News from the Arab World
The Political Affairs Committee of the High Council of State, headed by Abdulaziz Hariba and members of the committee, held a meeting, today, Monday, with the Political Bureau of the (90) Committee.
During the meeting held at the Council’s office headquarters in Tripoli, the initiative of the Committee (90) that was presented by the Political Bureau was discussed, and the members of the Political Bureau expressed their desire to participate in the political process.
Source: Libyan News Agency
RAMALLAH: A Palestinian minor has Monday been killed by Israeli forces during a military raid in al-Amari camp in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, the Ministry of Health confirmed in an early statement.
The Ministry said that Mustafa Abu Shalbak, 16, from the Qalandia camp, has been shot and killed by the Israeli occupation forces during following storming the said camp.
In the early morning hours, the occupation forces stormed the camp, where confrontations broke out during which live bullets were fired at Palestinian youths, wounding Abu Shalbak in the neck and chest.
He was transferred to the Palestine Medical Complex, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Eyewitnesses said that the occupation forces were stationed at the main entrance of the camp after storming it for several hours.
Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA
Amman: The government media office in the Gaza Strip warned on Monday of the deepening famine crisis in the Strip, especially in the northern areas.
The office said that the Israeli occupation army is preventing aid from entering northern Gaza, which puts the lives of 700,000 people at risk of death, noting that airdropping aid is not the ideal way to end the famine in the Strip.
The media office added that the only solution to end the famine is to open the crossings and allow the entry of 1,000 aid trucks per day, and that suspending the delivery of aid to northern Gaza is a death sentence for its 700,000 inhabitants.
The office pointed out that the hospitals in the Strip have received 30,543 martyrs so far, calling for opening the Rafah crossing permanently and immediately to allow the entry of fuel and humanitarian aid that is piled up at the crossing into the Strip.
It called on international organizations to resume providing aid to the victims in the northern Gaza Strip.
Source: Jordan News Agency
The French Embassy in Libya announced that French exports to Libya reached their highest level since 2015 last year.
The embassy said on its official Facebook page that French exports to Libya reached their highest level in 2023 since 2015, reaching 301 million euros (325 million US dollars), an increase of 36.4% compared to 2022.
The French Embassy considered the increase in exports an indication of the resumption of economic and trade relations between the two countries, noting the diversity of French exports to Libya, which mainly consist of medicines, agricultural products, industrial and agricultural machinery, chemicals, perfumes, cosmetics, and refined products.
Source: Libyan News Agency
Amman: The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mamoun Al-Debi’e, participated in the 2024 Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE) as a keynote speaker.
According to a ministry statement on Monday, the summit, which was held in Istanbul, Turkey, aimed to generate opportunities for academic partnerships and student exchange, discuss the challenges facing higher education, exchange expertise and ideas, and establish joint projects.
Al-Debi’e emphasized the importance of the summit, which was attended by 67 countries, including 11 Arab countries. He focused on issues of internationalization in higher education and the management and leadership of higher education.
Al-Debi’e said that international cooperation in higher education and coordination between global partners and stakeholders is not just an option at this time, but a necessity for the continued growth and development of our academic institutions. He noted that the development, prosperity, and success of inst
itutions are the result of the meeting of minds that becomes possible through important events such as this summit, where ideas are exchanged and networks are built. He added that the most valuable capital in the higher education sector is intellectual capital.
He added, “In Jordan, we understand the transformative power of international cooperation. This contributes to the creation of a vibrant and dynamic higher education sector that is deeply rooted in the belief that exposure to diverse opinions, cultures, and ideas enhances the quality of education and prepares our students for success in an increasingly interconnected but complex world.”
He continued, “We must emphasize that international cooperation is also about people: students, faculty, administrative staff, and educational leaders. People are the main element in any meeting and any cooperation, and that is why we see mobility as one of the main themes in higher education today.”
Al-Debi’e reviewed five main strategies that Jordan has implemented
to strengthen and expand its international partnerships, including exchange programs and student and faculty mobility, research and innovation, joint academic programs, teaching programs at the international level, online education, virtual education, and cooperation.”
Source: Jordan News Agency
The Presidency of the House of Representatives held today, Monday, its first regular meeting for the year 2024, headed by the First Vice-President of the Council, ‘Fawzi Al-Nuwairi,’ and in the presence of the Second Vice-President, ‘Misbah Douma.’
The meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the House of Representatives, according to the House spokesman, Abdullah Belhaq, discussed a number of topics included in the meeting’s agenda items.
Source: Libyan News Agency
Amman: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Monday chaired the opening session of the second Jordan-US Cyber and Digital Dialogue.
In his opening remarks attended by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein and US Deputy National Security Adviser, Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger, Crown Prince Al Hussein highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of cyber and digital security, citing links to national security interests of both countries.
The Crown Prince said the dialogue coincides with the marking of 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jordan and the United States.
His Royal Highness said complex cyber threats are growing globally, which necessitates further cooperation and coordination between all stakeholders from both sides, citing the dialogue as an important and strategic means to enhance efforts and strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
The Crown Prince said transformation
s in regional and international security demand a faster response to emerging technology-related threats.
His Royal Highness also highlighted the need to utilise the latest technologies, building the capacities of those working in cybersecurity, and matching national frameworks with international standards.
The dialogue, which featured the participation of officials and experts from both countries, covered means of enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity, countering cyber threats, and developing ICT systems.
The first Jordan-US Cyber and Digital Dialogue was held last year in Washington, DC, with both sides agreeing to hold it on an annual basis.
Source: Jordan News Agency
The Presidency of the House of Representatives held today, Monday, its first regular meeting for the year 2024, headed by the First Vice-President of the Council, ‘Fawzi Al-Nuwairi,’ and in the presence of the Second Vice-President, ‘Misbah Douma.’
The meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the House of Representatives, according to the House spokesman, Abdullah Belhaq, discussed a number of topics included in the meeting’s agenda items.
Source: Libyan News Agency
9:30 am The National Economy, Trade, Industry, and Planning Committee, chaired by MP Farid Al-Bustani, convenes to discuss the challenges facing truck owners engaged in transit for external transport and the issue of food security concerning the entry of non-compliant products.
11:00 am The National Defense, Internal Affairs, and Municipalities Committee, chaired by MP Jihad Al-Samad, holds a session to discuss with the Minister of Interior and Municipalities the necessary preparations and arrangements for the upcoming municipal and local elections.
6:00 pm The “National Bloc” hosts a dialogue session titled “Encounter with the Bloc” at its main headquarters in Gemmayzeh, featuring drama therapist and film director Zeina Dakkash, and political activist Josephine Zghaib, on the occasion of “International Women’s Day”.
6:00 pm The “Guidance and Reform Islamic Charitable Association” commemorates its 40th anniversary under the theme “A Continuing Journey,” under the patronage of the caretaker
Prime Minister Najib Mikati, at the UNESCO Palace in Beirut.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Amman: The death toll from Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has grown to 30,534 martyrs, with 71,920 wounded, according to a statement issued Monday by the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
According to the ministry, women and children account for 73% of the total number of martyrs, with 13,430 being children and 8,900 being women.
Source: Jordan News Agency
The Israeli enemy’s military aircraft are flying intensively in the airspace of the southern Lebanon’s border region, at low altitudes, accompanied by extensive reconnaissance flights over the southern coast between the shores of Tyre, Al-Qulaylah, and reaching Naqoura.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Amman: His Majesty King Abdullah II on Monday received UN Food and Agriculture Organisation Director General Qu Dongyu, and discussed enhancing cooperation between Jordan and FAO.
According to a royal court statement, His Majesty expressed appreciation for the organisation’s support for the process of developing a food security monitoring system for the Near East and North Africa region, which will be launched at the 37th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC 37), which opened in Jordan on Monday, and will contribute to the design and development of information and communications systems for the food security dashboard in Jordan and other countries.
The King also expressed keenness to work with FAO to achieve the goals related to food security and agriculture in the Economic Modernisation Vision, in order to transform the Kingdom into a leading regional hub for food security.
The meeting also covered the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with His Majesty warning of the repercussions
of food insecurity as a result of the ongoing war, stressing the need to continue all efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Strip by all available means, and work to restore basic services there.
Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Ali, the FAO goodwill ambassador for the Near East and North Africa, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat, and Jordan’s Permanent Representative to FAO Qais Abu Dayyeh attended the meeting.
Source: Jordan News Agency
Caretaker Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin, on Monday announced that ‘on the occasion of Lebanon’s National Day of Natural Reserves on March 10th, 2024, Lebanon’s natural reserves will open their doors for free on Sunday, March 10th, 2024, welcoming nature enthusiasts, students, clubs, associations, citizens, and residents interested in spending a beautiful day getting acquainted with Lebanon’s reserves and its natural richness.’
The following reserves are ready to welcome visitors at this time of the year: Arz el-Shouf, Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve, Horsh Ehden, Bentael, Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, Al-Yamouna, and Mount Moussa Biosphere Reserve.
The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the reserve committees, has compiled a list of activities and events that will be organized by various natural reserves in Lebanon to celebrate this national day.
These events span throughout the week and include inviting students from schools and universities to visit t
he natural reserves.
On this occasion, the Minister of Environment stated, “We are celebrating the National Day of Natural Reserves amid challenging circumstances facing our country, but it is essential to shed light on the importance of natural reserves, natural sites, as well as ecological corridors that connect them as essential components to ensure environmental and social communication between protected areas, leading to the improvement of environmental, social, and livelihood conditions in Lebanon. Protected areas and ecological corridors contribute to ensuring a healthy environment, abundant water, fertile soil, and rich biodiversity that serve local environmental and economic development and help combat climate change.”
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Amman: The Standards and Metrology Organization’s (JSMO) Accreditation and Standardization Unit has successfully completed a project aimed at enhancing the accreditation value chain within the Arab region.
This initiative, carried out on behalf of the Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC), received backing from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
The project’s conclusion was marked by a series of discussions among participants on the outcomes and future strategies to bolster the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the agricultural manufacturing sector.
These discussions, attended by various official, private, local, and international entities, focused on enhancing existing opportunities and creating new avenues for growth.
Abeer Al-Zuhair, the Director General of JSMO highlighted the critical role of accreditation for conformity assessment bodies in facili
tating international trade, boosting exports, and attracting foreign direct investment.
She emphasized how accreditation simplifies the import and export processes by reducing the required approvals and time, thereby lowering foreign trade costs and enhancing the competitive edge of Arab products.
Al-Zuhair also noted Jordan’s foundational role in ARAC, which has gained international recognition, paralleling the international acclaim received by the institution’s accreditation unit.
UNIDO’s representative in Jordan, Sulafa Madanat, underscored the organization’s commitment to enhancing competitiveness and productivity as keystones for global economic development.
She emphasized the importance of strengthening quality standards and accreditation frameworks to support sustainable and inclusive growth.
The project primarily aimed at encouraging SMEs to enhance the sustainability and quality of accreditation systems, thereby improving their products and export potential.
Adel Qaid, the President of ARAC, de
tailed the agency’s contributions to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. He highlighted how facilitating access to new markets and removing trade barriers allows the productive sector to innovate and improve its competitive edge.
He reflected on the decade-long strategic partnership between ARAC, UNIDO, and SIDA, which has supported the establishment of ARAC as a regional Arab umbrella organization for national accreditation bodies, encompassing 23 entities from 21 Arab countries.
Maria Selin, the Regional Development Cooperation Officer at the Swedish Embassy in Amman, spoke on SIDA’s objective to alleviate poverty worldwide through supporting quality and accreditation infrastructure experts in collaboration with international organizations. This support aims to spur industrial development and comprehensive economic growth, particularly in the Arab region.
Selin also pointed out the pivotal role of accreditation in verifying the efficiency of conformity assessment bodies, ensuring
their services meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Source: Jordan News Agency