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Forum Afrique-Caraïbes sur le commerce et l’investissement (ACTIF) 2025 s’achève avec plus de 300 millions de dollars US de transactions et d’engagements audacieux en faveur de l’intégration, de la mobilité et de l’investissement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le quatrième Forum Afrique-Caraïbes sur le commerce et l’investissement (ACTIF2025) s’est achevé avec la signature de contrats d’investissement et de commerce d’une valeur de plus de 300 millions de dollars US. L’ACTIF a également été sanctionné par l’adoption d’un communiqué fort réaffirmant l’engagement des deux régions à approfondir leur collaboration. Cet événement de deux jours, co-organisé par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) et le gouvernement de la Grenade, a réuni plus de 2 100 délégués provenant de 80 pays, dont 11 chefs d’État et de gouvernement, des représentants de gouvernements, des dirigeants du secteur privé et des partenaires de développement.

Au total, huit accords et protocoles d’accord majeurs ont été annoncés au cours du forum, couvrant les domaines des infrastructures, du tourisme, de la transformation numérique et du financement du commerce :

  • Une Facilité d’escompte de créances de 100 millions de dollars US accordée à Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Ltd pour des travaux routiers et d’infrastructure.
  • Une facilité liée au climat de 50 millions de dollars US pour la construction et la réhabilitation d’établissements scolaires, signée avec le gouvernement de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis.
  • Un prêt à terme de 61,25 millions de dollars US pour le Homewood Suites by Hilton Barbados.
  • Une Facilité de créances de 40 millions dollars US en faveur de Cat Island infrastructure Company Ltd aux Bahamas.
  • Un accord de développement portuaire commercial de 40 millions de dollars US entre Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd et le Gouvernement de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis.
  • Un protocole d’accord avec Grenade Development Bank pour promouvoir le développement des PME et les flux commerciaux.
  • Un protocole d’accord de coopération stratégique avec l’Union des télécommunications des Caraïbes (CTU) pour faire progresser la transformation numérique.
  • La Bank of The Bahamas Ltd a également été désignée comme intermédiaire d’Afreximbank pour le financement commercial, renforçant ainsi l’écosystème financier de soutien aux transactions transfrontalières.

Dans une déclaration de clôture marquante, le Premier ministre de la Grenade, Dickon Mitchell, a réaffirmé la détermination de la région à institutionnaliser sa collaboration avec l’Afrique.

« Nous devons faire preuve d’une grande détermination pour créer des institutions qui permettront, en fait, de recréer le type de relations commerciales, d’investissement, bancaires et financières que nous souhaitons établir pour nous-mêmes. La réalité est que ce qui a été créé auparavant avait pour but de nous piéger ».

Il a également appelé à la libre circulation des personnes entre les régions :

« Nous ne sommes pas ici pour empêcher nos populations de se déplacer. Je ne vois aucune raison valable de maintenir les systèmes de visas… la biométrie nous permet de dépasser cela ».

D’un point de vue financier et institutionnel, Dr George Elombi, Vice-président exécutif d’Afreximbank et Président entrant, a souligné :

« La prochaine étape ne consiste pas à justifier notre vision, mais à la défendre avec conviction. Il s’agit de croire davantage en qui nous sommes, en notre objectif et d’agir avec détermination. La finance est le moteur du commerce. Une fois que nous aurons intégré les systèmes de paiement et que nous leur aurons fait comprendre que les Caraïbes représentent une opportunité unique, le reste suivra ».

Le communiqué officiel de l’ACTIF2025 a salué l’adhésion à la Commission pour l’Afrique mondiale de la Grenade, de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis et d’autres États de l’OECO (Organisation des États de la Caraïbe orientale), et a appelé à son adoption officielle à l’occasion du prochain Sommet UA-CARICOM à Addis-Abeba en septembre. La Commission devrait accélérer les cadres de commerce, de culture et d’investissement dans toute la diaspora et sur le continent.

Les participants se sont également engagés à établir un accord de libre-échange, à éliminer les restrictions en matière de visas, à soutenir les liaisons aériennes et maritimes et à élargir les partenariats dans les domaines du numérique, du sport et de l’économie créative. Le communiqué a reconnu l’ACTIF2025 comme un moment charnière dans la construction de « chaînes de valeur transrégionales résilientes » et a souligné la poursuite de la plateforme ACTIF avec l’annonce de l’édition de 2026.

Le Président d’Afreximbank, le Professeur Benedict Oramah, qui termine son mandat cette année, a été honoré lors de l’événement pour sa vision et son leadership. Une cérémonie symbolique de plantation d’arbres a eu lieu au parc Camerhogne à St. George’s, à la Grenade, en son honneur pour son leadership visionnaire et ses contributions durables aux relations entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes. Le flamboyant, arbre originaire de Madagascar et largement implanté dans les Caraïbes et en Afrique, a été choisi pour ses fleurs rouges éclatantes et sa forte portée symbolique de vitalité, de paix et de croissance.Le forum lui a rendu hommage pour ses contributions et a réaffirmé son héritage en tant que force fondatrice dans la construction de l’Afrique mondiale.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable de la communication et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

Media files

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Participates in Women Leaders Forum in Turkmenistan

Source: Government of Qatar

Awaza, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad participated in the Women Leaders Forum, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, taking place in the city of Awaza, Turkmenistan, with the presence of HE Vice President of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care Oguljahan Atabayeva.

In her speech at the forum, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized that speaking about justice for women anywhere is incomplete without speaking about justice for the women of Gaza, stressing that women in all conflict zones deserve protection, safety, and a peaceful life.

Her Excellency added that she cannot speak about women’s rights without referring to the women of Gaza who endure unimaginable suffering, stressing that they are deprived of the most basic human needs, including education, safety, sanitation, and dignity, they face the threat of famine, and their children go to sleep hungry, burdened by trauma, with their childhoods stolen from them.

Her Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar fully understands that empowering women is not merely a matter of justice and fairness, but a fundamental pillar of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Her Excellency affirmed that women do not wait for an invitation to participate; rather, they are already playing leadership roles across various sectors including government, diplomacy, education, business, and innovation.

Her Excellency explained that Qatar’s national strategy was designed to enable women to realize their full potential through progressive policies that ensure protection for mothers, equal pay, pathways to leadership, and work environments that respect and support women.

Her Excellency explained in this context that one of the most inspiring examples of this is the vision of HH Chairperson of the Education Above All Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose pioneering work through the foundation has enabled millions of children deprived of education, especially in the least developed countries, to access their right to education, while preserving their dignity and opening new horizons for their future, noting that Her Highness’s leadership embodies a profound truth: When women participate in development, entire societies rise.

Her Excellency underscored that nearly half of the population in landlocked developing countries are women, yet for a long time, they have been asked to achieve more with fewer resources.

The time has come to change that, Her Excellency added, stressing that if they are serious about achieving the goals of the Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, they must invest in women and support their passion, because the future we build with them will be stronger and more prosperous. 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets UN Official

Source: Government of Qatar

Awaza, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, being held in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

The meeting dealt with discussing the strong partnership between the State of Qatar and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries,آ Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets President of UN Economic and Social Council

Source: Government of Qatar

Ashgabat, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met with HE President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Lok Bahadur Thapa, on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, currently taking place in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

The meeting reviewed avenues of cooperation between the State of Qatar and ECOSOC, highlighted Qatar’s leading role in supporting developing countries, and discussed preparations for Qatar’s hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled for November.

The two sides affirmed that the upcoming summit will serve as a valuable opportunity to review various mechanisms and benefit from the experiences of developing countries that have made notable progress in social development.

During the meeting, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to remaining a strategic partner to the United Nations in addressing developmental challenges.

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South Africa: Presidency statement on National Dialogue costs

Source: APO


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The Presidency has noted media reports on the cost of the National Dialogue and specifically the first National Convention set to take place on 15-16 August 2025. 

The Presidency wishes to confirm that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government’s contribution towards the National Dialogue, has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage costs. 

As a response to the call for collaboration with other stakeholders to reduce the costs of the National Dialogue, UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge.

As it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary, two overflow venues with livestreaming, 10 breakaway venues, dining area and work areas. In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an Operations Centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi. 

The costs of the first convention are being funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics. The provisions in the Appropriation Act and the PFMA will be used to reimburse the Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC in the Adjustments Budget later this year.

All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations. All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms.

Donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. Some goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost. 

The reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue and the funding plan are done with the intention to reduce the cost to the fiscus.

The Presidency is committed to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.

The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the Convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Statement on the Occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 9 August 2025

Source: APO


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The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) joins the international community in commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on 9 August.

This year’s theme, “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures”, invites renewed reflection on the intersection of technology, human rights, and the self-determination of Indigenous communities. While artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies hold the potential to advance development, they also pose new challenges to the protection of traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, land rights, and privacy.

In Africa, Indigenous populations and communities remain integral custodians of biodiversity, guardians of ancestral lands, and bearers of unique cultural identities. Yet, many continue to face systemic discrimination, marginalization, displacement, and the erosion of their cultural and linguistic heritage. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantees the right to equality, non-discrimination, cultural participation, and self-determination, and that these rights extend fully to Indigenous peoples.

The Commission underscores the importance of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in any initiatives affecting Indigenous peoples, including the use of their knowledge, data, and resources in technological systems. AI systems should not exploit Indigenous knowledge Systems (IKS) without compensation. AI should not perpetuate historical injustices or replicate discriminatory patterns; rather, they should be designed and governed in ways that reflect Indigenous worldviews and safeguard their rights. Meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in policy-making and in the design of technological systems is essential

On this Day, the ACHPR:

1. Calls upon State Parties to the African Charter to adopt and implement robust legal, policy, and institutional frameworks to protect the rights of Indigenous populations and communities, including in the digital sphere. States are encouraged to develop national AI strategies that are inclusive of IKSs as well as Indigenous perspectives and uphold data sovereignty.

2. Urges technology developers and private sector actors to respect Indigenous data sovereignty, avoid exploitative practices, and engage in genuine partnership with affected communities.

3. Encourages civil society, academia, and the media to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples in shaping technological futures.

4. Reaffirms its commitment to monitor, report, and advocate for the full realization of Indigenous peoples’ rights, including through its Working Group and other special mechanisms, in conformity with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

As the world moves deeper into the digital era, the ACHPR emphasizes that the survival and flourishing of Indigenous peoples in Africa depends on State Parties collective commitment to Indigenous People’s Rights, justice, equity, and respect for their environmental custodian role and rights both off and online, today and for generations to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).

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Presidency clarifies costs associated with National Convention

Source: Government of South Africa

The Presidency has moved to clarify the costs associated with upcoming National Dialogue Convention, scheduled to start on 15 August 2025.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Presidency confirmed that all budgetary processes for the National Convention are in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). 

They have also committed to ensuring that all procurement and management of public funds will comply with the law and the relevant Treasury regulations.

This follows media reports on the expenses of the National Dialogue, particularly the first National Convention.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Saturday that the first National Convention will proceed as planned this week, despite the challenges and calls for its postponement. 

The Presidency has announced that the Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and including all relevant government departments, is coordinating the government’s contributions to the National Dialogue. 

The committee has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage associated costs.

In response to the call for collaboration with various stakeholders to lower the costs of the National Dialogue, the President’s Office announced that the University of South Africa (UNISA) has offered to host the first National Convention and provide related goods and services at no cost.

“As it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary, two overflow venues with livestreaming, 10 breakaway venues, a dining area and work areas. 

“In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an operations centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and Wi-Fi,” the Presidency said. 

The Presidency said the costs of the first convention are being funded from the existing budgets of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics. 

“The provisions in the Appropriation Act and the PFMA will be used to reimburse the Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC in the adjustments budget later this year.

“All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury regulations. All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms.” 

According to the Presidency, donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. 

“Some goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost. The reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue, and the funding plan are done to reduce the cost to the fiscus.” 

The Presidency said it was committed to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.

“The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised.” 

The National Convention will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors to kickstart the National Dialogue process.

Delegates are expected to advocate for the importance and benefits of a National Dialogue, outline key discussion themes, agree on the approach and methods for public dialogues, and finalise the establishment of a broadly representative Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue moving forward.

on Saturday, President Ramaphosa stated through his Office that the National Convention must occur so South Africans can take ownership and control of the National Dialogue.

“Invitations have gone out to organisations across the country, and delegates are preparing themselves to attend the convention.

“It is at the National Convention that the people of South Africa will take over and run with the National Dialogue process,” the President said, adding that he understood the National Convention to be a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Acting Police Minister extends condolences to fallen officers’ families

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has extended his condolences to the families of police officers who were shot and killed on Friday, when escorting an awaiting trial prisoner.

Cachalia visited the families of Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa (51) and Sergeant Simon Masenye (45) on Sunday.

The officers were escorting an awaiting trial prisoner, Jabulani Moyo, when they were ambushed in the Roodepoort town centre. Moyo remains at large, and a massive manhunt is underway.

During his visit to the families of the fallen officers, the Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences and assured the bereaved families that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will work to ensure that Moyo is located and held accountable for his actions.

The Minister also took the time to extend his sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni from Mpumalanga, who was killed on Saturday, while responding to a burglary incident in Schoemansdal near Komatipoort.

In his call for heightened vigilance, Cachalia said these senseless acts of violence against men and women in blue are an attack on the rule of law and the safety of all South Africans. 

“We strongly condemn these heinous crimes, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. We call on all SAPS members to always remain alert and to make full and appropriate use of the tools of trade issued to them,” he said. 

Police have offered a cash reward of R150 000 for anyone who has information on Moyo’s whereabouts, warning that he is dangerous and should not be approached. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Gender Commission welcomes conviction of serial rapist pastor

Source: Government of South Africa

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of a serial rapist pastor in a harrowing case involving the sexual abuse of 12 minor children, including 10 boys and two girls, aged between seven and 14. 

The sentence was handed down by the Nquthu Regional Magistrate’s Court on 23 July 2025.

According to the CGE, the 59-year-old was convicted and sentenced to 10 life imprisonment terms for nine counts of rape and one count of attempted rape, seven five-year terms for seven counts of sexual assault, and seven five-year terms for exposure of a child to pornography between 2020 and 2022. 

The CGE also noted that the court did not deviate from the mandatory life sentences prescribed by the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 for rape where the victims are under the age of 18. 

“This decision affirms the seriousness with which our courts ought to treat crimes of this nature, particularly against minor children. The Commission welcomes this outcome, which sends a clear message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full wrath of the law. 

“It is hoped that this judgment will serve not only as justice for the victims, but also as a deterrent to potential offenders,” the Commission said in a statement. 

The CGE stated that it has conducted an own-initiative investigation related to this issue. 

This action aligns with its constitutional and legislative mandate to monitor matters of gender-based violence (GBV), promote accountability, and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups, specifically the minor children involved in this case.

“The matter required the coordination of multiple stakeholders in the criminal justice system and involved complex logistical and procedural challenges.” 

According to the CGE, the accused pastor lured children to his rented premises under the pretense that they were helping him with tasks and under the guise of offering spiritual or pastoral guidance, where the abuse took place. 

“He used his position of authority and trust within the community to manipulate and groom the children, exploiting their respect for religious and adult figures. 

“The Commission remains deeply concerned by the abuse of trust and authority within religious and community spaces.” 

This outcome is consistent with the key findings from the Commission’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office during its investigation in the financial year 2024/25. 

The investigation focused on the implementation of Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), which emphasises access to justice, safety and protection, and effective coordination.

“As part of the investigation, the Commission engaged with key role players, including the SAPS, NPA, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, to assess the implementation of the pillar, including collaboration.” 

The Commission believes that this successful prosecution of this case demonstrates the importance and practical value of sustained interagency cooperation in ensuring accountability, promoting victim-centred justice, and removing systemic barriers to justice for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse.

Life imprisonment for self-proclaimed prophets

Meanwhile, the CGE said it has also noted with grave concern the recent arrests and sentencing of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors in Limpopo, Free State, and North West. 

This includes life imprisonment of Pastor Albert Tamasane on two counts for raping an 11-year-old girl, and three life sentences handed to Fezile Zozi in North West for raping women and minors between 2021 and 2023, under the disguise of spiritual revivals. 

In addition, Confidence Monyela of Limpopo was convicted on two counts of raping minors between the ages of 14 and 19, bringing into the spotlight the systemic issues that confront those who trust some men of the cloth.

“It raises fundamental questions about the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and minors at the hands of self-proclaimed prophets and pastors, taking into cognisance that some are still going on trial.

“These matters underscore the urgent need for child safeguarding mechanisms in all institutions, particularly those led by individuals in positions of trust,” the Commission added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Strengthening relations between the two brotherly countries… the preparatory work begins for the 33rd session of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Committee at the experts’ level, chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation

Source: APO


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Today, Sunday, in the Jordanian capital of Amman, preparations began for the 33rd session of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Committee at the experts’ level commenced, which is being held at a highly significant time on the regional level and in light of ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, as the two brotherly countries seek to achieve further progress in their bilateral relations, especially on the economic front.

The preparatory work at the expert level is a prelude to holding ministerial preparatory meetings, chaired by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, on the Egyptian side, and Eng. Yarub Falah Al-Qudah, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, on the Jordanian side. This will be followed by the convening of the Joint Higher Committee, co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, and his counterpart Dr. Jaafar Hassan, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, affirmed that the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Committee, in its 33rd session, is being held at its regular schedule to emphasize the strength and depth of the relations between the two brotherly countries, and the keenness of the governments of both countries to move forward in achieving tangible and continuous progress in joint relations across various levels, which will reflect on strengthening economic relations, enhancing trade exchange, and overcoming challenges that may arise in any area of joint work files.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation pointed out the importance of the regular convening of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Committee, which is one of the oldest and most consistently held Arab joint committees. Since the committee’s first session in 1985 up to the previous session, more than 173 joint cooperation documents have been signed across all priority areas, including economic, trade, investment, cultural, scientific, and technical fields, which has contributed to advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries in priority sectors, increasing trade and investment rates, and facilitating the exchange of expertise.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the 33rd session of the Joint Committee will discuss many topics of mutual interest to both countries, especially in light of the surrounding regional developments, reflecting the keenness to exploring further avenues for joint cooperation in trade, economic, and investment fields, as well as developing relations in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises, food security, discussing the situation of Egyptian labor in Jordan, the continuation of efforts for expertise exchange and joint training, following up on the convening of technical committees, and other topics and areas.

It is worth noting that the mechanism of joint committees is one of the main mechanisms through which Egypt seeks to strengthen economic, trade, and investment relations, in addition to cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries. The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation oversees approximately 55 joint committees between Egypt and various countries across different continents around the world.

During 2024, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation held meetings of the Egyptian-Romanian Joint Committee, the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Committee, the Egyptian-Tajik Ministerial Joint Committee, the first session of the Egyptian-Polish Joint Committee, and the Egyptian-Uzbek Joint Committee. More recently, in 2025, the first session of the Egyptian-Swiss Joint Committee was held.

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