Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS) has announced plans to institutionalize monthly media briefings for foreign correspondents accredited in the country, starting in January 2026, in a move aimed at deepening dialogue with international journalists and improving access to official information.
The initiative, announced by SIS Chairman Diaa Rashwan, is part of a broader strategy to enhance transparency and communication between the Egyptian state and the global media. Rashwan said the plan reflects standing directives from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to expand the operational scope, access, and freedom of movement of foreign correspondents working in Egypt.
According to the SIS, the monthly meetings are intended to provide journalists with direct channels to verified information and greater exposure to Egypt’s political, economic, and social developments. Officials say the goal is not only to respond to questions but also to proactively explain government policies and national priorities at a time of heightened regional and international scrutiny.
Under the new framework, existing forms of engagement—such as ad hoc briefings, press conferences, and media participation in national events—will be consolidated into a structured forum titled “Meet the Foreign Media.” Each session will be held once a month and will feature either a senior government official or a subject-matter specialist. The discussions will be conducted in an open, public format, allowing correspondents to raise questions and seek clarification directly from decision-makers.
The inaugural session is scheduled for mid-January 2026 and will feature Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr Badr Abdelatty. The briefing is expected to focus on the guiding principles of Egypt’s foreign policy, its regional and international diplomatic positions, and key foreign policy challenges, while offering journalists the opportunity to engage directly on issues of current interest.
Invitations to attend will be issued through the Foreign Correspondents’ Press Centre, in accordance with established accreditation and registration procedures. The SIS emphasized that participation will remain limited to officially accredited journalists, consistent with existing regulations.
The move comes amid growing recognition within Egyptian institutions of the role international media plays in shaping global perceptions. Officials have repeatedly stressed the need to counter misinformation and present what they describe as a more accurate and balanced picture of Egypt’s domestic reforms, economic challenges, and regional diplomacy.
Observers note that regularized access to senior officials could mark a shift toward more predictable and structured media relations, replacing sporadic engagement with a standing forum for dialogue. If implemented consistently, the initiative could offer foreign correspondents greater insight into policy-making processes while providing Egyptian authorities with a platform to communicate their positions more clearly to an international audience.
The SIS said the monthly briefings will form a permanent part of its engagement strategy going forward, underscoring the government’s stated commitment to sustained interaction with foreign media rather than one-off communication efforts.
