Egypt voices full solidarity with Algeria amid deadly wildfires

Ahram Online , Monday 16 Aug 2021

In a phone call with Lamamra, Shoukry re-extended Egypt’s condolences to Algeria and its people

Algerian, Egyptian FMs
A photo compilation of Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (L) and his Algerian counterpart, Ramtane Lamamra. Egyptian foreign ministry

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed to his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra on Sunday Egypt’s full solidarity with Algeria amid the wildfires that killed dozens and injured scores of people north of the country throughout the week.

In a phone call with Lamamra, Shoukry re-extended Egypt’s condolences to Algeria and its people, especially to the families of the victims of the fires that have raged in many Algerian provinces, a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry read.

Shoukry wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

Algerian authorities estimate the number of deaths at 90, including many soldiers, as firefighters, civilians, and the army have been battling dozens of blazes that have ravaged the country's north since 9 August.

France, Spain, and Russia dispatched helicopters to help Algeria beat the blaze.

Wildfires have also been raging in other Mediterranean countries amid the blistering heat wave.

The Algerian government blames the fires on arsons as well.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced the arrest of 22 suspects for arsons. 

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