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Egypt, Europe Agree to Support ‘Food Security’ Efforts

Egypt and EU officials signing the agreement to enhance "food security" (Egyptian government)
Egypt and EU officials signing the agreement to enhance "food security" (Egyptian government)
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Egypt, Europe Agree to Support ‘Food Security’ Efforts

Egypt and EU officials signing the agreement to enhance "food security" (Egyptian government)
Egypt and EU officials signing the agreement to enhance "food security" (Egyptian government)

Egypt and the EU have signed a grant agreement of $40 million to support food security challenges.

The grant comes within the framework of the European Union's support for the food security in Egypt program, funded by a grant of €100 million. Projects related to the remaining amount, estimated at €60 million, are being agreed upon.

The signing ceremony was held on Thursday in the presence of International Cooperation Minister Rania Mashat, Supply and Internal Trade Minister Ali Moselhi, Agriculture Minister Sayed el-Quosair, president of the Foreign Ministry's office of the Egyptian-European partnership Amr Abo Eish, Head of the EU delegation to Egypt, Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Martino Melli, and several officials.

The agreement resulted in the signing of several partnership deals, including the emergency project to support food security and flexible response at a value of $500 million with the World Bank, the Takaful and Dignity Expansion Program worth $500 million with the World Bank, and the Food Security and Economic Resilience Support Program at a value of $271 million with the African Development Bank.

Mashat confirmed that the agreement comes in light of Egypt's efforts to face food security challenges resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war.

It also aims to strengthen national efforts in grain production and storage, stimulating climate resilience and increasing the storage capacities of strategic grains.

On Thursday, Moselhi reiterated the importance of cooperation with Italy and the EU in supporting the plans of the Egyptian state. He also referred to the Ministry's plans to expand wheat storage silos and stimulate food security efforts.

The Minister pointed out that the Egyptian state has taken many steps to achieve food security over the last eight years through land reclamation and cultivating strategic crops.

Furthermore, the Minister of Agriculture referred to the excellent cooperation and coordination between all Egyptian ministries to support the food security system, noting that Egypt has good collaboration with the Italian side to implement several projects in the agricultural sector, especially in the field of rural development, digital transformation, agricultural mechanization, and others.

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Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
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Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called for adopting a policy of neutrality as an effective solution to Lebanon’s current political, social and sectarian crises.

“Neutrality is the foundation of Lebanon's National Pact and not a substitute for it,” the Patriarch said in his Sunday sermon.

Al-Rahi praised President Joseph Aoun's oath and spoke about the trust people have in Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

“The Lebanese people feel reassured when they listen to the principles that President Aoun intends to follow, in addition to the promises made by world leaders to support Lebanon and help it achieve economic, social and financial growth,” al-Rahi said.

He added that citizens have also placed their trust in the PM-designate, expressing hope for the swift formation of a government in collaboration with the President.

The Patriarch commended Aoun for his pledge to adopt positive neutrality in his inaugural speech, noting that this promise has provided much-needed comfort to many citizens.

He also highlighted the President’s efforts to align neutrality with economic reforms, such as promoting high-quality exports, attracting tourism, and driving economic recovery.

According to al-Rahi, these initiatives underscore that neutrality not only strengthens national unity but also creates the foundation for stability, growth, and prosperity.

Also, the Patriarch reiterated that Lebanon’s identity is not defined by dominance but by its unique role as a beacon of freedom and coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

For Lebanon to fulfill its mission as a bridge between cultures and religions, he affirmed, it must adopt an active and positive stance of neutrality.

“Positive neutrality is a political doctrine that avoids alignment with conflicting regional or international blocs while remaining committed to just causes globally, such as the right of peoples to independence,” al-Rahi said.

He further emphasized that neutrality is a cornerstone of Lebanon’s National Pact and offers the most effective solution to the country’s ongoing political, social, and sectarian crises.

Aoun's election and the designation of a new premier have increased optimism for Lebanon’s future.

Salam will likely present this week his government lineup to Aoun, who must sign the formation decree. Parliament will then convene to issue a vote of confidence for the new government.