israeli and Egyptian flags are seen at a border crossing, (Reuters file photo)
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Two Wounded in ‘Security Incident’ along Israel-Egypt Border

The Israeli and Egyptian flags are seen at a border crossing, (Reuters file photo)
The Israeli and Egyptian flags are seen at a border crossing, (Reuters file photo)

At least two people were wounded in a "security incident" around Israel's southern border with Egypt on Saturday, said Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari.

"This morning a security incident occurred in the Paran regional division area, in which there were two casualties," Hagari said, adding that the military was investigating the incident.

Israel's Army Radio said two Israelis were shot while security forces were operating to thwart smuggling activity in the area. 


Egypt, Qatar Cooperate over Humanitarian Relief in Sudan

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
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Egypt, Qatar Cooperate over Humanitarian Relief in Sudan

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Doha in September. (Amiri Diwan on Twitter)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held telephone talks on Friday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

They discussed bilateral relations between their countries and ways of boosting them. They also tackled the latest regional and international developments, most notably the conflict in Sudan, reported the Qatari state news agency (QNA).

The leaders underscored the need to facilitate the flow of aid to those affected by the fighting in Sudan, and spare civilians the impact of the war.

They agreed to intensify joint coordination to provide support and assistance to the Sudanese people and mitigate the impact of the crisis, especially on Sudanese refugees.

They urged the need for concerned teams and committees in Egypt and Qatar to start developing mechanisms and plans to ensure that assistance reaches the deserving people in Sudan.


Sisi Says Cairo Proud of ‘Close Strategic Partnership’ with US as Jill Biden Visits

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and his wife Entissar meet with US First Lady Jill Biden in Cairo on Friday. (Egyptian presidency)
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and his wife Entissar meet with US First Lady Jill Biden in Cairo on Friday. (Egyptian presidency)
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Sisi Says Cairo Proud of ‘Close Strategic Partnership’ with US as Jill Biden Visits

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and his wife Entissar meet with US First Lady Jill Biden in Cairo on Friday. (Egyptian presidency)
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and his wife Entissar meet with US First Lady Jill Biden in Cairo on Friday. (Egyptian presidency)

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi stressed that his country was proud of the “close strategic partnership” it enjoys with the United States.

Egypt and his wide Entissar received in Cairo on Friday US First Lady Jill Biden, who arrived on a two-day visit.

While in Cairo, Biden will meet with women and youth, and highlight US investments aimed at supporting education initiatives and increasing economic opportunity, said the US embassy in Cairo.

Entissar welcomed Biden at the airport before they both headed to the presidential palace to meet with the president, who conveyed his greetings to his American counterpart.

Biden praised the warm reception she was accorded in Cairo. She later toured the al-Azhar Mosque.

She flew in from Jordan where she attended the wedding of Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.

She is in the region on a weeklong tour that will take her to two more countries.