VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has been recognised for its leadership in tourism at the opening of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) summit, with the country praised for demonstrating the benefits of strong government-industry partnerships.

The government received the award during the opening ceremony of the summit, which has brought together hundreds of government officials and tourism industry leaders.

The WTTC described Malta as a “small nation with a global voice” and highlighted its cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta was on track to welcome a record number of tourists this year.

He said travel and tourism account for around 17% of Malta’s gross domestic product, attributing the growth to travellers’ confidence in the country and the Maltese tourism offering.

Abela said modern travellers were increasingly seeking authentic experiences and good value for money rather than simply focusing on visitor numbers.

He stressed that tourism must create lasting value and said Malta’s long-term tourism strategy should consider what kind of country is being left for future generations.

Wellbeing, he added, should go hand in hand with tourism, while sustainability must be integrated into the sector rather than treated as an afterthought.

Abela also called for higher standards in infrastructure and skills, saying these would benefit both residents and visitors.

The summit, dubbed the “Davos of tourism”, is being held in Malta and has attracted prominent international figures, including former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.

– Photo Pexels –
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Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Fabio Borini has called time on his football career. At the age of 35, the Emilia-born forward has announced his retirement from professional football.

“It all started with a flight,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “When I was 16. A flight spent entirely with tears in my eyes as I began the journey of my career, without a real destination beyond the dreams I wanted to make come true.

“From that day on, I started building myself, not knowing what would become of that strong-minded child. I started building my dreams in my head and ended up turning them into my reality. The same reality that will change forever today. The reality that has shaped my past, present and future.

“Today, just like that day sitting on the plane to London, I feel the same emotions about what lies ahead for me. Fear. Happiness. Courage. Uncertainty. Dreams. Success. Passion. Sacrifice.

“I feel I have to thank that child who never stopped believing. That man who will now continue to believe in the next opportunity, without a ball at his feet, always.

“Thank you, thank you football.”

Borini came through the youth academies of Bologna and then Chelsea. During his career, he also played for Parma, Roma, Liverpool and Milan, among others. Last season, he played for Salford City in England’s League Two, the fourth tier of English football.

He also made one appearance for the Italian senior national team and was part of Italy’s squad for Euro 2012, although he did not take to the pitch.

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(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “Negotiation is the alternative to war, and an agreement represents the only means to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel.” This was stated by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as he welcomed the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Beirut.

Aoun emphasized that “the Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its duties in the areas where it is deployed south of the Litani River—in implementation of the Framework Agreement (signed in the US in June)—while Israel continues to fail to implement the provisions of that same agreement.”

On a bilateral level, Aoun expressed the hope of “signing a strategic partnership agreement with the European Union.”

Finally, Aoun stated that Lebanon is committed to implementing economic reforms and passing legislation to cover the financial deficit—measures that would pave the way for signing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SEOUL (SOUTH KOREA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Seoul today during his state visit to South Korea. The two leaders presided over bilateral talks and an expanded meeting involving delegations from both countries; following these discussions, they witnessed the signing of a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding, bringing the total number of agreements signed during the visit to 12.

In a joint press conference, Al Sisi announced the elevation of relations between Egypt and South Korea to the level of a strategic partnership, emphasizing that this new partnership would open up further avenues for cooperation in the political, economic, and development sectors.

The Egyptian president highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations over the past decade—particularly in the fields of technology, industry, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and renewable energy—and expressed hope for increased Korean industrial investment in Egypt, especially in the automotive, electronics, petrochemical, and renewable energy sectors.

The talks also addressed major regional and international crises, with a particular focus on the Middle East. Al Sisi reiterated Egypt’s support for regional security and stability, the sovereignty of Horn of Africa nations, and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

– File photo: Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – A surprise twist in the Spanish transfer market: according to Spanish media reports, La Liga has blocked Daniel Carvajal’s move to Getafe. The 34-year-old—a former Real Madrid and Spanish national team defender—had already undergone a medical and signed with Getafe as a free agent.

However, La Liga halted the deal due to a salary deemed “unrealistic.” Carvajal had been earning around €10 million a year at Real Madrid, whereas Getafe was offering him “only” €400,000 per season. This discrepancy failed to convince La Liga, which—according to the Spanish press—fears the deal involves “dubious, hidden, and undeclared sponsorships and funding.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has opposed the introduction of EU-level taxes under the bloc’s next long-term budget, insisting taxation should remain the responsibility of national governments and parliaments. Abela made the remarks during the MED9 Group Summit in Croatia, ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.

The summit brought together Malta, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

According to a government statement, the leaders adopted a joint declaration covering the EU budget and geopolitical developments.

Abela said the next EU budget must reflect lasting challenges linked to geographical factors, particularly developments in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

For Malta, he identified reliable connectivity, affordable energy and resilient infrastructure as key economic priorities.

He called for the Mediterranean to be given greater priority in the EU budget, arguing that security, trade, energy and climate resilience converge in the region.

Abela also stressed the need to balance new priorities with traditional EU policies, including cohesion, agriculture and fisheries. He said Malta would remain constructive in discussions on new funding sources while maintaining its opposition to EU-level taxation.

On energy, Abela highlighted the impact of instability in the Middle East on prices and said Malta remained committed to stable energy and fuel costs. He warned that EU energy policies should not place families and businesses at a structural disadvantage.

Migration was also discussed, with Abela calling for stronger EU relations with Africa and a greater focus on the bloc’s southern neighbourhood. He called for increased EU engagement with countries such as Libya, including cooperation on energy, climate, security and investment.

On climate policy, Abela said the EU must balance its green transition with economic competitiveness. He also raised concerns that measures such as the Emissions Trading System should not disadvantage island states such as Malta.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A European Commission proposal requiring governments to favour EU-sourced goods and materials could cost Malta up to €55.7 million annually, the Economy Ministry has warned. The ministry has raised concerns with the Commission over the potential impact of the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act on Malta.

The measures could create first-year and recurring costs of up to almost €100 per resident. The ministry said this would be around seven times the EU average on a per-capita basis.

The Industrial Accelerator Act, submitted in March, is intended to speed up investment and decarbonisation in strategic sectors. These include steel, cement, aluminium, electric vehicles and net-zero technologies.

A key element of the proposal is a new “made in EU” requirement for public procurement.

Under the plans, governments would have to ensure that specified percentages of materials used in public projects are produced within the EU and/or meet low-carbon criteria. The proposal also sets targets for public spending on EU suppliers for batteries and other electronic systems used in vehicles.

The Economic Ministry referred to the disproportionate financial impact the requirements could have on smaller member states such as Malta, and has urged the European Commission to take Malta’s particular circumstances into account as the legislation is considered.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ZURICH (SWITZERLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Spain remains world number one, Portugal makes gains, and Italy holds steady at 15th place in the latest FIFA rankings. The global governing body released the national team standings after analyzing the last 338 international matches.

“La Roja” (2,011.57 points) not only retained the top spot but also extended their lead over Argentina (1,972.80) and France (1,958.86), who remain on the podium. England sits just outside the top three in fourth place (1,924.59), while Portugal climbed two spots to fifth, overtaking Brazil and Morocco. Belgium, the Netherlands, and Mexico round out the top tier. Colombia remains 11th, while Switzerland moved up two places to 12th, surpassing Germany and Croatia.

Italy sits in 15th place with 1,713.04 points. Other notable movers include Canada (27th, +3), Sweden (34th, +3), Greece (41st, +5), Mali (47th, +6), and South Africa (48th, +6), while Nigeria (30th, -4), Turkey (31st, -4), and Ukraine (36th, -3) lost ground. The next FIFA rankings will be published on November 18.

THE TOP TEN

1. Spain 2011.57 points (–)
2. Argentina 1972.80 (–)
3. France 1958.86 (–)
4. England 1925.59 (–)
5. Portugal 1807.69 (+2)
6. Brazil 1806.51 (-1)
7. Morocco 1805.34 (-1)
8. Belgium 1779.17 (–)
9. Netherlands 1778.61 (–)
10. Mexico 1738.48 (–)

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Mikel Arteta will remain at the helm of the “Gunners” until 2030. Arsenal has officially announced the contract extension of the Spanish manager, who has led the team to a Premier League title—a feat that had eluded the club for 22 years.

Having arrived in 2019—after previously wearing the Gunners’ shirt as a player and spending three years as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City—the 44-year-old from San Sebastián has built a formidable team.

“It has been an incredible journey so far, and we are excited to experience the future of this special relationship. Last season was an extraordinary moment in Arsenal’s history—a time when we created memories that will last a lifetime. We are determined to create many more in the years to come,” commented co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke. “We share a special bond with Mikel. We are extremely proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values ​​and holds them close to his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone involved and is committed to building upon what we have achieved together,” they added.

“It is a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue working with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal,” said Arteta following the official announcement of the extension. “This club is unique in the emotions it evokes; I feel deeply honored to know that our journey together will continue. We have already forged a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime; the exciting thing is that this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together. I am extremely grateful to Stan and Josh for their trust and support, and I feel honored to lead this club during such a special period in its 140-year history.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “I feel the time has come. The time to take a step forward and begin a new phase of my life. I am stepping away, proud to have lived my dream and grateful to all the people who stood by my side to make it a reality. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.” Pedro Rodriguez is calling it quits. After finishing last season with Lazio, the 39-year-old Spanish forward has announced his retirement via social media.

He bows out with a glittering trophy cabinet, having achieved success both internationally (2010 World Cup and Euro 2012) and at the club level: with Barcelona, ​​he lifted the Champions League trophy three times, alongside three UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups, five La Liga titles, and three Copas del Rey; he then moved to Chelsea, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League, before arriving in Italy.

He played one season (2020–21) for Roma, followed by five years at Lazio. In total, he played 841 matches and scored over 200 goals, while also holding a unique record shared with Messi: scoring in six different competitions in a single year (2009)—specifically La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews