El-Sisi, Borrell discuss Gaza crisis, Egypt-EU ties

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Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meets with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Cairo on September 9, 2024. (AFP)
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EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell speaks during a visit to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt September 9, 2024. (REUTERS)
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Updated 10 September 2024
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El-Sisi, Borrell discuss Gaza crisis, Egypt-EU ties

  • Ahmad Fahmy, spokesman for the presidency, said El-Sisi and Borrell also discussed the situation in Gaza and the Middle East

CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, to discuss relations and regional issues.

El-Sisi received Borrell and his accompanying delegation in Cairo.

Their meeting discussed strong relations between Egypt and the EU, with both sides commending the momentum of cooperation.

During the talks, the two sides confirmed their commitment to exploring new domains of cooperation, particularly in investment and trade, as well as energy, migration and environmental issues.

Ahmad Fahmy, spokesman for the presidency, said El-Sisi and Borrell also discussed the situation in Gaza and the Middle East.

They reviewed efforts by Egypt and its partners to achieve a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages and detainees, to help end the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

El-Sisi warned against the danger of escalation, which he said would result in an expansion of the conflict.

He highlighted the responsibilities of the international community and the EU to exert intense pressure on Israel toward reaching an agreement to end the war.

Any deal must address violence and the escalation in the West Bank, in a manner that defuses regional tensions and restores security and stability in the region, El-Sisi said.

Borrell expressed deep appreciation for Egypt’s stabilizing role in the region, highlighting the EU’s interest in consultations with Cairo to maintain regional stability.

El-Sisi commended Borrell for his objective and fair stances over the past period.

 


IMF approves reviews, unlocks $240m in funding for Jordan

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IMF approves reviews, unlocks $240m in funding for Jordan

  • The decision allows Jordan to draw about $130 million under the EFF and about $110 million under the RSF

AMMAN: The International Monetary Fund’s executive board has completed the fourth review of Jordan’s Extended Fund Facility and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, unlocking immediate access to about $240 million to support the Kingdom’s economic program.

The decision allows Jordan to draw about $130 million under the EFF and about $110 million under the RSF, bringing total disbursements under the IMF arrangement to about $733 million.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the IMF said Jordan’s economy “remains resilient,” supported by sound macroeconomic policies and strong international backing.

Growth accelerated to 2.7 percent in the first half of 2025 and is expected to reach about 3 percent in the coming years, driven by major investment projects, deeper regional integration and continued structural reforms.

Inflation remains anchored at about 2 percent, while the current account deficit is projected to narrow to below 5 percent of GDP over the medium term. The IMF also noted that Jordan’s banking sector is stable and international reserves remain strong.

Fiscal performance continues to align with program targets, underpinned by robust revenue collection and disciplined current spending. The authorities remain committed to reducing public debt to 80 percent of GDP by 2028 through gradual fiscal consolidation, while protecting social and development spending and reducing losses at public utilities.

The IMF said progress under the RSF is ongoing, with reforms addressing vulnerabilities in the water and electricity sectors and strengthening health emergency preparedness. All reform measures scheduled for the current review have been completed.

Commenting after the board discussion, IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura said Jordan’s continued macroeconomic stability amid persistent external headwinds reflects the authorities’ commitment to sound policies, supported by strong international assistance.

He said growth continues to recover, inflation remains low and reserve buffers are strong, stressing the importance of maintaining prudent fiscal and monetary policies amid regional tensions and global uncertainty.

Okamura added that accelerated structural reforms are essential to foster job-rich growth, improve the business environment, enhance labour market flexibility, tackle youth unemployment and low female labour force participation, and attract private investment.

He also underlined the importance of sustained donor support to help Jordan manage external challenges and the economic cost of hosting large numbers of refugees, while noting that progress under the RSF would help address long-term vulnerabilities and strengthen balance-of-payments stability.