MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

On 1 July 2025, His Excellency Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt, met with members of the Thai Student Association in Cairo under the Royal Patronage (TSA in Cairo), 70th Committee, at the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo. During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the Thai Government’s student-related policy to enhance national competitiveness through the promotion of digital skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He also underscored the importance of foreign language proficiency—particularly in English and Arabic—as these skills are increasingly in demand in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Furthermore, in light of the current fragile security situation in the region, the Ambassador emphasized the need for students to stay informed and updated on regional developments by following the news regularly.

On this occasion, the Embassy also introduced a new online certificate issuance system designed to streamline and expedite the processing of official documents. This system will be especially useful for students requiring certificates for purposes such as academic applications or scholarship requests. Additionally, members of the TSA in Cairo presented their planned activities for the upcoming semester break. These include more than ten initiatives covering areas such as academics, sports and recreation, and the overall well-being of Thai students in Cairo. In response, the Embassy expressed its continued commitment to supporting the initiatives of the TSA in Cairo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy, Cairo, Egypt.

Source: APO

.

The Republic of Liberia, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, reaffirmed on Friday in Rabat, its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and its sovereignty over all its territory, including the Sahara region.

This stance was expressed by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti during a press briefing following her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita.

Nyanti also reiterated her country’s full support to Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the only credible, serious and realistic solution” to the dispute.

The Liberian Foreign Minister pointed out that her country, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, will continue to support this position.

The Republic of Liberia, she added, also welcomes the growing international consensus and dynamic driven by HM King Mohammed VI, in support of the autonomy plan and the sovereignty of Morocco over its Sahara.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO

.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Mrs. Gabriela Sommerfeld, inaugurated the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Rabat on Friday.

In an address delivered during the ceremony, Mr. Bourita said the inauguration follows Ecuador’s historic decision to sever all ties with the so-called “sadr” on October 22, 2024, and to further strengthen its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco.

He highlighted that Morocco is home to 165 diplomatic missions, including 50 representations of international organizations. With 14 Latin American embassies now established in Rabat, Morocco is well-positioned to serve as a “bridge” between Latin America and Africa, offering unique advantages—cultural, geographic, and strategic. This growing diplomatic presence, he added, reflects the importance Morocco attaches to its ties with Latin America within the framework of its foreign policy.

The emerging “win-win” partnership between Morocco and Ecuador aims to set an example of effective and solidarity-based South-South cooperation, Mr. Bourita stressed, emphasizing that the two countries are committed to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, aspiring to build a strong and dynamic South-South partnership that serves the shared interests of their peoples.

On this occasion, Mr. Bourita also congratulated the Government of Ecuador on the appointment of an ambassador to lead its diplomatic mission in Morocco.

For her part, Sommerfeld stated that the opening of the embassy marks the beginning of a new era of dynamism in Morocco-Ecuador cooperation. She reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening ties across strategic sectors, and facilitating the exchange of expertise in various fields.

She pointed out that this is Ecuador’s first diplomatic mission in the Maghreb region.

Sommerfeld added that the embassy in Rabat is intended to serve as a “gateway to African markets” and reflects her government’s determination to elevate bilateral cooperation with Morocco.

The inauguration took place following talks between Mr. Bourita and Mrs. Sommerfeld, during which the Ecuadorian foreign minister reiterated her country’s support for the Autonomy Initiative presented by Morocco in 2007, which Ecuador views as the basis for a lasting solution to this regional dispute.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO

.

Preparations are in high gear for the 4th EAC World Kiswahili Language Day scheduled for 6th and 7th July, 2025 in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda.`

The two-day event convened under the theme; Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development  aims to celebrate and promote the Kiswahili language as a vital tool for regional unity, cultural exchange, and development within the East African Community.

The objective of the 4th EAC World Kiswahili Language Day is to provide a platform for Partner States, development partners and other Kiswahili stakeholders to interrogate the relationship between Kiswahili, inclusive education, and sustainable development.

The celebrations, organised by the East African Community (EAC) together with the Republic of Rwanda as a host, will bring together Government representatives from the EAC Partner States; Academia; Media personnel; Authors, publishers and distributors of Kiswahili materials; civil society, private sector; youth groups and representatives of EAC Organs and Instltutions.

Speaking ahead of the celebrations of the EAC World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations, the EAC Secretary General H.E Veronica Nduva expressed enthusiasm about the significance of Kiswahili in strengthening regional ties.

“Kiswahili is not just a language but a bridge that unites our diverse communities across the East African region. Its promotion aligns with our broader goals of fostering unity, economic integration, and shared cultural identity among Partner States,” said the Secretary General.

“We are delighted to host the 4th EAC World Kiswahili Language Day in Kigali and look forward to vibrant celebrations that highlight the beauty and importance of Kiswahili,” she added.

The Secretary General further emphasised the EAC’s commitment to promoting Kiswahili as an official language of the region, urging Partner States to continue investing in its dissemination and teaching at all levels of education.

The celebrations of 4th EAC Kiswahili Language Day will feature Panel discussions; Youth mentorship and engagements with other stakeholders; Media engagement; Cultural performances; Exhibitions and Awareness creation activities all aimed at exhibiting Kiswahili as a for inclusive education and sustainable development for the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO

The Gambia’s Good Market was officially opened today at UN75 Kotu Park through a collaborative effort led by the European Union Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries and the International Trade Centre. 

The Gambia`s Good Market is an initiative that gives Gambian youth and women entrepreneurs, especially those in the tourism and creative industries, a platform to showcase and sell their products. It aims to promote Made-in-The-Gambia products and services, strengthen market access for small businesses in the tourism and creative industries and connect entrepreneurs to customers. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism and was made possible in partnership with the Gambia Start-up Chamber of Commerce, Gambia Women’s Chamber of Commerce, ITC SheTrades Gambia Hub, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, emphasized the importance of the market during his remarks. He said, “The Gambia’s Good Market is a landmark initiative. It is designed to drive sustainable growth in The Gambia’s tourism and trade sectors, provide economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and elevate the visibility of ‘Made in The Gambia’ products on both regional and global stages.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca i Cortés, highlighted that the EU Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries is a flagship programme for the EU, delivering the EU/The Gambia join  agenda on inclusive economic growth through partnerships with the private sector and promotion of innovation and translating the ambitious objectives of the National Development Plan into concreate actions. She also underscored the focus of the platform on empowering Gambian youth and women – who are priority beneficiaries for the EU. “Through initiatives like the EU YEP Tourism and Creative Industries Programme, the European Union aims at expanding access to skills, tools, and markets for young innovators. Our goal is clear: to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs and unlock sustainable employment,” she shared.

The Senior Technical Expert on Tourism and Creative Industries at the International Trade Centre, Daouda Niang, highlighted that market access remains one of the biggest barriers for small businesses and reaffirmed ITC’s commitment to curbing this challenge.

“The Gambia’s Good Market is one of our flagship initiatives designed to provide young people and women with a platform to access markets, build networks, make sales and expand their customer base. This market, which is 100% made in The Gambia, provides a unique opportunity for both locals and tourists an opportunity to experience the creativity and products of Gambian youth and women entrepreneurs,” Niang stated.

Also speaking at the event, Kumbale Goode, Board Chairperson of the Gambia StartUp Chamber of Commerce (GSCC), stressed the market’s role in promoting local enterprise and economic development. “The Gambia’s Good Market fosters business growth, generates decent employment and deepens cross-sectoral linkages within the economy. We have about 30 businesses showcasing Made in The Gambia products,” she said

The Gambia Good Market will be held every last Saturday of the month, coinciding with key festive events such as Koriteh, Easter, and Christmas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO

.

Ecuador reaffirmed on Friday in Rabat that the Autonomy Initiative represents “the basis” to resolve the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

This position was voiced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador, Mrs. Gabriela Sommerfeld, during a press briefing following her talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita.

In this regard, and in line with the majority of UN member states, the Republic of Ecuador also expressed its support for Morocco’s efforts to achieve a realistic, pragmatic, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to this regional dispute within the framework of the United Nations.

It is worth recalling that the Republic of Ecuador withdrew its recognition of the so-called “sadr” on October 22, 2024, and severed all ties with this fictitious entity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO

After three weeks of training on operating excavators, also known as mechanical shovels, thirty-five participants, including four young women, received their completion certificates on Friday, 4 July 2025, at the Ndoromo military camp located on the outskirts of Bunia.

This marks the second cohort trained by MONUSCO’s Bangladeshi contingent. In November last year, twenty-nine individuals completed a similar course.The initiative aims to provide vocational skills to youth from Bunia and surrounding areas, helping improve their employment prospects in a province affected by insecurity and high unemployment, especially among the younger generation. It also offers an alternative for those at risk of recruitment by armed groups, which often target idle or marginalized youth.

Proudly holding his certificate, Moïse Saukpa shared his motivation: “I took part in the training on operating excavators organized by the Bangladeshis. This was a dream I was determined to pursue. I had already planned to enrol elsewhere before this opportunity came up, and I decided to make the most of it.”

He sees the training as a turning point: “It will benefit me greatly, not only by deepening my mechanical knowledge but also by helping us integrate into society and avoid negative influences. This kind of support raises awareness among young people and helps us steer away from harmful choices.”

He also delivered a message to his peers: “To those who have joined armed groups, we say: stop engaging in actions that harm the country. Instead, take part in training like this and take control of your future“.

Desange Munguromo Unyera, one of the four women trained, encouraged other girls to break free from gender stereotypes in technical fields: “The future may be uncertain, but my message to the girls of Bunia is to commit wholeheartedly. Work is a noble value. I encourage all girls to participate in this kind of training. It was completely free, and in return, we gained both knowledge and certificates.”

Since the beginning of the year, MONUSCO’s military contingents have trained hundreds of young people in Ituri in various trades. These include operating heavy machinery, repairing mobile phones and electronics, working as electricians, and cultivating vegetables.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).