CAIRO: Egyptian officials say authorities have released 32 Ethiopian prisoners during a visit by the country’s prime minister.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters, say Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi pardoned the prisoners, who returned to their home country on Monday.
El-Sisi had met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss a massive upstream Nile dam that Cairo fears will cut into its share of the river when it is completed.
Ahmed said the project will not reduce Egypt’s share of the river, which provides virtually all the Arab country’s freshwater.
Ethiopia says the hydroelectric dam is essential for its economic development.
Ahmed arrived in Cairo on Saturday for a two-day visit, his first since he assumed office in April.
Egypt frees 32 Ethiopian prisoners during PM’s visit
Egypt frees 32 Ethiopian prisoners during PM’s visit
- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi pardoned the prisoners, who returned to their home country on Monday
- El-Sisi had met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss a massive upstream Nile dam that Cairo fears will cut into its share of the river when it is completed
Jordanian king, Egyptian president discuss Gaza in Cairo meeting
- Talks emphasize need to enhance joint Arab efforts to restore stability in region, including Palestinian coastal enclave
- Jordan, Egypt firmly reject any attempts to displace Palestinians from West Bank, condemn Israeli violations
LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the importance of implementing the ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip during their meeting at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.
The meeting stressed the need to enhance joint Arab efforts to restore stability in the region, including the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza, according to the Jordan News Agency.
The two leaders emphasized the need to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire, allow unhindered humanitarian aid, and accelerate recovery efforts in the territory.
Jordan and Egypt also firmly rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians from the West Bank and condemned all violations and arbitrary actions against them.
King Abdullah cautioned against the repeated attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem, both Muslim and Christian, which have reportedly been perpetrated by Israeli authorities or settlers.
The parties emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the peaceful resolution of regional crises while respecting national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, along with Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, also attended the meeting.
Israel announced on Sunday the limited reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The crossing, which is considered a vital gateway for both civilians and aid, had remained closed since Israeli forces seized control of it in May 2024 during the conflict in Gaza, aside from a brief reopening in early 2025.
