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President of Hungary Receives Credentials of Qatari Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Budapest, December 16, 2025

HE President of Hungary Tamas Sulyok received Tuesday the credentials of HE Radi bin Sowayed Al Ajami as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Hungary.

HE the Ambassador conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HE the President of Hungary, expressing His Highness’s hopes for His Excellency’s ongoing health and happiness, as well as for the continued advancement and prosperity of the government and people of Hungary.

In response, HE the President of Hungary extended his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing him enduring health and happiness, along with continued progress and prosperity for the State of Qatar.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Members of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, December 16, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met in Washington on Tuesday with members of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

The meeting discussed close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America and ways to support and develop them. It also discussed a number of topics of common concern.

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Qatar Grants 30 Buses to Lebanon to Boost Public Transit

Source: Government of Qatar

Beirut, December 16, 2025

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Transport, has provided the Republic of Lebanon with a grant consisting of 30 buses, in support of the efforts of Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport in developing the infrastructure of the country’s public transport sector.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani took part in the official handover ceremony, held under the patronage and in the presence of HE Minister of Public Works and Transport of the Republic of Lebanon Fayez Rasamny, with the participation of a lineup of ambassadors and diplomats.

In a speech during the ceremony, HE the Ambassador affirmed that this step embodies the deep-rooted ties between the State of Qatar and Lebanon and stems from both countries’ sisterly relations.

He added that this initiative falls within the framework of Qatar’s continued support for the efforts of Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport in developing the country’s public transport sector’s infrastructure and strengthening its ability to address current challenges.

His Excellency stressed the State of Qatar’s constant commitment to Lebanon’s stability and prosperity, standing by it across various fields.

For his part, HE Minister of Public Works and Transport of the Republic of Lebanon Fayez Rasamny expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar, saying that it did not stop at good intentions, instead Qatar translated them into practical commitments, turning words into action and ideas into reality, as is the case today with the buses entering service on Lebanese soil.

Rasamny added that the buses will directly contribute to alleviating citizens’ suffering and activating the role of public transport in Lebanon.

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Special Envoy of Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Acting Under-Secretary-General for UNOCT

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, December 16, 2025

HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, met on Tuesday with HE Acting Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Alexandre Zouev, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation and strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and the UNOCT, in addition to issues of common interest.

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All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) President, Global Experts Map Out New Direction for Culture at Morocco Forum

Source: APO

The President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) (https://AFRIMA.org), Mr Mike Dada, joined leading cultural and creative industry experts from across the world to discuss the future of Africa’s cultural sector at the 3rd Moroccan Forum of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) in Rabat, Morocco.

The event, which took place from  December 11 to 14, 2025, was organised under the ‘High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’ and hosted by the HIBA Foundation, a cultural organisation established by the King to support the growth of Morocco’s creative economy.

This year’s forum brought together policymakers, investors, cultural operators, academics, and creative professionals from countries including Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Germany, France, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Quebec. Over four days, they examined how African countries can strengthen their cultural ecosystems and increase the economic value of their creative industries.

Mr. Dada, a lawyer, Public Relations Consultant and creative economy expert who represented AFRIMA and the African music sector, joined a major panel session titled “Towards a Pan-African Federation of Cultural Operators: What lessons can be drawn from past experiences, and how can we project forward?” The conversation focused on how African countries can share knowledge, build stronger partnerships, and promote cultural exchange across borders.

During the discussion, Mr Dada highlighted AFRIMA’s work with the African Union and how the awards platform has helped to project African music to a global audience. He also stressed the need for investment, training, and collaboration to grow the continent’s cultural industries and provide more opportunities for young creatives.

He said, “Africa’s creative industry is not just growing; it is becoming a powerful economic force. What we need now is stronger cooperation across the continent, better policies, and sustainable investment. If we can achieve that, our cultural sector will contribute far more to national development than it does today.

“This forum gives us the platform to exchange ideas, learn from global partners, and build a shared vision for African culture. Conversations like this help us understand what is working, what needs to change, and how we can move forward together as one creative continent.

“Through AFRIMA, we continue to promote African music to the world, support young creatives, and strengthen partnerships between countries. Our goal is to make sure African talent is visible, respected, exposed to global opportunities and celebrated everywhere.”

As part of the event, Mr Dada attended a special reception hosted by the Ambassador of France to Morocco, Mr Christophe Lecourtier, on December 12, where cultural leaders interacted and explored new partnership opportunities.

AFRIMA is Africa’s global music awards platform established in 2014 by the International Committee AFRIMA and the African Union (AU) to celebrate, reward, and promote Africa’s diverse musical talents and rich cultural heritage globally, and its 9th Edition is scheduled to hold on January 7-11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event is broadcast live in more than 84 countries around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

Media files

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Winning medal design revealed for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Source: APO

“The Roar of Youth” – a striking design by 26-year-old Spanish designer Pilar Barbadillo Vicario – has been selected for the obverse of the medals for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The artwork was selected by a jury (https://apo-opa.co/4p2J3DJ) following a global call for designs and will feature on the medals awarded to athletes who step on to the podium in Senegal. 

Key facts:

  • “The Roar of Youth” by 26-year-old Spanish designer Pilar Barbadillo Vicario was selected as the Dakar 2026 YOG obverse medal design.
  • The medal features a lion, symbolising strength, courage and Senegal, with its mane forming symmetrical faces representing fairness and respect, each wearing olive crowns as a nod to Olympic heritage.
  • The design was chosen following a global call for designs that welcomed submissions from 103 countries.

A design inspired by Senegal and the Olympic values

Created following research into Senegalese art and symbolism, The Roar of Youth places a lion at the centre of the design, representing both the host country and the values of strength and courage. The lion’s mane is formed by two symmetrical faces inspired by Senegalese art and symbolising fairness and respect in sport. Each face is adorned with an olive crown, recalling the ancient origins of the Olympic Games and the pursuit of excellence. The design is completed with clean lines, creating a medal that reflects both local culture and the Olympic values.

Explaining her approach, Barbadillo Vicario said: “When I was designing the medal, I was thinking about what you see when you already have it at home afterwards. It represents everything you’ve achieved over time – not only the moment you win it, but all the work behind it and what can motivate you in the future.”

“I feel as if I had won one of those medals myself”

Currently studying for a master’s degree in UX/UI design, Barbadillo Vicario described the moment she learned she had won as deeply emotional. “I just can’t explain it,” she said. “My sisters and I love the Olympic Games – we always watch them together – and they won’t believe this. Even my fingers were shaking.”

Reflecting on what the achievement represents, she added: “Right now, I feel as if I had won one of those medals myself. Athletes express themselves through sport, and for me it’s art. Knowing that young athletes will wear a medal with my design is just incredible.”

“I wanted the medal to help winners remember where they were and what they achieved there. It’s about knowing you’ve travelled, that you’ve been somewhere, and that you’ve achieved something through your effort.”

The call for designs (https://apo-opa.co/4p2J3DJ), launched in September 2025, attracted submissions from 103 countries, highlighting strong international interest in Dakar 2026, with designers from India, Senegal, Brazil, Mexico and France submitting the highest number of entries. As well as seeing her design awarded to athletes at the YOG, Barbadillo Vicario will be invited to attend Dakar 2026.

The designs were evaluated by a jury featuring International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange OLY; Gangwon 2024 medal design competition winner Dante Akira Uwai; Olympian artist Annabel Eyres OLY; IOC Young Leaders Peniamina Percival OLY and Pragnya Mohan; IOC Young Reporters Yun Su Park and Yann Durand; and Dakar 2026 ambassador Elzo Jamdong. Coordination Commission Chair Kayange presented the jury’s recommendation to the IOC Executive Board last week.

The runner-up was Agisilaos Kyriazis from Greece, with the design entitled “The Sun of Values”, while third place went to Elizuba Joe Abraham from India for “The Celebration of Triumph”.

The reverse of the medal will be designed by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee through a national competition and will incorporate Senegalese cultural elements alongside the Youth Olympic Games emblem.

The opportunity for young designers to create the obverse of the Youth Olympic medals was first introduced at the inaugural YOG in Singapore in 2010, when Japan’s Setsuko Fukuzawa created the “Yes Youth Can” design. Since then, designers from Slovakia, Romania, Indonesia, New Zealand and Brazil have seen their creations presented to young athletes on the podium at the YOG.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Media files

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Ramokgopa announces 890MW solar boost as renewable rollout accelerates

Source: Government of South Africa

Ramokgopa announces 890MW solar boost as renewable rollout accelerates

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the appointment of additional Preferred Bidders to deliver 890 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, marking a significant expansion of South Africa’s renewable energy programme and a R16 billion investment injection into the economy.

With the latest announcement, total capacity procured under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) now stands at 3 940MW, to be delivered through 18 solar PV independent power producer (IPP) projects.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Monday, Ramokgopa said the additional capacity forms part of government’s drive to stabilise electricity supply, while supporting economic growth and job creation.

“South African equity participation of 49% across all the Preferred Bidders and average Black Economic Empowerment participation of 40% have been committed by these projects,” Ramokgopa said, adding that these commitments will be formalised through Implementation Agreements between the department and the project companies.

The Minister said the additional projects in Bid Window 7 emerged from strong market interest, which attracted 48 bidders offering a combined 10.2 gigawatts — more than double the capacity originally requested.

“They were giving us twice the number of megawatts that we had called for,” Ramokgopa said, noting that government initially prepared preferred bidders for about 1 760MW of solar PV, close to the 1 800MW target.

He explained that when Bid Window 7 did not yield sufficient wind energy bids, government successfully converted that capacity allocation to solar PV, enabling the appointment of additional bidders.

“We were able to get six additional bidders that were going to add another 1 290 megawatts. After further engagements on pricing and compensation, we are now able to ensure that four of these projects go over the line, giving us an additional 890 megawatts,” he said.

Ramokgopa said the new projects are expected to reach the grid within the next 24 months, reinforcing government’s commitment to expanding generation capacity as economic activity picks up.

“The more the economy grows, the more electricity consumption we need to support that growth. We have to give the country assurance that electricity will be there,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that three of the four newly announced projects were awarded to Red Rocket, and that the solar PV facilities will be located in the Free State and Northern Cape — provinces well suited to renewable energy development.

Ramokgopa reiterated that South Africa remains an ideal destination for renewable energy investment, with energy seen as a key enabler of economic recovery.

“We want the South African economy to grow. We want investors to come into this space, we want to get people into employment, and we are going to use energy to get the economy going,” he said.

The Minister said the R16 billion investment linked to the newly announced projects would flow directly into the South African economy, supporting industrial development, employment and long-term energy security. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Majodina assures accountability in R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Source: Government of South Africa

Majodina assures accountability in R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has assured that there will be full accountability for the R53 billion allocated for the implementation of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

“We will account at the right time. When the project is completed, the books will be audited… We will be transparent to both countries, showing what has been done and how much has been spent. If contingency funds were used, we will account comprehensively,” Majodina said.

The Minister was speaking to media on Monday during the second day of an oversight visit to Lesotho to assess progress on LHWP Phase II.

As part of the oversight programme, Majodina visited the newly upgraded Katse Lodge, which now has 81 rooms, including single quarters and dormitories, as well as conference facilities. She also toured the Botanical Garden, campsite and caravan park, Tunnel Access Adit, and the Katse Dam.

While acknowledging delays in the project’s completion, Majodina said some challenges were unavoidable.

“Some of these challenges are common to construction projects anywhere in the world. Lesotho receives a lot of rain, and when rainfall is excessive, work has to stop. Employees are withdrawn from sites because there is nothing that can be done,” she said.

She noted that delays were experienced particularly on feeder roads and housing construction. “We cannot build when it is raining,” she added.

Despite some challenges, the Minister said government was satisfied with how the project is being managed.

South Africa ‘not stealing water’

Meanwhile, Majodina has dismissed claims that South Africa is stealing water from Lesotho, emphasising that South Africa pays royalties for the water it receives under the LHWP agreement.

Her comments come amid opposition from some quarters in Lesotho, who argue that the project benefits South Africa at the expense of the host country.

“We want to [assure] all Basotho that we are not stealing any water here. We are paying royalties on a monthly basis. But those royalites were not meant for a particular village, but for the country [as a whole] .

“They go to the national fiscus and get distributed in accordance with the plan of the government of Lesotho, and we don’t enter into that space. What we do is to meet our requirement of payment,” the Minister said.

Majodina said South Africa and Lesotho are close to finalising discussions on hydropower arrangements linked to the project.

“While we are paying royalties, the question is how Lesotho will pay for hydropower services on our side,” she said.

She confirmed that Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to visit Lesotho soon, as the Bi-National Commission (BNC) has set a deadline for progress reports ahead of its next meeting.

“By now I am certain that we are going to give a more positive report to the BNC,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Job Offer: Private Personal Assistant to the Founder and Chairman (fully remote)

Source: APO


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APO Group  (www.APO-opa.com) is hiring a Private Personal Assistant to the Founder and Chairman (fully remote).

Mission:

To provide seamless, proactive, and highly discreet support to the Principal (https://apo-opa.co/48UVA5R) and his family, enabling them to maximize their efficiency, focus on their priorities, and maintain an optimal work-life balance. The ideal PPA will act as a strategic partner, gatekeeper, and problem-solver, managing private affairs with impeccable organization and utmost confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Executive & Administrative Support:

  • Manage complex and dynamic calendars, including scheduling, rescheduling, and prioritizing appointments across multiple time zones.
  • Coordinate extensive domestic and international travel itineraries, including flights, ground transportation, accommodations, and visa processing.
  • Handle confidential correspondence and information with integrity.

2. Personal & Lifestyle Management:

  • Manage all aspects of personal and family scheduling, including social engagements, medical appointments, and family activities.
  • Oversight and management of household staff (e.g., housekeepers, chefs, drivers) and vendors.
  • Coordinate personal projects.
  • Plan and execute private events, from intimate dinners to large-scale gatherings.

3. Financial & Project Coordination:

  • Assist with personal budgeting, expense tracking, and reconciliation of accounts.
  • Manage invoices, bill payments, and financial record-keeping with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Liaise with financial advisors, accountants, lawyers, and other professional consultants on behalf of the Principal.
  • Lead or support personal special projects from conception to completion.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, or similar role supporting high-net-worth individuals or C-level executives.
  • Discretion & Trustworthiness: Unquestionable integrity and a proven ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality. A signed NDA will be required.
  • Proactive Problem-Solver: Anticipates needs before they arise and takes initiative to resolve issues swiftly and efficiently. Possesses a “can-do” attitude and grace under pressure.
  • Exceptional Communicator: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a wide range of individuals, from family members to high-profile contacts.
  • Tech-Savvy: High proficiency with productivity suites (Microsoft Office), communication tools (Teams, Zoom), and comfort with learning new software and smart home systems.
  • Organizational Mastery: Superior time-management and organizational skills with an impeccable attention to detail. Ability to juggle multiple tasks and priorities seamlessly.
  • Flexibility: Willingness to work outside standard business hours and be available via phone for urgent matters. Ability to travel as needed.

The job is fully remote.

Compensation:

EUR 3,000/month gross (£2,600), paid by the company.

Please note that the selected candidate will be required to register as a freelancer (self-employed) or under an equivalent independent status in her country of residence, and will be responsible for managing her own local taxes and social contributions.

APPLICATIONS must be submitted by 15 January 2026 using this form: https://apo-opa.co/459K7yg

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Jobs.

Company Description:
Founded in 2007, APO Group is a leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We specialize in elevating the reputation of organizations across Africa, leveraging our deep-rooted African expertise and global perspective. Awarded for excellence and innovation, our clientele includes global giants such as Emirates, Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Emirates, the UNDP, the WHO, and Coca-Cola. With teams in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent, focusing on reshaping narratives about Africa and bringing inspiring African stories to a global audience.

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President Ramaphosa warns against false narratives aimed at dividing South Africans

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa warns against false narratives aimed at dividing South Africans

President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against misinformation and false narratives that seek to portray South Africa as a deeply divided society, warning that such narratives are designed to sow fear, hatred and division. 

Speaking at the National Day of Reconciliation commemoration at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said there are individuals and groups, both inside and outside the country, who deliberately misrepresent the state of race relations and democracy in South Africa.

“There are those who are trying their utmost to paint a false picture of us as the South African people,” he said.

The President said detractors often ignore evidence showing that most South Africans remain hopeful about the country’s democracy and believe race relations have improved since 1994.

“They do not show the pictures of African, white, Indian and coloured children learning together, studying together and playing together. They do not want to talk about the friendships, neighbourliness and kindness shown by black and white towards each other,” he said.

President Ramaphosa pointed to everyday examples of social cohesion, including cross-cultural friendships, shared communities and young South Africans embracing each other’s languages, music and traditions.

“They don’t want to play all the social media clips we are seeing of young Afrikaners in veldskoens dancing to amapiano, and white teenagers speaking fluent isiZulu with their friends.

“Our country’s detractors are not talking about successful land restitution, communities sharing the land and successful black farmers. Instead, they are painting a false picture designed to sow fear and hatred,” he said.

He urged South Africans not to allow misinformation to undermine unity, stressing that the country’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.

The President reiterated the importance of the National Dialogue process, which aims to bring together all sectors of society to forge a shared vision for the future.

“No person, no group and no community must be excluded from that dialogue. Let us use the National Dialogue to resolve our differences and to find common ground,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said open engagement and honest conversation were essential to addressing South Africa’s persistent challenges, including poverty, inequality, crime, corruption and gender-based violence.

“We must not try to hide our differences. We must speak about them and continue to work to bridge them,” he said.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Ncome the President said hosting the 2025 commemoration at the heritage site reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to transforming painful symbols of the past into platforms for dialogue, healing and shared nationhood.

Ncome Museum is a tribute to the Battle of Ncome of 16 December 1838, where thousands of Zulu warriors lost their lives defending their land. 

“As we continue and together build our nation as South Africans, there will be no one who will be able to plant the seed of discrimination and exclusiveness amongst us,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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