ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “My official visit and the GKSD team’s visit to Kenya continues to participate in high-level talks with key personalities in the government and within the economy sector. The ongoing institutional meetings are useful in identifying potential areas of collaboration between GKSD/GSD and the Government of Kenya”. This was stated by Kamel Ghribi, president of GKSD Investment Holding, on Instagram.
“Kenya has taken a leading role in changing the way business is done in Africa and is a country where investments can be made in areas such as healthcare, green energy, sustainable engineering, design and construction for the benefit of both the governments and businesses”, said Kamel Ghribi, while referring to the prospects for the development of sustainable agriculture and the leather industry that has great margins for growth also thanks to numerous free trade agreements with the United States and European Union countries.
He emphasized the lack of high-level global cooperation that impedes the progress of sustainable and long-lasting investments in Africa. “This is why I have always actively supported energy transition projects, infrastructure development, affordable healthcare and inclusive and equitable partnerships not only with Africa but also with the MENA region. And even from here, from Kenya, we are ready to serve Africa through fair and just partnerships!”.

– Photo GKSD –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MILAN (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The MEDITeH Beyond International Summit (https://meditehbeyond.com/) will be held in Catania on 16 and 17 May, to mark the birth of a collaborative network dedicated to research and development in digital health, in the area of the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East.
In recent years, following the path indicated from 2017 onwards by the National Center for Telemedicine of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (CNTNT) directed by Professor Francesco Gabbrielli, Italy is developing telemedicine for the entire Italian population as a tool at the service of medicine, amplifying its purpose and potential, breaking down physical barriers determined by distance, increasing equity of access and the quality of care. Diagnosis, therapy and treatment can be increasingly facilitated by these services, with particular importance in the case of chronic and vulnerable patients, i.e. those who require constant monitoring. The potential of this technology can bring about change and support the reorganization of health services, which can be equally distributed across the territory, nationally but not only, reducing inequalities between areas where there is a greater presence of health facilities and those that are less served. All this can also be supported by the investments envisaged in the PNRR, but careful collaboration between all the stakeholders of the health system is necessary: ??research centres, universities, health bodies, manufacturing companies and institutions. Collaboration is the essential point to create local digital health services, but also to develop new technological solutions and advances in medicine. This collaboration must be able to expand internationally by seeking sharing, collaboration and exchange.
“MEDITeH Beyond is the first Summit that wants to promote collaboration in digital health beyond the shores of the Mediterranean and, even further, towards Africa and the Middle East. But, above all, it is the starting point of new partnerships to apply digital technologies and registers concrete progress in medicine in various countries”. This was explained by Professor Francesco Gabbrielli, professor of e-Health at the San Raffaele University of Rome and Director of the National Center for Telemedicine Guidelines-SIT, who emphasized the strategic importance of this promising international collaboration.
The two-day Summit, promoted by Diplomatia with the Health Policy Commission and the Scientific Direction led by Gabbrielli himself, will focus on the study and sharing of concrete ideas and projects from all participating countries. The first day includes, in addition to institutional greetings, an in-depth session on the evolution of biomedical sciences and a workshop to share the scenario, present and near future, on digital technologies at the service of the medical-scientific sector, with presentations by illustrious scientists and national and international professionals invited to the Summit. The discussion will address various macro-themes, highlighting the possibilities for the development of telemedicine services in the current reality and highlighting the prospects of applied research in the healthcare sector using digital technologies. The working areas will be the following: accessibility to treatment and prevention; management of major emergencies (such as, for example, pandemics, earthquakes and natural disasters); protection of chronic patients; care and rehabilitation in digital health; clinical care and research in oncology. During the working sessions, for which registered participants will be able to attend, the delegates will put forward ideas and contribute to the development of a short position paper.
“Telemedicine and medicine itself are a team game and this requires that we work to apprehend all possible differences. Collaborating with different realities allows us to visualize possible future scenarios and difficulties and prepare to respond. Italy has always been projected into the Mediterranean cultural area and, if in the last century and a half, international balances have shifted more towards the Atlantic, it is true that for millennia Italy has played a very important role in the extended Mediterranean area which includes the Middle East. And this makes us forerunners in our transatlantic European collaborations, where we bring a cultural uniqueness that few other players can boast”, said Professor Marco Manca, President and co-Founder of ScimPulse Foundation, who is also part of the scientific committee and will lead one of the discussion tables.
The general position paper that will be drawn up by the scientific committee starting from the contributions of the working groups will subsequently be disseminated publicly, as a tool to facilitate collaboration between healthcare institutions, research centers, universities and productive businesses that formally join the Summit.
MEDITeH Beyond is therefore only the first step in building a lasting collaborative network for the development of medicine through digital technology between the Mediterranean, Africa and the Middle East, in which Italy presents itself as a promoter and facilitator.

– Foto MEDITeH Beyond –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has launched a foundation that will run the Centre for Research and Innovation on Cancer in Malta. The aim of this foundation is to integrate Malta’s research and innovation strategies to align with the European Union’s goals and strategies in the fight against cancer. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti said: “This foundation will be leading a centre of excellence, where innovation in cancer research and treatment is not only taught about but is actually happening. This foundation will work to overcome challenges that traditionally hold back research efforts, by fostering a multidisciplinary approach that exploits the collective expertise of researchers and medical professionals. This will be the foundation on which we build our local capacities, as well as integrating them with the wider international research community”. He added that this initiative would showcase what can be achieved through collaboration. By incorporating local knowledge with EU knowledge and innovations, this can lead to significant advances in cancer research. “This scientific initiative represents a call for action for collective work to beat cancer. Together we will collaborate and work for a stronger future for the generations to come,” said Azzopardi Tanti. The chairman of the Foundation, Prof. Christian Scerri said, “With this Foundation we are paving the way for the first cancer research and innovation centre in Malta, not only for the advancement of research on cancer but also to pave the way for a healthier future”. (ITALPRESS).

Foto: ufficio stampa Doi

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, met the Minister of the Armed Forces of France, Sébastien Lecornu, at the Raffalli military camp in Calvi in Corsica. At the end of the meeting, the two ministers signed a letter of intent for the establishment of the European Terrestrial Industrial Pole.
“The world has changed, there is no going back and we must prepare for scenarios that may be even more complex than the current ones. Italy and France must strengthen their cooperation because the political, military and industrial future of Europe starts from the great nations that they built Europe. Divided we are weak, but united Europe can be strong, thanks to the historical, cultural and values ​​deriving from centuries of history and the extraordinary industrial and knowledge capabilities of our countries. There are no politicians or elections that divide us; we have the same interest and the same objective: to best serve our nation”, stated Minister Crosetto.
“Today we signed a letter of intent,” he added, “which aims to have a European industrial hub in the terrestrial area where the best Italian and French companies in the sector will converge. It is essential to bring together all the best European technologies and make the hubs increasingly strong because we will need significant investments to keep up with technological evolution. If we compare ourselves with countries like China, we need to systematize financial, technological, industrial and human resources to have a Defense industry capable to support our Armed Forces and provide them with effective equipment and weapons systems. They need an industry that operates with the same speed, the same love for the Homeland and the same determination that our soldiers who have fight for peace and democracy”.
The European Terrestrial Industrial Area, which will result from this agreement between Minister Crosetto and his French counterpart Lecornu, aims to strengthen industrial cooperation and Europe’s defensive capabilities through the joint development of new terrestrial platforms.
The strategic alliance will allow the implementation of collaboration programs between European nations through the strengthening of industrial bases and the development of the future generation of platforms, including the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System).
The program will integrate new cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, ensuring an autonomous and consolidated European defense industrial and technological base.
The signing of the agreement represents a significant step towards integrated European defence, a pillar of the Atlantic Alliance, capable of responding to the present and future challenges.
Also at the center of the bilateral discussions was the current situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the common desire to increase synergies between the member states of the European Union to achieve an end to hostilities and a just peace.
The two ministers expressed satisfaction on the sidelines of the meeting, demonstrating their common commitment and willingness to contribute to the defense of the values ​​of freedom, peace and democracy.
-photo Minister of Defense –
(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – More than 50 Libyan businessmen and 100 Maltese companies specialized in the field of food industries, building materials, health, insurance, banking and shipping participated in the Libyan-Maltese Trade and Export Forum held in Malta. Libyàs participation and delegation was headed by the Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed Hwej, and Minister of Marine Wealth, Adel Sultan.
Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg said, “peace and security in the region require a common and equitable Mediterranean prosperity,” adding, “there is no doubt that a strong and successful Libya is an indispensable part of a strong and successful Mediterranean.” Borg affirmed Maltàs determination to support Libya in its efforts towards economic growth and diversification. “Libya remains Maltàs largest export partner in the region and a key import partner, even though much work remains to be done in restoring these figures to their previous levels,” Minister Borg said. He highlighted the success of several Maltese businesses that have established deep commercial relationships between the two countries throughout the years and continue to register positive results today.
“I welcome Minister Al-Hweij’s recent announcement of work to reduce Libyàs dependence on oil sector exports, and to increase the gross value-added contribution of sectors like agriculture, industry, and tourism. This journey reminds us of our own ongoing efforts to adapt to the international economic context, and it is a journey which we hope that Malta and Libya will take together.”
Minister Borg and Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri also held bilateral talks with Minister Al-Hweij, to discuss the latest economic and political developments in Libya and explore avenues for the consolidation of trade and commercial relations between the two countries.
Minister Silvio Schembri said that relations between the two countries continued to strengthen while highlighting the goal to enhance the commercial sector and turn challenges into success stories. “We want to see that a Maltese business has the confidence to invest in Libya, just as it invests in our country,” concluded Minister Schembri.
The Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade, Hwej stressed the importance of investment, trade and export between the two countries for the purpose of achieving economic development and opening cooperation horizons in trade. In this context, the Minister called for work to increase the volume of trade exchange and find appropriate solutions to the problems facing business owners.
(ITALPRESS).
– Photo Credit Department of Information Malta –

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Tunisia and Italy stressed the need to intensify efforts to deal with the increase of illegal immigration attempts towards European coasts, Italy in particular. This issue was discussed during a meeting between the Tunisian Parliamentary Speaker Ibrahim Bouderbala and the Italian Ambassador to Tunisia Alessandro Prunas in the Tunisian capital Tunis. “The illegal immigration issue requires boosting joint action at the bilateral and multilateral level in order to strengthen peace and security in the Mediterranean,” said Bouderbala. He also highlighted the role of parliaments in strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation, notably through the exchange of visits by parliamentarians. The Italian ambassador highlighted the fruitful cooperation and the conclusion of agreements in several areas including education, culture, higher education and vocational training. Prunas affirmed Italy’s commitment to providing support for Tunisia and to defending its position both within the region and at the level of the European Union. During his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Tunis on April 17, Tunisian President Kais Saied reiterated his country’s refusal to be a destination or transit point for illegal immigrants, calling for joint efforts to tackle the issue. Thousands of sub-Saharan migrants are living in makeshift tents in Tunisian olive groves for months, while keeping their hopes alive of reaching Europe.
According to Tunisian humanitarian NGOs, around 20,000 are in isolated areas near the towns of El Amra and Jebeniana, some 30 and 40 kilometres north of the port city of Sfax as they awaited their chance to make the perilous crossing towards Italy. Sfax is one of Tunisia’s main departure points for irregular migration to Europe by boat, and was once a hub for sub-Saharan migrants. Tens of thousands embarked from Sfax in 2023 because of its proximity to Italy, the closest European country.(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A group of migrants will disembark at the port of Catania. This was stated by the German NGO Sea Watch after its crew on board the vessel Sea-Watch 5 rescued 47 migrants from an unstable dinghy.
The NGO confirmed that all migrants are now safely on board and they are heading towards the port of Catania.
Meanwhile, the Libyan authorities have thwarted an illegal immigration attempt in the city of Zuwara. The Western Region Directorate Support Force took action against human traffickers who were organizing a group of migrants of different African nationalities to board a boat that would take them to Europe. They were handed to the Libyan Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency.
This week, the Tunisiàs Coast Guard recovered 19 bodies near the country’s coastline known as a primary point of departure for boats taking off for Italy. Separately, five smugglers were arrested on human trafficking charges, authorities said. Tunisia has already intercepted about 21,000 migrants trying to cross the sea to Italy this year.
– foto: Sea Watch –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A delegation from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority visited Misrata International Airport to evaluate the security and operational procedures adopted at the airport and the extent of their compliance with international operating standards. This visit, which lasted for two days, came as part of the preparations for the start of operating flights between Misrata Airport and Italian airports, according to a statement by the Airports Authority on its Facebook page on Wednesday. A meeting was held during the visit between the Italian delegation and the Director General of the Airport, in the presence of his assistant and the Head of the Airport Security Department in the Standards Conformity Department at the Airports Authority and the Aviation Security and Facilities Office at the Civil Aviation Authority, in addition to the Airport Security Director. The delegation resumed evaluation work at the airport, and reviewed the various equipment available there as well as the extent of their compliance with the required quality standards. They inspected all airport facilities, with the aim of verifying the extent to which these procedures comply with civil aviation security standards. All these efforts are part of the Airports Authority’s plans to raise the level of services provided at airports, to ensure compliance with international standards and enhance the safety and security of flights. (ITALPRESS).

Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) survey for 2023 revealed a concerning situation for the Maltese households. The survey indicates that 6.7% do not afford regular social gatherings with friends or family for a drink or meal, and 11.1% unable to participate in leisure activities regularly. 30% of respondents declared their inability to afford a one-week annual holiday away from home. Despite Malta has registered one of Europès biggest economic growth, some 16% of the Maltese residents declared that their household would not be able to settle an unexpected financial expense of €770 and over. The latest survey revealed that the material and social deprivation rate stood at 9.2% while the severe material and social deprivation rate stood at 4.1%.
The EU-SILC survey aims to collect comparable data on income, health and disability, employment, and material deprivation. It assesses households’ perceived capacity to afford a set of 13 standard items, providing insights into material and social deprivation indicators.
Additionally, 6.8% struggled to keep their homes adequately warm in winter, and 5.7% faced arrears on mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, or other loan payments.
Furthermore, personal indicators highlighted that less than 5.7% of the surveyed population could not afford basic needs such as replacing worn-out clothes with new ones or owning two pairs of properly-fitting shoes. Notably, 5.6% of children and 3.7% of adults aged 18-64 were living in severely materially and socially deprived households.
Moreover, households reported problems with their main dwellings, with pollution and noise being the most frequently cited issues. Among these households, 45.6% reported at least one problem, indicating a rise compared to the previous year.

– photo: Agenzia Fotogramma –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

CAIRO (EGYPT) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Cairo between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) represented by President Teodoro Valente and the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), represented by CEO Sherif Mohamed Sedky, in the presence of the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, who is also responsabile for aerospace policies Adolfo Ursi.

The MoU has as its main objective the strengthening of collaboration in the space sector between Italy and Egypt in order to encourage long-term investments and partnerships. The collaboration between ASI and EgSA will, in fact, facilitate investments in the space sector also by the industries involved in this sector, which together with the space agencies, could develop projects and initiatives of common interest at a Mediterranean level, in Africa and internationally.

“Italy can be a protagonist in supporting the African continent in the space sector, considered a priority in the context of the initiatives envisaged by the Mattei Plan”, declared the Minister of Business and Made in Italy with responsibility for aerospace policies Adolfo Urso. “The agreement signed today is strategic for the development of innovative technologies that will spread through more industrial sectors. Africa, the continent of the future, is central to the development of the space sector, as demonstrated by our base in Malindi which could potentially be used by African countries, which finally also want to compete in one of the most important sectors of the future society”.

“The agreement signed today,” stated the president of ASI Valente, “represents a bridge between Europe and Africa, a corridor between Italy and Egypt in the space sector. In this way, ASI continues its commitment to consolidating privileged relationships with African countries entering the sector, within the framework of the initiatives promoted by the Italian Government in the context of the Mattei Plan for Africa”.

Egypt is one of the African countries that are consolidating their space policy: the setting up of EgSA in 2019 testifies the government’s interest in broadening interest in the sector, which for several years has concentrated mainly on science and remote sensing.

The Memorandum of Understanding highlights the intention of Italy and Egypt to intensify cooperation in space sciences and technologies and to promote collaboration between universities, research institutes and companies of the two countries.

Further areas of cooperation could include Earth Observation and Remote Sensing, space applications, capacity building projects and specialist training initiatives. Earth Observation, with reference to the monitoring of the variables and effects of climate change on society and the national economy, could constitute an important area of potential collaborations and joint projects capable of involving Italian companies that can boast specific expertise.

– Photo MIMIT Press Office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews