Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, and Ms. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade. This meeting took place during the visit of H.E. Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, to Egypt, where he met with H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat welcomed the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, and highlighted the continuous development of relations between the two countries, which is reflected in the exchange of high-level visits, the meetings between the two countries’ leaders, the convergence of many shared visions and positions, and the announcement by the two presidents to elevate their relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation explained that since establishing full diplomatic relations in 1963, Egypt and Vietnam have maintained distinguished historical ties. She pointed out that 2025 marks the 62nd anniversary of these diplomatic relations, which have seen close cooperation to achieve development in accordance with shared interests.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat and the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam discussed preparations for the sixth session of the Joint Committee, in implementation of the directives of the two countries’ leaders. They also highlighted the importance of the agreement reached during the current presidential visit to form sub-committees in areas of mutual interest to leverage available potential and open up more avenues for cooperation.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat added that Egypt is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and its most important export market in North Africa. Each country serves as a strategic gateway for the other’s exports—Egypt to the Middle East and Africa, and Vietnam to the Asian market.

The mutual will to strengthen bilateral relations is further demonstrated by two historic presidential visits: H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Vietnam in September 2017 was the first by an Egyptian president, and the late Vietnamese President H.E. Tran Dai Quang’s state visit to Egypt in August 2018, which was also the first of its kind.

The two sides also touched on the importance of holding a business forum and workshops during the next Joint Committee meeting to exchange knowledge in areas such as economic development strategies, attracting foreign investment, aquaculture, entrepreneurship, green development, and development financing. Cooperation in exchanging expertise on renewable energy was also discussed.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat also reviewed the measures taken by the government to enhance the business and investment environment and implement economic and structural reforms to increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Egyptian market for private sector companies from Vietnam. She reiterated Egypt’s appreciation for Vietnam’s development experience and its keenness to strengthen the partnership and benefit from that experience through the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries.

For his part, the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs lauded the development achievements made by Egypt in various sectors, and expressed his welcome to the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership. He also emphasized the necessity of creating an executive plan to finalize the agreements reached during the meeting between the two presidents.

It is worth noting that Egyptian-Vietnamese relations date back to the 1960s. In 1997, an agreement was signed to form a joint ministerial committee, which has held five sessions to date. Vietnam is a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. In 2017, H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt visited Vietnam, the first visit by an Egyptian president to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the visit witnessed the signing of numerous joint cooperation documents.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has registered its strong objection and concern regarding circumstances around the recent visit of an eminent South African leader, former South African President Mr Jacob Zuma, who is Leader of Umkhonto We Sizwe Party, visited the Kingdom of Morocco and held a meeting in Rabat on 15 July 2025, with His Excellency Mr Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Whilst recognition we respect the sovereign right of Morocco to invite individuals and groups, DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, strongly protests the use of South African national symbols, in this instance the use of the South African National Flag, in the meeting between Mr Jacob Zuma and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The use of the South African National Flag in a meeting with a member of a political party in opposition, which is a non-state actor, constitutes an abuse of existing protocol and decorum, and undermines official bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco.

South Africa has indicated to the Kingdom Morocco that the display of national symbols inherently conveys official state endorsement and elevates the perception of the encounter to that of a state-to-state engagement. This characterisation is inconsistent with established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the official positions or engagements of the South African state.

Consequently, this portrayal cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting, and the implications drawn from it are firmly rejected.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official state endorsement of non-governmental engagements is inappropriate, irrespective of setting. In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign states and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions. Upholding these shared principles is essential for the continued positive development of relations between our two nations.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Wavel Ramkalawan on Wednesday morning welcomed the newly ordained Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Port Victoria, the Right Reverend Danny Elizabeth, for a courtesy call at State House, following his ordination on Sunday, 3rd August 2025.

The meeting served as an opportunity for President Ramkalawan to extend his congratulations to Bishop Elizabeth as he assumes his new spiritual leadership role within the Anglican Church. The two leaders engaged in a cordial exchange, reflecting on the Church’s enduring contribution to the nation and the values it upholds.

Discussions centred on the long-standing relationship between the Anglican Church and the State, with a shared emphasis on the importance of continued collaboration in key areas such as education, social development, national unity, and moral guidance.

President Ramkalawan reiterated the Government’s commitment to religious freedom and the maintenance of open dialogue with all faith-based institutions. He also underscored the Church’s potential role in strengthening spiritual values within society and expressed openness to increased partnership in social initiatives, particularly those focused on the welfare of children and youth.

Bishop Elizabeth conveyed his gratitude to the President for the warm reception and, on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Port Victoria, expressed a firm commitment to continued cooperation with Government and other national institutions in the service of the Seychellois people.

In addition to discussions on social engagement, both parties also addressed the upcoming consecration of St Agnes Chapel in Plaisance as a full Anglican Church, as well as the role of the Church in promoting peace and national unity ahead of the forthcoming elections. They agreed on the importance of sustaining a strong Church-State partnership to advance the common good and reinforce the values of tolerance and cohesion throughout the nation.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

HE Speaker of the Council of the Nation of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Azzouz Nasri met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Algeria Abdulaziz Ali Al Naama.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has successfully concluded the Chad leg of the training and policy dialogue under the GONAT initiative (Governance of Natural Resources in Transition and Fragile States), which focuses on improving natural resource governance in fragile and transitioning countries. 

Launched in 2023, the GONAT initiative carried out diagnostic studies, prepared training modules, and is now embarking on a series of in-country training sessions and policy dialogues aimed at helping African countries build capacity to tackle illicit financial flows (IFFs) and better manage resource-backed lending. Following previous sessions in the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone, Chad became the third country to host this high-level GONAT policy dialogue, focused on promoting more transparent and accountable management of extractive resources. The next sessions are scheduled for August in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. 

“Strengthening overall governance and transparency in the natural resource sector is a necessary step in reforming the design, governance, monitoring, and implementation of IFFs, illegal natural resource trade, and resource-backed lending in Africa. The GONAT initiative is helping address these issues and ensuring that Africa harnesses its natural wealth for resilient growth and development,” said Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre. 

From 21 to 25 July, around 50 participants — including officials from the ministries of Finance, Economy, Planning, Environment, Mines, and Geology, as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, academia, and local communities — gathered under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Wealth: Curbing Illicit Financial Flows for Resilient Growth and Development.” 

High-level panellists included: 

• Mme Kadidja Hassane Abdoulaye, Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines and Geology; 
• Mr. Ahmat Abderahim Abbo, Secretary General in charge of Economy and Planning at the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation; 
• Dr. Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR), African Development Bank; 
• Dr. Innocent Onah, Chief Natural Resources Officer, ECNR, African Development Bank; 
• Prof. Abdallah Mahamat-Nour, Professor–Researcher, Hydrogeologist, Director of the Hydro-Geosciences and Reservoir Laboratory, and Head of the GeoRes Master’s Programme at the University of N’Djamena. 

“Natural resource governance cannot succeed in isolation. It requires coordinated action across institutions, informed by data, and grounded in local realities. Through initiatives like GONAT, we aim to equip countries with the tools and partnerships needed to build resilient, accountable systems,” stated Dr. Solomane Koné. 

Each year, IFFs cost the African continent tens of billions of dollars, undermining efforts to mobilise domestic resources for essential infrastructure and social services. Like many other countries, Chad is not immune to this challenge. 

“Illicit financial flows are one of the major obstacles to development in Africa. According to the African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook, the continent loses an average of nearly $90 billion annually due to IFFs — about 4% of its GDP,” said Eric Ogunleye, Director of the Bank’s African Development Institute. 

Discussions also explored the growing use of resource-backed lending — financing mechanisms secured by future revenues from oil or minerals. While these loans can provide quick access to capital, they carry risks of over-indebtedness and heightened vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations. 

Jointly organised by the African Development Institute (ADI) and the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR), the workshop combined technical sessions, case studies, group work, and policy dialogue. Topics included: 

• Methods for detecting IFFs, including trade transaction tracking and customs cooperation 
• Legal and fiscal frameworks to safeguard extraction contracts 
• Tools to negotiate more transparent resource-backed loans aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The final day, 25 July, was dedicated to a policy dialogue bringing together decision-makers and key stakeholders. The objective was to share GONAT’s findings and recommendations, and to explore how they could be incorporated into national policies, particularly in combatting illicit resource trade and monitoring resource-backed lending. 

“The workshop enhanced our understanding of illicit financial flows and underscored the need for an inclusive approach. Achieving sustainable and equitable development requires the meaningful involvement of women at all levels of natural resource governance,” noted Nguema Nakoye Mannta, Field Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Chad. 

The workshop concluded with a series of recommendations, including: 

• Ensuring that knowledge and research inform decision-making and policy in the natural resource sector 
• Reforming mining sector laws and institutions 
• Enhancing transparency and public disclosure around extractive activities 
• Building technical capacities 
• Establishing multi-stakeholder commissions to audit resource flows and coordinate government action 
• Ratifying and implementing key initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the Yaoundé Declaration, the Kimberley Process, and related agreements. 

“Should a second phase of the GONAT initiative be designed, we would strongly encourage it to focus on key strategic areas for Chad’s natural resource sector — including geological studies, digital cadastre expansion, revenue management, and capacity building across our institutions. Strengthening national systems and human capital is essential for turning resource wealth into sustainable development,” stated Mme Kadidja Hassane Abdoulaye. 

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

About the GONAT Project:
GONAT is a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank Group. It aims to strengthen governance in natural resource sectors across fragile and transitioning countries. The project currently focuses on six countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. It covers a broad range of sectors, including oil, gas, minerals, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife.