VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Plans for a permanent link between Malta and Gozo are no longer a government priority, though the project could be revisited in the future, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri has said.

Camilleri said that while he personally supports the idea as a Gozitan, it is not realistic to expect the project to move forward in the near term.

“I would be dishonest if I told you that this project will be carried out in the coming months or years,” he said.

The issue was recently raised again by the Gozo Business Chamber, which argued that recent storms highlighted the need for a permanent connection between the islands.

Over the years, proposals have included either an undersea tunnel or a bridge, but the plans were shelved due to their high financial cost.

Camilleri said the government has instead focused on improving existing transport, citing the introduction of the fast ferry service and a newly announced long-term plan.

That plan includes the purchase of new Gozo Channel vessels and the establishment of a permanent cargo route.

He said the government is prioritising projects that are more realistic and can be delivered within shorter timeframes. However, Camilleri added that the permanent link should remain under consideration and is not being ruled out for the future.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Roberto De Zerbi’s bench is at risk. According to “RMC Sport,” the defeat in Bruges and the elimination from the Champions League have weakened the Marseille manager’s position, to the point that reflections are underway within the club.

The team is currently in training camp ahead of Saturday’s match against Paris FC, but it’s not a given that De Zerbi will still be on the OM bench. Last night, sporting director Benatia had used harsh words towards the players, sparing the manager, but in the next few hours, De Zerbi himself could pay the price for his exit from the European competition.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – There’s a rift between Karim Benzema and Al Ittihad. According to “FootMercato,” the 38-year-old former Real Madrid striker was promised last summer a contract renewal offer for his contract, which expires in June. However, the offer only arrived a few days ago and was deemed “offensive” by the player’s entourage.

“It would be like playing for free,” sources close to the player reportedly leaked. This is why Benzema has reportedly decided to sit out the squad, missing today’s match against Al Fateh.

“You have to ask the club,” replied Al Ittihad coach Sergio Conceicao. “I’m here to coach the players, prepare the matches, get results, and win titles. The rest is not within my competence. What I can say is that Karim, who scored 13 goals in 17 games with me, is a great professional, a fantastic player whom I’m proud to coach.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) (ITALPRESS) – The European Union has adopted a common position of support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, underlining that genuine autonomy could represent one of the most viable solutions.

In the joint statement at the end of the EU-Morocco Association Council meeting held yesterday in Brussels, chaired by the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to a political solution to the regional dispute over Western Sahara, welcoming the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025). The EU reiterated its full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate and conduct negotiations based on the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, which it considers a credible basis for reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution, in compliance with the UN Charter. Brussels encouraged all parties (Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario) to participate in the discussions without preconditions and on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy plan, welcoming any constructive proposals that could contribute to a final political solution that guarantees the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara. The European Union also welcomed Morocco’s willingness to engage in good faith with all interested parties to clarify the modalities of the autonomy plan and explain how autonomy within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty could be implemented. Finally, the EU confirmed its willingness to support the consultations within the United Nations framework and to actively support the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy. This new EU position represents a fundamental step forward, as it reflects the consensus of the 27 member states in favor of a definitive resolution of this regional dispute, based on autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

– photo Ue Foreign Affairs Council –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, will make an official visit to Malta this weekend at the invitation of the Apostolic Nunciature, marking a key moment in bilateral relations. The visit, taking place from Saturday, 31 January, to Sunday, 1 February 2026, will formally close a year of events commemorating 60 years of diplomatic ties between Malta and the Holy See.

During his stay, Cardinal Parolin is scheduled to meet President Myriam Spiteri Debono as well as members of the Maltese Episcopal Conference. A central event of the visit will be a commemorative celebration on Saturday evening at the Archbishop’s Curia in Floriana. The Cardinal will deliver the keynote address, and two publications tracing the history of diplomatic relations between the two states will be presented. On Sunday at 9:30am, Cardinal Parolin will celebrate a Pontifical Mass in English at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. He will be joined by the Bishops of Malta and Gozo, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, and emeritus bishops.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DUBAI (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Kamel Ghribi, Vice President of Gruppo San Donato (GSD) and Chairman of GKSD, met today in Dubai with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, during the Head of State’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates, as part of a meeting with the economic and financial community.

According to Ghribi, the President’s visit represents a moment of particular importance, not only symbolically but also for its concrete impact on strengthening bilateral relations between Italy and the UAE. “President Mattarella,” he stressed, “represents Italy in an extraordinary way, and his presence further consolidates already excellent relations.”

During the day, the GKSD chairman witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and attention shown by Emirati counterparts, both at the institutional level and in discussions with representatives of leading local and international companies. A climate which, in his view, confirms that “we are now realising the benefits of years of growth in trade exchanges and high-level reciprocal visits between the two countries.”

Ghribi also highlighted the role of Italian diplomacy, expressing appreciation for the work of Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, Lorenzo Fanara, and for the efforts of the entire Italian government, represented during the state visit by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli.

He also took part in discussions with key players in Italy’s economic and financial system engaged in supporting business internationalization. Among those present were Lorenzo Galanti, Director General of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), Vittorio De Pedys, President of SIMEST, and Michele Pignotti, CEO of SACE. Their presence, Ghribi noted, “clearly represents the strength of Italy as an integrated system of institutions, companies, and tools supporting international development.”

In his concluding remarks, Ghribi described the President’s visit, and his meeting with him, as “the culmination of a path built over time” and, at the same time, “a further important step forward” in relations between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, also with a view to the future.

“Italy,” he said, “is fortunate to have a President like Sergio Mattarella. His moral strength, charisma, and authority continue to enhance Italy’s prestige worldwide and to consolidate strategic relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and a long-term vision”.

– Photo GKSD-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BERLIN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Atlético Madrid are making a move for Leon Goretzka. The 30-year-old midfielder is out of contract in June and has yet to renew with Bayern Munich, a situation the colchoneros are keen to take advantage of by securing the player in this transfer window. According to German media reports, Atlético have submitted an offer of €2–3 million, while also taking on Goretzka’s hefty salary, which amounts to €8.5 million gross through the end of the season. Bayern are currently evaluating the offer, while the player himself is said to be open to the move.

– Foto IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – Kristjan Asllani is looking to relaunch his career in Turkey. According to the Turkish newspaper “Fanatik,” the 23-year-old Inter midfielder, after a disappointing first half of the season with Torino, will end his loan deal with the Granata early and move to Besiktas. The parties are said to have already reached an agreement, with the Turkish club covering his salary until the end of the season, while the transfer will be on loan with an option to buy. Asllani is expected to arrive in Istanbul this evening.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – After signing Luca Koleosho, Paris FC, the newly promoted Ligue 1 side, are close to securing another Italian player. The 22-year-old defender Diego Coppola is set to arrive on loan from Brighton. According to L’Équipe, Paris FC are now looking for a striker, while in the meantime they are enjoying Koleosho’s impact: he joined in mid-January from Espanyol and has already proved decisive by scoring the winning goal in the match against Nantes.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s shore-to-ship power system at Grand Harbour was used more than 100 times by cruise liners during its first full year of operation in 2025, marking a key milestone for cleaner maritime activity.

The facility allows vessels to switch off their engines while berthed and draw electricity from land, cutting emissions from ship funnels. Malta is the first harbour in the Mediterranean to offer the system.

Implemented through Infrastructure Malta, the project forms part of a long-term plan to reduce smoke emissions in Grand Harbour by 90% by 2030 and improve air quality in surrounding areas.

-Photo Valletta Cruise Port-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews