In a display of solidarity under crisis, Egypt recently intensified its foreign aid- a move termed by Egyptian political experts as “aid diplomacy” that seeks to promote bilateral relations and enhance the global role of the most populous Arab country.
The country on Monday, dispatched its 10th aid flight loaded with 28 tons of food and medical supplies to Lebanon’s capital.
On August 19, a military plane carried 14 tons of vitamins, antibiotics, sedatives, antipyretic drugs and surgical supplies to Sudan, where floods killed at least 63 and displaced thousands others.
As part of Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s 100 million Healthy Lives initiative, Egypt has pledged to treat 250,000 Sudanese citizens from Hepatitis C virus.
Cairo also agreed with Khartoum to treat victims of the Sudanese uprising in Egyptian hospitals and decided to increase academic scholarships for the Sudanese medical cadre members.
Later, Egypt opened a medical center in Juba, capital of South Sudan, and sent medical aid to help control the spread of COVID-19.
Gamal Bayoumy, a former assistant to the Egyptian foreign minister, says foreign aid creates a convenient climate for better ties between Egypt and the recipients.