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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Closing statement of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs at the High-Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes

    Source: Government of Iran

    Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:

    It has been an honour and a pleasure to host this High-level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Processes.

    I would like to thank the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres for his leadership and commitment to advancing this agenda.

    Over the course of this conference, you have generated a number of actionable policy recommendations and key outputs to ensure youth-inclusive peace processes.

    I particularly welcome the launch of the guidelines in support of country-level operationalization of the youth, peace, and security agenda and the five-year strategy on strengthening youth-inclusive peace processes building on recommendations from the global policy paper “WE ARE HERE: An Integrated Approach to Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes”.

    I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Member States, young people, civil society organizations, United Nations entities, and regional organizations to implement the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda, that fed into the development of “Implementing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda at Country-level: A Guide for Public Officials”.

    Furthermore, discussions over the past two days have highlighted the centrality of young people as critical and necessary partners in conflict transformation and peacebuilding and the need for their strengthened participation and representation, especially of young women, in the design and implementation of peace processes.

    Discussions also emphasized that the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, as enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 2535, requires Member States to continue developing dedicated local, national and regional roadmaps, with sufficient resources, through participatory processes, in particular with young people and youth organizations, including monitoring, evaluation, and coordination.

    Therefore, we encourage Member States to support the implementation of the two key outputs to advance the country-level operationalization of the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda and to strengthen youth participation in peace processes at all levels of decision-making, based on specific contexts.

    Finally, I would like to emphasize that the State of Qatar is deeply committed to implement the objectives and key outputs of this High-level Global Conference. Furthermore, in prioritizing the critical role of young men and women in building peace, the State of Qatar is collaborating with the United Nations on several initiatives to advance further the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, while working towards a reinvigorated inclusive multilateralism.

    The State of Qatar will not leave young men and women behind. We are ourselves a young country, comprised of a young population characterized by its passion and vision for a sustainable and peaceful future.

    You can count on the State of Qatar as your partner and supporter. Together, we can move the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda forward.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Josh Hazlewood returns for WTC final against South Africa

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting for Australia and Josh Hazlewood has been selected in the bowling line-up for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, captain Pat Cummins said on the eve of the game on Tuesday.

    Labuschagne has been moved up the order to accommodate the return of Cameron Green, who underwent back surgery in October and was ruled out of the home season, while Hazlewood is fit again after a calf injury to replace of Scott Boland.

    “Cam Green has been coming back in great form in the last few weeks and we thought he deserved a spot in the batting lineup. We thought three probably suits him best,” Cummins told a press conference.

    “For Marnus moving one spot up, it’s not too different to batting at three. He’s done well here in England in the past.”

    Leaving out Boland, who had been one of the heroes of Australia’s 3-1 test series win over India this year, had been a difficult decision.

    “There are some guys where you genuinely say, you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t change a thing and that’s Scotty. He is just really unfortunate to miss out.

    “The message to Scotty is there’s a lot of test cricket coming up in the next couple of years and just because your mid-30s doesn’t mean that’s the end of your career.

    “By having a squad of fast bowlers, hopefully we can extend all our care for an extra couple of years.”

    An element of selection criteria was to reward those who had contributed to defending champions Australia winning 13 of 19 tests in the two-year WTC cycle and reaching yet another final.

    “I think our selectors have probably shown you that they’re happy and they’d rather give someone an extra little run than pull the pin too early. I think it’s partly rewarding those guys that got us here.”

    Cummings said defending the title was high on the Australian priority list, even after all their success in the limited-overs formats.

    “It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. “Test cricket is my favourite format. You’ve got to basically win in all different conditions to make it into this final. If we can retain that mace, that’s a pretty awesome thing for this team.”

    Australia team: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

    -Reuters

  • Centre reaches out to farmers across 700 districts under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan is spearheading the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a national campaign launched on May 29 from Puri, Odisha. The 15-day initiative, which concludes on June 12, aims to connect scientific research with agricultural practice on the ground, targeting over 1.5 crore farmers across more than 700 districts. The effort is supported by 16,000 agricultural scientists and 2,170 interdisciplinary teams.

    At the launch event in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said the campaign would focus on modern technologies, soil health, natural farming, and crop diversification to ensure food security and adequate reserves. He announced the deployment of expert teams to assist farmers with seed varieties, fertiliser use, crop selection, and sustainable practices.

    During a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on May 30, Chouhan referred to farmers living in border areas as the second line of defence, acknowledging their continued efforts in agriculture despite adverse conditions. “VKSA is bringing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Lab to Land’ into action,” he said, adding that the campaign is contributing to the broader goal of developing Indian agriculture.

    On May 31, in Panipat, Haryana, Chouhan reiterated the importance of direct farmer interaction. “I try to live the life of a farmer. I am a farmer’s son. I drive a tractor and also do the sowing myself,” he said, describing agriculture as central to the Indian economy. He added that even a small increase in productivity per hectare could lead to substantial gains at the national level.

    In Dabthuwa village of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Chouhan interacted with farmers directly and later addressed a media gathering in Jangethi village. He said that the goal of VKSA is to increase production, reduce input costs, ensure fair pricing for produce, and prevent post-harvest losses.

    In Bihar’s Motihari, the Minister announced ₹6 crore worth of upcoming agricultural projects at the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and emphasized the role of scientists in promoting advanced techniques to improve productivity.

    In Pune, Maharashtra, Chouhan met farmers at the Narayangaon KVK and visited local farm markets and cold storage facilities. Speaking about inputs, he said, “The government is moving towards enacting a strict law for taking action against any company or person making fake fertilizers or pesticides and supplying those to farmers.” He also underlined the role of scientists in providing on-ground guidance tailored to regional agricultural needs.

    During a Kisan Chaupal held in Patiala, Punjab, the Minister supported farmer-led policy feedback and encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices such as direct-seeded rice. “Policies will now be shaped by inputs from farmers—not by bureaucrats,” he said. He also addressed concerns about excessive pesticide use, noting its impact on costs and crop quality.

    In Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Chouhan spoke about the export potential of the region’s agricultural produce. He called for a renewed focus on natural farming, water conservation, and technological innovation. “The sacred land of Uttarakhand brings renewed energy to the mind, intellect, and spirit,” he said, citing the importance of direct farmer engagement in evaluating the effectiveness of government schemes.

    At the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Chouhan held a review meeting and urged scientists to focus on export-quality seed development and value addition. “Technology-driven, farmer-centric solutions are essential for increasing incomes in citriculture,” he said.

    In Bhopal on June 7, Chouhan described the campaign’s intent as scientific, not political. “The government is working with the spirit of ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’,” he said. He credited record production of major crops to collaborative efforts between scientists and farmers.

    On June 8, during his visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bengaluru, Chouhan addressed 500 farmers and advocated for demand-driven research informed by farmer feedback. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices and a robust advisory system.

    In Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district on June 9, the Minister held multiple interactions with farmers, many of whom shared positive outcomes from diversification and integrated farming. Speaking at a gathering in Ibrahimpatnam, he said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made for agricultural advancement.” He also noted that tomato, potato, and onion farmers will benefit from the Market Intervention Scheme.

    According to official data, the campaign has reached approximately 87.8 lakh farmers across 85,480 villages through 46,181 field visits made by 2,170 dedicated teams between May 29 and June 8.

    During his visit to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad, Chouhan laid the foundation for a Global Centre of Excellence on Millets.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Opening Speech By His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs At The Seventh Edition of the Global Security Forum

    Source: Government of Iran

    In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

    May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,,,

     

    I welcome you all to Doha on the occasion of the seventh edition of the Global Security Forum, under the theme “The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security”.

    At this time, this forum holds exceptional significance, as it brings us together at a moment when the world—more than ever—requires profound and sincere dialogue, as well as innovative partnerships capable of addressing the challenges of our turbulent world.

    Distinguished Attendees, 

    Our international system is currently undergoing profound transformations that compel us to reassess our concepts of security and stability.

    Conflicts are no longer transient events that can be contained; rather, they have evolved into prolonged phenomena that interconnect and overlap, imposing on the world complex crises that feed into one another—from Ukraine to Gaza, passing through the multiple crises in our region.

    At the core of this intricate scene, we observe the persistence and expansion of conflicts both temporally and geographically, with no clear prospects for resolution. This is due to the absence of collective political will and the prioritization of narrow interests over the requirements of just and comprehensive peace.

    At the core of this intricate scene, we observe the persistence and expansion of conflicts both temporally and geographically, with no clear prospects for resolution. This is due to the absence of collective political will and the prioritization of narrow interests over the requirements of just and comprehensive peace.

    This persistence leaves behind entire generations growing up under the shadow of violence, despair, and loss of hope, which is perhaps the most perilous consequence of these conflicts.

    Children of Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Ukraine are not merely statistics in the reports of international organizations; rather, they represent the future of our societies and serve as a reflection of our success or failure in creating a world that is safer and more humane.

    And even if wars were to cease tomorrow, we would find ourselves facing the immense challenge of reconstruction—not only to repair the physical destruction but also to rebuild communities on social and psychological levels.

    Amid the multiplicity of crises and the decline in international funding, issues such as the reconstruction of Syria or Gaza appear to have become deferred aspirations on the agenda of the international community.

    Therefore, our vision for the solution is not limited to ceasefires and ending wars alone; it extends to establishing solid foundations for comprehensive and sustainable recovery, through collective responsibility and genuine international commitment.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    Amidst these intertwined challenges, the role of humanitarian organizations, civil society institutions, media entities, and local initiatives has emerged as a pivotal element in the equation of security and peace.

    These entities have become the first line of defense in responding to crises, often overcoming bureaucratic and political constraints that hinder official bodies.

     However, on the other hand, we face non-state actors who exploit security vacuums and thrive on chaos and suffering, ranging from terrorist groups to organized crime networks.

    The rogue actions of certain states, which are met with only a small amount of wisdom and a great deal of weakness and complacency from some governments, serve as a pretext for infiltrating the hearts and minds of people and hijacking the role of the sole defender of their rights.

    Amidst this crisis-ridden landscape, the truth is obscured, and blame is scattered: Is the root cause the rogue states themselves, the weak governments failing to fulfill their duties, or the absence of wisdom, which has become a rare commodity in an era where standards are blurred and balances disrupted?

    Herein lies the importance of this year’s forum theme— the lines between construction and destruction, between those who seek peace and those who invest in war, must be drawn clearly and precisely.

    Addressing these challenges requires a smart approach; one that supports and empowers positive forces while containing and drying up the sources of terrorist and criminal organizations that exploit the suffering of peoples to advance their own agendas.

    This can only be achieved through more inclusive global governance and strategic partnerships between governments and civil society.

    Distinguished Attendees,

    What has been happening in the Gaza Strip for more than a year and a half offers painful lessons about this dynamic.

    Amid unprecedented destruction and a humanitarian disaster that has crossed all red lines, humanitarian organizations and local initiatives play a crucial role in keeping the lifeline flowing, in conveying the suffering of civilians to the world, and even in contributing to mediation and negotiation efforts.

    What is most painful, and a stain on the conscience of the entire world, is that food and medicine have become weapons in this war. The death of children from hunger and cold is exploited as a tool to achieve narrow political objectives, while an entire population is besieged and denied the most basic rights to receive aid, without any accountability.

    The State of Qatar will continue, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and regional partners, its diligent efforts to achieve a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure the unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid.

    We firmly believe that supporting the Palestinian people is not a matter of political negotiation, but a moral and humanitarian duty rooted in our commitment to justice.

     

     

    Ladies and Gentlemen,
    Despite the bleakness of the overall situation, positive indicators emerge that must be upheld and strengthened.

    • In Syria, we observe a nation undergoing reconstruction, with its people striving to shape a new vision for their country, while recognizing the sensitivity of the current phase and the necessity for a comprehensive national discourse.
    • In Lebanon, the election of a President of the Republic and the formation of the government represent an opportunity to revitalize institutions and strengthen confidence in the state and its future, provided that this is accompanied by substantial reforms and genuine engagement of civil society.

    We also observe encouraging positive signs, as recently witnessed here in Doha, through hosting peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, which resulted in reaching preliminary understandings on a ceasefire, de-escalation, and confidence-building measures.

    These models demonstrate how formal processes, when combined with community initiatives, can help create a supportive environment for national reconciliation and regional stability.

    The diverse experiences we witness affirm a fundamental truth: sustainable security cannot be achieved solely through top-down decisions, but rather by building cohesive communities capable of resilience, through expanding partnerships and activating the role of all societal components in shaping the future.

    Distinguished Attendees,

    The State of Qatar has always been committed to the principle of dialogue as a fundamental means of resolving conflicts and building peace.

    We believe that constructive engagement with humanitarian organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academic circles constitutes an integral part of any serious effort to achieve sustainable stability.

    Based on our extensive experience in mediation and conflict resolution, we have realized that achieving genuine peace requires establishing channels of dialogue with all influential parties, respecting the specificities of each community, acknowledging historical grievances, and addressing them with a spirit of justice and reconciliation.

    Despite all the challenges we face, I firmly believe that hope remains our choice.

    The ability to bring about positive change is still within our reach, if there is genuine will, if we can rise above narrow interests, and if we place the human being—his dignity, rights, and aspirations—at the heart of every policy and initiative.

    In the State of Qatar, we are committed to continuing our role as an active partner in efforts toward peace and development. This includes supporting political solutions to conflicts, humanitarian actions, and building safety nets that protect communities from extremism and violence.

    We look forward to this forum serving as a platform for innovative ideas and practical solutions, and as a step towards closer partnerships between governments and communities, for a world that is safer, more just, and more respectful for human dignity.

    I wish you fruitful discussions and thank you for listening

     

    May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,,,

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Opening Remarks by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Qatar Economic Forum

    Source: Government of Iran

    In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

    Your Highness the Amir  – may God protect him,

    Your Excellencies,

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Distinguished Guests,

    May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

    It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar. Doha has grown into a prominent center for international dialogue and active diplomacy, and a global platform where leaders, policymakers, and thinkers come together to exchange ideas and promote cooperation.

    This year’s Qatar Economic Forum takes place amidst major political and economic transformations, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue platforms that bring together decision-makers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders to chart future investment opportunities and formulate a collective stance on the challenges we face, most notably international stability and sustainable growth.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza remains, despite the tireless efforts of the State of Qatar—working in close coordination with our partners in the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America—to bring this tragic war to an end, yet unfortunately we continue to witness repeated setbacks to achieving a ceasefire.

    When the Israeli-American soldier, Idan Alexander, was released, we hoped it would mark a turning point—an opportunity to halt the violence and begin the path toward peace. Instead, that moment was met with an intensified campaign of bombardment, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians.

    This aggressive and irresponsible behavior continues to undermine every opportunity for peace. Nevertheless, we remain firmly committed to pursuing our diplomatic efforts, alongside our partners, until this war is brought to an end—until all hostages and detainees are released, and the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza is alleviated, and the region is no longer held hostage by constant and imminent threats.

    Regarding Syria, the recent decision to lift U.S. sanctions on this brotherly nation marks a significant step in the right direction. We hope to see similar measures to follow. This sends a clear and vital message to the region and the world: that our collective priority must be to offer people emerging from conflict a genuine opportunity to rebuild their lives and shape a better future.

    Distinguished Guests,

    Political stability and economic prosperity are deeply interconnected—neither can be achieved in isolation from the other.

    From this standpoint, the State of Qatar pursues an active and principled diplomatic approach, grounded in impartial mediation and constructive engagement to help resolve conflicts peacefully, recognizing that lasting peace is the foundation for any sustainable development.

    We regard every diplomatic effort we undertake as an investment in a more secure and prosperous future. When a young student in Gaza completes their education, or a Syrian family returns home after years of displacement, we see the tangible and meaningful impact that stability has—not only on individual lives, but on entire economies and societies.

    Distinguished Guests,

    In the State of Qatar, we aspire to build a diversified and prosperous economy —one driven by knowledge, innovation, and aligned with the pace of the global technological revolution, characterized by flexibility and adaptability. We aspire for Qatar to be a beacon of technological advancement and a global center for investment and business, built on trust, and for Qatar to always remain a reliable partner, whether in energy or investment, as well as in diplomacy.

    In line with this vision, we are actively working to translate our aspirations into reality by diversifying our foreign investments to enhance our strategic balance and contribute to the development of a long-term, sustainable economy. The Qatar Investment Authority continues to play a central role in this effort, pursuing long-term strategic partnerships across the globe. Over the past year, it has made significant investments spanning the United States, Africa, and China.

    These initiatives reflect our strong confidence in the resilience and potential of global markets—especially emerging markets—and their role in shaping the future.

    Domestically, Qatar’s economy maintained positive momentum, achieving real GDP growth of 2.4% in 2024, with total output reaching QAR 713 billion.

    This growth has been driven largely by significant progress in Qatar’s non-oil sectors, which expanded by 3.4% annually—an encouraging sign of steady advancement toward the objectives outlined in our Third National Development Strategy.

    By the end of 2024, new foreign direct investment (FDI) had reached QAR 9.9 billion, reflecting the growing confidence of international investors in the strength and resilience of the Qatari economy.

    To sustain this momentum, the State of Qatar continues to enhance its legislative and administrative frameworks, aiming to create a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment.

    In this spirit, we are pleased to announce today the launch of the first package of incentives for all investors, focusing on strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, modern technology, and logistics. This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering growth across key sectors that will serve as the foundation of our national economy’s future.

    In addition to industrial growth, this year marked the launch of the Simaisma tourism project—one of the largest entertainment developments in the region. This project serves as a major catalyst for the real estate and tourism sectors, and a powerful driver of integrated economic development.

    In the field of innovation and digital transformation, Qatar has further solidified its position as an emerging technology hub. In February 2025, we hosted the second edition of Web Summit, which brought together over 25,000 participants from 124 countries.

    The summit successfully fostered meaningful connections between emerging tech ecosystems in Asia and Africa and leading global corporations and sovereign wealth funds—further enhancing Qatar’s role as a digital gateway between regions.

    Reinforcing this momentum, Qatar recently secured the hosting rights for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) for the next five years, with the inaugural edition set for November. This achievement firmly establishes Qatar as a key player in the global digital economy.

    To build on this progress, Qatar will soon launch a new, globally ambitious project, to be unveiled later this year.

    Together, these milestones highlight Qatar’s determination to strengthen its position as a global economic and investment hub, and to chart a future grounded in diversity, innovation, and sustainability.

    Distinguished Guests,

    The State of Qatar is committed to playing a leading role in shaping a more balanced global economy—one that fosters genuine partnership and places human beings at the center of development. We envision Qatar as a platform where ideas converge, interests align, and progress is nurtured in an environment grounded in peace, stability, and investment.

    In this spirit, we call for a holistic approach—one that integrates security with development, diplomacy with economic growth, and ensures that human dignity remains at the heart of any plans for prosperity.

    Thank you for your kind presence. I wish you a productive forum and meaningful discussions. I look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue during the sessions ahead, and to the emergence of new economic partnerships that will help drive sustainable development—both in our region and around the world.

    May the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Dialogue Session for His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs with Bloomberg, as part of the Qatar Economic Forum

    Source: Government of Iran

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): President Trump was in the region last week. It was the first Lme a US President has paid a visit to Qatar since 2003. How significant was this visit for the Gulf do you think? And also how do you think this

    President’s approach to the region differs from his predecessors?

     

    His Excellency: Well I believe that the President’s first trip to the GCC region, visiLng Saudi, Qatar, and UAE has been a great demonstraLon for the potenLal of that region. This sent a very strong message to the enLre world that there is a very high potenLal in that region. This region is flourishing, this region has a lot to do when it comes to contribuLng to the future technology and the revoluLon of arLficial intelligence and the need of course for power. Basically, we have had a great visit and I believe this is equivalent to the rest of the countries in the GCC. During that visit we had wide range of topics that’s being discussed whether it’s on regional security, on the future economic cooperaLon between the two countries and how to untap the potenLal between the two countries. These topics actually have varied whether it’s how to partner in arLficial intelligence, how to partner in energy and how to expand also in being a criLcal and vital part of the supply chain for the United States economy which is the leading economy in the world. I believe this was very much perceived in a posiLve way by the region and of course we know that the policy varies from one administraLon to another. We are glad to see that the Middle East, and GCC in parLcular, is a priority for this administraLon, and we believe that there is a lot of potenLal for both of us in the region and the United States that we can untap in the next few years. And also I think that one of the key elements of the President’s visit is making sure that the situaLon in this region remain stabilized and we have seen what a delicate period that we are going through in that region whether it’s on their talks, on the US talks with Iran, or with the situaLon in Gaza and the changes that happened in Syria. And we are hoping that these kind of engagements will lead us to a point where we can have all these conflicts seXled and hopefully being more focused on the prosperity of the region. 

     

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): President Trump has been labeled a transacLonal President. He certainly likes to do deals. He has wriXen a book about the art of the deal and he likes things of value, especially if they come free. I want to ask you about the giY of this Boeing jet that Qatar wants to give to use as interim Air Force 1. It’s being met with a lot of controversy back home. What was the purpose of this giY? And is it as some criLcs say, an opportunity for Qatar to gain influence with this administraLon?

    His Excellency: Well look actually we have seen that there was a lot of controversy that’s being created out of this, what I call it, an exchange between two countries and basically the relaLonship that we have between Qatar and the United States is a very insLtuLonal relaLonship that witnessed different administraLons, and the insLtuLonal relaLonship remained very strong and at the backbone of this partnership. The plane story is a Ministry of Defense to Department of Defense transacLon which is basically done in full transparency and very legally and it is part of the cooperaLon that we have been always doing together for decades. For example, the airliYing in Afghanistan is something that we have almost 80% of that done by our air forces. The security deployment of the United States during the World Cup to support our efforts was done by the United States and I see it as a normal thing that happens between allies and basically I don’t know why people are thinking about it, that this is considered as a bribery or considered as something that Qatar wants to buy an influence with this administraLon. I don’t see any honestly valid reason for that and I believe that there is a huge issue in misconcepLon or unfortunately some spoilers who are trying to portray Qatar as a country that tries to buy its way. I believe if you look at the track record at least for the last 10 years whenever there is some scoop coming out in the media and trying to put Qatar under a spotlight that Qatar is bribing to get the World Cup or Qatar is bribing the EU Parliament or whatever, unLl like the end Qatar is trying to bribe the Prime Minister of Israel. I’m sure that, you know, it does tell you something that for the last 10 years, none of these cases has stand or had any proof that Qatar has done anything wrong. We are a country that would like to have strong partnership and strong friendship and anything that we provide to any country, it’s provided out of respect for this partnership and it’s a two ways relaLonship. It’s mutually beneficial for Qatar and for the United States and I believe everybody acknowledges this. I think that we need to overcome this stereotype of seeing Qatar as a small Arab naLon because it’s gas rich, it cannot find its way without buying it with money. It’s really a misconcepLon that hurts a lot not our reputaLon but the reputaLon also of other countries and insLtuLons.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): Is the controversy worth it though if it means that there’s going to be further congressional scruLny of all of Qatar’s dealings now with the US?

    His Excellency: Well, there is actually nothing that has been done by us under the table or like we are trying to do like a covert operaLon. It’s a Ministry of Defense to Department of Defense. There is a proper legal review now conducted between the two departments and nothing has happened yet actually. Now, our intenLon is to have a very clear exchange that the US is in need for to accelerate, you know, a temporary Air Force One. Qatar has the ability to provide this. We stepped up and basically a lot of naLons have giYed the US many things. I am not comparing that to the Statue of Liberty but I don’t know if this sounded a liXle bit maybe strange for the US because it’s coming from a small Arab naLon. I think that, you know, this has played some way a factor in this but I am hoping that people in the United States and even the poliLcians over there, they look at us as a friend, as a partner, as a reliable partner that we’ve been always there for the US whenever we were needed whether it’s in the war against terror, whether it’s in freeing American hostages from all around the world. It’s not something that we’ve been doing to buy an influence but this is a duty on us as a partner, as an ally of the United

    States and as there is a duty for the United States towards Qatar.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): I want to turn to regional geopoliLcs. Yesterday, the Israeli Prime Minister says that Israel is now carrying out operaLons with the purpose of taking over the Gaza Strip. They will carry out an unprecedented aXack on Hamas. That is a quote. The war is clearly entering into a new phase aYer a ceasefire that was negoLated earlier this year. Qatar played a pivotal role in that. It lapsed in March. The death toll conLnues to go up. There’s sLll what’s thought to be 20 hostages sLll alive in the Gaza Strip. There’s a humanitarian crisis going on there. What hope is there now for a lasLng ceasefire,

    Your Excellency?

    His Excellency: Well, it’s unfortunate that we’ve been seeing the situaLon unfolding in this way and it’s becoming very frustraLng for everyone and especially for us here in Qatar, we’ve been there from the beginning trying to mediate and trying to get to a deal where it alleviates the suffering of the PalesLnian people in Gaza and freeing the hostages and bringing them back to their family and trying to bring a path that will create a peaceful environment and security for both people. And that’s basically what we were aiming. And what I think that the last year and a half now has shown you that the only way forward is through negoLaLons. And unfortunately, that someLmes, you know, or many of the Lmes, these negoLaLons being sabotaged by poliLcal games with a very narrow vision and, you know, it’s just being postponed. One of the examples we had, the first deal that freed more than 100 Israeli hostages in November 23, it collapsed in one week. Then we had the second deal that’s been based on a framework that’s agreed on December 23 and we couldn’t announce it or we couldn’t finalize it unLl January 25. That states very clearly that this deal should include mulLple phases, that we have to do everything we can to avoid to return to the war and ensuring that all the hostages will be freed and there is a withdrawal from Gaza Strip and there is a clear way forward for the Gaza’s people to alleviate their situaLon. This deal has collapsed in 2nd of March and we have seen how the situaLon has been unfolding since then and the blockade on Gaza for now more than 60 days. And we are hearing also some responsible statements about the humanitarian situaLon over there, about, you know, the way of distribuLng these aids and distribuLng food in the form of meals and calculated calories for pre-qualified and pre-screened people. I think all these things that are happening has been unprecedented in our world today and it shouldn’t be acceptable for the internaLonal community. Yes, yet we have seen that, you know, unfortunately the Israeli government is carrying it out with impunity. Now, we conLnue our efforts despite everything and every aXempt to sabotage our efforts and try to also blackmail us and, you know, conLnuing aXacking us while we were the only country that’s helping together with Egypt and United States and we have just that this is just making us more determined to bring stability to the region, to end the war on Gaza, to free all the hostages and to bring them back to their family and to provide security for both people. The rounds of negoLaLons that took place in Doha in the past couple of weeks unfortunately didn’t lead us anywhere yet because there is a fundamental gap between the two parLes which is one party is looking for a parLal deal that might have the possibility to lead to a comprehensive deal and the other party is looking just for one-off deal and to end the war and to get all the hostages out and we couldn’t bridge this fundamental gap with whatever proposals we have provided given the past experience of the first deal that it collapsed and basically we are stuck in a situaLon that if this operaLon is starLng is just going to postpone the diplomaLc conclusion of the war which will end only diplomaLcally from our point of view and will just cost us a death toll on the PalesLnian side and also on the hostages side. Just I wanted to add one very important point to this. The delicacy of that situaLon in the region right now is criLcal and basically we have seen that the conLnuaLon of this campaign and this way and this behavior and it’s not only in Gaza but Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon, Syria is something becoming unbearable yet you have seen that all of us as governments, as countries we are calling for peace, we are calling for peaceful resoluLons and there is nothing stopping this kind of behavior. That will only add anger to the people in that region. This will add legiLmacy for non-state actors and is just going to fuel the narraLve of extremism and terrorism.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): In President Trump’s speech last week in Riyadh, he talks about the birth of a new Middle East, the economic transformaLon and also the Gulf states playing an increasingly influenLal diplomaLc and mediaLon role and the prospect of regional stability. Can there actually be regional stability in the absence of a soluLon to the PalesLnian and

    Israeli conflict that has been going on for decades?

    His Excellency: Well, we believe that this conflict is a core for the regional stability, and we hope that there will be a chance someLme soon. It requires a strong leadership, strong leadership from the PalesLnian side, from the Arab side and from the Israeli side because there will never be a deal without a compromise between all the parLes that ensuring that there are condiLons that can be created for the people to coexist together. This region has been for centuries with a beauLful social fabric that has different backgrounds and different ethnicity and different religions. Unfortunately, it’s been drained with these ancient wars and proxies that evolved over the last few decades. I cannot recall since I was born that there was a moment of stability in the region when we talk about the overall. We are blessed that the GCC was protected except during the Iraq war. But since we grew up, we grew up on just conflicts aYer another, aYer another.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): We’ve got a couple of minutes, but I do want to ask you because you were in Tehran over the weekend. How likely is it that you think we will get to an Iran-U.S. nuclear deal by the end of this year?

    His Excellency: I believe there is a posiLve momentum. We had a very good conversaLon with President Trump when he was here. We see him as a President who tried to talk to everyone, which is something that we very much encouraged. Also, he is trying to avoid any conflict or any escalaLon. This determinaLon in itself is showing leadership and poliLcal will. On the other side, on Iran, we have seen and sensed the same posiLvity. Of course, Oman is leading the mediaLon, and we are trying to support their efforts. I have suggested that aYer the visit of President Trump to have a trilateral engagement with the Iranians and our Omani colleagues. We were discussing ideas that can bridge the gaps between the two parLes. We hope that those ideas will work. The last thing that we want in that region is a nuclear race or another round of escalaLon that is next to our countries.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): Final quesLon on the Qatar economy. We have had the World Cup bump, you could call it. Of course, you have big visions of what you want to achieve in the next few years. What is the plan for the next five years by 2030?

    His Excellency: It is a very ambiLous plan. I have a friend who once told me that the World Cup was like an IPO for Qatar. I believe this was, thanks to God, this was a very successful IPO. It has been oversubscribed. We have seen the growth in many sectors aYer that. Basically, Qatar is trying to work on a transformaLon plan where we transform our economy into more being diversified, with a diversified base internally. We have been talking about this for the last 25 years and we have been working toward that objecLve. We are focusing on developing different sectors, whether it is on the manufacturing, on the logisLcs, on the educaLon, on the healthcare, on the tourism and technology. We have seen the technology revoluLon right now that is happening. We have seen that this technology revoluLon is not only happening away in the world, but countries like UAE is leading in arLficial intelligence or Saudi leading in data centers and we are trying to be part of this ecosystem and being a complementary for this region. Basically, we see that the potenLal is huge. The capability is there. Qatar has successfully built global brands in the last few decades. Qatar Airways is one of the main examples when you see that you have a leading airline being nominated number one for the last few years. This is something making us proud and we would like to see more and more brands coming out of Qatar like this.

    Joumanna Bercetche (Bloomberg TV): Your Excellency, thank you so much. Thank you. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Condemns Israeli Approval of 22 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank

    Source: Government of Iran

    Doha – May 30, 2025

    The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli occupation authorities’ approval of the construction of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, considering it a blatant violation of international legitimacy, particularly United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, and a flagrant infringement on the rights of the Palestinian people.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores the urgent need for the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by compelling Israel to halt its settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories.

    The Ministry reaffirms Qatar’s firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause and the resilience of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on international legitimacy and the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatari-Egyptian Joint Statement on Ceasefire Negotiations in Gaza Strip

    Source: Government of Iran

    Doha – June 1, 2025

    The State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt continue their intensive efforts to bring views closer and address contentious points with a view to reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, based on the proposal of the U.S. President’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, thereby enabling the resumption of indirect negotiations on the basis of this proposal.

    Qatar and Egypt, in coordination with the United States of America, affirm their intention to intensify efforts to overcome the obstacles facing the negotiations. They also call for all parties to exercise responsibility and support the efforts of mediators aimed at resolving the crisis in the Gaza Strip, through restoring stability and calm to the region.

    The two countries are also striving to swiftly reach a 60-day temporary truce, which would pave the way for a permanent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. This would facilitate the resolution of the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the region, enable the opening of border crossings, and allow the entry of humanitarian and relief aid to alleviate the suffering faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza. Ultimately, this effort aims to bring an end to the war entirely and initiate the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in accordance with the plan adopted by the emergency Arab summit held in Cairo on March 4, 2025.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar, Syria Issue Joint Statement

    Source: Government of Iran

    Doha, June 03

    Based on the fraternal relations between the State of Qatar and the Syrian Arab Republic, and based on the common aspiration to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a high-level Syrian ministerial delegation headed by HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Asaad Hassan Al Shaibani, accompanied by seven ministers, which comes within the framework of strengthening the solid fraternal relations and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

    At the outset of the meeting, HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates conveyed the greetings of HE President of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmed Al Sharaa to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and his wishes for the State of Qatar, its government, and people, continued progress and prosperity. HE the Syrian Minister also expressed Syria’s deep appreciation for the State of Qatar’s initiatives and continuous efforts in support of the reconstruction process in Syria, praising Qatar’s firm stances toward supporting the Syrian people.

    In turn, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir to HE the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and His Highness’s wishes for continued health and happiness for His Excellency, and for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of the Syrian Arab Republic.

    The meeting discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing the depth of fraternal ties that unite them and their mutual commitment to strengthening and developing cooperation in various areas of common interest.

    The meeting also discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the energy, economy, trade, finance, tourism, communications, information technology, higher education, development, and other sectors, including:

    Support and supply the Syrian Arab Republic with electricity.Settling the Syrian Arab Republic’s debt to the World Bank, jointly by the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Providing joint financial support from the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support the salaries of public sector workers in the Syrian Arab Republic for a period of three months. The Qatari side reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm and supportive stances on the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as on the realization of the aspirations of its fraternal people for a dignified life and the building of a state of institutions and law. It also categorically rejected any attempts to undermine Syria’s unity or undermine its national sovereignty.

    For its part, the Syrian side affirmed its pride in the State of Qatar’s supportive stance towards the Syrian people, praising its supportive role at various stages and reiterating the Syrian Arab Republic’s commitment to the principles of respecting the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Strongly Condemns School Shooting in Austria

    Source: Government of Iran

    Doha, June 10, 2025

    The State of Qatar strongly condemns the shooting incident that occurred at a school in  the Austrian city of Graz, which resulted in deaths and injuries.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of their motives and causes.

    The Ministry expresses the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Austria, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Partakes in Political Directors of Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Meeting

    Source: Government of Iran

    Madrid, June 10, 2025

    The State of Qatar participated in the meeting of the political directors of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which was held in the Spanish capital.

    HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab represented the State of Qatar at the meeting.

    During his speech, His Excellency reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s firm commitment to the mission and objectives of the Global Coalition, as well as its support for all efforts to mobilize all necessary resources to defeat ISIS, especially in the Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of Iraq.

    His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar welcomes the positive steps that have been taken in Syria towards national consensus and the consolidation of the rule of law and institutions, noting that lifting sanctions on Syria is an important step towards supporting stability and prosperity there.

    HE the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs called for respect for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, pointing out that any military action that detracts from this sovereignty is no less dangerous than combating terrorist groups.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: UAE President Meets Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Source: Government of Iran

    Abu Dhabi, June 10

    HH President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met on Tuesday, at Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

    At the outset of the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HH the President of the United Arab Emirates, wishing him good health and happiness, and the people of the UAE continued progress and prosperity.

    For his part, HH the President of the United Arab Emirates entrusted HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to convey his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing him good health and happiness, and the Qatari people further progress and prosperity.

    Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two brotherly countries and means to support and develop them.

    They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Press Conference of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Latest Developments Regarding the Joint Mediation Efforts to End the Ongoing War in the Gaza Strip

    Source: Government of Iran

    The State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of joint mediation efforts, leading to an agreement between the parties in the Gaza Strip conflict on the exchange of prisoners and hostages, the restoration of sustained calm, and progress toward a permanent ceasefire between the two sides, in addition to the delivery of substantial amounts of humanitarian and relief aid to our Palestinian brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip.

    I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to our partners in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, particularly the U.S. President-elect’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Mr. Steve Witkoff, and the Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council, Mr. Brett McGurk, for their efforts that contributed to advancing the negotiations and reaching this agreement. Special thanks go to our brothers in the team from the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt, and to His Excellency Minister Hassan Rashad, who worked diligently in partnership with their Qatari counterparts to achieve this agreement.

    With the approval of both parties involved in the negotiations on this agreement, efforts are underway to finalize all executive procedures tonight. Subsequently, internal procedures will be undertaken by the Israeli government, after which the agreement will come into effect on Sunday, the 19th of January. The exact time for the implementation of the agreement will be determined at a later stage.

    As for the details of the agreement, the initial phase, which spans 42 days, will involve a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces eastward, away from densely populated areas, to be stationed along the borders across all regions of the Gaza Strip. The phase will also include a prisoner and hostage exchange based on a specified mechanism, the exchange of remains of the deceased, the return of displaced individuals to their places of residence and facilitating the departure of patients and wounded individuals for medical treatment.

    The first phase also includes intensifying the delivery of humanitarian aid and its secure and effective distribution on a wide scale across the Gaza Strip, rehabilitating hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, providing civil defense supplies and fuel, and delivering shelter necessities for displaced individuals who lost their homes due to the war.

    Under the agreement, Hamas will, in the first phase, release 33 Israeli detainees, including civilian women, female soldiers, children, the elderly, and sick and injured civilians, in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons and detention centers.

    As for the details of the second and third phases, the agreement will be finalized during the implementation of the first phase.

    The State of Qatar underscores the necessity for both parties to fully adhere to the implementation of the agreement in its three phases to spare civilian lives and shield the region from the repercussions of this conflict, paving the way for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace. Qatar will continue to collaborate jointly with the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America to ensure the parties’ commitments are upheld and to guarantee the continuation of negotiations for the implementation of the remaining phases.

    We look forward to the concerted efforts of regional and international actors in providing humanitarian assistance and supporting the United Nations in delivering aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. The State of Qatar will spare no effort in extending support to our affected families in the Gaza Strip and providing all necessary measures to alleviate the suffering of the people of the Strip.

    Since October 8, under the directives and direct follow-up of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, we have spared no effort, working tirelessly day and night to reach this moment. Since the success of the mediation in halting the initial fighting last November and securing the release of 109 hostages in exchange for a number of Palestinian detainees, we have been continuously working to ensure the achievement of an agreement that spares innocent lives, halts the machinery of war, and restores hope for a secure future in our region, providing the peoples of the region with the chance to dream of a better future.

    Over the course of 411 days, meetings and communications continued with our partners and the parties to the conflict. Today, we have reached this much-anticipated moment, but it is merely the beginning. The responsibility now falls on the parties, supported by mediators and the international community, to navigate toward the shores of peace. This will be the focus of our efforts in the upcoming phase.

    I would like to extend my gratitude to all our regional and international partners who supported us in these efforts and throughout the journey until reaching this agreement.

    In conclusion, I would like to say to our brothers and sisters in Gaza that the State of Qatar will always continue to support the Palestinian people. This issue is being given direct attention and constant follow-up by His Highness the Amir of the State, whether day or night, hour by hour, and minute by minute. We tell them, thanks be to God, who has enabled us to reach this state today, and we hope that this marks the final chapter of the days of war. We urge all parties to commit to implementing all provisions of this agreement and to adhere to the continuation of these measures as outlined in the agreement. The State of Qatar will remain consistently engaged with its partners to ensure the full implementation of this agreement and to restore comprehensive and sustainable calm in the Gaza Strip. Qatar will not abandon the people of Gaza.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Press Conference of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Lebanese Presidential Palace

    Source: Government of Iran

     

    In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

    May the peace, blessings, and mercy of God be upon you.

    Firstly, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to General Joseph Aoun on his appointment as President of the Republic. We congratulate Lebanon on the end of its presidential vacancy, and we hope that this significant step will pave the way for lasting security and stability in Lebanon.

    We also look forward to the formation of the Lebanese government, hopefully soon, and to completing all necessary steps to strengthen state institutions in order to fulfill the aspirations of the Lebanese people.

    Our visit today to Beirut is a gesture of support from the State of Qatar. The State of Qatar has always stood by Lebanon and its people, in both times of joy and times of hardship. God willing, you can always count on our unwavering support.

    The State of Qatar has consistently supported our sisterly Lebanon in recent years, whether through humanitarian aid, support for community initiatives, or assistance to the Lebanese Army. This support will continue. We have reaffirmed with His Excellency the President, Qatar’s commitment to sustaining its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, the military institution that unites all Lebanese.

    We also emphasize the importance of upholding the agreement regarding the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from southern Lebanon and ensuring the full implementation of related resolutions. Furthermore, we urge all parties to adhere to Resolution 1701, with the ultimate goal of Lebanon regaining full sovereignty over all its territories.

    The State of Qatar reaffirms its continued support for the Lebanese people. Once the government is formed, we look forward to collaborating with the Lebanese government to support state institutions and work on joint projects between our two countries.

    Thank you.

    In response to the First question, HE said:

    The State of Qatar has always been present, and we are committed, by all means, to fulfilling our duty towards the brotherly Lebanese people, Lebanon, and our brothers across the region.

    Regarding our support for the implementation of the resolution and the Israeli withdrawal agreement, as well as rejecting Israeli violations and attacks on Lebanon’s sovereignty, this is absolutely unacceptable. We consistently raise this issue in all our international discussions and in our contacts with the Israeli side. The State of Qatar will continue to play this role.

    On another level, in terms of economic and reconstruction support, there is no doubt that the State of Qatar will remain present, as it has been on every occasion and during every event. We look forward to the completion of the government formation, after which these files will be discussed. We are hopeful of establishing a strategic partnership that will serve the interests of both our countries and people.

    In response to the Second question, HE said:

    The issue of stability in the Middle East is, first and foremost, tied to resolving the root causes of the conflicts. We are all aware that the core issue in the region is Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The rejection of efforts to establish peace, including the two-state solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state, will not lead to stability. Unfortunately, this situation allows extremists to exploit the chaos and take advantage of the reckless actions of the Israeli occupation to further their own agendas. The State of Qatar, without a doubt, completely rejects this.

    Since the beginning of this year, there have been positive indicators, whether it is the filling of the presidential vacancy in Lebanon or the changes taking place in Syria. We wish all the best for these developments. Just as wars have had a successive impact on the region, we hope that peace will also have a similar, cascading effect, and we look forward to that with optimism.

    Today, we are, of course, facing a difficult situation alongside our Palestinian brothers, both in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, following the success of the ceasefire agreement. We are committed to continuing this agreement until it reaches its final phase, ensuring the complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. We also aim to put an end to the actions and violations that our brothers in the West Bank are enduring.

    Regarding the issue of the partnership between the State of Qatar and Lebanon, we are awaiting, the formation of the government. Once that is complete, the State of Qatar will assess the sectors where Lebanon needs support. We will then work together to build a partnership, as I mentioned earlier, based on mutual benefit.

    Thank you very muc

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Press Conference Remarks by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Sidelines of the Second Edition of the Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue

    Source: Government of Iran

     

    In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

    May God’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you,

    First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to my friend, Mr. David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary of the friendly United Kingdom, in Doha to convene the Second Qatari-UK Strategic Dialogue.

    Your Excellency, since the convening of the first Strategic Dialogue, the Qatari-British partnership has witnessed intensive efforts to deepen cooperation across various levels, where the visit of His Highness the Amir of the State to London last December represented a historic milestone in the progress of relations between our two friendly nations, during which we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening the strong and historic bilateral partnership between the two countries.

    The launch of the Second Strategic Dialogue today, under the theme “Partners for the Future”, represents another milestone in advancing the partnership between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom. It also reaffirms our ongoing commitment to further strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, defense, security, and collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts.

    Under the framework of our strategic dialogue, 8 joint working groups are convening today to develop practical steps towards achieving the shared aspirations of both countries.

    We are pleased to witness the launch of a working group in the field of technology, science, and innovation, as well as a working group in the field of health, reflecting the prospects available to advance the current cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom in the areas of modern technology, artificial intelligence, and future opportunities, including their role in supporting healthcare applications and health data.

    The prosperous future is a motto we all stand behind. Undoubtedly, the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom share a vital and thriving economic, trade, and investment partnership, which stands as a landmark we take pride in within our strategic collaboration.

    The State of Qatar invests over 40 billion pounds sterling in the British economy, contributing to job creation, fostering growth and prosperity in the United Kingdom, while generating returns for the Qatari sovereign wealth fund to secure the future of upcoming generations in Qatar. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries exceeded 1.6 billion pounds sterling in the year 2024.

    The State of Qatar continues to play a pivotal role among major global investors in the United Kingdom, being the primary partner of leading British companies. We regard the United Kingdom as one of our most significant investment partners, with a proven track record of success in key investment areas.

    Our investments also contribute to supporting the growth of the British economy and its projects, increasing employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and promoting economic development in our two friendly nations, particularly in the fields of science, technology, sustainability, climate change adaptation, and digital advancement.

    Your Excellency, this partnership is a strong testament to the shared commitment to creating prosperity and a bright future for our two friendly peoples.

    Despite the distances that separate us, there is undoubtedly something unique about the relationship between our two friendly nations.

    Whether it pertains to the thousands of Qatari students who have benefited from education in British schools, colleges, and universities, or the tens of thousands of British citizens in Qatar who work alongside us to achieve our national goals and aspirations, goodwill and dynamism remain at the core of this relationship.

    Our joint efforts to expand this cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, culture, heritage, sports, health, research, and innovation—including genomics—have reaffirmed this bond, alongside our well-established traditions of cultural partnerships.

    Your Excellency, our partnership has become more significant than ever in light of the major risks and the ongoing and escalating tensions that threaten international security. In strengthening this partnership and within the framework of our strategic dialogue today, we announce the signing of a Letter of Intent for cooperation in the fields of peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution, which will enhance technical collaboration with a view to developing capacities in this domain, and supporting our international efforts to promote peace.

    We also convened the inaugural Qatar-UK Development Taskforce to build upon joint efforts in addressing humanitarian challenges, global health, and fostering joint development initiatives, in light of doubling the Co-Funding Initiative for Financing Development Cooperation to $100 million.

    We will work on exploring joint programs in priority areas, including but not limited to: the Gaza Strip, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Bangladesh.

    However, the risks today are higher than ever before. The escalation, aggression, and ongoing Israeli siege on the occupied Palestinian territories and the Gaza Strip, along with the continued politicization of humanitarian aid, targeting of humanitarian workers, and the use of hunger as a tool for collective punishment, place our entire region on the brink of catastrophe.

    This represents a challenge to our humanity, and leaving it unaccounted for is an open invitation to those who may be tempted to employ such inhumane methods to impose political will upon any nation striving for its freedom.

    We hereby affirm our unwavering commitment to working towards de-escalation of tensions, urging Israel to cease obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid, and tirelessly supporting all efforts aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

    Today, Your Excellency, we witness positive developments in Syria, represented by the reconstruction of a state devastated by war, and opportunities for peace supported by negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran mediated by Oman. Furthermore, not to mention the ongoing negotiations concerning peace in Ukraine, alongside other international efforts aimed at realizing humanity’s aspiration for a just and lasting peace for our peoples.

    We remain committed to supporting these efforts as we witness other crises with escalating humanitarian repercussions, foremost among them being the sisterly nations of Sudan and Yemen.

    Our objective is to realize our shared vision of peace and prosperity for our peoples and to strengthen our future partnership towards progress.

    I would like to extend my gratitude to you and the working teams for all the efforts exerted to ensure the success of this Second Strategic Dialogue. We look forward to reviewing these developments during the upcoming strategic dialogue.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal house fire, Trentham

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased after a house fire in Trentham, Upper Hutt on Tuesday [10 June] morning.

    He was 69 year old, John Louis.

    Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

    The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Disposal of yard waste

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ13: Disposal of yard waste 
    Question:
     
    The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) set up Y·PARK, a yard waste recycling centre, in 2021, with the purpose of converting recycled yard waste into useful materials to reduce disposal at landfills and associated carbon emissions. Y·PARK has a target handling capacity of about 11 000 tonnes in the first year, which would gradually increase to an annual average of around 22 000 tonnes. However, information from the Government shows that Y·PARK’s throughput last year was 6 876 tonnes. Besides, earlier on some trucks were reportedly driven from Y·PARK carrying yard waste to landfills in the New Territories West for disposal, and the EPD subsequently explained that the yard waste in question was not acceptable as it contained a large amount of impurities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of Y·PARK’s criteria for the recovery of yard waste, whether it has studied the reasons for the gradual decline in the amount of yard waste handled by Y·PARK in recent years, including whether this is affected by Y·PARK’s recovery criteria or the fact that yard waste producers recycle their own waste;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that Y·PARK’s major sources of yard waste are (i) ‍construction works and (ii) clearance work arising from regular vegetation maintenance, whether there is a statistical breakdown of the amount of yard waste respectively from (i) and (ii) handled by Y·PARK from 2021 to date; of the amount of yard waste that was sent to but not accepted at Y·PARK over the past three years, and whether it has looked into how such yard waste was subsequently disposed of (such as conversion into biochar and being sent to landfills);
     
    (3) given that according to a paper submitted by the Government to the Subcommittee to Study Policy Issues Relating to Municipal Solid Waste Charging, Recovery and Recycling of this Council in January 2023, a pilot biochar plant in EcoPark, which will further convert recyclable products of Y·PARK into biochar, has an estimated capability of converting about 6 000 tonnes of local woody waste into some 1 200 tonnes of biochar annually, of the amounts of waste handled and biochar produced since the plant came into operation, and whether such amounts could meet the targets; if not, when they are expected to meet the targets; and
     
    (4) given that according to the report on Monitoring of Solid Waste in Hong Kong, the amounts of yard waste recovered and disposed in Hong Kong in 2023 were 10 400 tonnes and some 83 000 tonnes respectively, while the amount of yard waste handled by Y·PARK in the same year was 8 609 tonnes, whether it has assessed if there is room for improvement in Y·PARK’s handling capacity; whether the Government has further strategies in place to enhance the recovery rate of yard waste?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,

    After the onslaught of Super Typhoon Mangkhut, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) set up a temporary yard waste recycling centre, Y·PARK, in 2021 to collect and process yard waste generated from regular vegetation maintenance and public construction works on one hand, and to assist in treating large quantities of yard waste generated after emergency incidents such as super typhoons on the other. The service fees paid by the EPD to the contractor are not based on the amount of yard waste received, but on the quantity of recyclable products produced by the contractor, which reflects Y·PARK’s performance more accurately.
     
    The reply to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows:
     
    (1)To ensure the smooth operation of Y·PARK and the quality of the recyclable products, Y·PARK has established appropriate standards for yard waste recycling, including not accepting infected or infested wood, yard waste which is difficult to process such as tree stumps, pure twigs, leaves, grass clippings, or yard waste containing large amount of impurities. If yard waste is mixed with large amount of impurities, the chipping operations may be severely affected. For instance, Y·PARK’s wood chipper experienced mechanical failures due to metal rods hidden in the wood. Time and manpower were required to remove the rods, replace parts and repair the equipment. Such incidents could even halt the production line. Meanwhile, the quality of the recyclable products produced may be affected by impurities. For instance, plastics mixed into the recyclable products would limit their use in gardening. In this regard, the contractor of Y·PARK maintains communication with yard waste producers to explain how to properly separate waste at source to reduce instances where Y·PARK has to reject yard waste.  
    (2) Since its commencement of operation in 2021 up to April this year, Y·PARK has received a total of approximately 31 540 tonnes of yard waste, of which more than 50 per cent from construction works and about 40 per cent from routine vegetation maintenance. The EPD does not have the quantity of rejected yard waste and information on its final disposal means.
     
    (3) The first Pilot Biochar Production Plant (PBPP) in Hong Kong established by the EPD was originally scheduled to commence production in November 2023, with an estimated handling capacity of processing about 6 000 tonnes of local wood materials and producing about 1 200 tonnes of biochar annually. The PBPP commenced its testing in May 2023, during which many technical issues were overcome and various operational conditions (including processing temperatures, duration, and different types of wood-based raw materials) were adjusted and tested, in order to identify the optimal operating conditions and ensure high-quality biochar can be produced with less energy consumption. The PBPP finally commenced production in October 2024. From the start of the PBPP’s testing stage to the end of April 2025, the PBPP has processed over 1 200 tonnes of local wood materials from yard waste, converting them into more than 270 tonnes of biochar. The purposes of setting up the PBPP are to explore the technical feasibility of converting local wood materials from yard waste into biochar, as well as to study the quality of the biochar produced and its practical applications in the local market. As such, the actual processing quantity of the PBPP is adjusted based on testing needs and is also affected by the supply of wood materials and local market demand for biochar applications. With the PBPP entering production stage for only about six months, the EPD will consolidate operational experiences with a view to gradually increasing its processing quantity upon establishing technical requirements and market applications.
     
    (4) In order to further enhance the yard waste processing quantity of Y·PARK, the EPD are adopting a multi-pronged approach to increase the yard waste recycling rate. Measures include: (i) the EPD will continue to liaise with relevant government departments and other yard waste producers, encouraging them to adhere to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, and treat and reuse yard waste on-site as far as possible, while yard waste that cannot be treated or reused on-site could be delivered to Y·PARK or other suitable recycling facilities for treatment; (ii) to encourage the Y·PARK contractor to recycle collected yard waste as far as possible to increase its recycling rate. The current contract stipulates that the service fees paid by the EPD to the contractor are based on the quantity of recyclable products produced, providing a financial incentive to the contractor; and (iii) in the long run, the Government reserves land in the New Territories North New Town to establish a larger-scale yard waste recycling facility to enhance yard waste handling capacity.
    Issued at HKT 12:08

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Trump warns protests at Army parade will be met with force

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump warned people on Tuesday against protesting at the weekend military parade in Washington marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

    “For those people that want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force,” Trump told reporters in the White House’s Oval Office.

    Law enforcement agencies are preparing for hundreds of thousands of people to attend Saturday’s parade, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool said on Monday.

    McCool said thousands of agents, officers and specialists will be deployed from law enforcement agencies from across the country. The FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department have said there are no credible threats to the event.

    At least nine permits have been issued for protests on that day, a U.S. Secret Service spokesperson said on Tuesday.

    In unscheduled Oval Office remarks, Trump discussed his decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles after protests erupted in response to federal immigration raids at workplaces there.

    Trump defended his decision to take that rare step and said troops were necessary to contain the unrest, despite objections from local and state officials that they were needed.

    Saturday’s event, which will coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday, includes an Army birthday festival on the National Mall and will culminate with a parade through the capital and an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony presided over by the president.

    Nationwide protests on that day were being organized by a group called No Kings.

    “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights and slashed our services,” the group says on its website. “The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.”

    (Reuters) 

  • US, China reach deal to ease export curbs, keep tariff truce alive

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. and Chinese officials said on Tuesday they had agreed on a framework to put their trade truce back on track and remove China’s export restrictions on rare earths while offering little sign of a durable resolution to longstanding trade differences.
     
    At the end of two days of intense negotiations in London, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the framework deal puts “meat on the bones” of an agreement reached last month in Geneva to ease bilateral retaliatory tariffs that had reached crushing triple-digit levels.
     
    But the Geneva deal had faltered over China’s continued curbs on critical minerals exports, prompting the Trump administration to respond with export controls of its own preventing shipments of semiconductor design software, aircraft and other goods to China.
     
    Lutnick said the agreement reached in London would remove some of the recent U.S. export restrictions, but did not provide details after the talks concluded around midnight London time (2300 GMT).
     
    “We have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus and the call between the two presidents,” Lutnick said. “The idea is we’re going to go back and speak to President Trump and make sure he approves it. They’re going to go back and speak to President Xi and make sure he approves it, and if that is approved, we will then implement the framework.”
     
    In a separate briefing, China’s Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang also said a trade framework had been reached in principle that would be taken back to U.S. and Chinese leaders.
     
    The dispute may keep the Geneva agreement from unravelling over duelling export controls, but does little to resolve deep differences over Trump’s unilateral tariffs and longstanding U.S. complaints about China’s state-led, export-driven economic model.
     
    The two sides left Geneva with fundamentally different views of the terms of that agreement and needed to be more specific on required actions, said Josh Lipsky, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center in Washington.
     
    “They are back to square one but that’s much better than square zero,” Lipsky added.
     
    The two sides have until August 10 to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement to ease trade tensions, or tariff rates will snap back from about 30% to 145% on the U.S. side and from 10% to 125% on the Chinese side.
     
    Investors, who have been badly burned by trade turmoil before, offered a cautious response and MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.57%.
     
    “The devil will be in the details, but the lack of reaction suggests this outcome was fully expected,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone in Melbourne.
     
    “The details matter, especially around the degree of rare earths bound for the U.S., and the subsequent freedom for U.S.-produced chips to head east, but for now as long as the headlines of talks between the two parties remain constructive, risk assets should remain supported.”
     
    RESOLVING RESTRICTIONS
     
    Lutnick said China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals and magnets to the U.S. will be resolved as a “fundamental” part of the framework agreement.
     
    “Also, there were a number of measures the United States of America put on when those rare earths were not coming,” Lutnick said. “You should expect those to come off … in a balanced way.”
     
    U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting tariff policies have roiled global markets, sparked congestion and confusion in major ports, and cost companies tens of billions of dollars in lost sales and higher costs. The World Bank on Tuesday slashed its global growth forecast for 2025 by four-tenths of a percentage point to 2.3%, saying higher tariffs and heightened uncertainty posed a “significant headwind” for nearly all economies.
     
    A resolution to the trade war may require policy adjustments from all countries to treat financial imbalances or otherwise greatly risk mutual economic damage, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on a rare visit to Beijing on Wednesday.
     
    PHONE CALL HELPED
     
    The second round of U.S.-China talks was given a major boost by a rare phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, which Lutnick said provided directives that were merged with Geneva truce agreement.
     
    Customs data published on Monday showed that China’s exports to the U.S. plunged 34.5% in May, the sharpest drop since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.
     
    While the impact on U.S. inflation and its jobs market has so far been muted, tariffs have hammered U.S. business and household confidence and the dollar remains under pressure.
     
    Lutnick was joined by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the London talks. Bessent departed hours before their conclusion to return to Washington to testify before Congress on Wednesday.
     
    China holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, a crucial component in electric vehicle motors, and its decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets upended global supply chains.
     
    In May, the U.S. responded by halting shipments of semiconductor design software and chemicals and aviation equipment, revoking export licences that had been previously issued.
     
    China, Mexico, the European Union, Japan, Canada and many airlines and aerospace companies worldwide urged the Trump administration not to impose new national security tariffs on imported commercial planes and parts, according to documents released Tuesday.
     
    Just after the framework deal was announced, a U.S. appeals court allowed Trump’s most sweeping tariffs to stay in effect while it reviews a lower court decision blocking them on grounds that they exceeded Trump’s legal authority by imposing them.
     
    The decision keeps alive a key pressure point on China, Trump’s currently suspended 34% “reciprocal” duties that had prompted swift tariff escalation.
     
    (Reuters)

  • Tesla’s public robotaxi rides set for tentative June 22 start, CEO Musk says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tesla tentatively plans to begin offering rides on its self-driving robotaxis to the public on June 22, CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday, as investors and fans of the electric vehicle maker eagerly await rollout of the long-promised service.

    Musk has staked Tesla’s future on self-driving vehicles, pivoting away from plans to build a cheaper EV platform, and much of the company’s valuation hangs on that vision.

    But commercializing autonomous vehicles (AV) has been challenging with safety concerns, tight regulations and soaring investments, and many have been skeptical of Musk’s plans.

    “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift,” Musk said in a post on X in response to a question from a user about public robotaxi rides that the EV maker plans to first offer in Austin, Texas.

    Musk also said starting June 28, Tesla vehicles will drive themselves to a customer’s house from the end of the factory line.

    A successful robotaxi launch is crucial for Tesla as sales of its EVs have softened due to rising competition and a backlash against Musk’s embrace of far-right political views in Europe, and his recent work for U.S. President Donald Trump before their public falling out.

    Musk has promised a paid robotaxi service in Austin starting with about 10-20 of its Model Y SUVs that will operate in a limited area and under remote human supervision.

    The company then plans to expand operations to other U.S. states later in the year, including California which has stringent AV regulations.

    “Austin >> LA for robotaxi launch lol,” Musk said on X, in an apparent reference to the southern Californian city of Los Angeles.

    Tesla has been testing its self-driving vehicles on public streets in Austin, Musk said last month. Earlier on Tuesday, Musk re-posted a video on X that showed a Model Y making a turn at an Austin intersection with no human driver and the word “Robotaxi” written on it, and followed closely by another Model Y.

    The vehicles were using a new version of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance software, called Full Self-Driving (FSD), Musk said in a separate X post.

    Little else is known about Tesla’s robotaxi service, including where it will operate, the extent of remote supervision and how the public can use the service.

    (Reuters)

  • Brazil qualify for 2026 World Cup finals

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Brazil secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Paraguay, taking the second of South America’s six automatic qualifying berths after champions Argentina booked their ticket in March.

    A goal from Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr. on the stroke of halftime in Sao Paulo made it a winning home debut for Brazil’s new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

    Brazil extended their record as the only team to play in every edition of the World Cup, with the five-times winners set to make their 23rd appearance in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    Ecuador can also secure a World Cup spot if they are able to avoid defeat in Peru.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Uruguay took a step closer to securing a spot with a 2-0 home victory over Venezuela at the Estadio Centenario, a victory which also snapped a four-match winless run in South American qualifiers.

    Uruguay dominated much of the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised Venezuelan defence until Rodrigo Aguirre put the hosts ahead in the 42nd minute, heading in at the far post from a Maxi Araujo corner.

    Giorgian De Arrascaeta doubled Uruguay’s lead just two minutes into the second half, firing a superb shot into the top-left corner to seal a win that secures Marcelo Bielsa’s side of at least an inter-confederation playoff berth.

    Argentina needed an 81st-minute equaliser from Thiago Almada to cancel out Luis Diaz’s goal and secure a draw with Colombia, avoiding a second straight defeat to Nestor Lorenzo’s side.

    Chile’s hopes of reaching the finals ended with a 2-0 loss in Bolivia. Chile coach Ricardo Gareca resigned after the match.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police continue search for missing man Kyle

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police are continuing their search for missing man Kyle in the far north of South Australia.

    Kyle was last seen about midday on Sunday 1 June at Arkaroola.

    Kyle, 39, is about 180 cm tall, with a slim build and chin-length dreadlocks.

    He is believed to be driving a white 2023 Toyota Hiace rental van with South Australian registration S129CWL.

    The van was last seen in the area just after 6am on Monday 2 June.

    Since he was reported missing, police and emergency services have been searching the area where he was last seen, including the area between Arkaroola and Yunta, where Kyle is believed to have driven the van between 30 May and 1 June 2025.

    PolAir and extra patrols have been searching the area but have been unable to locate him.

    Police have concerns for Kyle’s welfare and anyone who sees him or his van is asked to call police immediately on 131 444.

    Please quote reference number 149686.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Adelaide University appoints new Vice Chancellor

    Source:

    11 June 2025

    The inaugural Adelaide University Vice Chancellor, Professor Nicola Phillips

    Following a comprehensive global search, Australia’s new major university announces Professor Nicola Phillips as its new Vice Chancellor and President (Vice Chancellor) with effect from 12 January 2026.

    The Adelaide University Transition Council has unanimously resolved to appoint Prof. Nicola Phillips as the new Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University following exceptional global interest and a high-quality candidate field.

    Chancellor of the Adelaide University Transition Council (Transition Council), Ms Pauline Carr, said that finding the right person to lead the institution through its formative years was imperative.

    “We are delighted to announce Prof. Phillips as the new Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University as we boldly take our next steps as Australia’s new comprehensive university for the future,” Carr said.

    Prof. Phillips joins Adelaide University from the University of Melbourne, where she is currently the Provost and has served as both Acting and Interim Vice Chancellor. With some 30 years of experience in the higher education sector across Australia and the United Kingdom, Prof. Phillips has cultivated a deep understanding of the sector and brings a local and global perspective to the position.

    “Throughout her career, Prof. Phillips has been a formidable force, guiding significant step-changes across contemporary academic delivery, student access and equity, Aboriginal knowledges, online education, and cultural inclusivity – with strong alignment to Adelaide University’s strategic direction as a differentiated member of Australia’s Group of Eight,” Carr said.

    “The Transition Council would also like to recognise the monumental and continued contributions of the founding co-Vice Chancellors, Professors Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd, who are establishing the solid foundations on which the institution will see sustained success. They will also be instrumental in transitioning the leadership from now until when Prof. Phillips begins the role as well as winding down the foundation universities.”

    Prof. Phillips will actively shape Adelaide University as it begins operations.

    “I am thrilled to be joining Adelaide University at a time of unmatched potential and possibilities – and to call South Australia home,” Prof. Phillips said.

    “I look forward to leading Adelaide University and establishing the institution as a trailblazer for change, where education and research of the highest quality reach into all corners of our society to transform the lives of individuals and communities.”

    The global search was led by the Adelaide University Transition Council, in partnership with executive search firm, Korn Ferry, and informed by the Recruitment Recommendations Panel comprising internal and expert external members.

    Insights on selection criteria deemed most important were also provided by staff, students, alumni and key partners. Inspirational and visionary leadership, being a visible role model with high ethical standards, and building a cohesive and constructive culture as well as having strong academic credentials were identified amongst some of the most valued attributes.

    Prof. Phillips will commence in the role from 12 January 2026 to align with Adelaide University’s opening of its inaugural academic year.

    About Professor Nicola Phillips
    Professor Nicola Phillips is an esteemed leader and academic with some 30 years of experience in the higher education sector across Australia and the United Kingdom. She is a Professor of Political Economy with interests in global economic development, labour standards and inequality.

    Educated at King’s College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science, Prof. Phillips held positions at the Universities of Warwick, Manchester and Sheffield before becoming Vice President & Vice Principal (Education) at King’s College London, and then Provost at the University of Melbourne in September 2021. She has held visiting fellowships and professorships across the world, including the Australian National University, the University of British Columbia, and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.

    Among many notable honours, Prof. Phillips holds a Fellowship of the UK Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS) and a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and was awarded The J. Ann Tickner Prize from the International Studies Association (ISA) for combining bravery in pursuing pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of the discipline with a deep commitment to teaching and mentorship.

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Discurso del Gobernador Newsom a California: La Democracia en una Encrucijada

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 10, 2025

    Los Ángeles — En un discurso pronunciado esta noche ante casi 40 millones de californianos y estadounidenses en todo el país, el Gobernador Gavin Newsom condenó la militarización ilegal de Los Ángeles por parte del Presidente Trump y advirtió que las acciones del Presidente marcan un peligroso punto crucial para la nación.

    “Lo que estamos atestiguando no es la aplicación de la ley, sino el autoritarismo,” dijo el Gobernador Newsom a los californianos. “Lo que más desea Donald Trump es su lealtad. Su silencio. Que sean cómplices en este momento. No se rindan ante él.”

    El Gobernador Newsom relató recientes redadas federales en comunidades latinas, la apropiación de 4,000 miembros de la Guardia Nacional de California y el despliegue de más de 700 miembros de la Infantería de Marina en las calles de una ciudad estadounidense – todo ello sin consultar con las autoridades estatales ni locales. “Trump está desplegando una redada militar en Los Ángeles,” dijo Newsom. “Sus acciones son cobardía  disfrazada como fortaleza.” 

    El Gobernador, al calificar este momento de reflexión nacional, le pidió a los estadounidenses tomar medidas pacíficas. “El cargo más importante en una democracia no es el de Presidente ni el de Gobernador, sino el de ciudadano.”

    Vea y lea el discurso completo en inglés abajo, como escrito:

    [embedded content]

    Discurso del Gobernador Newsom a California: La Democracia en una Encrucijada

    Quiero decir algunas palabras sobre los acontecimientos de los últimos días.

    El fin de semana pasado, agentes federales realizaron redadas a gran escala en sitios  de trabajo en Los Ángeles y sus alrededores.

    Estas redadas continúan hasta en este momento.

    California no es un estado ajeno a la aplicación de la ley migratoria.

    Pero en lugar de enfocarse en inmigrantes indocumentados con antecedentes penales graves y personas con órdenes de deportación firmes —una estrategia que ambos partidos han apoyado desde hace tiempo— esta administración está impulsando deportaciones masivas.

    Atacando indiscriminadamente a familias inmigrantes trabajadoras, sin importar sus orígenes ni el riesgo que corren.

    Lo que está sucediendo ahora es muy diferente a todo lo que hemos visto antes.

    El sábado por la mañana, cuando agentes federales saltaron de una camioneta sin identificación cerca del estacionamiento de un Home Depot, empezaron a detener a la gente.

    Un ataque deliberado contra una comunidad mayoritariamente latina.

    Una escena similar se desarrolló cuando una empresa de ropa fue allanada en el centro de Los Ángeles.

    En otras acciones: una ciudadana estadounidense, con 9 meses de embarazo, fue arrestada. Se llevaron a una niña de cuatro años.

    Familias separadas. Amigos desaparecidos.

    En respuesta, los angelinos salieron a ejercer su derecho constitucional a la libertad de expresión y reunión.

    Para protestar contra las acciones de su gobierno.

    A su vez, el Estado de California y la Ciudad y el Condado de Los Ángeles enviamos a nuestros agentes de policía para ayudar a mantener la paz, y con algunas excepciones, tuvieron éxito.

    Como muchos estados, California no es ajeno a este tipo de disturbios civiles. Los gestionamos con regularidad… y con nuestros propios cuerpos policiales. 

    Pero esto, de nuevo, fue diferente.

    Lo que siguió fue el uso de gas lacrimógeno. Granadas aturdidoras. Balas de goma.

    Agentes federales deteniendo a personas y socavando sus derechos al debido proceso.

    Donald Trump, sin consultar con las autoridades policiales de California, desplegó a 2,000 miembros de la Guardia Nacional de nuestro estado en nuestras calles.

    Ilegalmente y sin motivo alguno.

    Este descarado abuso de poder por parte de un Presidente avivó la situación… poniendo en riesgo a nuestra gente, a nuestros oficiales y a la Guardia Nacional.

    Fue entonces cuando comenzó una espiral de declive. El redobló la apuesta por su peligroso despliegue de la Guardia Nacional, poniendole más leña al fuego. 

    Y el Presidente lo hizo a propósito.

    Mientras que la noticia se difundía por Los Ángeles, la ansiedad de familiares y amigos aumentaba. Las protestas se reanudaron.

    Por la noche, varias docenas de infractores de la ley  se volvieron violentos y destructivos. Vandalizaron propiedades. Intentaron agredir a agentes de policía.

    Muchos de ustedes han visto videos de autos incendiándose en las noticias.

    Si incitan a la violencia o destruyen nuestras comunidades, rendirán cuentas.

    Ese tipo de comportamiento criminal no será tolerado. Punto final.

    Ya se ha arrestado a más de 370 personas. Estamos revisando las grabaciones para abrir casos adicionales, y serán perseguidos con todo el peso de la ley.  

    Una vez más, gracias a nuestro cuerpo policial y a la mayoría de los angelinos que protestaron pacíficamente, esta situación se estaba calmando y se había concentrado en tan solo unas pocas cuadras en el centro de la ciudad.

    Pero eso no era lo que quería Donald Trump.

    Una vez más, él optó por la escalación; optó por aún más fuerza.

    El prefirió el teatro por encima de la  seguridad pública: federalizó a 2,000 miembros adicionales de la Guardia Nacional.

    Desplegó a más de 700 miembros de Infantería de Marina Estadounidense.

    Estos son hombres y mujeres entrenados a combatir en suelo extranjero, no en la aplicación de la ley nacional.

    Honramos su servicio. Honramos su valentía. Pero no queremos que nuestras calles sean militarizadas por nuestras propias Fuerzas Armadas. Ni en Los Ángeles. Ni en California. Ni en ninguna parte.

    Hemos visto vehículos de policía no distintivos en los estacionamientos de las escuelas. Niños, con miedo de asistir a su propia graduación.

    Trump está desplegando una redada militar en Los Ángeles, que va mucho más allá de su intención declarada de perseguir a delincuentes violentos y peligrosos.

    Sus agentes están arrestando a trabajadores de restaurante, jardineros, jornaleros y costureras. Eso es simplemente cobardía. Sus acciones son cobardía disfrazada como fortaleza.

    El gobierno de Donald Trump no está protegiendo a nuestras comunidades – las está traumando. Y ese parece ser el objetivo.

    California seguirá luchando por nuestra gente, por toda nuestra gente, incluso ante las cortes.

    Ayer, presentamos una impugnación legal contra el imprudente despliegue de tropas estadounidenses por parte del Presidente Trump en una ciudad principal estadounidense.

    Hoy, solicitamos una orden judicial de emergencia para detener el uso del ejército estadounidense en actividades policiales en Los Ángeles.

    Si cualquiera de nosotros puede ser  secuestrado de las calles sin orden judicial, basándose únicamente en sospechas o el color de la piel, entonces ninguno de nosotros está a salvo.

    Los regímenes autoritarios empiezan por atacar a las personas con menos capacidad de defensa. Pero no se detienen ahí.

    Trump y sus leales se alimentan de la división porque les permite tomar más poder y ejercer aún más control.

    Por cierto, Trump no se opone a la anarquía ni a la violencia, siempre y cuando le sirvan a él mismo.

    ¿Qué más evidencia necesitamos que el 6 de enero?

    Les pido a todos que se tomen un momento para reflexionar sobre este peligroso momento.

    Un presidente que no quiere regirse por ninguna ley ni constitución.

    Perpetrando un ataque unificado contra las tradiciones estadounidenses.

    Este es un Presidente que, en poco más de 140 días, ha despedido a los organismos de control del gobierno que podrían exigirle responsabilidades por corrupción y fraude.

    Ha declarado una guerra contra la cultura, la historia, la ciencia; contra el conocimiento mismo. Bases de datos, literalmente desapareciendo.

    Está deslegitimando a las organizaciones de noticias y atacando la Primera Enmienda.

    Amenazando con desfinanciarlas, él está dictando lo que las universidades pueden enseñar.

    Atacando a los bufetes de abogados y al poder judicial, que son la base de una sociedad civil ordenada.

    Exigiendo que un gobernador sea arrestado sin otra razón más que, en sus propias palabras, “por haber sido elegido.”

    Y todos sabemos que este sábado ordenará a nuestros héroes estadounidenses —el ejército de los Estados Unidos—  a realizar una exhibición vulgar para celebrar su cumpleaños, tal como lo han hecho otros dictadores fallidos en el pasado.

    Miren, esto no se trata sólo de las protestas en Los Ángeles.

    Cuando Donald Trump buscó la autoridad absoluta para comandar la Guardia Nacional, hizo que esa orden se aplicara a todos los estados de esta nación.

    Se trata de todos nosotros. Se trata de ustedes.

    California puede ser el comienzo, pero claramente no terminará aquí. Otros estados son los siguientes.

    La democracia es la siguiente.

    La democracia está bajo ataque ante nuestros ojos; el momento que temíamos ha llegado.

    Está demoliendo el proyecto histórico de nuestros padres fundadores.

    Las tres ramas de gobierno independientes e iguales.

    Ya no hay pesos y contrapesos. El Congreso no existe. El líder Johnson ha abdicado por completo de esa responsabilidad.

    El estado de derecho ha cedido cada vez más ante el gobierno de Don.

    Los padres fundadores de esta nación no vivieron ni murieron para presenciar este momento. 

    Es hora de que todos nos levantemos pacíficamente.

    El Juez Brandeis lo expresó mejor: en una democracia, el cargo más importante no es el de Presidente, ni mucho menos el de Gobernador. El cargo más importante es el de ciudadano.

    En este momento, todos debemos levantarnos y rendir cuentas ante un mayor nivel de responsabilidad.

    Si ejercen sus derechos bajo la Primera Enmienda, por favor, háganlo pacíficamente.

    Sé que muchos de ustedes sienten profunda ansiedad, estrés y miedo.

    Pero quiero que sepan que USTEDES son el antídoto contra ese miedo y esa ansiedad.

    Lo que más desea Donald Trump es su lealtad. Su silencio. Ser cómplices en este momento.

    NO se rindan ante él.

    Recent news

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Applauds General Motors’ $4 Billion Investment in America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) applauded today’s announcement from General Motors that they will be investing $4 billion into U.S. manufacturing plants, including in Kansas City, Kansas.
    “General Motors’ announcement to expand production in Kansas is a clear sign that President Trump’s policies are working and bringing back good-paying manufacturing jobs,” said Senator Marshall. “This investment will be a huge boon for the hard-working men and women in the area, and I look forward to seeing what developments come next under this White House.”
    Under President Trump’s leadership, Made-in-America is being incentivized again, giving companies more reasons than ever to invest in America.
    Additionally, the President’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ will lower the tax rate for those producing products, like vehicles, in the United States, and those who purchase American-made cars will receive Made-in-America Auto Tax breaks.
    Background:
    Senator Marshall previously introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden Administration’s radical environmental agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a proposed rule and other regulations that essentially seek to eliminate the internal combustion engine.
    Senator Marshall also previously led calls for the withdrawal of the Biden Administration’s proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks, which would have effectively mandated the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs) and a phase-out of gas-powered cars and trucks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER STATEMENT ON TRUMP RENAMING FORT HENRY JOHNSON BACK TO FORT POLK

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today released the following statement on President Trump announcing the Army would be renaming Fort Johnson, named in honor of the Medal of Honor recipient, Albany Resident, Harlem Hellfighter, and New York Army National Guard Sgt. William Henry Johnson, back to Fort Polk:
    “This is a vile insult to the memory and heroic patriotism of Sgt. Henry Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient and Albany resident who Theodore Roosevelt called ‘one of the five bravest Americans’ to have served in World War I. Allied Commander Gen. John Pershing singled out Johnson for his valor in repelling a German raider party of at least 12 men, and Johnson protected his fellow soldiers under heavy fire and repelled the raiding party resulting in several enemy casualties, engaging in hand to hand combat. For this he received no American military honor because of a racist and segregated military,” said Senator Schumer. “For nearly a century, the nation for which he was willing to give his life shamefully failed to recognize Henry Johnson’s heroics, simply because of the color of his skin, and now they are disgracefully removing his name from an honor he unquestionably earned via superhuman heroism on the battlefield. Henry Johnson loved America when America did not love him back. Yet he still willingly put his life on the line for our great nation. Some might call that the warrior spirit. I call it patriotism of the very highest order.”
    Schumer continued, “Sgt. Johnson is a true American hero who displayed the most profound bravery on the battlefield, and returning this fort to its former name, and taking this honor away from a medal of honor recipient is a disgusting new low for the Trump administration. It is utterly indefensible. All of America should be outraged at this slap in the face of a war hero. The Trump administration should be ashamed and should immediately reverse this decision.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Thunderstorms, heavy showers likely in many states; IMD issues orange alert

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an Orange Alert for several regions, warning of moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph over the next two to three hours.

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    In Madhya Pradesh, districts including Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat are likely to experience intense weather conditions. Chhattisgarh is also expected to be significantly impacted, with warnings issued for Mungeli, Kabirdham, Bemetara, Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Balod, Kanker, and Narayanpur.

    Parts of eastern Maharashtra, particularly Gondia, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Wardha, and Nanded, are under similar warnings. In Karnataka, the alert applies to Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, and Ramnagar districts, where adverse weather is anticipated.

    The forecast also suggests intensified rainfall and storm activity in several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakkurichi, Cuddalore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, and Theni. In Kerala, residents of Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram have been advised to remain alert. Assam’s Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Sibsagar districts are also expected to witness thunderstorm activity.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU took 7th place in the ranking of the best universities in Russia in terms of salaries of IT specialists

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Portal Superjob published a rating of the best Russian universities by the salary level of IT specialists who graduated from the university in 2019-2024. Novosibirsk State University took 7th place, it comes right after the universities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Two more universities are in the same position – Kazan Federal University and National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”. The average income of NSU graduates working in the IT sector was 230 thousand rubles, an increase of 30 thousand rubles compared to last year.

    At NSU, the IT direction is one of the key ones: for example, if you look at the distribution of budget places based on the results of the 2024 admission campaign, more than 20% are in IT. NSU has a specialized Faculty of Information Technology, which turns 25 this year, at the same time IT is represented in almost all faculties and in all institutes. The Mechanics and Mathematics Faculty has a program in systems programming, the Physics Faculty has a program in physical informatics, and the Humanities Institute has a program in fundamental and applied linguistics.

    Machine learning and artificial intelligence have also been actively developing at NSU in recent years. At the end of April this year, the university won a government grant to train top IT specialists and is launching a new bachelor’s degree program in Applied Artificial Intelligence from September 2025. It will be developed in cooperation with industrial partners Rostelecom and Innotech (T1). The pilot enrollment will be 150 students. Grant support will allow students to study for free and receive scholarships from partner companies.

     

    About the rating methodology

    The rating was prepared by the SuperJob research center based on an analysis of the average salaries of graduates of Russian universities graduating in 2019–2024. The source of information is the SuperJob resume database (more than 30 million resumes) and other open sources. The data collection period is 2 months before the rating release date. The sample for each university participating in the rating is at least 70 resumes of graduates of specialized faculties of the specified graduation years, excluding resumes of interns, junior specialists, and applicants with less than 1 year of work experience in their specialty. Resumes for positions in the fields of development, information security, software testing, DevOps, analytics, data research, Machine Learning, Data engineering, etc. are considered.

     

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese scientists develop wearable sweat analysis system for early warning of Parkinson’s disease

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CHANGCHUN, June 11 (Xinhua) — A Chinese research team led by Zhang Qiang, a researcher with the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has successfully developed a fully integrated wearable sweat sensor for online analysis of multiple biomarkers related to Parkinson’s disease.

    The results of their research were published on Tuesday Beijing time in the scientific journal Advanced Materials.

    According to its results, the system allows for real-time detection of biomarkers in sweat, which allows non-invasive monitoring of disease progression over time. This opens up new opportunities for early intervention during the “golden window” in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

    Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is difficult to detect in its early stages. Symptoms such as tremors and slowness of movement may not appear until many years after the initial degeneration of neurons. Without treatment, patients currently rely primarily on long-term drug therapy. Early diagnosis and prognosis are therefore incredibly important in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

    “It’s only the size of a patch, but it contains a ‘miniature detector’ that we developed,” Zhang Qiang said. “It’s like installing a translator that converts the biological signals contained in sweat into user-friendly information that patients can understand.”

    Compared with traditional invasive testing, the flexible sensor device can overcome many technical problems.

    “It’s as easy to use as a watch,” Zhang Qiang added.

    “We hope that in the future, people at high risk of developing Parkinson’s disease will be able to access this health monitoring system,” Zhang Qiang said, adding that it will provide key technological support for the early diagnosis and prognosis of Parkinson’s disease. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping, Denis Sassou Nguesso Send Congratulatory Letters to Participants of Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators for Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xinhua | 11.06. 2025

    Keywords: China

    Source: Xinhua

    Xi Jinping, Denis Sassou Nguesso Send Congratulatory Letters to Participants in the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinators for the Implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Xi Jinping, Denis Sassou Nguesso Send Congratulatory Letters to Participants in the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinators for the Implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

    MIL OSI Russia News –