Posts

Posted on

Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) ouvre sa participation aux Assemblées annuelles 2026 du Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement (BID) avec un accent sur le financement du commerce, la croissance du secteur privé et la coopération régionale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), membre du Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement (BID), a entamé sa participation aux Assemblées annuelles 2026 du Groupe de la BID à Bakou par la signature de trois accords stratégiques et une série d’échanges de haut niveau consacrés à la promotion du financement du commerce, du développement du commerce, de la croissance du secteur privé et de la coopération économique régionale.

M. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Directeur général de l’ITFC, a conduit la délégation de l’institution lors de réunions bilatérales avec les gouverneurs et délégations de plusieurs pays membres, notamment le Bangladesh, la Gambie, la Guinée, les Maldives, le Sénégal, la Somalie et le Tadjikistan, ainsi qu’avec des partenaires stratégiques tels que Vakif Katilim Bank et Türk Eximbank. Les discussions ont porté sur le renforcement de la coopération en matière de financement du commerce, l’élargissement de l’accès aux solutions de financement conformes à la Charia et l’identification de mécanismes concrets permettant d’aligner les interventions de l’ITFC sur les priorités nationales de développement.

L’ITFC a également participé au Forum du Leadership de l’Économie Halal 2026, où M. Nazeem Noordali, Directeur des opérations de l’ITFC, est intervenu dans le cadre du dialogue stratégique intitulé « Modèles économiques halal éthiques et financements résilients face aux risques ». Cette session a examiné la manière dont les modèles de l’économie halal, la finance islamique et les mécanismes de partage des risques peuvent soutenir l’intégration régionale, renforcer la participation des micro, petites et moyennes entreprises (MPME) et favoriser le commerce transfrontalier entre les pays membres.

Principales signatures

Gambie : Accord-cadre de 250 millions de dollars américains pour soutenir les secteurs vitaux de l’économie

L’ITFC a signé avec la République de Gambie un accord-cadre de 250 millions de dollars américains sur une période de trois ans, définissant la prochaine phase de coopération entre les deux parties. Cet accord fait suite à l’utilisation intégrale du précédent accord-cadre de 250 millions de dollars américains, conclu en janvier 2021 pour une durée de cinq ans.

Le nouvel accord permettra à l’ITFC de soutenir plusieurs secteurs prioritaires en Gambie, notamment l’approvisionnement énergétique, la sécurité alimentaire, les services de santé, les chaînes de valeur agricoles ainsi que le financement du secteur privé à travers les institutions financières locales.

L’accord a été signé par l’Honorable Seedy K.M. Keita, Ministre des Finances et des Affaires économiques de la République de Gambie, et M. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Directeur général de l’ITFC.

Tadjikistan : Une facilité de Mourabaha directe de 10 millions de dollars américains pour soutenir le commerce du coton

L’ITFC a signé une facilité de financement directe de type Mourabaha d’un montant de 10 millions de dollars américains avec la République du Tadjikistan afin de soutenir l’achat et le commerce du coton ainsi que des produits dérivés du coton.

L’accord a été signé par M. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Directeur général de l’ITFC, et Son Excellence M. Hokim Holiqzoda, Premier Vice-Premier ministre de la République du Tadjikistan.

Cette facilité pilote fournira des fonds de roulement aux acteurs du secteur cotonnier et permettra à l’Agence des exportations relevant du Gouvernement de la République du Tadjikistan, par l’intermédiaire des entreprises de transformation, d’acheter le coton auprès des producteurs durant la saison des récoltes en vue de son exportation. Cette initiative soutient un secteur qui contribue de manière significative aux exportations, aux chaînes de valeur agricoles et aux moyens de subsistance des populations rurales.

Avec près de 37 000 exploitations et entités productrices de coton et environ 680 000 personnes impliquées dans cette filière à travers le pays, ce financement devrait renforcer les liens commerciaux et soutenir les activités génératrices de revenus. Cet accord s’inscrit dans la continuité de l’appui apporté par l’ITFC aux secteurs stratégiques du Tadjikistan et reflète son engagement à fournir des solutions de financement du commerce conformes à la Charia répondant aux priorités de développement de ses pays membres.

Coopération régionale : Signature d’un accord de banque confirmatrice avec l’IFC pour élargir l’accès au financement du commerce

L’ITFC a signé un accord de banque confirmatrice (Confirming Bank Agreement) avec la Société financière internationale (IFC), marquant une nouvelle étape dans le renforcement de la coopération entre les deux institutions afin de soutenir le financement du commerce dans les pays membres communs de l’Organisation de la coopération islamique (OCI).

L’accord a été signé par M. Nazeem Noordali, Directeur des opérations de l’ITFC, et M. Abdullah Jefri, Directeur de la division du Conseil de coopération du Golfe (CCG) de l’IFC, en présence de M. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Directeur général de l’ITFC.

Grâce à ce partenariat, l’ITFC pourra développer davantage ses opérations de financement du commerce en s’appuyant sur le dispositif de partage des risques et les garanties de l’IFC couvrant les obligations de paiement des banques émettrices. Cette collaboration devrait améliorer l’accès au financement du commerce pour les importateurs et exportateurs des pays membres de l’OCI, faciliter les transactions commerciales transfrontalières essentielles et renforcer la connectivité commerciale ainsi que la croissance économique au sein des pays membres.

Organisée à Bakou, en Azerbaïdjan, cette première journée de participation de l’ITFC aux Assemblées annuelles a placé le financement du commerce, le développement du commerce et la finance islamique au cœur de son agenda. D’autres accords et rencontres de haut niveau sont prévus tout au long de la semaine, alors que l’ITFC poursuit sa collaboration avec les pays membres et ses partenaires afin de financer les échanges essentiels, renforcer la participation du secteur privé et promouvoir une plus grande intégration économique régionale.

Distribué par APO Group pour International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Pour toute demande des médias :
E-mail : ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Téléphone : +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Contacter l’ITFC :
Tél. : +966 12 646 8337
Fax : +966 12 637 1064
​E-mail : ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Réseaux sociaux :
Twitter (X) : @ITFCCORP
Facebook : @ITFCCORP
LinkedIn : International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)

À propos de la Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) :
La Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) est un membre du Groupe de la Banque Islamique de Développement (BID). Elle a été créée dans le but premier de promouvoir le commerce entre les pays membres de l’OCI, ce qui contribuerait en fin de compte à l’objectif global d’amélioration des conditions socio-économiques des populations à travers le monde. Ayant commencé ses activités en janvier 2008, l’ITFC a fourni 96 milliards de dollars de financement aux pays membres de l’OCI, ce qui en fait le principal fournisseur de solutions commerciales pour les besoins de ces pays membres. Avec pour mission de devenir un catalyseur du développement du commerce pour les pays membres de l’OCI et au-delà, la Société aide les entités des pays membres à obtenir un meilleur accès au financement du commerce et leur fournit les outils nécessaires au renforcement des capacités liées au commerce, ce qui leur permettrait d’être compétitifs sur le marché mondial.

Media files

Posted on

Vogue India Spotlights Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Leadership, Purpose, and Vision for Empowering Women

Source: APO

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com), has been featured by leading lifestyle media publication Vogue India. The feature article, titled “Empowering Change: Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Vision for Women-Led Development”, highlights her inspiring leadership journey, her vision for empowering women and girls through education and healthcare, and the transformative impact of Merck Foundation’s programs in advancing healthcare capacity, breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, and driving social change across Africa and beyond.

Click here to read the full Vogue India article: https://apo-opa.co/4ox2VzX

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential African Women (2019-present) shared, “I am truly honoured to be featured by Vogue India, yet again. As a long-time reader of Vogue, I have always admired its ability to celebrate fashion, individuality, and influential voices. This feature not only highlights the impact of my work but also reflects a message I strongly believe in that women should never feel they must compromise their femininity to become effective leaders. Leadership today is multidimensional; it is not only about the decisions we make, but also about how we present ourselves and represent our mission. I believe confidence, authenticity, professionalism, and personal style can coexist seamlessly, and that embracing our individuality can make us stronger leaders and role models for others.”

Beyond her personal leadership journey, The Vogue India feature also highlights Dr. Kelej’s close collaboration with 33 African and Asian First Ladies, through which she champions programs that empower women in healthcare and STEM, break infertility stigma, support girls’ education, and create lasting impact in communities across Africa and Asia.

Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has transformed the lives of millions through their impactful programs including the “Merck Foundation Scholarships Program”, through which more than 2,600 scholarships have been provided for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

She also created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” movement in 2015, one of the most impactful and widely recognized campaigns, that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health and change of mindset. The campaign is building quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, raising awareness about infertility prevention & male infertility, and Supporting Girl Education.

As a passionate advocate for supporting girls’ education Dr. Kelej has launched Merck Foundation Educating Linda program, which provides annual scholarships to high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, in partnership with African first Ladies. To date, more than 1,500 annual scholarships are awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books and uniforms, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.

The article also showcases how Dr. Kelej has leveraged innovative and creative platforms, including media, fashion, music, animation films, and storybooks, to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Through these initiatives, Merck Foundation has been able to engage communities and create culture shift in communities across Africa and beyond.

The feature also spotlights Dr. Kelej’s distinctive style and fashion presence while offering insights into the personal philosophy that has guided her journey, she shares, “My learnings and takeaways from my work and journey have been to never give up and always be yourself. Be consistent, persistent, and disciplined. Not only in your work commitments and goals, but also in your personal ones, such as daily exercise, healthy eating, and self-development, to stay relevant. Most importantly, practice daily stress management, which is the key to sustainable high performance.”

To learn more about the Dr. Rasha Kelej’s journey, visit her Social Media Handles: Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4e9ld72), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3S7lU8p), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ozx0PA),  and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oxi58B).

And Merck Foundation Social Media Handles: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vSburx), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4gpFN4p), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vNbQzH) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4azdIE6)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Media files

.

Posted on

Vogue Índia destaca a liderança, o propósito e a visão da Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej para o empoderamento feminino

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck (https://Merck-Foundation.com), foi destaque na Vogue Índia, uma publicação líder em estilo de vida. A matéria, intitulada “Empoderando a Mudança: Visão da Dra. Rasha Kelej para o Desenvolvimento Liderado por Mulheres”, destaca a sua inspiradora trajectória de liderança, sua visão para o empoderamento de mulheres e meninas através da educação e da saúde, e o impacto transformador dos programas da Fundação Merck no avanço da capacidade de atendimento à saúde, no combate ao estigma da infertilidade, no apoio à educação de meninas e na promoção da mudança social em África e noutras regiões. 

Clique aqui para ler o artigo completo da Vogue Índia: https://apo-opa.co/4ox2VzX

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e uma das 100 mulheres africanas mais influentes (2019-presente) partilhou: “É uma verdadeira honra ser destaque na Vogue Índia, mais uma vez. Como leitora assídua da Vogue, sempre admirei a sua capacidade de celebrar a moda, a individualidade e vozes influentes. Esta matéria não só destaca o impacto do meu trabalho, como também reflecte uma mensagem na qual acredito fortemente: as mulheres nunca devem sentir que precisam comprometer a sua feminilidade para se tornarem líderes eficazes. A liderança hoje é multidimensional; não se trata apenas das decisões que tomamos, mas também de como nos apresentamos e representamos a nossa missão. Acredito que confiança, autenticidade, profissionalismo e estilo pessoal podem coexistir perfeitamente, e que abraçar a nossa individualidade pode nos tornar líderes mais fortes e exemplos a serem seguidos.”

Além da sua trajectória pessoal de liderança, a matéria da Vogue Índia também destaca a estreita colaboração da Dra. Kelej com 33 Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas, por meio das quais ela promove programas que empoderam mulheres nas áreas da saúde e ciência, tecnologia, engenharia e matemática (STEM, na sigla em inglês), combatem o estigma da infertilidade, apoiam a educação de meninas e criam um impacto duradouro em comunidades de África e da Ásia.

Sob a liderança da Dra. Rasha Kelej, a Fundação Merck transformou a vida de milhões de pessoas por meio dos seus programas impactantes, incluindo o “Programa de Bolsas de Estudo da Fundação Merck”, através do qual mais de 2.600 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas a profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.

Ela também criou o movimento “Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe” em 2015, uma das campanhas de maior impacto e reconhecimento, que visa empoderar mulheres com infertilidade e sem filhos por meio do acesso à informação, educação, saúde e mudança de mentalidade. A campanha está a construir capacidade de atendimento reprodutivo e de fertilidade de qualidade e equitativo, combater o estigma da infertilidade, aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção da infertilidade e a infertilidade masculina e apoiar a educação de meninas.

Como defensora apaixonada da educação feminina, a Dra. Kelej lançou o programa Educar Linda da Fundação Merck, que oferece bolsas de estudo anuais para alunas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, em parceria com Primeiras-Damas Africanas. Até o momento, mais de 1.500 bolsas de estudo anuais são concedidas a alunas africanas de 21 países, cobrindo mensalidades escolares e outras despesas educacionais essenciais, incluindo livros e uniformes, permitindo que elas concluam os seus estudos e alcancem o seu pleno potencial.

O artigo também mostra como a Dra. Kelej utilizou plataformas inovadoras e criativas, incluindo mídia, moda, música, filmes de animação e livros infantis, para conscientizar sobre questões sociais e de saúde críticas. Por meio dessas iniciativas, a Fundação Merck conseguiu engajar comunidades e promover mudanças culturais em comunidades em África e noutros continentes.

A matéria também destaca o estilo único e a presença marcante da Dra. Kelej no mundo da moda, além de oferecer insights sobre a filosofia pessoal que guiou a sua trajectória. Ela partilhou: “Meus aprendizados e principais lições aprendidas com o meu trabalho e minha jornada foram: nunca desistir e sempre ser eu mesma. Ser consistente, persistente e disciplinada. Não apenas nos meus compromissos e objectivos profissionais, mas também nos pessoais, como exercícios diários, alimentação saudável e desenvolvimento pessoal, para me manter relevante. E, principalmente, praticar a gestão diária do stress, que é a chave para um alto desempenho sustentável.”

Para saber mais sobre a trajectória da Dra. Rasha Kelej, visite os seus Canais de Redes Sociais: Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4e9ld72), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3S7lU8p), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ozx0PA),  e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4oxi58B).

E Canais de Redes Sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vSburx), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4gpFN4p), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vNbQzH) e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4azdIE6).

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

Qatar Condemns Continued Israeli Violations Against Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, June 16, 2026

The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation of the continued grave violations and attacks committed by Israel, the occupying power, against Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians, as well as its expansion of illegal settlement activities, forced displacement, and targeting of the Palestinian presence, in blatant violation of international law, relevant international agreements, and United Nations resolutions.

This was stated in Qatar’s remarks delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, on Tuesday during her participation in the interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Item 2, within the framework of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

She called on the international community to take immediate action to stop these violations, end the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories, open border crossings to ensure full access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and hold all Israeli officials accountable for the violations and crimes they have committed.

Her Excellency stressed that achieving just and lasting peace, stability, sustainable development, and the promotion and protection of human rights cannot be achieved through wars and oppression, but through continued dialogue, diplomacy, adherence to international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and a human rights-based approach.

She also noted Qatar’s welcome of the agreement reached on the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the settlement of outstanding issues between them, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva reaffirmed Qatar’s continued full support for all mediation efforts aimed at promoting security and stability and reaching sustainable solutions to conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means.

Posted on

Advisor to Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Qatar Supports Pakistani Mediation, Will Be Represented at Geneva Signing Ceremony

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 16, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari confirmed that the State of Qatar will be represented at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, alongside other regional stakeholders and the Pakistani mediators.

Speaking during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly media briefing, Dr. Al Ansari said the State of Qatar participated in supporting the mediation track led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

He explained that following meetings held in Islamabad, contacts were made with various countries in the region, including the State of Qatar, in order to bridge differences between the parties and bring an end to the crisis that has affected everyone.

He noted that next Friday will witness the direct signing of the memorandum of understanding that had previously been signed electronically, paving the way for the negotiation phase.

He pointed out that all regional parties, including the State of Qatar, are working to facilitate communication between the two sides to ensure the success of the process and the restoration of regional peace and security to the situation that existed before the war.

He highlighted that Qatar’s role focused primarily on supporting the Pakistani efforts aimed at reaching a common understanding between the two sides, ensuring the restoration of normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining the ceasefire, and moving forward with negotiations between the parties.

He expressed Qatar’s cautious optimism that the signing of the memorandum of understanding will lead to the next phase of negotiations, contributing to regional stability through talks focused on the nuclear file and regional security issues.

He stressed that no conflict in the world ends without a sustainable mechanism to address it, and that achieving stability in the region requires continued dialogue, while lasting peace can only be achieved through an ongoing political process.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that continued regional dialogue represents an essential requirement in the next phase, with the aim of rebuilding trust among the parties.

He pointed out that following the signing of the agreed memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened to regular navigation, contributing to the resumption of global energy supplies and reducing the burden that the closure of the strait has placed on energy markets, as well as global food markets due to fertilizer shortages.

He noted that the signing of the memorandum will open the door to negotiations aimed at establishing a sustainable framework for this vital maritime passage.

He expressed hope that the signing of the memorandum of understanding would mark the beginning of a negotiation process leading to sustainable peace in the region, noting that all parties had participated positively in the talks.

He added that a significant portion of the discussions had taken place through telephone calls and virtual meetings, in addition to direct meetings.

He also expressed satisfaction that the contents of the memorandum of understanding have not yet been disclosed, indicating that this suggests the process is proceeding in the right direction ahead of the official signing.

He affirmed that all key issues will be discussed within the framework of the memorandum and that its details will become clear after the signing.

He noted that the efforts led by Pakistan, with the support of a number of countries in the region, stemmed from a commitment to regional peace and security, particularly the security of Gulf states.

They also took into account the security of countries affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting implications for energy security and food security.

He reiterated that since the first day of the crisis, the State of Qatar has focused on the safety and security of its citizens and residents, and on protecting national and economic security as an essential component of the regional security framework.

He expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a first step toward broader regional consensus that guarantees sustainable security and stability in the region.

The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said contacts between the parties are still ongoing, and the State of Qatar continues, within the framework of its support for the Pakistani mediation, to communicate with the various parties with the aim of bringing the agreement safely to fruition, while at the same time confirming that no meetings are currently being held in Doha between the parties concerned or any other parties.

Regarding the economic repercussions of the war, Al Ansari explained that there is an economic aspect that relates not only to reconstruction, but also to investment in light of the circumstances witnessed by the region, adding that he cannot comment on the details of the economic aspect, but it can be confirmed that any effort of this kind must be an international effort, not a bilateral one, but rather part of full international coordination, aimed at ensuring that economic development in the region is a collective responsibility.

He stressed that no Qatari funds have been paid in this regard, but rather, there is international coordination to deal with the consequences of this crisis.

As for reports regarding an electricity linkage, Al Ansari confirmed that there is no agreement in this regard between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying in this context that repercussions of the crisis have affected the economies of the region and energy security, but there is no agreement in this regard as reported by some media outlets.

He reiterated the State of Qatar’s support for the Pakistani mediation and its backing of the brothers in Pakistan in their capacity as the principal mediators between the United States and Iran, noting that the State of Qatar is playing its role in supporting the security and stability of the region in coordination with various regional and international partners.

He stressed that the State of Qatar supports the mediation led by Pakistan, and there is no separate Qatari mediation in this file.

He pointed out that mediation processes by their nature go through complex stages and difficult moments before reaching any agreement, stressing that the mediation led by Pakistan was not an easy effort, and that all parties involved in it, foremost among them the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and its officials, in addition to the supporting international teams, exerted great efforts to ensure its success.

Regarding negotiations related to the Gaza Strip, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar continues its mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza and support US President Donald Trump’s plan there.

He explained that the recent meetings held in the Arab Republic of Egypt with the participation of mediators and regional and Palestinian parties resulted in positive understandings regarding some points of disagreement, while efforts continue to reach the full implementation of the proposed agreement.

In a related context, Al Ansari confirmed that the Lebanese file was among the issues discussed and agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding, stressing that “there is no justification for the continued Israeli attacks on brotherly Lebanon, and Lebanon’s sovereignty is a red line for all of us in the region, and these attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances.

The continuation of escalation in the region does not contribute to consolidating any ceasefire and does not achieve sustainable peace, he continued, adding that the escalation in Gaza, the targeting of civilians, the violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, and the incursions into Syrian territory all endanger the security of the entire region and make the chances of reaching peaceful outcomes more difficult.

He added that Qatar is confident that continued communication with the United States and with regional and international parties will contribute to achieving a ceasefire, not only in the Gulf region but also in other areas, including Lebanon, noting that this remains linked to the extent of the Israeli government’s commitment to respecting the ceasefire.

On the return of normalcy following the crisis, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that what we need now is to build a new reality based on rebuilding trust, reopening channels of communication, and reaching a common understanding regarding the shape of the region in the post-war phase, in light of what it has witnessed during the recent period.

He added that it cannot be said that we will return to the situation that previously existed in the region, but it can be confirmed that there is a significant need for dialogue and consensus on how to guarantee the security of the region and its countries in the next phase. 

Posted on

Qatar Strongly Condemns Unlawful Israeli Decisions and Measures in Occupied West Bank

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, June 16, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemned the unlawful Israeli decisions and measures in the Occupied West Bank, including the reclassification of large swaths of Palestinian land as so-called “state land” by Israel, and accelerating the pace of settlement activity in a flagrant breach of international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions.
It called on the international community to urgently spring into action to halt these violations against the brotherly Palestinian people, end the Israeli occupation, and ensure accountability.

This was declared in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered on Tuesday by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during her engagement in the interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, Item 2 of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the legislations and measures that intend to deepen the occupation, including enacting laws allowing the imposition of capital punishment in the occupied West Bank, along with the restrictions imposed on the freedom of worship for both Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem.

This is alongside the attempts intended to impose a new reality in occupied Jerusalem and alter its legal, historical, and demographic nature, thereby vitiating the opportunities of achieving fair and enduring peace based on resolutions of international legitimacy.

HE Dr Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah stressed that these persistent killings, displacement, and violence against the Palestinians, amid the lack of effective international accountability, condone the continuation of these abuses and undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Her Excellency emphasized that the conflicts and challenges unfolding in the world today should never deflect the attention of the international community from the ongoing perilous situations and gross violations in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Posted on

Société internationale islamique de financement du commerce (ITFC) et la Gambie signent un accord-cadre de 250 millions de dollars américains pour promouvoir le commerce, la sécurité énergétique et le développement du secteur privé

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), membre du Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement (BID), et la République de Gambie ont signé un nouvel accord-cadre d’un montant de 250 millions de dollars américains destiné à soutenir les priorités de développement du pays à travers le renforcement du financement du commerce, de la sécurité énergétique, de la sécurité alimentaire et de la croissance du secteur privé.

L’accord a été signé en marge des Assemblées annuelles 2026 du Groupe de la BID à Bakou, en Azerbaïdjan, par l’Honorable Seedy K.M. Keita, Ministre des Finances et des Affaires économiques et Gouverneur de la BID pour la République de Gambie, et M. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Directeur général de l’ITFC.

Ce nouvel accord-cadre, conclu pour une durée de trois ans, fait suite à la mise en œuvre réussie et à l’utilisation intégrale du précédent accord-cadre de 250 millions de dollars américains signé en janvier 2021 pour une période de cinq ans. Il témoigne de l’ampleur remarquable de la coopération entre l’ITFC et la Gambie et constitue une plateforme stratégique visant à renforcer les interventions de financement du commerce en soutien à la sécurité énergétique, à la sécurité alimentaire, au développement du secteur privé et à une croissance économique durable.

Depuis le début de ses opérations en Gambie, l’ITFC a approuvé plus de 870 millions de dollars américains sous forme de financements et d’interventions de développement du commerce, soutenant des secteurs clés de l’économie nationale et consolidant son rôle de partenaire de développement de long terme du pays.

Ce partenariat produit déjà des résultats concrets dans plusieurs secteurs stratégiques de l’économie gambienne. Les opérations en cours soutiennent notamment l’importation de produits pétroliers grâce à des facilités de financement accordées à la National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) et à la Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), contribuant ainsi au renforcement de la sécurité énergétique du pays et à la continuité des activités économiques essentielles.

L’ITFC soutient également la sécurité alimentaire à travers le financement des importations de produits de première nécessité et favorise la croissance du secteur privé grâce à des partenariats de financement du commerce conclus avec les institutions financières locales.

Distribué par APO Group pour International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Pour toute demande des médias :
E-mail : ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Téléphone : +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Contacter l’ITFC : 
Tél. : +966 12 646 8337
Fax : +966 12 637 1064
E-mail : ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Réseaux sociaux :
Twitter (X) : https://apo-opa.co/4eaUUNP
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4osXoum
LinkedIn : https://apo-opa.co/3Ssoq9c

À propos de la Société internationale islamique de financement du commerce (ITFC) :
La Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) est un membre du Groupe de la Banque Islamique de Développement (BID). Elle a été créée dans le but premier de promouvoir le commerce entre les pays membres de l’OCI, ce qui contribuerait en fin de compte à l’objectif global d’amélioration des conditions socio-économiques des populations à travers le monde. Ayant commencé ses activités en janvier 2008, l’ITFC a fourni 96 milliards de dollars de financement aux pays membres de l’OCI, ce qui en fait le principal fournisseur de solutions commerciales pour les besoins de ces pays membres. Avec pour mission de devenir un catalyseur du développement du commerce pour les pays membres de l’OCI et au-delà, la Société aide les entités des pays membres à obtenir un meilleur accès au financement du commerce et leur fournit les outils nécessaires au renforcement des capacités liées au commerce, ce qui leur permettrait d’être compétitifs sur le marché mondial.

Media files

Posted on

Africa Finance Corporation Maintains its Top-Tier AAA Ratings with Stable Outlook from China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd (CCXI) and from S&P Global (China) Ratings

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has received renewed top-tier credit ratings with stable outlooks from China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co. Ltd (CCXI) and S&P Ratings (China) Co., Ltd. (S&P Global (China) Ratings), reaffirming the Corporation’s strong financial profile, prudent risk management framework, and growing strategic relevance within global capital markets.

CCXI affirmed AFC’s AAA domestic issuer credit rating with a stable outlook, while S&P Global (China) Ratings also affirmed AFC’s AAAspc issuer credit rating with a stable outlook. These renewals underscore continued confidence in AFC’s resilient balance sheet, disciplined capital management, robust liquidity position, and consistent execution of its mandate to accelerate infrastructure-led industrialisation across Africa.

The renewed credit ratings further strengthen AFC’s position within China’s domestic debt capital markets and support the Corporation’s strategy to diversify funding sources, broaden investor access, and mobilise long-term capital for transformative infrastructure projects across the continent.

“AFC has established sound risk management processes and governance mechanisms to proactively and systemically address asset deterioration and challenges arising from market and economic fluctuations. Its comprehensive risk management framework is supported by a professional management team, including the Board Risk and Investment Committee… These entities work in concert to monitor key risk areas, including credit risk, market risk, operational risk, asset and liability management risk, and environmental and social risk”, CCXI analysts concluded in their report. “AFC adopts a prudent risk appetite and enforces strict risk exposure limits to ensure portfolio diversification. Industry exposure is capped at 35% of the total investable funds.”

S&P Global (China) Ratings noted AFC’s strong liquidity profile, robust governance standards, resilient asset quality, and sufficient capital buffers, even under challenging market conditions. ”AFC’s issuer credit rating of AAAspc is mainly based on its stand-alone credit profile in terms of high policy importance, disciplined capital management and sufficient liquidity buffer,…” S&P Global (China) Ratings wrote. ”AFC adheres to a highly conservative approach to liquidity management. It employs the Minimum Liquidity Level (MLL) and the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), among other critical indicators and triggers, to mitigate liquidity risks. Both the MLL and LCR are determined based on  an 18-month business-as-usual (BAU) scenario and a 12-month stressed scenario. As of the end of 2025, the LCR stood at 203% under BAU assumptions (year-end 2024, 194%) and 207% under a stressed scenario (year-end 2024, 191%),” they added.

Commenting on the affirmations, Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head, Financial Services at AFC, said, ”The dual reaffirmations build on AFC’s successful expansion into China’s financial markets and reflect growing international recognition of the Corporation’s role as a trusted infrastructure financier for Africa. It recognises our financial resilience, robust governance, and global reach, and will enable stronger ties with Asian markets to drive critical investment in economic development, high-value job creation, and Africa’s prosperity.”

AFC has continued to deepen its strategic partnership with China’s foremost financial institutions, advancing a relationship that has grown steadily in scale, sophistication and ambition. In 2025, AFC and the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) signed a landmark partnership agreement to promote Chinese-African trade through catalytic infrastructure projects in priority sectors across AFC’s member countries. The collaboration builds on a relationship of considerable standing. CEXIM had earlier extended AFC a five-year loan facility designed to enhance trade finance and bolster private -sector initiatives, an early engagement that established the foundation of trust on which subsequent transactions have been built.

In 2024, AFC finalised a US$1.16 billion syndicated loan facility co-led by Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), London Branch, in conjunction with other global banks. The momentum carried into 2025, when AFC secured a US$1.5 billion syndicated facility from a consortium of leading Asian and Middle Eastern banks, with Bank of China serving as Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner. The transaction notably broadened AFC’s base of Chinese partners, attracting first-time lenders including Bank of Communications and Hua Nan Commercial Bank.

This trajectory culminated in AFC’s largest syndicated loan facility to date — a US$2 billion syndicated transaction with Bank of China and ICBC acting as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners, and CEXIM, Hua Nan Commercial Bank and China Construction Bank, among others, participating as lenders. The facility stands as a powerful endorsement of AFC’s credit standing and the strength of its relationships across the Chinese banking sector.

Together, these strategic collaborations with China’s leading financial institutions exemplify AFC’s commitment to diversifying its funding sources, broadening its investor base and forging enduring global partnerships in the service of Africa’s economic development.

Read the full ratings report by CCXI here: CCXI 2026 Credit Rating Report (https://apo-opa.co/3StHp3b) and by S&P Global (China) Ratings here: S&P Global (China) 2026 Credit Rating Report (https://apo-opa.co/3ScXxGi).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

Media files

.

Posted on

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and The Gambia Sign US$250 Million Framework Agreement to Advance Trade, Energy Security and Private Sector Development

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and the Republic of The Gambia have signed a new US$250 million Framework Agreement to support the country’s development priorities through enhanced trade finance, energy security, food security, and private sector growth.

The Agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, by Hon. Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and IsDB Governor for the Republic of The Gambia, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC.

The new three-year Framework Agreement follows the successful implementation and full utilization of the previous five-year US$250 million Framework Agreement signed in January 2021. It reflects the remarkable scale of cooperation between ITFC and The Gambia and provides a strategic platform to expand trade finance interventions in support of energy security, food security, private sector growth, and sustainable economic development.

Since commencing operations in The Gambia, ITFC has approved more than US$870 million in financing and trade development interventions, supporting key sectors of the economy and reinforcing its position as a long-standing development partner of the country.

The partnership is already delivering tangible impact across strategic sectors of the Gambian economy. Current operations support the importation of petroleum products through financing facilities benefiting the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) and the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), helping to strengthen the country’s energy security and ensure the continuity of essential economic activities across the country. ITFC also supports food security through the financing of essential commodity imports and promotes private sector growth through trade finance partnerships with local financial institutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

For all media enquiries:
Email: ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Phone number: +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Contact ITFC: 
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4eaUUNP
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4osXoum
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3Ssoq9c

About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$96 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

Media files

.

Posted on

Trois années placées sous le signe de l’espoir, de l’action et de la transformation : Mercy Ships célèbre son impact en Sierra Leone

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

De 2023 à 2026, le Global Mercy a tenu son engagement envers la population de la Sierra Leone en dispensant des milliers d’interventions chirurgicales gratuites et sûres et d’heures de formation, conformément aux objectifs convenus avec le ministère de la Santé du pays. Grâce aux compétences, aux convictions et au dévouement des professionnels bénévoles issus de plus de 70 pays  –  dont des centaines de citoyens sierra-léonais qui ont servi comme membres d’équipage à temps plein ou de jour –, de nombreuses vies ont été transformées à travers le pays.

Alors que le navire-hôpital met le cap sur les îles Canaries pour sa période de maintenance annuelle avant d’entamer en août une nouvelle mission en partenariat avec le Ghana, tous ceux qui ont pris part à ces trois années de transformation en Sierra Leone peuvent aujourd’hui se réjouir du chemin parcouru.

Ces trois missions consécutives ont permis de dispenser plus de 5 430 interventions chirurgicales, plus de 17 110 actes dentaires et plus de 106 780 heures de formation destinées à plus de 590 professionnels de la santé locaux. (1)

Un travail aussi monumental n’aurait pas été possible sans la collaboration essentielle des dirigeants gouvernementaux sierra-léonais.

Son Excellence le président Julius Maada Bio a rendu hommage aux plus de 450 citoyens de son pays qui se sont rendus chaque jour sur le navire-hôpital avec l’intention bienveillante d’améliorer la vie de leurs compatriotes. « À tous les bénévoles sierra-léonais et aux membres d’équipage qui ont servi… laissez-moi vous dire ceci : vous nous avez rendus fiers. Vous avez incarné le professionnalisme, la discipline, l’humilité et l’excellence de la Sierra Leone. Vous êtes montés à bord en tant que Sierra-Léonais talentueux et vous en êtes revenus en tant que professionnels internationaux. »

Mercy Ships demeure un partenaire engagé aux côtés du gouvernement du président Bio, qui fait de la santé un pilier de son Programme de développement du capital humain (https://apo-opa.co/4etdsrm) et investit dans des programmes d’enseignement et de formation spécialisés.

Parmi ces programmes figurent les formations du personnel infirmier en anesthésie, des techniciens biomédicaux, les mentorats en stérilisation et en kinésithérapie, la formation « Chirurgie plus sûre » de l’hôpital Connaught, ainsi que des parrainages de formation médicale, comme ceux accordés à de futurs dentistes sierra-léonais poursuivant leurs études à l’université Gamal Abdel Nasser en Guinée.

Le Dr Austin Demby, Ministre de la Santé de la Sierra Leone, a rappelé à tous qu’ « aujourd’hui n’est pas simplement un adieu. C’est une célébration de la générosité en action, de vies transformées et d’un partenariat qui a touché le cœur de milliers de Sierra-Léonais. »

Plusieurs programmes de partenariat ont été lancés pour contribuer à combler le déficit en personnel de santé et répondre aux besoins croissants du système de santé ; ils se poursuivront après le départ du Global Mercy afin de garantir l’amélioration continue des soins de santé dans le pays, tout en augmentant le nombre de professionnels de santé formés, selon Mercy Ships.

« Alors que le Global Mercy va entamer sa prochaine mission, une équipe de professionnels dévoués de Mercy Ships restera en Sierra Leone pour continuer à travailler avec nos partenaires pour renforcer les effectifs chirurgicaux », a assuré le Dr Sandra Lako, Directrice de Mercy Ships en Sierra Leone. « Des progrès significatifs ont été réalisés au cours des trois dernières années, et nous sommes ravis de poursuivre sur cette lancée pour mettre en place un système chirurgical plus solide et durable. »

Mercy Ships est arrivé pour la première fois à Freetown en 1992 avec son premier navire-hôpital, l’Anastasis, et a noué des liens solides avec la population de la Sierra Leone au cours de huit missions.

« Mercy Ships exprime sa profonde gratitude envers les nombreux partenaires qui ont contribué au succès de la mission du Global Mercy à Freetown, notamment les autorités gouvernementales sierra-léonaises, le ministère de la Santé, l’Autorité portuaire de Sierra Leone, l’Université de Sierra Leone, les acteurs des secteurs public et privé, les organisations non gouvernementales ainsi que les nombreux professionnels de santé du pays qui ont collaboré étroitement avec l’organisation tout au long de ses missions. », a déclaré le Dr Lako.

Qu’il s’agisse de soigner des milliers de personnes souffrant d’affections pouvant être traitées chirurgicalement ou d’aider à former de nombreux professionnels de santé sierra-léonais dans leurs domaines d’expertise, l’avenir des soins chirurgicaux en Sierra Leone s’annonce chaque jour plus prometteur.

(1) Données disponibles à la date de publication. Le rapport final pourra être fourni sur demande ultérieurement.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

A propos de Mercy Ships :
Mercy Ships est une organisation humanitaire internationale qui déploie les deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux civils au monde, l’Africa Mercy® et le Global Mercy™, pour fournir des soins chirurgicaux gratuits et de première qualité aux plus démunis. L’ONG internationale fondée sur des valeurs chrétiennes soutient également le développement durable des systèmes de santé des pays hôtes par la formation des professionnels de la santé et la construction d’infrastructures médicales.

Créé en Suisse en 1978 par Don et Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships est intervenu dans 55 pays. A bord de ses navires, une moyenne de 2 500 bénévoles par an, issus de 70 pays, contribuent à l’œuvre de Mercy Ships. Des professionnels tels que chirurgiens, dentistes, personnel infirmier, formateurs dans le domaine de la santé, cuisiniers, marins, enseignants, ingénieurs… dédient leur temps et leurs compétences à cette cause.

Avec des bureaux dans 16 pays et un Centre opérationnel pour l’Afrique basé à Dakar, au Sénégal, Mercy Ships se met au service des nations en restaurant santé et dignité.

Pour de plus amples informations, visitez www.MercyShips.org et suivez @MercyShips sur les réseaux sociaux

Media files