MUSCAT (OMAN) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Embassy of Italy in Muscat is pleased to announce the conferment of the “Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia” (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) upon Beatrice Franceschi, in recognition of her longstanding commitment to fostering friendship, dialogue and cultural ties between Italy and the Sultanate of Oman. The honour, conferred by the President of the Italian Republic, is one of Italy’s most prestigious and historic decorations. Through her active role and valuable contribution to the Omani Italian Friendship Association (TOIFA), Beatrice Franceschi has played an important part in promoting closer people-to-people relations and strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries, as well as supporting initiatives that celebrate the longstanding bonds between Italy and Oman.

Speaking during the ceremony, H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia, Ambassador of Italy accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, stated: “The conferment of the Order of the Star of Italy upon Beatrice Franceschi is a fitting recognition of her longstanding commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding between Italy and the Sultanate of Oman. Through her sustained engagement with the Omani Italian Friendship Association and her dedication to cultural exchange and people-to-people relations, Mrs. Franceschi has made a valuable contribution to fostering closer ties between our two countries. This distinction also reflects Italy’s appreciation for those who, through their commitment and service, contribute to deepening the longstanding and mutually enriching relationship between Italy and Oman.” The prestigious distinction was presented by H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia during a ceremony that was attended by representatives of Omani institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and Omani and Italian cultural figures.

– photo Embassy of Italy in Muscat –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s central government debt has surpassed €12 billion for the first time, rising by €864.1 million over the past year, according to figures published by the National Statistics Office.

Debt stood at €12,002.3 million at the end of August, compared with €11.14 billion a year earlier and €11.7 billion in July.

The increase was driven mainly by a €658.9 million rise in Malta Government Stocks and a €306.5 million increase in Treasury Bills.

These increases were partly offset by an €80.1 million fall in foreign loans and a €5.3 million decline in the 62+ Malta Government Savings Bond.

Meanwhile, the Consolidated Fund recorded a deficit of €376.2 million during the first eight months of 2026, compared with €203.4 million during the same period last year.

Recurrent revenue rose by €723.6 million year-on-year to €5.75 billion. Income tax generated an additional €397.6 million, while VAT receipts increased by €146.6 million and social security contributions by €81.2 million.

However, expenditure grew faster, reaching €6.13 billion, an increase of €896.4 million.

Recurrent expenditure rose by €687.2 million to €5.23 billion, with spending on programmes and initiatives accounting for the largest increase.

This included higher spending on social security benefits, EU own resources and energy support measures.

Capital expenditure also increased, reaching €673.1 million, while interest payments on public debt rose by €26.1 million to €218.6 million.

Despite the deterioration, Malta remains below the EU’s 3% deficit and 60% debt thresholds, with debt standing at 46.4% of GDP in the latest figures cited.

The Malta Fiscal Advisory Council has nevertheless warned that projected fiscal improvements could be more limited than expected, while the IMF has raised concerns about the sustainability of Malta’s labour-driven growth model.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is considering allowing the cultivation of gene-edited crops, more than a decade after banning genetically modified crop cultivation.

The move follows Malta’s support for new EU rules on new genomic techniques (NGTs), which were backed by the Council in April and the European Parliament in June.

The government says any decision to cultivate NGT crops in Malta will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking scientific evidence and farmers’ needs into account.

Farmer Malcolm Borg, president of Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi, said gene editing could help farmers cope with rising temperatures, water shortages and declining yields.

Other farmers remain uncertain about how the new rules will work in practice.

The EU rules divide NGT crops into two categories. NGT-1 plants, involving changes that could occur naturally or through conventional breeding, will be treated largely like conventional crops once verified.

NGT-2 plants, involving more complex modifications, will remain subject to GMO rules, including risk assessments, authorisation and labelling.

Critics have raised concerns about patents on NGT seeds and the potential impact on farmers’ costs and independence.

Under the new rules, NGT-1 seeds will be labelled for farmers, but food produced from them will not require an NGT label. The government says a reliable testing method to distinguish some NGT products from conventional crops was not available.

Malta previously opted out of GMO cultivation in 2014, citing concerns about cross-pollination and the authenticity of local produce.

The new EU rules have been adopted but are not yet applicable. Until they take effect, NGT crops remain subject to existing GMO regulations.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – It will be a major farewell to the Albiceleste, but it will also mark his entry into the world of… graduates. Lionel Messi will receive an honorary degree from the University of Buenos Aires, which has decided to award him the institution’s highest academic honor.

The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, on the eve of Messi’s farewell match for the Argentine national team at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium against Benin (1 a.m. in Italy on October 7).

“The resolution of the Superior Council – made up of the rector, the deans of the 13 faculties, and representatives of faculty members, alumni and students – highlighted Messi’s sporting career and, in particular, his role as a key figure for the Argentine national team.

His journey,” the document, reported by La Nación, states, “represents an example of excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct in his profession, as well as a commitment to representing the Argentine Republic: values that this university has historically promoted.”

The rector of the University of Buenos Aires, Ricardo Gelpi, explained that the honor is intended to recognize not only Messi’s sporting achievements, but also aspects of his personality and his influence off the pitch.

“Beyond what all Argentinians already know about Messi, regardless of the numbers and statistics that attest to his greatness as an athlete, we also want to recognize a humble and determined person who serves as an example and ambassador of our popular culture and national identity,” Gelpi said.

“The honor is intended to highlight the significance and influence of the footballer and his achievements as a representative of Argentine sport.”

According to UBA Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti, Messi “has managed to convey the values embodied by the Argentine shirt and represent it with courage and respect, taking it to the pinnacle of world football.

Our recognition is a tribute, but also an expression of gratitude on behalf of Argentine society as a whole.”

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

RIYADH (SAUDI ARABIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has praised the creation of the Mecca Defense Alliance between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, aimed at strengthening regional security and stability and coordinating efforts to steer the region away from the consequences of tensions and conflicts.

In his annual royal address delivered at the opening of the third year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), bin Salman highlighted the Kingdom’s strong human and military capabilities, which he said are able to counter and deter any threat.

He expressed pride in the Saudi armed forces and reiterated that Riyadh remains committed to reducing escalation and promoting diplomatic solutions, while showing no tolerance when it comes to defending its security.

“We will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or aggression.”

In his speech, he strongly condemned the “continued brutal aggression” by Israeli authorities against Palestinians in Gaza, calling for a more active role by the international community and the Security Council in achieving a permanent political settlement.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state in accordance with international resolutions.

– Photo: IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

FLORENCE (ITALPRESS) – The Azzurri held their final training session at Coverciano before leaving for Paris this afternoon to face France tomorrow evening at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, in their third Nations League group match.

As had already happened ahead of the trip to Bursa, with the aim of managing preparations as effectively as possible ahead of the match against Turkey – scheduled for Monday, October 5 in Bologna – head coach Roberto Mancini has decided not to have the entire squad travel to France.

A specific training programme will therefore be arranged at Coverciano for nine players: Honest Ahanor, Nicolò Cambiaghi, Diego Coppola, Daniele Ghilardi, Samuele Inacio, Eddy Kouadio, Rolando Mandragora, Massimo Pessina and Alessandro Romano.

The nine players will not train with the rest of the squad this morning. Instead, they will take part in a training session this afternoon with members of the technical and performance staff: Massimo Maccarone, Cristiano Lupatelli, Giulio Nuciari and Luca Bossi.

– Photo: IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (ITALPRESS) — It is no longer a question: there is an issue. Jorge Jesus tried to play down the situation, but Cristiano Ronaldo missed his third consecutive training session with the national team, leaving Parken Stadium in a Federation minibus.

The development was unexpected, given that the coach had assured reporters at his press conference that there was no issue, although he had said that Milan forward Ramos would remain in the starting lineup for tomorrow’s Nations League match against Denmark.

This evening, on social media, CR7 explained: “Following the coach’s press conference and after a conversation with the President of the Football Federation, I decided to leave the national team camp. In due course, I will tell all Portuguese people the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always given my all. For now, it is time to wish Portugal and all my teammates, without exception, the best of luck,” the footballer concluded.

All the attention surrounding CR7 began after the victory in Norway. Although Jesus had told the player in advance that he would come on during the match, Ronaldo ultimately remained on the bench for the entire game. At the final whistle, he headed straight to the dressing room without celebrating on the pitch with his teammates.

The Federation subsequently played down the missed training session, saying that the striker had left the stadium because the facilities did not have the equipment required for the individual training programme specifically designed for him.

Jesus, who had been Ronaldo’s coach until a few months ago at Al Nassr, where they won the league title together, had tried in every possible way to pour cold water on the situation.

“I know his physical condition inside out, and I know because I used to manage him the same way in Saudi Arabia. When there were matches every three days, he rarely played,” the coach explained. “Furthermore, he never trains on either the first or second day after a match. Do you really think that a player of the level of a national team would refuse to train? Only if he wanted to leave. No one refuses to train.”

The frustration over CR7 being left on the bench had also been played down: “Any player who warms up and then does not come on is unhappy. Whether it’s Cris, Pelé or Maradona. I was forced to talk to Cris about an issue that wasn’t actually an issue. He told me: ‘Coach, I’m here to do whatever you decide. If you want me to play, I’ll play; if you don’t want me to play, I won’t.’”

And yet Federation president Proença had changed his plans, flying to Copenhagen to find out more.

“The president came because, given what was being said, he wanted to know what had happened. But Cris and I had already resolved the issue,” Jesus said briefly, assuring everyone that the striker would train normally today.

That, however, did not happen.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNIS (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS) – A program designed to guide businesses toward Industry 4.0 was launched today in Tunis. According to a statement from Tunisian authorities, the event was attended by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Tunisia, Ambassador Giuseppe Perrone. The Tunisian Minister of Infrastructure and Housing—who is also overseeing the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy—emphasized that the transition to smart industry focuses on utilizing new technologies, integrating digital solutions, and modernizing production processes. As part of the initiative, an Industry 4.0 platform has been established at the Tunisian Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation to support the sector’s digital transformation. Additionally, five Industry 4.0 competence centers have been created at technology hubs in Sousse, Sfax, Monastir, Bizerte, and Sidi Thabet. According to the ministry, the initiative has already supported over 400 industrial enterprises, contributed to the creation of approximately 50 startups, and trained around 2,900 beneficiaries.

During the conference, the TIMA (Tunisian Intelligent Manufacturing Assessment) platform was also unveiled; developed by the Tunisian Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation in collaboration with the competence centers, it is designed to assess business progress. The initiative is being implemented under the ministry’s supervision in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

– photo Pexels.com –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has warned that removing energy subsidies in Malta could trigger an “economic catastrophe.” Speaking at a meeting ahead of the budget, Caruana stated today that Malta is on track to spend €392 million on energy subsidies in 2026, bringing total expenditure over the last five years to €1.3 billion.

According to the minister, fuel prices in March surpassed the peak reached in 2022 and have remained high, while European gas reserves are 16 percentage points lower than levels typically recorded at this time of year. Prices for electricity imported via the interconnector also doubled in March and could rise further, Caruana warned—particularly if conflicts drag on and Europe faces a harsh winter. Government modeling indicates that abolishing subsidies would reduce Malta’s GDP by nearly €630 million over three years and cut consumption by €312 million. More than 3,000 jobs could be lost by 2028, while household disposable income could fall by 6%, the minister explained.

– photo DOI –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

DUBLIN (IRELAND) (ITALPRESS) – Ireland will play their second match against Israel this Sunday at a neutral venue in Bačka Topola, Serbia. Head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson clarified the situation following the uncertainty surrounding the match in Debrecen—which the team ultimately played after a vote among the players. On the eve of the game against Austria, the coach sought to dispel any doubts. “Our federation told us we would play both matches. That was our intention when we arrived at the training camp, and it remains so,” Hallgrímsson stated. “We are trying to focus on football, and it has already been decided that we will play the second match as well.”

Last Sunday, the Irish players took the field wearing black armbands, bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, and did not shake hands with their opponents. Hallgrímsson was brief when asked about potential protests in Serbia: “I have to focus on football. I’ll leave it to others to worry about security and those kinds of issues.” Gavin Bazunu, who had refused to play against Israel and has already opted out of Sunday’s match, will be available again for the game against Austria. “Gavin is a fantastic guy. I’ve always had a good relationship with him, and the situation is likely harder for him than for the other players, but his teammates have welcomed him really well. Life goes on. He is part of this group, and I think this shows just how strong the bond between these players is—so strong that not even something like this can divide us.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews