Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Administration of the Southern Region recently conducted an annual assessment meeting on cultural and sports activities in region in Mendefera.

During the meeting, heads of culture and sports branches from the region’s twelve sub-zones presented their annual activity reports. Extensive discussions followed, focusing on the achievements, strengths, and challenges encountered in the implementation of cultural and sports programs.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Abraham Yohannes, Director General of Culture and Sports, stated that significant archaeological exploration and excavation activities have been carried out in the Adewhaza area of Mendefera Sub-Zone, as well as in the Hadamu and Adi-Deglel areas of Dekemhare Sub-Zone. He further noted that research has been conducted on the nomenclature, origins, and meanings of villages and historical sites across the Southern Region.

The Governor of the Southern Region, Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, expressed the regional administration’s readiness to strengthen its contribution to ongoing efforts aimed at fostering competitiveness and a spirit of victory among athletes. He called on relevant institutions and government bodies to ensure that athlete transfers are conducted in accordance with the law and that equity is maintained, emphasizing the need to develop and advance all sports disciplines within the framework of the allocated budget.

For his part, the Chairperson of the Southern Region Congress, Mr. Welday Gebre, underscored that cultural and sports activities are complementary and serve as essential foundations for societal development and continuity. He called for intensified efforts to promote a culture of reading among all segments of society.

Participants discussed the reports in detail and adopted various recommendations.

Furthermore, it was noted that key priorities of the 2026 Action Plan include enhancing research on tangible and intangible cultural heritage, conducting awareness-raising campaigns on the preservation of historical relics, strengthening the Awra Award, and improving artistic capacity, among other initiatives.

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

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized that Egypt’s participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos comes within the framework of its commitment to strengthening global dialogue on international economic issues, trade, and artificial intelligence. She noted that this participation takes place alongside government officials, decision-makers, and heads of global companies.

This came during the Minister’s interview with CNBC Arabia. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the most prominent economic developments in Egypt, the performance of growth indicators during the current fiscal year, as well as the features and objectives of Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that Egypt concluded FY 2024/2025 with a growth rate of 4.4%, while the first quarter of FY 2025/2026 recorded a growth rate of 5.3%, exceeding expectations. This was driven by growth in the industrial sector and the strong performance of the tourism, communications, and information technology sectors.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that the tourism sector witnessed a notable increase in tourist arrivals and revenues, reaching unprecedented levels. She also stressed that economic growth in Egypt has become diversified and no longer dependent on a single sector. The real economy is experiencing broad momentum as a result of ongoing reforms, reflecting the beginning of a genuine recovery in preparation for a strong economic takeoff.

The return of navigation in the Suez Canal and its impact on economic growth

Regarding the impact of the return of navigation to the Suez Canal on growth indicators, the Minister mentioned that the first quarter of FY 2025/2026 saw a positive contribution from the Canal after two years of negative contributions. She noted that major global shipping companies have begun to return, which will lead to increased positive contributions during the second quarter of the current fiscal year.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed that the Suez Canal represents a vital artery for global trade, with around 12% of global trade passing through it. Stability of navigation in the Canal contributes to reducing the cost of transporting goods and thus curbing global inflation rates. She added that this represents a positive signal for Egypt, the region, and the world, as the Canal enhances global supply chains and facilitates trade flows.

Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development as a strategic framework for growth

The Minister also referred to the second edition of Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development. She underscored that Egypt possesses an integrated economic model based on increasing productivity and expanding exports, following massive investments in infrastructure over recent years.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat explained that the first edition of the Narrative was launched last September and was developed through an extensive societal dialogue involving more than 120 experts. This resulted in a clear executive plan that will be presented to the new House of Representatives.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the second edition includes a full pillar on human development, considering the citizen as the core of the development process. The Narrative is not limited to economic and fiscal policies, but extends to social dimensions such as education, comprehensive health insurance, and social protection.

The National Structural Reforms Program

In response to questions on whether Egypt’s Narrative for Comprehensive Development is a crisis-management path or a pathway for economic growth, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed that the objective is to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth based on continuous structural reforms over the medium and long term.

The Minister pointed out that the government has a clear and publicly announced structural reform plan with performance indicators and implementation timelines. She also noted the application of program- and performance-based budgeting across all ministries, ensuring the achievement of specific targets, including per capita growth and the private sector’s contribution to GDP.

Fostering the role of the private sector in economic activity

With regard to the private sector’s contribution, the Minister mentioned that the government is working to govern public investments in order to allow for an expanded role for the private sector in economic activity. The private sector currently accounts for about 65% of total investments, with a target to exceed 70% by 2030.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that this approach is based on structural reforms in tradable sectors such as tourism, agriculture, energy, communications and information technology, and manufacturing industries. She emphasized that the industrial sector is currently witnessing a strong resurgence, reflecting growing confidence in the Egyptian economy, particularly in light of available investment opportunities and Egypt’s strategic location as a hub for manufacturing and exporting to Africa and Europe.

The National Structural Reforms Program

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also spoke about the National Structural Reforms Program, explaining that it is one of the most important pillars of economic reform in Egypt. The program aims to achieve three main objectives: macroeconomic stability, improving the business environment and competitiveness, and supporting the green transition and new and renewable energy.

She confirmed that the program is characterized by full transparency, as its details have been published publicly for the first time. The Minister also clarified the responsibilities of each ministry and the timeline of implementation progress, thereby opening the door to local and foreign investments.

Improving the quality of life for citizens

In concluding her remarks, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reiterated that the primary goal of economic reforms is to improve the quality of life for Egyptian citizens. She noted that the reforms are based on an interconnected cycle that begins with macroeconomic stability, passes through structural reforms that support economic, human, and industrial development, and culminates in the creation of decent job opportunities and improved public services. The Minister added that this year’s World Economic Forum theme is “A Spirit of Dialogue” which fully aligns with the direction of the Egyptian state.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that these reforms aim to create adequate fiscal space for both investment and current spending to improve quality of life, in addition to enhancing private sector investments to increase employment opportunities and achieve sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

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In less than a decade, Senegal has reduced its maternal mortality rate by more than 50%, from 392 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2015 to 153 in 2023. Behind this progress, however, a more complex reality persisted: in many health facilities, women continued to experience childbirth marked by fear, lack of information and impersonal health care. 

Tina, 32, a mother of three, remembers her first two deliveries as moments filled with anxiety: limited explanations, minimal communication with health staff and a feeling of being alone in the face of pain. “They were very difficult births for me. After my first experience, I carried that fear with me during every pregnancy,” she says. 

Tina’s experience is far from unique. Her story reflects the reality faced by many women in Senegal, despite the significant progress made in maternal health outcomes. 

To address these challenges and ensure that every birth is a positive experience, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene (MSHP), with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and a major donor, introduced the Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) initiative. This approach aims to place dignity, emotional well‑being and women’s choices at the centre of health care practices, going beyond survival alone. 

Respectful Maternity Care is built on three essential pillars: birth preparedness for pregnant women; use of the Labour Management Guide by health workers and psychological support for women throughout pregnancy and during childbirth. 

“The goal goes far beyond survival,” explains Dr Ousmane Dieng, Maternal and Newborn Health Expert at the WHO Country Office in Senegal. “It is about offering every woman a positive experience in which she feels heard, informed and fully involved in her childbirth.” 

At the Yeumbeul Reference Health Centre, in the suburbs of Dakar, the RMC approach has been implemented for two years. Every other Wednesday, women who are six months pregnant or more meet with midwives for birth preparation sessions. These sessions follow a comprehensive curriculum covering the biological aspects of pregnancy, danger signs, simulations of childbirth positions, breathing techniques, mobility exercises and newborn care. 

Following a pilot phase conducted between 2019 and 2023 at the Yeumbeul reference hospital, the initiative has been scaled up since November 2023 to all health facilities in the health district of the Yeumbeul North and South municipalities. To support effective implementation, 45 midwives in the district have been trained in this approach and more than 430 women have received support. 

For her third pregnancy, Tina participated in the programme. Aware of her previous experiences, the midwives reassured her and taught her techniques to better manage pain, understand the different stages of labour, and prepare mentally for childbirth. Sitting in the postnatal ward of the Yeumbeul hospital, Tina gently cradles her newborn as she recounts her story. “During labour, I was assisted by the same midwife who had guided me during the preparation sessions. Together, we practiced the exercises again and it allowed me to experience the birth of my son differently—with more confidence and calm,” she says. 

This birth‑preparation approach, combined with the use of the new Labour Management Guide, helps reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. The guide simplifies the monitoring of labour and enables early detection of complications, while promoting a more humane approach to care. WHO has supported the training of 2700 midwives in its use across the country. 

“Before, midwives were very focused on complex charts, sometimes at the expense of continuous support,” acknowledges Dr Alassane Tall, Head of the Gynecology Unit at Yeumbeul Hospital. “Today, the tool is more intuitive and allows more time for listening to women and adapting care accordingly.” 

To support this shift, WHO has also assisted in the adaptation and dissemination of a complementary module on stress management for midwives, with 235 health professionals trained. Beyond technical procedures, the emphasis is placed on communication, adaptation to each woman’s needs and the well‑being of midwives, thereby strengthening the quality of care. 

“The preparation sessions with pregnant women allow us to better anticipate their needs and build a relationship of trust by integrating listening and emotional support into care, beyond technical acts alone,” says Gnima Sonko, Senior Midwife at the Yeumbeul Health Centre, trained with WHO support. “The modules focused on strengthening our own mental health help us work with greater peace of mind, which directly improves the quality of support we provide to pregnant women.” 

This integrated approach is transforming the childbirth experience. “Every woman deserves to experience childbirth in dignity and safety. This is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” stresses Dr Michel Yao, WHO Representative in Senegal. “Collaboration between the Ministry of Health, health districts and WHO is essential to scaling up these good practices.” 

For Tina, the change was tangible: “My baby was born in joy, not fear. I am leaving with a light heart.” A testimony that shows how humane health care transforms lives — one pregnancy, one birth, one family at a time.

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

Source: APO

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On January 20, commencing at 4:30 p.m., for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Mr. Patient KETU CIRIMWAMI, Chief of Staff to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:

1. At the outset, State Minister HORII welcomed Chief of Staff KETU CIRIMWAMI’s visit to Japan and expressed his expectation for further cooperation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as DRC is serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for two years from 2026. State Minister also welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation following the two visits to Japan by H.E. Mrs. Judith SUMINWA Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, last year.
2. In response, Chief of Staff KETU CIRIMWAMI stated that DRC would like to further deepen cooperation both bilaterally and in the international arena, including the UN Security Council.
3. They also exchanged views on regional issues, such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, cooperation toward the realization of UN Security Council reform, and efforts to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law. They concurred to cooperate closely in the international arena.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO

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On January 20, 2026 the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Sergey Lukashevich received copies of credentials from the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus concurrently, Fredrick Ibrahim Kibuta.

During the meeting the main topics of the bilateral agenda were discussed, with an emphasis on the implementation of agreements reached during the visit of the Prime Minister of Tanzania to Belarus in July 2025, including trade and economic issues and establishment of coordination mechanisms for interaction.

It was agreed to intensify events and exchanges of visits at various levels between Belarus and Tanzania in 2026 and to take measures to develop the legal framework.

The parties confirmed the commitment to long-term cooperation, both bilaterally and internationally, in the interests of our friendly nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO

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The fifth round of India-Namibia Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held on January 19-20, 2026, in New Delhi. The FOC was co-chaired by Mr. Janesh Kain, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, India and Amb. Charles Josob, Acting Head of Department for Bilateral Relations and Cooperation in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Namibia.

2. During the FOC, the two sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of India-Namibia relations encompassing key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, investment, health & pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, defence, agriculture, infrastructure development, consular matters, people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Both sides agreed to further deepen bilateral ties in key areas such as health, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, defence and critical minerals. Discussions were also held on regional and international issues of mutual interest including co-operation at the UN.

3. The FOC was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. It provided an excellent opportunity to review progress of the outcomes emerging from recent high-level exchanges, and discuss ways to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation across diverse sectors. Both sides also agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Windhoek at a mutually convenient date.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi heads to Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the activities of the World Economic Forum, which will be held from January 19 to 23, 2026, under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the forum’s agenda includes a series of events with the participation of world leaders, heads of international and regional organizations, as well as representatives from major private sector institutions. The forum’s sessions will cover topics related to enhancing international cooperation, supporting global prosperity pathways, expanding the reliance on technology and innovation as drivers of growth, as well as investing in human capital.

On the sidelines of the forum, President El-Sisi will meet with the U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest and explore ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Egypt and the United States, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and promotes regional and international stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.