Egypt, Oman Explore Boosting Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)
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Egypt, Oman Explore Boosting Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry kicked off on Saturday a two-day visit to the Omani capital, Muscat, leading an Egyptian delegation to the 15th session of the Egyptian-Omani joint committee.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi received Shoukry at Muscat International Airport.

At his arrival, Shoukry inaugurated the Arab Specialized Eye, Nose, Throat and Dental Hospital, which is a joint Omani-Egyptian investment project.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Sebaa bin Hamdan Al Saadi, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee for Celebrations, in the presence of a number of Omani and Egyptian officials.

Spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Hafez, said Shoukry will sit down with a number of senior Omani officials to discuss the distinguished bilateral relations between their countries. Talks will also cover regional and international developments of interest.

On Saturday, Shoukry attended the opening of the third session of the Egyptian-Omani Joint Business Council at Al Bustan Palace. Present at the event were Albusaidi and Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais Al Yousef.

The Egyptian Minister commended the active role played by the council to promote joint investments and explore cooperation opportunities. He also hailed the regular convention of the council since its establishment in 2019.

Shoukry encouraged Omani investors and private business owners to make the best use of the mega economic and developmental projects under way in Egypt, which offer a wide variety of investment opportunities, especially in light of the country's successful economic reforms to ensure a business-friendly environment.



UN Official Says Israel Strikes Lebanon-Syria Border Crossing

 People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)
People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)
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UN Official Says Israel Strikes Lebanon-Syria Border Crossing

 People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)
People carry their belongings while crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as they walk past a crater caused in the aftermath of an Israeli strike that occurred early on Friday morning, at Jousieh crossing between Syria and Lebanon, Syria October 28, 2024. (Reuters)

UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said an Israeli air strike hit "humanitarian structures" Saturday at a border crossing between Lebanon and Syria that was previously hit last month.

The crossing, known as Jousieh on the Syrian side, became a key escape route for those fleeing the Israel-Hezbollah war after the main border crossing between the two countries was hit.

But it was put out of service late last month when an Israeli strike created a large crater that blocked vehicle traffic.

"A new Israeli air strike hit the border post of Jousieh, where many Lebanese and Syrians cross from Lebanon to Syria," Grandi said on social media platform X.

"Humanitarian structures were also struck," he said, adding that "even fleeing and taking care of those who flee are becoming difficult and dangerous as the war continues to spread."

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said two Israeli strikes hit the Jousieh crossing on Saturday.

The raid came after the main crossing between Beirut and Damascus, known as Masnaa on the Lebanese side, was forced to close by an Israel strike on October 4.

There are six official crossings between Lebanon and Syria, although there are many unofficial routes across the porous border.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of transporting weapons to Lebanon from Syria through the crossings.