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Western Union Partners with Sasai Fintech to Expand Digital Remittance Access for South Africa’s consumers

Source: APO – Report:

Western Union (www.WesternUnion.com) and Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies, today announced the launch of a new international money transfer mobile app tailored for South Africa’s consumers. The app is designed to meet the fast-evolving needs of an increasingly connected and mobile population, offering a seamless and reliable way to send money abroad, seamlessly, anytime, anywhere

“South Africa, is home to a growing population of digitally savvy consumers, many with deep ties across borders, that seek ways to move money internationally with flexibility and confidence,” said Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Western Union’s Head of Africa. “We are delighted then that our partnership with Sasai Fintech allows us to bring the strength of our global network to where people are, enabling South Africa’s consumers to connect with the world, unlocking opportunity and helping communities and families thrive in an increasingly globalized economy.”

This strategic collaboration combines Western Union’s global network spanning 200 countries and territories with Sasai Fintech’s cutting-edge Payments-as-a-Service (PaaS) technology – a fully integrated, end-to-end remittance platform that includes both the technology infrastructure and the required licensing. Customers can transfer funds to billions of bank accounts and wallets worldwide, or for cash pick-up at hundreds of thousands of retail locations abroad; they can send money via the co-branded, Sasai in partnership with Western Union money transfer service, with multiple convenient funding options that include Sasai’s retail network of over 150,000 outlets, debit or credit cards, and electronic funds transfers from their bank account.

Darlington Mandivenga, CEO, Fintech and Digital Platforms at Cassava Technologies, emphasizes “Our partnership with Western Union accelerates financial inclusion and delivers real value to Africans in the diaspora and their families across the continent. Backed by our regulated assets, integrated tech stack, super app platform, and innovations like stablecoins, we’re redefining Africa’s payments infrastructure.”

South Africa is home to one of the most digitally engaged populations in Africa. According to the country’s 2023 General Household Survey (http://apo-opa.co/4spi0o9), nearly 80% of households have internet access – with almost 73% connecting through mobile devices. Market data (http://apo-opa.co/3PfIZE8) shows that in 2024, outbound personal remittances exceeded USD 1 billion.

The new mobile app can now be downloaded on Android and iOS smartphones. In just a few clicks, customers can register, verify their identity and begin sending money globally.

– on behalf of Western Union Holdings, Inc..

Media Contacts:
Western Union
Nicholas Mandalas
Nicholas.Mandalas@wu.com

Sasai Fintech
communication@sasaifintech.com

About Western Union:
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is committed to helping people around the world who aspire to build financial futures for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Our leading cross-border, cross-currency money movement, payments and digital financial services empower consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments—across more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies—to connect with billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and a global footprint of hundreds of thousands of retail locations. Our goal is to offer accessible financial services that help people and communities prosper. For more information, visit www.WesternUnion.com

About Sasai Fintech:
Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies, is a high-growth pan-African fintech company positioned to scale digital transformation across the continent. The company offers a comprehensive suite of innovative, interoperable financial services that enable business growth and financial inclusion. Sasai’s platform integrates digital payment processing, mobile money, social payments, remittances-as-a-service, and modular digital commerce (“business-in-a-box”) solutions. For more information visit www.SasaiFintech.com

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Rio Tinto mining project a nod to SA mining industry strength

Source: Government of South Africa

Rio Tinto mining project a nod to SA mining industry strength

Rio Tinto’s announcement to restart the Richards Bay Minerals’ $473 million Zulti South project has been described as a vote of confidence in South Africa’s mining industry. 

This week, the mining company announced the restart with the aim of extending the mine’s life to 2050.

“This significant capital commitment signals renewed investor confidence in South Africa’s mineral resources sector and enhances collaboration between industry, government, and host communities.

“Richards Bay Minerals [RBM], which is 74%-owned by Rio Tinto, mines mineral-rich sands in KwaZulu-Natal and produces zircon, rutile, ilmenite and titanium dioxide. These minerals are essential inputs in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, including paints, medical applications, sunscreen and smartphones – underscoring South Africa’s role in global value chains,” the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) said on Tuesday.

The project was halted in 2020 due to unrest in the area but, with the help of government, Amakhosi and the host community, the project will now forge ahead.

“Through partnerships of this nature, the mining sector can leverage private-sector investment to unlock inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. 

“The department reiterates the importance of sustained collaboration between mining companies, government, traditional leadership structures, organised labour and communities.

“Stability, social compacting, and responsible mining practices remain fundamental to unlocking long-term value from South Africa’s mineral endowment while ensuring that the benefits of mineral development are broadly shared,” the department noted.

In its announcement on Monday, the company said construction is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2026 and will take 30 months to be completed. 

“In keeping with our regulatory frameworks, the Zulti South project is expected to generate employment opportunities, support skills development initiatives, and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of mining-affected communities,” the DMPR added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Call to ensure validity of vehicle licence discs

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to ensure validity of vehicle licence discs

Motorists who intend to travel over the Easter long weekend are advised to ensure the validity of their vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards, as the Natis system indicates that 700 399 vehicle licence discs will be expiring at the end of March.

The renewal for vehicle licence discs affects 259 563 vehicles in Gauteng, 116 633 vehicles in the Western Cape, 98 735 vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal, 51 198 vehicles in Mpumalanga and 45 240 vehicles in Limpopo.

In the Eastern Cape, 44 840 vehicles are affected, 36 335 in the North West, 31 964 vehicles in the Free State, and 15 891 vehicles in the Northern Cape.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has encouraged motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs in the comfort of their home or office by using the online.natis.gov.za

“The disc will be delivered within three to five working days. More than six million vehicle licence discs have been processed through this platform since it became available in 2022.

“Drivers based in Gauteng, Gqeberha and Karigan in the Eastern Cape can use the same platform to prebook a slot to renew driving licence cards. Drivers in other provinces can use the services at their driving licence centres,” RTMC said on Tuesday.

A total of 128 080 driving licence cards will be expiring in the same period and need to be renewed. 

This will affect 44 142 drivers in Gauteng, 20 188 drivers in KwaZulu-Natal, 17 108 in the Western Cape, 12 515 in Mpumalanga, 11 831 in Limpopo, 8 404 in the Eastern Cape, 6 187 in North West, 5 471 in Free State, and 2 234 in Northern Cape. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

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SA-EU hold inaugural Clean Trade and Investment Partnership dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

SA-EU hold inaugural Clean Trade and Investment Partnership dialogue

South Africa and the European Union have held the inaugural Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) business to government dialogue on Tuesday.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Alexandra Abrahams opened the Business-to-Government Dialogue.

“The Clean Trade and Investment Partnership marks a strategic evolution in the South Africa–EU economic relationship. The EU [European Union] remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners with total trade growing by 56% since 2016 and, through this mutually beneficial partnership, we will continue to deepen our relationship,” she said.

The CTIP is a partnership between the EU and South Africa aimed at promoting bilateral trade and investment in clean supply chains.

It was endorsed on 20 November 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Ramaphosa.

Through strengthened cooperation between the EU and SA industries and governments, the CTIP aims to improve the trade and investment climate to unlock EU public and private investment, including maximising the impact of Global Gateway financing.

The Deputy Minister said the partnership will expand trade volumes while reshaping value chains.

“It will align decarbonisation with industrialisation, and investment with local economic development, ensuring that South Africa participates as an industrial partner in clean supply chains rather than as a supplier of raw materials. As we move into implementation, our focus is to mobilise bankable investment, address regulatory and market access constraints, and ensure that clean trade translates into economic growth and sustainable job creation,” she explained.

Deputy Director General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, Maria Martin-Prat said that there are enormous mutual trade and investment opportunities in “our clean supply chains.”

“Look at South Africa’s ambition to reform its electricity sector and construct approximately 14,500 km of new transmission lines in the next decade – the scale of opportunity is immense. To turn ambitions into reality, we will need three things. Firstly, we need companies ready to invest in these supply chains.

“European firms, with their cutting-edge technology and expertise in clean solutions, have a clear comparative advantage in supporting South Africa’s green transition. Secondly, while private investment will drive this transformation, Global Gateway funding can play a catalytic role by reducing risk and crowding in capital. 

“Thirdly, we need a conducive regulatory business environment for these investments to scale and reach their full potential.  This is what the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership is all about, and where we need your input,” she said.

The dtic said the first CTIP Business-to-Government Dialogue which was organised in the context of the Africa Energy Indaba, was well-attended by over 150 representatives from industry, financial institutions and policymakers.

The Business-to-Government dialogue showcased the demand-driven nature of the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership.

Industry representatives shared their views on the concrete regulatory, financing and risk-mitigation measures that would most effectively facilitate trade and investments in South African and EU clean supply chains. These recommendations will be discussed by South African and the EU government representatives, including at the CTIP Government to Government dialogue later this year.

At a trilateral meeting held ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November last year, President Ramaphosa, together with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission, Dr Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed the deepening of the South Africa–European Union partnership.

The leaders welcomed the signature of the CTIP, noting that it will create new trade and investment opportunities while supporting decarbonisation objectives through a tailored, flexible and targeted approach that reflects shared priorities. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo

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Macpherson expresses condolences following collapse of Ormonde building

Source: Government of South Africa

Macpherson expresses condolences following collapse of Ormonde building

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to those injured, following the partial collapse of a building in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, where nine people have tragically died. 

Visiting the site on Tuesday afternoon alongside emergency services, the Minister said the building collapse raises serious questions around systemic weaknesses.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and with all those who have been injured during this incredibly difficult time, as well as the workers and families affected by this tragedy.

“We furthermore thank the brave men and women in our emergency services, who worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and recover bodies. 

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, together with our entity, the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), we will continue working with all stakeholders to support affected families and to ensure accountability where wrongdoing has occurred.

“We should never normalise the collapse of any building. Buildings are not meant to collapse and therefore, there must have been serious failures that led to the tragedy we witnessed. We are determined to get to the bottom of this and will release the findings publicly once the investigation has concluded. We will not hesitate to take action against any individual found to be complicit,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that in the days ahead, the CBE, which regulates professionals within the built environment sector, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse to determine whether professional negligence, contravention of mandatory standards, or any misconduct took place.

Macpherson said he will be expediting a meeting with the Minister of Human Settlements to review the regulation and enforcement of building standards in South Africa, with the aim of preventing similar tragedies in future.

“We need to be frank in acknowledging that repeated building collapses point to deeper structural issues that must be urgently reviewed to improve building safety and construction oversight. 

“As we work to turn South Africa into a construction site, it is critical that we do so in an environment where building construction can be trusted and the loss of life avoided. By working together to find solutions, I have no doubt that we can strengthen the regulatory environment and build a better South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Chemicals seized at Gauteng makeshift manufacturing facility 

Source: Government of South Africa

Chemicals seized at Gauteng makeshift manufacturing facility 

Members of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has seized chemicals and manufactured detergents worth millions of rands at the Windmill Park informal settlement in Boksburg.

The operation was conducted following information received from a brand holder regarding a suspected makeshift manufacturing facility producing detergents and foam bath products.

Upon arrival at the premises, officers discovered large quantities of chemicals and finished products, including thick bleach, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, foam bath and ammonia-based cream cleaner. 

“It is alleged that the chemicals are mixed in 200-litre barrels and subsequently repackaged into recycled containers bearing labels of well-known brands manufactured by Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive,” said the DPCI on Tuesday.

Chemicals recovered at the scene include caustic soda, Kulubrite, soda ash light, sodium hypochlorite and sodium chloride, which are commonly used in the manufacturing of detergents and soaps. 

The members also confiscated containers that were yet to be cleaned and reused for further repackaging.
“All seized finished products and chemicals will be subjected to forensic chemical analysis to determine their composition and to establish whether they are counterfeit and in contravention of applicable legislation,” the DPCI said.

The DPCI remains resolute in protecting consumers and legitimate businesses from the proliferation of counterfeit and illicitly manufactured goods. The police investigation is ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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A KFC homenageia 55 mulheres que dão mais a África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Quando Lesego Chombo foi coroada Miss Botsuana em 2022, criou imediatamente uma fundação para apoiar jovens desfavorecidos e os seus pais nas zonas rurais.

Depois de terminar o seu mandato como Miss Mundo África em novembro de 2024, a jovem de 26 anos tornou-se a mais jovem ministra do Governo do Botsuana ao ser nomeada Ministra da Juventude e dos Assuntos de Género e está agora a liderar a elaboração de um projeto de lei sobre a violência baseada no género, centrado na proteção, cuidados e apoio às vítimas, bem como na prevenção.

Raïssa Banhoro apercebeu-se de que a falta de literacia, a literacia numérica limitada e a falta de ferramentas digitais acessíveis estavam a impedir a literacia digital das mulheres na Costa do Marfim, pelo que desenvolveu a Lucie, a primeira aplicação móvel de literacia do país com assistência vocal na língua local, que abordava os três desafios.

Em seguida, foi pioneira num modelo de formação digital intensiva e gratuita para jovens que não trabalham, não estudam nem seguem qualquer formação, conseguindo uma taxa de emprego de 100% para os que terminaram a formação.

Chombo e Banhoro são duas das 55 mulheres que a KFC África está a celebrar para assinalar o Dia Internacional da Mulher, no domingo, 8 de março, e honrar o tema global da ocasião “Dar para Ganhar”.

“Estas não são apenas histórias de conquistas individuais”, afirmou Akhona Qengqe, Diretora Geral da KFC África. “Estas são histórias de mulheres que dão mais a África.

“Concedem acesso onde antes havia exclusão. Oferecem oportunidades onde as perspetivas eram limitadas. Dão esperança onde esta não existia.”

O poder de dar

Há 55 anos que a KFC África ajuda as comunidades e capacita mulheres, as quais constituem 60% da sua força de trabalho.

Para assinalar o Dia Internacional da Mulher em 2024, celebrou 53 estreias femininas nos seus 22 mercados e, no ano passado, homenageou 54 mulheres responsáveis pela defesa da igualdade de género.

Este ano, o foco passa a ser o poder da dádiva, muitas vezes por mulheres que encarnam este espírito diariamente sem reconhecimento, recursos ou fanfarra.

As 55 mulheres homenageadas, uma por cada ano de presença da marca em África, incluem também:

  • Nice Leng’ete, do Quénia, que em 2014 persuadiu os anciãos Maasai a abandonarem formalmente a mutilação genital feminina. Trabalhando com a Amref Health Africa, e com a sua própria fundação, ajudou mais de 21.000 raparigas a escapar a esta prática.
  • Dr. Germaine Retofa, de Madagáscar, que transformou os cuidados maternos numa das regiões mais pobres do país num sistema que salva vidas e garante que a localização ou o rendimento de uma mulher não afetam as suas hipóteses de sobrevivência.
  • Alexandra Machado, de Moçambique, que é pioneira num modelo de mentoria circular que teve impacto em 25.000 mulheres moçambicanas, triplicando as taxas de transição escolar e provando que o investimento na liderança feminina é uma estratégia de alto retorno para o desenvolvimento nacional.

Da visibilidade à voz

“Para a lista deste ano das primeiras mulheres de África, procurámos deliberadamente mulheres cuja influência pode não encher estádios, mas cujo impacto enche corações”, afirmou Qengqe.

“Entre elas contam-se mulheres que criaram redes tecnológicas para as suas colegas, alargaram o acesso aos cuidados de saúde, tornaram os cuidados menstruais uma prioridade nacional, visaram melhorar o acesso das raparigas à educação e combateram as disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres.

“Trata-se de mulheres de diversas origens – advogadas, políticas, profissionais de saúde, empresárias, autoras, tecnólogas e organizadoras comunitárias. Algumas são figuras bem conhecidas. Muitas não são.

“O que as une é o que dão: orientação, proteção, acesso, conhecimento, visibilidade, oportunidade, recursos e tempo.”

O efeito cascata da dádiva

A Diretor de Recursos Humanos, Cultura e Objetivos, Nolo Thobejane, afirmou que o tema Dar para Ganhar está profundamente relacionado com a abordagem da KFC ao empoderamento.

“Durante anos, vimos como a dádiva cria retornos exponenciais”, afirma. “Quando a KFC Add Hope dá refeições a crianças vulneráveis através de centros de alimentação liderados por mulheres, as comunidades ganham nutrição e dignidade.

“Quando a Women on the Move proporciona o desenvolvimento da liderança às mulheres da nossa empresa, toda a organização ganha uma liderança mais forte e diversificada. Quando a nossa Streetwise Academy dá às jovens qualificações acreditadas, as famílias ganham mobilidade económica.”

Thobejane diz que muitas mulheres da equipa da KFC África estão a retribuir às suas comunidades de forma significativa. “Temos gerentes de restaurantes que orientam jovens mulheres que estão a entrar no mercado de trabalho. Temos membros da equipa que gerem programas pós-escolares nas suas comunidades. Temos franqueados que criam caminhos para que outras mulheres tenham acesso à propriedade de empresas. A sua dádiva acontece de forma discreta, consistente e com um objetivo profundo.”

Quando as comunidades ganham, África sobe

O tema do Dia Internacional da Mulher de 2026 desafia o mundo a reconhecer que a dádiva tem um efeito multiplicador. Quando as mulheres são respeitadas e têm visibilidade, oportunidades, orientação, recursos e acesso, as comunidades beneficiam.

Qengqe afirmou que, embora os progressos no sentido da igualdade de género na África Subsariana tenham estagnado – o Relatório do Fórum Económico Mundial sobre as disparidades de género em 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3OYsxIp) prevê que a paridade de género esteja a 107 anos de distância – a lista de mulheres africanas pioneiras da KFC prova que a transformação é possível.

“Estas 55 mulheres não estão preparadas para esperar mais de um século”, afirma. “Estão a dar agora para que as suas comunidades possam ganhar agora. E quando as comunidades ganham, a África sobe.”

A lista completa das 55 mulheres que dão mais a África está disponível em: https://apo-opa.co/3MZ2rEs

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para KFC Africa.

Contacto para os meios de comunicação social:
aloma@kamuses.co.za

Para nomear mulheres que dão mais a África: 
za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com

Sobre a KFC África:
A KFC faz parte da história de África desde 1971, quando o primeiro restaurante abriu em Joanesburgo. Atualmente com mais de 1500 restaurantes em 22 países subsarianos, é a marca líder de restaurantes de serviço rápido do continente e a casa do frango frito Original Recipe® que milhões de pessoas adoram. 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Receives Phone Call from German Minister for Economic Cooperation, Development

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 03, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad received a phone call Tuesday from HE Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany Reem Alabali.

The call went over the military escalation developments in the region and their serious consequences for regional and global security and stability, as well as avenues for resolving all disputes through peaceful means.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation confirmed, during the call, that the Iranian assault on Qatari territory is a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty and runs contrary to the principle of good neighborliness and can never be accepted under any justification or pretext.

She pointed out that the State of Qatar has always been committed to desisting itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community.

However, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good faith and threatens the foundation of understandings upon which bilateral relations between the two countries were built, she said.

Her Excellency stressed the critical need for an immediate halt to any escalatory acts, a return to the dialogue table, prioritizing the language of reason and judiciousness, and working to contain the crisis to protect regional security.

For her part, HE Alabali expressed Germany’s condemnation of the Iranian attack on Qatari territory as a brazen violation of the State of Qatar’s sovereignty, airspace, international law, and the UN Charter. She underlined that Germany stands in solidarity with Qatar.

In addition, Alabali expressed her country’s appreciation to the State of Qatar for its attention to German citizens on Qatari territory.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Prime Minister of Luxembourg

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 03, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Tuesday from HE Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden.

During the call, they discussed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability as well as ways to resolve all disputes peacefully.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed during the call that the Iranian attack on Qatari territory constitutes a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, contradicts the principles of good neighborliness, and cannot be accepted under any justification or pretext. In this context, he pointed out that the State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community. However, he added, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good faith and threatens the foundation of understandings upon which bilateral relations between the two countries were built.

His Excellency also stressed the necessity of an immediate cessation of all escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, prioritizing reason and wisdom, and working to contain the crisis in a way that preserves the security of the region.

For his part, HE the Prime Minister of Luxembourg called on all parties to de-escalate, exercise reason, and return to negotiations and diplomatic means to avoid further chaos in the region.

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Advisor to Prime Minister and Spokesperson for Foreign Ministry: Qatar Resilient Against any Aggression Targeting Its Security and Sovereignty

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 03, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar is resilient against any aggression targeting its security and sovereignty, stressing that the attacks to which the country was subjected represent a clear crossing of red lines and a direct attack on its territory and civilian and vital facilities, and will not go unanswered.

During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Al Ansari indicated that the statements issued by the Iranian Foreign Minister regarding prior notification to Doha before the attacks are “completely untrue,” stressing that no prior notification took place, and that the State of Qatar was surprised by these unjustified attacks.

He pointed out that the contact that took place during the previous attack last year did not include a direct warning to the State of Qatar, but rather a general talk about a reaction that would be directed against the Gulf states without specifying a time, place or targets. It was made clear to the Iranian minister, as it was also made clear to the Iranian ambassador to the State when he was summoned to the Qatari Foreign Ministry, that such attacks would not go unpunished and without a response.

Dr. Al Ansari said that the targeting was not limited to military installations or American interests, but extended to the country’s lands and vital Qatari areas and facilities, including sites in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan, which is unacceptable and cannot be justified, regardless of who is targeted on Qatari soil.

Regarding attempts to target Hamad International Airport, Dr. Al Ansari confirmed that all missiles and drones that attempted to attack the airport were shot down before reaching its grounds, and that the airport is completely safe, and all attempts to target it were thwarted.

He indicated that when the Iranian attack on the Qatari Al Udeid Air Base occurred in 2025, the State of Qatar decided to support a ceasefire and prioritized the security of the region, even though it had the full right to respond. He stressed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond, and all options are on the table for it, and such attacks will not go unanswered.

During his review of the latest developments, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that since the start of the Iranian attacks on Saturday, Qatari territory has been targeted by three cruise missiles, all of which were shot down, 101 ballistic missiles, 98 of which were shot down, and 39 drones, 24 of which were shot down. In addition, two fighter jets that entered Qatari airspace were shot down and dealt with according to the rules of engagement after the necessary warnings were issued. He noted that the search is underway for the crews of the two aircraft after the threat was completely neutralized.

He stressed that the recent attack represents a dangerous escalation and a qualitative shift in the nature of the aggression, but that the Qatari armed forces dealt with all threats with high efficiency and without any real losses, praising the bravery of the armed forces personnel who proved the state’s readiness and ability to protect its citizens and residents on its land, saying that Qatar is not an easy target for anyone who dares to attack it in any way.

He reiterated that the circulating media reports on the air defense system are entirely incorrect, confirming that the missile stockpile has never been depleted whatsoever, and Qatar still maintains full readiness with reserves sufficient to deal with the upcoming menace.

Al Ansari denied any existing communication with Iran at this current time, clarifying that the Qatari focus is currently on protecting the nation’s sovereignty and security.

What matters most is the Gulf-Arab solidarity in countering these assaults, which directly target Qatar’s interests, citizens, and residents, Al Ansari stressed, before adding that these assaults must be dealt with accordingly.

Touching on those stranded at the airport, Al Ansari pointed out that over 8,000 passengers in transit have been managed, with the State of Qatar announcing their accommodation in hotels until the end of the crisis, in addition to the extension of visas, residencies, and official documents for an initial period of one month, or until the crisis comes to an end.

He pointed out that those stranded on cruise ships have also been secured until the end of the crisis, emphasizing that life continues normally in Doha and across the country, under a transparent government and emergency plans that have proven effective at both the military and civilian levels.

Regarding the nation’s infrastructure, Al Ansari confirmed that the tank that had been assaulted in Messaeid belongs to a factory and had nothing to do with drinking water, explaining that the strategic reserves of water and electricity are secure and ample and there is no threat in this respect.

The attention is now laser-focused on defending the territory against these flagrant assaults with communication ongoing with partners and brothers in the region and beyond, Al Ansari said.

He reaffirmed that the State of Qatar -even if it consistently chooses peace, dialogue, and de-escalation as an enduring approach in its foreign policies- will never hesitate to defend its sovereignty, security, citizens, residents, and visitors on its territory, stressing that these assaults, which have crossed red lines, will never pass without a response.

The Qatari leadership is entertaining various options within this framework, simultaneously calling for an immediate halt to these assaults and the escalatory situation in the region as soon as possible, Al Ansari underlined.

  Regarding the diplomatic movement, Al Ansari pointed out that the State of Qatar has witnessed an intensified diplomatic effort throughout the past days and received over 88 solidarity calls from heads of state, heads of government, and ministers of foreign affairs worldwide, Al Ansari explained.

He noted that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received 34 calls from a variety of world leaders, with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani receiving 27 calls from heads of governments and foreign ministers.

Al Ansari went on to explain that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi received over 18 calls from their counterparts.

Al Ansari further explained that last Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar and expressed its strong protest, deep dissatisfaction, and flat-out rejection of targeting the State of Qatar’s soil, which represents a brazen violation of its sovereignty, a threat to its security, as well as a flagrant breach of international law and the UN Charter.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi confirmed to the Iranian Ambassador that the repetition of this targeting is reckless and irresponsible antics that utterly run contrary to the principle of good neighborliness and the relations between the two countries, Al Ansari elaborated.
He continued that HE Al Khulaifi stressed to the Iranian Ambassador that the continuation of such irresponsible antics would lead to dangerous consequences on the bilateral relationship, especially since the State of Qatar has assiduously worked to back diplomatic solutions for de-escalation.

Al Ansari further noted that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated virtually in the 50th extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, held last Sunday, in the presence of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the GCC Foreign Ministers, to discuss developments in the Iranian aggression against the GCC states.

At the outset of the meeting, the Ministerial Council expressed its condemnation, in the strongest terms, of the Iranian missile assaults that targeted the territories of the GCC and Arab nations, and confirmed the solidarity of all GCC nations in countering the Iranian attacks and standing in defense of their sovereignty, security, and national interests, while reserving the right to respond and defend themselves based on UN Charter principles.

Al Ansari pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a number of statements over the past days, including the statement in which the State of Qatar expressed vehement condemnation of the Iranian attacks targeting the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, noting that it had undertaken significant effort on the diplomatic level.

The Ministry clarified that this assault amounts to an attack on the principle of mediation and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, Al Ansari added.

He further pointed out that a joint statement was also issued condemning the Iranian attacks with missiles and drones in the region, in which the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America condemned the reckless and indiscriminate missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering these actions a menacing escalation that violates the sovereignty of several states.

A statement of condolences was also issued to the brothers in the State of Kuwait, both the government and the people, on the martyrdom of two of its military personnel while performing their national duties, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirming the full solidarity of the State of Qatar with the State of Kuwait in this painful loss, he clarified.

Al Ansari recalled that on Monday, the State of Qatar sent aN identical message to each of HE Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres and HE Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the UN and President of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the month of March Michael Waltz on the Iranian assault on its territory, which amounts to a brazen violation of its national sovereignty, a direct infringement upon its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that imperils the security and stability of the region.