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Sunday, 26 April 2020

Pompeo calls on Egypt to protect US detainees during covid

Pompeo calls on Egypt to protect US detainees during covid: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for detained US citizens in Egypt to be kept safe during the covid-19 pandemic in a Thursday phone call with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, according to a statement issued by the US State Department. Three US citizens detained in Egypt were reportedly mentioned by name in a letter sent by US senators to Pompeo earlier this month, asking him to press for the release of US citizens held in certain countries who they deem at heightened risk of contracting the virus.

Also in the Washington file: USAID is giving Egypt an additional USD 6 mn grant to finance development in northern Sinai, according to a statement from the Ministry of International Cooperation.

On the foreign trade front:

  • Egypt's exports of iron and steel fell 35% in 1Q2020 to USD 138 mn, Youm 7 reports, citing official figures.
  • Exports of jewelry and gemstones rose 58% in the same quarter to USD 793 mn up from USD 503 mn, according to state news agency MENA. Our top export market: The UAE, which took in about 70% of jewelry exports worth USD 558 mn.

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