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Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, said, in a post on X platform on Tuesday, that “Iran has warned, through its foreign minister, against the continuity of killing and destruction in Gaza. Take these warnings seriously. The others might act without any prior warning.”
Source: National News Agency-Lebanon
Muscat, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has sent a cable of greetings to President to Dr. Ilham Heydar Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan on his country’s Independence Anniversary.
In the cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere sentiments and best wishes to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan.
Source: Oman News Agency
Muscat, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has sent a cable of congratulations to President Daniel Noboa on the occasion of him being elected as a new President for the Republic of Ecuador.
In the cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his heartfelt sentiments to President Noboa, wishing him success to achieve aspirations of the Ecuadorian people. His Majesty also wished friendship relations between Oman and Ecuador further progress and prosperity.
Source: Oman News Agency
Muscat, HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Honorary President of the Promising Omani Startups Programme, today chaired the 4th meeting of the Supervisory Committee of the Omani Promising Startups Programme 2023.
The meeting was held in the presence of representatives of government departments who are members of the programme’s Supervisory Committee, as well as representatives of startup companies.
The meeting discussed progress reports about the programme’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the march of startups and entrepreneurs. It also looked into ways to enhance partnership with Oman Airports Company with a view to allocating spaces for startups and entrepreneurs. The designated spaces are envisaged to serve as smart business centres that keep pace with the entrepreneurs’ aspirations to engage in technology and innovation.
The committee reviewed a map of the startups system that monitors basic challenges and comprises elements needed during the stages of establishment and growth. These include the development of skills and capabilities, higher education and research, financing and investment, legislation and laws, private sector support and the development of technical environment.
The meeting also discussed a progress report on an analytical study on the startup system in Oman. The study, conducted by Startup Genome Foundation, seeks to draft recommendations and initiatives to implement the system. The Foundation organized interviews and meetings with owners of some Omani startup companies, decision makers in the institutions that support the entrepreneurship system. The study came up with proposals, recommendations and initiatives that encourage the establishment of startups whose realization requires the combined efforts of all partners of the system.
On the sidelines of the meeting, an innovation centre was opened at Oman Airports Company, with the prime aim of empowering innovative ideas for startup companies and attracting investors. The facility will showcase the experience of technical companies in digital applications, provide platforms to display the latest technologies and build effective links, besides serving as a link between startups and established technology companies.
Source: Oman News Agency
Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Affairs Minister met with Clemens Hach, German Ambassador to Bahrain.
The meeting discussed the Bahraini-German ties and the growth and development it is witnessing in various domains and means to further enhance the two countries’ ties.
They also discussed the developments of the situation in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing escalation its implications on regional security and stability. They exchanged views on regional and international efforts to stop the war, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.
The minister emphasised the need for international cooperation and peace-loving nations to prevent escalation, protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, and intensify efforts towards a peaceful Palestinian settlement and the establishment of the Palestinian state based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, met today with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, at His Holiness’ office in the papal headquartes, on the occasion of His Majesty’s visit to the Vatican City.
His Majesty and His Holiness discussed the close bilateral relations between Bahrain and the Vatican, joint cooperation, and efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence, brotherhood, dialogue, and cooperation among peoples.
HM King Hamad emphasised Bahrain’s keenness on strengthening the historical ties with the Vatican, and promoting global peace and stability through the consolidation of love, harmony, and peace.
During the meeting, HM the King recalled the visit made by HH Pope Francis to Bahrain and his participation in the dialogue “East and West for Human Coexistence” alongside Al Azhar Grand Imam, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.
HH Pope Francis expressed gratitude to HM King Hamad for his humanitarian initiatives and for Bahrain’s hosting of global conferences promoting dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance, and religious freedom, as well as his noble efforts for the benefit of all peoples.
HM King Hamad praised His Holiness’s significant contribution to fostering dialogue and understanding among various religions, cultures, and civilizations, promoting human fraternity and tolerance, and fostering coexistence.
HM the King affirmed that Bahrain will remain a hub of coexistence for people of different faiths; promoting respect and freedom of practicing religion.
The kingdom’s mosques, churches, and temples symbolise peace which is celeberated by Bahrainr as a melting pot of cultures, HM the King said.
HM the King said he was pleased that Bahrain had hosted the Islamic-Christian Dialogue Conference in 2002, the Forum for Moderation between Theory and Practice in 2005, and the Forum for Dialogue of Civilizations in 2008.
These events aim to project the region’s image and bring together people of all backgrounds, ensuring their rights to practice their rituals, HM said.
The talks between HM the King and HH the Pope discussed Middle East events. HM the King praised Pope Francis’ support for stability, peace, and protection of civilians, rejecting violence and targeting innocent people, while adhering to international laws and conventions.
HM the King underscored the significance of ensuring regional security and stability to attain the development and prosperity goals of its countries and peoples.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, met today with His Excellency President Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, at the Presidential Palace in Rome, on the occasion of His Majesty’s visit to Italy. Upon the arrival of His Majesty the King, His Excellency the Italian President welcomed His Majesty and his visit, which provides strong impetus for the development of Bahraini-Italian relations.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed all aspects of their close bilateral relations and ways to develop and strengthen them in order to achieve common goals, as well as the latest regional and international developments, and the situation in the Gaza Strip.
His Majesty the King reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s approach, which calls for strengthening security, stability and consolidating peace which would be achieved by giving the Palestinian people their legitimate rights and finding a just solution to the Palestinian issue, in order to reach a two-state solution in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, that guarantees the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
His Majesty affirmed the need to prevent any worsening of the situation, to work for the release of detained civilians, and to protect all civilians who- under international humanitarian law- must not be the target of any conflict. His Majesty stressed the need to urgently open humanitarian corridors for the entry of medical and relief aid, food, water and the provision of electricity to Gaza, reaffirming the Kingdom of Bahrain’s full support for the coordination of all efforts aimed at achieving just peace, stability and security for all the peoples of the region.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the important role played by the Italian Republic at the international level and its contributions to international peace and security.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Uqm, HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth met in Duqm today with some CEOs and Board Chairmen of global companies who are participating in Duqm Economic Forum, being organized in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD).
At the outset of the meeting, HH Sayyid Theyazin welcomed the CEOs. Then, he reviewed the investment opportunities available in the fields of renewable energy and clean energy, such as green hydrogen and green ammonia that come in line with Oman’s approach to achieve the goals of zero carbon neutrality by 2050, the facilities provided to investors, and.
HH Sayyid Theyazin also touched on the investment climate of Oman, especially in SEZAD.
He lauded the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed by a number of international companies with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) to implement projects in the green industries sector in SEZAD.
HH Sayyid Theyazin called on other companies to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in the various economic zones and free zones in Oman generally, and in SEZAD specifically.
On their turn, CEOs and Board Chairmen of the global companies commended the promising investment opportunities and multiple logistical services they saw in SEZAD.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Chairman of OPAZ, Dr. Abdullah bin Nassir Al Harrasi, Minister of Information and Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority.
Source: Oman News Agency
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy met with Hassan Khalifa Al Jalahma, the Chairman of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).
The minister highlighted CBB’s role in implementing financial and banking sector laws, promoting sector development, and enhancing Bahrain’s financial and banking services position.
The meeting discussed financial and banking topics as well as the latest developments in the global economy.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Riyadh, Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information commended the historical and strategic ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and noting the mutual keenness of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to further enhance integration between the two countries.
Dr. Al Noaimi noted the keenness and care of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabi to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in various domains.
This came during a meeting with Salman bin Yousef Al Dosari, Saudi Minister of Media in his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The meeting discussed topics of common interest and ways to further enhance media cooperation and opportunities to develop media cadres in addition to exchange of expertise.
The Saudi minister praised the continuous development of relations between the two countries, particularly in the media sector, a vital and effective partner in advancing comprehensive development processes.
Dr. Al Noaimi visited a number of official media institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The minister commended the progress made in the media sector in the kingdom, which is keeping up with the latest global technologies.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Manama, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Acting Minister of Tourism, inaugurated the first edition of the tourism event “Connections Luxury Bahrain.”
The event welcomed a diverse gathering of leading international tour operators, along with representatives from the luxury tourism sector and destination management companies from around the world.
During the three-day event, tour operators from around the world will have the opportunity to experience Bahrain’s tourism offerings to help showcase the kingdom to international markets.
The minister emphasised the significance of hosting this event and pointed out that this opportunity allows Bahrain to demonstrate its appealing advantages to visiting tour operators, both in terms of tourism and investment.
Hosting such an event highlights Bahrain’s unique tourism potential as well as its ability to foster enduring trade relationships with prominent global agencies, he added.
He underlined the important role of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority in enhancing the kingdom’s capabilities, preparedness, and competitiveness to organise and host significant international events and exhibitions.
This effort is part of Bahrain’s commitment to expanding its presence in foreign tourism markets, ultimately fueling the growth of the tourism sector within the kingdom.
The minister highlighted that the three-day event “Connections Luxury” is meant to bring together international leaders and experts in luxury travel, leading to partnerships that can promote Bahrain as an ideal destination for luxury tourism.
He underscored Bahrain’s advanced tourism infrastructure, which has positioned it as an icon of luxury tourism in the Middle East.
He stressed that Bahrain’s tourism offers, which include its luxury hotels, resorts, restaurants, and upscale shopping centers, collectively contribute to the excellence and uniqueness of the Bahraini tourism and travel sector.
These components deliver an extraordinary experience to visitors.
The minister emphasised the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to strengthen the tourism sector.
This commitment involves actively participating in and hosting various international tourism events, exhibitions, and forums, he said.
These initiatives aim to raise awareness about Bahrain’s diverse attractions and activities that tourists can enjoy. The focus is on highlighting the kingdom’s luxury tourism industry, which showcases its diverse and integrated offerings, blending ancient heritage, sophistication, and opulence.
These efforts enhance Bahrain’s reputation as a distinguished tourist destination, captivating visitors with its unique blend of cultural richness and luxurious experiences.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Manama, The Ministry of Sustainable Development has established an Equal Opportunities Committee, led by Minister Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, to promote gender balance in national development and public life.
This follows the Civil Service Authority’s decisions to establish equal opportunity committees in ministries and government institutions, and the completion of the ministry’s administrative structure.
The establishment of the committee came to keep pace with the efforts made by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and President of the SCW, Al Khulaif said.
The committee is devoted to implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs) requirements in Bahrain, ensuring women’s full inclusion in national development, and achieving equality and balance in public participation, aligning with the country’s commitments to women’s advancement, she added.
The ministry is committed to supporting women’s progress through equal opportunity mechanisms and policies, aiming for balance and equality between both genders, the minister said.
This will help activate the full integration of women’s and men’s needs in the ministry’s work environment, enhancing Bahraini women’s competitiveness in national and international development processes, she added.
The committee, in collaboration with the SCW, implemented gender balance principles in policies, regulations, plans, and initiatives, integrating the needs of working women.
It also tasked with collecting and analysing data for gender-specific development indicators, preparing databases, statistics, and reports, and implementing circulars and decisions issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy that are related to gender-specific budgets.
Source: Bahrain News Agency