CAIRO, Feb 5 (MENA) - Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli highlighted Egypt's firm stance vis-a-vis the Palestinian issue and the ongoing efforts to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, including hostage-prisoner swap and access of humanitarian aid to alleviate the unprecedented humanitarian crisis facing the Gaza Strip.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during the cabinet weekly meeting at its HQ in the New Administrative Capital.

Concerning the political developments in the region, Madbouli reiterated Egypt's firm stand on the importance of reconstruction Gaza as underscored by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in all his meetings and phone calls with leaders of a number of countries.

He highlighted Egypt's ongoing coordination with Arab countries and international partners to address various challenges.

The premier referred to recent phone calls made and received by President Sisi in this regard, including talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, as well as a meeting with Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah.

Regarding the domestic affairs, Madbouli referred to a meeting held by President Sisi earlier in the day to review the state efforts to train cadres in the fields of communications, information technology, and programming as well as boosting digital exports as one of the mainstays of the development of national economy.

He noted that this is a very important file as the communications and IT sector is a top priority alongside other promising sectors, including agriculture, industry and tourism.

Madbouli noted that his visit to the Knowledge City underscored the efforts exerted by the state in this area.

Madbouli added that the government's continued efforts in this sector to implement the directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for transition to an integrated digital society, expansion in training and building digital capacities through applied technology schools, CREATIVA – Innovation Hub and investment in human resources, particularly among youth.

During the meeting, Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar highlighted Egypt's efforts to offer health support for the Palestinians.

He said Egypt has received about 103,400 cases since the commencement of the crisis, including 113 injured individuals since the beginning of this month.

Among those received were 12,300 children who received necessary medical care, including 16,300 vaccination doses.

Abdel Ghaffar said that 164 hospitals are ready to receive Palestinian patients and provide needed medical care.(MENA)
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