Egypt, Qatar Boost Rapprochement with Intensive Consultations

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly with Qatar's Ambassador to Egypt Salem Mubarak al-Shafi (Egyptian Government)
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly with Qatar's Ambassador to Egypt Salem Mubarak al-Shafi (Egyptian Government)
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Egypt, Qatar Boost Rapprochement with Intensive Consultations

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly with Qatar's Ambassador to Egypt Salem Mubarak al-Shafi (Egyptian Government)
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly with Qatar's Ambassador to Egypt Salem Mubarak al-Shafi (Egyptian Government)

Egypt and Qatar have boosted their rapprochement through ministerial consultations, proceeding with the reconciliation achieved earlier this year in AlUla in Saudi Arabia.

On Thursday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Egypt and Qatar.

Qatar's Ambassador to Egypt Salem Mubarak al-Shafi, as well as several ministers, officials, and ambassadors attended the celebration.

Madbouly hailed the relations and historical bond between the two countries, expressing his pleasure to attend the celebration ahead of Qatar National Day on Dec. 18.

The premier stressed that this year enjoyed development in the unique relations between the two countries after Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani made his first visit to Egypt, followed by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's first visit to Doha in September.

Madbouly pointed out that these visits and the exchanged visits between officials and businessmen were a clear indication of the strong ties between the two countries and clear evidence of the determination of the leadership to push these relations forward to new horizons.

The visits also demonstrate the determination of both countries to foster bilateral relations and unlock their potential in ways that contribute to strengthening Arab capabilities in the face of ongoing regional and international challenges, Madbouly said.

He added that the current unprecedented threats from growing regional and global challenges require Arab countries to prioritize cooperation, unify their efforts and renounce disputes.

The prime minister affirmed the need for Arab states to work diligently to enhance the values of peace, security, and stability based on the rules of mutual respect and on the endeavor to achieve development and prosperity for their people.

Meanwhile, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala al-Saeed met several Qatari ministers and officials during her visit to Doha.

Saeed met Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, who is also the Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority.

According to an Egyptian statement, the meeting addressed issues of common concern and cooperation between the two countries.

The Egyptian minister also met with Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qasim Al-Thani and Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.



Gaza’s Health Ministry Says Israeli Strikes Killed at Least 72 People since Ceasefire Announcement

Men and children stand next to a destroyed car amidst debris and rubble by a collapsed building at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on January 14, 2025 amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)
Men and children stand next to a destroyed car amidst debris and rubble by a collapsed building at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on January 14, 2025 amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)
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Gaza’s Health Ministry Says Israeli Strikes Killed at Least 72 People since Ceasefire Announcement

Men and children stand next to a destroyed car amidst debris and rubble by a collapsed building at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on January 14, 2025 amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)
Men and children stand next to a destroyed car amidst debris and rubble by a collapsed building at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on January 14, 2025 amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)

Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israeli strikes have killed at least 72 people since a ceasefire deal was announced.
In previous conflicts, both sides have stepped up military operations in the final hours before ceasefires takes effect as a way to project strength, The Associated Press said.
The ministry says the toll from Thursday’s strikes only includes bodies brought to two hospitals in Gaza City, and that the actual toll is likely higher.
“Yesterday was a bloody day, and today is bloodier,” said Zaher al-Wahedi, head of the ministry’s registration department.