Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Qatar, Egypt Enjoy Deep-rooted Relations

Source: Government of Qatar

El Alamein  | August 20, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announced Thursday that the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt have signed four agreements in the areas of customs cooperation and regulatory work, in addition to development and health cooperation, and the establishment of the HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag, Egypt, expressing his hope that the hospital will constitute a qualitative leap for the health sector in the governorate.

During a joint press conference with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty, following the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee, His Excellency emphasized the deep-rooted nature of Qatari-Egyptian relations, noting that they are fraternal and characterized by profound and firmly established ties, and that the two countries continuously strive to support and elevate them to new levels of cooperation in order to achieve the aspirations of the leadership of the two countries and the two fraternal peoples.

His Excellency said that the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee discussed ways to support and strengthen cooperation relations across various fields, as well as joint coordination regarding the current crises in the region.

His Excellency pointed out that HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed his support for joint efforts to find alternatives and solutions for supply chains, whether in relation to shipping lines or in various fields.

His Excellency also noted his meeting with HE Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, where they discussed the key joint projects between the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, voicing his happiness at the launch of the first phase of the “Alam Al Roum” project, and the hope that it will represent an addition to the projects implemented by Qatari Diar and Qatari investments in Egypt, as well as looking forward to discussing future opportunities in various fields, especially industrial fields, and in particular pharmaceutical industries.

Regarding the situation in the region, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that a number of regional issues were discussed during the meeting held with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty, especially the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories. He noted the pivotal stage that the region is currently going through after the Palestinian factions announced their acceptance of the peace plan and their readiness to move forward with the arrangements related to collecting weapons, as the chance is now for Israeli’s side to make a choice.

His Excellency highlighted the significant and intensive efforts, partnership, and joint work undertaken by the State of Qatar with Egypt and Turkiye to reach this stage. He voiced his hope that there would be a positive response from the Israeli side to implement its commitments, which it has not implemented since the first stage until now, as instead of dealing positively with these developments, it has continued to commit violations to this day, targeting civilians and escalating settlement activities, in addition to continuing attacks without deterrence, whether in Lebanon or Syria.

His Excellency stressed that Israeli actions represent a major factor in destabilizing the region, noting that the region continues to extend its hand for peace and stability, while these outstretched hands are being rejected.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also noted that the talks addressed a number of other issues in the region, particularly the crisis in Sudan and support for political solutions in Libya, where support for the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, Libya and all Arab lands was emphasized.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said that the region is going through difficult circumstances, especially since the beginning of the American-Iranian war, which has produced very harmful repercussions on the entire region, not just the Gulf region. He indicated that he discussed with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty the efforts that the State of Qatar continues to exert in this regard within the framework of its mediation in partnership with Pakistan, in light of the current stalemate and situation that has hindered many things.

His Excellency stressed the necessity and importance of ensuring the freedom, security and safety of navigation, whether in the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab El Mandeb Strait, calling for a return to the situation as it was before the war, and stressing the need for international navigation not to be held hostage or used as a tool for political blackmail by any party, while condemning all those who obstruct this movement.

His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar will continue its efforts with its brothers in the Gulf States, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the region to support diplomatic solutions. He expressed his hope that solutions will be reached soon between the two parties and a return to the memorandum of understanding and diplomacy instead of the language of escalation and blackmail.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and consultation between Qatar and Egypt, noting the anticipation of the eighth session of the Joint Higher Committee to be held in Doha. 

In turn, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty considered that the convening of the Joint Committee meeting comes at a time when political relations and the course of economic cooperation between the two countries are witnessing a qualitative leap, under the direct guidance of HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to elevate and deepen bilateral relations across various fields.

His Excellency added that the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee formed an opportune moment to hold extensive discussions with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani within the framework of the daily communication and consultation between the two sides, and to agree on interpreting the distinguished bilateral relations that unite the two countries into tangible steps that meet the aspirations of the two fraternal peoples, especially by doubling the volume of trade and commercial exchange between the two countries.

His Excellency noted that an agreement was reached to expand partnerships between the business communities of the two countries, and to look forward to holding the third edition of the Egyptian-Qatari Investment Forum, in addition to discussing the formation of a joint council for businessmen in the two countries, which would enhance mutual investment and trade relations. He stressed the agreement on the need to build on the momentum witnessed in investment relations between the two countries, especially after the completion of the “Alam Al Roum” deal on the North Coast, where he expressed full welcome for the announcement of the launch of the first phase of the project a few days ago, in addition to the launch of other projects in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

His Excellency also noted that ways to enhance investment and trade relations between the two countries were discussed, as well as cooperation in the health sector, where an agreement was signed today regarding a grant provided by the Qatari side to establish the HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag.

He noted that the talks also addressed the significant development in relations in the energy sectors, both traditional and renewable, especially after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries in the field of energy in January, and cooperation in strengthening logistical corridors related to the transport and storage of energy between the two countries, in order to deal with any future challenges related to the issue of navigation. He pointed out that there is a convergence of views between the two countries regarding the emphasis on freedom of navigation and the need for full compliance with the rules of international law, especially the International Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees full and complete freedom of maritime navigation.

His Excellency reiterated that the security of the State of Qatar and the security of the fraternal Gulf States are an integral part of Egyptian national security and collective Arab national security. HE noted that HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed this during his meeting this morning with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

HE the Egyptian Foreign Minister also stressed Egypt’s full solidarity with the State of Qatar and the fraternal Gulf States in the face of any attacks targeting the State of Qatar and the region. He stressed Egypt’s clear condemnation of the Iranian attacks on the State of Qatar and the Gulf States, considering them a blatant violation of the sovereignty of these fraternal States and a breach of the rules of international law, and that there is no justification or excuse for their occurrence.

His Excellency noted the continued close coordination between Cairo and Doha to push for a final and sustainable agreement on Iran that puts an end to the war and military escalation, addresses the security concerns of the fraternal Gulf states, and contributes to stability in the region.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, His Excellency affirmed the existence of full coordination between the three mediators: Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt, noting that these efforts and coordination resulted in convincing the Palestinian factions to move and respond to the demands related to limiting and collecting weapons, which was accomplished thanks to the cooperation and coordination between the three mediators, and the multiple meetings hosted by Cairo in the presence of the State of Qatar and Turkiye.

His Excellency also stressed the need to focus now on implementing the roadmap, stressing that Israel has the choice now to fulfill its obligations and implement the requirements required of it according to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, whether with regard to the requirements of the first phase, which includes the entry of humanitarian aid and the requirements for early recovery and the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals in the Gaza Strip, or the requirements of the second phase, especially with regard to restricting weapons, implementing the Israeli withdrawal from the Strip and stopping the targeting.

HE the Egyptian Foreign Minister added that this also includes enabling the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to carry out its temporary tasks within the Strip, as well as deploying Palestinian police elements and the international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire, leading to enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate right to self-determination and establish their independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions.

Qatar Condemns Kabul Educational Center Bombing

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | August 20, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the bombing at an educational center in Kabul, Afghanistan, which injured dozens of people.

 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Qatar’s firm stance against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of motives.

The Ministry also wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

Women researchers recognised at Women in Science Awards

Source: Government of South Africa

Women researchers recognised at Women in Science Awards

Seven emerging and established women researchers have been awarded the Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowships at the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards, recognising research spanning marine biodiversity, tax justice, honeybee health, infectious disease diagnostics, forestry, agricultural genetics and astronomy.

The doctoral fellowship recipients are pursuing research with the potential to address some of South Africa’s pressing social, economic, environmental and scientific challenges, while also demonstrating a strong commitment to mentorship, innovation and science communication.

Celebrated annually during Women’s Month, the South African Women in Science Awards recognises and rewards excellence in science, technology and innovation (ST&I) by South African women.

The awards also celebrate outstanding researchers and scientists, whose achievements inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue careers in ST&I.

The DSTI Fellowships have been renamed in honour of the late Professor Shirley Keolebogile Motaung, one of South Africa’s most distinguished black women scientists and academics.

The DSTI-Prof. Keolebogile Motaung Fellowships are awarded to young women pursuing their master’s and doctoral degrees in recognition of their academic excellence and research potential.

Among the recipients on Thursday night was Makwena Melita Sebone, who is pursuing a PhD in Genetics, specialising in Marine Molecular Ecology, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in collaboration with the Oceanographic Research Institute of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research.

Sebone’s research uses DNA metabarcoding of zooplankton communities to map and understand marine pelagic ecosystems along the South African coastline. By combining molecular ecology, bioinformatics and oceanographic data, she is investigating biodiversity patterns and the connectivity and structure of pelagic ecosystems across different oceanographic regions.

Her work could contribute to improved marine conservation, spatial planning and sustainable management of marine resources, particularly as ocean ecosystems face environmental and climate-related pressures. Sebone has already published five peer-reviewed scientific papers and presented her research at national and international conferences.

Associate Professor Jane Ndlovu, an Associate Professor and PhD candidate in Law at Wits University, is examining the intersection of taxation, constitutional law and feminist theory through her research into what she describes as the “care penalty” in South Africa’s tax system.

Ndlovu’s research investigates how apparently gender- and race-neutral tax rules, including the denial of childcare deductions, can create financial barriers for caregivers. She argues that these barriers have a particularly significant intersectional impact on black African women, including women heading households.

Her research seeks to demonstrate how tax policy could instead become a tool for economic protection and empowerment. She hopes the work can help women build the financial security needed to leave abusive environments and contribute to the broader fight against gender-based violence.

At North-West University, Nolwandle Nolen Khumalo is pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences focused on the relationship between honeybees, pollen and microorganisms.

Her research investigates how pollen and honeybee-associated microbes are exchanged during sunflower pollination by Apis mellifera colonies, and how these microbial communities influence honeybee health and ecosystem functioning.

Khumalo hopes the research will contribute to the development of probiotics that can help honeybees resist pathogens, improve pollination efficiency and ultimately support agricultural productivity.

Nondumiso Nkosi, a PhD candidate and Junior Lecturer in Medical Virology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, is working at the intersection of infectious disease research, diagnostics and innovation.

Her research focuses on viral hepatitis and HIV, with particular attention to hepatitis B virus diagnostics and the detection of occult hepatitis B infection. She is optimising and validating a novel diagnostic assay, HepaSure Diagnostics, designed to enable rapid, decentralised and cost-effective disease detection, including in resource-limited settings.

Nkosi’s research aims to address shortcomings in existing hepatitis B screening approaches and improve access to inclusive diagnostic technologies. She believes the work could help strengthen early disease detection, reduce healthcare inequalities and support locally developed biotechnology innovations.

A patent holder for the novel diagnostic assay, Nkosi has received numerous innovation and scientific awards, including the 2026 Women Shaping IP Award at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission IP Youth Awards. She also received the Innovation Hub Gauteng Accelerator Programme Medical Award and the Breakthrough Innovation Award at the Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Awards in 2025.

Vhuhwavho Tshavhungwe, a Lecturer at the University of Venda, is investigating the competitiveness of South Africa’s sawmilling industry as part of her PhD in Engineering Management at the University of Pretoria.

With a Master’s Degree in Forestry and Wood Science, Tshavhungwe has published 10 academic papers across journal articles, conference proceedings and a book chapter. Her research examines how the South African sawmilling industry compares with international competitors and how its competitiveness can be strengthened.

She hopes her findings will support the growth of the sector, benefiting communities located around sawmills while contributing to economic development.

The fellowship recipients also include Victoria Rankotsane Hlokoe, a PhD candidate in Agriculture specialising in Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Limpopo.

Hlokoe’s research investigates genetic variations in the GREM1 gene in chickens and their relationship with important egg-production traits, including yolk, albumen, shell and overall egg weight. She is comparing indigenous Potchefstroom Koekoek chickens with commercial Lohmann Brown layers.

The research has a strong rural development focus. Hlokoe aims to help smallholder farmers, many of whom are women, improve egg quality and market value, strengthening household food security and income while increasing access to affordable protein.

Rounding out the doctoral fellowship recipients is Annarien Headley, who is pursuing a PhD in Astronomy at the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Headley’s research explores the physical properties of stars forming in molecular clouds across the Milky Way. Her project examines more than 50 star-forming regions across the galaxy, investigating young stellar objects and how their distribution changes according to their location within the Milky Way.

Preliminary findings from nine regions suggest that the galactic environment may influence the formation of transition disks, with an increase in younger stars and a decrease in older stars with increasing distance from the galactic centre. Headley is now extending the investigation using a larger dataset.

She published a pilot study on star formation scenarios in the Milky Way in New Astronomy in 2026 and presented her research at the 2024 International Astronomical Union General Assembly.

Together, the seven fellowship recipients demonstrate the breadth of research being undertaken by women scientists in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Janine

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Brevet de Technicien Superieur (Bts) 2026: 22 916 Candidats Declares Admissibles sur L’ensemble du Territoire pour un Taux de Reussite de 42,48%, Contre 40,48% en 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Pour la session 2026 du Brevet de Technicien supérieur (BTS), 22 916 candidats ont été déclarés admissibles sur 53 942 candidats présents sur l’ensemble du territoire national, soit 42,48% en 2026, contre 40,48% pour la session 2025, soit une progression de 2 points , a annoncé le directeur des examens et concours du ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche scientifique, Koné Djama Adam Mory.

C’était lors d’un point de presse, le jeudi 20 août à Abidjan-Plateau. 

Selon Djama Adam Mory Koné, la répartition des admis par genre donne 13 051 filles admissibles sur 28 977 candidates présentes, soit un taux de réussite de 45,04 %. Au niveau des garçons, 9 865 sont admissibles sur 24 965 candidats présents, soit un taux de réussite de 39,51 %.

Concernant les admissibles par spécialité, on note au niveau des filières Industrielles, 8 686 admissibles sur 20 828 candidats présents, soit un taux de réussite de 41,70 %. Dans les filières tertiaires, 14 230 sont admissibles sur 33 114 candidats présents, soit un taux de réussite de 42,97 %.

Les résultats de l’admissibilité pourront être consultés ce jour à partir de 14H sur la plateforme www.examensbts.net.

Pour cet examen national du BTS, les épreuves écrites se sont tenues du 20 au 25 juillet dans 139 centres de composition, pendant que les épreuves pratiques se sont déroulées du 27 au 31 juillet 2026.

Les candidats disposent de trois jours, à compter du vendredi 21 août 2026, (du 21 au 23 août 2026), pour introduire et faire  leurs réclamations uniquement sur le site www.examensbts.net 

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Autorité Indépendante de Lutte contre la Corruption (AILC): Installation des nouveaux dirigeants

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Autorité Indépendante de Lutte contre la Corruption (AILC) a une nouvelle équipe dirigeante. Le nouveau Contrôleur général et son adjoint, ont prêté serment cet après-midi devant la Cour Suprême délocalisée pour la circonstance au Palais Toumaï. L’audience s’est déroulée en présence du Président de la République, Chef de l’État, le Maréchal du Tchad MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO. Installés et renvoyés à l’exercice de leurs fonctions, Nédéou Teubdoyo Gérard et Mahamat Saleh Youssouf Wachoun, s’engagent à servir l’État avec intégrité et rigueur.

Devant une haie d’honneur disposée pour la circonstance, les présidents des grandes institutions, les proches collaborateurs du Chef de l’État ainsi que les membres de la Cour Suprême étaient réunis pour l’installation des récipiendaires. Il s’agit de Nédéou Teubdoyo Gérard, qui remplace Ousmane Abderaman Djougourou au poste de Contrôleur général, et de Mahamat Saleh Youssouf Wachoun, qui succède à Fatimé Abdelkérim Soumaïla en tant que Contrôleur général adjoint.

L’audience solennelle a été présidée par le Président de la Cour Suprême, M. Samir Adam Annour, qui a invité le greffier en chef à procéder à la lecture du décret de nomination des nouveaux dirigeants.

Le Procureur général, M. Guedna Kawoye Florent a ensuite pris la parole pour rappeler les dispositions qui créent et encadrent l’AILC, la formule du serment, ainsi que des conseils pour la bonne exécution de leur mission. Des propos éclairants qui préparent les impétrants aux responsabilités qui les attendent.

C’est à la suite de ces conseils utiles que le Président de la Cour Suprême, M. Samir Adam Annour a invité les récipiendaires à prêter serment selon la formule consacrée. Les engageant à remplir leurs fonctions avec loyauté, intégrité et impartialité, dans l’intérêt supérieur de la nation.

Après leur prestation de serment, les deux hauts magistrats ont reçu les félicitations du Président de la République et de toute l’assistance. Un moment solennel qui scelle leur entrée en fonction et les investit d’une mission cruciale pour la transparence et la bonne gouvernance au Tchad.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Tchad.

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Eswatini: Woven, carved, and ready for the African continent

Source: APO

  • Eswatini’s artisans have already shown their work in Paris and Copenhagen.
  • At Decorex Johannesburg, they brought the INDALO collection to Africa’s largest design market and found buyers ready for it.

A woven grass lampshade. A soapstone bowl. A ceramic piece that carries decades of tradition in its glaze. These may seem like souvenirs you would bring home from travels. At Decorex Johannesburg 2026, they were design.

For five creative enterprises from Eswatini, the show – one of Africa’s largest interior design and décor exhibitions – was the latest chapter in a journey that has already taken their work to Paris and Copenhagen. This time, the destination was closer to home, and in some ways more significant: the African market, where the conversation about what contemporary African design can be is only just beginning.

From 30 July to 2 August, Favourite Swaziland, MasterArtworks, Siyaphambili, Tintsaba, and Welcome Mashaba presented the INDALO collection to an audience of approximately 48,000 visitors: interior designers, retailers, hospitality buyers, and design professionals from across South Africa and the region. The collection spans ceramics, woven grass, sisal lighting, soapstone, and home accessories: a range of materials shaped by hand and rooted in Eswatini’s craft heritage, reimagined through collaborations with European and local designers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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Eritrea: Public Seminars in Kassel and Hanover

Source: APO

Mr. Kibreab Tekeste, Eritrea’s Consul General in Frankfurt, Germany, conducted public seminars for nationals in Kassel and Hanover on 15 and 16 August.

The seminars focused on the objective situation in the homeland, regional and global developments, the role of conscious participation in strengthening national organizations, the Afambo Boarding School project, and consular services.

Mr. Kibreab noted that, at a time when the world is being tormented by war and a lack of peace, Eritrea is focusing on nation-building, safeguarding its unity and peace, and consciously pursuing its course of development despite smear campaigns intended to derail it.

In a briefing titled “Conscious and Strong Public Participation in Strengthening Organizations,” Mr. Teame Haile, Head of Public and Community Affairs, said that strong organizations could not be established without public participation. He also said that concerted efforts were being exerted to ensure strong public participation.

Mr. Teame underlined that nation-building should not be left to the Government alone but is the responsibility of every citizen. He called for the strengthening of national organizations and increased participation in national affairs.

The participants, on their part, expressed their commitment to strengthening national organizations and contributing to national affairs.

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

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Democratic Republic of the Congo: United Nations (UN) supports scaled-up response to Ebola outbreak

Source: APO


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OCHA warns that the Ebola outbreak continues to expand in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with national authorities recording more than 5,200 confirmed cases and nearly 2,500 deaths as of 18 August.

The Senior Ebola Coordinator, Julien Harneis, said that the Government and partners are scaling up the response, with five operational priorities: tripling safe care capacity, strengthening community engagement, doubling the number of safe and dignified burial teams, expanding disease surveillance, and increasing support to the most vulnerable.

As part of this broader effort, this morning, the Government launched the “Congo River Without Ebola” initiative, with support from the UN and its partners.

This initiative aims to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness along the Congo River, a major route stretching over 1,700 kilometres that connects communities, markets and several provinces.

With funding from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, the International Organization for Migration, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the World Food Programme and their partners will support the initiative alongside national authorities. Together, they will strengthen disease surveillance at priority ports and transit points, improving early warning and referral systems, and reinforce preparedness among riverine communities and people travelling by boat.

Today, WHO announced that 70,000 doses of the Ebola Zaire vaccine have been allocated to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The doses will support front-line health workers and a clinical trial to assess the vaccine’s potential against the Bundibugyo virus.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

National Conference on Eritrean Agricultural Studies Commences

Source: APO

The National Conference on Eritrean Agricultural Studies 2026 opened today, 20 August, at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall in Asmara under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Agri-food Systems for National Economic Growth.”

At the opening ceremony, attended by Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, experts, farmers’ representatives, food processors and partners, Dr. Efrem Gebremeskel, Chairman of the Conference Coordinating Committee, said that the conference had been organized to provide a platform for sharing research findings, examining current agricultural challenges and opportunities, discussing innovative approaches, and identifying practical directions for the sustainable transformation of Eritrea’s agricultural sector.

Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Tekleab Misgina, Director General of Regulatory Services, said that the inspiration for holding the conference stemmed from the International Conference on Eritrean Studies held in January 2025. He noted that the event signifies a renewed commitment to transforming Eritrean agriculture and consolidating its role as the cornerstone of the country’s economic prosperity.

Noting that the conference provides an opportunity for open dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collaborative planning, Mr. Tekleab said that the contributions and active participation of all partners are essential in shaping the future of Eritrean agriculture.

During the two-day conference, 77 research papers will be presented on topics including Agricultural Extension and Farmers’ Adoption; Agricultural Digitalization; Value Chains and Agribusiness; Food Safety, Security and Nutrition; Agricultural Biotechnology and Laboratory Services; Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Conservation; and Agricultural Policy, Regulatory Frameworks and Governance.

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

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Liberia: Ministry of Health (MoH), Partners Dedicate Newly Constructed Primary Health Care Clinic in Koon’s Town

Source: APO

As part of the Ministry’s continuous efforts to improve health outcomes for the people of Liberia, the Ministry of Health, along with its partners, has officially opened the Koon’s Town Primary Health Care Clinic in Todee District, rural Montserrado County.

The event brought together key representatives of stakeholder institutions and individuals, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the French Development Agency, the Government of France, Action Against Hunger, community leaders, religious leaders, traditional midwives, community dwellers, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of Health, applauded development partners, especially the Government of France, Action Against Hunger, and the French Development Agency, for their continued support to Liberia’s health sector.

“On behalf of the President and the people of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Health and the people of Koon’s Town, I would like to express our profound thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of France, the French Development Agency, and Action Against Hunger for their important investment in healthcare. I also want to appreciate the healthcare workers here who are doing extremely well for the various communities here,” Dr. Kpoto lauded.

The Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Koon’s Town Clinic has its own ambulance following the procurement of 15 ambulances, which she said is underway.

The Ambassador of France to Liberia, Mrs. Isabelle Le Guellec, who spoke on behalf of the French government, stated that the facility is a “concrete expression of France’s commitment to supporting the Government of Liberia in strengthening its national health system.”

“France and its partners have supported the construction and equipping of the facility; it is now time to hand it over to the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Health, and the County Health Team. The sustainability of this investment is in your hands. The continued commitment of national and local authorities, health workers, and also the communities that this clinic will serve will be essential to ensuring that it remains a place of quality care for many years to come,” she noted.

Describing the gathering as a shared vision for better health outcomes for the people of Koon’s Town and surrounding communities, Mr. Sukhdev Sharma, Country Director of Action Against Hunger, expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Liberia, especially the Minister of Health, whose leadership he said was instrumental to the journey.

“Today, we are celebrating a shared vision for better health, dignity, and hope for the people of Koon’s Town and the surrounding communities. This clinic stands as a clear example of what can be achieved if government institutions, development partners, health workers, local leaders, and communities come together with a common purpose.

“I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the French Development Agency for the generous support and continued partnership with Liberia, and also a heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Health, under the distinguished leadership of the Minister, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, whose guidance has been very instrumental to this journey,” Mr. Sharma stated.

“This Koon’s Town Clinic reflects a strong collaboration between the Government of Liberia, the Government of France, the French Development Agency, Action Against Hunger, County Authorities, and, most importantly, the people of Koon’s Town community,” he added.

Other participating stakeholder institutions, including WHO, thanked the Ministry of Health, the Government of France, the French Development Agency, Action Against Hunger, County Authorities, and all healthcare workers for their intervention, which they described as a success. They also reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Ministry to ensure that Liberians continue to receive quality healthcare.

Before its construction by Action Against Hunger, in partnership with the Government of France and the French Development Agency under the BEHOL Project, the existing health facility had significantly deteriorated and no longer met the minimum standards for structural integrity or safe service delivery.

The facility’s condition posed serious risks to both patients and staff, limiting its functionality and undermining the quality of care. Given these challenges, the Minister of Health and her senior management team, along with their partners, conducted a comprehensive assessment and recommended the construction of a new Level 2 Primary Health Care (PHC) building to replace the outdated structure. The intervention was essential to restore safe, reliable, and accessible services to the community.

Koon’s Town Clinic is a Primary Health Care-1 clinic located in rural Montserrado County, Todee District. The facility was built in 2008 by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment as an emergency structure to serve the people of Koon’s Town due to the need for a clinic in the community.

The facility has 64 catchment communities, with 10 communities within a 5-kilometer radius and 54 communities beyond a 5-kilometer radius, serving a catchment population of 6,970 people.

The clinic also provides Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health services, including labor and delivery, immunization, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, especially for pregnant women, mental health services, and nutrition counseling.

The newly constructed clinic is well equipped with all necessary systems, including a 17.6 kW solar system installed to supply electricity, a new waste management system, and new medical equipment and furniture for essential and critical areas of health service delivery, including the Maternal and Child Health Unit

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

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