Category: Middle East

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foreign Minister concludes North Asia visit

Source: New Zealand Government

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has concluded visits to China, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea focused on deepening ties with North Asia.

“Our time spent this week in Beijing, Ulaanbaatar and Seoul has underlined the opportunities for New Zealand for enhanced engagement with North Asia,” Mr Peters says.

“North Asia is a dynamic region – and New Zealand is striving to do more with it.”

During his visit to Seoul, Mr Peters met Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.

“It was timely to re-connect with Foreign Minister Cho, and continue our dialogue on the major strategic challenges facing the Indo-Pacific and the wider world,” Mr Peters says.

“Our countries have a strong, shared focus on promoting a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

The New Zealand and Korean Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship, including our close cooperation on security, trade, and enduring people-to-people links.

“We look forward to enhanced collaboration with Korea as we work towards finalising a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Korea is New Zealand’s 4th largest trading partner, and we are looking for ways to further enhance our trade and economic links.”

During his visit to Seoul, Mr Peters also had a meeting in his capacity as Minister for Rail.

“We took the opportunity while in Korea to meet with ship building company Hyundai Heavy Industries,” Mr Peters says.

“It was good to acknowledge our long relationship. We are in a global search for new ferries, exploring a range of options, and will have more to say on this after Cabinet meets at the end of March.”

South Korea is the final of five countries that Mr Peters has visited on this trip, following the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China and Mongolia. He departs for New Zealand later today.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 1, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Release of civilian hostages held in Gaza and arbitrarily detained Palestinians must be immediate and not hinge on ceasefire negotiations

Source: Amnesty International –

The release of Israeli and foreign national civilians held hostage by Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, and Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel, must take place immediately and should not be contingent on the outcome of political negotiations over the next phase of the ceasefire, said Amnesty International, as the first phase of the hostage-prisoner swap deal draws to a close.

Overnight on 26/27 February, Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 640 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, as part of the last exchange deal under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. The release of Palestinian prisoners had been delayed by Israel in previous days. Negotiations over the second phase of the ceasefire are set to agree the release of remaining Israeli hostages and further Palestinian detainees and prisoners, as well as a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a permanent end to hostilities.

“Israeli and foreign hostages and Palestinian detainees must not be treated as political pawns in a despicable power struggle over the next phase of the ceasefire deal. Only a durable ceasefire, including unhindered humanitarian assistance for Gaza, will end suffering for all. But the release of both civilian hostages and Palestinians arbitrarily detained – especially those held without charges or trial – should not be a matter of negotiation; it is a matter of international law. Hostage taking is a war crime. There can be no justification for abducting anyone to use as a hostage, nor for the prolonged, arbitrary detention of individuals to serve as bargaining chips,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.

“Israel and Hamas must release all unlawfully held individuals – immediately – regardless of the outcome of political negotiations over phase two of the ceasefire.”

Israeli and foreign hostages and Palestinian detainees must not be treated as political pawns in a despicable power struggle over the next phase of the ceasefire deal

Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior

At least 59 hostages, the vast majority of them Israelis, remain in captivity in Gaza, of whom at least 24 are believed to be alive.

Over 4,000 Palestinians are held without charge or trial either under administrative detention or based on the Unlawful Combatants’ Law, which violates international law.

The release of Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages in recent weeks has raised grave concerns over inhumane treatment in custody and dire conditions of detention for both hostages in Gaza and detainees in Israel.

At least 250 individuals, alive and dead, were taken hostage in southern Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023. An Israeli forensic examination of the bodies of at least six deceased hostages retrieved in August 2024 indicates they were shot dead at close range shortly before their retrieval suggesting they were killed by their captors.

Hamas has also withheld the bodies of two Israeli soldiers since 2014. One of those bodies was recovered by Israeli forces during a military operation in January 2025.

Israeli media reports indicate some released hostages described being held in tunnels while in chains, deprived of food and with very limited exposure to daylight. They also reported being subjected to torture and other ill-treatment.

Hamas has publicly paraded hostages and forced them to participate in humiliating public handover ceremonies in front of crowds. In one incident, the coffins of deceased Israeli hostages, including two children, were displayed publicly in front of a poster depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a vampire.

“Outrages to personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, are prohibited by international humanitarian law. Yet we have witnessed hostages being paraded in public as trophies of war or coerced to participate in propaganda videos. Hamas and other armed groups must immediately put an end to these degrading spectacles and ensure all hostages and human remains are treated with respect and dignity,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

“All those who remain in captivity must be treated humanely and protected from torture and other ill-treatment and be given access to the International Committee of the Red Cross, and to medical care.”

Palestinian detainees released during the ceasefire deal have also emerged from detention looking gaunt and bearing signs of torture and other ill-treatment. Amnesty International has previously documented how detainees have been subjected to enforced disappearance, incommunicado detention and widespread torture in custody including through beatings, starvation and other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment. At least 60 Palestinian detainees have died while in Israeli custody since 7 October 2023.

“Continuing to arbitrarily hold thousands of Palestinians without any legal grounds is cruel, unjustified and blatantly unlawful. Israeli authorities must stop using arbitrary detention and refrain from holding the bodies of deceased Palestinians as bargaining chips. Until the detainees are released, Israel must allow international monitors access to detention facilities. All individuals in custody must be protected from torture and provided with adequate food, water and medical treatment, as well as access to their families and lawyers,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

Israeli authorities also forced Palestinians to undergo degrading and humiliating treatment during their release, including forcing them to wear shirts with a Star of David logo and the slogan “we will not forget or forgive”.

In one case in September 2024, Israeli forces also sent containers including the remains of at least 88 unidentified Palestinians to Gaza, who were then buried in a mass grave. The bodies of at least 600 Palestinians continue to be held by Israeli forces as bargaining chips under a long-standing illegal Israeli practice that predates October 2023.

“The bodies of the deceased should never be treated as a battleground. All parties to the conflict have a clear obligation to respect and uphold the dignity of the living and the dead, including ensuring that bodies and remains are properly identified and handed over with dignity,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.

MIL OSI NGO –

March 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Donors making a difference: community engagement to promote, provide and protect the health and well-being of all

Source: World Health Organisation

WHO defines community engagement as “a process of developing relationships that enable stakeholders to work together to address health-related issues and promote well-being to achieve positive health impact and outcomes”.

WHO’s partners and donors support the Organization to work in this area as there are undeniable benefits to engaging communities in promoting health and well-being. At its core, community engagement enables changes in behaviour, environments, policies, programmes and practices within communities.

Below are some country stories that demonstrate the breadth of community engagement work that WHO conducts, resulting in more positive health outcomes for the people in these communities than before.

Uganda trains district health workers on community-based approach to Ebola

^{Uganda trains Community Health workers from Kole, Mukono and Wakiso districts on community-based approach to Ebola. Photo by: WHO/Sadat Kamugisha}

Uganda’s Ministry of Health conducted a training on Ebola disease detection and management for Community Health Workers representatives from Kole, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Participants focused on multi-sectoral action to safeguard communities from emerging zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential such as Ebola.

Communities play an integral role in raising awareness, supporting case identification, tracing contacts, and maintaining essential health services. The emphasis on collaboration with local leaders, volunteers, and health workers is vital for effective responses to public health emergencies. Building on lessons learned from past health crises, Uganda has already made substantial advancements in emergency preparedness.

The three-day event was supported by WHO, and the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), which is a UK aid project funded by the Department of Health and Social care. The community protection approach is a central component of WHO’s new Health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and resilience framework.

Visit the WHO/Uganda web page to read the full story.

Community engagement for access to health services in Lao PDR

^{CONNECT team members discuss community health priorities in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. Photo by: WHO/Enric Catala}

Developed by the Lao Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs in response to COVID-19 with the support of WHO and partners, the CONNECT initiative enhances local governance and community engagement for equitable access to public services, particularly health.

Supported by USAID, the Australian Government and Luxembourg, as of July 2024, CONNECT reached over 230 villages across 10 provinces (including Vientiane Capital) and support already in-place for expansion to all provinces.

An external evaluation of implementation in 12 villages found an increase in essential service uptake for maternal health and improved attitudes towards using primary care; increased trust in health providers; increased sense of ownership of health at community level; and increased vaccination uptake and confidence, especially among ethnic groups and previously unreached communities.

Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story.

Côte d’Ivoire community radios boost public awareness on mpox outbreak

^{Community radios, pillar of the fight against mpox. Photo by: WHO/Toiherou De Marfere Sidibe}

A network of community radio stations, known as Radio Santé, comprises 350 stations in West African, with over half based in Côte d’Ivoire. Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with major support from WHO, Radio Santé has become a preferred channel for disseminating reliable, verified health information. It brings together nearly 1000 journalists and communications specialists.

Radio Santé is an interactive and accessible tool for mobilizing communities around health issues, throughout Côte d’Ivoire and across borders. Health authorities use Radio Santé to counter rumours and misinformation, and to strengthen community engagement, which is crucial to curbing the spread of diseases such as mpox.

After WHO declared mpox as a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, Radio Santé devoted its health talk show to mpox. 185 Ivorian community radio stations have since broadcasted messages on mpox. Over 50 programmes have been produced and broadcast in eight countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

Visit the WHO/Côte d’Ivoire web page to read the full story.

Bolivia strengthens social participation in health for indigenous population

^{Indigenous organizations are clear about their requests. They want free and equitable access to health care, an improved indigenous health network, incorporation of traditional medicine, and the consideration of the indigenous population’s culture, customs, and practices. Photo by: WHO/PAHO}

The Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia is engaging indigenous populations in community participation processes, creating space for them to discuss health topics, share concerns, and contribute to a health improvement plan.

The meaningful inclusion and engagement of indigenous populations in health policy planning, taking into account the social determinants of health, is critical to ensure context-specific interventions, uptake of guidance and services, and positive health outcomes for all.

PAHO/WHO, through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, has supported the Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia in this endeavour since 2021. The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO

Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

Weaving hope in Honduras: the community wisdom that saves lives

^{Maternal health in Honduras Hermelinda shares her experience. Photo by: WHO/Honduras}

In Honduras, high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality are often the result of multiple factors, including socioeconomic barriers, lack of access to adequate healthcare services, gaps in education and awareness about maternal and child health, and cultural differences.

Hermelinda Hernández, who is familiar with the local practices and beliefs of her community and also recognizes the value of professional medical interventions, participated in the “Knowledge Dialogues Methodology” workshop organized by the Honduran Ministry of Health with the support of PAHO/WHO and funded by Global Affairs Canada.

The workshop aimed to promote mutual understanding between midwives and healthcare providers to reach agreements that improve the health of women, and adolescent girls in situations of vulnerability within the community.

Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

Grassroots heroes in Cambodia

^{Mrs Say Sa with her Baby in Cambodia’s Principal of Health Centre Kok Chuk. Photo by: Aforative media}

In Cambodia, village chiefs stepped up to create a healthier future for their communities. In villages across 25 provinces, 2000 village chiefs and nearly 5400 village health support groups received trainings, organised by the Ministry of Heath with support from WHO and the EU.

This equipped the chiefs with knowledge and skills necessary to control transmission of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory diseases, and collaborate with authorities more closely on health issues facing their communities.

The chiefs then shared their newfound knowledge during community dialogues, which then transformed how community members adopted healthier practices. Empowered with accurate information, communities embraced protective measures during times of high COVID-19 transmission.

Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story, and more on EU’s support to WHO in ASEAN region.

Bolstering public awareness to help curb mpox spread in Uganda

Dr Kenneth Kabali, WHO Field Coordinator for Busoga Sub-region sensitizes the community on mpox in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda. Photo by: WHO/Abdu Mutwalibu Seguya

Uganda witnessed an upsurge in mpox cases, with laboratory-confirmed cases increasing from 24 as of 21 September to 413 as of 7 November 2024. Health authorities, with support from WHO and partners, worked closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease and how to stay safe, and address misinformation and stigma.

The risk communication and community engagement team reached more than 100 fishmongers, fisherfolk, boda boda (motorbike taxi) riders, 8000 school children and 30 sex workers. In addition, 500 teachers in the district have been oriented on mpox.

WHO is also using mass media to expand the reach of mpox response communication. With funding from USAID, WHO has contracted 10 regional radio stations and 2 national TV stations to raise awareness and promote preventative behaviour.

Visit the WHO/AFRO web page to read the full story.

Combating measles: a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia

^{Combating measles, a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Hassen Ali}

In the districts of Sidama, Central, and South Ethiopia, access to healthcare is often challenging, exacerbated by various health emergencies. A community-led initiative made remarkable progress in combating measles, malaria, and malnutrition through collaborative efforts between local health facilities, community health workers, and government agencies.

The initiative received significant financial support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) bolstering community-based intervention efforts.

By leveraging collaboration between healthcare facilities, community health workers, and local communities, this initiative represents a beacon of hope in improving healthcare access and outcomes in regions of Ethiopia.

Visit the WHO/Ethiopia web page to read the full story.

WHO races to contain malaria resurgence in southeastern Iran

^{Malaria resurgence in Iran. Photo by: WHO/Iran}

A race against time is underway in southeastern Iran, where the resurgence of malaria threatens to undo years of progress. The dramatic rise in cases has been attributed to the devastating floods in neighbouring Pakistan in September 2022 which led to an expansion of malaria breeding sites.

WHO, with crucial support from the Government of Japan, is on the ground in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, battling this public health emergency and working to protect vulnerable communities. Japan’s generous contribution provided 4902 mosquito dome tents offering families protection from infected mosquitos, 50 000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests enabling health care workers to quickly identify and treat infected individuals, and 1655 kg of insecticides, deployed to contain mosquito populations at their source. The combined resources are estimated to benefit 77 400 people in the province.

In December 2024, a WHO mission observed a proactive approach to malaria control demonstrated by local health workers as they conducted house-to-house screenings, distributed mosquito nets and educated communities on how to use them.

Visit the WHO/Iran web page to read the full story.

Mali: screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications

^{Screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications, Mali. Photo by: WHO/Razzack Saizonou}

Malnutrition among children is one of the main health problems that the affected populations of Ségou had to face after severe floods hit Mali between July and October 2024. Having lost everything including their food reserves and their means of subsistence, people found themselves in a very precarious situation.

Among the more than 370,000 people affected by these floods, children, who represent 45% of the affected population, are particularly vulnerable. To enable access to health care, WHO, with thanks to the Central Emergency Response Fund, supported the deployment of mobile clinics on relocation sites.

In the Ségou region, three sites were set up and equipped with medical tents. Medical staff go there five times a month. Between July and October 2024, nearly 700 children suffering from malnutrition were identified in the three health districts of the Ségou region.

Visit the WHO/Mali web page to read the full story in French.

Effective community engagement saving lives in Tanzania during cholera outbreak

^{Abdul Zachari, a young man is washing his hands. Photo by: WHO/Clemence Eliah}

The recurrence of Cholera outbreaks has been a threat to many lives in the United Republic of Tanzania for decades now. In mid-2024, situation reports from the Ministry of Health indicated that, the outbreak have been reported in 19 regions of Tanzania Mainland. Thanks to flexible funding available for responding to outbreaks such as this, WHO has been able to support the Government’s efforts to control cholera outbreaks. Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) Experts worked on the ground delivering an intensive community sensitization in over 92 households and 32 villages . The joint and community-based action plan against Cholera outbreak was built jointly, this way enhancing 54 community members and local authorities from the affected wards and districts. The community engagement strategies adopted generate local solutions tailored to control and prevent further transmissions in these areas. In addition, WHO applied behavioral science approaches to guide tailored interventions to community protection and resilience – and as a result, enhancing many lives in Tanzania.

Visit the WHO/Tanzania web page to read the full story.

* * * *

Read more about the WHO’s community engagement work.

The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Union (ECHO), France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, and the USA Agency for International Development.

WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary-General/Bangladesh, Ramadan, Türkiye & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (27 February)

Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

Highlights:
Secretary-General/Bangladesh
Secretary-General/Ramadan Message
Türkiye
Haiti
Ukraine
Sudan
Democratic Republic of the Congo/Jean-Pierre Lacroix
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Staff Security

SECRETARY-GENERAL/BANGLADESH
Every year, the Secretary-General does a Ramadan solidarity visit, where he likes to visit and fast with a Muslim community, which is facing distress. He began this tradition when he was High Commissioner for Refugees. In his own words, the Secretary-General said that Ramadan embodies the values of compassion, empathy and generosity. It is an opportunity to reconnect with family, with community and a chance to remember those less fortunate. These missions are to remind the world of the true face of Islam.
This year, the Secretary-General will be going to Bangladesh from the 13-16 March. He will travel to Cox’s Bazaar to join an Iftar and meet with Rohingya refugees who have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Myanmar, and also, of course, with the host Bangladeshi communities who have been generously in hosting the refugees from Myanmar.
During his visit, he will also be in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, where he will meet with the Chief Adviser for the interim government, Professor Muhammed Yunus, as well as with young women and men and representatives from civil society.

SECRETARY-GENERAL/RAMADAN MESSAGE
In his annual message at the start of Ramadan, the Secretary-General expressed a special message of support to all those who will spend this sacred time in displacement and violence. From Gaza and the wider region, to Sudan, the Sahel and beyond.
The Secretary-General stands with all those who are suffering and joins those observing Ramadan to call for peace and mutual respect.

TÜRKIYE
On the reports coming out of Türkiye regarding Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, and his message calling for fighters to lay down their arms and the PKK to dissolve itself, the spokesperson said that the Secretary-General welcomes this important development. This represents a glimmer of hope, which would lead to the resolution of a long-standing conflict.

HAITI
The World Food Programme (WFP) today said that, as part of their emergency response in Haiti, they continue to provide critical food assistance, cash-based transfers, and hot meals across the Artibonite, Nord, and Ouest departments. This includes $1.2 million in cash assistance, as well as nearly 3,000 meals distributed in border regions to Haitians deported back to their country.
Last week, the WFP organized the first of two humanitarian cargo flights from Panama City to Port-au-Prince. This was the first humanitarian cargo flight to land at the Port-au-Prince airport since its closure lastNovember.
The flight carried medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies for eight humanitarian organizations. A second flight is scheduled in about one month.

Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=27%20February%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX1Wlh5xwHk

MIL OSI Video –

March 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mr. Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel, calls on Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 3:43PM by PIB Delhi

Ambassador of Israel, Mr. Reuven Azar called on Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting served as a platform to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, with a focus on food security, sustainable supply chains, and innovative agricultural technologies.

Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized the longstanding partnership between India and Israel in agriculture and allied sectors. He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision for recycling sewage water for agricultural use, as well as key trade and grain storage issues.

The meeting focused on the upcoming visit of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, the impact of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across 20 states on productivity, precision irrigation, post-harvest management, and market access issues.

The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Indo-Israel cooperation in agricultural innovation, technologies, and the horticulture sector, emphasizing mutually beneficial outcomes for both nations.

The Israeli delegation included Mr. Fares Saeb, Deputy Chief of Mission. The Indian side was represented by senior officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), including Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Joint Secretary (MIDH) and Additional Commissioner (Plant Protection).

*****

MG/RN/KSR

(Release ID: 2106918) Visitor Counter : 47

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 1, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China, UAE hold trade promotion event in Dubai

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

DUBAI, Feb. 28 — The China-UAE Trade and Investment Forum, which also serves as a promotion event for the third China International Supply Chain Expo, was held in Dubai on Thursday, gathering over 120 business representatives and resulting in multiple trade and investment agreements.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized in his speech that the council is committed to enhancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) business community under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ren highlighted key areas for collaboration, including trade, energy, infrastructure, new energy and the digital economy, while emphasizing the need to strengthen industrial and supply chain ties and expand multilateral business partnerships.

Maria Kassem, assistant undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Economy, said China remains the UAE’s largest trading partner, with deepening economic ties driving investment and industrial development. She expressed confidence in further expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening China-UAE relations.

During the event, the China International Exhibition Group promoted the upcoming third edition of the expo.

Chinese Consul General to Dubai, Ou Boqian, noted that the expo is increasingly recognized as an important international public good, setting a new benchmark for global supply chain cooperation and trade development.

MIL OSI China News –

March 1, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Defending Cultural Expression and Palestinian Identity

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The keffiyeh, a widely recognized symbol of Palestinian heritage, has once again been misrepresented as controversial. As an integral part of Palestinian cultural identity, recently recognized by UNESCO, the keffiyeh represents resilience, history, and a deep connection to the land. Attempts to frame it as divisive are part of a broader effort to silence and erase Palestinian identity from public life.

New Zealand prides itself on diversity and inclusivity, values that must extend to all communities. Palestinian cultural expression should be treated with the same respect as any other, without fear or scrutiny. The keffiyeh is not a political threat – it is a symbol of history, survival, and belonging.

We call on media outlets, public institutions, and community leaders to reject narratives that delegitimize Palestinian identity and instead foster an environment where all cultures are celebrated and respected.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Stars Align for Bybit’s Crypto Zodiac League Trading Competition with 1 Million USDT in Prizes
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is transforming solitary trading into a cosmic team sport in its most dramatic trading competition yet. In the Crypto Zodiac League event, traders will get to unite under their star signs to compete for a share of a 1,000,000 USDT prize pool.

This celestial-themed event reinvents traditional trading battles with a touch of astrological magic, grouping participants into 12 zodiac-based squads. Whether the user is a bold Aries or a strategic Capricorn, their birth date determines their team allocation. Each team will then race for top spots in the leaderboards for a chance to win from a grand prize pool of a million USDT.

Event Timeline:

From now to Mar. 21, 2025, eligible users may sign up for the event where their designated squad is written in the stars.

The race for crypto trading excellence features various achievement categories. During the competition period from Mar. 3 to Mar. 28, 2025, individual traders and squads may compete on four leaderboards, ranked respectively by:
1. Individual PnL% during the competition period with a 300,000 USDT prize pool
2. Squad trading volume during the competition period with a 300,000 USDT prize pool
3. Individual Spot trading volume during the competition period with a 100,000 USDT prize pool
4. Daily individual trading volume in a total of 25 days, with 5,000 USDT up for grabs each day
To top it off, eligible new users who sign up during the event period can receive a 5 USDT airdrop on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, all eligible users have the opportunity to earn USDT and MNT through mystery boxes by completing designated tasks.

Special Livestream:

To kick off this stellar event, Bybit will host a livestream on Mar. 4, 2025 at 8AM UTC, featuring expert insights and $500 in Red Packet giveaways. The session will shed light on rules and mechanisms, inspiration for strategies, and sound the battle hymns for the limited-time competition. Speakers include Bybit’s Shadie Berro, Head of Social Media, Stella Yuan, Global Campaigns Specialist, and Jack Zhou, Global Marketing Operations Specialist.

“We’re bringing a new dimension to competitive trading by combining the thrill of trading with the playful element of luck in astrology,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. “If a trader ever wonders if they were predestined to be winners, this is the perfect opportunity to find out while honing their trading skills,” she said.

For more information about joining the Crypto Zodiac League and terms and conditions, users may visit: Crypto Zodiac League: Squad Up for the Stars

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

Contact

Head of PR
Tony Au
Bybit
tony.au@bybit.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c82077e3-6669-440f-b3c0-2b4420514fe4

The MIL Network –
February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Over 300 firms sign up for China’s supply chain expo

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

BEIJING, Feb. 28 — More than 300 domestic and foreign companies have signed up for the third China International Supply Chain Expo, China’s trade promotion body announced on Friday.

The expo kicked off its global roadshows in January and has so far hosted promotional events and roadshows in 12 countries and regions, including Vietnam, Switzerland, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, Yang Fan, spokesperson with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), told a press conference.

Foreign enterprises and institutions have demonstrated great enthusiasm for participating in and visiting the expo, Yang said, anticipating an increase in attendance this year, particularly from overseas groups and businesses, for on-site visits and exchanges.

The expo recorded more than 200,000 visits last year, CCPIT data showed.

This year’s expo, slated to be held in Beijing from July 16 to 20, will cover a total exhibition area of 120,000 square meters.

As the world’s first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the China International Supply Chain Expo is an internationally shared public product. First held in 2023, the expo has contributed to building more secure, stable, open and inclusive global industrial and supply chains, according to the CCPIT.

MIL OSI China News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB Strengthens Partnership with Hayat Kimya in Türkiye

Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

Press Release | 17-Dec-2024

New Financing to Boost Capacity and Energy Efficiency

Hayat Kimya Sanayi A.Ş., a leading Turkish manufacturer of detergents, hygiene products, and tissue paper, will advance its investment plans with the support of a €25 million loan from the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB). The agreement marks an important milestone in a partnership that began nine years ago.

The BSTDB financing will back Hayat Kimya’s investment program, focusing on expanding production capacity, introducing new product lines, and enhancing energy efficiency. This initiative is also expected to bolster regional trade, as a significant portion of the company’s exports targets BSTDB member countries.

Commenting on the agreement, BSTDB President Dr. Serhat Köksal said: “We are pleased to support Hayat Kimya, a leading manufacturer and major employer in Türkiye, as it pursues its ambitious growth plans. Our new financing underlines BSTDB’s commitment to sustainable industrial development and regional integration. By prioritizing energy efficiency and environmentally conscious practices, Hayat Kimya’s investment programme aligns with our mission to support projects that drive long-term economic and environmental benefits. Our support will help modernize Türkiye’s industrial capacity and strengthen trade ties within the Black Sea region, advancing shared prosperity and sustainable development.”

“As part of our collaboration with the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, we will increase the production capacity of our home care category at our facilities in Mersin and Kocaeli, Turkey. Today, at least one Hayat product can be found in 9 out of 10 households in Turkey. Globally, our export penetration ranges between 60% and 80% across more than 100 countries. With this new investment in the home care category, we aim to further strengthen our leadership, particularly in the detergent product segment.” said Ayla Hacıahmetoğlu, the Global Treasury Director of Hayat Kimya.

Founded in 1937, Hayat Kimya is a leading global manufacturer and exporter of detergents, hygiene products, and tissue paper. The company operates 26 state-of-the-art production facilities across 8 countries, employing over 10,000 people. All products are produced in a fully automated, hands-free environment, meticulously designed and managed in compliance with the ISO 9001 Quality Assurance System.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

: @BSTDB

MIL OSI Economics –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Beyond Finance, Afreximbank’s Impact Stories series spotlights Africa’s growth and economic potential

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

CAIRO, Egypt, February 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com) is pleased to announce the launch of its new documentary series titled – Impact Stories, which aims to showcase the development impact of the Bank’s interventions across various sectors and countries on the continent and in the diaspora. Season One of the series consists of six episodes which went on air on Afreximbank TV (https://apo-opa.co/43aD48x) on 27th February 2025.

Produced by the Afreximbank TV team and CNN’s Create Studio services, the series aims to spotlight the Bank’s interventions, incorporating multi-faceted narratives that bring the Bank’s initiatives to life. Through testimonials of individuals, businesses, communities and economies that have been positively impacted by the interventions, the series creates an emotional connection, and a shared commitment of an African vision focused on transforming trade and economic self-determination.

Filmed across six countries and sectors, the inaugural season consists of six episodes that showcase some of Afreximbank’s development impact through inspiring short documentary-style films. The episodes feature the Zimborders Beitbridge project which involves the expansion, upgrade and improvement of Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe, exploring the transformative effect of Afreximbank’s investment in modernising the border post, and showing how improved infrastructure is addressing trade inefficiencies, fostering intra-African trade and driving regional growth.

Other episodes include the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin, a project led by Afreximbank investee company, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform (Arise IIP) focused on driving industrialisation, job creation and end-to-end production on the continent; an episode on Oando PLC, showcasing their successful acquisition in a key Nigerian oil sector joint venture and its transformative impact on local content and economic prosperity, as well as other episodes focused on Eva’s Coffee in Kenya, an SME business driving export development and local value chain expansion; Reine Ablaa – a rising music star and alumni of Afreximbank’s CANEX Music factory initiative and an episode on the ongoing success of the Bank’s Pan African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS).

Mrs. Anne Ezeh, Director of Communications and Events at Afreximbank emphasised the Bank’s transformative role stating: “Afreximbank was founded to drive Africa’s economic independence through trade and trade-enabling infrastructure. For the past thirty-two years, we have consistently translated that mandate into impactful projects and initiatives across the continent. The Impact Stories series represents an avenue to showcase the tangible progress we are making to transform the economic fortunes of the African people while reminding us of the development challenges that remain.”

Impact storytelling goes beyond traditional creative metrics; it’s about people and economies whose everyday realities have been positively impacted by projects and developmental interventions. Compelling impact storytelling combines data, evidence, and personal stories, making them potent tools for advocating positive shifts and motivating others to champion a cause.

The first episode went on air on February 27th on Afreximbank TV, and new episodes will be released weekly.

MIL OSI Africa –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China highlights literary gems at Istanbul Publishing Fellowship

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

China underscored its growing influence in global publishing as the “focus country” at the 10th Istanbul Publishing Fellowship this week, with its delegation forging international partnerships and spotlighting the nation’s literary heritage.

Six Chinese publishing houses participated in the event, which drew over 370 publishers from 75 countries, including 120 from Türkiye, organizers said.

Mingzhou Zhang, president of the nonprofit Lifetree Culture Promotion Center, noted robust demand for Chinese children’s books, particularly from publishers in Türkiye, Canada, Ethiopia, and Lebanon. “We’ve received significant interest in copyright acquisitions,” Zhang told Xinhua, highlighting China’s expanding cultural reach.

Notable titles included the dual-sided picture book I Love Mom, I Love Dad by educator Zhu Yongxin and illustrator Yu Rong, which explores familial bonds through separate narratives on maternal and paternal love.

A Chinese adaptation of A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea — UN official Melissa Fleming’s account of Syrian refugee Doaa Al-Zamel’s survival after a 2014 shipwreck — garnered attention for its reimagining as a children’s picture book. Told from the perspective of an infant rescued in the tragedy, the adaptation has drawn interest from Canadian and Ethiopian publishers and will feature at the Beijing International Book Fair, where Fleming and Al-Zamel are slated to appear.

Shireen Kreidieh Hasbini, general manager of Lebanon’s Asala Publishers, praised China’s literary diversity, calling its focus country designation “long overdue.”

Turkish author and Sinology scholar Giray Fidan, who recently translated the 18th-century classic The Dream of the Red Chamber into Turkish, emphasized China’s pivotal role in global publishing. “China’s market is indispensable, and collaborations will only deepen,” he said.

The fellowship, aimed at fostering cross-cultural dialogue, continues through the week with rights negotiations and panels on emerging publishing trends.

MIL OSI China News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Joint News Release Humanitarian access improves quality of polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip

Source: World Health Organisation

A five-day mass polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip concluded on Wednesday, reaching nearly 603 000 children under 10 years of age with novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) following comprehensive, simultaneous access to all five governorates during the ongoing ceasefire. The campaign was conducted as part of emergency efforts to end an ongoing poliovirus outbreak and prevent further spread in the Gaza Strip.

During this round, an additional 40 000 children were vaccinated as compared to the previous two rounds conducted in September and October 2024, after poliovirus was detected in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire enabled health workers to reach more children who had missed vaccinations due to displacement during the phased approach, living in areas that previously required special coordination for access, or being unreachable during the October 2024 round due to insecurity in North Gaza, including Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun.

Strong community engagement and awareness of vaccination benefits had maintained high immunization rates in the Gaza Strip, where 89% of children received the third dose of oral polio vaccine in 2023, before the conflict. This round drew upon 1660 vaccination teams, 1242 of which were mobile, and deployed 1242 social mobilizers. Despite bad weather conditions, families welcomed the initiative and brought their children to points where they could receive the polio vaccine.

The campaign was conducted by the Palestinian Ministry of Health and implemented with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and other partners.

As part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s commitment to mount a robust poliovirus outbreak response, surveillance for disease in children and for virus circulation in the environment has also been intensified since July 2024. It was this timely surveillance that detected ongoing environmental circulation of the virus, and the need to conduct additional vaccination to protect children.

As the ceasefire provides an opportunity to resume critical public health functions, working to recover Gaza’s previously strong disease surveillance and routine immunization are the best ways to protect children from polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Ending polio hinges on fully vaccinating every last child with polio vaccines. Ensuring uninterrupted access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and proper nutrition will protect children from many diseases including polio.

WHO, UNICEF and partners continue to call for a lasting ceasefire that leads to long-term health and peace.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand and Mongolia celebrate practical cooperation

Source: New Zealand Government

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has underlined an agenda of practical cooperation with Mongolia, following a visit to Ulaanbaatar.

“This visit enabled us to explore and develop modest and practical New Zealand support for Mongolia in diverse areas, such as sheep shearing, agricultural management, English Language Training for Officials, tax policy and clean drinking water.

“Mongolia also presents lessons for New Zealand, in areas such as how to attract investment, how to develop infrastructure, and how to utilise natural resources effectively to help expand their people’s wealth,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Peters’ visit to Ulaanbaatar marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Mongolia – and is the first visit to Mongolia by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2013.

The visit involved discussions with Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg and Chairman of the Mongolian Parliament Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan.

“Despite the geographic distance between us, New Zealand and Mongolia have much in common,” Mr Peters says.

“We are small, democratic states navigating a complex strategic environment, including by strongly supporting the rules-based international order and multilateral system.”

While in Ulaanbaatar, the Minister also attended a photo exhibition celebrating our 50 years of diplomatic relations; was gifted a horse called “Stamina” by the Mongolian Government; and visited a traditional Mongolian dwelling (a “ger”) and sampled Mongolian fare while interacting with a nomadic family.

Mongolia is the fourth country in Mr Peters’ ongoing overseas trip, following United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and China. He is now in the Republic of Korea.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bybit Restores Assets and Confidence Through Transparent Recovery Process
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced significant progress in restoring assets and rebuilding trust following a recent security incident. Demonstrating its commitment to transparency and resilience, Bybit has swiftly implemented recovery measures and enhanced security protocols to protect its global user community.

Key Recovery Milestones
- AUM Recovery: Bybit has successfully restored 77% of its Assets Under Management (AUM) to pre-incident levels, underscoring its robust recovery strategy and sustained client confidence.
- Enhanced Spot Liquidity: The platform now offers superior spot liquidity across the top 180 trading pairs, surpassing industry benchmarks and reflecting substantial improvements from pre-incident conditions.
- Contract Market Resilience: The recovery of contract trading has outpaced expectations, with the top two indices reaching approximately 86% of normal levels and the top 70 exceeding 87%, outperforming competitors.
- Sustained Trading Volume: Bybit’s trading activity remains strong, with volumes exceeding $40 billion in the past two days, a testament to the resilience and trust of its global user base.
Strengthened Proof of Reserves

In alignment with its commitment to transparency, Bybit has conducted an additional proof of reserves audit, supplementing its regular monthly verifications. The results confirm full collateralization of all client assets:
- BTC: 102%
- ETH: 102%
- SOL: 103%
- USDT: 104%
- USDE: 116%
- USDC: 229%
These figures underscore Bybit’s financial stability and its commitment to ensuring client assets remain fully backed at all times.

“We have taken swift and decisive actions to reinforce our security measures and protect our users. Our top priority is to maintain the highest standards of transparency, resilience, and trust,” said Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from our clients and partners, which has been instrumental in our rapid recovery.”

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Contact

Head of PR
Tony Au
Bybit
tony.au@bybit.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c4bf808-e6f1-40fb-a366-833f09db1d33

The MIL Network –
February 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: FRO – Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FRONTLINE PLC REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024

Frontline plc (the “Company”, “Frontline,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), today reported unaudited results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024:

Highlights

Profit of $66.7 million, or $0.30 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Adjusted profit of $45.1 million, or $0.20 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Reported revenues of $425.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Achieved average daily spot time charter equivalent earnings (“TCEs”)¹ for VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and LR2/Aframax tankers in the fourth quarter of $35,900, $33,300 and $26,100 per day, respectively.
Fully drew down a sale-and-leaseback agreement in an amount of $512.1 million to refinance 10 Suezmax tankers, which generated net cash proceeds of $101.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Sold its oldest Suezmax tanker, built in 2010, for a net sales price of $48.5 million and delivered the vessel to its new owner in October 2024. The transaction generated net cash proceeds of $36.5 million after repayment of existing debt and a gain of $17.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Repaid the remaining $75.0 million outstanding under the $275.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility with an affiliate of Hemen Holding Limited, the Company’s largest shareholder (“Hemen”) in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Entered into three senior secured credit facilities for a total amount of up to $239.0 million to refinance outstanding debt on three VLCCs and one Suezmax tanker and, in addition, to provide revolving credit capacity in a total amount of up to $91.9 million.

Lars H. Barstad, Chief Executive Officer of Frontline Management AS, commented:

“The fourth quarter of 2024 came in unusually soft compared to previous years. Global oil demand was up marginally as the year came to an end, but global seaborne exports slowed in the fourth quarter. During the quarter we saw positive developments in the enforcement of sanctions against Iran and Russia in particular, but we could not escape the fact that these two countries represent a material part of the supply to Asia, at cost to demand for the vessels Frontline operates. For 2025 we have already seen broader sanctions with a wider scope, at the same time as key importers of exposed crude are diversifying away from the mentioned suppliers. Compliant fleet growth for the asset classes we deploy peaked a few years back, making the outlook very constructive as Frontline sail into the new year with our cost-efficient operations and modern fleet.”

Inger M. Klemp, Chief Financial Officer of Frontline Management AS, added:

”In February 2025 we entered into three senior secured credit facilities for a total amount of up to $239.0 million to refinance three existing term loan facilities, with total balloon payments of $142.0 million maturing during 2025, leaving the Company with no debt maturities until the end of 2026 and, in addition, to provide revolving credit capacity in a total amount of up to $91.9 million. Through these new financings we further strengthen our strong liquidity and reduce our borrowing costs and cash break even rates. We continue to focus on maintaining our competitive cost structure, breakeven levels and solid balance sheet to ensure that we are well positioned to generate significant cash flow and create value for our shareholders.”

Average daily TCEs and estimated cash breakeven rates

($ per day)	Spot TCE						Spot TCE currently contracted	% Covered	Estimated average daily cash breakeven rates for 2025
	2024	Q4 2024	Q3 2024	Q2 2024	Q1 2024	2023	Q1 2025		2025
VLCC	43,400	35,900	39,600	49,600	48,100	50,300	43,700	80%	29,200
Suezmax	41,400	33,300	39,900	45,600	45,800	52,600	35,400	77%	24,000
LR2 / Aframax	42,300	26,100	36,000	53,100	54,300	46,800	29,700	64%	22,200

We expect the spot TCEs for the full first quarter of 2025 to be lower than the spot TCEs currently contracted, due to the impact of ballast days during the first quarter of 2025. See Appendix 1 for further details.

The Board of Directors
Frontline plc
Limassol, Cyprus
February 27, 2025

Ola Lorentzon – Chairman and Director
John Fredriksen – Director
James O’Shaughnessy – Director
Steen Jakobsen – Director
Cato Stonex – Director
Ørjan Svanevik – Director
Dr. Maria Papakokkinou – Director

Questions should be directed to:

Lars H. Barstad: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 00

Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 00

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements, which include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

Frontline plc and its subsidiaries, or the Company, desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. This report and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. When used in this document, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “expect” and similar expressions, terms or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this report are based upon various assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In addition to these important factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include:

the strength of world economies;
fluctuations in currencies and interest rates, including inflationary pressures and central bank policies intended to combat overall inflation and rising interest rates and foreign exchange rates;
the impact that any discontinuance, modification or other reform or the establishment of alternative reference rates have on the Company’s floating interest rate debt instruments;
general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values;
changes in the supply and demand for vessels comparable to ours and the number of newbuildings under construction;
the highly cyclical nature of the industry that we operate in;
the loss of a large customer or significant business relationship;
changes in worldwide oil production and consumption and storage;
changes in the Company’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry docking, crew costs and insurance costs;
planned, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending or operating expenses, including dry docking, surveys and upgrades;
risks associated with any future vessel construction;
our expectations regarding the availability of vessel acquisitions and our ability to complete vessel acquisition transactions as planned;
our ability to successfully compete for and enter into new time charters or other employment arrangements for our existing vessels after our current time charters expire and our ability to earn income in the spot market;
availability of financing and refinancing, our ability to obtain financing and comply with the restrictions and other covenants in our financing arrangements;
availability of skilled crew members and other employees and the related labor costs;
work stoppages or other labor disruptions by our employees or the employees of other companies in related industries;
compliance with governmental, tax, environmental and safety regulation, any non-compliance with U.S. or European Union regulations;
the impact of increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders and other market participants with respect to our ESG policies;
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or other applicable regulations relating to bribery;
general economic conditions and conditions in the oil industry;
effects of new products and new technology in our industry, including the potential for technological innovation to reduce the value of our vessels and charter income derived therefrom;
new environmental regulations and restrictions, whether at a global level stipulated by the International Maritime Organization, and/or imposed by regional or national authorities such as the European Union or individual countries;
vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire;
the impact of an interruption in or failure of our information technology and communications systems, including the impact of cyber-attacks upon our ability to operate;
potential conflicts of interest involving members of our Board of Directors and senior management;
the failure of counter parties to fully perform their contracts with us;
changes in credit risk with respect to our counterparties on contracts;
our dependence on key personnel and our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees;
adequacy of insurance coverage;
our ability to obtain indemnities from customers;
changes in laws, treaties or regulations;
the volatility of the price of our ordinary shares;
our incorporation under the laws of Cyprus and the different rights to relief that may be available compared to other countries, including the United States;
changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;
government requisition of our vessels during a period of war or emergency;
potential liability from pending or future litigation and potential costs due to environmental damage and vessel collisions;
the arrest of our vessels by maritime claimants;
general domestic and international political conditions or events, including “trade wars”;
any further changes in U.S. trade policy that could trigger retaliatory actions by the affected countries;
potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, environmental factors, political events, public health threats, international hostilities including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas and related conflicts in the Middle East, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, acts by terrorists or acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels;
the impact of the U.S. presidential and congressional election results affecting the economy, future government laws and regulations, trade policy matters, such as the imposition of tariffs, the amendment, termination or any other material change to a relationship governed by a treaty and other import restrictions;
the length and severity of epidemics and pandemics and their impacts on the demand for seaborne transportation of crude oil and refined products;
the impact of port or canal congestion;
business disruptions due to adverse weather, natural disasters or other disasters outside our control; and
other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We caution readers of this report not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. These forward-looking statements are no guarantee of our future performance, and actual results and future developments may vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

¹ This press release describes Time Charter Equivalent earnings and related per day amounts and spot TCE currently contracted, which are not measures prepared in accordance with IFRS (“non-GAAP”). See Appendix 1 for a full description of the measures and reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure.

Attachment

4th Quarter 2024 Results

The MIL Network –

February 28, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on CNN’s “OutFront”

Source: US State of New York

arlier today, Governor Hochul was a guest on CNN’s “OutFront” with Erin Burnett.

AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

Erin Burnett, CNN: So now let’s go out front to the Democratic Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul. And Governor, so much to talk to you about, but obviously this is an issue now at the center of things for New York too, because you had been saying that you wanted to hire federal workers who, perhaps, had been part of this purge. So what’s your reaction when you hear this federal judge saying that what OPM is doing — at least at this point in those mass firings of workers who had only been in their jobs for one or two years, shorter term — is unlawful?

Governor Hochul: Two reactions: One is, I’m not surprised. And number two, thank God we have a judiciary as a check on the overreach of power that we’re witnessing by the hour by Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

So yes, this is an important decision that says, “You went too far.” But I think that we’ll be seeing a lot more cases where the judges say, “This has never happened in the history of the universe,” and this is the new world we’re in. They don’t believe in laws. They don’t believe in the system of government we have. They don’t believe in states rights. They’re just like, bulldozing through it all, and thank God there’s a judge who stood up to them today.

Erin Burnett, CNN: Well, I mean, the words do stand out, “Never any statute in the history of the universe.” Big statement to say I suppose, but that’s an existential question. Alright, so you also posted and this is what I wanted to get at. You posted in part, “Forget what DOGE says, New York wants YOU.” Alright, caps on the “YOU”. And you know, I spoke this week to one of those probationary workers who worked at Bronx Veterans Hospital. His name is Luke Graziani, 20 year veteran, four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, fired from his job at the Bronx Hospital on Valentine’s Day. He goes in at the a.m., has the email, “You’re gone.” And he had five weeks until he wasn’t probationary, right? So it’s just very capricious in terms of how it happened. Let me just play some of what he said about what happened.

Luke Graziani, Veteran: It’s surreal to think that, had this come five weeks later, I would have had no issues whatsoever. I’m very privileged to have the job that I have, or had. I’d very much like to get back to it. I think no one deserves a job, but if they’re willing to, you know, raise their right hand and swear the oath and become a federal service employee, I think that they have every right.

Erin Burnett, CNN: So when you post you know, “Forget what DOGE says, New York wants YOU.” What does that mean for Luke?

Governor Hochul: What that means is this: This administration loves to say, “You’re fired,” because they think they’re living in a game show once again. This is not a silly game called “The Apprentice.” These are real people’s lives. People like Luke — who works hard — he lives in Queens. He thought he had a job taking care of veterans and he’s a veteran himself.

He served in Iraq and Afghanistan four times. These are the heroes. You know what they get from this administration? Instead of, “Thank you for your service,” they get, “You’re fired.” So I said, “These are the people who want to be part of our state workforce.” So not, “You’re fired,” but, “You’re hired.” So we set up a database. We want people to take a look at it. We have a shortage of state workers. We need more people to work. We need people that work in IT. We need people who want to be guards. We want to — we have people that can work in so many areas. But we respect public service in our state. We don’t denigrate it and treat these people like they’re nothing.

And collateral damage to the buzzsaw of Elon Musk. This has to stop. But not only that, but they’re providing services to our seniors and taking care of programs. They keep people safe. They keep our skies safe. They’re researching ways to solve for bird flu. They’re helping us find cures for cancer. We have to honor their service. And right here in the State of New York, that’s exactly what we plan to do.

Erin Burnett, CNN: Alright, so, let me ask you about some protests here in New York. And I know you’ve been obviously in the City all day. There were protesters demanding you use your powers, which you have as the Governor, to remove New York Mayor Eric Adams from office.

One sign you see there, “Governor Hochul fire him,” and, “Shame on you Mayor Adams.” And another one says, claims, “Adams is Trump’s puppet.” And look, these are protests that came just a few days after you said you weren’t going to do that at the time. You had the option, you said, “I’m not going to get rid of him,” even amidst all of this consternation that he is doing Trump’s bidding on immigration, in exchange for those charges being dropped. He denies that that is a quid pro quo, but when you see these protests and you think about this situation, do you have any regrets? Do you think you should have gotten rid of him?

Governor Hochul: No. People know this about me: There are often pressure campaigns that try to get me to do something I don’t want to do. It always backfires.

I will stand up to protest when I believe I’m doing something that is right for the people of the State. And in this case, it is an extraordinary power that a governor has to be able to say, “I think you violated the public trust and you should go.” What I’m basically doing is overturning the will of New Yorkers who selected the Mayor to govern the City, and I’m trying to put in safeguards so people have a better sense—

Erin Burnett, CNN: Now, if there weren’t primaries in June, would you feel differently?

Governor Hochul: We have primaries in June. But also — overturning an election, unlike what the Trump administration would do — I have to respect the rule of law. I respect our democracy. But I’m keeping an eye on this.

I understand the protests. I really do. I know why they’re frustrated. And they’re worried about undue influence from the Trump Administration, who’s trying so hard, trying so hard to tell me what to do, tell the Mayor what to do; try to tell all of us what to do. But we have to stand up to him, now more than ever and say, “No, you’re not going to boss us around. We’re New Yorkers.”

Erin Burnett, CNN: Are you going to win on the congestion pricing? I mean, you went in, you made a presentation, you said you put it in his language. And, he says he wants to end the congestion pricing, which has reduced traffic. You have Broadway sales up, you have foot traffic up, you have businesses doing better. I mean, you’ve got numbers on your side.

Governor Hochul: Yes, we do.

Erin Burnett, CNN: He said he doesn’t care.

Governor Hochul: It’s extraordinary to me that the President of the United States, who has a lot of other things on his plate, is focused on the Governor’s traffic policies in the City of New York. I mean, go focus on something else. This is for us to determine. This is part of our self determination as states. This was voted on by duly elected representatives of the people of New York, and you can’t overturn it without a fight from me. And that’s what we’re heading into. I believe we’ll be successful in the courts, and we’ll see what happens after that.

If they want to work with me on helping fund new architecture and new infrastructure, let’s do Penn Station. Let’s do the Second Avenue subway. Let’s do the Interborough Express, which will connect Queens and Brooklyn for the first time. I’ve got so many great ideas that they can work with me on, but don’t shut down something that’s working just because you want to. Come on. It’s working. The data proves it. And the people of New York — many who hated it at first — are coming around saying life is better here now.

Erin Burnett, CNN: Alright. Well, Governor Hochul, very much appreciate your time. And thank you so much.

Governor Hochul: Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: UN humanitarians work to improve living conditions for Gazans

Source: China State Council Information Office

Israeli soldiers prevent displaced Palestinians in the West Bank city of Jenin from getting back to their houses in the Jenin refugee camp, on Feb. 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The increasing number of kitchens, water points and healthcare facilities signal continuing improvements in Gazan residents’ challenging living conditions, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the world body and its partners seize every opportunity to scale up the provision of life-saving aid.

“Partners working on food security report that, as of the third week of February, some 860,000 cooked meals prepared in around 180 kitchens were being distributed daily, an increase of more than 10 percent compared to 780,000 meals in the second week of February,” OCHA said.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that subsidized bread is available at 24 retail shops in the south, allowing safe access to basic staples without overcrowding. As part of daily production, WFP delivers an average of 54,000 free bread bundles to families daily. The market relies heavily on WFP wheat flour as the primary or only source of wheat flour in Gaza.

WFP said at least four food distribution points have been re-established in North Gaza Governorate to ease the burden on families forced to travel long distances for food with increased transport costs and protection risks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to support the health response, providing supplies to three hospitals and five health partners that will serve 250,000 people across the Gaza Strip. In Gaza City, the WHO supported the expansion of the triage and emergency department capacity in Al-Shifa Hospital with tents and an additional 20 beds.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) delivered essential health kits, pediatric medicines and newborn supplies for more than 20,000 people to Al Awda Hospital in North Gaza.

OCHA said the latest polio campaign wound up on Wednesday after reaching more than 600,000 children under 10.

The office said work continues to improve access to water and sanitation with two water points established and expanded in the North Gaza Governorate. Two sections of water networks were also repaired to support long-term water provision to communities in Khan Younis.

More than 100,000 students have enrolled in school following the start of the new academic year on Sunday. So far, 165 public schools across Gaza have reopened. For most students, it is their first time returning to in-person learning in 16 months.

However, OCHA reported a dangerous picture in the West Bank. The office said Israeli military operations continue in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas, leading to further casualties and displacement and hindering access to healthcare, water, electricity and other critical services.

“The situation across the West Bank is deeply alarming,” OCHA said, once again stressing that international law must be respected and civilians protected.

MIL OSI China News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Negotiations on Gaza truce deal begin in Cairo

Source: China State Council Information Office

People welcome a released Palestinian prisoner in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israeli and Qatari delegations arrived in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Thursday for Gaza ceasefire talks, with the participation of U.S. representatives, according to Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS).

The SIS said in a statement that the concerned parties have begun intensive discussions “on the next stages of the ongoing Gaza truce deal,” while addressing ways to ensure the implementation of the previously agreed-upon understandings.

The negotiators also touched upon means to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as part of the efforts to alleviate the suffering of its people and further support stability in the region, it added.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that an Israeli negotiating delegation was sent to Cairo to continue the ceasefire talks, without providing further details.

The announcement came after the final exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners under the first phase of the truce was completed overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The 42-day initial phase of the three-stage agreement is set to expire on Saturday.

In response to a question about whether the delegation heading to Cairo will discuss moving on to a second phase, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said, “Our delegation will go to Cairo and see whether we have common ground to negotiate.”

“We said we are ready to extend the framework in return for the release of more hostages,” he added. Israeli media said the minister was referring to the framework of phase one.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Israeli media that 59 hostages remain in Gaza and securing their release remains a top priority.

Hamas said on Thursday it was ready to begin talks on the second phase and that the only way the remaining hostages in Gaza would be freed is through commitment to the ceasefire.

The ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Jan. 19, was brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with support from the United States.

MIL OSI China News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Violating Iran Sanctions

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ray Hunt, also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh, and Rahman Natooshas, 71, of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, has been sentenced for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In July 2024, Hunt pleaded guilty to conspiring to export U.S.-origin goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of the U.S. trade sanctions.

According to court documents, in May 2014, Hunt registered Vega Tools, LLC with the Alabama Secretary of State, listing the nature of the business as “the purchase/resale of equipment for the energy sector.” He operated Vega Tools, including purchasing, receiving, and shipping U.S.-origin goods, from locations in Madison County, Alabama. Beginning at least as early as 2015 and continuing to the time of his arrest in November 2022, Hunt conspired with two Iranian companies located in Tehran, Iran, to illegally export U.S.-manufactured industrial equipment for use in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Hunt engaged in a series of deceptive practices to avoid detection by U.S. authorities, including using third-party transshipment companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), routing payments through UAE banks, and lying to shipping companies about the value of his exports to prevent the filing of Electronic Export Information to U.S. authorities. Hunt lied to suppliers and shippers by claiming the items he purchased on behalf of the Iranian co-conspirators were destined for end-users in Turkey and UAE, while knowing the exports were ultimately destined for Iran. Hunt lied also to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers regarding the nature and existence of his business when questioned upon his return from a March 2020 trip to Iran.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama, Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement John Sonderman of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, and Assistant Director Kevin Vorndran of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division announced the sentence.

BIS investigated the case with valuable assistance provided by the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Cross and Henry Cornelius for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorneys Emma Ellenrieder and Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Rips Trump for Firing More Veterans Than Any Other President, Uplifts Impacted Veterans’ Personal Stories During National VoteVets Town Hall

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

February 27, 2025

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today at an emergency national town hall hosted by VoteVets, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) who still receives her own health care services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—called out Donald Trump and Elon Musk for inflicting needless pain and chaos on our nation’s Veterans. During the town hall, Veterans who have been fired by Elon Musk’s DOGE bravely came forward—for the first time—to share how Trump’s cuts and layoffs have uprooted their lives. Duckworth pledged to continue advocating for our nation’s heroes and pushing back against the Trump Administration’s harmful policies and employee purges that are leaving Veterans jobless and jeopardizing their access to critical VA care and benefits. Full video of Duckworth’s remarks and Veterans’ testimonies during the town hall can be found on YouTube.

“Donald Trump is firing more Veterans than any other President in recent history and jeopardizing access to the care and benefits our heroes have earned through their service,” said Duckworth. “How dare a five-time draft dodging coward turn his back on the men and women who, unlike him, actually were brave enough to serve our nation in uniform. Let’s call Trump and Musk’s DOGE cuts what they are: They’re a middle finger to our Veterans, and they’re a slap in the face to the sacrifices they’ve made. Trump and unelected billionaire Elon Musk may not know the first thing about sacrifice and service, but our Veterans sure as hell do. We will not be quiet, and I will never stop working to honor the commitment we’ve made to our nation’s heroes.”

During the town hall, Veterans courageously came forward to share their stories and detail the real damage Trump and Musk have had on their lives:

Dustin Conklin—a Veteran from Caseyville, Illinois—said in part: “I’m a Veteran of the United States Navy. This fall, I took a job with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for the USDA. The USDA moved me out here to Illinois. I left where I was secure, I left my support network… On February 13^th in the middle of the night, I open up my email and I get a blank email with an attachment saying I was fired… I’m going to lose my health insurance that covers me and my daughter. My health insurance is important because I have regular therapy appointments and access to medication that I’m about to lose… And through this whole time, I see on the internet Elon Musk playing with chainsaws and the President posting things laughing about making people cry. It’s been defeating.”

Frances Greenley—a Veteran from Lake Stevens, Washington—said in part: “During my time in the Coast Guard, I was a Naval Engineering Officer which meant I ran all of the maintenance contracts on the ships. It was very important for the people managing the contracts to make sure there was no waste, fraud and abuse. When I got out of my service, I went to work for the federal acquisition service—we are on the front lines of fighting waste, fraud and abuse… Like Dustin, my supervisors didn’t know I was terminated, I forwarded them my termination letter… I was fired by a political appointee in a form letter… If [Trump and Elon] want to increase the transparency and best use of the dollar, you would increase personnel who are project management specialists and contracting officers–but they terminated me instead.”

Kyle Lewis—a Veteran from Columbia, Maryland—said in part: “I joined the Navy back in the 1990s. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in January 2020. I was given 6 weeks to live, my doctor said if you don’t start this experimental and aggressive treatment now, you’re not going to be here much longer. I was fortunate to get into a clinical trial at Johns Hopkins, which was funded by the NIH—I say was funded because it’s not anymore. The cuts that DOGE has made to cancer research as well as other lifesaving medical research has put my cancer research at risk, as well as millions of Americans including Veterans and children who are in far worse situations than I am… I just find this absolutely disgusting as an American. This is not how we take care of our family, our friends and our communities.”

In the wake of Trump and Musk’s mass federal layoffs, Duckworth has repeatedly expressed her outrage that many Veterans suddenly found themselves jobless. After the first VA purge laid off workers with the Veterans Crisis Line—including several Veterans—Duckworth successfully pushed the Trump Administration to reinstate these devoted public servants that work to support our Veterans in their darkest moments.

Additionally, Duckworth joined U.S. Senator and SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 34 Democratic Senators calling on VA Secretary Collins to immediately reinstate the more than 1,000 VA employees terminated earlier this month who serve Veterans and their families nationwide.

Duckworth’s full remarks as prepared for the town hall can be read below:

Hello everyone, thank you for being here today.

I actually invited President Musk—I mean Elon Musk—to join us as well. But I’m not shocked that he didn’t have the courage necessary to show up—after all, he and Trump never actually show up for the Veterans they claim to care about.

They never actually have our backs.

But the good news is that my Democratic colleagues do, including Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Baltimore County Councilmember Pat Young, who are both here with me this afternoon.

Look, on the campaign trail, Trump promised to look out for Veterans and servicemembers. Obviously, this was a lie.

Obviously, a man who claims to “know more” than our generals who have served honorably for decades… A man who calls our fallen servicemembers “suckers and losers”… A man who cried “bone spurs” when his nation needed him the most…

Obviously someone as ignorant as this wouldn’t mind executing the most craven political move imaginable: Using our heroes as political pawns to get elected, then abandoning them once he takes office.

To give a quick summary of the past few weeks:

Trump and Musk have slashed roughly 2,400 VA jobs…A decision that won’t make things more efficient, like they claimed, but will actually lead to longer wait times, more backlog and more chaos for Veterans.

They’ve also launched a wider purge of federal workers—firing, in total, an estimated 6,000 Veterans, including the folks behind the Veterans Crisis Line.

The only reason they are doing this is to try to find enough loose change behind the couch cushions so that they can give even bigger tax breaks to the rich guys they pal around with on the golf course.

Let me say that another way: They care more about making sure Mar-a-Lago billionaires can buy yet another private jet than ensuring our Veterans have access to the benefits and care they have earned.

So let’s call this what it is: It’s a middle finger to our heroes. It’s a slap in the face to the sacrifices they’ve made. It’s BS, frankly. And every one of us who has served should feel insulted.

Donald Trump has fired more Veterans than any other President in recent history.

How dare a five-time draft dodging coward turn his back on the men and women who, unlike him, actually were brave enough to serve our nation in uniform?

How dare he call himself king, and act like servicemembers are his subjects—as if they are not the reason America is already great?

How dare he and Elon Musk sit in their ivory towers and use their power to stomp on those feeling powerless?

Listen, I heard Secretary Collins’ lie last week that not one Veterans Crisis Line worker was fired in this purge.

But the thing is, I’ve also heard directly from Veterans nationwide who’ve proven that this is untrue—who’ve reached out and personally shared with me their actual letters of termination.

I fought to get these folks reinstated, and I’m grateful that after such a loud outcry, we were able to get them their jobs back.

But there are so many others still left out in the cold, unsure how they’ll be able to put food on the table for their families next week…

Veterans who’ve been abandoned by the VA Secretary who is supposed to have their backs.

Secretary Collins has either been lied to about these firings or is knowingly, repeatedly lying to the American people.

If it’s the former, then all he has to do is check his casework inbox. If it’s the latter… then, well, shame on you, Secretary. Shame. On. You.

Think about it: The Crisis Line is where Veterans turn when they are considering suicide or self-harm.

The public servants working there are doing some of the toughest work imaginable to support our heroes in their absolute darkest hour.

These are the people Trump and Musk are happy to throw by the wayside. That should tell you everything you need to know about how this Administration actually feels about our Veterans. That should tell you how patriotic they really are. Trump may like to wrap himself in the flag with one hand, but with the other, he’s signing off on the orders that sell out our heroes to line his own pockets.

There are countless tragic examples of how DOGE’s purge has already caused havoc. To name just a few: A health care appointments have been cancelled due to staffing shortages…The number of beds and operating rooms at VA facilities have been cut down… And suicide prevention training sessions have been postponed or canceled. These jobs should’ve never been threatened in the first place.

And for Secretary Collins to say that no damage was done here is a straight-up betrayal of the people he is supposed to be serving.

It’s an insult to Americans like Chelsea Milburn… A Navy reservist who, after being fired from her job in the Department of Education, said, quote: “I feel like I have served my country admirably, and now it has betrayed me.”

It’s an insult to folks like Francis Greenley, who you’ll hear from shortly: Francis is a Coast Guard Veteran whose decades-long job was quite literally putting out fires on military ships as well as fighting waste and fraud in the military budget.

I guess Musk didn’t see the irony behind firing someone that—unlike DOGE—was actually making our government more efficient.

And it’s an insult to people like Jacob Adam Bushno…A disabled Veteran and a constituent of mine who joined the Army his junior year, right after 9/11.

Jacob served two tours in Iraq. Then, when he came home, despite suffering from PTSD, he dedicated his life to continuing his service, this time for the federal government—working as a wildland firefighter and forest technician among other jobs.

Jacob was part of this month’s purge. As he told my team this week: “I’ve always served this country. In some way, shape or form, I’ve always served. I’ve either tried to protect our country from terrorism or bad guys or Mother Nature.

“So this has been a gut-shot—a pretty bad one—and it’s taken its toll on me. If [Trump and Musk] actually cared about Veterans, they wouldn’t be treating any of us like this… They aren’t making our country better. They’re making it worse.”

Jacob is right.

So let me just close with this: Everyone on this call today knows how much our Veterans have done for our nation.

Trump and Musk may not know the first thing about sacrifice and service. But our Veterans sure as hell do.

So please know that I will never stop fighting for our heroes, no matter who’s in the White House.

But I’m counting on each of you to be my partners in this work.

After all, we’ve already seen proof that our collective pressure campaign is working: Trump’s VA was ready to cut hundreds of contracts that would’ve even further hurt Veterans health services from providing cancer care to assessing toxic exposure.

But they were forced to backtrack—because we spoke out. Because we made noise. So we can’t stop there.

Look, I get how in this moment, it’d be easy to feel defeated… to want to tune out rather than turn on the news.

But now more than ever, we can’t let ourselves become disengaged. We have to channel our outrage into action. Because there’s too much at stake to get discouraged.

There will always be people in hallowed halls who try to use their power to only look out for themselves. But here’s what I know: the power of the people is always greater than the people in power.

And if we want tomorrow to be better than yesterday, we have to come together…We have to recognize that our voices DO matter… Then we have to use those voices to speak out… even if—especially when—anyone tries to silence us.

You have my word that I am with you. That I am listening to you. That I am one of you. And that I will never abandon you.

It’s an absolute honor to call myself part of this team… and to have you all as my partners on the front lines of this fight.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Riyadh International Disputes Week 2025 Concludes, With a High Turnout of Participants From 82 Countries

Source: AETOSWire

Riyadh International Disputes Week – Riyadh concluded the 2nd edition of the Riyadh International Disputes Week (RIDW25) with a significant international turnout of more than 4.8 thousand attendees from 82 countries. With more than 87 specialized legal events, RIDW25 featured 470 renowned local and international speakers, who came together to explore the latest global trends shaping the commercial dispute resolution industry.

With a rich lineup of legal and arbitration experts, lawyers, thought leaders, and representatives of key global organizations, the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s keenness to boost its investment climate, and attract foreign investment and major international companies, in charge of mega project developments in the Kingdom. Developing a wide range of dispute settlement mechanisms is a key factor in investment attractiveness and economic competitiveness globally.

Organized by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), RIDW25 is one of the distinguished international events in the commercial dispute resolution industry, on par with the Paris Arbitration Week, the London International Disputes Week and the China Arbitration Week.

The centerpiece of RIDW25, the 4th International Conference and Exhibition of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA25) brought together prominent legal figures from various sectors, with an audience of 1,250+ local and international participants from across the legal and business. The SCCA25 featured 28 speakers and 9 panel discussions, keynote speeches and presentations, exploring the most prominent ways to develop the commercial arbitration environment and enhance the integration of international legal practices.

RIDW25 also featured the sixth edition of the SCCA International Arbitration Moot (SIAM6), an international commercial arbitration competition for Arabic-speaking students who compete in hypothetical arbitrations that simulate real-world international commercial arbitration cases. SIAM6 is the sister competition of Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (‘Vis Moot’).

Also on the agenda, discussions on the impact of AI in arbitration, and how technology can contribute to enhancing the efficiency and transparency of dispute resolution processes.

Dr. Walid bin Sulaiman Abanumay, Chairman of the Board of SCCA confirmed that RIDW25 reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a reliable destination to address commercial and investment disputes and reflects its commitment to nurture a legal environment that supports economic growth and investment, in line with the goals of the “Saudi Vision 2030”.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Secures Argentine President Milei’s Partnership in Credit Suisse Investigation into Nazi-Linked Accounts

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is welcoming Argentine President Javier Milei’s commitment to support Grassley’s ongoing investigation into Credit Suisse and its historic servicing of Nazi-linked accounts. This includes providing archival records documenting the use of Nazi “ratlines.” Ratlines were monetary and logistic pathways Nazis used to escape justice and flee to Latin America, including Argentina, following World War II.

“In order to continue this work, I respectfully request possession of Argentina’s archival records relating to Nazi ratlines. This includes records dating to the time before, during, and following World War II that will help shed light on the planning and carrying out of the Nazi ratlines. The great people of Argentina’s support in helping the Senate Judiciary Committee obtain possession would assist the committee in advancing its corresponding oversight of this matter,” Grassley wrote to Milei.

Grassley will chair a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing next week focused on stemming the tide of antisemitism.

Read additional background from the Times of Israel.

Argentine president opening files on Nazi ‘ratlines’ that trafficked Eichmann, Mengele

By Matt Lebovic

February 24, 2025

Argentinian President Javier Milei promised officials of the Simon Wiesenthal Center his full cooperation in granting access to documents related to the financing of so-called “ratlines” that helped Nazis escape Europe after the Holocaust. The promise was made in Buenos Aires at the presidential palace, Casa Rosada, during a meeting with Milei and activists on Tuesday.

For decades, organizations including the Simon Wiesenthal Center, named after the famed Nazi hunter, have sought records related to unofficial escape routes taken by thousands of Nazis during the years after World War II. Up to 10,000 Nazis and other fascist war criminals escaped justice by fleeing to Argentina and other countries.

“While some previous leaders promised full cooperation to get to the hard truths that involved Argentina’s past, Milei is the first to act with lightning speed to enable the SWC to uncover important pieces of the historic puzzle, especially as it related to involvement with Nazis before, during and after the Holocaust,” Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, told The Times of Israel.

…

During the SWC meeting on Tuesday, Jonathan Missner, managing partner at Stein, Mitchell, Beato & Missner, brought a letter from US Senator Charles Grassley, chairman of the US Senate Judiciary Committee. The letter — which was handed to Milei — requested the Argentinian leader’s assistance in uncovering how the ratlines were organized and funded. A copy of the letter was sent to US President Donald Trump.

…

Nazis’ escape routes

Several countries in the Americas received Nazis, including Canada, the US, and Mexico. Nazis also fled to Australia, Spain, and Switzerland. In some cases, US intelligence officials used ratlines to pluck top Nazi scientists away from Soviet orbits.

One of two primary escape routes went through Germany and Spain, then across the Atlantic to Argentina…

Up to 5,000 Nazis are said to have settled in Argentina, including Holocaust “architect” Adolf Eichmann and Josef Mengele, one of the most recognizable — and wanted — Nazis. Traveling along a ratline in 1948, the notorious Auschwitz physician used the new identity of Helmut Gregor when fleeing Europe.

“These files will be instrumental in obtaining justice, which is instrumental to honoring the memory of those who suffered and died in the Holocaust,” said Cooper. “Especially in a post-October 7 world, those who financed, facilitated, or otherwise assisted these ratlines must be held accountable,” he said.

…

“Words are one thing — actions are another. President Milei’s historic decision signals his unequivocal allyship with the Jewish community while reinforcing his commitment to accountability and transparency at home,” Missner told The Times of Israel.

Support for harboring Nazi war criminals went right to the top in Argentina, according to historians. President Juan Peron was angered by the Nuremberg Trials and authorized key facets of the escape routes, making them a state affair. In addition to German Nazis, the Peron regime and other South American governments aided war criminals from Hungary, Croatia and elsewhere.

“President Milei is a staunch ally of the global Jewish community and was eager to open these archives. He knows that confronting Argentina’s history of Nazi collaboration requires nothing less than full transparency, and the same principle undergirds his pursuit of justice for the AMIA bombing,” said Missner.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: From Protecting Civilians to Combating Crime, Preventing Conflict, United Nations Police Play Vital Role in Peacekeeping, Security Council Told

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Note: Complete coverage of this afternoon’s meeting of the Security Council will be available 28 February.

United Nations police are a critical part of the Organization’s peacekeeping architecture and must be adequately prepared, equipped and resourced to meet current and future challenges, the Security Council heard today, as it met to discuss UN support to conflict-affected countries.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said that today’s meeting offers the opportunity to discuss a critical question: “How can we position United Nations police to be prepared for the future and the challenges that, even as they evolve, retain many known aspects?” Such challenges, he noted, include lack of adherence to the rule of law, corruption, disregard for international law, transnational organized crime and human-rights violations. Further, he underlined the need to work collectively to ensure that United Nations police are properly prepared, equipped and resourced “to meet whatever tomorrow brings”.

Gap between Mandates, Capacity to Deliver

However, he emphasized that “the gap between peacekeeping mandates and what the missions can, in practice, actually deliver has become increasingly apparent”. Yet, the Action for Peacekeeping agenda continues to help close this gap, as do the areas prioritized within the Action for Peacekeeping Plus agenda. Detailing several of these, he added that “rigorous and transparent monitoring of the performance and impact of peacekeeping operations provides the foundation for improving our operations”. Through such an agenda, he concluded, “we are better placed to address today’s challenges to peace and security and, ultimately, to improve the lives of the people we serve”.

“Although our footprint may be smaller today”, said Faisal Shahkar, United Nations Police Adviser, the tasks and responsibilities of the United Nations police remain complex. This includes support to develop host-State policing capacities and institutions that underpin long-term stability and the rule of law. Noting the need to enhance trust between missions, host-State Government institutions and host populations, he said that it is vital to address mis- and disinformation. He also called for investment in training, highlighting the United Nations Police Commanders Course — “the crown jewel in the United Nations Police Training Architecture”.

He also pointed out that United Nations police help reinforce the capacities of their host-State policing counterparts and support their operations, detailing several examples of this — including in the Central African Republic. There, United Nations police provided extensive training for internal security forces, with a particular emphasis on human rights, gender-based violence and security in preparation for upcoming elections. Underlining the importance of skilled and knowledgeable police commanders, he urged: “We need your support in ensuring that such officers — including highly skilled women and Francophone officers — are made available.”

Maintaining Security towards Elections in Central African Republic

Providing further detail on the situation in that country, Christophe Bizimungu, Chief of the Police Component of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), said that the security situation there will undoubtedly be impacted by upcoming elections. “In addition to physical security measures, we will contribute towards the prevention of election violence — particularly violence against women and hate speech,” he said. Noting that United Nations police primarily focus on civilian protection, he said it is ready to support electoral security and ensure that civilians are not affected during this period.

Ensuring Lasting Calm in Cyprus

Mingzhu Xu, Senior Police Adviser, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), also provided country-specific information on United Nations police activities. She said that as one of the longest-running active missions UNFICYP has consistently upheld efforts to prevent the recurrence of conflict, contribute to the maintenance of law and order and facilitate a return to normal conditions. While its role has expanded beyond monitoring and reporting in the last five years, she emphasized that the Force’s most-important role is conflict prevention: “Every day, UNPOL officers engage with a multitude of actors in the buffer zone, employing community-oriented policing to defuse tensions, broker compromises and generally keep the peace.”

…

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: US funding cuts confirmed, ending lifesaving support for women and girls

Source: United Nations 2

27 February 2025 Humanitarian Aid

The United States has cut $377 million worth of funding to the UN reproductive and sexual health agency, UNFPA, it was confirmed on Thursday, leading to potentially “devasting impacts”, on women and girls.

“At 7pm on 26 February, UNFPA was informed that nearly all of our grants (48 as of now) with USAID and the US State Department have been terminated,” the UN agency said in a statement.

“This decision will have devastating impacts on women and girls and the health and aid workers who serve them in the world’s worst humanitarian crises.”

The USAID grants were designated to provide critical maternal healthcare, protection from violence, rape treatment and other lifesaving care in humanitarian settings.

This includes UNFPA’s work to end maternal death, safely deliver babies and address horrific violence faced by women and girls in places like Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine.

From Afghanistan to Ukraine

The UN agency partners with 150 countries to provide access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services.

Its goal is ending unmet needs for family planning, preventable maternal death, gender-based violence and harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation, by 2030.

“These termination notices include grants for which we had previously received humanitarian waivers, as they were considered lifesaving interventions for the world’s most vulnerable women and girls,” UNFPA said.

The grants funded programmes in countries including Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Mali, Sudan, Syria and its neighbouring countries, as well as Ukraine.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Police units need strong support says UN peacekeeping chief

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

By Vibhu Mishra

27 February 2025 Peace and Security

The head of UN peacekeeping operations on Thursday called for more investment in the UN Police service, highlighting the mounting challenges officers face in conflict affected regions.

Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Peace Operations chief, emphasised that UN Police are critical to sustaining peace, operating in increasingly difficult conditions, in the face of organized crime, corruption, human rights violations and weak institutions.

“Each of us here in this Chamber – Member States, Council members, host countries, and military, police and financial contributors – have a stake in the success of peacekeeping operations,” he said.

“This is never truer than at times like these, when multilateralism is facing significant headwinds,” he added, urging sustained effort to ensure peacekeeping remains relevant and responsive to today’s challenges.

Bridging the gap

Mr. Lacroix noted that the gap between peacekeeping mandates and operational realities has grown, stating that efforts under the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+) initiative have helped narrow it, improving the effectiveness of police components in UN missions.

In the Central African Republic (CAR) for instance, UN Police are strengthening national security forces to protect civilians and uphold the rule of law, while in disputed Abyei, they have been instrumental in implementing a strategy to support rule of law to address governance challenges between Sudan and South Sudan.

The UN is also enhancing police training and operations.

A revised UN Police Commanders Course was piloted recently in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, and a collaboration with the Elsie Initiative has improved gender-sensitive living areas in field missions, encouraging more women to serve.

Technology and innovation

Mr. Lacroix further highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in peacekeeping, which have enhanced situational awareness and coordination across missions.

“Through A4P+, we are better placed to address today’s challenges and improve the lives of the people we serve,” he said, calling for greater investment in police training, capacity-building and resources.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Jean-Pierre Lacroix (on screen), Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, briefs the Security Council.

Making a difference

UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar highlighted the work of UN Police in making a tangible difference in host countries by building local capacities and reinforcing the rule of law.

“In South Sudan, UNMISS Police, with specialized support from the UN Standing Police Capacity, elaborated an integrated strategic election security support plan providing essential technical advice to enhance security preparations for future elections in the country,” he said.

He noted also capacity building initiatives by UNMISS Police for South Sudanese women officers to enhance their skills to assume leadership positions.

Mis- and disinformation risks

Despite these successes, trust between UN missions, host governments, and local populations remains a challenge, particularly due to misinformation and disinformation, Mr. Shakhar said.

“Although our footprint may be smaller today than when I last briefed you [in November 2023], the United Nations Police’s tasks and responsibilities remain complex,” he said, calling on Member States for sustained leadership and continued political engagement.

UNMISS

UNMISS women police officers provide support during a protection of civilian mission in Juba, South Sudan.

Impact on the ground

Ambassadors also heard briefings from the heads of police components of the UN peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic – MINUSCA, and in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Commissioner Christophe Bizimungu highlighted MINUSCA’s police efforts in stepping up efforts to ensure security ahead of the 2025 elections, supporting local security forces in preventing electoral violence, particularly against women.

It is also tackling rising hate crimes against the Muslim community in Haut Mbomou, where armed Azande militias pose a growing threat, as well as addressing seasonal livestock farming-related violence, deploying specialised units to prevent conflicts.

UNFICYP Senior Police Adviser Xu Mingzhu, informed Council members of the Mission’s police role in preventing conflict and building trust, particularly through enhanced cooperation between Republic of Cyprus Police and Turkish Cypriot Police.

The Mission is supporting exchange of information through joint contacts, while also helping ensure the safety of the buffer zone and facilitating civilian activities.

UN Photo/Nektarios Markogiannis

MINUSCA police officers interact with community members.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s remarks at the White House Press Conference: Thursday 27 February

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Prime Minister’s remarks at the White House Press Conference: Thursday 27 February

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s opening remarks at the White House press conference.

Thank you very much, Mr President.

Thank you for your hospitality, thank you for your leadership.

This has been a very good and very productive visit.

And with your family roots in Scotland…

And your close bond with His Majesty the King…

It’s good to know…

That the United Kingdom has a true friend in the Oval Office.

And it was so good to see the bust of Winston Churchill back in its rightful place just a moment ago.

But look, in a moment of real danger around the world…

This relationship matters more than ever.

We remain each other’s first partner in defence…

Ready to come to the other’s aid…

To counter threats, wherever and whenever they may arise.

No two militaries are more intertwined than ours.

No two countries have done more together to keep people safe.

And in a few weeks’ time we’ll mark VE Day…

The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

Britain and America fought side-by-side to make that happen –

One of the greatest moments in our history.

We stand side-by-side still, today…

And we’re focused now…

On bringing an enduring end to the barbaric war in Ukraine.

Mr President, I welcome your deep, personal commitment…

To bring peace and stop the killing.

You have created a moment of tremendous opportunity…

To reach an historic peace deal –

A deal that would be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world.

That is the prize.

But we have to get it right.

There’s a famous slogan in the United Kingdom…

From after the Second World War –

That is that we have to “win the peace.”

And that’s what we must do now.

Because it can’t be a peace that rewards the aggressor…

Or that gives succour to regimes like Iran.

We agree – history must be on the side of the peacemaker…

Not the invader.

So the stakes, they could not be higher.

And we’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal.

We’ve discussed a plan today…

To reach a peace that is tough and fair…

That Ukraine will help to shape…

That is backed by strength –

To stop Putin coming back for more.

And I am working closely with other European leaders on this.

And I am clear –

That the UK is ready…

To put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal.

Working together with our allies,

Because that is the only way that peace that will last.

Mr President, in this new era…

You’re also right that Europe must step up.

And let me tell you now –

I see the growing threats we face…

And so the UK is all in.

This year we will be giving more military aid to Ukraine than ever.

And just this week…

I have set out how we are shouldering more of the security burden.

We’re already one of the biggest spenders in NATO…

And now we are going much further…

Delivering Britain’s biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

This isn’t just talk – it’s action.

Rebalancing the transatlantic alliance…

Making us all stronger…

And standing up for our shared values and shared security…

As Britain always has.

Now, Mr President…

It’s no secret we’re from different political traditions…

But there is a lot that we have in common.

We believe it’s not taking part that counts…

What counts is winning.

If you don’t win – you don’t deliver.

And we’re determined to deliver for the working people of Britain and America –

Who want – and deserve – to see their lives improve.

So we’re both in a hurry to get things done.

And that’s what the UK and the US do when we work together:

We win – and we get things done.

So we’ll do what it takes to keep our people safe…

We will also work together…

To deliver some big economic wins that can benefit us both.

We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies…

Creating over 2.5 million jobs across both economies.

Our trading relationship is not just strong –

It is fair, balanced and reciprocal.

We’re leaders together in so many areas…

Ranked one and two in the world as investment destinations…

One and two for universities…

One and two for Nobel prizes…

One and two in golf, as well – by the way…

And we’re the only two western countries with trillion dollar tech sectors –

Leaders in AI…

And look, we take a similar approach on this issue.

Instead of over-regulating these new technologies…

We’re seizing the opportunities they offer.

So we have decided today to go further…

To begin work on a new economic deal…

With advanced technology at its core…

Look – our two nations, together…

Shaped the great technological innovations of the last century.

We have a chance now…

To do the same for the 21st century…

I mean – artificial intelligence could cure cancer…

That could be a moonshot for our age…

And that’s how we will keep delivering for our people.

There are so many opportunities.

Keep our nations strong…

And fulfil the promise of greatness…

That has always defined this relationship.

Finally, to underline the importance of this bond…

It was my privilege and honour to bring a letter with me today –

From His Majesty the King…

Not only sending his best wishes…

But also inviting the President and the First Lady to make a State Visit to the United Kingdom…

An unprecedented second State Visit – this has never happened before.

It’s so incredible it will be historic.

And I’m delighted that I can go back to His Majesty The King and tell him that President Trump has accepted the invitation.

So thank you.

Our teams will now work together to set a date.

Mr President, we look forward to welcoming you in the United Kingdom.

Thank you once again.

Updates to this page

Published 27 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: Despite challenges, UNRWA says ‘unparalleled progress’ made during ceasefire

Source: United Nations 2

27 February 2025 Peace and Security

Since the ceasefire began in Gaza on 19 January, “unparalleled progress” has been made in providing desperately needed aid to families across the devastated enclave, said UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, on Thursday.

Agency teams have worked around the clock to provide services to a people who are overwhelmed following 15 months of constant bombardment, forced displacement, and lack of critical supplies, the agency said in a press release.

“This reflects UNRWA’s commitment to supporting families in Gaza through this unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” said Sam Rose, UNRWA’s acting director of Gaza Affairs, speaking from an UNRWA health centre in southern Gaza.

“Despite every political and logistical challenge to the Agency, UNRWA remains resolute in its mission to provide essential services to families who need them now more than ever.”

Last October, Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, adopted two bills banning UNRWA from working in Israeli territory and enforcing a no-contact policy between national authorities and agency representatives. The laws took effect in January.

Two million reached

In a significant milestone, and in close coordination with other humanitarian partners, UNRWA has now provided food assistance to two million people, or over 90 per cent of the population, helping to bring some improvement to overall food security.

The agency has also restored healthcare access to nearly 180,000 people in Khan Younis, Rafah and Gaza City through the re-opening of health centres.

In addition, agency teams reached more than half a million with blankets, mattresses, floor mats, clothes, cooking equipment, and tarpaulins to protect from the rain.

All agencies scale up support

The recent polio campaign in Gaza concluded successfully, reaching over 600,000 children under the age of 10, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provided supplies to three hospitals and five health partners, benefiting 250,000 people across the Strip. Additionally, WHO supported the expansion of triage and emergency departments in Al-Shifa hospital with tents and 20 extra beds.

Children’s agency UNICEF has delivered essential health kits, paediatric medicines, and newborn supplies for over 20,000 people at Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza.

UN partners have also scaled up food security, distributing 860,000 cooked meals daily – a 10 per cent increase from the previous week.

Back to school, for some

The World Food Programme (WFP) has made subsidised bread available at 24 retail shops in the South and re-established four food distribution points in the north.

Efforts to improve water and sanitation continue, with two water points established and expanded in North Gaza governorate, and two sections of water networks repaired in Khan Younis.

As of Wednesday, 100,000 children have enrolled in school, marking a return to in-person learning after 16 months. A total of 165 public schools have reopened across Gaza.

West Bank emergency: 40,000 forcibly displaced

In the West Bank, Israeli forces’ operations in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas have led to further casualties and displacement, hindering access to essential services.

The UN stresses the importance of respecting international law and protecting civilians.

Listen below to audio from Ajith Sunghay who is the top UN human rights official for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He told UN News on Thursday that with 40,000 now forcibly displaced from refugee camps in the West Bank, it seems “return is not an option” for at least a year as Israel forces dig in.

Soundcloud

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Northwest Arkansas Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business Using Pandemic Funds

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

FAYETTEVILLE – A Northwest Arkansas man was sentenced on February 20, to 51 months in Federal Prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution of $725,558.00 on one count of operating an Illegal Money Transmitting Business. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

According to court documents, Richard Harold Stone, age 77, waived indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business in the State of Arkansas. Stone was the President or Chief Officer of numerous businesses registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State, including: Partex Oman Corp., Renewable Energy Campus Arkansas, Inc., Stonetek Global Corp., and Tires 2 Energy, LLC. Stone also was associated with Environmental Energy & Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation. The advertised purpose of these businesses was developing technology and facilities to repurpose waste materials, such as tires, into useable fuel sources. None of these businesses were registered with the State of Arkansas as a money transmitting business, as required by Arkansas law (Arkansas Code, Section 23-55-806(b)&(c)).

Between November 2020 and March 2021, Stone received through various bank accounts associated with the above entities and other accounts under his control, deposits of funds from applications made on behalf of unwitting victims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Impact Disaster Loans (EIDL), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), totaling more than $600,000. After receiving these funds, Stone immediately transferred most of the funds by wire transfer to parties in locations including Berne, Switzerland; London, England; New York, NY; Chennai, India; and Mumbai, India.

At the conclusion of Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Stone was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Bridges is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

MIL Security OSI –

February 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: dLocal Reports 2024 Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Full Year 2024 results
US$25.6 billion Total Payment Volume, up 45% year-over-year
Revenue of US$746 million, up 15% year-over-year
113% Net Revenue Retention Rate
Gross Profit of US$295 million, up 6% year-over-year
Adjusted EBITDA of US$189 million, down 7% year-over-year

Fourth Quarter 2024
US$7.7 billion Total Payment Volume, up 51% year-over-year and 18% quarter-over-quarter
Revenue of US$204 million, up 9% year-over-year and 10% quarter-over-quarter
106% Net Revenue Retention Rate
Gross Profit of US$84 million, up 20% year-over-year and 7% quarter-over-quarter
Adjusted EBITDA of US$57 million, up 16% year-over-year and 9% quarter-over-quarter

Record TPV of $26 billion, a strong growth to 45% YoY with mix continuing to move to newer more attractive markets, while core markets rebounded from Q3 softness;

Revenue and gross profits hitting record highs of $746 million and $295 million, respectively;

Adjusted EBITDA to GP margins closing out the year at 64%, but improving consistently as the year progressed.

dLocal reports in US dollars and in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DLocal Limited (“dLocal”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) (NASDAQ:DLO), a technology – first payments platform today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024..

As we walk through a review of our performance over the past quarter and year, and as we have repeatedly mentioned, we think of five pillars underpinning dLocal’s investment thesis:

A massive addressable market, given the untapped potential of emerging and frontier markets as they digitize payments and merchants go to market throughout the Global South. 85% of the world’s population resides in emerging markets¹, and two thirds of global growth by 2035 will come from there².
Consistent high top line growth, driven by a proven track record of delivering value to the world’s most sophisticated global digital merchants that has allowed us to capture a market leading share of this expanding TAM.
Attractive margin business with potential to deliver operational leverage once we have laid the foundational blocks and further scale benefits kick in.
Strong cash generating financial model as Net Income converts well into FCF.
Investment in product development capabilities to drive growth through new categories, products, feature innovations, and potential M&A activity.

Our FY 2024 results affirm the investment thesis, highlighted by a record TPV of $26 billion, a strong TPV growth of 45% year-over-year, driven by a shift towards newer, more attractive markets, while core markets rebounded from Q3 softness. Additionally, revenue and gross profits reached record highs of $746 million and $295 million, respectively, with an adjusted EBITDA to GP margins closing the year at 64%, showing consistent improvement throughout the year. Furthermore, Net Income to FCF of Own funds³ conversion exited the year at a rate above 100%.

These strong 2024 results should be seen in the context of a weak first quarter followed by progressively stronger quarter-over-quarter performance, and the continuation of an investment cycle aimed at achieving greater scalability for our business.

Building on last quarter’s positive trend, our TPV grew over 50% year-over-year, despite a strong Q4 2023 comparison. Quarter-over-quarter, TPV growth accelerated to nearly 20%, driven by commerce seasonality, and strength in remittances and ride-hailing. In constant currency³, given general weakness in Emerging Markets currencies, those growth rates are even more impressive, about 30 points higher year-over-year.

Revenues surpassed the milestone of over $200 million in Q4, representing a 9% year-over-year growth. In constant currencies⁴, revenue growth for the period would have been around 40% year-over-year.

Our growth continues to reinforce our position as a trusted partner for global companies seeking to do business across emerging markets, with performance coming from a well diversified list of countries, with notable contributions from Argentina, Egypt, Other LatAm and Other Africa and Asia markets. As a result of our expansion into more frontier markets, we also continue to see solid growth in our cross-border volumes.

In terms of profitability, we reached a record gross profit of $84 million, with a net take rate at 1.1%, reflecting the market dynamic where higher volumes drive lower take rates, increase in the payouts share, and the depreciation of emerging market currencies. To offset this, we are driving cost efficiencies through processor and broker renegotiations and improvements in our hedging strategy. We also continue our push into higher take rate markets and verticals, which over the long term, should partially offset the take rate compression.

Despite the ongoing step up in investments in our engineering team, operational capabilities, and license portfolio to support our long-term growth ambitions, our Adjusted EBITDA hit a record $57 million in the quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA over gross profit margin improving quarter-over-quarter to 68%.

Cash generation was also solid, as we continue to increase free cash available to deploy behind our capital allocation strategy. This sustained cash generation increases our flexibility when thinking through M&A, buybacks or re-investing in a disciplined manner back into the business.

In 2024, we added 9 licenses and registrations, including the UK FCA’s Authorised Payment Institution license, which enhances our competitive edge and demonstrates our commitment to compliant practices and regulatory oversight.

To sum up, Q4 marked the successful end to 2024 in terms of consistent TPV growth, controlled take rate decline, and balance of investment for future growth with a healthy margin and free cash profile.

Looking ahead to our 2025 guidance⁵, we expect a strong TPV growth of 35% – 45% year-over-year, with a revenue growth of 25% – 35% year-over-year that shows this sustained momentum of our top line. We see gross profit growth of 20% – 25% year-over-year, and Adjusted EBITDA growth between 20% and 30% year-over-year.

Considering those assumptions, we should expect a net take rate compression while delivering high TPV growth even at our scale. Over the midterm, we will work to maintain strong TPV while recognizing that given the extremely strong levels of TPV retention we deliver, our larger merchants will continue to attain lower pricing tiers. We will strive to offset this effect through growth in higher take rate new verticals, natural mix shift towards higher take rate frontier markets, and new revenue streams through product launches.

This guidance highlights that our combination of revenue growth, margin structure and free cash generation is not that common. There are not that many companies today who are as profitable as we are, growing revenues at the pace we are growing, and consistently generating free cash.

As known, our business thrives in fast-growing, dynamic markets with massive opportunities in digital payments across emerging markets, driven by strong demand and long-term growth trends. However, these markets also bring volatility from macroeconomic shifts, regulatory changes, and currency fluctuations. While we are confident in our long-term high-growth potential, providing mid-term guidance may not accurately reflect the predictability over a multi-year timeframe. For this reason, we have made the decision to discontinue mid-term guidance. We will continue to focus on delivering strong operational execution so as to hit the annual targets we disclose.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are confident in our ability to sustain momentum. Our investments in technology, product innovation, and market expansion position us well for growth. Despite the volatility of emerging markets, our disciplined scaling, local expertise, and commitment to delivering value to merchants will differentiate us. Our strategy focuses on capturing the potential of digital payments in high-growth regions, driving operational efficiencies, and reinforcing market leadership. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and committed to executing with the same rigor and discipline that have defined our success.

¹ Source: Euromonitor International: Reaching the emerging middle class beyond BRIC; ² Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence. ³ Please see Reconciliation of TPV and Revenue constant currency measures to reported results of Q4 2024 Earnings Presentation; ⁴ Please see Reconciliation of TPV and Revenue constant currency measures to reported results of Q4 2024 Earnings Presentation; ⁵ please see Full year 2025 outlook on slide 23 of Q4 2024 Earnings Presentation.

Fourth quarter 2024 financial highlights

Total Payment Volume (“TPV”) reached a record US$7.7 billion in the fourth quarter, up 51% year-over-year compared to US$5.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 and up 18% compared to US$6.5 billion in the third quarter of 2024. In constant currencies¹, TPV growth for the period would have been 81% year-over-year.

Revenues amounted to US$204.5 million, up 9% year-over-year compared to US$188.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and up 10% compared to US$185.8 million in the third quarter of 2024. This quarter-over-quarter increase was mostly driven by volume increase in Egypt, as well as positive results in Other LatAm and Other Africa and Asia, with notable performance in South Africa, Turkey, Colombia and Ecuador. In constant currencies1, revenue growth for the period would have been 42% year-over-year.

Gross profit was US$83.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, up 20% compared to US$69.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and up 7% compared to US$78.2 million in the third quarter of 2024. The improvement in gross profit quarter-over-quarter was primarily due to volume growth in Argentina, Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey. These positive factors were partially offset by (i) Mexico, given the higher growth of Tier 0 merchants coupled with a shift in the payment mix; (ii) Brazil, given the lower take rates from the new Payment Orchestration option launched in the third quarter of 2024 (which positively allowed for volume recovery versus the prior quarter) and shift in the payment mix; and (iii) Other LatAm markets, that despite delivering positive volume performance, on a quarter-over-quarter comparison was impacted by the strong growth in Q3 from wider FX spreads in certain smaller markets, as disclosed in the previous quarterly results.

As a result, gross profit margin was 41% in this quarter, compared to 37% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 42% in the third quarter of 2024.

Gross profit over TPV was at 1.1% decreasing from 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and from 1.2% compared to the third quarter of 2024.

Operating income was US$42.3 million, up 3% compared to US$41.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and up 3% compared to US$41.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, as we resumed the pace of certain investments in building out our capabilities. In this context, operating expenses grew by 44% year-over-year, with most of the growth allocated to Product Development & IT capabilities, with these expenses increasing by 70% year-over-year while combined Sales and Marketing (S&M) and G&A expenses grew by 29%. On the sequential comparison, operating expenses increased 12% quarter-over-quarter, a reflection of (i) growth in combined S&M and G&A expenses, driven by continued investment in operating capabilities and marketing investments; and (ii) slightly down tech and development expenses as increases in headcount were offset by reductions in other IT expenditures.

As a result, Adjusted EBITDA was US$56.9 million, up 16% compared to US$49.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and up 9% compared to US$52.4 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA margin was 28%, compared to the 26% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 28% in the third quarter of 2024. On the annual comparison, the increase is explained by investments in core areas to drive efficiency and ensure future growth while maintaining our lean and disciplined structure. Adjusted EBITDA over gross profit of 68% decreased compared to 71% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and increased compared to 67% in the third quarter of 2024.

Net financial cost was US$1.1 million, compared to a finance income of US$1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a cost of US$10.1 million in the third quarter of 2024, as explained in the Net Income section.

Our effective income tax rate increased to 27% from 8% last quarter, and stands at 20% on a year-to-date basis. In the fourth quarter of 2024, effective income tax rate was impacted by an income tax settlement related to previous periods. Excluding this tax settlement, our effective income tax rate stood at 16% for the fourth quarter and 17% for the year compared to 16% in 2023, as a result of slightly higher local-to-local share of pre-tax income.

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was US$29.7 million, or US$0.10 per diluted share, up 4% compared to a profit of US$28.5 million, or US$0.10 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023 and up 11% compared to a profit of US$26.8 million, or US$0.09 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024. During the current period, net income was mostly affected by the positive non-cash mark to market effect related to our Argentine bond investments, lower finance costs partially offset by higher taxes. Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was US$45.8 million, up 13% compared to US$40.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and up 6% compared to US$43.4 million for the third quarter of 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, dLocal had US$425.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, including US$189.0 million of own funds and US$236.1 million of merchants’ funds. The consolidated cash position decreased by US$111.0 million from US$536.2 million as of December 31, 2023. When compared to the US$560.5 million cash position as of September 30, 2024, it decreased by US$135.4 million. The variation quarter-over-quarter is primarily explained by changes in merchant working capital, driven by: (i) increase in trade receivables due to temporary settlement delays before year-end; coupled with (ii) decrease in trade payables due to a shift in settlement periods with certain merchants and higher settlement of accumulated merchant balances.

¹Please see Reconciliation of TPV and Revenue constant currency measures to reported results of Q4 2024 Earnings Presentation.

The following table summarizes our key performance metrics:

	Three months ended December 31			Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	2023	% change	2024	2023	% change
Key Performance metrics	(In millions of US$ except for %)
TPV	7,714	5,111	51%	25,575	17,677	45%
Revenue	204.5	188.0	9%	746.0	650.4	15%
Gross Profit	83.7	69.7	20%	294.7	276.9	6%
Gross Profit margin	41%	37%	4p.p	40%	43%	-3p.p
Adjusted EBITDA	56.9	49.2	16%	188.7	202.3	-7%
Adjusted EBITDA margin	28%	26%	2p.p	25%	31%	-6p.p
Adjusted EBITDA/Gross Profit	68%	71%	-3p.p	64%	73%	-9p.p
Profit	29.7	28.5	4%	120.5	149.1	-19%
Profit margin	15%	15%	-1p.p	16%	23%	-7p.p

Fourth quarter 2024 business highlights

During the fourth quarter of 2024, pay-ins TPV increased 44% year-over-year and 15% quarter-over-quarter to US$5.3 billion, accounting for 69% of the TPV.

Pay-outs TPV increased by 68% year-over-year and 26% quarter-over-quarter to US$2.4 billion, accounting for the remaining 31% of the TPV.

Cross-border TPV increased by 67% year-over-year and 23% quarter-over-quarter to US$3.7 billion. Cross-border volume accounted for 48% of the TPV in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Local-to-local TPV increased by 38% year-over-year and 14% quarter-over-quarter to US$4.0 billion. Local-to-local volume accounted for 52% of the TPV in the fourth quarter of 2024.

LatAm revenue increased 16% year-over-year to US$152.9 million, accounting for 75% of total revenue. On the annual comparison, the growth was primarily driven by (i) volume growth in Argentina; and (ii) strong performance of Other LatAm, particularly in Colombia. This result was partially offset by Brazil due to (i) lower take rates from the new Payment Orchestration option launched in the third quarter of 2024; and (ii) shift in the payment mix. Sequentially, LatAm revenue grew by 5%, mainly driven by the performance of Other LatAm, especially in Colombia and Ecuador. The positive result was offset by (i) Argentina, impacted by the lower FX spreads; (ii) Brazil, as previously explained; and (iii) Mexico, due to higher growth of Tier 0 merchants coupled with a shift in the payment mix.

In the Africa and Asia region, revenue decreased by 9% year-over-year, primarily driven by Nigeria due to the Naira devaluation in February of 2024; partially offset by (i) the strong growth performance in Egypt; and (ii) in Other Africa and Asia, particularly the performance in South Africa in the commerce vertical. Those regions are also the main drivers of the sequential increase.

LatAm gross profit increased by 3% year-over-year and 1% quarter-over-quarter to US$56.4 million, accounting for 67% of total gross profit. Most of the year-over-year increase is explained by the volume growth in Argentina, Mexico, and other LatAm markets, which were mostly offset by Brazil as just explained, and currency devaluations. Sequentially, the growth was mainly driven by Argentina’s positive performance; offset by drivers in Mexico and Brazil, as explained previously. Other Latam markets, which continue to grow TPV, were negatively impacted quarter-over-quarter due to the strong Q3 growth from wider FX spreads in smaller markets, as previously disclosed.

Africa and Asia gross profit increased by 82% year-over-year to US$27.3 million, accounting for the remaining 33% of total gross profit. This annual comparison is explained by TPV growth in Egypt, ramp-up of commerce merchants in South Africa, and positive performance in Other Africa and Asia markets, including Turkey and Vietnam. Sequentially, gross profit increased by 21%, attributable to the positive performance in Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey in categories such as remittances, financial services, ads and streaming.

During the quarter, Revenue from Existing Merchants reached US$198.3 million compared to US$ 179.9 million in the third quarter of 2024. On the annual comparison, Revenue from Existing Merchants increased by 13% and the net revenue retention rate, or NRR, reached 106%.

Revenue from New Merchants accounted for US$6.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to US$11.8 million in the same quarter of the prior year.

The tables below present the breakdown of dLocal’s TPV by product and type of flow:

In millions of US$ except for %	Three months ended December 31				Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*
Pay-ins	5,340	69%	3,701	72%	17,902	70%	12,823	73%
Pay-outs	2,373	31%	1,410	28%	7,673	30%	4,855	27%
Total TPV	7,714	*100*%	5,111	*100*%	25,575	*100*%	17,677	*100*%

In millions of US$ except for %	Three months ended December 31				Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*
Cross-border	3,740	48%	2,235	44%	11,902	47%	8,670	49%
Local-to-local	3,974	52%	2,876	56%	13,673	53%	9,007	51%
Total TPV	7,714	*100*%	5,111	*100*%	25,575	*100*%	17,677	*100*%

The tables below present the breakdown of dLocal’s revenue by geography:

In millions of US$ except for %	Three months ended December 31				Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*
Latin America	152.9	75%	131.5	70%	562.2	75%	492.7	76%
Brazil	33.7	16%	50.2	27%	152.0	20%	159.0	24%
Argentina	25.1	12%	10.5	6%	85.5	11%	75.1	12%
Mexico	40.5	20%	35.6	19%	149.2	20%	116.8	18%
Chile	13.5	7%	14.9	8%	51.2	7%	55.7	9%
Other LatAm	40.1	20%	20.3	11%	124.4	17%	86.1	13%

Africa & Asia	51.6	25%	56.5	30%	183.8	25%	157.7	24%
Nigeria	2.9	1%	28.4	15%	13.3	2%	84.0	13%
Egypt	21.4	10%	18.4	10%	94.0	13%	36.7	6%
Other Africa & Asia	27.4	13%	9.7	5%	76.5	10%	37.0	6%

Total Revenue	204.5	*100*%	188.0	*100*%	746.0	*100*%	650.4	*100*%

The tables below present the breakdown of dLocal’s gross profit by geography:

In millions of US$ except for %	Three months ended December 31				Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*	2024	*% share*	2023	*% share*
Latin America	56.4	67%	54.7	79%	214.2	73%	228.7	83%
Brazil	14.8	18%	25.5	37%	67.3	23%	78.8	28%
Argentina	9.2	11%	4.0	6%	28.7	10%	48.7	18%
Mexico	10.9	13%	9.3	13%	42.5	14%	34.7	13%
Chile	9.2	11%	9.1	13%	33.1	11%	34.0	12%
Other LatAm	12.4	15%	7.0	10%	42.6	14%	32.6	12%

Africa & Asia	27.3	33%	15.0	21%	80.5	27%	48.1	17%
Nigeria	2.4	3%	1.5	2%	6.6	2%	5.8	2%
Egypt	16.0	19%	9.6	14%	48.4	16%	26.1	9%
Other Africa & Asia	8.9	11%	3.9	6%	25.5	9%	16.2	6%

Total Gross Profit	83.7	*100*%	69.7	*100*%	294.7	*100*%	276.9	*100*%

Special note regarding Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

dLocal has only one operating segment. dLocal measures its operating segment’s performance by Revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and uses these metrics to make decisions about allocating resources.

Adjusted EBITDA as used by dLocal is defined as the profit from operations before financing and taxation for the year or period, as applicable, before depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization of right-of-use assets and intangible assets, and further excluding the finance income and costs, impairment gains/(losses) on financial assets, transaction costs, share-based payment non-cash charges,other operating gain/loss,other non-recurring costs, and inflation adjustment. dLocal defines Adjusted EBITDA Margin as the Adjusted EBITDA divided by consolidated revenues.

Although Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin may be commonly viewed as non-IFRS measures in other contexts, pursuant to IFRS 8, (“Operating Segments”), Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are treated by dLocal as IFRS measures based on the manner in which dLocal utilizes these measures. Nevertheless, dLocal’s Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin metrics should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for net income for the periods presented under IFRS. dLocal also believes that its Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin metrics are useful metrics used by analysts and investors, although these measures are not explicitly defined under IFRS. Additionally, the way dLocal calculates operating segment’s performance measures may be different from the calculations used by other entities, including competitors, and therefore, dLocal’s performance measures may not be comparable to those of other entities. Finally, dLocal is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking guidance for Adjusted EBITDA because dLocal cannot reliably predict certain of their necessary components, such as impairment gains/(losses) on financial assets, transaction costs, and inflation adjustment.

The table below presents a reconciliation of dLocal’s Adjusted EBITDA to net income:

$ in thousands	Three months ended December 31		Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	2023	2024	2023
Profit for the period	29,701	28,481	120,469	149,086
Income tax expense	11,090	7,476	30,550	29,428
Depreciation and amortization	4,888	3,604	17,177	12,225
Finance income and costs, net	1,085	(996)	(17,174)	(11,394)
Share-based payment non-cash charges	6,339	4,850	23,780	11,922
Other operating loss¹	1,307	–	5,257	–
Impairment loss / (gain) on financial assets	533	(657)	440	(3,136)
Inflation adjustment	392	6,040	6,655	12,537
Other non-recurring costs²	1,571	434	1,571	1,663
Adjusted EBITDA	56,906	49,232	188,725	202,332

Note: ¹ The company wrote-off certain amounts related to merchants/processors off-boarded by dLocal. 2 Other non-recurring costs consist of costs not directly associated with our core business activities, including costs associated with addressing the allegations made by a short-seller report and certain class action and other legal and regulatory expenses (which include fees from counsel, global expert services and a forensic accounting advisory firm) in 2023 and 2024.

Special note regarding Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted Net Income is a non-IFRS financial measure. As used by dLocal, Adjusted Net Income is defined as the profit for the period (net income) excluding impairment gains/(losses) on financial assets, transaction costs, share-based payment non-cash charges, and other operating (gain)/loss, in line with our Adjusted EBITDA calculation (see detailed methodology for Adjusted EBITDA on page 13). It further excludes the accounting non-cash charges related to the fair value gain from the Argentine dollar-linked bonds, the exchange difference loss from the intercompany loan denominated in USD that we granted to our Argentine subsidiary to purchase the bonds, and the hedging cost associated with the Argentina treasury notes. In addition, it excludes the inflation adjustment based on IFRS rules for hyperinflationary economies. We believe Adjusted Net Income is a useful measure for understanding our results of operations while excluding certain non-cash effects such as currency devaluation, inflation, and hedging costs. Our calculation for Adjusted Net Income may differ from similarly-titled measures presented by other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a replacement for our measure of profit for the period as presented in accordance with IFRS.

The table below presents a reconciliation of dLocal’s Adjusted net income:

$ in thousands	Three months ended December 31		Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	2023	2024	2023
Net income as reported	29,701	28,481	120,469	149,086
Inflation adjustment	392	6,040	6,655	12,537
Loan – exchange difference	2,332	51,858	22,602	81,024
Argentina Treasury Notes Hedging Costs	5,536	–	9,808	–
Fair value loss / (gain) of financial assets at FVTPL	(5,115)	(50,754)	(38,609)	(78,640)
Impairment loss / (gain) on financial assets	533	(657)	440	(3,135)
Share-based payment non-cash charges	6,339	4,850	23,780	11,922
Other operating loss¹	1,307	–	5,257	–
Other non-recurring costs³	1,571	434	1,571	1,663
Tax effect on adjustments	(1,310)	386	(899)	834
Adjusted net income	45,828	40,638	155,616	175,291

Unaudited quarterly results.

Note: ¹ The company wrote-off certain amounts related to merchants/processors off-boarded by dLocal. ² In Q4 2024, income tax was impacted by an income tax settlement related to previous periods, as disclosed in the Note 12 – Income Tax. ³ Other non-recurring costs consist of costs not directly associated with our core business activities, including costs associated with addressing the allegations made by a short-seller report and certain class action and other legal and regulatory expenses (which include fees from counsel, global expert services and a forensic accounting advisory firm) in 2023 and 2024.

Earnings per share

We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the group by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the three-month and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Our diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the group of dLocal by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the weighted average number of common shares that would be issued on conversion of all dilutive potential common shares into common shares.

The following table presents the information used as a basis for the calculation of our earnings per share:

	Three months ended December 31		Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	2023	2024	2023
Profit attributable to common shareholders (USD)	29,682,000	28,515,000	120,416,000	148,964,000
Weighted average number of common shares	280,443,489	290,657,015	290,014,019	291,982,305
Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share	14,417,466	5,008,261	15,122,271	10,976,123
Weighted average number of common shares for calculating diluted earnings per share	294,860,956	295,665,276	305,136,290	302,958,428
Basic earnings per share	0.11	0.10	0.42	0.51
Diluted earnings per share	0.10	0.10	0.39	0.49

This press release does not contain sufficient information to constitute an interim financial report as defined in International Accounting Standards 34, “Interim Financial Reporting” nor a financial statement as defined by International Accounting Standards 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements”. The quarterly financial information in this press release has not been audited, whereas the annual results for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are audited.

Conference call and webcast
dLocal’s management team will host a conference call and audio webcast on February 27, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please click here to pre-register for the conference call and obtain your dial in number and passcode.

The live conference call can be accessed via audio webcast at the investor relations section of dLocal’s website, at https://investor.dlocal.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available for a year following the conclusion of the conference call. The investor presentation will also be filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

About dLocal
dLocal powers local payments in emerging markets, connecting global enterprise merchants with billions of emerging market consumers in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through the “One dLocal” platform (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send pay-outs and settle funds globally without the need to manage separate pay-in and pay-out processors, set up numerous local entities, and integrate multiple acquirers and payment methods in each market.

Definition of selected operational metrics
“API” means application programming interface, which is a general term for programming techniques that are available for software developers when they integrate with a particular service or application. In the payments industry, APIs are usually provided by any party participating in the money flow (such as payment gateways, processors, and service providers) to facilitate the money transfer process.

“Cross-border” means a payment transaction whereby dLocal is collecting in one currency and settling into a different currency and/or in a different geography.

“Local payment methods” refers to any payment method that is processed in the country where the end user of the merchant sending or receiving payments is located, which include credit and debit cards, cash payments, bank transfers, mobile money, and digital wallets.

“Local-to-local” means a payment transaction whereby dLocal is collecting and settling in the same currency.

“Net Revenue Retention Rate” or “NRR” is a U.S. dollar-based measure of retention and growth of dLocal’s merchants. NRR is calculated for a period or year by dividing the Current Period/Year Revenue by the Prior Period/Year Revenue. The Prior Period/Year Revenue is the revenue billed by us to all our customers in the prior period. The Current Period/Year Revenue is the revenue billed by us in the current period to the same customers included in the Prior Period/Year Revenue. Current Period/Year Revenue includes revenues from any upselling and cross-selling across products, geographies, and payment methods to such merchant customers, and is net of any contractions or attrition, in respect of such merchant customers, and excludes revenue from new customers on-boarded in the preceding twelve months. As most of dLocal revenues come from existing merchants, the NRR rate is a key metric used by management, and we believe it is useful for investors in order to assess our retention of existing customers and growth in revenues from our existing customer base.

“Pay-in” means a payment transaction whereby dLocal’s merchant customers receive payment from their customers.

“Pay-out” means a payment transaction whereby dLocal disburses money in local currency to the business partners or customers of dLocal’s merchant customers.

“Revenue from New Merchants” means the revenue billed by us to merchant customers that we did not bill revenues in the same quarter (or period) of the prior year.

“Revenue from Existing Merchants” means the revenue billed by us in the last twelve months to the merchant customers that we billed revenue in the same quarter (or period) of the prior year.

“TPV” dLocal presents total payment volume, or TPV, which is an operating metric of the aggregate value of all payments successfully processed through dLocal’s payments platform. Because revenue depends significantly on the total value of transactions processed through the dLocal platform, management believes that TPV is an indicator of the success of dLocal’s global merchants, the satisfaction of their end users, and the scale and growth of dLocal’s business.

Rounding: We have made rounding adjustments to some of the figures included in this interim report. Accordingly, numerical figures shown as totals in some tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that preceded them.

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements convey dLocal’s current expectations or forecasts of future events, including guidance in respect of total payment volume, revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA. Forward-looking statements regarding dLocal and amounts stated as guidance are based on current management expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dLocal’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of dLocal’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, dLocal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date hereof. In addition, dLocal is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, because dLocal cannot reliably predict certain of their necessary components, such as impairment gains/(losses) on financial assets, transaction costs, and inflation adjustment.

dLocal Limited
Certain financial information
Consolidated Condensed Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three-month and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
(All amounts in thousands of U.S. Dollars except share data or as otherwise indicated)

	Three months ended December 31		Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	2023	2024	2023
Continuing operations
Revenues	204,491	188,005	745,974	650,351
Cost of services	(120,780)	(118,286)	(451,301)	(373,492)
Gross profit	83,711	69,719	294,673	276,859

Technology and development expenses	(6,822)	(4,024)	(25,625)	(12,650)
Sales and marketing expenses	(5,598)	(4,710)	(21,626)	(17,120)
General and administrative expenses	(27,183)	(20,641)	(101,225)	(70,568)
Impairment (loss)/gain on financial assets	(533)	657	(440)	3,136
Other operating (loss)/gain	(1,307)	–	(5,257)	–
Operating profit	42,268	41,001	140,500	179,657
Finance income	12,036	57,913	66,875	128,228
Finance costs	(13,121)	(56,917)	(49,701)	(116,834)
Inflation adjustment	(392)	(6,040)	(6,655)	(12,537)
Other results	(1,477)	(5,044)	10,519	(1,143)
Profit before income tax	40,791	35,957	151,019	178,514
Income tax expense	(11,090)	(7,476)	(30,550)	(29,428)
Profit for the period	29,701	28,481	120,469	149,086

Profit attributable to:
Owners of the Group	29,682	28,515	120,416	148,964
Non-controlling interest	19	(34)	53	122
Profit for the period	29,701	28,481	120,469	149,086

Earnings per share (in USD)
Basic Earnings per share	0.11	0.10	0.42	0.51
Diluted Earnings per share	0.10	0.10	0.39	0.49

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:
Exchange difference on translation on foreign operations	(4,417)	(9,054)	(11,188)	(7,713)
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax	(4,417)	(9,054)	(11,188)	(7,713)
Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax	25,284	19,427	109,281	141,373

Total comprehensive income for the period
Owners of the Group	25,311	19,463	109,290	141,255
Non-controlling interest	(27)	(36)	(9)	118
Total comprehensive income for the period	25,284	19,427	109,281	141,373

dLocal Limited
Certain financial information
Consolidated Condensed Interim Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(All amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)

	December 31, 2024	December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	425,172	536,160
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	129,319	102,677
Trade and other receivables	496,713	363,374
Derivative financial instruments	2,874	2,040
Other assets	18,805	11,782
Total Current Assets	1,072,883	1,016,033

Non-Current Assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	–	1,710
Trade and other receivables	18,044	–
Deferred tax assets	5,367	2,217
Property, plant and equipment	3,377	2,917
Right-of-use assets	3,645	3,689
Intangible assets	63,318	57,887
Other assets	4,695	–
Total Non-Current Assets	98,446	68,420
TOTAL ASSETS	1,171,329	1,084,453

LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables	597,787	602,493
Lease liabilities	1,137	626
Tax liabilities	21,515	20,800
Derivative financial instruments	6,227	948
Financial liabilities	50,455	–
Provisions	500	362
Total Current Liabilities	677,621	625,229

Non-Current Liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities	1,858	753
Lease liabilities	2,863	3,331
Total Non-Current Liabilities	4,721	4,084
TOTAL LIABILITIES	682,342	629,313

EQUITY
Share Capital	570	591
Share Premium	186,769	173,001
Treasury Shares	(200,980)	(99,936)
Capital Reserve	33,438	21,575
Other Reserves	(20,934)	(9,808)
Retained earnings	490,024	369,608
Total Equity Attributable to owners of the Group	488,887	455,031
Non-controlling interest	100	109
TOTAL EQUITY	488,987	455,140
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES	1,171,329	1,084,453

dLocal Limited
Certain interim financial information
Consolidated Statements of Cash flows for the three-month and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
(All amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)

	Three months ended December 31		Twelve months ended December 31
	2024	2023	2024	2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before income tax	40,791	35,957	151,019	178,514
Adjustments:
Interest Income from financial instruments	(6,921)	(7,159)	(28,266)	(49,588)
Interest charges for lease liabilities	370	110	501	578
Other interests charges	739	2,503	3,758	5,623
Finance expense related to derivative financial instruments	(627)	5,497	19,462	28,013
Net exchange differences	5,914	50,100	24,787	82,620
Fair value loss/(gain) on financial assets at FVPL	(3,922)	(50,754)	(37,416)	(78,640)
Amortization of Intangible assets	4,364	3,251	15,511	10,816
Depreciation and disposals of PP&E and right-of-use	652	353	1,884	1,409
Share-based payment expense, net of forfeitures	6,339	4,850	23,780	11,922
Other operating gain	786	–	4,736	–
Net Impairment loss/(gain) on financial assets	533	2,796	440	318
Inflation adjustment and other financial results	(5,704)	9,041	(17,063)	9,041
	43,313	56,546	163,133	200,626
Changes in working capital
Increase in Trade and other receivables	(109,487)	(51,154)	(162,645)	(123,246)
Decrease / (Increase) in Other assets	4,128	13,258	5,427	45,007
Increase / (Decrease) in Trade and Other payables	(70,700)	52,654	(6,957)	194,619
Increase / (Decrease) in Tax Liabilities	(3,835)	(6,591)	(3,184)	(10,967)
Increase / (Decrease) in Provisions	222	(275)	138	(1,111)
Cash (used) / generated from operating activities	(136,359)	64,438	(4,088)	304,928
Income tax paid	(4,773)	(2,996)	(28,696)	(11,475)
Net cash (used) / generated from operating activities	(141,132)	61,442	(32,784)	293,453

Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of Property, plant and equipment	(427)	21	(1,705)	(965)
Additions of Intangible assets	(5,699)	(4,758)	(20,942)	(17,260)
Acquisition of financial assets at FVPL	(14,852)	(15,847)	(121,468)	(117,517)
Collections of financial assets at FVPL	–	3,721	108,097	1,487
Interest collected from financial instruments	6,921	7,159	28,266	49,588
Payments for investments in other assets at FVPL	(10,000)	–	(10,000)	–
Net cash (used in) / generated investing activities	(24,057)	(9,704)	(17,752)	(84,667)

Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of shares	–	–	(101,067)	(97,929)
Share-options exercise paid	358	–	1,853	153
Interest payments on lease liability	(370)	(110)	(501)	(578)
Principal payments on lease liability	(112)	(315)	(552)	(1,103)
Finance expense paid related to derivative financial instruments	(8)	(7,640)	(15,017)	(28,443)
Net proceeds from financial liabilities	33,653	–	50,428	–
Interest payments on financial liabilities	(1,633)	–	(2,281)	–
Other finance expense paid	(327)	(2,851)	(1,450)	(5,971)
Net cash used in by financing activities	31,561	(10,916)	(68,587)	(133,871)
Net increase in cash flow	(133,628)	40,822	(119,123)	74,915

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	560,533	498,165	536,160	468,092
Net (decrease)/increase in cash flow	(133,628)	40,822	(119,123)	74,915
Effects of exchange rate changes on inflation and cash and cash equivalents	(1,732)	(2,827)	8,135	(6,847)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	425,172	536,160	425,172	536,160

Investor Relations Contact:
investor@dlocal.com

Media Contact:
media@dlocal.com

The MIL Network –

February 28, 2025

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