Egypt, US Agree on Facing Climate Change Challenges

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
TT

Egypt, US Agree on Facing Climate Change Challenges

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Egypt and the US agreed on the need for joint action to achieve the goals of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in facing the challenges of climate change.

On Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed, in a telephone conversation with his US counterpart, Antony Blinken, that Egypt has made all the necessary arrangements to ensure the effective participation of official delegations, private sector representatives, NGOs, and civil society representatives concerned with climate change issues.

COP27 will be launched in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, with the participation of several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid indicated that the call touched on the recent Israeli elections and that Shoukry stressed the importance of avoiding any escalation or provocations against the Palestinian people.

The Minister underscored the importance of focusing all efforts on reviving the peace process after the formation of the new Israeli government.

Shoukry and Blinken also discussed human rights in Egypt.

The Egyptian foreign Minister reviewed Cairo’s most recent efforts within the framework of the National Strategy for Human rights, referring to the most recent decisions of the National Pardon Committee and the National Dialogue.

The spokesman pointed out that the two ministers affirmed their keenness to continue the dialogue between the two countries to deepen the US-Egypt strategic partnership and intensify cooperation and coordination mechanisms in facing global and regional challenges.

On Thursday, the US Embassy in Cairo announced that senior US officials from over 16 agencies and organizations would travel to Sharm El-Sheikh to “advance climate ambition and ensure a strong outcome” at the global conference.

The US delegation will be led by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, and includes several senior officials, including Blinken.



Salam Continues to Face Obstacles in Lebanon’s Government Formation

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
TT

Salam Continues to Face Obstacles in Lebanon’s Government Formation

Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)
Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salaf addresses reporters at the Baabda Palace on Jan. 14, 2025 (Reuters)

The formation of Lebanon’s new government remains stalled due to the demands of political factions, particularly the “Shiite Duo” (Hezbollah and the Amal Movement), which is reportedly insisting on obtaining five ministerial portfolios, including the Ministry of Finance.

These conditions are obstructing Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam’s efforts to form a 24-member cabinet, with extensive discussions focused on the distribution of ministerial portfolios.

His objective is to create a government capable of implementing the critical reforms that Lebanon needs urgently.

MP Mark Daou, who is familiar with Salam’s deliberations, believes there is still an opportunity for success. Daou warned that if the “Shiite Duo” holds onto  its demands, it must bear responsibility for the consequences.

Daou dismissed claims from officials within the “Shiite Duo” that they have secured the Ministry of Finance portfolio, reiterating that the matter is still under discussion. He also highlighted the premier-designate’s previous statements that no ministry is the exclusive right of any party.

MP Razi El Hage from the Lebanese Forces described the cabinet formation process as “constructive and effective,” while accusing his opponents of employing the same procrastination tactics used in the presidential election and the designation of a prime minister.

In a related context, MP Waddah Sadek took to X to stress that the constitution remains the sole reference for government formation. He wrote: “Certain parliamentary blocs must recognize that the constitution is our only framework and that the formation of the government will strictly adhere to this principle.”

Separately, MP Fouad Makhzoumi proposed that Salam form a smaller, 14-member cabinet. On X, Makhzoumi wrote: “I reiterate what I proposed during the non-binding parliamentary consultations with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam: the need to form a rescue government of 14 ministers, composed of specialists and highly competent individuals, equipped with exceptional powers to lead the country through this crisis-laden phase.”

He added: “The new government must meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people and address the unprecedented economic, social, and living challenges. These include resolving the issue of depositors’ funds, advancing the Beirut Port explosion investigation, conducting forensic audits of the Central Bank and state ministries, overseeing reconstruction efforts, ensuring the implementation of Resolution 1701, and solidifying the ceasefire agreement.”