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Government to engage residents on Vaal Special Economic Zone

Source: Government of South Africa

Government to engage residents on Vaal Special Economic Zone

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Local Municipalities of Lesedi and Midvaal, will host public consultations on the planned designation of the Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

This follows the publication, on 3 March 2026, of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau’s intention to designate the proposed SEZ for public comment.   

The consultation on 8 April at the Meyerton Town Hall will provide businesses, and stakeholders with an opportunity to express their views and share ideas on the proposed SEZ with national, provincial and local government leadership. 

The session will lead up to a broader engagement planned at the Vereeniging Civic Centre in the Sedibeng District.

The Vaal SEZ land area will comprise of five land parcels in Heidelberg, Rietspruit, Langlaagte, Zwartkopjies and Kookfontein, according to the department.

“The prospective sites for the Vaal SEZ are strategically located near significant population centres and essential transportation infrastructure, moreover, the development of the Vaal SEZ aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the Sedibeng District Municipality’s District Development Model (DDM) and its District One Plan,” it said.

The Vaal SEZ will explore the diverse investment opportunities that the region offers. These include: 

  • Green industrialisation aimed at transforming the industrial basin into the country’s pre-eminent hub for low carbon manufacturing and renewable energy production.

  • High impact investments into the food, agriculture and the agro industries value chain.
  • Investment in gateway logistics to exploit the locational advantages of the Sedibeng District. 
  • Investment in the blue economy and the tourism sector on the back of the Vaal river.
  • Building a smart city along the Vaal River and an aerotropolis (aerozone) to drive urban development. 
  • Building strong local linkages between township and rural economies with the value chains that the Vaal SEZ will develop and strengthen. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Emerging farmer thrives in tomato production

Source: Government of South Africa

Emerging farmer thrives in tomato production

By More Matshediso

Tshililo Mafuka is a tomato farmer from Muswodi Dipeni in Musina, Limpopo, whose passion for agriculture began long before he launched his own farming business.

His rise in the agricultural sector is a story of resilience and a meaningful contribution to strengthening South Africa’s local food supply chain.

Mafuka gained practical experience in crop cultivation and machinery operation while working on a farm several years ago, which inspired him to establish his own operation.

He said his decision to focus on tomato production was strategic.

Tomatoes have consistently high market demand and are well suited to Limpopo’s climate and growing conditions.

“Over the years, I developed a strong interest in agriculture and a desire to run my own operation, particularly in tomato production,” he said. “I started farming on 2.9 hectares, and tomatoes remain my main crop because of my experience and confidence in managing their production.”

Beyond production, Mafuka’s farming operation has also contributed to local employment. Depending on the season and labour requirements, his business has created up to 20 seasonal jobs, providing income opportunities for community members.

Mafuka is one of 10 smallholder farmers in the Musina area who collectively supplied more than 3,386 tonnes of tomatoes to Tiger Brands for the production of its All Gold Tomato Sauce.

His work was recognised when he was named Tiger Brands’ inaugural Emerging Farmer of the Year / Most Promising Farmer for 2025.

The award acknowledges Mafuka’s success as a smallholder farmer and his role in supporting sustainable agricultural development through his business, Bob and Maggie Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, which was established three years ago and specialises in tomato production.

“This award is a significant milestone for me,” Mafuka said. “It recognises the effort, perseverance and consistency that went into building my farm — from starting on rented land using stream water to owning land with a borehole. It reflects resilience, dedication and continuous learning throughout my journey.”

Increased harvest

The increased harvest was made possible through support provided by the recently launched Tiger Brand Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme. Through the programme, participating farmers boosted production, created an additional 156 jobs in their communities, and sustained about 500 jobs across the value chain.

In the case of Musina-based farmers, irrigation infrastructure was identified as a critical requirement to unlock production potential and accelerate output.

The Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme aims to address key barriers faced by emerging and smallholder farmers. These include limited access to equipment and infrastructure, climate-related challenges, and restricted access to formal markets.

Director for Transformation and Enterprise Supplier Development at Tiger Brands, Maanda Milubi, said the programme highlights the strong interdependence between the company and local farmers.

“The Hulisani initiative underscores the interdependence between Tiger Brands and local farmers,” Milubi said. “By investing in farmers’ long-term resilience, we secure a steady supply of commodities and raw materials, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen local value chains.”

He added that for emerging and smallholder producers, the programme creates opportunities to build sustainable enterprises, generate employment, and contribute to South Africa’s long-term food security.

Mafuka said: “I joined the Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme about a year ago, and the support has been transformative. The programme has played a key role in strengthening and expanding my farming operation.

“It provided irrigation pipes, technical guidance to improve production, and financial support linked to our supply agreement.”

Mafuka now holds a renewable annual contract to supply Tiger Brands with high-quality fresh tomatoes.

His message to fellow emerging farmers is to start small, remain committed, and continue learning.

For more information about the Tiger Brands Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme, visit www.tigerbrands.com.

*This article first appeared in Vukuzenzele

 

Janine

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Specialised Committees – key to securing South Africa’s future

Source: Government of South Africa

Specialised Committees – key to securing South Africa’s future

By Michael Currin

Just a few years ago South Africa’s energy situation looked bleak with power outages sometimes exceeding eight hours a day. Communities and businesses endured severe stages of load shedding, disrupting economic activity and eroding public confidence. It became distinctly clear that urgent and coordinated intervention was needed to change the trajectory of our electricity grid.

This turning point materialised through the establishment of the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) in 2022, which was a decisive response to an escalating national emergency as the nation experienced some of the most severe power cuts. NECOM was created with a clear mandate to fix Eskom, reduce load shedding and expand new sources of power. 

It brought together high level officials from across government, Eskom, business and social partners to stabilise the grid and unlock new energy investments. All of these efforts we now all recall were captured in what became popularly known as the Energy Action Plan or EAP.

The results now speak for themselves. In March this year, South Africa recorded 300 consecutive days without load shedding. Furthermore, our Energy Availability Factor is consistently above 65%, and on some occasions exceeded 70%, marking a significant improvement in operational performance. These gains are not accidental and are a result of targeted, specialised work, which includes improved operational stability, more efficient power station performance, and a coordinated push for wind, solar, gas and battery storage solutions. 

The success of NECOM highlights an important truth that when the nation focuses its attention, expertise and resources into a single, clearly defined problem, meaningful progress becomes possible. Our experience in energy reform shows what specialised committees can achieve when they are empowered to act with urgency and accountability.

Substantial improvement was also achieved in our freight logistics system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee which was established in 2023. Key achievements include improving public-private partnerships with a notable increase of slots on 41 routes across six corridors for eleven private train operators and 75% reduction of vessel anchorage times at Durban Port. With Durban Pier 2 welcoming private operators, we expect to unlock R200 billion in investment by 2030.

Similar models are already yielding results also under the banner of the District Development Model in the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, a strong intergovernmental and cross-societal initiative aimed at bringing the city back to its glory days. President Cyril Ramaphosa noted, during this year’s State of the Nation Address, “we will expand our support to municipalities that require assistance, drawing on the lessons of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. We are seeing great progress in eThekwini as we implement the district development model”.

Building on these proven models, President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee. This is an urgent intervention to address South Africa’s escalating water challenges which include repeated and prolonged water outages, attributed to ageing infrastructure, weak municipal management and underinvestment, as well as illegal connections to the water pipelines in communication siphoning water off to non-paying illegal users, among other issues.

The new committee is mandated to address immediate water supply disruptions through a nationally coordinated response that mobilise technical expertise and resources to priority areas. Over R156 billion has been set aside for water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years. A further R54 billion incentive has been set aside for metros to reform their water, sanitation and electricity services. This will ensure that revenue collected for water is reinvested into fixing damaged pipes and water leaks, upgrading reservoirs and maintaining pumping stations as we seek to end our current water challenges.

More recently, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced that R27.7 billion has been allocated over the medium term to a performance-linked reform for metro trading services in electricity, water, sanitation to rectify maintenance backlogs and ultimately fix water supply. 

To ensure that these investments and reforms translate into real improvements on the ground, accountability is also being strengthened in municipalities across the country. Government has already laid criminal charges against 56 municipalities for failing to meet statutory obligations and will pursue charges against Municipal Managers who have violated the National Water Act. 

Water outages are not simply operational interruptions; they reflect underlying governance and system challenges, which government is addressing through strengthened coordination, improved public communication, increased awareness on water conservation, and decisive action against illegal connections and losses. 

As we look ahead to the next phase of renewal, specialised committees will play a greater role in securing a sustainable future for our nation. Whether in energy, water, local government or other priority areas, these structures provide the focus, expertise and discipline necessary to resolve long standing challenges.

With strengthened oversight, targeted investment and a renewed commitment to service delivery, government remains firmly committed to delivering the stable energy supply, reliable water services and effective local governance our people deserve.

The work of renewal is already underway, and we can expect positive outcomes and remain optimistic for a sustainable future. As we have seen in the transformation of the energy sector, when we mobilise the full capability of the state toward a clearly defined goal, progress is not only possible, it is inevitable.

*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Neo

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2026 Easter Message by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN): The Dawn is Coming, Don’t Let Go Now, Hold on to Hope!

Source: APO – Report:

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2026 Easter Message by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN):

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and all People of Good Will,

1. The Lenten season just concluded, which partly coincided with the Ramadan period, offered us a solemn time of self-examination, repentance, and conversion. It was a journey of anticipation, preparing us to celebrate the central mystery of our faith: the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Today, that spiritual journey of self-discipline and discovery brings us to the consummation of the mysteries, the empty tomb. On behalf of all the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, I greet you with the transformative joy of the Risen Lord: Happy Easter! Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

2. Even as we celebrate today, many Nigerians still bear crosses of grief and heartbreak caused by unabating insurgency, incessant kidnappings, and armed banditry. These are unarguably the consequences of many years of bad leadership; leadership marked by selfishness, greed, nepotism, tribalism, sectionalism, and a total lack of commitment to the common good.

3. For the disciples of Jesus, the harrowing journey from the darkness of Good Friday through the long Holy Saturday of emptiness, silence, and disbelief was shattered by the rejuvenating news of the rolling back of the stone. In this same vein, it is our fervent prayer that just as the stone of darkness and limitation was rolled back on that first Easter Sunday, bringing hope to the hopeless and the forlorn, so too may the heavy stone of anguish and pain caused by the excruciating burden of bad leadership be rolled back from the hearts and lives of Nigerians. 

4. We are sustained in hope and relentless in prayer that these travails of our dear people and the gloom that currently envelopes the country unite with the passion and agony of Jesus to bring renewal and enduring succour to our nation. This is because the power of the Resurrection assures us that “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

5. This confidence is founded on Jesus who while on the cross in agony, and cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34), was not forsaken by the Father. This is the same anguished cry of all who suffer in Nigeria today, for God will not abandon His children who truly call upon Him in distress (Psalm 107:6). 

6. Like the disciples, we follow a Master who neither deceives nor fails. Even in this darkest hour of our country’s history, God is not a bystander. Nevertheless, his patience must not be taken for granted, because though merciful, He is also just (Psalm 116:5); he will surely repay every man according to their deeds (Ps. 28:4; Matt. 16:27; Romans 2:6; Rev. 22:12). 

7. The Resurrection of Jesus changed human history forever. St. Paul reminds us that if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is without substance (cf. 1 Cor. 15:14). Because He is raised, we can face tomorrow. The Risen Christ continues to stand with the wretched of the earth, the poor and oppressed, with the afflicted and with the victims of ethnic conflicts, the unemployed, the imprisoned, and the internally displaced (IDPs) because He is a loving and compassionate saviour.

8. With the 2027 General Elections some months away and the INEC timetable already released, everyone must recognise that each hour of our life is loaded with consequences. We cannot afford to let the “gold” of our opportunities be trodden underfoot. Hence:

a. To the electorate, we say, it is not unexpected that many of you are disillusioned, feeling that your votes do not count. This has led to dangerous voter apathy. However, you cannot choose to abandon your moral duty to promote the common good. Faithful citizenship means becoming informed, active, and responsible participants. We therefore appeal to all eligible voters to ensure that you get your voters cards ready and verified. All well-meaning Nigerians must use the eyes of faith to ensure that only people with competence and integrity are elected.

b. To INEC as the electoral body, we admonish you to do all within your power to assure Nigerians that their votes will not only count but be seen to count. No willing voter should be disenfranchised due to distance or surmountable administrative challenges or any form of glitches. The Church stands ready to collaborate with you to ensure that justice prevails.

9. To majority of Nigerians who feel the fatal sting of bad government, banditry, instigated and politically-motivated communal attacks, loss of dear ones, hardship and joblessness: your scars make the promise of the Resurrection even more meaningful. Because the tomb is empty, no grave, not even the challenges facing Nigeria, can hold back the power of a new beginning. The dawn is coming. Don’t let go now, hold on to hope! The Risen Christ is proof that even the deepest darkness must eventually give way to light. The dawn is coming. Just as He arose, so too shall Nigeria be restored in victory into a season of peace and plenty.

I wish you all a happy and joyful Easter celebration! May the Risen Christ grant comfort to all who mourn at this time, and lasting victory to Nigeria, our country. Amen.

Signed: 
Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso NDAGOSO
Archbishop of Kaduna
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

– on behalf of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

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“A Time to Pause and Begin Again”: President Dr Patrick Herminie reflects in Easter message

Source: APO – Report:

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On the occasion of Easter, the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, shares his message with Seychellois at home and abroad as they mark this moment in the Christian calendar.

The President notes that Easter is a time of reflection and renewal, inviting individuals and families to pause and consider what truly matters and reconnect with the values that guide everyday life.

Reflecting on the Easter message delivered by the Pope Leo, President Herminie highlighted the continued call for peace and restraint in a world facing tension and conflict. He noted that this message resonates beyond borders and speaks to the need for a more measured and humane response to the challenges of our time.

He further highlighted that for Seychelles; this message carries particular relevance. Within our communities, Easter is observed through family gatherings and quiet reflection. It is also a moment to look inward, and to consider how we relate to one another in our daily lives.

President Herminie emphasised that the meaning of Easter lies in renewal. Even in periods of difficulty, it reminds us that there is always a path forward, shaped through steady effort and through the choices made each day.

He further noted that as a nation, Seychelles continues to move forward with a shared sense of responsibility. While challenges remain, our progress depends on how we respond, with purpose, clarity and unity

The President expressed his hope that this Easter will bring calm to homes across the country, and a renewed sense of strength for the days ahead.

He concluded by wishing all Seychellois a meaningful Easter.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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President Dr. Patrick Herminie Pays Tribute to the Late Seychellois Artist David Philoe

Source: APO – Report:

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It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I have learned of the passing of our beloved compatriot and friend, Mr. David Philoe, a gifted artist and a cherished son of Seychelles, whose voice and music resonated deeply within the heart of our nation.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Seychelles, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A true patriot, Mr. Philoe held an unwavering love for his country. Through his music, he brought joy to our people and made a lasting contribution to our cultural heritage. His talent, passion, and dedication to music will be remembered with great admiration and respect.

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind, one that will continue to inspire generations to come.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Ghana identifies priority areas to strengthen cholera prevention and control

Source: APO – Report:

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Ghana has taken a major step toward preventing and controlling cholera by identifying high-risk districts for targeted, multi-sectoral interventions. With technical support from the World Health Organization and funding from Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), the country conducted a Priority Areas for Multi-sectoral Interventions (PAMI) exercise in March 2026, aligned with the GTFCC Roadmap to End Cholera.

The exercise brought together stakeholders from health, water and sanitation, environment, local government, the statistical service, the meteorological agency, civil society, and partners under the leadership of the Ministry of Health Ghana and the Ghana Health Service. Using the district as the unit of analysis, the team reviewed cholera epidemiological data and risk factors over a five-year period (2020–2025).

Applying the GTFCC PAMI tool, districts were assessed based on disease burden, mortality, transmission patterns, and laboratory confirmation. Following data validation, stakeholders agreed on a threshold that, if targeted with interventions, could help avert up to 98% of cholera cases and 100% of deaths nationwide.

Out of Ghana’s 261 districts, 93 were identified as priority areas for multi-sectoral interventions. These findings provide a strong evidence base for the development of Ghana’s National Cholera Control Plan, which will focus on cost-effective measures including enhanced surveillance, health system strengthening, deployment of oral cholera vaccines, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in high-risk districts.

Beyond the data, the exercise strengthened collaboration and collective ownership among stakeholders. Mr Jonathan Akwabeng-Manu of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Directorate highlighted the importance of coordinated action, “The PAMI initiative is a valuable approach because it brings together key stakeholders from multiple sectors to coordinate efforts. Through this engagement, we have also shared planned interventions to strengthen cholera prevention and control”.

Dr Fred Kapaya, from the WHO Nairobi Emergency Hub, commended the process. “The dedication and collaboration demonstrated in building consensus during the PAMI exercise have been impressive. We look forward to continued collaboration with Ghana, particularly in developing the National Cholera Control Plan”, he said.

Ghana’s commitment to preventing and controlling cholera reflects strong national leadership and alignment with global efforts to end cholera as a public health threat. The identification of priority districts marks a critical step toward achieving this goal.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

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Ghana advances health security with completion of National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) prioritisation workshop

Source: APO – Report:

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Ghana has taken a major step forward in strengthening its health security with the completion of its National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) Prioritisation Workshop. The exercise, led by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, was supported by the UK Government through the Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme Phase 2 (TDDAP 2), implemented by Palladium and its consortium partner IDI, with technical support from WHO.

The NAPHS provides a comprehensive roadmap for improving Ghana’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats, covering critical interventions from laboratory strengthening to border health. By prioritising actions, the country ensures that resources are directed to areas that will have the greatest impact on public health.

Speaking at the workshop Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of the Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service highlitghted the importance of the workshop.

“Prioritisation is not just a process. it’s about making sure that every intervention we invest in has the maximum impact on protecting lives. This workshop has enabled us to identify key actions, backed by data and consensus, which will guide both national and partner investments in health security”, he said. 

The workshop introduced simple, intuitive tools that helped multi-sectoral stakeholders navigate complex decisions, weighing impact against feasibility. Every prioritised action is now part of a guiding document that partners can use to align their programmes with national objectives.

Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative to Ghana, highlighted the significance of the exercise for building resilient health systems. “Ghana’s NAPHS prioritisation ensures that we are not only ready to respond to current health threats but are also building a stronger, more resilient health system that can protect communities across the country”, she said.

Dominic Farrell, UKFCDO representative added, “The UK is proud to support Ghana in strengthening health security. This prioritisation workshop ensures that investments are targeted, evidence-based, and focused on saving lives”.

The next steps include updating strategic actions by Technical Area Teams, submission of consolidated plans to the IHR National Focal Point, application of a costing tool, validation of costed activities, and finalisation of the NAPHS document ahead of its official launch.

With the completion of this workshop, Ghana has strengthened its preparedness against public health threats, ensuring that future interventions are guided by data, consensus, and a clear roadmap for impact.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

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Pan African Visions (PAV) Explores Africa’s Energy Power Play with NJ Ayuk In High-Impact April 2026 Edition

Source: APO

Pan African Visions (PAV) (http://PanAfricanVisions.com) continues its powerful, thematic editorial run with the release of its April 2026 Magazine (Edition 86, Vol. VIII)—a compelling, investment-focused issue anchored by a defining cover feature with NJ Ayuk.

Building on a deliberate 2026 editorial trajectory that captures Africa’s most consequential sectors, this energy edition arrives at a pivotal moment—when the continent is asserting itself at the center of global conversations on energy security, industrialization, and climate strategy.

A Year of Thematic Storytelling: Tracking Africa’s Transformation

Each 2026 edition of PAV Magazine has been aligned with major continental and global developments:

– January: Politics and leadership, featuring an exclusive with former Malawi President Peter Mutharika on his first 100 days

– February: The diamond economy, spotlighting the Diamond Doctrine of Dr. M’zée Fula Ngengé

– March: Sports business and culture with a preview of BAL Season 6 featuring Amadou Gallo Fall

– April: Energy and power, led by NJ Ayuk

– Coming Next: A deep dive into Africa’s rapidly expanding multi-billion-dollar fintech ecosystem

Together, these editions form a coherent, forward-looking narrative of Africa’s rise across power, capital, and innovation.

Cover Feature: NJ Ayuk and Africa’s Energy Power Play

There is a defining urgency in how NJ Ayuk frames Africa’s energy future—not one of scarcity, but of transformational opportunity.

Across the continent, momentum is unmistakable: new discoveries lighting up frontier basins, billion-dollar investments reshaping production, and governments reclaiming control over their natural resources. From Lagos to Luanda, Dakar to Dar es Salaam, and Windhoek to Kampala—the narrative is shifting decisively from promise to power.

As a leading advocate for Africa-first energy policies, Ayuk champions investment-driven development, local content, equity, and African participation while advancing bold energy diplomacy and cooperation.

In the wide-ranging interview for the April edition of PAV, Ayuk delivers a clear-eyed, strategic vision for an Africa that finances, refines, and defines its own energy future.

Inside the April Edition: Big Stories, Real Stakes

– Bassirou Diomaye Faye vs. Ousmane Sonko — Inside Senegal’s New Power Rift

– Zambia: Bishop Trevor Mwamba on the Opposition Card

– Sierra Leone: Powering a New Energy Era

– Florie Liser on the U.S.-Africa Business Summit

– BEAC Flags Digital Payment Tax in CEMAC

– Premier Invest & Africa’s Response to Global Shocks

A Platform for Influence, Investment, and Opportunity

With its growing global readership and trusted voice, Pan African Visions continues to serve as a gateway for investors, a platform for governments and institutions, and a strategic partner for brands engaging Africa’s growth story.

Read the Full April 2026 Edition:

https://apo-opa.co/4mejxeQ

Pan African Visions also publishes daily news, analysis, and insights at:

http://PanAfricanVisions.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pan African Visions.

Media Inquiries, Partnerships & Advertising Opportunities:
Email: pav@panafricanvisions.com
Phone: +1 240 429 2177

About Pan African Visions:
Pan African Visions is a leading pan-African media platform delivering authoritative insights across energy, business, policy, and development—connecting Africa’s opportunities to global capital, partnerships, and ideas.

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Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Chinese Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | April 3, 2026

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met today with His Excellency Mr. Cao Xiaolin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the State.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed developments related to the ongoing military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions for regional and international security and stability, including the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the repeated attacks on commercial shipping.