Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO

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Some friendships are measured by time. Others are measured by the trust they continue to inspire. Last night, President Dr Patrick Herminie joined Her Excellency Anne Tallineau, Ambassador of France to Seychelles, in commemorating France’s National Day (Bastille Day), while celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and France.

Held in the presence of First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Mr Sebastien Pillay and his wife, Mrs Lina Pillay, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Mr Barry Faure, Cabinet Ministers, members of the national assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the French community and invited guests, the reception reflected the enduring friendship, mutual respect and close cooperation that continue to define relations between the two nations.

Welcoming guests, Ambassador Anne Tallineau expressed her appreciation for the warm reception she has received since arriving in Seychelles less than a year ago. Describing Seychelles as a nation deeply rooted in its Creole identity, sovereignty and unity in diversity, she congratulated the country on the recent celebration of its 50th Anniversary of Independence and acknowledged the remarkable progress achieved over the past five decades.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Ambassador Tallineau explained that Bastille Day, France’s National Day, commemorates the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a defining moment of the French Revolution that came to symbolise the enduring ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity. She noted that these principles continue to shape France’s engagement with partners around the world and are reflected in the strong relationship shared with Seychelles.

The Ambassador observed that this year carries particular significance for both countries, as it also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Seychelles. She described the partnership as one between two sovereign nations whose friendship has continued to deepen through mutual trust, dialogue and a shared commitment to addressing common challenges.

She underscored the breadth of cooperation between the two countries, highlighting partnerships in higher education, culture, maritime security, environmental protection, scientific research and youth development. Among the initiatives she cited were the launch of the MASTRI trilingual Master’s programme involving the University of Seychelles, the University of La Réunion and Aix Marseille University, as well as collaboration between the National Museum of Seychelles and the French National Maritime Museum.

As neighbouring nations in the Indian Ocean, Ambassador Tallineau reaffirmed France’s commitment to regional cooperation through the Indian Ocean Commission, whose presidency France assumed on 28 June. She emphasised shared priorities including maritime security, resilience to natural disasters, food security and stronger regional solidarity.

She also praised the longstanding cooperation between the Seychelles Defence Forces and the French Armed Forces in combating maritime crime, citing the successful seizure of more than 700 kilograms of illicit drugs during a joint maritime operation.

Recognising Seychelles’ international leadership in advancing the Blue Economy and ocean governance, Ambassador Tallineau reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding scientific collaboration and environmental partnerships. She also highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering young people, including the IFS France Youth Talent Development Programme, through which 24 young Seychellois footballers are undertaking long-term training in France, as well as educational exchanges between the Seychelles Tourism Academy and hospitality institutions in La Réunion.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Tallineau announced that President Dr Patrick Herminie will attend the 14 July celebrations in La Réunion as Guest of Honour, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. She added that members of the Seychelles Defence Forces will also be recognised during the celebrations, reflecting the close ties that continue to unite the two countries.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Mr Barry Faure conveyed the congratulations and best wishes of President Dr Patrick Herminie, the Government and the people of Seychelles to President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France on the occasion of France’s National Day.

Minister Faure described France as occupying a special place in Seychelles’ history, noting that the relationship, established shortly after Independence in 1976, has grown into one of Seychelles’ closest and most valued partnerships. He highlighted cooperation across education, culture, maritime security, environmental protection, health, scientific research, economic development and regional affairs.

He said the relationship continues to be guided by mutual trust, continuous dialogue and a shared determination to respond collectively to emerging challenges, particularly within the Indian Ocean region. He also welcomed President Herminie’s forthcoming visit to La Réunion, describing it as another important opportunity to further strengthen cooperation between Seychelles, France and the French territories of the Indian Ocean.

With glasses raised in celebration, conversations flowing among friends and partners, and cultural performances adding warmth to the occasion, the reception reflected far more than France’s National Day. It celebrated a friendship that has flourished over half a century. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

In 75 years, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will count three (3) of its members among the richest countries in the world.

This conviction was expressed by Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, at the opening of the 5th Stakeholder Forum on Public-Private Partnerships in the field of infrastructure.

According to him, it will be impossible to achieve this community ambition without significant progress in the infrastructure sector, which is critical for the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the ECOWAS space.

This situation is not conducive to the development of intra-regional trade nor to the emergence of a community market essential for creating leading countries in the global economy, Dr. Sylla noted, welcoming the approval of the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan.

This master plan, designed to provide a strategic framework for infrastructure development, identifies priority projects in the sectors of transport, energy, digital economy, and water, with the aim of addressing the region’s infrastructure deficit.

It includes 201 projects: 56 in the transport sector, 115 dedicated to energy, 15 in the digital economy, and 15 in water resources. The cost of these projects is estimated at 131 billion U.S. dollars for the period 2020–2045.

Dr. Sylla emphasized that, given the scale of investments required to implement the projects identified in this master plan, governments must urgently explore innovative financing options, particularly public-private partnerships (PPP).

He nevertheless regretted that the development of PPP projects from a regional perspective faces constraints linked to the diversity of national frameworks among member states of the regional organization.

That is why he welcomed the adoption by West African leaders, during their 60th Ordinary Session held in December 2021, of the regional PPP policy and its associated guidelines.

“These instruments provide a solid foundation for harmonizing PPP governance, fostering regional collaboration, and ensuring transparency in the preparation and implementation of projects,” Dr. Sylla stated.

Given growing budgetary constraints and the need to accelerate the structural transformation of West African economies, he advised prioritizing the development of financially viable and bankable infrastructure projects capable of attracting private investment.

This requires not only strengthening PPP frameworks but also increasing the mobilization of domestic capital through local financial institutions, pension funds, insurance companies, and regional capital markets, he said.

The 5th ECOWAS PPP Forum is precisely part of ongoing regional efforts to develop bankable infrastructure in West Africa through stronger PPPs and enhanced mobilization of domestic capital, thereby contributing to deeper regional integration.

It aims to advance ongoing discussions, build on the achievements of previous editions, deepen political dialogue, and propose concrete solutions to accelerate the preparation and implementation of integrated, resilient, and high-impact regional PPP projects.

The forum will also draw on experiences from flagship regional projects such as the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, the CLSG TRANSCO interconnection project, and the “transport” component of the Simandou project in Guinea.

Over two (2) days, participants will review the various agenda items of this meeting, including spontaneous PPP proposals, lessons and opportunities from regional PPP projects, and PPPs for climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

They will also focus on mobilizing institutional investors, promoting financing in local currency, and funding regional infrastructure, with particular emphasis on improving project bankability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Today in New Alamein City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the players of Egypt’s national football team, along with the technical and administrative staff.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly; Minister of Youth and Sports Gouhar Nabil; and President of the Egyptian Football Association Eng. Hany Abu Rida.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi awarded the players as well as the technical and administrative staff the Merit Cup and honorary decorations. This recognition was granted in appreciation of their heroic performance and outstanding technical level during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as their display of determination, perseverance, and discipline. A commemorative photograph was taken of the President with the players and the technical and administrative staff.

At the outset, President El-Sisi welcomed the players and the technical and administrative staff, expressing his pride and appreciation for the team’s honorable performance.
The President confirmed that this commendation reflects the general sentiment shared by all who followed the national team’s matches, among Egyptians, across the Arab world, within Egyptian and Arab communities abroad, and internationally as well.

President El-Sisi lauded the noble values embodied by the team, reflecting the authenticity of the Egyptian people. The President stressed that what has been achieved represents commendable effort and great dedication in the name of Egypt. The President noted that sport is not merely about winning and losing; more importantly, the national team earned the respect of people who valued the team’s performance even more than victory itself.

President El-Sisi emphasized that the national team represented Egypt’s youth in an admirable and honorable manner, creating a sense of joy among citizens throughout their World Cup journey thanks to the seriousness of their performance and their appearance in matches as a great team devoted to sincere effort.

The President also commended the team’s performance, which reflected the Egyptians’ ability to achieve success, stressing that the Egyptian people have a deep love for sports, particularly football, and that the nation is rich in talents capable of reaching the same level of excellence as the current stars of the team.

President El-Sisi underlined the importance of having impartial “talent scouts” dedicated to identifying young and emerging players. The President affirmed the State’s readiness to support promising talents, grant them the opportunities they deserve, and back the national coaching staff. The President concluded his remarks by underscoring the need to continue hard work, exert effort, preserve team spirit, and build new generations of players to build upon the success already achieved.

Later, President El-Sisi joined the national team players and the technical and administrative staff for lunch. The President was keen on listening to several players, who expressed their gratitude for meeting with the President and for his appreciation of their efforts.
They affirmed that both the national team and the players individually would spare no effort to build upon the achievement attained.

The President, once again, conveyed his gratitude and appreciation, on behalf of himself and the Egyptian people, for the team’s accomplishment, noting that the Egyptian people now look forward to even greater successes from the national team in the coming stage.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

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A routine journey across the River Nile nearly ended in disaster when strong winds and high waves overturned a canoe carrying three South Sudanese civilians near Malakal in Upper Nile State.

Within moments, the passengers were struggling in the fast-moving river as their boat and cargo disappeared beneath the waves.

Peacekeepers from the Bangladesh Force Marine Unit serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), who witnessed the incident, immediately deployed two patrol boats and rescued all three civilians from the water.

The operation went beyond saving lives. The peacekeepers also recovered the overturned canoe and salvaged between 10 and 15 bags of charcoal the passengers had been transporting, an important source of income for families who depend on river trade for their livelihoods.

“The rescued civilians were taken to the Bangladesh Boat Pool, where a medical team was on standby to provide emergency assistance,” said Lieutenant Commander Fahim Ahmed, Team Leader of the rescue operation.

One of the survivors sustained an injury to his right toe and was treated at the UN Peacekeeping Field Hospital before being discharged later the same day.

Following the operation, all three civilians returned home safely with their recovered canoe and cargo.

For communities along the Nile, the river is a vital transport route for moving food, firewood and charcoal between villages and markets. However, sudden storms can quickly turn routine crossings into life-threatening emergencies.

“The rapid response by the Bangladesh Force Marine Unit helped prevent what could have become a tragic loss of life. This is a significant role peacekeepers continue to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities in Upper Nile State,” Ahmed said.

Residents in Malakal welcomed the rescue, noting that river transport remains indispensable despite the risks posed by unpredictable weather. They said the peacekeepers’ swift response saved lives and protected the livelihoods of families who rely on the Nile every day.

Whether responding to violence, supporting humanitarian access, or carrying out emergency rescues on the Nile, UNMISS peacekeepers continue to play a critical role in protecting vulnerable communities across South Sudan.
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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

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Cabinet has approved the implementation of the July 2026 Fuel Cost Adjustment, ensuring that no tariff increase will apply to the first 400 kWh of monthly electricity consumption for all domestic customers, Vice-President Sebatien Pillay announced at Thursday’s Cabinet press briefing.

The cost of the measure will instead be recovered through a modest increase on domestic consumption above 400 kWh, along with revised tariffs for commercial and Government consumers, in an approach designed to protect households while preserving the financial sustainability of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).

The Vice-President said Government had undertaken considerable work to assess domestic consumption patterns before arriving at the decision, stressing that households would not be made to suffer as the country continues to manage its electricity sector. Under the new structure, consumption up to 400 kWh will see no tariff increase at all, while usage beyond that threshold will attract an increase of between 25 and 29 cents. The adjustment will come into effect once Government has finalised the structures required for its implementation.

The Vice-President linked the measure to Government’s wider efforts to manage costs responsibly, pointing to savings already achieved through the earlier policy of closing Government offices at 2:30 p.m. daily. Commercial and Government consumers will also see their own revised tariffs, as part of a more equitable distribution of costs across all consumer categories.

Government has maintained that the primary objective of the adjustment is to shield the public from the impact of rising fuel costs.

“All that Government is doing here is to ensure that people do not feel the impact of the crisis,” the Vice-President said, adding that on this front, Government had achieved its objective.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.