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Seychelles and Tajikistan Strengthen Relations with Visa Waiver Agreement

Source: APO

President Dr Patrick Herminie witnessed the signing of a Visa Waiver Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, aimed at strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries while facilitating the movement of their citizens.

The Agreement was signed by Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Mr Sirojiddin Muhriddin, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Under the Agreement, citizens of Seychelles and Tajikistan holding valid diplomatic, service, official or ordinary passports will be exempt from visa requirements when travelling to the territory of the other country for short stays. Each visit may be for up to 30 days, with the cumulative duration of stay not exceeding 90 days within a calendar year.

The Agreement provides a framework for easier movement between Seychelles and Tajikistan and is intended to support stronger people-to-people links, as well as promote trade and economic development between the two countries.

Following the signing, President Herminie and the two Ministers discussed opportunities to build on the agreement through increased cooperation in tourism, trade, education and connectivity.

Tourism was highlighted as an area with significant potential. Tajikistan expressed interest in learning from Seychelles’ experience in developing its tourism industry, while presenting opportunities for Seychellois visitors to discover the country’s mountainous landscapes, lakes, glaciers and growing ecotourism sector. The two sides also discussed the potential for greater tourist exchanges, taking advantage of the different seasons and tourism offerings of the two countries.

The discussions further explored opportunities to strengthen air connectivity and create better links between the two countries, which could support tourism, trade and wider economic exchanges.

Education was also identified as an area for further cooperation, with discussions on possible exchanges between universities and opportunities for students from the two countries to study and gain experience in each other’s institutions.

The Visa Waiver Agreement follows discussions initiated earlier this year during a bilateral meeting between Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, and his Tajik counterpart during Minister Faure’s overseas mission to Tajikistan in late April. The agreement now provides a formal framework for facilitating travel and creating opportunities for expanded cooperation between Seychelles and Tajikistan.

President Herminie and Minister Muhriddin also reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation and mutual support within the United Nations and other international organisations.

The signing of the Visa Waiver Agreement, together with the discussions on tourism, trade, education, health and connectivity, provides further avenues for Seychelles and Tajikistan to deepen their bilateral relations and develop practical exchanges that can benefit both countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius, Dhananjay Ramful, stated on Wednesday in New York that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is “the most credible solution” to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara

Source: APO


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This change in stance was expressed by Ramful during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a statement to the press following the meeting, Ramful explained that the Republic of Mauritius had recently reviewed its position on the Moroccan Sahara issue during a Cabinet meeting, following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797.

The Republic of Mauritius now considers that Resolution 2797 is “based on pragmatism” and recognizes that autonomy for the Sahara under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco “offers the most realistic, fairest, and most sustainable solution” to resolving this dispute.

This new position is part of the momentum driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which enshrines autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole and only solution to this artificial regional dispute.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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Binance Invests $100 Million in Circle, Expands Strategic Partnership and Renews for Five Years

Source: APO

Binance (www.Binance.com) today announced a $100 million equity investment in Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE: CRCL) and the expansion and renewal of its strategic partnership to promote USDC across Binance’s global platform. The new arrangement has a term of five years.

Under the expanded partnership, Binance will promote USDC across its global platform, especially in emerging markets. Circle will provide the infrastructure services that support holding and using USDC. 

In connection with the partnership, Binance purchased $100 million worth of shares of Circle Class A common stock, through a private placement at a purchase price reflecting a five percent discount to the market price of CRCL prior to closing. 

“Circle has earned its place as one of the most credible issuers in the world spanning USDC, Arc and the infrastructure reshaping how value moves across borders. Our $100 million investment and five-year commitment represent long-duration conviction,” said Richard Teng, co-CEO of Binance. “We are helping to build a more inclusive, transparent, and compliant digital economy. A stable, trusted digital dollar should not be a privilege–it should be available to anyone with a phone. That’s the future this partnership is designed to deliver.”

“Binance has built one of the largest and most dynamic platforms in the world for using digital currency, creating the internet’s largest financial super app, and becoming the most widely used wallets in the world for dollar stablecoins,” said Jeremy Allaire, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Circle. “Together, we see incredible opportunities to leverage USDC to expand dollar access, support savings and investment with innovative digital asset products, and reach people and businesses throughout global emerging markets.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.

About Binance:
Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means. For more information, visit: www.Binance.com.

About Circle:
Circle (NYSE: CRCL) is one of the world’s leading internet financial platform companies, building the foundation of a more open, global economy through programmable blockchain infrastructure, digital assets, and payment applications. Circle’s platform includes the world’s largest stablecoin network anchored by USDC, Circle Payments Network for global money movement, and Arc, an enterprise-grade blockchain designed to become the Economic OS for the internet. Enterprises, financial institutions, and developers use Circle to power trusted, internet-scale. 

Forward-Looking Statements:
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results and financial position; our plans with respect to the anticipated future expenses and investments; expectations relating to certain of our key financial and operating metrics; our business strategy and plans; expectations relating to legal and regulatory proceedings; expectations relating to our industry, the regulatory environment, market conditions, trends and growth; expectations relating to customer behaviours and preferences; our market position; potential market opportunities; and our objectives for future operations. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations, assumptions, and projections based on information available at the time the statements were made. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. For a detailed discussion of the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2026, as well as in other filings we may make with the SEC from time to time. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons if actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

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South Africa: President Ramaphosa to lead National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Source: APO


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President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday, 24 September 2026, lead the National Heritage Day celebrations at Bongolethu Sport Stadium in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape.

The national day will follow the theme,, “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us.”

The theme highlights the role of living heritage in promoting national unity, social cohesion, Ubuntu and a shared sense of belonging.

National Heritage Day provides an opportunity for South Africans to celebrate the country’s diverse cultural heritage and reflect on its significance to nation-building.

The celebration marks the culmination of Heritage Month, during which communities, heritage institutions and practitioners participated in programmes promoting cultural expression, intergenerational knowledge-sharing and the preservation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

Following an earlier announcement of George as the venue for the national event, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has secured Oudtshoorn as the site for the celebration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Eritrea: Nationals in South Sudan commemorate Golden Jubilee of Revolution School

Source: APO

Eritrean nationals residing in Juba, Republic of South Sudan, enthusiastically celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of the Revolution School under the theme “Vibrant Commemoration: New Impetus for Nation Building.”

The celebratory event, held from 18 to 20 September, featured a photo exhibition reflecting the educational, social and sports activities of the school’s students, teachers and guardians, as well as cultural and artistic performances.

At the event, attended by Embassy staff, heads of national organizations and invited guests, Mr. Tsegay Mehari, Eritrea’s Consul, gave an extensive briefing on the historical background of the school, the expansion of educational facilities and services in Eritrea after independence, and the achievements registered. He also briefed participants on efforts to develop boarding schools and called for greater participation by Diaspora nationals in these efforts.

Mr. Romodan Ahmedin, head of Public and Community Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy, also conducted a seminar on “Education in Nation Building,” highlighting the importance of sustained efforts to nurture competent youth with a clear vision and discipline.

Papers focusing on the history of the Red Flowers were presented at the event, and participants held extensive discussions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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President Ramaphosa calls for UN backing on panel on inequality

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa calls for UN backing on panel on inequality

By Dikeledi Molobela
New York, USA — President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the United Nations General Assembly to back the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality (IPI), saying the time has come to turn growing international concern over inequality into coordinated global action.

In a pre-recorded message delivered on Wednesday at a high-level event on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Ramaphosa said the proposed panel was one of the key outcomes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 and should now be taken forward through the multilateral system.

The high-level event, titled “Addressing the Global Inequality Crisis – A High-Level Event on an International Panel on Inequality”, was co-hosted by South Africa, Brazil, Norway and Spain, with Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz. 

It brought together leaders, Ministers and representatives of international organisations and civil society to build support for the proposed panel.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa, Brazil, Norway and Spain were united by a common objective of tackling extreme inequality.

“President Lula [Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva], Prime Minister Støre [Jonas Gahr Støre], Prime Minister Sanchez [Pedro Sanchez]and I welcome you as leaders of nations united by a common cause – to overcome extreme inequality,” he said.

He recalled the words of South Africa’s founding President Nelson Mandela, who warned of the consequences of poverty, injustice and inequality.

“As South Africa’s founding father Nelson Mandela reminded us, for as long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest,” the President said. 

He said the challenge now was to move from recognition of the problem to collective action. The President described the proposed IPI as central to efforts to build a stronger international response to inequality.

“In the spirit of Madiba’s words, let today be a day of action. The task before us is a formidable one, to build a new multilateral frontier and expand our global coalition against inequality. At its heart is the International Panel on Inequality,” he said. 

From G20 to the United Nations
The initiative has its roots in South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which placed inequality prominently on the global economic agenda.

An independent committee of experts on global inequality, commissioned by the South African G20 Presidency, recommended the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality to provide governments and multilateral institutions with authoritative assessments and analysis of inequality. 
The proposed panel would monitor trends, assess the drivers and consequences of inequality and examine policy responses.

“The decision to establish the Panel is one of the most consequential outcomes of the South African G20 Presidency last year,” he said.

The initiative built on the work of Brazil, which held the G20 Presidency before South Africa, placing inequality at the centre of the global agenda.

The 2025 G20 South Africa Leaders’ Declaration recognised inequality, unemployment, under-employment and informal employment as significant threats to global growth, development and social and economic stability.

The proposed IPI is envisaged as an independent, science-based and globally representative body that would organise, synthesise and assess existing knowledge on inequality and provide evidence to inform policymaking. The initiative draws inspiration from the role played by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in bringing together scientific evidence on climate change.

Taking the initiative to the General Assembly
President Ramaphosa said the growing support for the initiative should now be converted into a formal United Nations (UN) process.

“As evidenced by the wide range of representation in this room today, the coalition in support of an IPI is growing.

“It is time to accelerate the momentum, and to get the backing of the General Assembly for a resolution on the IPI,” he said.

The UN has described the proposed panel as a potential global body that would provide objective assessments of inequality, systematically monitor trends, analyse drivers and consequences, and assess policy responses at global and national levels. 

The 23 September event was specifically convened to build engagement and support for establishing the IPI through a General Assembly resolution.

For South Africa, the initiative represents an effort to place inequality at the centre of the multilateral development agenda and strengthen the evidence available to governments when designing policies to address disparities in income, wealth and opportunity.

The issue also aligns with the broader South African position that global institutions need to respond more effectively to inequalities between and within countries, particularly at a time when developing economies face multiple economic and external pressures.

Building momentum
Drawing on the contribution of Professor Stiglitz, who is a leading advocate of the proposed panel, President Ramaphosa said inequality should not be regarded as an unavoidable feature of the global economy.

“As Professor Joseph Stiglitz reminds us, inequality is not and never has been inevitable. It is a problem we can solve with evidence, analysis and cooperation,” he said.

He called for countries to build on the momentum generated through the G20 and take the initiative forward within the United Nations.

“Let us forge forward in the spirit of cooperation and common purpose,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the establishment of the panel was no longer a distant ambition.

“An International Panel on Inequality is now firmly on the horizon, and fully within our grasp. The time for an International Panel on Inequality is now,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Ten million trees to be planted across SA on Heritage Day

Source: Government of South Africa

Ten million trees to be planted across SA on Heritage Day

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts will lead a nationwide campaign to plant 10 million trees on Heritage Day on 24 September 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience and promote environmental sustainability.

The campaign forms part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, which seeks to mobilise South Africans from all walks of life to contribute to the greening of the country and efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The programme brings together government, business, the private sector, interfaith organisations, the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, non-governmental organisations, youth formations and communities in a collective tree-planting initiative.

“The initiative, which is linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, is a clarion call to South Africans from all walks of life to participate and contribute towards the greening of the country,” the department said in a statement.

Among its targets, Goal 13 calls for strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, integrating climate-change measures into policies and planning, and improving public awareness and capacity on climate mitigation and adaptation.

The main tree-planting events will take place in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

In Pretoria, Swarts will lead the tree-planting event at Freedom Park Heritage Site in Salvokop before joining Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha at Noordgesig in Soweto, Johannesburg.

Tree-planting activities will also take place across all nine provinces as part of the Heritage Day celebrations, led by Premiers and/or MECs responsible for environmental affairs.

“The campaign to plant 10 million trees contributes to climate resilience, promotes environmental awareness, and encourages individuals and organisations to actively participate in greening their communities,” the department said.

The initiative also complements the SDGs focus on climate action and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, restoration and combating land degradation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Afghanistan

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 23, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met today with HE Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets President of Namibia

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 23, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Wednesday with HE President of the Republic of Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to several issues of joint interest.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Sweden, Germany

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 23, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met separately today with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty, HE Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Maria Malmer Stenergard, and HE Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Johann Wadephul, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

During the meetings, they discussed cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, and discussed the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and enhance security and stability in the region, in addition to several issues of joint interest.