El-Sisi's Visit to Turkiye Marks New Era; Netanyahu Slams UK's Arms Ban, and Lebanon Arrests Ex-Central Bank Head Amid Crisis
Egypt and Turkiye to enhance cooperation with Sisi's visit; pivotal discussions on Gaza aid and trade deals planned.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is set to visit Turkiye on September 4, marking a new era of cooperation between the two nations, following diplomatic engagements and the exchange of ambassadors in 2023. This visit will focus on strategic discussions around humanitarian aid to Gaza and bilateral trade and energy agreements.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UK’s suspension of 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, labeling it as "shameful" amid concerns over international humanitarian law violations. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's determination to defeat Hamas, noting that the militant group still holds over 100 hostages, including five British citizens.
In Lebanon, former central bank governor Riad Salameh has been arrested in Beirut over financial crimes linked to Optimum Invest, marking a significant move amidst Lebanon’s ongoing financial crisis. Salameh, accused of embezzlement, money laundering, and fraud, had led the central bank for 30 years, and his arrest highlights the nation's need for judicial reforms.
Tragically, at least 12 migrants lost their lives when their boat capsized in the Channel while attempting to reach Britain, as confirmed by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin. This devastating incident comes amid a surge in illegal migrations and underscores the commitments made by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to tackle migrant smuggling.
Shifting to the world of finance, Saudi insurance company Tawuniya is embracing digital transformation through strategic investments announced at the Riyadh Fintech Conference. CEO Othman Al-Kassabi spoke about collaborating with startups and launching a fully digital insurance company, Tree, as part of their efforts to enhance customer experiences and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Reflecting the growing trend of digital advancements, algorithmic trading now constitutes 25% of traded volumes in the Saudi capital market, as stated by Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority. This highlight from the Riyadh Fintech Conference underscores Saudi Arabia's push towards becoming a global fintech hub, drawing over 30,000 participants and aligning with the ambitious Vision 2030.