AGP Executive Report

BRICS Diplomacy: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, set around “resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability,” with Egypt pushing joint projects, wider economic/financial ties, and global financial-system reform during a closed-door leaders session. Egypt-Russia Ties: On the sidelines, Sisi met Vladimir Putin, with both sides stressing progress on major projects like the Dabaa nuclear plant and cooperation in energy, trade, investment, food security and tourism. Regional Security: Egypt condemned attacks targeting a Saudi pipeline in Riyadh and Madinah as a violation of international law, reaffirming solidarity with Riyadh. BRICS Joint Declaration: Reuters reports BRICS has agreed on a joint declaration likely to avoid naming countries while condemning unilateral war—an effort to bridge deep divides between Iran and the UAE amid the wider West Asia conflict. Energy Shock in the Region: Saudi Arabia shut down a major East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks as Houthis seized the island of Mayun near Bab el-Mandeb, raising new pressure on Red Sea shipping and global supplies.

BRICS Summit in Delhi: Egypt is in the spotlight as BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi amid wars and trade strain, with India pushing a resilience-and-payments agenda and multiple bilateral meetings under tight security. Egypt-EU Migration Stance: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told EU ambassadors Egypt rejects any European plan to set up refugee camps in southern Mediterranean countries, stressing Egypt’s already heavy burden hosting millions of refugees. Egypt in BRICS logistics: Delhi traffic police face a major headache with the Egyptian delegation staying in Saket, forcing extra route and escort planning as thousands of officers manage dignitary movement. Aviation ties with Nigeria: Egypt and Nigeria moved to deepen air cooperation after talks at the El Alamein airshow, including a request for newer EgyptAir aircraft on Nigeria routes and updates to the air services agreement. El Alamein defense showcase: Russia’s Yak-130M drew interest from African and Asian buyers at the airshow, highlighting upgraded radar and targeting systems. Global security backdrop: The week also marked 25 years since 9/11, with coverage revisiting how the attacks reshaped global security policy.

BRICS Diplomacy: Egypt’s President Sisi is set to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, where India is pushing new cooperation tracks like a BRICS incubator network, startup fund, and logistics supply-chain framework—while Iran’s Pezeshkian arrival adds pressure over the Delhi Declaration’s wording and unity. Middle East Security: The Houthis’ push along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including moves around Mocha and threats to Bab el-Mandeb, is raising alarm over global shipping and energy flows as Saudi retaliates and regional tensions widen. Egypt Aviation & Defense: At the Egypt International Airshow 2026 in El Alamein, the U.S. highlighted coalition readiness with airlift displays, while Egypt also hosted regional aviation talks—Kuwait, Egypt and Saudi discussed strengthening civil aviation cooperation and modernization. Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza’s major hospitals are struggling as generator fuel, engine oil, and spare parts run short, forcing dangerous power-cut rotations. Egypt–Cameroon Cooperation: Egypt’s assistant foreign minister for African affairs met Cameroon officials on expanding South-South ties in energy, water, and small business development. Egypt–AI Push: Egypt is moving ahead with plans for a large-scale AI data centre using Nvidia technology, alongside broader AI strategy work.

Settlement Trade Ban Backed by Egypt: Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Egypt, welcomed the UK’s move to restrict imports tied to illegal Israeli settlements and urged wider action under international law and a two-state solution. BRICS Security in India: As the 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, India says it has deployed about 15,000 police and nearly 200 paramilitary units, with heavy CCTV coverage and traffic diversions around Bharat Mandapam. Egypt-UNRWA Funding Pressure: UNRWA’s Cairo office says Egypt and the Egyptian Red Crescent remain strategic partners, but warns of a $100m funding shortfall that is already hitting services. Egypt’s Investment Push: GAFI met Dubai Investments to discuss expanding projects in Egypt, while the planning minister held talks with fintech startups in the UAE to tackle expansion and financing hurdles. Economy Update: Egypt’s economy grew 5.1% in 2025/2026, with officials pointing to reforms and a new infrastructure financing guarantee mechanism. Energy Corridor Plan: Greece, Cyprus and Egypt backed a gas route to Europe via Cyprus-to-Egypt pipeline and LNG shipping from Damietta, aiming to reduce reliance on Red Sea and Hormuz-linked routes.

AI & Infrastructure: Egypt is moving ahead with its first large-scale AI data centre: a planned 200MW, $1bn facility using Nvidia technology, starting with a 20MW phase built via Vodafone Business, Elsewedy Electric and Cassava Technologies. Aviation Expansion: Cairo International Airport is in the final stages of selecting a partner for Terminal 4, expected to add about 40 million passengers and lift capacity toward roughly 70 million annually. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and seven Arab and Muslim states welcomed the UK’s ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements and its restrictions on related services, urging wider action under international law. Nuclear Oversight: The IAEA Board unanimously removed Syria’s “non-compliance” item from its agenda, with Egypt among the states backing the resolution. Local Governance & Environment: Egypt ordered governorates to protect trees under the 100 million trees initiative, requiring rapid reporting and legal action against violations. Sports & Youth: PM Madbouly opened the 12th African University Games in Cairo, pitching the event as a bridge for African youth through sport. Aviation Diplomacy/Capacity: Egypt’s civil aviation authority highlighted Kuwait’s participation in the El Alamein airshow, underscoring growing regional aviation cooperation.

Egypt-AI Push: Egypt announced a $1bn, 200MW AI data centre plan, starting with a 20MW phase, built via Vodafone Business, Elsewedy Electric and Cassava Technologies using Nvidia tech—part of a wider push to expand sovereign AI infrastructure and counter competing offers. Regional Energy Diplomacy: President Sisi and Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed progress on an Egypt-Greece electricity interconnection, plus cooperation in telecoms, IT, AI and entrepreneurship, while both sides urged de-escalation amid regional tensions. Trilateral Gaza Coordination: Egypt, Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration called for implementing the second phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, ending attacks on Lebanon, and advancing humanitarian aid and reconstruction steps. SCO/Global South Alignment: Coverage highlights President Xi’s recent SCO summit diplomacy and Egypt-China ties as part of broader Global South cooperation momentum. Transport & Connectivity: EgyptAir is set to relaunch a long-haul Cairo–Singapore–Sydney route in 2027, while Egypt also expands AI and digital services partnerships across the region. Justice & Security: Egypt’s drug case continues to dominate regional attention, with multiple death sentences and appeal battles reported.

El Alamein Diplomacy & Airshow: President Sisi inaugurated the second El Alamein International Airshow, with Egypt and foreign teams showcasing aerospace and defense displays, as Cyprus President Christodoulides met Sisi on energy, defense and regional issues. Regional Security Trilateral: Sisi, Christodoulides and Greek PM Mitsotakis reaffirmed cooperation on energy and security, including electricity and gas interconnection plans, and aligned positions on Gaza and other regional files. Airline Expansion: Air Cairo signed a firm order for 15 Airbus A320neo jets at the airshow, aiming to scale its fleet from 45 aircraft to 130 by 2034. Health Tourism Framework: The Arab League’s working group began drafting a legislative framework to regulate specialized health tourism facilities across member states, setting unified guidelines and patient-rights standards. Egypt in the Gaza Debate: Egypt welcomed the UK’s stance targeting illegal Israeli settlements, reiterating that peace requires ending occupation on 1967 borders. Justice & Rights Watch: Egypt’s TV presenter Sarah Khalifa was sentenced to death in a major drug trafficking case, with renewed attention on her appeal and prison conditions. International Pressure on Iran: The US Treasury announced sweeping aviation sanctions on Iran-linked airlines and intermediaries, aiming to isolate Tehran’s remaining air routes.

Gaza Diplomacy: Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Cairo demanded immediate international action to protect Palestinians, backed Gaza recovery funding via an Arab-Islamic plan, and rejected any forced displacement or demographic change, warning it would amount to ethnic cleansing. Arab League Leadership: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty pushed a new Arab security framework at the 166th Council session, calling for defence integration and practical deterrence mechanisms. Israel Accountability Row: A Haaretz-linked investigation claims UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu about Hamas plans before Oct. 7, while Israel’s PM office denies the call and says security chiefs were not briefed. Regional Security: Russia’s KTRV will showcase precision weapons at Egypt’s El Alamein Airshow, as Iran escalates missile threats and Houthis strike Saudi cities, raising oil and shipping risks. Egypt Economy & Policy: PM Madbouly met the Central Bank governor on reserves, inflation and foreign-currency inflows, while Egypt’s net international reserves hit about $57.214bn in August. Justice Spotlight: Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others were sentenced to death in a major drug trafficking case, with an appeal expected. Suez Canal FX: Canal revenue jumped 42% in July as ships rerouted amid Hormuz and Red Sea disruptions.

Arab League Diplomacy in Cairo: Qatar joined the 166th Arab League Council session at ministerial level, with talks focused on Iranian escalation, Israeli aggression in occupied territories, and regional security. Jerusalem Pressure Campaign: The Arab ministerial committee on Jerusalem urged “restrictive and deterrent measures” to stop Israeli attacks on holy sites, backing a Qatari plan for a media platform to document violations. Gaza Humanitarian Corridor: Egypt’s 273rd “Zad Al-Izza” relief convoy left for Gaza with 3,300 tons of food, flour, medical supplies and fuel via Rafah staging toward Kerem Shalom. Sudan Political Track: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy met Sudan’s FM to discuss military developments and conditions for Sudanese-led political dialogue, stressing sovereignty and humanitarian access. Egypt in Regional Security Talks: Iraq’s FM Fuad Hussein met Fahmy on Hormuz Strait disruptions and de-escalation between Tehran and Washington. Court Case in Egypt: TV presenter Sarah Khalifa was sentenced to death in a major drug trafficking case; her lawyer says an appeal will be filed. Science Update: A study claiming radar could reveal hidden structures inside the Great Pyramid of Giza was retracted for serious methodological flaws. Airshow Spotlight: The U.S. and UAE are set to participate in Egypt’s El Alamein International Airshow 2026, underscoring defense and aerospace ties.

Death Penalty Case: Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa was sentenced to death by hanging in a major drug trafficking case, with 11 others also receiving death sentences; the court confirmed the verdict after a Grand Mufti opinion, while nine defendants got life terms and seven were acquitted. Legal Fallout: Khalifa also received a separate prison sentence in another case tied to the kidnapping, assault and filming of a young man, adding to her legal troubles as she plans to appeal. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty backed Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem holy sites as Arab ministers met in Cairo to counter illegal Israeli measures in occupied East Jerusalem. Infrastructure & Industry: PM Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated phases of the Designy Doors factory in Sokhna and pushed healthcare localization; Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir inspected Egypt’s high-speed electric rail line preparations. Energy & Finance: Egypt seeks to expand AIIB cooperation in energy, transport, ports and logistics, while Linglong Group signed an MoU for a $2bn tire complex in Egypt. International Spotlight: Egypt will host a trilateral summit with Greece and Greek Cyprus in El Alamein on Sept. 8.

Gaza Diplomacy: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye jointly condemned Israeli calls to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, warning such moves violate international law and could derail US-backed peace efforts. Regional Security: Arab League chief Nabil Fahmy denounced Israeli attacks on civilian sites in southern Lebanon, urging the US and the international community to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and stop escalation. Egypt-China Ties: President Sisi said Egypt wants to further diversify cooperation with the AIIB, focusing on energy, transport, ports and logistics, as China’s Xi continues to pitch a “common security” agenda. Military & Airshow: China will send multiple aircraft to Egypt’s El Alamein Airshow, including fighters, early-warning, tankers and helicopters, underscoring deepening defense cooperation. Economy & Trade: Egypt seeks expanded AIIB financing and is pushing AI-and-industry links; meanwhile, the pound edged weaker as markets weighed regional risks. Justice & Society: A Cairo court sentenced TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and others to death in a major drugs case. Sports Politics: Zamalek officials said they will take the Zizo dispute to parliament, alleging contract irregularities and calling for state review. Culture/Heritage: Archaeologists near Luxor uncovered a new Ramesside tomb, while Egypt’s cotton exports jumped to 64,060 tons in the 2025/26 season.

Death Penalty in Drug Case: Egypt’s Cairo criminal court sentenced TV presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 others to death by hanging over an alleged organised gang that imported chemicals to manufacture and traffic synthetic drugs; prosecutors said raids uncovered more than 750kg of narcotics, raw materials, and drug-lab sites in Cairo, while Khalifa denied the charges and the verdict is appealable. Arab League Diplomacy: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye condemned Israeli calls for forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, warning such proposals violate international law and threaten regional stability. Palestinian Politics: Fatah-linked reports say Jibril Rajoub met Hamas leaders and Gaza clan figures in Turkey, floating a faction meeting for national dialogue and reform with Egyptian support ahead of November elections. Arab League Council in Cairo: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti is set to lead a Tunisian delegation to the 166th Arab League Council session in Cairo, with discussions focused on Gaza, West Bank attacks, and Arab cooperation on security and development. Regional Security Warning: Israel’s National Security Council warned of rising terrorist threats to Israelis and Jews abroad around the High Holy Days, citing Iran and proxies as key drivers. Aviation & Travel: EgyptAir launched direct Cairo–Zanzibar flights, while India’s IAF Sarang helicopter team arrived for the El Alamein airshow and China said its Air Force will attend with multiple aircraft.

Death Penalty in Drug Case: A Cairo court sentenced TV presenter Sarah Khalifa, 39, and 11 others to death by hanging over an alleged synthetic-drug manufacturing and trafficking network, after seizing more than 750kg of narcotics and raw materials and finding two apartments used as labs; the ruling follows a Grand Mufti opinion and can be appealed. Regional Security Talks: Kuwait and Egypt held a military cooperation committee meeting in Cairo, with senior army and naval officials discussing logistics coordination and ways to expand joint action. IMF Exit Strategy: Former Finance Minister Mohamed Maait said Egypt should focus on macro stability, structural reforms, and boosting private-sector participation after the IMF program ends at end-2026, stressing fiscal-monetary coordination and exchange-rate flexibility. Foreign Policy Mediation: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty urged an end to US-Iran escalation and called for renewed negotiations, in talks with Oman as regional de-escalation efforts continue. UAE Pardon: The UAE president pardoned Egyptian opposition poet Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi, after a cybercrime conviction and a 10-year sentence, with procedures reportedly underway. Culture & Heritage: Egypt’s museum teams completed restoration and relocation work on a Ramesses II basalt stele, while Saqqara excavations uncovered a royal chamberlain’s tomb and false door. Charity Spotlight: Egypt ranked second globally for charitable giving in 2025, with donations averaging 2.45% of income and volunteer participation reported at 84% of the population. Aviation Expansion: EgyptAir launched direct flights to Zanzibar, starting two weekly services to deepen its African network.

Gaza Displacement Plan: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s “Disengagement 710” is being framed as a concrete, funded scheme to move about 1.86 million Palestinians from Gaza over seven years—raising the key question of where people would go and who would accept them. UAE Pardon in Egypt’s Opposition Case: The UAE President pardoned Egyptian activist-poet Abdul Rahman al-Qaradawi after a 10-year cybercrime sentence, with reports saying procedures to implement the pardon have begun. Nile Water Legal Pressure: Ethiopia’s former irrigation state minister argues Addis has grounds for redress over historical Nile inequities, citing a major imbalance in use and contribution. Investment & Trade Push: Egypt’s GAFI chief says Cairo wants to turn its strategic partnership with Italy into joint projects and investment, highlighting growing bilateral trade. Air Pollution Crackdown: Egypt is preparing its autumn “Black Cloud” campaign with early-warning tools and tighter enforcement on waste burning, industry, brick kilns, landfills, and vehicle emissions. Energy Deal Watch: Eni says it plans over $8bn in new Egypt investments, including dozens of exploration and development wells across key basins. Regional Security Signals: Coverage also points to shifting alliance-building in the Middle East after Israeli strikes, with Turkey reportedly deepening ties including with Egypt.

Egypt-China Diplomacy: Former Egyptian PM Essam Sharaf says Xi’s just-concluded visit marks a shift from single projects to shared development priorities and deeper leadership trust as Cairo and Beijing celebrate 70 years of ties. Nile & Regional Security: Egypt’s stance on water security and calls for a new Middle East order sit alongside renewed security and technology cooperation themes during Xi’s trip. US-Iran Financial Pressure: The Trump administration expanded sanctions on a Turkish bank and subsidiaries, accusing them of helping Iran move oil revenues and operate a shadow banking network—part of “Operation Economic Outcast.” Israel-Gaza Politics: Israeli ministers renewed calls for mass removal of Palestinians from Gaza ahead of elections, reviving fears of forced expulsion. Sports (Egypt): Egypt ended a 23-year wait to win the African women’s volleyball title, beating Kenya 3-0 and securing an LA 2028 Olympic ticket. Football (Egypt): Zamalek took a 2-1 first-leg lead over Djibouti’s AS Port in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

China-Egypt Diplomacy: President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point framework for a new Middle East security architecture during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo, urging regional countries to take charge, deepen development cooperation, and reject external interference. Regional Security: The same visit reinforced Cairo’s push for de-escalation and a stronger regional voice, with Xi stressing that the Palestinian issue remains central to stability. Economy Watch: Egypt’s Planning Minister Ahmed Rostom said the economy grew 5.1% in the 2025/26 fiscal year and projected resilience despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Foreign Affairs: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty is continuing intensive efforts to secure the swift release of Egyptian sailors detained off Somalia, with follow-ups involving Somali and Yemeni authorities and the vessel owner. Culture & Society: Egyptian actress Shery Adel will be honored at the 4th Hurghada Youth Film Festival, spotlighting emerging filmmakers and youth storytelling. Heritage: Korea Heritage Service and partners completed a protective shelter over the Ramesseum’s pylon gate in Luxor as part of a Korean-led restoration project.