ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met with King Abdullah II of Jordan at Palazzo Chigi. “The meeting,” reads the statement from Palazzo Chigi, “focused first of all on the situation in Gaza, where humanitarian needs remain urgent. In this regard, the two leaders expressed appreciation for the solid cooperation between the two nations in humanitarian assistance, both in the framework of the Italian Food for Gaza initiative and with the Jordanian initiative for an air bridge, to which Italy contributed with helicopters made available by the Ministry of Defense”.

President Meloni reiterated “full support for the important role played by Jordan in the Middle East region, as a force for peace and dialogue”.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria, underlining “the need for an end to violence and for an inclusive transition involving all components of society. In this context, economic recovery remains crucial, also with a view to enabling a voluntary, dignified, safe and sustainable return of refugees to Syria”.

In conclusion of the meeting, highlighting “the excellent state of bilateral relations in all sectors”, the two leaders agreed that “the next meeting of the Aqaba Process for strengthening international cooperation in countering terrorism, with a focus on the West African region, will take place in Rome during the current year”.

– Photo www.governo.it –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “For Italy it is always an honour to have you here in Rome and for me it is an honour and a pleasure to welcome you here at the Quirinale. Your presence here in Rome in this moment of particular difficulty is very important to be able to exchange opinions and analyze together the complicated situation in which our common neighborhood is evolving and it is very important for us to be able to maintain close coordination with Jordan, because your country, Your Majesty, is carrying out an exemplary work of coordination, mediation and connection in the region. We are close and support the action that Jordan is carrying out with such importance”. This was stated by the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, during a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan.

“Thank you very much, as always, for your kind hospitality and it is an honour for me and my delegation to be here in Rome. These are difficult times for our region, but there are also many opportunities if we work together to make our part of the world a better place,” said the Jordanian sovereign.

“We value the special relationship we have with Italy. This is an opportunity for me to thank your forces once again for providing helicopters to transport supplies together with our vehicles to Gaza a few weeks ago. We continue to look at the humanitarian challenges facing the people of Gaza and the West Bank. Italy has historically played an extremely important role in our part of the world. I believe that the opportunities before us – whether in Lebanon, in Syria, and hopefully on the path to peace between Israelis and Palestinians – make your country an essential partner for all of us as we move forward together”.

– Photo Quirinale press office –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – During a conference hosted in Malta this week, representatives of more than 60 countries concluded negotiations on a revised set of United Nations (UN) guiding principles for national and regional counter-terrorism strategies. The United Nations Conference on National and Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategies, organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Malta and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED).

The negotiations culminated in the launch of the Valletta Principles. The Valletta Principles build on the Bogotà Principles, which were announced in 2013 during a similar conference in Colombia, to offer guidance on counter-terrorism. The review concluded in Malta this week was necessary to ensure that counter-terrorism strategies remain effective, rights-respecting, and adaptable to changing circumstances. The revised principles will serve as the global cornerstone to guide countries in developing and implementing national and regional counter-terrorism strategies, focusing on capacity-building, countering the financing of terrorism, protecting human rights, safeguarding the rights of terrorism victims, and enhancing border management, among other key areas. Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ian Borg will be formally submitting the Valletta Principles to the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly in the coming days.

In her opening speech, the President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono highlighted Maltàs continued role as a contributor and promoter of international peace and security. In this spirit, the President also noted the initiatives undertaken by Malta as a member of the United Nations Security Council to address the challenge of terrorism holistically, while respecting the rights of citizens. The President emphasised that “the scourge of terrorism transcends borders. Terrorist attacks brutally and indiscriminately end the lives of civilians and shatter families. The scars that such barbaric acts leave on affected communities never fully heal.”

Maltàs Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg explained that by hosting this international conference, Malta is reaffirming its commitment to the vital work being conducted by the United Nations and other multilateral organisations to address terrorism and its root causes. “The Valletta Principles will ensure that these guidelines, which served as a guiding light for nations for over a decade, continue to be relevant, practical and a source of inspiration for us all,” Borg explained. “Terrorism is a grave threat with serious consequences to societal cohesion. This transnational threat can only be effectively countered through an all-government approach, with closer cooperation between governments and competent authorities. Together, we must continue to innovate and adapt our strategies to stay ahead of evolving threats.”

He also reaffirmed that Malta continues to prioritise efforts to address transnational threats through national actions as well as international cooperation. Recently, during its term as a member of the UN Security Council, Malta chaired the 1267 Committee, which oversees the Council’s sanctions against terrorism. As the 2024 Chairperson of the OSCE, Malta hosted a conference on addressing anti-Semitism, racism, Islamophobia, anti-Christian sentiments, and other forms of discrimination, driven by a commitment to interfaith and intercultural dialogue as essential tools in combating violent extremism.

– photo: DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

GAZA (ITALPRESS) – Hamas confirmed it has accepted a proposal to release hostage soldier Edan Alexander, a US citizen, and the bodies of four other slain dual nationals.

This was stated in a statement by the Palestinian group. Alexander is a soldier who was stationed near the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7 when he was taken prisoner by Hamas. The group did not provide the names of the four slain dual nationals.

Hamas said it is “fully prepared to enter into negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on the issues of the second phase, while demanding the occupier to fully implement its obligations.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco takes a leading role in global human rights governance. Amina Bouayach, president of Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), was unanimously elected to lead the World Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). The vote took place during the General Assembly of GANHRI, held in Geneva in conjunction with the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

According to the MAP agency, the candidacy of the president of the CNDH has returned the presidency of GANHRI to Africa after ten years. In her first speech as president of GANHRI, Amina Bouayach said she was honored by the trust she had received from African representatives and the international community. She stressed the need for collective action to address global challenges: from the defense of fundamental freedoms to the impact of new technologies, from climate change to economic inequalities.

ITALIAN VERSION

– photo CNDH –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco consolidates its economic leadership in North Africa, according to the 2025 Index of Economic Freedom published by the Heritage Institute, as “Yabiladi” website reports. With a score of 60.3 out of 100, the Kingdom gains 3.5 points compared to the previous year, positioning itself in 86th place globally out of 176 countries evaluated.

Compared to its North African neighbors, Morocco maintains a significant advantage. Tunisia (149th) and Algeria (160th) fall into the category of “economic repression”, while Egypt (145th) and Mauritania (119th) are considered “fairly free”. At the level of the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), Morocco is ranked seventh, overtaking Kuwait and approaching Saudi Arabia.

In the African context, Morocco confirms its position among the most competitive countries, clearly outperforming the continent’s main economies and consolidating its position as a reference hub for international investors. Morocco obtained high scores in key areas such as investment freedom (75 points), financial freedom (75 points) and monetary freedom (74.4 points), demonstrating significant progress in economic attractiveness. However, there is still room for improvement in areas such as public spending (67.9 points) and trade freedom (67.2 points). Morocco’s further growth in this ranking confirms its central role in the African economy and strengthens its attractiveness for investors.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) –  Direct air connections between Rome and the Benghazi – Benina international airport operated by ITA Airways will resume in June. The preparations for the reactivation of this route were the focus during a meeting in Benghazi between the Italian delegation, led by Enac President Pierluigi Di Palma, and the President of the Fund for the Reconstruction of Libya Belkasem Haftar, in the presence of other Libyan collaborators. According to a statement issued by Enac, the meeting follows President Haftar’s visit to Enac last December and “consolidates the path of cooperation started months ago which highlights the firm political, institutional and entrepreneurial will to reactivate direct air connections between the two countries, also to and from the international airport of Benghazi, following that of Tripoli”.

The Italian delegation that participated in the meeting was composed of the Ambassador of Italy in Tripoli Gianluca Alberini, the Head of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Italian Embassy in Tripoli Fabio Giudice, the Consul General of Italy in Benghazi Francesco Saverio De Luigi, the President of the Italian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce Nicola Colicchi, the Central Director of Economic Programming and Infrastructure Development Claudio Eminente, the security team (Antonino Caruso, Territorial Director of Eastern Sicily, Lorena Cruciani of the Emilia Romagna Directorate, Rocco Luciani Director of the State Police of Milan Malpensa), the Director of Commercial Services ENAV Cristiana Cafiero, the Manager of ITA Airways Francesco Presicce, Alessandro Giulivi of Elitaliana, and the President of the AENEAS Consortium Elio Franci. A special thanks goes to CAI and AISE who effectively supported the mission.

Enac President Pierluigi Di Palma expressed satisfaction for the fruitful collaboration that has been established between Italy and Libya in the field of civil aviation. “I thank the President of the Fund for the Reconstruction of Libya Belkasem Haftar for the important and fruitful discussion held yesterday that fulfills the commitments made last December in Enac, allowing the activation, from next June, of the first flight between Rome Fiumicino and Benghazi-Benina, in addition to the direct connections already operated by Ita Airways and Medsky Airways. Further confirmation of the key role of air transport, as a tool to connect people and promote mutual opportunities for economic and commercial growth, but above all to strengthen a bond of friendship between the two countries and myself”.

– Photo Press office Enac –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MNA/ITALPRESS) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela said a more pragmatic approach needs to be taken to the war between Russia and Ukraine, while declaring “Ukraine is not going to win this war.”

During a televised interview, Abela recognised that Ukraine was the victim of Russian aggression, however, he said a diplomatic solution is needed to end the war. He added, “Maltàs biggest investment should continue to be in diplomacy.”

Referring to Thursday’s crises EU summit, the Maltese Premier confirmed that there is a disagreement within the EU leaders on the issue. “I think there are those who want a permanent ceasefire, whereas there are those who want Ukraine to win. We really are at a crossroads in Europe.”

EU leaders on Thursday greenlit a plan drawn up by the European Commission that aims to mobilise €800 billion to “re-arm Europe” against the perceived threat from Russia.

The prime minister spoke about the importance of close relations with the President of the United States Donald Trump. Abela said Trump’s proposed minerals deal with Ukraine would serve as a security guarantee in itself, as it would mean the US has economic interests in the country which it would want to protect.

Robert Abela has justified Maltàs vote in favour of a €800 billion plan to bolster European defence spending. He explained that through the vote, the Maltese government secured guarantees that it would not be involved in arms purchases while not preventing other EU countries from bolstering their defence spending.

He added any debts taken on by other EU countries under the €800 billion plan will not be guaranteed by Malta.

On Maltàs own security, Abela said EU membership includes mutual defence clauses.

(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Partito Laburista Malta

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will not invest in, or borrow money to buy weapons of war, after EU leaders reassured Ukraine the full support and agreed on an 800 billion euros package to boost the bloc’s defences at a crisis summit held in Brussels.

The plan presented by the European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen will increase the defence spending, and was adopted unanimously, including by Malta. This despite the Maltese PM Robert Abela telling the media that more weapons would not end the war.

An official statement by the Maltese government stated that at the summit, Prime Minister Robert Abela declared: “”Guided by the principle of neutrality, our country does not believe that the solution to wars is weapons,” flagging the need to safeguard various aspects of security and defence including cyber security, hybrid threats and critical infrastructure security.

Abela insisted that decisions taken at EU level should be inclusive, so as not to exclude countries like Malta which did not want to invest in lethal weapons. “We need to build a stronger and sovereign Europe – one that protects its security while remaining a force for peace. But we must do this responsibly, inclusively, and with full respect for our values and the realities of all member states”.

The Maltese prime minister told the EU summit that while Malta recognised the challenges linked to the EU’s security, the way forward must prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.
During the Thursday summit, Abela made Maltàs position clear: “Malta will not make use of this money to buy weapons and ammunition of destruction”. “Others can choose to invest in weapons. That is their decision, while we were given a guarantee that we can stay out of it. We will also not be responsible for the lending of that money,” he said. “Whoever chooses to invest in such, should pay for it themselves. We will be investing in peace. And we will continue investing in people and offering our country to host peace discussions”.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Opposition accused Robert Abela of changing his stance on the issue three times while making a U-turn on European defence when he voted in favour of increasing defence spending. “Abela has once again done what he is well known for – another U-turn, or rather a complete 360-degree turn, leaving Malta without direction”.

– Photo press office Prime Minister Robert Abela –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – Morocco has taken a major step in advancing its green hydrogen sector by selecting five national and international consortia for the development of six projects across the country’s southern regions. The total investment for these projects amounts to 319 billion dirhams (approximately 31 billion dollars).

The decision was made during a Steering Committee meeting of the “Morocco Offer”, which was held in Rabat and chaired by Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. Among the selected investors is the “ORNX” consortium, which brings together the American company Ortus, the Spanish Acciona and the German Nordex, whose objective is the production of ammonia. Another consortium, composed of the Emirati Taqa and the Spanish Cepsa, will focus on the production of ammonia and industrial fuels. The Moroccan company Nareva will invest in the green steel sector, while the Saudi company ACWA Power will also operate in this segment. Finally, the Chinese groups UEG and China Three Gorges will develop ammonia production units.

Each project will span up to 30,000 hectares, with land management guaranteed by the government through a tailored contractual framework. These six new projects build on previous agreements, including the two agreements signed in October 2024 in the presence of King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron. The first, signed with TotalEnergies, aims to develop the green hydrogen sector in Morocco. The second, concluded between the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP) and the Engie group, includes five initiatives, one of which is specifically dedicated to green hydrogen.

The Moroccan government stresses that the process remains open to other operators who wish to contribute to this development dynamic. This initiative is part of the national strategy for green hydrogen, launched in March 2024 with the publication of a circular from the Head of Government, aimed at accelerating the growth of this sector. Morocco aims to leverage its strengths, including its strategic geographical location, abundant natural resources and high-quality infrastructure, to establish itself as a reference hub in the global energy transition.

– photo MAP –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews