From massive economic projects to international disputes and accords to downing of the Russian plane: A review of major events that took place in and to the country over the course of the year. Egypt’s Sisi Visits Christmas Mass, Marking First Time for an Egyptian President Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi became the first Egyptian head of state to visit a Christmas ceremony when he attended a mass in the Abbasiya Cathedral on January 7. El-Sisi interrupted the mass and delivered a speech amid cheers and applause. Egypt Launches Airstrikes Against Islamic State Fighters in Libya The Egyptian armed forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS in Libya after 21 Coptic Egyptians were kidnapped and killed in the city of Sirte in February. The strike hit camps, training sites and ammunition and weaponry warehouses, killing 64 ISIS fighters in Egypt’s western neighbor. Russia and Egypt Announce Plans to Build Egypt’s First Nuclear Plant El-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed on a nuclear cooperation deal during the latter’s visit to Egypt in February. Both countries’ nuclear authorities signed the agreement to establish the Dabaa nuclear power plant later in November, setting…
