Egypt, Norway Discuss Energy

The first round of political consultations between Egypt and Norway. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
The first round of political consultations between Egypt and Norway. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
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Egypt, Norway Discuss Energy

The first round of political consultations between Egypt and Norway. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
The first round of political consultations between Egypt and Norway. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

The first round of political consultations between Egypt and Norway on Friday discussed reinforcing cooperation and bilateral ties.

The session was held at the level of assistant foreign ministers at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s headquarters.

Egypt’s delegation was chaired by Ambassador Ehab Nasr, Assistant Foreign Minister for European affairs, while the Norwegian delegation was headed by the director general of the regional affairs department at Norway’s Foreign Ministry’s May-Elin Stener.

The consultations reviewed means to boost political coordination and cement bilateral ties ahead of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry’s visit to Oslo, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Both sides lauded efforts to promote Norwegian investments in Egypt, particularly in clean energy.

They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, including human rights and the results of the United Nations climate change conference (COP27), held in Sharm Sheikh in November.

Discussions also covered the peace process and the situation in the Arab and African regions.

The ministry added that the Egyptian efforts to achieve stability in the region and address the situation in Libya, Syria, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa were also part of the discussions.

The Norwegian side presented its vision of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and expressed its awareness of its negative impact on the world and Egypt.



Yemeni Army Warns of Houthi Attempts to Reignite War

Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi (c) with the Marib governor and chief of staff during a past visit to the frontlines in Marib. (Saba news agency)
Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi (c) with the Marib governor and chief of staff during a past visit to the frontlines in Marib. (Saba news agency)
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Yemeni Army Warns of Houthi Attempts to Reignite War

Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi (c) with the Marib governor and chief of staff during a past visit to the frontlines in Marib. (Saba news agency)
Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi (c) with the Marib governor and chief of staff during a past visit to the frontlines in Marib. (Saba news agency)

The Yemeni army has warned of the Iran-backed Houthi militias’ constant mobilization and readiness to reignite the war.

Yemen Armed Forces Spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdo Majali told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Houthis have been firing artillery and drones at residential areas and military positions at various battlefronts.

He interpreted the actions as part of the militias’ preparations to return to war, accusing them of aborting “all regional and international efforts to end the conflict in Yemen and achieve peace.”

Defense Minister Mohsen Al-Daeri had told Asharq Al-Awsat previously that the war could erupt at any moment, stressing that the armed forces “were ready for all options.”

Observers interpreted the Houthi preparations and statements by its senior leaders as a reflection of their concern over the legitimate Yemeni army launching a military campaign - with international backing - to liberate Hodeidah and its ports.

The theory is backed by the Houthis’ mobilization of reinforcements to areas under their control in Hodeidah.

Majali stressed that the armed forces are at the “highest level of combat readiness and their morale is high.”

“Comprehensive strategies are in place to liberate the nation from the terrorist Houthi crimes and violations against our Yemeni people,” he declared.

The legitimate Yemeni government has for months since the Houthis started targeted international shipping in the Red Sear been calling on the international community to support its armed forces.

The end of the Houthi attacks on international shipping lies in backing the government, not western strikes against the militias, it has reiterated on numerous occasions.

Majali said the Houthis are continuing their violations against the people in various regions, notably in Taiz, Dhale and Marib.

The main goal for the armed forces is the liberation of the nation, starting with Sanaa, Hodeidah and Hajjah, he added, saying the Houthi “demise is near.”