Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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On the occasion of Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of its independence, celebrated on June 29 2026, heads of state and governments across the world sent their well wishes to the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie and the people of Seychelles.

Among the many messages received were messages from leaders of diplomatic missions represented in Seychelles. In his message, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, noted that over the past 50 years, China and Seychelles have consistently demonstrated mutual trust and support, fostering a steadfast and enduring friendship despite evolving international circumstances. President Xi further conveyed that, as the Republic of Seychelles commemorates the 50th Anniversary of its Independence, he extends his sincere wishes for lasting peace, continued prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Seychelles.

In her message, Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Honourable President of the Republic of India, highlighted the close and enduring partnership between India and Seychelles. She noted that the two countries share not only the waters of the Indian Ocean and deep historical ties, but also a steadfast commitment to the well-being of their peoples and to the security and stability of the region.  She further emphasised that the strong bilateral partnership continues to contribute to stability in the Western Indian Ocean region and reaffirmed India’s readiness to further strengthen and deepen cooperation with Seychelles for the mutual benefit of both peoples and the wider Indian Ocean region as Seychelles embarks on its next chapter of nationhood.

The Emperor of Japan, H.E. Emperor NARUHITO and the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. TAKAICHI Sanae also sent their congratulations on the occasion. Emperor NARUHITO extended his heartfelt congratulations and sincere good wishes to the President and the people of Seychelles. On her side, Prime Minister TAKAICHI highlighted the increasing bilateral cooperation between Seychelles and Japan since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries back in 1976. Prime Minister TAKAICHI noted that as an island nation, just like Seychelles, Japan remained committed to international cooperation in the maritime field and to climate change measures. She ended her message by thanking Seychelles for accepting to participate in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, to be held in Yokohama, Japan and hoped that the relationship between the two countries would make further leaps forward and that even stronger bonds of friendship would be built.

Seychelles also received a congratulatory message from His Excellency Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. In his message, President Putin noted that Russia–Seychelles relations are characterised by friendship, a sentiment he said was reaffirmed during bilateral discussions held in Moscow in April. He further expressed confidence that both countries would continue their joint efforts, including in the lead-up to the Third Russia-Africa Summit, to expand mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields for the benefit of their peoples.

The President of the Democratic Socialist of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka joined the many leaders in congratulating President Herminie and the people of Seychelles on the occasion, noting that Seychelles and Sri Lanka shared a cordial and longstanding relationship founded on mutual respect and close cooperation in the regional and international foras. He ended his message by saying that he was confident that the friendship and cooperation between the two nations will continue to grow and strengthen for the countries mutual benefit.

In his message to the President, His Majesty, King Charles V noted that the United Kingdom valued its close and enduring partnership with Seychelles underpinned by the two countries’ mutual commitment to democratic principles, rule of law and good governance. Furthermore, as a SIDS, Seychelles was an important partner in promoting stability, openness and respect for international law. His Majesty the King added that he looked forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November where he hoped they would reaffirm their shared commitments and chart a course for the future. He welcomed Seychelles’ global leadership on ocean conservation and its approach to sustainable development which continues to be an example for SIDS and the wider international community. He extended his and his wife, Queen Camilla’s best wishes to the President and the people of Seychelles on the occasion.

The President also received a congratulatory note from the President of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Donald J. Trump, who praised Seychelles for being a key maritime security partner throughout the Indian Ocean region, noting that it was an area where the two countries work together to confront common threats. He ended his message by adding that the United States of America looked forward to further bolstering maritime security and trade cooperation with Seychelles, which he described as a model of good and stable governance.

Following President Trump, were the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and High Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE who congratulated President Herminie and the people of Seychelles on the occasion of Seychelles’ Independence Day. They wished good health, happiness, further progress and prosperity to the President and people of Seychelles.

The President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, whose High Commissioner-designate will be presenting his credentials to President Herminie on Tuesday 7 July, also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the President and people of Seychelles on the occasion. President Hichilema noted that Zambia cherished the cordial relations that exist between Seychelles and Zambia and remained committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The President of the Republic of Palau, H.E. Mr. Surangel S. Whipps Jr. also sent a congratulatory message to his counterpart, noting that his country valued the friendship between the two countries and hoped to continuing close collaboration on shared priorities including climate change advocacy, environmental protection, and sustainable development as large ocean states. President Whipps Jr. traced back on Seychelles’ accomplishments over the years in sustainability and ocean governance initiatives globally, like the BBNJ and gave his assurances that Palau would continue to work closely with Seychelles to turn these commitments into tangible protection for the high seas.

The President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Ms. Myriam Spiteri Debono joined other world leaders in congratulating President Herminie and the people of Seychelles on the occasion and noted that the Republic of Malta was committed to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation.

In his message, the King of Spain, his Majesty Felipe V, together with the government and people of Spain, extended his congratulations to President Herminie and his best wishes for the peace and prosperity of the people of Seychelles.

H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations also conveyed his well wishes to the President and people of Seychelles, noting that national days served as important moments for reflection on a country’s journey, its contributions to the international community and the aspirations that guide its future.

In his message on the occasion, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, sent his best wishes to the President and the people of Seychelles and prayed that the Almighty God blessed the nation with everlasting peace and fraternal solidarity.

Mr. Antonio COSTA, the President of the European Council, reaffirmed the European Union’s longstanding partnership with Seychelles, built on shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Over the past five decades, this collaboration has expanded across trade, sustainable fisheries, maritime security, and economic development, contributing to Seychelles’ progress and prosperity. In light of evolving global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, the EU underscored the importance of this trusted partnership and reiterated its commitment to working closely with Seychelles to address future challenges and advance the mutual interests of both peoples.

In her message, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, conveyed her warmest wishes to the Government and people of Seychelles, on behalf of the Government and people of Australia. As we mark 50 years of bilateral relations between our two countries, she expressed confidence that the friendly relations between Australia and Seychelles will continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead.

Messages to the President were also received from leaders of the following countries and organisations: the Republic of Malawi, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Nicaragua, the Republic of Benin, the Republic of Botswana, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Gabon, the Kingdom of Morocco, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the United Nations Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, received the Ambassador-designate of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Mr. Renso Antonio Herrera Franco, for a courtesy call at Maison Quéau de Quinssy on Monday, 6 July 2026, ahead of the presentation of his Letters of Credence.

During the meeting, Minister Faure and H.E. Mr. Herrera Franco reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between the Republic of Seychelles and the Dominican Republic, underscoring the shared interests and common priorities that continue to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

The discussions focused on avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including tourism, environmental protection, the Blue Economy, and marine conservation. In this regard, both sides welcomed the prospect of further consolidating their partnership through the conclusion of a General Cooperation Agreement, which would provide a comprehensive framework for future collaboration.

The two sides also discussed the establishment of a Joint Commission as a mechanism to monitor the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation and to facilitate regular consultations, including through virtual meetings, with a view to advancing the bilateral agenda.

In addition, the meeting explored the proposed conclusion of a Visa Waiver Agreement, which would facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges, promote tourism and investment opportunities, and encourage the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices between the two countries.

His Excellency Mr. Herrera Franco will become the first Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to be accredited to the Republic of Seychelles on 7 July 2026, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Minister of Industry Eng. Khaled Hashem.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting reviewed the executive status of the National Industrial Strategy 2026–2030. Minister Hashem noted that the Ministry of Industry’s Vision 2030 aims to increase non-oil exports to USD 100 billion through the implementation of a comprehensive industrial strategy developed in partnership with the private sector. The strategy comprises a number of key programs, including the Industrial Map, the Productive Village initiative, the revival of distressed factories, legislations and regulations, institutional development of the Ministry of Industry, supplier development, and the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

The minister added that the strategy identifies seven priority industries: ready-made garments, textiles, food industries, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, and the electrical equipment, engineering, and electronics industries.

President El-Sisi directed that the implementation of each program under the strategy be linked to clearly defined timelines, stressing the importance of enhancing Egypt’s integration into global value chains in order to support its transformation into a regional industrial hub capable of accessing international markets.

The Minister of Industry also reviewed plans to expand and deepen local manufacturing and facilitate technology transfer in the automotive sector. Eng. Hashem noted that the automotive industry ranks among the highest-priority sectors within the National Industrial Strategy due to its strong potential to attract investment and technology transfer. 

The Minister of Industry affirmed that the State is moving forward with supportive policies aimed at positioning Egypt as a regional hub for automotive manufacturing. The minister also highlighted the National Automotive Industry Development Program as a key pillar for attracting leading global automotive brands. In this regard, President El-Sisi underscored the need to intensify efforts to localize the automotive industry and its components, thereby establishing a strong industrial base capable of competing regionally and internationally. The President also stressed the importance of expanding the production of electric vehicles to support the State’s transition toward a green economy.

President El-Sisi also reviewed the executive status of the roadmap for deepening and localizing the steel industry, including the ministry’s plan to overcome the challenges facing the sector.  

The President emphasized the importance of expanding the localization of feeder industries for heavy industries, considering them a key pillar for strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing dependence on imports, thereby increasing the added value of the national economy.

The spokesman said that during the meeting the procedures and work progress in industrial projects and zones were also reviewed. Those constitute the cornerstone for strengthening and advancing industrial production.

The Minister of Industry explained that the procedures for establishing industrial projects have been updated, as well as the expansion of renewable energy use in the industrial sector to enhance the competitiveness of national industry. He pointed out that work is currently underway to implement the “Sun of Industry” initiative, which aims to install solar power stations on the rooftops of about 7,000 factories across various governorates.

The Minister of Industry also reviewed matters pertinent to the Egyptian Initiative for African Industrial Integration, noting that it aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and seeks to strengthen economic integration among African countries.

In this regard, the President emphasized the importance of taking advantage of opportunities available in the African markets and of bolstering strategic partnerships. This is in addition to working toward achieving regional industrial integration with African nations, considering it one of the main drivers for increasing intra-African trade and boosting the added value of African resources.

Concluding the meeting, President El-Sisi confirmed the necessity of the full implementation of the plans and targets and adhering to the relevant timelines for execution, stressing the importance of applying digitalization.

The President also emphasized the need for vigorous efforts to ensure broad private sector involvement in Egypt’s manufacturing process, and to work seriously and immediately to eliminate any obstacles facing investors in the industrial field.

President El-Sisi also underscored the vital need to focus on vocational training and take all necessary measures to encourage industries. 

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) (www.ATIDI.Africa) will convene its 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 30 June to 3 July 2026, bringing together heads of state, government officials, investors, development finance institutions and private sector leaders from across Africa and beyond.

Held under the theme “Empowering Africa: Risk Managed, Growth Unlocked”, the AGM comes at a pivotal moment for the continent as African institutions seek to mobilise greater levels of investment, strengthen economic resilience and accelerate sustainable development.

The 2026 gathering also marks a significant milestone in ATIDI’s history, celebrating 25 years since the organisation’s establishment and recognising a quarter century of supporting trade, investment and economic transformation across Africa.

Hosted by the Government of Kenya, the event will provide a platform for high-level dialogue on the future of African development finance, bringing together leaders from across the public and private sectors to explore how innovative financing, risk mitigation solutions and stronger African institutions can unlock investment and accelerate growth across the continent.

A central feature of the programme will be the Leaders’ Panel, which will examine how Africa can build a more resilient and self-sustaining development finance ecosystem in response to shifting global capital flows, rising debt pressures and growing demand for infrastructure and industrial investment.

Bringing together senior political leaders, development finance institutions and trade and investment organisations, the discussion will explore how governments, regional institutions and multilateral partners can work together to mobilise domestic and international capital, reduce the cost of financing and support investment in the sectors that will define Africa’s next phase of development, including energy, manufacturing, SMEs and green infrastructure.

The Opening Ceremony will feature addresses from senior government officials and ATIDI leadership, including Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Manuel Moses, Chief Executive Officer of ATIDI. Delegates will also hear from senior representatives of the Government of Kenya, including Cabinet Secretaries responsible for finance, trade and investment.

As part of the celebrations marking ATIDI’s 25th anniversary, the programme will recognise the institution’s founding members and reflect on the organisation’s evolution over the past quarter century. Since its establishment, ATIDI has facilitated over USD93 billion in critical economic sectors across Africa.

Alongside the policy discussions, the AGM will place a strong emphasis on investment promotion and business development. The Investor Showcase will bring together representatives from government, commercial banks, multilateral development banks and the private sector to highlight investment opportunities and strengthen engagement between investors and African markets.

The programme will also include a series of curated Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings designed to connect investors, businesses and public sector stakeholders, helping to facilitate partnerships, unlock opportunities and support long-term economic growth.

Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ATIDI, said: “This is a good opportunity to celebrate 25 years of delivering African solutions to African challenges. As the continent seeks to mobilise greater levels of investment and accelerate development, African institutions have an increasingly important role to play. This AGM will bring together leaders from across the continent and beyond to explore how partnerships, innovation and risk mitigation can help unlock the capital needed to support Africa’s future.”

Manuel Moses, Chief Executive Officer of ATIDI, said: “African Solutions for Africa reflects our belief that the continent’s development ambitions will be achieved through strong institutions, innovative thinking and effective collaboration. This AGM provides a unique opportunity for policymakers, investors and development partners to come together and discuss practical solutions that can help mobilise investment at scale, strengthen resilience and support sustainable economic transformation across Africa

– on behalf of African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI).

Notes to Editors:
The African Trade Insurance Agency (commonly known as African Trade & Investment Development Insurance – ATIDI) was founded in 2001 by African States to cover trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. The organization notably provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and Surety Insurance.

Since inception, ATIDI has supported over USD93 billion worth of investments and cross border trade into Africa. It is rated A by both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, which reflects the organization’s robust financial position and strong risk management practices. In recognition of its growing impact, ATIDI was named the Development Finance Institution (DFI) of the Year at the 2025 African Banker Awards.

Click here (https://apo-opa.co/4vQtT8T) to read all about our first 25 years of impact

PR Contacts:
Lawrence Mensah
l.mensah@atidi.africa
+254 701 774 873

Michelle Worvell
Lysander PR
Michelle@lysanderpr.com

Helen Wright
Lysander PR
Helen@lysanderpr.com

Source: APO

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As the rhythmic beat of traditional drums filled the air in Yambio, the capital of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State, a young girl’s voice rose above the crowd with a heartfelt wish.

“Oh, peace, we have been looking for you day and night,” sang student Gamboripai Flora, capturing the hopes of countless children who have grown up knowing more about conflict than calm.

For many families in Western Equatoria, peace is not an abstract ideal. It means children walking safely to school, farmers returning to their fields without fear, and communities rebuilding relationships fractured by years of violence.

Those aspirations took center stage during the launch of the “Hear Us, Act Now” campaign, an initiative led by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with the Government of Western Equatoria State. The campaign encourages communities, particularly young people, to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

The event brought together elders, traditional chiefs, artists, women, youth leaders, civil society organizations and government representatives. Through music, dance and cultural performances, participants celebrated both their rich cultural heritage and their shared commitment to a more peaceful future.

For Flora Gume, a member of the Western Equatoria Women’s Union, lasting peace begins within families and communities. Reflecting on the role women have played throughout years of conflict, she said they have carried the burden of protecting children, supporting displaced families and holding communities together.

“We should know and put in mind that peace begins with women,” she said. “We should speak to our men, our children and the young boys. We should encourage them to lay down their guns and resolve their grievances through dialogue.”

Young people have often been caught in cycles of violence sometimes as victims and, at other times, as participants. The campaign aims to change that by positioning youth as leaders in peacebuilding.

Emmanuel Wanga, a member of the Civil Society Network, said the shift is already becoming visible.

“Youth have been used for a long time as perpetrators of conflict. Now they are taking the lead in calling for peace. That is already a sign of transformation.”

Local leaders say peace is also essential for economic recovery and development.

Ann Tuna, Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, emphasized that stability would allow communities to rebuild their livelihoods.

“We want to see our people living in peace. We want businesses to flourish and farmers to return to their land without fear. Our youth should hear us and act now by choosing peace over violence.”

UNMISS says the campaign is designed to ensure that young people’s voices are not only heard but also help shape the state’s peacebuilding efforts.

“The ‘Hear Us, Act Now’ campaign reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that all voices, especially those of young people, are heard and contribute to meaningful peacebuilding efforts,” said Emmanuel Dukundane, Civil Affairs Officer with UNMISS.

Although the celebrations have ended and the drums have fallen silent, the campaign’s message is only beginning. In partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, UNMISS will take the “Hear Us, Act Now” campaign to counties across Western Equatoria, expanding its call for dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

Long considered a disease of the past, diphtheria continues to affect certain regions of Mauritania. Located in the east of the country, near the border with Mali, the Mbera refugee camp hosts communities particularly exposed, in a context marked by frequent population movements and sometimes difficult living conditions.

In the wilaya (region) of Hodh El Chargui, the disease circulates in an environment where access to healthcare can be limited, families often share cramped spaces and many children have not received all their vaccine doses. Combined with population movements, these factors favour its spread.

Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), is working closely with field teams to limit transmission. WHO assists authorities in several regions, helping health workers better recognize and treat diphtheria, protect patients and staff and ensure the availability of essential medicines. It also supports the delivery of care in Fassala and in the Mbera camp, as well as vaccination activities around identified cases.

In this context, Zeinabou, 22, a student at a Quranic school in Mbera, recognized the signs of the disease early enough to seek help. “The pain started simply, then the fever rose and I immediately thought of the cases people were talking about around us,” she explains. This reflex quickly led her to the health centre—a decisive choice in a situation where rapid care saves lives.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the throat and respiratory tract. It spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Without prompt treatment, it can cause serious complications or even death. Yet it can be prevented through vaccination, which remains the best protection.

At the Mbera camp health centre, Dr Ghassoum Abdoulaye Wane, chief physician, sees this increase confirmed day after day: behind the numbers, constant pressure weighs on teams and communities, despite a general downward trend in cases since early 2026.

Between 1 January 2025 and 29 March 2026, 1439 confirmed cases and 56 deaths were recorded in Mauritania. Fourteen out of 15 wilayas were affected, with a strong concentration in Hodh El Chargui, which accounted for 862 cases. The Bassiknou district, including the Mbera camp, remains particularly affected, with 602 cases reported.

In the same camp, Khadija, 46, faced the disease within her family. She was caring for her 3 year old niece Salimata when the child fell ill. “Everything happened very quickly. Her throat was swollen, she had a fever and was breathing with difficulty. I immediately took her to the health post, then to the Mbera health centre,” she recalls.

Salimata was hospitalized in a ward reserved for diphtheria patients, where care is free and monitoring is constant. “The caregivers were present day and night. They did everything to reassure us. Some had even learned a few words in our local languages to communicate better with us,” says Khadija. After a week of hospitalization, the child was discharged, fully recovered.

Behind these stories, significant work has gradually been put in place to support affected communities. “Population movements, the high number of unvaccinated children and the pressure on health facilities explain why our district has been particularly affected,” emphasizes Dr Mohamed Souleimane Elemine, chief physician of Bassiknou district.

At the Mbera camp health centre, teams had to adapt quickly. Dr Moussa Sacko, general practitioner, stresses the importance of acting without delay. “As soon as patients arrive, we quickly identify suspected cases. They are directed to dedicated wards and immediately receive the necessary care,” he explains. Despite limited resources, his team treated 602 diphtheria patients between 2025 and March 2026.

Several actions have helped reduce the spread of the disease: better case monitoring, faster treatment, availability of essential medicines such as azithromycin and diphtheria antitoxin, improved protection for caregivers and vaccination of at risk individuals around identified cases. These efforts, supported by WHO, have strengthened the organization of the response on the ground.

According to Dr Charlotte Ndiaye, WHO Representative in Mauritania, these elements are crucial to limiting spread. “The circulation of diphtheria is favored by insufficient vaccination coverage, the presence of ‘zero dose’ children, and frequent population movements. Detecting cases quickly, treating them well and strengthening vaccination helps prevent severe forms and deaths,” she emphasizes.

These efforts have already improved the situation in several districts. In Adel Bagrou, for example, strengthened case surveillance and vaccination campaigns have greatly limited transmission, with only four cases recorded in the past three months. In Bassiknou, more than 23 000 people were vaccinated during a campaign conducted in January 2026.

For Zeinabou, this experience changed her view of prevention: “Before, I didn’t know there was a vaccine against this disease. Today, I talk about it to my family and friends. I tell them to be careful and protect themselves.”

Meanwhile, Khadija often thinks back to the anxious moments at the hospital before seeing her niece running and playing again: “I realized this disease can be serious, especially for children. But I also saw that going quickly to the health centre and following treatment can really make a difference and save our children.”
 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritania.