Category: English

Posted on

Government peacebuilders, youth and United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) sow seeds of peace amidst guns

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Download logo

As morning breaks, the vast and open plains of South Sudan’s Lakes state are filled with sounds of cattle and the overwhelming smell of smoke.  

It is at this relatively quiet time, that a team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and state authorities from the Ministry of Peacebuilding set out on a drive.

They aim to meet herders, armed youth, and residents in cattle camps that dot the landscape. Why? To hear their concerns and discuss the possibility of a future without violence.

For generations, cattle have been a symbol of wealth and pride across Lakes. And, in recent years, they have also become a source of deadly conflict. Cattle theft, revenge raids, and competition over water have left a trail of grief in local communities with countless lives lost and properties destroyed.

At one such cattle camp called Buol, 24-year-old herder Makur Magor Bok stands firm at the centre of a gathering. A seasoned cattle keeper despite his age, Makur carries a weapon, not out of malice, he says, but out of necessity. “If I knew my cattle and my family were safe, I would give up my gun today,” he says, gesturing to the automatic rifle slung across his shoulder. “We are not criminals, we are just afraid.”

Makur told Civil Affairs officers from the UN Peacekeeping mission that thieves had stolen one of his rifles, along with phones and solar chargers. Though he knew who was responsible, he made a decision that surprised many in his community. “I could have tracked them and fought with them, retrieved my belongings and avenged myself, but I remembered the peace messages I heard from UNMISS before. You said revenge only brings more killing,” he explained. “So I reported them to the traditional authorities. I want to believe in the law, not in a gun and, hopefully, I won’t be disappointed”

His unprecedented choice—to trust the system instead of fuelling the cycle of violence—sparked a debate among his peers. Some responded with irony, while others said that they had seen enough of their people die over senseless quarrels.

In another nearby cattle camp, Abuok Deng, a 17-year-old girl, shared her fears. “We sleep in fear. On any given night, someone might raid us. I think to myself that maybe this is the night I lose my baby brother; maybe this is the night someone hurts me,” she exhales, with looking out into the distance. “We need safety.”

The team of government peacebuilders and UNMISS peacekeepers listened intently and responded with strong messages on conflict resolution, the power of dialogue, and the importance of community-led peace. “This visit is not about disarming people,” stated Ruby Awude, a Civil Affairs Officer. “It is about creating the kind of peace and safety in communities that makes carrying a gun unnecessary.”

As twilight fell, the team left behind more than just words: they left seeds for lasting peace. Whether these take root depends not only on institutional change but also on the courage of individuals like Makur and Abuok.

Their words reflect the hope that still flickers in Lakes state: that even in a place tormented by cycles of conflict, there are those who choose peace.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Posted on

Strategic Topics, Technical Insights: Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 to Offer Multi-Track Program

This year’s edition of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference & exhibition will feature a multi-track program examining how regulatory reform, foreign investment and domestic growth have shaped the market over the past five decades, and how greater collaboration, capital expenditure and local participation will shape the next 50 years of development.  

Strategic Track

The AOG 2025 Strategic Track will feature a series of panel discussions, keynote addresses and in-conversation with sessions, all of which aim to provide key insight into the state of play of Angola’s oil and gas market. A session on Angola at 50: The Oil & Gas Industry – a catalyst for economic transformation will examine the role oil and gas has and will continue to play in unlocking economic opportunities for the country – from job creation to fuel security to revenue generation and infrastructure development.  

Meanwhile, with the country on track for a $60 billion upstream investment drive in the coming five years and a 2025 licensing round set to offer 10 blocks in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins, Angola offers strategic investment opportunities for exploration and production firms. The AOG 2025 Strategic Track will feature sessions on The Role of Onshore & Shallow Water Operations in Maintaining Production Levels; and Strategic Partnerships: Unlocking Africa’s Deepwater Potential, tackling development opportunities across the market. Additionally, sessions on From Extraction to Expansion: Financing Angola’s Oil & Gas Development and Increased Production Through Investment Friendly Reforms, will examine the impact reform has played on the market and how amended policies and improved fiscals have strengthened the competitiveness of doing business in Angola.  

Beyond the upstream sector, Angola targets 445,000 bpd in refining capacity, with a focus on reducing petroleum imports and bolstering regional fuel security. The Strategic Track will share insight into these objectives, with sessions on Towards a Secure Energy Future: Accelerating Downstream Development to Meet Market Demands; The Role of National Champions in Angola’s Development; Strategic Investments in Angola’s Logistics and Energy Infrastructure; and Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.

Technical Track

Geared towards service companies, innovators and data analytics firms, the AOG 2025 Technical Track will examine how technology-driven solutions will support oil and gas development in Angola. The Technical Track aligns closely with the broader goals of the nation to increase exploration, accelerate low-carbon fuel production while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development. Sessions on Driving Investment for Seismic Opportunities in Angola and Best Practice Strategies for Successful Exploration in the Okavango Basin will explore the impact data and technology play on unlocking new frontiers in Angola.

Additionally, sessions on Economic Diversification Through Gas; Towards Net-Zero: Decarbonizing Operations; and AI and Machine-Learning: Enhancing Efficiency, Safety and Minimizing Environmental Impact will provide critical insight into emerging opportunities in Angola’s low-carbon space. Focus areas will include natural gas projects, how technology such as machine learning can enhance efficiency while reducing emissions and the role research and development plays in supporting Angolan oil and gas development. In addition to panel discussions, a series of presentations will take place across the Technical Track, led by global data and analytics providers, Angolan government leaders and major operators.

Additional Features

In addition to the main conference program, AOG 2025 will host a dedicated deal-room. Designed as a high-impact ‘Dragon’s Den’ style platform, the deal room offers Angolan entrepreneurs and innovators the chance to pitch their products and services to global operators. The deal room fosters collaboration, local participation and partnerships. Meanwhile, AOG 2025 will also host a pre-conference program on September 2, ahead of the main conference agenda. The pre-conference includes specialized workshops and sessions led by experts and is designed for engineers, geologists, project managers and financiers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

Download logo
Posted on

eThekwini intensifies water management measures

Source: South Africa News Agency

The eThekwini Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit will intensify measures to enhance water management through various key initiatives, including the installation of strategic Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) in key network zones of the city.

This came during an Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting held on Tuesday, where several resolutions were adopted to accelerate implementation and respond to current challenges facing the municipality.

During the meeting, the municipal leadership approved measures aimed to accelerate implementation and address current water service delivery challenges facing the municipality.

During the meeting, management from the Water and Sanitation Unit presented an action plan aligned with the city’s Water Turnaround Strategy, which aims to reduce non-revenue water until it reaches acceptable standards.

The municipality said the installation of PRVs is a critical component in managing water pressure effectively and reduce incidents of bursts and leaks, which result in excessive water losses.

“Other initiatives in the action plan include maintenance of PRVs, installation of water restrictors, rehabilitation and refurbishment of district metered areas, performance-based contracts for leak detection and repairs, and installation of data loggers and trunk main pressure sensors,” the municipality reported after the meeting.

These initiatives are currently at the procurement process.

Strategic partnership with academic institutions renewed

The EXCO meeting also approved the renewal of a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with leading academic institutions, aimed at pursuing a common developmental research agenda to support policy development and improved service delivery.

The new MoA, effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028, includes partnerships with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Stellenbosch University (SU), and the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Supporting the agreement, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, said the agreement will position eThekwini as a responsive and learning-oriented city.

“It is through such partnerships that we will be able to co-create solutions to our most complex developmental challenges, while ensuring that our policies are grounded in rigorous research and real-world insight,” Madlala said.

Parties are to contribute funding jointly to facilitate priority research deemed strategic and collaborative. The co-funding model will form basis of shared responsibility using the ratio 1:1.

The municipality’s financial contribution will be as follows:
•    2025/26 financial year: R500 000.
•    2026/27 financial year: R1 000 000.
•    2027/28 financial year: R 1 500 000.

Two committees will be established to achieve effectiveness under this partnership, including the Research and Operations Committee, and the Steering Committee. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Government’s Spaza Shop campaign goes to Sedibeng

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng will be the next stop in the national campaign to create awareness about the Spaza Shop Support Fund.

This as an interactive session is set to take place at the City Hall, in the Vereeniging Central Business District, on Friday.

This leg of the campaign will offer spaza shop owners and township-based convenience store operators critical information on how to apply for both financial and non-financial support under the R500-million fund that was launched by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni in April.

READ | Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund 

The fund is aimed at increasing the participation of South African owned spaza shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.

The national campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), follows successful engagements held in KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. 

At these events, township-based entrepreneurs gathered in large numbers to learn how they can access support from the fund.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) which are agencies of the DSBD and the dtic, respectively. These entities are responsible for administering the fund.

The campaign aims to bolster the township economy by supporting South African-owned spaza shops and other township convenience stores through:
•    Access to affordable stock via delivery channel partners,                                                                                                                   
•    Infrastructure upgrades including shelving, refrigeration and security, Point of Sale devices,
•    Training programmes covering business skills, digital literacy, compliance, credit health and food safety, and partnerships with local manufacturers, black industrialists and wholesalers to improve supply chain inclusion.

“These efforts are geared toward increasing the competitiveness of township businesses and ensuring they play a significant role in the broader retail sector. 

“The campaign also promotes bulk buying and the use of locally produced goods, helping spaza shops lower operating costs while improving access to quality products,” the dtic and the DSBD said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

Friday’s session is expected to get underway at 9am. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Police Minister condemns threats against at Gift of the Givers staff

Source: South Africa News Agency

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has strongly condemned the threats and intimidation directed at humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, while they were delivering lifesaving assistance to flood-affected communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

It is alleged that members of a so-called “water mafia”, linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods. 

Mchunu was in Mthatha this past weekend to engage with and thank members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their efforts during the floods, which have claimed 90 lives to date and displaced hundreds more. The Minister also addressed some of the affected families. 

“The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people. Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need.

“Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively. 

“The SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area, and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. 

“We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to commit acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased,” Mchunu said. 

The provincial government said plans are underway to hold a Provincial Day of Mourning on Thursday, 19 June 2025, in Decoligny Village, Mthatha.

Residents have been urged to report persons who went missing in the areas that were affected by the floods to law enforcement. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the area last Friday to offer support and assess the damage. He was accompanied by government officials, key Ministers, the Premier, and local government representatives.

President Ramaphosa has expressed sadness over the loss of life during floods. The President offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Cricket world champions arrive home

Source: South Africa News Agency

Hundreds of South Africans braved the cold on Wednesday to welcome the national men’s cricket team back on home soil, following their historic victory in the 2025 International Cricket Council’s Test Championship (ICC).

The Proteas won against the then champions Australia, in a thrilling final at Lord’s in England with a five-wicket win on Saturday.
This marked South Africa’s first-ever appearance in a World Test Championship Final, and their triumphant performance signalled a landmark achievement for the nation’s cricketing history. 

This as Australia, currently ranked number one in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, entered the final as favourites and defending champions. 

The Proteas, ranked second, rose to the occasion and delivered a memorable performance, cementing their status as one of the world’s elite test sides.

READ | President Ramaphosa hails Proteas historic ICC test championship victory

The cricket team received an electrifying welcome with jubilation, song and dance from supporters, who arrived at OR Tambo International Airport, early on Wednesday morning.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the team’s win gives the nation hope.

“People should see themselves when they watch our national teams and that is what we are doing in cricket. They are following in the footsteps of rugby. We are a socially cohesive country. We are a rainbow nation and you can see this.

“We are the best sporting nation in the world. We have the strongest women and men in the world. We have the fastest runners, the best soccer players, [and]we have the best rugby players and cricket team,” the Minister said.

The Proteas men’s head coach Shukri Conrad expressed his joy at the welcome the team received at the airport.

“I am absolutely ecstatic to see people come out in their hundreds. It makes this win even more special. We won a few days ago but it hasn’t sunk in. To get a reception like this… it starts to sink in. The guys have been great but the fans have been better,” Conrad said.

The Minister, together with the cricket team, will brief the nation this afternoon on their success. –SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

SA views G7 as strategic partner in several areas 

Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa views the Group of Seven (G7) as a strategic partner in its efforts to drive climate resilience, promote a just energy transition, and secure value-added investment in its rich mineral resources.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was speaking following the conclusion of his working visit to Canada where he participated in the G7 Summit Outreach Session. The session took place on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, held in Kananaskis, Alberta.

“South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner. We seek greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development,” the President said on Tuesday.

READ | President in Canada for G7 Leaders’ Summit

The G7 consists of the largest advanced economies namely: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

The European Union also participates in G7 Summits, although it is not a member.  

The Outreach Session aimed “to explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; and infrastructure and investment”.

The outreach theme resonated with South Africa’s national interests and priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.  

The Outreach Sessions of the G7 have been a feature of the Group over the years with the aim being to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues. 

President Ramaphosa described the summit as “most meaningful” particularly in the context of South Africa’s role as the G20 President.

“We’ve just concluded our visit to Canada to attend the G7 Summit. It has been most meaningful for us, particularly as we are the President of the G20. We’ve had the opportunity to interact with a number of heads of state and government of various countries,” he said.

Climate change 

President Ramaphosa placed climate change and its devastating effects at the centre of South Africa’s message to the G7 leaders, highlighting the destruction brought by floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, as well as the ongoing droughts in parts of the Western Cape. 

“We put that firmly on the global agenda, that there should be sufficient funding for incidents such as those, as they happen on a repeated basis, particularly in our sub region – in [the] SADC [Southern African Development Community], but more importantly, in two of our provinces, KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape [which] over the past few years have suffered repeated incidents of destruction from floods and also droughts in parts of the Western Cape,” the President explained.

Beneficiation 

On the economic front, President Ramaphosa also pushed for a shift in the global approach to Africa’s critical minerals, emphasising the need for beneficiation and inclusive value chains.

“We discussed the importance of how our critical minerals should be treated, particularly in view of the fact that they play such an important role in energy security and that the extraction of minerals from African countries and our own country, particularly, should be made more to be not only extractive, but also to have value add, where beneficiation becomes the order of the day,” he said. 

He said investors must be made aware upfront that South Africa seeks to move beyond raw exports to value-added production, in line with its long-held vision of selling finished goods rather than raw materials.

“Those who want to invest in our minerals, should know up front that we are not only looking forward to them extracting minerals, but also to value chain additions or advancements in the form of beneficiation, so that in the end, we live up to what we’ve been saying, that we want to sell value added products to the rest of the world,” the President stressed.

Bilateral meetings

The first citizen also held bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines of the summit, which he described as “most beneficial” for South Africa’s diplomatic and economic engagements.

He held bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government from Canada, France, Germany and the Republic of Korea. The meetings centered on fostering greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the strengthening of cooperation between South Africa and Canada as it relates to the G20 and the G7. 

“Canada’s Africa strategy is comprehensive and there is potential for cooperation in areas where there is alignment with the African Agenda.”

Several engagements have taken place between South Africa and Canada at various levels, including at Sherpa and Ministerial levels. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia 2025 launches in Lusaka – C&I Energy + Storage Summit is a project of VUKA Group

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia (https://apo-opa.co/4n3jClL), a landmark event for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is set to launch on 27-28 August 2025 in Lusaka. Hosted in Zambia’s capital, this summit introduces a dynamic platform to tackle energy challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. 

About the Summit

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia unites industry leaders, project owners, innovators, and financiers to advance energy security and sustainability. Following the success of the 2024 South Africa summit, this event connects pre-qualified C&I project owners with cutting-edge energy and storage providers, fostering actionable insights, peer collaboration, and strategic partnerships. As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group, a leading organiser of transformative industry events across Africa, this summit will drive the SADC region’s energy future. 

“Zambia is at a turning point in its energy journey,” says Chanelle Hingston, Portfolio Director of VUKA Group’s Power and Energy Portfolio. “With growing demand, policy reform, and a clear appetite for private generation, there’s never been a more important time to connect buyers and solution providers. Launching the C&I Energy + Storage Summit here is about unlocking real opportunities—where energy independence meets economic resilience.”

Why attend?

This summit is essential for businesses facing unreliable utility power and pursuing energy independence. Through masterclasses, case studies, and networking, participants will explore alternative energy and storage technologies to secure reliable energy, learn from early adopters about successful project execution, gain insights into regulatory frameworks and policy advocacy, mitigate financial and technical risks with expert advice, and build partnerships to accelerate project development.  

This event is critical for Zambia’s C&I sectors, which depend on effective energy solutions. Key industries include retail, powering stores and supply chains consistently; manufacturing, ensuring stable energy for production; agriculture and agri-processing, supporting irrigation and processing; property development, enabling sustainable buildings; and energy-intensive users, stabilising operations for mining and industry. 

Download the programme (https://apo-opa.co/4n3jClL)

Programme highlights 

The two-day programme features dynamic sessions and masterclasses:

Day 1 (27 August 2025): The day kicks off with a keynote, moderated by Dr Johnstone Chikwanda, featuring a project briefing on energy strategies, followed by case studies where early adopters like Dangote Cement Zambia and Shoprite Zambia share embedded generation successes. This is followed by a panel discussion on derisking business continuity, featuring Helen Zulu, Zambia Country Director, ENGIE Energy  Access, and Chabuka Kawesha, Vice President (South Block), Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Day 2 (28 August 2025): The day begins with a plenary and a keynote by the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a session on open-access electricity policy, outlining its economic impact and challenges.  

Masterclasses cover grid capacity and flexibility in an open-access era; navigating clean energy technologies, solar PV, and storage implementation; safety and sustainable asset management for solar PV projects; and analysis of Zambia’s renewable energy tariff regime and cost insights, featuring Billy Onyango, County Operations & Maintenance Engineer, Kenya Power. 

Closing remarks explore the future of storage for hydro-dependent nations, addressing battery storage, climate impacts, and investment frameworks. 

Join us 

Seize this opportunity to elevate your energy strategy, engage with top providers, and shape the future of Zambia and the SADC region. Whether a sponsor, delegate, hosted buyer, or investor, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia offers unmatched value. For more information visit https://apo-opa.co/4n3jClL

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group.

For sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries, contact:
Marcel du Toit
marcel.dutoit@wearevka.com

For speaking opportunities, contact:
Babalwa Bungane 
Babalwa.bungane@wearevuka.com 

About VUKA Group:
As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://apo-opa.co/4jUGq4g), this summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors. 

Media files

Download logo
Posted on

Tosyalı has Become Türkiye’s Largest and Europe’s Third-Largest Steel Producer

Türkiye’s global steel producer Tosyalı (www.TosyaliHolding.com.tr) continues its global growth with nearly 50 facilities across 3 continents, a liquid steel production capacity of 15 million tons, and approximately 15,000 employees.

Drawing attention with its investments in high value-added qualified steel production by determining sustainability as the main agenda, Tosyalı is rapidly climbing the steps in world steel production with its production complexes in different geographies of the world, green steel products produced with advanced technology, R&D and innovation, strong equity and highly competent employees.

Amid the challenging global conditions in 2024, a difficult year for steel producers worldwide, Tosyalı achieved a rapid rise in the global rankings, adding yet another success to its record. According to data released by the World Steel Association, Tosyalı produced 9.12 million tons of liquid steel in 2024 and climbed 21 places compared to the previous year, reaching 46th position in the world rankings. With a 54.3% increase in production, Tosyalı has become one of the world’s top 3 fastest-growing steel producers. Today, Tosyalı has reached the position of Türkiye’s largest steel producer while also strengthening its strong position in the global arena as Europe’s third-largest steel producer. Additionally, the company entered the world’s top 50 steel producers, crossing a significant milestone for the industry.

Tosyalı Holding Chairman of the Board Fuat Tosyalı: “Our goal is to become one of the world’s top 20 steel producers”

Stating that Tosyalı‘s global success is based on well-planned strategic investments and qualified steel production, Fuat Tosyalı, Chairman of the Board of Tosyalı Holding, said: “As Tosyalı, we have identified sustainability, efficiency and economies of scale as three important priorities. With this strategy, we continue to grow in a healthy and stable manner with eco-efficiency-oriented investments in Türkiye and in different geographies around the world. We completed Tosyalı Demir Çelik İskenderun Plant, the largest industrial investment of our country in recent years, despite the major earthquake disaster and started the first production in 2023. This plant eliminated Türkiye’s 4 million tons of flat steel imports and started to make a significant contribution to value-added steel exports. We are taking firm steps towards becoming one of the most important and strategic integrated iron and steel production centers not only in the Mediterranean basin and Africa, but also in the world with our fourth phase investments in our five-phase Tosyalı Algérie production complex, which is one of the driving forces of our success as a global steel company to date. We have also initiated investments in Libya as a strategic step in Africa. With our investments in Türkiye, Algeria, Spain and Libya, we are strengthening our position as a global steel producer day by day.

As Tosyalı, our total investment amount in the last 5 years is over 6 billion USD and the majority of these are sustainability-oriented investments. Our investments in R&D, advanced technology, circular production, and clean energy sources such as solar and hydrogen continue without interruption. At the same time, we are focusing on efficiency, which is also one of the main issues of sustainability, and we tend to produce more by consuming fewer resources. We continue to achieve sustainable growth thanks to our completely independent, yet dynamic and efficient structure that analyzes everything from the mine to the final product within the Tosyalı ecosystem. Thus, we continue our rapid yet steady rise in the world rankings. Between 2020 and 2024, we increased our global crude steel production by 110%. Due to this progress, we have entered the world’s top 50 companies, becoming Türkiye’s largest and Europe’s third-largest steel producer. Among the top 50 companies, we are the only one to continuously rise in the global rankings every year. Our steady and sustainable growth continues, and with our production figures, we have taken a very strong step toward moving up to the next league on a global scale. In the next 4–5 years, as our ongoing investments begin production, we will move forward with confidence toward our goal of becoming one of the world’s top 20 steel companies.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Tosyali Holding.

Contact:
Serap Öztürk
sozturk@medyaevi.com.tr

Media files

Download logo
Posted on

Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Israeli Attack on Iran an Uncalculated Escalation

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 17, 2025

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that Israel’s attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran represents an uncalculated escalation with serious consequences for regional security, which is already strained and cannot handle further crises.

During the Ministry’s weekly press briefing, Al Ansari highlighted the State of Qatar’s deep concern over the situation, describing it as a new chapter in an ongoing pattern of provocations. He pointed out that, while countries across the region are making efforts to de-escalate various tensions, one regional actor continues to be the main source of instability and is undermining every peace effort.

He strongly criticized what he described as an uncalculated attack on nuclear and energy infrastructure, warning that this move could have far-reaching impacts on both global energy markets and regional security. He particularly highlighted the strategic significance of Gulf waters, not only as a local water source but also as a crucial artery for the world’s energy supply.

Al Ansari mentioned that, for the first time in over seven years, the region was witnessing real diplomatic momentum in talks between Iran and the United States, momentum that the State of Qatar and other countries were supporting. However, he cautioned that the current escalation could derail these efforts. He reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to working with both regional and international partners to help return to dialogue and avoid an unpredictable regional war.

He explained the region’s importance by citing that nearly 30% of the world’s exports of oil and fertilizers, and about 25% of its natural gas, pass through this area and the Strait of Hormuz.

He expressed confidence in the State of Qatar’s economy, highlighting that things remain very stable. He also noted that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced yesterday that it had not detected any pollution in the water. He added that the government is monitoring the situation closely and, for now, water safety is intact and maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz is normal, with energy exports proceeding without disruption.

When asked about contingency plans, he said that the State of Qatar has them in place and for various scenarios covering both the energy sector and public safety. He noted that the State of Qatar has consistently demonstrated readiness and resilience during past regional crises.

Despite the current calm in shipping and energy flow, he warned that any continued escalation could trigger dangerous and unforeseen consequences.

He also highlighted that the State of Qatar is in constant contact with its regional and international allies, aiming to end the crisis and facilitate dialogue. According to him, the country is actively engaged in mediation efforts to bring all sides closer together and reach a peaceful resolution to this dangerous escalation.

Al Ansari stressed that the region’s most urgent challenge now is escalation. He warned that if these tensions are not curbed, the consequences could be increasingly negative. That’s why, he added, all efforts must focus on crisis prevention.

Regarding Israel’s strike on Iran’s side of the South Pars gas field, He described the strike as a serious concern. He noted that many international companies operate in these energy fields and employ people from various countries. He said that, despite the State of Qatar’s energy infrastructure remaining unaffected and exports continuing normally, the targeting of the field has raised legitimate fears across the region about global energy supply security.

On Gaza, he confirmed that the State of Qatar’s mediation efforts toward a ceasefire were still underway. But he acknowledged that regional escalations, especially the latest confrontation between Iran and Israel, were severely hampering progress on multiple diplomatic fronts, including Gaza.

He raised alarm regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying that the situation has been deteriorating since early March. Of particular concern, he noted, is the repeated targeting of civilians seeking humanitarian aid. He stressed that the only way to address this crisis is to allow the unconditional entry of aid into Gaza and enable international organizations to distribute it. Al-Ansari dismissed justifications for blocking aid as weak and disconnected from the reality on the ground.

Spokesperson Al Ansari addressed the recent diplomatic outreach conducted by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He noted that since last Friday and up to Monday, His Excellency made numerous phone calls with his counterparts, including Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abbas Araghchi. During that call, HE the Prime Minister extended the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized that the State of Qatar would work with both regional and international partners to urgently halt the aggression against Iran and spare the region from its potentially disastrous consequences.

He also highlighted that HE the Prime Minister held conversations with several high-level officials, including UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty; Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ayman Safadi, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani; Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand; and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.

He also highlighted HE the Prime Minister’s expressing the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the repeated Israeli violations and attacks in the region during these conversations, stressing that such actions undermine peace efforts. He called for unified regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

The Spokesperson added that HE the Prime Minister hosted German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Saturday in Doha. Their meeting focused on regional developments and enhancing international peace and security.

In a related development, He said that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi held a phone call with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss the recent Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and the need to bolster nuclear site security. Dr. Al Khulaifi stressed during the call that targeting such facilities poses a serious threat to regional and global peace, reaffirming that Qatar is working actively with its partners to return to dialogue and promote lasting security and stability.

Al Ansari also noted that last Thursday marked the opening of the third Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue, held in Paris. The session was co-chaired by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was mutual appreciation for the progress made since HH the Amir’s state visit to France in February last year, which paved the way for new cooperation initiatives across multiple sectors. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic partnerships.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and addressed regional developments, particularly the ongoing challenges surrounding the Gaza Strip.

He further noted that Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met today with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees). Their meeting focused on enhancing the collaboration between Qatar and UNRWA.

Additionally, on Monday, Minister Al Misnad also met with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hadjivassiliou to discuss bilateral cooperation