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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “A Mission, Not a Job!” – African Development Bank President reflects on a decade of leadership

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 30, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Speaking Monday at a breakfast meeting with journalists, the President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, described his ten-year presidency as a consuming yet profoundly fulfilling mission.

    The press briefing is the first official event of the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings, taking place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire from 26 to 30 May 2025 – during which a new president of the Bank will be elected.

    “This is not a job. If anyone is looking for a job, please don’t take it. This is not a job. This is a mission,” he said. “As my wife Grace and staff would tell you, for ten years I have had no life. Completely zero. I worked every single day. Every single step.”

    Adesina expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the institution. “Serving as President of the African Development Bank Group has been the greatest honor of my life,” he said. “It has been a decade of relentless purpose, of enduring passion, and of tireless service.”

    The event was attended by journalists covering the Annual Meetings, which are expected to draw a record 6,000 delegates from 91 countries, including policymakers, private sector leaders, academics, civil society, development partners, and media.

    “[This] is one of my favorite moments of every Annual Meeting. It gives me the opportunity to speak frankly, reflect deeply, and thank you sincerely,” Adesina told the journalists , adding that the 2025 Meetings are “the final chapter of a remarkable decade of transformation.”

    Delivering his remarks in English and French, Adesina reeled out the Bank’s biggest achievements, including the largest capital increase in its history, from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion; the record replenishment of the African Development Fund, raising $8.9 billion; and the half a billion Africans who have benefited from the Bank’s investments under his leadership.

    Adesina’s presidency began in 2015 with the launch of the “High 5s” development priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

    Ten years on, those priorities have made a profound impact. “The High 5s have impacted on the lives of over 565 million people across Africa,” Adesina said. “These are not just figures. They are futures. They are hopes realized.”

    He expressed his gratitude to the media for their support over the past decade, and for their presence at the last annual meetings under his headship. “Your role is more important than ever,” he said. “You are not just observers. You are amplifiers of Africa’s voice. You shape the narrative. You challenge us. You inform the world.”

    Echoing his keynote remarks from the All-Africa Media Leaders’ Summit in May 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Adesina called for the emergence of African media platforms that will credibly amplify positive continental narratives on a global scale.

    Looking ahead, Adesina expressed pride in the transformation of the Bank during his tenure, and its enhanced global stature. “The African Development Bank you have today is not the African Development Bank you used to have. This is a global institution now.” he said.

    Asked what advice he would offer his successor, Adesina responded, “The responsibility of that leader is to build on the past, to look far into the future, and to find within themselves what courage it takes to stand up for Africa’s interests. To make sure that Africa’s voice is never silenced on issues that matter globally and where it matters globally.”

    Reflecting on the forthcoming transition, and the institution he will hand over on September 1, 2025, Adesina declared, “Leadership may change, but the mission remains. The Bank’s direction is clear, its resolve strong, and its commitment to Africa’s development unshakable.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EUROPE/ITALY – Father Herve Du Penhoat new Superior General of the Society of African Missions: “We must orient ourselves ever more towards the missionary aspect, towards others, towards the local Church”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 29 May 2025

    SMA

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Thank you very much, thank you all, thank you for this fraternity”: these were the first words spoken by Father François Marie Herve Du Penhoat, elected new Superior General of the Society of African Missions (SMA) at the XXII General Assembly of the Society underway in Rocca di Papa, an Assembly that will end on June 8 (see Fides, 20/5/2025).The new Superior General, 70 years old, of French origin, served as a missionary for 15 years in Benin, from 1991 to 2013, among the Bariba, a West African ethnic group. He was also in Spain and then in France from 2013 to 2025.”In recent years, despite many difficulties, including Covid and the internal restructuring of the SMA, you have given everything, you have worked intensely, and you have been very present in the field. You have demonstrated that you are a united and complementary Council, which was also seen in the preparation of the General Assembly,” said Father François, referring to the 22nd General Assembly of the Society of African Missions underway.”This is a key moment of renewal for our congregation. Thank you very much,” emphasized the new Superior General, thanking the outgoing Superior General, Father Antonio Porcellato, and the other members of the outgoing council, Father François de Paul, Father Rosario, and Father Christophe. “We are counting on your support and collaboration as we move forward together. We are at the end of a cycle in which we have invested a lot in building our congregation; we must now orient ourselves more towards the missionary aspect, towards others, towards the local Church. We are on the right path that will take us far if we all follow it together. Let us continue like this.””When the rhythm of the song changes, the dance steps must also change,” added Father François, quoting an African proverb. “There may be a change of rhythm, but we must first understand this new rhythm in order to follow it; it may be a little chaotic, it is possible, but the Holy Spirit works where chaos reigns.”Since the founding of the SMA in Lyon in 1856, the African continent has been at the heart of the SMA’s mission and life. Over these 169 years, the relationship with Africa has developed and undergone significant changes. In summary, it can be said that Africa, which was initially only the object of the mission, has today become, and is increasingly becoming, an active subject of the mission. Today, the majority of the SMA’s permanent members are of African origin. Furthermore, 90% of the more than 300 seminarians in formation are of African origin. For the pastoral work of proclaiming the Gospel, the missionaries and associates of the SMA are 900 members and 200 seminarians, officially present in 30 countries on four continents. The priority is and remains the first evangelization of the African continent. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 29/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – The Bishops: “Full light must be shed on the deaths of Father Maina and Father Bett”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “We demand a deep inquiry into these deaths, to reveal the real circumstances and motives, to ensure the security and safety of our priests and all Kenyans in the future”. This was requested by Monsignor Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Archbishop of Kisumu and President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), following the murder of two Catholic priests just days apart.Father John Ndegwa Maina, parish priest of the church of St Louis in Igwamiti, died in hospital on May 15, from suspected poisoning after being found in serious condition, but still alive, on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway (see Fides, 21/5/2025).Before his death, the priest said he had been kidnapped by unknown assailants. Bishop Makumba called it “a horrible murder and cries out to God against its perpetrators”.On May 22, Father Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett was shot dead after being attacked by bandits in the Kerio Valley, in Elgeyo Marakwet (see Fides, 23/5/2025). “We are deeply shocked by the fact that both deaths appear to have been caused by malicious intent and under mysterious circumstances. We wish to decry the deaths of these ministers of God and the sense of insecurity and helplessness created by such incidents against the servants of God,” he remarked.The KCCB President then expressed the Kenyan Bishops’ “deep dismay” “by how cheap life has become, where murders and deaths are taken lightly, and used carelessly for political expediency”.”The work carried out by our Catholic priests goes beyond the service of religion and evangelisation. It reaches out to caring for the marginalised, the forgotten and the sick, to bring them hope that does not disappoint”, concluded Msgr. Makumba. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 30/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/EGYPT – St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai passes into the hands of the Egyptian State: concern and reactions grow

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 30 May 2025

    by Nikos TzoitisAfter fifteen centuries of autonomy, the Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai has passed into the hands of the Egyptian State, according to a ruling issued by the Ismailia court. The measure has generated strong reactions and deep concern in the ecclesiastical and international spheres for the future of the monastery and its monastic community.The monastery on Mount Sinai was founded in the 6th century A.D. by Emperor Justinian, and it has survived wars, conquests, and persecutions thanks in part to its status as a Vakuf, a sacred site to be protected according to Koranic tradition, and by the Bedouins of the Sinai Desert. UNESCO had included it among the monuments recognized as World Heritage Sites.The monastery’s priceless treasures—icons, manuscripts, relics, libraries, and properties—were managed by the twenty monks of the local monastic community, who enjoyed broad autonomy within the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.According to the ruling issued by the Ismailia Court on Wednesday, May 28, the monastery’s assets are effectively confiscated and placed under the management of the Egyptian state, while the monks face access restrictions to certain buildings. Their continued presence in the monastery is allowed only for religious purposes and under conditions set by the new state owner.The website orthodoxia.info described the decision of the ruling as “one of the most serious violations of religious and individual freedoms in recent centuries,” carried out during a time of great turmoil in the Middle East.The ruling, which effectively strips the monastery of its autonomy, follows a prolonged period of legal disputes and judicial actions aimed at challenging the monastery’s administrative independence.Some Egyptian officials have justified the measure as an act of protecting the monastery’s cultural heritage. Archaeologist Abdel Rahim Rihan argued that the monastery’s real estate falls under cultural heritage laws and that the implementation of the court decision ensures its promotion for the benefit of “world heritage and the monks.” The monks, however, describe the ruling as a de facto expulsion from their own monastery.The decision controversially concludes the long-standing legal offensive by the Egyptian state against the monks of St. Catherine’s—an effort that has been ongoing, in varying intensity, since the time of the Muslim Brotherhood-led government, with the goal of bringing the monastery under state control.According to some analysts, the ruling reveals that even President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi may be unable to control certain elements within the so-called “deep state,” some of which are linked to Salafist groups.Cairo must now manage a diplomatic crisis with Greece, which reacted harshly to the government action concerning the Monastery. This comes at a time when Egypt is at the center of turbulent developments in Palestine, with implications for the Sinai Peninsula—an area where jihadist factions have operated and previously threatened the monastery, even carrying out armed attacks.The ruling also weakens the Monastery’s position in various civil disputes it was engaged in, including cases involving adverse possession.The monks have reacted strongly. An international campaign is already planned to raise awareness and inform churches and other religious communities, with the goal of revoking the decision.The reaction of the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos was immediate. “I do not want to believe, and I cannot believe,” Ieronymos declared, “that Hellenism and Orthodoxy are once again undergoing a historic ‘conquest’.” He added, “This spiritual beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism – he added – is now facing a question of survival.” (Agenzia Fides, 30/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Africa: MKS PAMP to Participate at Mining in Motion as Bronze Sponsor

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ACCRA, Ghana, May 30, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Mining in Motion 2025 Summit – Ghana’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – welcomes global precious metals trading and investment firm MKS PAMP as a bronze sponsor.

    Taking place on June 2 – 4, 2025 in Accra, the summit will serve as a platform for MKS PAMP to showcase its growing contributions to Ghana’s mining sector, particularly its support for responsible and inclusive gold supply chains.

    As a sponsor, MKS PAMP will take part in high-level panel discussions, highlighting innovative financing models aimed at empowering Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.

    The company’s global operations – spanning sourcing, refining, trading, and supplying of precious metals – include a strong focus on Ghanaian gold, contributing to both local industry growth and the stability of global gold supply.

    Through its partnership with the Bank of Ghana, MKS PAMP is actively supporting ASGM operators by providing financial and technical assistance. The partnership is designed to help small-scale miners transition into the formal gold market, ensuring they benefit from global trading standards while enhancing traceability and compliance.

    In addition to supporting small-scale miners, MKS PAMP also works with large-scale operators to reinforce transparency across the value chain. In a notable collaboration with Newmont Corporation – which operates the Ahafo and Akyem Mines in Ghana – MKS PAMP launched mine-to-market traceable gold bars. The solution enables consumers to track the origin of their gold while offering regulators and stakeholders confidence in the transparency and ethical sourcing of monetized resources.

    At Mining in Motion, MKS PAMP will delve deeper into these contributions through participation in exclusive networking sessions and project showcases, engaging with local, regional, and international partners. The firm’s participation at Mining in Motion reflects a broader commitment to supporting sustainable development, responsible sourcing, and emerging investment opportunities within Ghana’s expanding gold sector.

    Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders.

    Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium- to large-scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting www.MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. Doses First Patient with CER-1236 in Phase 1 Clinical Trial for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and is Advancing Through Protocol-Defined Evaluations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CERO Chief Medical Officer to discuss trial protocol in poster at the American Society for Clinical Oncology Conference

    The first patient has been dosed and is advancing through protocol-defined evaluations

    SOUTH SAN FRANSCISCO, Calif., May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., (Nasdaq: CERO) (“CERo” or the “Company”) an innovative cellular immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms, announces it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1 clinical trial of CER-1236.  The patient was dosed at the lead trial site in a study focused on patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  Now more than seven days post-infusion, monitoring continues for key safety, tolerability, and efficacy endpoints.  The study will be featured in a poster being presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology being held in Chicago May 30-June 3, 2025. 

    Abhishek Maiti, M.D., assistant professor of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is the lead investigator of the trial. He worked with Cero team on publishing the novel preclinical data in Clinical Cancer Research.

    The first-in-human, multi-center, open label, Phase 1/1b study is designed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of CER-1236 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia that is either relapsed/refractory, or in remission with measurable residual disease, or newly diagnosed patients with TP53 mutated MDS/AML or AML. The two-part study has begun with dose escalation to determine the highest tolerated dose and recommended dose for Phase 2, followed by an expansion phase to evaluate safety and efficacy.  Primary outcome measures include incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs), incidence of dose limited toxicities and estimation of overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), composite complete response (cCR), and measurable residual disease (MRD).  Secondary outcome measures include pharmacokinetics (PK).

    Robert Sikorski, M.D. Ph.D., CERo Therapeutics’ Chief Medical Officer remarked, “The completion of first-in-human dosing represents a clinical development milestone for CER-1236, a novel autologous CAR-T therapeutic candidate targeting TIM 4L.  Protocol-specified evaluations of safety, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and efficacy endpoints are in progress.  We look forward to communicating results as data matures.”

    A peer-reviewed manuscript with robust preclinical data was published earlier in Clinical Cancer Research. The Company is presenting a poster that outlines the Phase 1/1b study at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2025 Annual Meeting in Chicago May 30-June 3, 2025 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The abstract for the poster, titled, “First in human study of autologous chimeric engulfment receptor T-cell CER-1236 targeting TIM-4-L in acute myeloid leukemia (CertainT-1)” can be found here.  The poster session, at which Dr. Sikorski will be present, is being held June 1st, and is titled, “Hematologic Malignancies – Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Allotransplant.”

    CERo CEO Chris Ehrlich concluded, “We are grateful for the participation of our first patient and to the many people who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, including our CERO team, our consultants and study sites.  We look forward to discussing additional outcomes, which we continue to believe will validate the scientific work performed to date with CER-1236.”

    About CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.

    CERo is an innovative immunotherapy company advancing the development of next generation engineered T cell therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Its proprietary approach to T cell engineering, which enables it to integrate certain desirable characteristics of both innate and adaptive immunity into a single therapeutic construct, is designed to engage the body’s full immune repertoire to achieve optimized cancer therapy. This novel cellular immunotherapy platform is expected to redirect patient-derived T cells to eliminate tumors by building in engulfment pathways that employ phagocytic mechanisms to destroy cancer cells, creating what CERo refers to as Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells (“CER-T”). CERo believes the differentiated activity of CER-T cells will afford them greater therapeutic application than currently approved chimeric antigen receptor (“CAR-T”) cell therapy, as the use of CER-T may potentially span both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. CERo has commenced clinical trials for its lead product candidate CER-1236 for hematological malignancies.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations of CERo. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this communication, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. When CERo discusses its strategies or plans, it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, CERo’s management.

    Actual results could differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements in this communication. Certain risks that could cause actual results to differ are set forth in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the documents incorporated by reference therein. The risks described in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can CERo assess the impact of all such risk factors on its business, or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements made by CERo or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. CERo undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Contact:
    Chris Ehrlich
    Chief Executive Officer
    chris@cero.bio

    Investors:
    CORE IR

    investors@cero.bio

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Dust Devil Photobombs Perseverance!

    Source: NASA

    Written by Athanasios Klidaras, Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University, and Megan Kennedy Wu, Senior Mission Operations Specialist at Malin Space Science Systems

    To celebrate her 1,500th Martian day (“Sol”) exploring the red planet, the Perseverance rover used its robotic arm to take a selfie of the rover and the surrounding landscape. But when team members reviewed the photo, they were surprised to find that Perseverance had been photobombed!  
    As the rover sat at the “Pine Pond” workspace, located on the outer rim of Jezero crater, which it has been exploring for the past several months, the Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering (WATSON) camera on the end of its arm was used to acquire a 59-image mosaic of the rover. This is the fifth “selfie” that Perseverance has acquired since landing on Mars in 2021. The rover’s robotic arm is not visible in the self portrait because — just like a selfie you would take with your own cellphone camera — rover operators make sure not to have the arm get “in the way” of the body of the rover. This is even easier to do on Mars because Perseverance needs to take 59 different images at slightly different arm positions to build up the selfie, and the elbow of the robotic arm is kept out of the way while the images are acquired. You can find more details about the Sol 1500 selfie here, and this YouTube video shows how the rover arm moves when these activities take place. 
    While snapping away, Perseverance was photobombed by a dust devil in the distance! These are relatively common phenomena both on Mars and in Earth’s desert regions, and form from rising and rotating columns of warm air, which gives the appearance of a dust tornado. Just like many other weather patterns, there is a peak “season” for dust-devil activity, and Jezero crater is in the peak of that season now (late northern spring).  The one seen in the selfie is fairly large, about 100 meters, or 328 feet, across. While Perseverance regularly monitors the horizon for dust-devil activity with Navcam movies, this is the first time the WATSON camera on the end of the robotic arm has ever captured an image of a dust devil! 
    The dark hole in front of the rover, surrounded by gray rock powder created during the drilling process, shows the location of Perseverance’s 26th sample. Nicknamed “Bell Island” after an island near Newfoundland, Canada, this rock sample contains small spherules, thought to have formed by volcanic eruptions or impacts early in Martian history. Later, this ancient rock was uplifted during the impact that formed Jezero crater. Now that the rover has successfully acquired the spherule sample the science team was searching for, Perseverance is leaving the area to explore new rock exposures. Last week, the rover arrived at an exposure of light-toned bedrock called “Copper Cove,” and the science team was interested to determine if this unit underlies or overlies the rock sequence explored earlier. After performing an abrasion to get a closer look at the chemistry and textures, the rover drove south to scout out more sites along the outer edge of the Jezero crater rim.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF closes day care centre in Athens after nine years of providing care

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    After nearly a decade of offering vital medical, psychosocial, and social-legal support to migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in Greece, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) closed our day care centre in Athens on 30 May 2025.

    The centre was opened in 2015 to respond to people’s urgent humanitarian needs during the peak of the EU migration crisis, as over one million people arrived in Greece seeking refuge from conflict, persecution, and instability. Since its inception, MSF’s multidisciplinary team —including medical staff, legal experts, and social workers —have provided free, comprehensive, and inclusive care regardless of patients’ legal status. We offered services ranging from essential healthcare and sexual and reproductive health services to mental health support, chronic disease management, and legal and social assistance.

    Over nine years, the day centre provided more than 14,900 consultations, including for non-communicable diseases, 51,859 sexual and reproductive health services consultations, and 24,475 mental health sessions. We also supported 1,289 survivors of sexual violence and provided 3,026 social work consultations that addressed people’s immediate medical needs and long-term wellbeing.

    14,900

    14,9

    consultations

    51,859

    51,859

    sexual and reproductive health services consultations

    24,475

    24,475

    mental health sessions

    At the peak in 2016, Athens received thousands of new arrivals fleeing conflict. While annual arrivals remain significant, at around 50,000 to 60,000, they no longer reflect the crisis levels of that year.

    Over the years, the centre evolved to meet the changing realities of migration in Greece, expanding services and intensifying advocacy efforts as access to healthcare became increasingly restricted by policy changes. During moments of crisis—from the 2016 EU-Türkiye deal to the COVID-19 pandemic—MSF adapted to protect and treat the most vulnerable, including people excluded from the health system, survivors of sexual violence, and undocumented individuals.

    Having fulfilled our emergency response in Athens and extending beyond what was planned, MSF has now closed the day care centre in line with our medical-humanitarian role, guided by needs assessments and focused on urgent, time-bound interventions. We now encourage civil society and national actors to take over and continue this vital work, even as global challenges—including reduced humanitarian funding—continue to affect people on the move.

    MSF urges the Greek government and the EU to respect their legal and humanitarian obligations for the protection of asylum seekers, recognised refugees and migrants, especially regarding the right to asylum, access to healthcare, decent reception and living conditions and fair administrative procedures.

    While we have transitioned medical services to some local actors, donated stocks of essential medicines to social pharmacies, and nonprofits, and handed over responsibilities to partners in Athens, we remain active in Greece with medical projects in Samos, Lesbos, and Leros. As a medical emergency organisation, MSF stands ready to respond to future crises and continuously assesses services to better support people.

    “Over nine years, MSF built more than a healthcare unit to provide free comprehensive medical services — we built a response that adapted to real human needs. When people couldn’t access care due to legal or social barriers, we expanded our services, advocated for their rights, and stood by them through every crisis,” says Christina Psarra, General Director of MSF in Greece.

    “When doors to the health system were closed, we worked to open others. This was never just a healthcare centre, it was a lifeline,” says Psarra.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award & Dag Hammarskjöld Medal Ceremonies [bilingual, as delivered; All-English below]

    Source: United Nations

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Moments ago, I laid a wreath to honour Peacekeepers.

    Four thousand four hundred of our precious blue helmets have lost their lives since United Nations peacekeeping was established – seventy-seven years ago today. 

    In their memory I would like to ask all present in this room to observe a moment of silence.

    [PAUSE for silence]

    Thank you.

    We all pay tribute to those brave women and men who died – far from home and far from their loved ones – while serving humanity’s most noble cause: peace.

    Today, we honour with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, 57 peacekeepers who paid the ultimate price for the cause of peace last year, as well as another who lost his life in 1973.

    We hold them all in our hearts.

    And we grieve with their families and loved ones.

    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

    Dear Friends,

    Peace is the foundations of the United Nations and with peacekeeping at it’s corner stone.

    This message was reinforced earlier this month at the Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin.

    Over 130 countries and partners stood up for peacekeeping — and to make concrete commitments to strengthen it.

    It was a moving testimony to the fact that the worth and work of our peacekeepers are recognised in every corner of the world…

    And a tribute to peacekeeping and to peacekeepers – to all those we honour today.

    Over the decades, more than two million women and men have served in 71 missions on four continents. 

    I am deeply grateful to our Member States for these invaluable contributions.   

    In the communities and countries in which they serve, UN peacekeepers are an important symbol of the United Nations at its best 

    And together, they have helped improve millions of lives:

    Protecting people, preserving peace, and providing hope… 

    Rebuilding infrastructure, repairing institutions and ensuring lifesaving assistance.

    With their support, nations around the world have made the transition from war to peace.

    And many of those countries now contribute peacekeepers themselves – using their experiences to help others in need. 

    We must ensure this essential global resource can thrive over the long term.

    Chers amis,

    En ces temps difficiles et tendus, cela signifie qu’il faut adapter le maintien de la paix aux nouvelles réalités. 

    Les missions de maintien de la paix des Nations Unies sont confrontées à des situations complexes dans un monde complexe : le terrorisme, une criminalité qui ne connaît pas de frontières ; et la désinformation qui les rend vulnérables aux attaques.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir – adopté l’année dernière aux Nations Unies – comprend un engagement à adapter nos efforts de paix à un monde en mutation.

    La première étape – une revue des opérations de paix de l’ONU – est en cours.

    Et nous continueront à travailler avec les États membres, et d’autres, pour obtenir des résultats.

    Nous le devons aux femmes et aux hommes courageux qui ont servi – et péri – sous notre drapeau bleu.

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    Today, as we honour the fallen, we also celebrate the achievements of peacekeepers in the past, present and future.  

    Including critical role of women in preventing, securing, and maintaining peace.

    This was recognized by the United Nations Security Council twenty-five years ago in Resolution 1325.

    A quarter of a century on, it is a miserable truth that women are still routinely excluded and marginalized in peace processes.

    United Nations has made determined efforts to change this:

    To build diverse and inclusive teams…

    And to support, protect and empower women in areas where we work.

    Today we recognize two leading women:

    Squadron leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana, the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year…

    And Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone, the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year. 

    The Military Gender Advocate of the Year award recognises dedication and effort in promoting the principles of Resolution 1325.

    And Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme demonstrates these qualities in abundance.

    As the Military Gender Adviser in the Interim Security Force for Abyei, her outreach has built strong community links, and brought gender perspective in the field.

    Her work helped us to better understand the concerns of women and girls, and to craft possible solutions, together.

    That has played a vital role in enabling the force to respond to the needs of the local community.

    And she has also conducted an intensive health campaign for the local community on gender-based violence and ending child marriage. These have had a long-lasting impact.

    Thank you, Squadron Leader, for your service.

    The UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award celebrates role models in peace operations. 

    And UN Police Officer Superintendent Zainab Gbla is certainly that.

    She has served in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei for the past two years, in the dual role of gender officer and police trainer.  

    When she arrived, the area in which she served had no place for children to learn.

    And so, she got to work:

    Initiating a school program…

    Providing educational materials and support, particularly for disadvantaged children…

    And establishing a mentorship program for girls.   

    She initiated projects to provide women with sustainable incomes, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school in a nearby town.  
      
    And, as a police trainer, she taught a diverse range of subjects vital to establishing the rule of law.  

    Thank you, Superintendent, for everything you have done.

    The efforts of these outstanding women have helped to strengthen the bonds between the Abyei mission and the local community – an invaluable gift for any peacekeeping operation.

    Let me offer my heartfelt congratulations to both of you for your achievements, and for receiving these awards today. 

    I am deeply proud of you both, just as I am proud of all our peacekeepers — past, present and future.

    Our peacekeepers selflessly serve the world.

    Let us ensure we serve them, in honour of their service and sacrifice – today and every day.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Moments ago, I laid a wreath to honour Peacekeepers.

    Four thousand four hundred of our precious blue helmets have lost their lives since United Nations peacekeeping was established – seventy-seven years ago today. 

    In their memory I would like to ask all present in this room to observe a moment of silence.

    [PAUSE for silence]

    Thank you.

    We all pay tribute to those brave women and men who died – far from home and far from their loved ones – while serving humanity’s most noble cause: peace.

    Today, we honour with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, 57 peacekeepers who paid the ultimate price for the cause of peace last year, as well as another who lost his life in 1973.

    We hold them all in our hearts.

    And we grieve with their families and loved ones.

    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

    Dear Friends,

    Peace is the foundations of the United Nations and with peacekeeping at it’s corner stone.

    This message was reinforced earlier this month at the Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin.

    Over 130 countries and partners stood up for peacekeeping — and to make concrete commitments to strengthen it.

    It was a moving testimony to the fact that the worth and work of our peacekeepers are recognised in every corner of the world…

    And a tribute to peacekeeping and to peacekeepers – to all those we honour today.

    Over the decades, more than two million women and men have served in 71 missions on four continents. 

    I am deeply grateful to our Member States for these invaluable contributions.   

    In the communities and countries in which they serve, UN peacekeepers are an important symbol of the United Nations at its best 

    And together, they have helped improve millions of lives:

    Protecting people, preserving peace, and providing hope… 

    Rebuilding infrastructure, repairing institutions and ensuring lifesaving assistance.

    With their support, nations around the world have made the transition from war to peace.

    And many of those countries now contribute peacekeepers themselves – using their experiences to help others in need. 

    We must ensure this essential global resource can thrive over the long term.
     
    Dear Friends,

    In these strained and difficult times, that means adapting peacekeeping to new realities. 
     
    UN peacekeeping missions face complex situations in a complex world: terrorism; crime that knows no borders; and misinformation making them vulnerable to attacks.
     
    The Pact for the Future – adopted last year at the United Nations – includes a commitment to adapt our peace efforts to a changing world.
     
    The first step – a review of UN Peace Operations – is underway.
     
    And we will continue to work with Member States, and others, to deliver.
     
    We owe it to the brave women and men who have served – and died – under our blue flag.

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    Today, as we honour the fallen, we also celebrate the achievements of peacekeepers in the past, present and future.  

    Including critical role of women in preventing, securing, and maintaining peace.

    This was recognized by the United Nations Security Council twenty-five years ago in Resolution 1325.

    A quarter of a century on, it is a miserable truth that women are still routinely excluded and marginalized in peace processes.

    United Nations has made determined efforts to change this:

    To build diverse and inclusive teams…

    And to support, protect and empower women in areas where we work.

    Today we recognize two leading women:

    Squadron leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana, the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year…

    And Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone, the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year. 

    The Military Gender Advocate of the Year award recognises dedication and effort in promoting the principles of Resolution 1325.

    And Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme demonstrates these qualities in abundance.

    As the Military Gender Adviser in the Interim Security Force for Abyei, her outreach has built strong community links, and brought gender perspective in the field.

    Her work helped us to better understand the concerns of women and girls, and to craft possible solutions, together.

    That has played a vital role in enabling the force to respond to the needs of the local community.

    And she has also conducted an intensive health campaign for the local community on gender-based violence and ending child marriage. These have had a long-lasting impact.

    Thank you, Squadron Leader, for your service.

    The UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award celebrates role models in peace operations. 

    And UN Police Officer Superintendent Zainab Gbla is certainly that.

    She has served in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei for the past two years, in the dual role of gender officer and police trainer.  

    When she arrived, the area in which she served had no place for children to learn.

    And so, she got to work:

    Initiating a school program…

    Providing educational materials and support, particularly for disadvantaged children…

    And establishing a mentorship program for girls.   

    She initiated projects to provide women with sustainable incomes, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school in a nearby town.  
      
    And, as a police trainer, she taught a diverse range of subjects vital to establishing the rule of law.  

    Thank you, Superintendent, for everything you have done.

    The efforts of these outstanding women have helped to strengthen the bonds between the Abyei mission and the local community – an invaluable gift for any peacekeeping operation.

    Let me offer my heartfelt congratulations to both of you for your achievements, and for receiving these awards today. 

    I am deeply proud of you both, just as I am proud of all our peacekeepers — past, present and future.

    Our peacekeepers selflessly serve the world.

    Let us ensure we serve them, in honour of their service and sacrifice – today and every day.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets senior officials from foreign governments attending Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE meets senior officials from foreign governments attending Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation  
    Mr Lee met respectively with the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Mr Ignazio Cassis; the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr Mohammad Ishaq Dar; the Minister for Justice and Attorney General of Papua New Guinea, Mr Pila Niningi; and the Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, today, welcoming them to attend the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Mr Lee said that upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services for international disputes. Hong Kong is encouraged to contribute to and serve the successful establishment and operation of the IOMed.
     
    On economic and trade co-operation, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance on strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations with different countries. In the face of emerging unilateralism and protectionism, the HKSAR Government will remain steadfast in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a free port and pursuing free trade policies, ensuring the free flow of goods, capital and information, and attracting enterprises from around the world to trading and investment opportunities in Hong Kong.
     
    Mr Lee added that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, is the only city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He welcomed enterprises from all countries to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets.
    Issued at HKT 19:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: US foreign aid cuts creating ‘a life threatening vacuum’ for millions of people – new briefing

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The US government has been a major global health funder, supporting HIV prevention, vaccines, maternal care, and humanitarian aid

    Amnesty highlights how the cuts have stopped vital programmes delivering health care, food, shelter, and aid to vulnerable groups, including women, survivors of sexual violence, and refugees

    ‘This abrupt decision and chaotic implementation by the Trump administration is reckless and profoundly damaging’ – Amanda Klasing

    The Trump administration’s abrupt, chaotic and sweeping suspension of US foreign aid is placing millions of lives and human rights at risk across the globe, said Amnesty International.

    In its 34-page briefing, Lives at Risk, Amnesty examines how the cuts have halted critical programmes across the globe, many of which provided essential health care, food security, shelter, medical services, and humanitarian support for people in extremely vulnerable situations, including women, girls, survivors of sexual violence, and other marginalised groups, as well as refugees and those seeking safety.

    The cuts follow President Trump’s executive order, ‘Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,’ and other orders targeting specific groups and programmes. In his congressional testimony, Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave weak or misleading responses about the cuts human rights impact, even falsely claiming no deaths have resulted. This contradicts evidence from Amnesty and others, including documented deaths and strong projections of increased mortality due to the cuts.

    Amanda Klasing, Amnesty International USA’s Director of Government Relations, said:

    “This abrupt decision and chaotic implementation by the Trump administration is reckless and profoundly damaging.

    “The decision to cut these programmes so abruptly and in this untransparent manner violates international human rights law, which the US is bound by and undermines decades of US leadership in global humanitarian and development efforts.

    “While US funding over the decades has had a complex relationship with human rights, the scale and suddenness of these current cuts have created a life-threatening vacuum that other governments and aid organisations are not realistically able to fill in the immediate term, violating the rights to life and health, and dignity for millions.”

    Two areas in which the cuts have caused significant harm globally are the forced cutbacks to – or complete closing of – programmes that ensured health care and treatment to marginalised people and those supporting migrants and people seeking safety in countries around the world.

    The rights to life and to health under grave threat

    The US government has long been a key funder of global health, investing in HIV prevention, vaccine programmes, maternal health, humanitarian relief and more. Since President Trump’s abrupt suspension of aid across multiple countries, many vital health services have been suspended or shut down. For example:

    • In Guatemala, funding cuts disrupted programmes supporting survivors of sexual violence, including nutritional support for pregnant girls who had been raped and medical, psychological, and legal support to help survivors of violence rebuild their lives after abuse. Other cuts were to key HIV services, including prevention and treatment.
    • In Haiti, health and post-rape services have lost funding including for child survivors of sexual violence. Cuts to HIV funding has left women and girls, and LGBTI people, with reduced access to prevention and treatment.
    • In South Africa, home to the world’s largest HIV epidemic, funding for HIV prevention and community outreach for orphans and vulnerable children, including for young survivors of rape, was terminated, leaving people without care.
    • In Syria, some essential services in Al-Hol – a detention camp where 36,000 people, mostly children, are indefinitely and arbitrarily detained for their perceived affiliation with the Islamic State armed group – were suspended. Some ambulance services and health clinics were among the first services cut.
    • In Yemen, some lifesaving assistance and protection services, including malnutrition treatment to children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, safe shelters to survivors of gender-based violence, and healthcare to children suffering from cholera and other illnesses have been shut down.
    • In South Sudan, projects providing a range of health services including rehabilitation services for victims of armed conflict, clinical services for victims of gender-based violence, psychological support for rape survivors, and emergency nutritional support for children, have been stopped.

    People seeking safety left without support around the world

    Funding cuts to shelters and groups that provide essential services for migrants, particularly those in dangerous or difficult situations, including refugees, people seeking asylum and internally displaced people, have been widespread and devastating.

    • In Afghanistan, 12 out of 23 community resources centres, which provided approximately 120,000 returning and internally displaced Afghans with housing, food assistance, legal assistance and referrals to healthcare providers, have been shut down. Key aid organisations have suspended health and water programmes, with disproportionate impacts on women and girls.
    • In Costa Rica, local organisations helping asylum seekers and migrants, many from neighbouring Nicaragua, are forced to scale back or close food, shelter, and psychosocial programmes. The funding cuts come as Costa Rica is receiving increased numbers of people seeking safety after being pushed back from the US-Mexico border.
    • Along the Haiti-Dominican Republic border, service providers assisting deported individuals have been forced to cut back on aid including food, shelter, and transportation. With Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in the US set to expire, a likely spike in deportations will overwhelm an already diminished support infrastructure.
    • In Mexico, funding cuts have led to the suspension of food programmes, shelter, and legal support for people seeking safety who are now stranded following the end of asylum at the US-Mexico border. Some shelters and organisations fear they will be shut down completely.
    • In Myanmar and Thailand, US-funded health and humanitarian programmes supporting displaced people and refugees have been suspended or drastically reduced. Clinics in Thai border camps closed abruptly after the stop-work orders, reportedly resulting in preventable deaths.

    Amanda Klasing added:

    “The right to seek safety is protected under international law which the United States is bound by.

    “These abrupt cuts in funding put that right at risk by undermining the humanitarian support and infrastructure that enable people around the world who have been forcibly displaced to access protection, placing already marginalised people in acute danger. We call on the US government to restore funding immediately.”

    The unilateral action to stop funding existing programmes and refrain from spending appropriated funds made by the Trump administration bypassed congressional oversight contrary to US law, and came alongside a broader rollback of US participation in multilateral institutions, including announcements to defund or withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organization, and the UN Human Rights Council, and reassess membership in UNESCO, and UNRWA.

    Recommendations

    Amnesty urges the Trump administration to restore foreign assistance, through the waiver process or otherwise, to programmes where the chaotic and abrupt cut in funding has harmed human rights and ensure that future aid is administered consistent with human rights law and standards.

    Amnesty calls on Congress to continue robust funding of foreign assistance and reject any requests by the administration to codify foreign assistance cuts through rescission by repealing these measures and ensure that all US foreign assistance remains consistent with human rights and humanitarian principles and is allocated according to need.

    Further, the Trump administration and Congress should work together to ensure that any changes to foreign assistance must be carried out transparently, in consultation with affected communities, civil society, and international partners, and must comply with international human rights law and standards, including the principles of legality, necessity, and non-discrimination.

    All states in a position to do so should fulfil their obligations under UN General Assembly Resolution 2626 and subsequent high-level fora by committing at least 0.7% of gross national income to overseas aid without discrimination. As part of aiming to meet this target, donor states should increase support where possible to help fill critical funding gaps left by the abrupt US aid suspensions and ensure continued progress in realising economic, social, and cultural rights and effective humanitarian response around the world.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UN Peacekeepers Day, Deputy Secretary-General & other topics – Daily Press Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Mr. Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:

    – UN Peacekeepers Day
    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – West Bank
    – Yemen
    – Sudan
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo/Humanitarian
    – Security Council/Afternoon
    – Economic Community of West African States

    UN PEACEKEEPERS DAY
    Today is International Day of UN Peacekeepers. In his message for the Day, the Secretary-General said we honour the service of peacekeepers who step into danger with courage to help those who need protection, to preserve peace, and to restore hope in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.
    At 2:45 pm, the Secretary-General will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 United Nations peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1948.
    And at 3:00 p.m., the Secretary-General will present awards to the Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year, Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone.
    Both of them serve with our peacekeeping mission in Abyei.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. She is attending the First High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation. She is doing that on behalf of the Secretary-General.
    In the morning, the Deputy Secretary-General travelled to observe first-hand the impact of climate change on Tajikistan’s glaciers. She commended international efforts to protect glaciers ahead of COP30, noting their critical role in safeguarding water sources, ecosystems, and communities. In this context, she said that the “Early Warnings for All” initiative is key to strengthening climate resilience and helping vulnerable populations prepare for climate-related shocks.
    Also today, she met with the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, as well as with Sirojiddin Muhriddin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country. She acknowledged Tajikistan’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and the it’s leadership in advancing the global climate, water, and glacier preservation agenda — rooted in cooperation and multilateralism.
    Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will participate in the Opening Session of the International Conference on Glacier Preservation.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The UN Humanitarian Country Team of the Occupied Palestinian Territory issued a statement warning that the new militarized distribution system does not meet the needs of people in Gaza. It puts them at risk, and runs contrary to humanitarian principles.
    The Humanitarian Country Team, which brings together UN agencies and NGOs, stressed that the Israeli authorities have undermined the capacity of our own teams on the ground to deliver genuine humanitarian assistance that would reach the most vulnerable groups. Despite these challenges, our team continues to deliver aid where possible. Once again, they reiterated that fundamental humanitarian principles are non-negotiable.
    On the ground, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that air strikes and other attacks continue across the Gaza Strip.
    There are reports that scores of people were killed, and hundreds injured over the past 24 hours, including children and other civilians.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=29%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKJynvNn-mk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Partners with Kronos Research to Deliver Institutional-Grade Liquidity and Trading Efficiency

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced a strategic partnership with Kronos Research, a top quantitative trading firm, bringing enhanced market liquidity and trading efficiency to Bitget traders and institutional clients.

    By integrating Kronos’s advanced capabilities, Bitget aims to provide deeper liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads across major trading pairs for its traders and institutional clients. This improvement in market depth ensures that traders can execute large orders with minimal slippage, leading to more efficient and cost-effective trading. Such enhancements are particularly beneficial for both retail and institutional traders seeking optimal execution in a dynamic market environment.

    “The collaboration is yet another step in Bitget’s efforts towards delivering world-class institutional-grade trading services. With Kronos Research, Bitget strengthens its platform’s efficiency, meeting the high standards of security and liquidity required for institutional clients. This adds an additional layer of efficiency for Bitget’s ecosystem. This integration is a strategic partnership to develop infrastructure that meets the needs of our users”, said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    Designed to optimize trading depth and improve execution quality, the integration of Kronos Research’s advanced algorithmic strategies and deep expertise in liquidity enhancement will unlock a more seamless and responsive trading environment, reducing slippage, stabilizing price movements and allowing for more consistent execution across market cycles. This partnership will also extend liquidity coverage for multiple trading categories, including spot and contracts. By supporting a broader set of digital assets with algorithmically driven liquidity solutions, this partnership will offer tighter spreads and more resilient order books.

    “Bitget’s robust infrastructure delivers the low latency and high execution speed we need to operate seamlessly across diverse market conditions,” said Hank Huang, CEO, Kronos Research. “This collaboration enables us to deploy optimized liquidity strategies at scale, driving tighter spreads, enhanced market depth, and a superior trading experience.”

    In 2025, Bitget is doubling down on its commitment to expanding services for institutional clients, making it a central focus of its strategic roadmap. This builds on a strong foundation laid in previous years, including the most recent introduction of crypto lending services for all spot trading pairs and the unified account system, both designed to offer greater flexibility, capital efficiency, and amalgamated asset management for institutional investors.

    Currently, Bitget works with over 1,000 institutional partners. Through continued innovation, strategic integrations, and enhanced product offerings, Bitget caters world-class services to a diverse clientele, ranging from individual investors to large-scale institutions.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.
    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    About Kronos Research

    Established in 2018, Kronos Research is a cutting-edge cryptocurrency market maker and quantitative trading firm fueled by data research and intelligent algorithms, generating billions of US dollars in trading volume a day.

    With trading activity on all tier 1 and tier 2 exchanges, as well as top DeFi protocols and platforms, Kronos is able to deliver superior trading performance and liquidity through advanced trading infrastructure and deep quantitative research capabilities.

    For more information, visit: Website | X | LinkedIn or contact us at media@kronosresearch.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e40c920e-5b96-453f-a96c-21de8fd8dad0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining in Motion Welcomes United Kingdom (UK) – Ghana Gold Program as Bronze Sponsor

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ACCRA, Ghana, May 30, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The United Kingdom – Ghana Gold Program (UKGGP) has confirmed its participation as a Bronze Sponsor at the highly anticipated – Ghana’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for June 2 – 4, 2025 in Accra. 

    Implemented by UK-based TAG International in partnership with the Ghanaian government, the UKGGP aims to combat illegal mining, promote the formalization of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), and enhance miners’ technical capabilities through targeted training and capacity-building initiatives. 

    At Mining in Motion, UKGGP representatives will engage with Ghanaian regulators, mining stakeholders, and international partners to address the pressing challenges posed by illegal mining and explore best practices for sustainable and inclusive mining development. 

    Despite generating over $5 billion annually in export revenue, Ghana’s ASGM sector loses up to $2.3 billion to illegal operations – a gap that can be significantly reduced through effective formalization. In response, the UKGGP is spearheading community development and skills training efforts in mineral-rich regions such as Aboso, Prestea, and Bondaye, aiming to equip miners with the tools needed to operate within the formal mining value chain. 

    Mining in Motion, with its strong focus on ASGM empowerment, formalization and environmental rehabilitation and sustainability, provides an ideal platform for UKGGP to showcase its mission and impact. UKGGP representatives will participate in high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking sessions, and project showcases, highlighting initiatives aimed at empowering ASGM operators, promote environmental rehabilitation, and drive sustainable mining practices in Ghana. 

    Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Young men on South Africa’s urban margins: new book follows their lives over 10 years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hannah J. Dawson, Senior Lecturer, Anthropology and Development Studies, University of Johannesburg

    South Africa’s young people, aged 15 to 34, who make up more than 50% of the country’s working age population, bear a disproportionate burden of unemployment. They have done so for more than a decade. Of this group, those aged 15-24 face the highest barriers to the job market, according to data from Statistics South Africa. The majority of these young people live in the townships and informal settlements.

    A new book, Making a Life: Young Men on Johannesburg’s Urban Margins, examines how young people in Zandspruit, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Johannesburg, make a life. Anthropologist Hannah Dawson explains why she chose Zandspruit for her research and shares her findings about the sociopolitical landscape of urban settlements.

    Why the choice of Zandspruit for your research?

    It started with my arrival there in 2011 to study a wave of political protests during local elections. This sparked a much longer research journey spanning more than a decade, which this book traces.

    The settlement was established in the early 1990s and has grown into a densely populated area of around 50,000 people, across 14 pieces of land.

    The expansion of Zandspruit reflects broader trends in post-apartheid South Africa: rapid urbanisation, inadequate urban housing, rising unemployment and underemployment — including a shift from permanent to casual work, and from formal to informal employment.

    What sets Zandspruit apart is its location. It is near post-apartheid economic hubs such as Kya Sands, with its light industries and business parks, and Lanseria Airport, a growing freight and logistics hub earmarked for expansion under the Greater Lanseria Masterplan. It also borders affluent suburbs and golf estates. This makes it distinct from older, more isolated settlements in Johannesburg’s south. Its proximity to shopping malls, townhouse complexes, warehouses and commercial zones makes it a destination of choice for migrants. They include people seeking a foothold in the urban market from rural areas of South Africa as well as people from other parts of the African continent.

    This proximity makes Zandspruit a case study for understanding how residents access urban job markets, and the connections between wage and non-wage economic activities.

    What do your findings tell us about the lives of young people?

    The book draws on research primarily with young men, whose work and lives I followed over ten years. It shows how young men on the urban margins navigate structural unemployment and inequality by forging social ties, asserting belonging, and pursuing alternative livelihoods within what I call Zandspruit’s “redistributive economy”. I use the phrase “making a life” to move beyond survival or income generation. A life is not only about securing food and shelter. It involves the pursuit of social connection, identity, place and dignity.

    For many of the young men I came to know, this often involved turning down demeaning jobs in favour of self-initiated income strategies that offered greater autonomy. These included renting out shacks, running internet cafes or car washes, or operating as mashonisas (unregistered loan sharks). Such efforts reflect more than personal resilience – they reveal how men’s social position and connections within the settlement shape access to the more lucrative niches of the local economy.

    These dynamics point to a broader condition facing young people in South Africa: deep and persistent material insecurity. Yet, they also show the ways in which young people, especially young men, are actively building lives in the face of profound uncertainty. They are crafting meaning and striving for something more in a context marked by chronic unemployment and inequality.

    What did you learn about urban inequality and living on the urban margins?

    The residents of Zandspruit are not equally poor or marginalised. A focus of the book is the division between “insiders” – long-term residents with access to property who earn rental income – and “outsiders” – new arrivals and immigrants who, as tenants, are more dependent on low-paid jobs. These distinctions shape access to land, housing, livelihoods and local recognition.

    Most immigrants form a precarious tenant class, while landlords tend to be established residents with long-standing ties to the settlement. Zandspruit is a deeply stratified space where social connections, property access and local citizenship determine who belongs and who benefits. By tracing men’s positions as insiders or outsiders, the book shows how these inequalities shape their economic strategies and capacity to build a life on the urban margins.

    What do you recommend in terms of public policy?

    The book doesn’t make policy recommendations. However, it speaks to key public and policy debates. Media and policy narratives often portray unemployed youth as idle and disconnected from society, ignoring the complex, often invisible, economic activities and arrangements that structure their lives. While informal and unstable, these pursuits reflect resourcefulness, local knowledge, and a conscious rejection of degrading labour.

    It challenges the idea that informal entrepreneurship can solve youth unemployment. Most enterprises are too precarious to lift young people out of poverty. It also questions the notion that informal settlements are simply ghettos of exclusion and poverty. Instead, it highlights the inequalities within the settlement and calls for greater attention to be paid to the local economies and social orders being forged within these spaces. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to rethinking how we respond to unemployment, the urban housing crisis and inequality in South Africa.

    Hannah J. Dawson received funding from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the National Research Foundation.

    – ref. Young men on South Africa’s urban margins: new book follows their lives over 10 years – https://theconversation.com/young-men-on-south-africas-urban-margins-new-book-follows-their-lives-over-10-years-257026

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Special Envoy for Road Safety in Djibouti and Kenya to support initiatives to increase road safety

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will visit Djibouti and Kenya from 27 May to 4 June 2025 to support global and national authorities’ road safety initiatives.  

    The Special Envoy will meet members of the Government as well as representatives of the private and public sectors three months after the Declaration of Marrakesh where Member states further committed to accelerate efforts for achieving the Decade of Action for Road Safety‘s goal of halving the number of the victims on the road by 2030.  

    The Silent pandemic on the road  

    The Special Envoy qualified road crashes as “The Silent Pandemic on the Road”. Indeed, every year, the staggering toll of road-related fatalities globally claims the lives of 1.19 million people, leaving 50 million others with severe injuries. Furthermore, road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.   

    “Africa is the continent proportionately most affected by road crashes. Knowing that these affect the youngest first, beyond the human tragedy this is an economic devastation, sacrificing or invalidating for life the active force of a country. While the vaccine to avoid this carnage on the road exists, I urgently call on everyone to use it”, stressed the Special Envoy. 

    The continent loses annually over 300,000 people through road crashes, even though its countries are witnessing the lowest levels of motorization in the world. Africa has a traffic fatality rate of 19.5 deaths per 100,000 people compared to 16 deaths per 100,000 in Southeast Asia, and 6.5 deaths per 100,000 in Europe.   

    38% of fatalities occur among pedestrians while 43 percent occur among car occupants. Motorized 2-3 wheelers and cyclists account for 7% and 5% of Africa’s traffic deaths respectively. A significant proportion of road fatalities on the continent occur in urban areas.  Furthermore, the ongoing improvement of the quality and coverage of Africa’s roads is likely to increase crashes if it is not accompanied by appropriate road safety measures.   

    Towards enhanced road safety in Djibouti 

    The fatality rate in Djibouti is 23/100,000 inhabitants (WHO 2023). Road safety remains a critical public health and development challenge. As part of his ongoing global advocacy, the Special Envoy will engage national authorities and partners in strengthening road safety efforts. 

    During the mission, Mr. Todt will meet with senior government officials to encourage the implementation of effective road safety legislation, improved enforcement, safer infrastructure, and better post-crash care. Discussions will also focus on the importance of data collection, education campaigns—particularly in schools—and the protection of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists, and children.  

    Safer roads for economic growth in Kenya   

    The fatality rate in Kenya is estimated at 27.8 per 100,000 inhabitants (WHO, 2023), among the highest in Africa. Despite progress in policy and institutional frameworks, road traffic injuries remain a major public health concern, particularly affecting pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers. Kenya’s expanding road network is often challenged by infrastructure gaps, poor road user behavior, and limited enforcement capacity, especially outside major urban centers. 

    According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), over 4,000 people lost their lives on Kenyan roads in 2023. Motorcycles—commonly used for short-distance transport (boda-bodas)—are involved in a significant share of crashes, with helmet non-use and overloading being frequent risk factors. This is especially concerning when we know that quality helmets reduce the risk of death by over six times and brain injury by up to 74% (WHO, 2023). 

    Since the last visit by the Special Envoy in 2024, UN Kenya has moved towards more concerted action on road safety. Going forward, UN Kenya will target particular blackspots for accidents and explore how to mobilize road safety ambassadors and Kenyan celebrities in sports to drive awareness on road safety in Kenya.   

    Photo credit: Adobe Stock Images by Eunika Sopotnicka 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Young men on South Africa’s urban margins: new book follows their lives over 10 years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hannah J. Dawson, Senior Lecturer, Anthropology and Development Studies, University of Johannesburg

    South Africa’s young people, aged 15 to 34, who make up more than 50% of the country’s working age population, bear a disproportionate burden of unemployment. They have done so for more than a decade. Of this group, those aged 15-24 face the highest barriers to the job market, according to data from Statistics South Africa. The majority of these young people live in the townships and informal settlements.

    A new book, Making a Life: Young Men on Johannesburg’s Urban Margins, examines how young people in Zandspruit, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Johannesburg, make a life. Anthropologist Hannah Dawson explains why she chose Zandspruit for her research and shares her findings about the sociopolitical landscape of urban settlements.

    Why the choice of Zandspruit for your research?

    It started with my arrival there in 2011 to study a wave of political protests during local elections. This sparked a much longer research journey spanning more than a decade, which this book traces.

    The settlement was established in the early 1990s and has grown into a densely populated area of around 50,000 people, across 14 pieces of land.

    The expansion of Zandspruit reflects broader trends in post-apartheid South Africa: rapid urbanisation, inadequate urban housing, rising unemployment and underemployment — including a shift from permanent to casual work, and from formal to informal employment.

    What sets Zandspruit apart is its location. It is near post-apartheid economic hubs such as Kya Sands, with its light industries and business parks, and Lanseria Airport, a growing freight and logistics hub earmarked for expansion under the Greater Lanseria Masterplan. It also borders affluent suburbs and golf estates. This makes it distinct from older, more isolated settlements in Johannesburg’s south. Its proximity to shopping malls, townhouse complexes, warehouses and commercial zones makes it a destination of choice for migrants. They include people seeking a foothold in the urban market from rural areas of South Africa as well as people from other parts of the African continent.

    This proximity makes Zandspruit a case study for understanding how residents access urban job markets, and the connections between wage and non-wage economic activities.

    What do your findings tell us about the lives of young people?

    The book draws on research primarily with young men, whose work and lives I followed over ten years. It shows how young men on the urban margins navigate structural unemployment and inequality by forging social ties, asserting belonging, and pursuing alternative livelihoods within what I call Zandspruit’s “redistributive economy”. I use the phrase “making a life” to move beyond survival or income generation. A life is not only about securing food and shelter. It involves the pursuit of social connection, identity, place and dignity.

    For many of the young men I came to know, this often involved turning down demeaning jobs in favour of self-initiated income strategies that offered greater autonomy. These included renting out shacks, running internet cafes or car washes, or operating as mashonisas (unregistered loan sharks). Such efforts reflect more than personal resilience – they reveal how men’s social position and connections within the settlement shape access to the more lucrative niches of the local economy.

    These dynamics point to a broader condition facing young people in South Africa: deep and persistent material insecurity. Yet, they also show the ways in which young people, especially young men, are actively building lives in the face of profound uncertainty. They are crafting meaning and striving for something more in a context marked by chronic unemployment and inequality.

    What did you learn about urban inequality and living on the urban margins?

    The residents of Zandspruit are not equally poor or marginalised. A focus of the book is the division between “insiders” – long-term residents with access to property who earn rental income – and “outsiders” – new arrivals and immigrants who, as tenants, are more dependent on low-paid jobs. These distinctions shape access to land, housing, livelihoods and local recognition.

    Most immigrants form a precarious tenant class, while landlords tend to be established residents with long-standing ties to the settlement. Zandspruit is a deeply stratified space where social connections, property access and local citizenship determine who belongs and who benefits. By tracing men’s positions as insiders or outsiders, the book shows how these inequalities shape their economic strategies and capacity to build a life on the urban margins.

    What do you recommend in terms of public policy?

    The book doesn’t make policy recommendations. However, it speaks to key public and policy debates. Media and policy narratives often portray unemployed youth as idle and disconnected from society, ignoring the complex, often invisible, economic activities and arrangements that structure their lives. While informal and unstable, these pursuits reflect resourcefulness, local knowledge, and a conscious rejection of degrading labour.

    It challenges the idea that informal entrepreneurship can solve youth unemployment. Most enterprises are too precarious to lift young people out of poverty. It also questions the notion that informal settlements are simply ghettos of exclusion and poverty. Instead, it highlights the inequalities within the settlement and calls for greater attention to be paid to the local economies and social orders being forged within these spaces. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to rethinking how we respond to unemployment, the urban housing crisis and inequality in South Africa.

    – Young men on South Africa’s urban margins: new book follows their lives over 10 years
    – https://theconversation.com/young-men-on-south-africas-urban-margins-new-book-follows-their-lives-over-10-years-257026

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week (AMW) to Spotlight Opportunities in South Africa’s Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Market

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 30, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, taking place from October 1-3, 2025, in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated panel exploring investment and growth opportunities within the country’s platinum group metals (PGM) market. Titled, South Africa’s Strategic Influence in the Global PGM Market, the panel session will spotlight national initiatives designed to strengthen the country’s PGM value chain – an industry that already accounts for approximately 80% of global supplies.

    As South Africa strengthens its position as the world’s leading producer of PGM, the session will foster greater collaboration among industry stakeholders. Speakers are expected to address challenges and opportunities across the value chain, identifying strategies for accelerating production and consolidating the country’s position as a major global supplier.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    South Africa’s PGM market offers significant opportunities for mining companies and investors. In May 2025, mining firm Ivanhoe Mines reached a significant milestone by driving underground development into the high-grade platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, gold and copper orebody at the Platreef Mine in Mokopane. First production at the project is targeted for Q4, 2025, followed by Phase 2 within two years after first production. The project, containing over 95 million tons of PGMs, aims to produce 450,000 ounces annually in Phase 2.

    Meanwhile, Canada-based Platinum Group Metals Ltd. recently announced plans to raise $1.8 billion through a private placement to advance the Waterburg Project in South Africa. The project holds proven and probable reserves of 246.2 million tons of platinum, palladium, rhodium and hold at an average grade of 2.96 grams per ton. With aims to diversify its product portfolio and enhance revenue generation, mining Group Pelagic Resources launched the development of a new PGM concentrator at its Kookfontein Mine in February this year. Designed by exploration company Nuco Chrome in early 2024, the concentrator is currently in an advanced development stage and is expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2025.

    Other major PGM developments in South Africa include the 40-million-ounce Bengwenyama Project by Southern Palladium, which completed a pre-feasibility study in October last year, confirming a 14% increase in PGM reserves. Meanwhile, Vanadium Resources Ltd. recently signed an agreement with China Energy Engineering International Group for the provision of engineering, procurement and construction services for the Steelpoortdrift Vanadium Project. The open pit mine and treatment facility will be developed for the exploitation of 680 million tons of vanadium resources in the Bushveld Complex. Additionally, Northam Platinum Holdings is reviving the Eland Mine Complex in the North West Province, with aims to increase PGM production from 100,000 ounces annually in 2025 to 180,000 ounces by 2028.

    Amid this growth, AMW will serve as a key platform to unpack these developments and explore new strategies being implemented to attract investment and boost production. The event will bring together South African regulators, mining executives and global partners to shape the future of the country’s PGM sector.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • US proposes 60-day ceasefire for Gaza; hostage-prisoner swap, plan shows

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    U.S. plan for Gaza seen by Reuters on Friday proposes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 28 Israeli hostages alive and dead in the first week, in exchange for the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 dead Palestinians.

    The document, which says the plan is guaranteed by U.S. President Donald Trump and mediators Egypt and Qatar, includes sending humanitarian aid to Gaza as soon as Hamas signs off on the ceasefire agreement.

    The aid will be delivered by the United Nations, the Red Crescent and other agreed channels.

    On Thursday, the White House said Israel had agreed to the U.S. ceasefire proposal.

    Israeli media said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the families of hostages held in Gaza that Israel had accepted the deal presented by President Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

    The Palestinian militant group Hamas told Reuters it was reviewing the plan and would respond on Friday or Saturday.

    The U.S. plan provides for Hamas to release the last 30 of the 58 remaining Israeli hostages once a permanent ceasefire is in place. Israel will also cease all military operations in Gaza as soon as the truce takes effect, it shows.

    The Israeli army will also redeploy its troops in stages.

    Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have stymied previous attempts to restore a ceasefire that broke down in March.

    Israel has insisted that Hamas disarm completely, be dismantled as a military and governing force and return all 58 hostages still held in Gaza before it will agree to end the war.

    Hamas has rejected the demand to give up its weapons and says Israel must pull its troops out of Gaza and commit to ending the war.

    Israel launched its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack in its south on October 7, 2023, that killed some 1,200 people and saw 251 Israelis taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    The subsequent Israeli military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, Gaza health officials say, and left the enclave in ruins.

    MOUNTING PRESSURE

    Israel has come under increasing international pressure, with many European countries usually reluctant to criticise it openly demanding an end to the war and a major relief effort.

    Witkoff told reporters on Wednesday that Washington was close to “sending out a new term sheet” about a ceasefire by the two sides in the conflict.

    “I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution, temporary ceasefire and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution, of that conflict,” Witkoff said at the time.

    The 60-day ceasefire, according to the plan, may be extended if negotiations for a permanent ceasefire are not concluded within the set period.

    Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said on Thursday the terms of the proposal echoed Israel’s position and did not contain commitments to end the war, withdraw Israeli troops or admit aid as Hamas has demanded.

    The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a private group backed by the United States and endorsed by Israel, expanded its aid distribution to a third site in Gaza on Thursday.

    Heavily criticised by the United Nations and other aid groups as inadequate and flawed, the group began its operation this week in Gaza, where the U.N. has said 2 million people are at risk of famine after Israel’s 11-week blockade on aid entering the enclave.

    The launch was marred by tumultuous scenes on Tuesday as thousands of Palestinians rushed to distribution points and forced private security contractors to retreat.

    The chaotic start to the operation has raised international pressure on Israel to get more food in and halt the fighting in Gaza. GHF has so far supplied about 1.8 million meals and plans to open more sites in coming weeks.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Mashatile leads a Roundtable on Political and Administrative Interface

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile leads a Roundtable on Strengthening the Political and Administrative Interface

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfAoZV04kC4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International cooperation: GUU at the General Assembly of the Peoples of Eurasia and Africa

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 28, 2025, the State University of Management took part in a meeting of the General Assembly of the Peoples of Eurasia and Africa, which was held in the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.

    The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Grigory Karasin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities Ildar Gilmutdinov, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation Oleg Kobyakov, Plenipotentiary Minister with the rank of Ambassador – Deputy Head of Mission of the Republic of Cuba to the Russian Federation Enrique Horta Gonzalez, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Nicaragua Claudio Antonio Arana.

    Our university was represented by the Head of the International Cooperation Department Inessa Bogatyreva and graduate students from the Institutes of the State University of Management: Nguyen Thi Hai Anh (Socialist Republic of Vietnam), Moncef Nasrullah (Afghanistan), Umar Bretil Hissein Bretil Hissein (Republic of Chad).

    In their reports, the speakers paid special attention to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and noted that this year has been declared the Year of Peace and Unity in the CIS in the fight against Nazism. The participants presented such large-scale projects as the International Public Forum “Preserving the Memory of the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War”, the initiatives “Immortal Memory”, “Road of Life – Road of Military Glory”, “Panfilov’s Men: Our Pride, Our Glory”, etc.

    It is worth noting that within the framework of the Assembly’s work, significant projects are being implemented that contribute to strengthening spiritual and cultural ties between the states of Eurasia and Africa. Among them are the “Caravan of Friendship”, “Road of Life”, “Song of Peace”, “Children of Eurasia”, “Angels of Peace”, “Discover Eurasia”, the 1st International Sports Games of National and Non-Olympic Sports “Towards Eurasiada”.

    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 Video: Deputy President Mashatile leads a Roundtable on the Political and Administrative Interface

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile leads a Roundtable on Strengthening the Political and Administrative Interface

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJOBcTslV4A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • US proposes 60-day ceasefire for Gaza, plan shows

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A U.S. plan for Gaza seen by Reuters on Friday proposes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 28 Israeli hostages alive and dead in the first week and the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life and the remains of 180 dead Palestinians.

    The plan, which says it is guaranteed by U.S. President Donald Trump and mediators Egypt and Qatar, includes sending aid to Gaza as soon as Hamas signs off on the ceasefire agreement.

    The plan stipulates that Hamas will release the last 30 hostages once a permanent ceasefire is in place.

    The White House said on Thursday that Israel has agreed to the U.S. ceasefire proposal.

    The Palestinian militant group Hamas told media it was reviewing the plan and will respond on Friday or Saturday.

    Deep differences between Hamas and Israel have stymied previous attempts to restore a ceasefire that broke down in March.

    Israel has insisted that Hamas disarm completely and be dismantled as a military and governing force and that all 58 hostages still held in Gaza must be returned before it will agree to end the war.

    Hamas has rejected the demand to give up its weapons and says Israel must pull its troops out of Gaza and commit to ending the war.

    Israel launched its campaign in Gaza in response to the devastating Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed some 1,200 people and saw 251 Israelis taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    The subsequent Israeli military campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, Gaza health officials say, and left the enclave in ruins.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI: High Arctic Overseas Announces 2025 First Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — High Arctic ‎Overseas Holdings Corp. (TSXV: HOH) (“High Arctic Overseas” or the “Corporation”) has released its first quarter 2025 financial and operating results. The unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) and management’s discussion & analysis (“MD&A”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All amounts are denominated in United States dollars (“USD”), unless otherwise indicated.

    The common shares of the Corporation began trading on the TSXV on August 16, 2024 under the trading symbol HOH.

    Mike Maguire, Chief Executive Officer commented on the Corporation’s first quarter 2025 financial and operating results:

    “Having established High Arctic Overseas Holdings Corp. with dedicated Management and a resilient core business, this Corporation is well placed to participate meaningfully in anticipated future major project developments.

    Our experience combined with ideal drilling equipment for the challenging PNG environment positions us well.

    I remain excited about our prospects to play a strategic role servicing the major projects anticipated in PNG over the second half of the decade.”

    2025 FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    • Drilling rig 103 remains suspended and drilling rigs 115 and 116 remain cold-stacked;
    • Manpower and rental services maintained similar activity levels to Q4 2024;
    • Revenue and operating margins significantly reduced compared to Q1 2024, largely as a result of rig 103 operating in Q1 2024 versus being suspended in Q1 2025; and
    • Disciplined cashflow management resulted in exiting Q1 2025 with working capital of over $20 million.

    Business strategy

    Our business strategy focused on Papua New Guinea is underpinned by the following cornerstones:

    • Leveraging our core PNG planning and logistics capability to diversify ‎our service offerings;
    • Deploying idle assets into profitable operations;
    • Strengthening local content & participation in the PNG finance and investment communities;
    • An established and efficient corporate structure; and
    • Seeking opportunities to expand and root the business in the Australasian region.

    2025 Strategic Objectives

    • Relentless focus on safety excellence and quality service delivery;
    • Reduce general and administrative expenditures;
    • Grow the manpower business in Papua New Guinea;
    • Maximize potential participation in future major Papua New Guinea projects; and
    • Pursue expansionary transactions that increase shareholder value.

    Since the Corporation and HAES-Cyprus were both wholly-owned by HWO, the transfer of all of the outstanding ordinary shares of HAES-Cyprus to the Corporation was deemed a common control transaction. The Corporation’s Financial Statements are presented under the continuity of interests basis. Financial and operational results contained within this Press Release present the historic financial position, results of operations and cash flows of HAES-Cyprus for all prior periods up to August 12, 2024, under HWO’s control. The financial position, results of operations and cash flows from April 1, 2024 (the date of incorporation of the Corporation) to August 12, 2024, include both HAES-Cyprus and the Corporation on a combined basis and from August 12, 2024, forward include the results of the Corporation on a consolidated basis upon completion of the Arrangement.

    For reporting purposes in the Financial Statements, the MD&A and this Press Release, it is assumed that the Corporation held the PNG business prior to August 12, 2024, and as such, information provided includes the financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, including all comparative periods.

    In the above results discussion, the three months ended March 31, 2025 may be referred to as the “quarter” or “Q1 2025” and the comparative three months ended March 31, 2024 may be referred to as “Q1 2024”. References to other quarters may be presented as “QX 20XX” with X/XX being the quarter/year to which the commentary relates.

    FIRST QUARTER 2025 SELECT FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS OVERVIEW

        Three months ended March 31,
    (thousands of USD except per share amounts)       2025     2024  
    Operating results:        
    Revenue       2,510     11,134  
    Net income (loss)       (1,225)     2,501  
    Per share (basic and diluted) (1)(2)     ($0.10)   $0.20  
    Operating margin (3)       714     4,315  
    Operating margin as a % of revenue (3)       28.4%     38.8%  
    EBITDA (3)       (286)     3,588  
    Per share (basic and diluted) (1)(2)     ($0.02)   $0.29  
    Adjusted EBITDA (3)       (202)     3,530  
    Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue (3)       (8.0%)     31.7%  
    Per share (basic and diluted) (1)(2)     ($0.02)   $0.28  
    Operating income (loss) (3)       (998)     2,720  
    Per share (basic and diluted) (1)(2)     ($0.08)   $0.22  
    Cash flow:        
    Cash flow from operating activities       (825)     5,348  
    Per share (basic and diluted) (1)(2)     ($0.07)   $0.43  
    Funds flow from operations (3)       (256)     3,314  
    Per share (basic and diluted) (1)(2)     ($0.02)   $0.27  
    Capital expenditures       74     550  
         
    (thousands of USD except per share amounts and common
    shares outstanding)    		     March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024
    Financial position:        
    Working capital (3)       20,212     20,602  
    Cash and cash equivalents       13,902     14,930  
    Total assets       34,133     35,287  
    Shareholder’s equity       29,766     30,953  
    Per share (4)     $2.39   $2.49  
    Common shares outstanding       12,448,166     12,448,166  
    (1)  For periods when the Corporation incurred a net loss the shares outstanding under the Corporation’s equity incentive plans for the periods presented are excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average number of common shares as the outstanding options were anti-dilutive.
    (2)  For the purposes of computing per share amounts, the number of common shares outstanding for the periods prior to the Arrangement is deemed to be the number of shares issued by the Corporation to the shareholders of HWO upon completion of the Arrangement. See “2024 Corporate Reorganization” section of this Press Release and the Corporation’s Financial Statements for additional details.
    (3)  Readers are cautioned that Operating margin, Operating margin as a % of revenue, EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a % of revenue, Operating income (loss), Funds flow from operations and Working capital do not have a standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. See “Non IFRS Measures” in this Press Release for additional details on the calculations of these measures.
    (4)  Shareholders’ equity per share calculated based on the number of common shares outstanding as at the relevant date.
     

    Operating Results

        Three months ended March 31,
    (thousands of USD, unless otherwise noted)     2025   2024  
    Revenue     2,510   11,134  
    Operating expenses     (1,796)   (6,819)  
    Operating margin (1)     714   4,315  
    Operating margin percentage (1)     28.4%   38.8%  
    (1)   See “Non-IFRS Measures”
     

    Customer-owned rig 103 has been suspended since the second half of 2024 compared to being operational in the first 5.5 months in 2024. As such, the majority of Q1 2025 revenue is from the provision of equipment rental and skilled personnel to key customers within PNG’s oil and gas industry. While minor, the Corporation is seeing increased equipment rental revenues from other industries within PNG. As noted above, revenues for Q1 2024, were inclusive of rig 103 drilling activities plus revenue from the provision of equipment rental and skilled personnel into PNG’s oil and gas industry.

    The Corporation owns two heli-portable drilling rigs (Rigs 115 and 116) which remain preserved and maintained ready for deployment.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Three months ended March 31,
    (thousands of USD)     2025   2024  
    Cash provided by (used in) operations:        
    Operating activities     (825)   5,348  
    Investing activities     (74)   (550)  
    Financing activities     (117)   (124)  
    Effect of foreign exchange rate changes     (12)   –  
    Increase (decrease) in cash     (1,028)   4,674  
    (thousands of USD, unless otherwise noted)     As at
    March 31, 2025    		   As at
    Dec 31, 2024    		  
    Current assets     24,230   24,706  
    Working capital(1)     20,212   20,602  
    Working capital ratio(1)     6.0:1   6.0:1  
    Cash and cash equivalents     13,902   14,930  
     (1)  See “Non-IFRS Measures”
     

    Liquidity and Capital Resources
    Cashflows from Operating Activities

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, cash used in operating activities was $825 (Q1 2024 – cash generated was $5,348). The change in operating cash flow was driven by reduced revenue generating activities and changes in non-cash working capital. Changes in non-cash working capital are listed in Note 13 of the Financial Statements and represent temporary differences as inventory is purchased in support of anticipated sales, deferred revenue is earned and related party balances post the Arrangement.

    Cashflows from Investing Activities

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, cash used in investing activities was $74 (Q1 2024 – $550). Cash outflows associated with investing activities were directed towards capital expenditures for additional rental assets. The Corporation continues to seek opportunities to invest in additional capital assets, in particular where it can do so with support of customer take-or-pay agreements.

    Cash flows from Financing Activities

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, cash used in financing activities was $117 (Q1 2024 – $124). Cash outflows associated with finance activities were directed towards lease obligation payments.

    Outlook

    Consistent with the outlook provided by the Corporation in Q4 2024 the outlook for the Corporation’s core business in PNG for the remainder of 2025 remains subdued. Current quarter operating results were largely driven by manpower and rental services delivered to its key customers in PNG’s oil and gas industry. With no near-term drilling activity currently contracted, the Corporation expects equipment rental and manpower to continue as the primary revenue generating activity for 2025. The second half of 2025 is expected to see a decline in these activities as certain projects supported by the Corporation are expected to conclude, and customers have deferred non-essential work as they realize low and volatile near-term commodity prices.

    The Corporation is buoyed by an increase in recent enquiries for services and requests for pricing which may lead to a future upswing in revenue generating activity. The Corporation remains engaged with its principal customer on planning for future drilling activity and continues to focus on enhancing and optimizing its existing rental fleet deployment and manpower solutions offerings. The Corporation also continues to pursue business expansion opportunities in PNG, participating in requests for tender and actively engaging with potential customers for its services in PNG and the wider region while also taking actions to protect its capability to realize the future potential of the business.

    Our rationale for a business strategy focussed on PNG is unchanged. Papua New Guinea possesses substantial deposits of natural resources including significant reserves of oil and natural gas and has emerged as a reliable low-cost energy exporter to Asian markets, particularly for liquefied natural gas (“LNG”). A significant investment in the country’s oil and gas industry was evidenced by the successful construction of the PNG-LNG project in 2014, with the primary partners in the venture being customers of the Corporation. In the period following, the Corporation’s predecessor company committed to the purchase and upgrade of drilling rigs 115 and 116 and expansion of the Corporation’s fleet of rentable equipment including camps, material handling equipment and worksite matting. These investments contributed to a substantive lift in revenues and earnings as PNG enjoyed its highest period of exploration and development activity.

    Since the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, there has been a substantive reduction in drilling services in PNG. This follows some consolidation among the active exploration and production companies and evolving political and economic influences. In the longer term, High Arctic believes PNG is on the precipice of a new round of large-scale projects in the natural resources sector. ‎The next significant ‎LNG project currently being planned is Papua-LNG, a project lead by the French oil and gas super-major TotalEnergies, with a final investment decision anticipated in late 2025. There is an expectation for increased drilling activity through the latter half of this decade, ‎not only to develop wells for the supply of gas to the Papua-LNG export facility, but also to explore for and ‎appraise other discoveries. The signing of a fiscal stability agreement between the P’nyang gas field joint venture and the government of PNG is another positive signal for that expansionary project to follow Papua-LNG.

    The Corporation is strategically positioned to support these developments, given its dominant position for drilling and associated services in PNG, existing work relationships with the operating companies, and proximity to the proposed sites of operation. The Corporation’s drilling rigs 115 and 116 are portable by helicopter and have been maintained and preserved for future use.

    There are a number of other petroleum projects and substantive nation-building projects including infrastructure, ‎electrification, telecommunications and defense projects planned for the development of PNG. ‎These ‎projects will require access to transport and material handling machinery, quality worksite and temporary ‎road mats and a substantive amount of labour including skilled equipment operators, qualified tradespeople and engineers, ‎geoscientists and other professionals. ‎High Arctic’s business continues to position itself to be a meaningful supplier of services, equipment and manpower for this market.

    NON-IFRS MEASURES

    This Press Release contains references to certain financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and may not be comparable to the same or similar measures used by other companies. High Arctic Overseas uses these financial measures to assess performance and believes these measures provide useful supplemental information to shareholders and investors. These financial measures are computed on a consistent basis for each reporting period and include Oilfield services operating margin, EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization), Adjusted EBITDA, Operating loss, Funds flow from operating activities, Working capital and Net cash. These do not have standardized meanings.

    These financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss), cash from operating activities, current assets or current liabilities, cash and/or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with IFRS.

    For additional information regarding non-IFRS measures, including their use to management and investors and reconciliations to measures recognized by IFRS, please refer to the Corporation’s Q1 2025 MD&A, which is available online at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About High Arctic ‎Overseas Holdings Corp.

    High Arctic Overseas is a market leader in Papua New Guinea providing drilling ‎and specialized well completion services, manpower solutions and supplies rental equipment including rig matting, camps, material ‎handling and drilling support equipment.

    For further information, please contact:

    Mike Maguire
    Chief Executive Officer
    1.587.320.1301

    High Arctic Overseas Holdings Corp.
    Suite 2350, 330–5th Avenue SW
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L4
    www.higharctic.com
    Email: info@higharctic.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This Press Release contains forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “seek”, “propose”, “estimate”, “expect”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Corporation’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Corporation’s actual results, performance, or achievements to vary from those described in this Press Release.

    Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this Press Release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Specific forward-looking statements in this Press Release include, among others, statements pertaining to the following: general economic and business conditions; the role of the energy services industry in future phases of the energy industry; the outlook for energy services both globally and within PNG; the impact of conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine; the timing and impact on the Corporation’s business related to potential new large-scale natural resources projects and increased drilling activity in PNG; the impact, if any, related to existing or future changes to government regulations by the government of PNG; the impact, if any, on the Corporation’s future financial and operational results related to non-resource development opportunities in PNG; market fluctuations in commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates; restrictions on repatriation of funds held in PNG; expectations regarding the Corporation’s ability to manage its liquidity risk; raise capital and manage its debt finance agreements; projections of market prices and costs; factors upon which the Corporation will decide whether or not to undertake a specific course of operational action or expansion; the Corporation’s ongoing relationship with its major customers; customers’ drilling intentions; the Corporation’s ability to position itself to be a significant supplier of services, equipment and manpower for other resource and non-resources based projects in PNG; the Corporation’s expectations related to financial and operational results in 2025, including the expectation that the equipment rental and manpower services portion of the Corporation’s business will be the primary revenue generating activity for fiscal 2025; the timing and ability of the Corporation to put its own administrative infrastructure in place; the Corporation’s ability to invest in additional capital assets, including the impact on the Corporation’s future financial and operational results; the impact, if any, of geo-political events, changes in government, changes to tariff’s or related trade policies and the potential impact on the Corporation’s ability to execute on its 2025 business plan and strategic objectives; the ability of the Corporation to expand its geographic customer base outside of PNG, and the deploying idle heli-portable drilling rigs 115 and 116 and securing future work with other exploration companies in PNG.

    With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release, the Corporation has made assumptions regarding, among other things, its ability to: maintain its ongoing relationship with major customers; successfully market its services to current and new customers; devise methods for, and achieve its primary objectives; source and obtain equipment from suppliers; successfully manage, operate, and thrive in an environment which is facing much uncertainty; remain competitive in all its operations; attract and retain skilled employees; and obtain equity and debt financing on satisfactory terms and manage liquidity related risks.

    The Corporation’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth in this Press Release and in the Corporation’s annual 2024 MD&A, which is available on SEDAR+.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are given only as of the date of this Press Release. The Corporation does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the ‎policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN extends mandate to inspect ships suspected of violating Libya arms embargo

    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

    UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) — The Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution extending the authority of U.N. member states to inspect ships suspected of violating the arms embargo on Libya.

    Resolution 2780 extends for six months the authorization for UN Member States, acting nationally or through regional organizations, to inspect vessels on the high seas en route to or from Libya if they have reasonable grounds to believe that those vessels are transporting arms or related material in violation of the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council.

    The UN Secretary-General will submit to the Security Council a report on its implementation within five months of the adoption of this resolution.

    Resolution 2780 was adopted with 13 votes in favor. Russia and China abstained.

    Russian and Chinese officials have questioned the effectiveness of the EU’s Operation IRINI, the only regional exercise to inspect ships under authorization, and the manner in which intercepted items are disposed of.

    The Security Council imposed sanctions, including an arms embargo, on Libya in 2011 following political upheaval that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. In June 2016, the council adopted Resolution 2292, authorizing inspections of vessels on the high seas to enforce the arms embargo. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM meets counterparts from Pacific Island countries

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Federated States of Micronesia’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert attending the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, May 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    XIAMEN, May 29 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held respective meetings with foreign guests attending the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

    When meeting with the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert, Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the two heads of state had reached an important consensus on strengthening mutual trust and friendship, and on deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

    China appreciates the resolution passed by the Congress of the FSM in support of the one-China principle, and believes that the FSM will continue to support China’s just position on Taiwan-related issues firmly, Wang said.

    China is ready to expand cooperation with the FSM in key areas such as infrastructure, climate change response and marine research, and promote the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he added.

    Robert extended his congratulations on the successful conclusion of the foreign ministers’ meeting and affirmed the FSM’s steadfast commitment to the one-China principle. The country is willing to continue developing its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, he added.

    When meeting with Vanuatu’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade Marc Ati, Wang said that the China-Vanuatu comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to develop under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries.

    Since the new government of Vanuatu took office in February, it has maintained a positive, friendly policy on China, which China appreciates, Wang said. The two countries should seize this opportunity to strengthen exchange at all levels and expand practical cooperation, he noted.

    Ati said that China’s support not only helps Vanuatu improve its people’s livelihoods, but also enhances its confidence and resilience in development.

    Vanuatu’s government adheres firmly to the one-China principle, and is ready to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with China, accelerate negotiations for bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs), promote cooperation in such fields as education, infrastructure, health and law enforcement, and move toward a more prosperous future, Ati said.

    When meeting with Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, Wang said that the two countries should implement the consensus reached between their leaders, open FTA negotiations as soon as possible, and deepen cooperation in various fields.

    China values Papua New Guinea’s influence as a major power in the South Pacific, as well as its role as a gateway to Asia, Wang said, adding that China is willing to work with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations to implement the outcomes of the foreign ministers’ meeting, and to make greater contributions to regional peace and development.

    Tkatchenko said that Papua New Guinea’s relationship with China is crucial. The government of Papua New Guinea is in firm support of China’s efforts to uphold its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Papua New Guinea is willing to communicate and coordinate closely with China to promote Belt and Road cooperation, and to enhance practical cooperation on agriculture, education, telecommunication, energy and regional development.

    Wang also met with Nauru’s former President and current Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Russ Kun, Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua, and the Pacific Islands Forum’s Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Vanuatu’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade Marc Ati attending the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, May 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko attending the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, May 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua attending the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, May 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai exports jump 13.8% in Jan.-April

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

    This photo taken on April 15, 2025 shows excavators for export at Shanghai Sany Heavy Machinery Co., LTD. in Shanghai, east China, April 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Shanghai’s exports surged by 13.8 percent year on year in the first four months of 2025, with April’s total import and export value hitting a record high, Shanghai Customs data showed on Thursday.

    The city’s total foreign trade reached 1.4 trillion yuan (about 194.7 billion U.S. dollars) from January to April, an increase of 1 percent year on year. In April alone, imports and exports hit 399.35 billion yuan, rising more than 10 percent both year on year and month on month. Exports for the month grew 17.2 percent year on year, while imports climbed 8.1 percent.

    Private enterprises, accounting for more than 70 percent of Shanghai’s total number of foreign trade firms during the four-month period, were a key driver. Their import and export value exceeded 500 billion yuan, increasing by more than 20 percent year on year and indicating stronger endogenous growth momentum.

    Shanghai traded with over 200 countries and regions during the period, achieving growth with 166 partners. Trade with Belt and Road partner countries was close to 600 billion yuan, up 11.9 percent year on year, while trade with the Middle East and Eastern Europe saw growth exceeding 20 percent.

    Exports of mechanical and electrical products totaled 398.8 billion yuan, and accounting for over 60 percent of the city’s total exports during the period. Imports of consumer goods bolstered domestic supply. Meat and cooking oil imports grew over 10 percent year on year, while specialty foods like Afghan nuts, Italian chocolate, Irish dairy products and Ethiopian coffee expanded the culinary options available to Chinese consumers. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces More Than $6.4 Million to Support Affordable Housing in Tribal Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that five tribal communities in Maine have been awarded a total of $6,456,253 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG). These grants support the development and maintenance of affordable housing.

    “This funding will help address critical housing needs, improve quality of life, and strengthen tribal communities across our state,” said Senator Collins. “As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to working to ensure that tribal communities in Maine have the resources needed to provide safe, affordable housing.”

    The funding is allocated as follows:

    1. Penobscot Nation: $2,284,938
    1. Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township: $1,135,316
    1. Mi’kmaq Nation: $1,129,607
    1. Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point: $1,112,321
    1. Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians: $794,071

    The IHBG program provides funding for a various affordable housing activities, including construction, rehabilitation, and housing services tailored to the unique needs of tribal communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Second Review of the Extended Credit Facility with Togo

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 29, 2025

    Press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after meetings with the authorities of a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary conclusions of the meetings, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF Staff and the Togolese authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to conclude the second review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)-supported program. Once the review is completed by the IMF Executive Board, Togo will have access to SDR 44.0 million (about US$58.4 million) in financing.
    • The IMF-supported program is broadly on track, with robust growth and moderating inflation. All quantitative targets and all structural benchmarks at end-December 2024 met, except for the quantitative performance criterion on the fiscal balance.
    • The authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing sound policies, including by raising fiscal revenue, containing debt accumulation, and making growth more inclusive, as well as enacting structural reforms to enhance public financial management, strengthen the financial sector, and enhance governance.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Hans Weisfeld held meetings with the Togolese authorities in Lomé and Washington in recent months to discuss progress under the authorities’ economic program supported by an IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.

    At the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Weisfeld issued the following statement:

    “The mission has had constructive and productive discussions with the Togolese authorities and commended them on the sustained progress in advancing reforms. A staff-level agreement was reached on all policies, including key parameters of the 2025 fiscal framework and reform measures going forward, in line with the program‘s objectives.

    “Economic growth reached an estimated 5.3 percent in 2024 and is projected at 5.2 percent in 2025 and around 5.5 percent per year thereafter, barring major adverse shocks. Inflation has continued to slow, reaching 2.6 percent in April 2025 (annual average). 

    “The IMF-supported government economic policy program is broadly on track. The authorities met all quantitative performance criteria for end-2024 except the criterion on the fiscal balance. Tax revenue in 2024 increased as planned, while non-tax revenue even exceeded expectations. At the same time, financing support provided to local communities affected by floods and the purchase of a large stock of fertilizers that are being made available to farmers at subsidized prices meant that government debt rose more quickly than planned, slowing progress toward stronger debt sustainability. To help the public understand budget execution and the drivers of debt, the authorities have published an explanation of fiscal developments in 2024. This is a very welcome step.

    “At the same time, the authorities made good progress on structural reforms. They met both outstanding structural benchmarks set for end-2024 by (i) strengthening the budgetary risk analysis report accompanying the draft annual budgets; and (ii) injecting substantial funds into the remaining public bank to bring its regulatory capital in line with the requirements set by the regional banking regulator. The authorities also aim to continue to enhance governance. They (i) are working on strengthening the public procurement legal framework to require the publication of the names of beneficial owners of companies awarded procurement contracts; and (ii) have invited an IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment and committed to publishing its findings.

    “It will be very important to make good progress on the planned growth-friendly and socially responsible fiscal consolidation to reinforce debt sustainability while continuing reforms to enhance public financial management, strengthen the financial sector, and enhance governance.

    “The IMF approved the ECF arrangement in March 2024 to help the authorities address the legacies of shocks seen since 2020, notably the COVID pandemic and the increase in global food and fuel prices. The Togolese authorities were able to lessen the impacts of these shocks on the Togolese economy and population, but this came at the price of large fiscal deficits and a rapidly rising debt burden. The IMF-supported government program aims to (i) make growth more inclusive while strengthening debt sustainability, and (ii) conduct structural reforms to support growth and limit fiscal and financial sector risks. The IMF provides financing of SDR 293.60 million (about US$ 390 million) on favorable terms to Togo through the ECF arrangement. The IMF Executive Board completed the First Review of the program in December 2024.   

    The staff team looks forward to continuing the fruitful dialogue with the Togolese authorities and stakeholders in the period ahead, including in the context of the mission for the Third Review in the second half of 2025.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/29/pr-25166-togo-imf-reaches-agreement-on-the-2nd-rev-of-ecf-with-togo

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: ReconAfrica Announces First Quarter Filings and Corporate Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the “Company” or “ReconAfrica”) (TSXV: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) (NSX: REC) announces the filing of its fiscal first quarter disclosure documents for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, including the unaudited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”), which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

    Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO of the Company commented: “ReconAfrica continues to move Prospect I toward spud and management remains excited about this exploration target, which is our largest prospect to be drilled to date. On trend with the Naingopo and Prospect I locations, the Company recently gained access to over five million acres in Angola, and we look forward to working with our partner, ANPG to explore this acreage. Management recognizes its responsibility to all stakeholders to steward the evaluation and exploration process of this vast portfolio with the utmost care. We are keen to continue our work with shareholders, local government, joint venture and community partners.”

    Selected Highlights
    For the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and subsequent period, we announced:

    • On January 29, 2025, the Namibian Ministry of Mines & Energy approved the previously announced farm-down agreement with BW Energy (“BW”) acquiring a 20% WI in Petroleum Exploration License 073 (“PEL 73”).
    • On January 30, 2025, results from the Naingopo exploration well on PEL 73 aided the Company with the selection of Prospect I as the next drill prospect.
    • On April 17, 2025, ReconAfrica entered a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency of Angola (“ANPG”), for a joint exploration project in the Etosha-Okavango basin, located onshore in southeastern Angola. The MOU area, which is contiguous to PEL 73 in Namibia, added 5.2 million acres of exploration lands to the Company’s exploration portfolio.
    • On April 30, 2025, an updated NSAI Report was filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
    • On May 21, 2025, Mark Friesen, CFA joined the Company as Managing Director, Investor Relations and Capital Markets.


    Operational Update

    Prospect I, located onshore Namibia in Petroleum Exploration License 073 (“PEL 73”), will be the Company’s largest exploration prospect drilled to date. Prioritizing Prospect I as the next drillable prospect was significantly influenced by the drilling results of the Naingopo prospect, which has confirmed the presence of carbonate reservoir, indications of oil observed from the Damara Fold Belt and oil being recovered at surface in the drilling mud system.

    The Company has conducted extensive stakeholder and community engagement activities and obtained local consents. The Company is completing permitting requirements and obtaining all regulatory approvals. Pre-construction activities are currently underway, including, de-brushing, de-mining, access road infrastructure development and drill site preparation. ReconAfrica is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with communities, governments and regulators.

    Management remains encouraged that the sequence of completing the necessary pre-drill activities on Prospect I is progressing toward spudding the well. Permitting for road and pad construction is proceeding and we expect the rig to move in late June with spud shortly thereafter. Any adjustments to the spud date of Prospect I are logistical in nature with management’s view regarding the prospectivity of the target remaining positive and unchanged from earlier communications.

    About ReconAfrica

    ReconAfrica is a Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the exploration of the Damara Fold Belt and Kavango Rift Basin in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia, southeastern Angola and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds petroleum licences comprising ~13 million contiguous acres. In all aspects of its operations, ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbance of habitat in line with international standards and implementing environmental and social best practices in its project areas.

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information contact:

    Brian Reinsborough, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Mark Friesen, Managing Director, Investor Relations & Capital Markets

    IR Inquiries Email: investors@reconafrica.com
    Media Inquiries Email: media@reconafrica.com
    Telephone: 1-877-631-1160

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

    Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian, United States and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the timing of permits, timing and sequencing of the next well, actual well results, future drilling activity, resource potential, the updated NSAI Report, the Company’s commitment to minimal disturbance of habitat, in line with best international standards and its implementation of environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “will”, “projected”, “estimated” and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on ReconAfrica’s current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company’s actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section in the Company’s annual information form dated April 29, 2025, available under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to ReconAfrica. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and ReconAfrica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

    The MIL Network –