VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta marked a significant milestone in its tourism strategy with the inauguration of a new Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) office in Manhattan, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ian Borg. The office, located within Maltàs Permanent Mission to the United Nations, will serve as the hub for promoting the country across North America. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Maltàs Permanent Representative to the UN, Natasha Meli-Daudey, Maltàs Ambassador to the U.S., Godfrey Xuereb, and several industry stakeholders. Borg was joined by MTA CEO Carlo Micallef, North America Representative Michelle Buttigieg, Marketing Director Arthur Grima, and Marketing Manager Yasmine Scorfna. Borg described the U.S. travel market as the “ultimate benchmark” for any destination, noting that Maltàs presence in New York reflects a long-term commitment to the region. Maltàs Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg linked the office launch to recent announcements, including Delta Airlines’ new direct flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Malta, starting in June, and the U.S. premiere of Hidden Malta, a documentary by Emmy-winning journalist Peter Greenberg. Micallef praised the progress made since MTA’s entry into the North American market 11 years ago, crediting Buttigieg’s efforts in raising Maltàs profile among U.S. tour operators and luxury travel networks. “This new office marks an important milestone in our long-term strategy,” he said. Buttigieg highlighted the growing collaboration with Us industry leaders, stressing the officès role as a bridge between Malta and the North American travel sector.(ITALPRESS).

Foto: Doi

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Laurent Blanc’s spell in charge of Al-Ittihad is over: the 59-year-old former France national team coach, who also played for Inter during his career, has been dismissed following the 2-0 defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr on Matchday 4 of the Saudi Pro League.

Champions of Saudi Arabia last season, Al-Ittihad – whose squad features stars such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté – had started the campaign with three wins in their opening three matches.

While waiting for a new head coach, the team has been placed under the interim charge of Hassan Khalifa, Blanc’s assistant since the summer of 2024, with Ivan Carrasco as his deputy.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VATICAN CITY (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Kamel Ghribi, President of GKSD and Vice President of the San Donato Group, met with Pope Leo XIV.
“It was a true privilege”, said Ghribi, “which adds to that of having taken part in his enthronement Mass”.
During the conversation with the Pontiff, they addressed some of the most urgent challenges of our time, beginning with the tragedy in Gaza. “We spoke about the children, the families, all the innocent victims of a conflict they did not choose and for which they bear no blame”, Ghribi added.
It was an intense and moving meeting, in which references were also made to Pope Francis: “From him I received the gift of friendship”, Ghribi recalled.
At the conclusion of the private audience, the President of GKSD and Vice President of the San Donato Group expressed his conviction that “the Catholic Church has found in Leo XIV an enlightened, inspired leader, theologically solid and capable of guiding us through an era marked by pain, complexity, and daunting challenges”.
Finally, Ghribi emphasised: “I am certain that interreligious dialogue will be at the heart of his pontificate, and that all people of faith, whatever their religion, will be able to recognise in him a spiritual and human point of reference”.

– GKSD Photo –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Graham Potter is no longer West Ham’s head coach. The English club announced the decision in a statement, explaining that “the results and performances from the second half of last season and the start of the 2025/26 campaign (three points in five matches, ed.) have not met expectations, and the Board believes a change is necessary to help improve the team’s Premier League position as soon as possible.”

“The Board wishes to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wishes them every success in the future. The process of appointing a successor is underway. At this time, the club will not be making any further comments,” the statement continued.

Meanwhile, according to the English press, Nuno Espírito Santo is the leading candidate to replace Potter. The BBC reports that the Portuguese coach is expected to be on the bench before Monday’s match against Everton.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is ready to welcome the world’s warring parties to facilitate a path to peace, Prime Minister Robert Abela told delegates at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Positioning Malta as “a unique platform for peace,” Abela renewed his open offer for dialogue. “Malta stands ready to welcome you, to facilitate, and to support you in finding ways forward,” he said, referencing both the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While he avoided the terms “genocide” and “Israel,” Abela condemned the devastation in Gaza, describing forced hunger and mass killings as “morally wrong” and “inhuman.”

He recalled the story of Ibrahim, a Palestinian child treated in Malta after losing both legs in a drone strike, as he demanded: “These atrocities must stop now.” Abela called for a two-state solution, rejecting suggestions it would reward Hamas. “It is the only way to finally banish the evil of Hamas,” he said. Turning to Ukraine, Abela named Russia directly, condemning its “unprovoked and illegal” invasion. He urged continued economic pressure on Moscow to bring about dialogue and saluted Ukrainians with “slava Ukraini.”

On the role of the United Nations, Abela said the institution was “not perfect but indispensable,” calling for reforms to the Security Council and the secretary general selection process to make them more transparent and inclusive. He argued that small states bring “innovation, credibility, and moral authority” to global action.
Abela also highlighted migration as a pressing issue, warning that the current level of irregular migration was “unsustainable.” He urged a coordinated international response that is both humane and effective, while defending Malta’s controversial cooperation with Libya to prevent departures by sea. “Although Malta may be one of the UN’s smallest members in terms of geography, we have always been determined to be one of the UN’s biggest voices,” Abela said.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Rabat is hosting “Le Marathon du cinéma,” the first major initiative of the new Cinémathèque Marocaine, a recently established institution dedicated to promoting cinematic heritage. The festival, which will run until December, features 100 films that tell the story of a century of world cinema, with works ranging from silent film pioneers to new voices from Africa, the Arab world, and Asia.

The official opening of the programme will take place on Sunday, September 28 at 3:00 p.m. with Giuseppe Tornatore’s “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso,” screened in the Cinémathèque Marocaine in Rabat. As the first film of the Marathon and the inaugural screening of the new institution, this recognition places Italy at the centre of this international cultural initiative. The programme will also pay tribute to the great Italian masters—Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Luchino Visconti—who helped shape the history of world cinema.

“The launch of Le Marathon du cinéma with Nuovo Cinema Paradiso is a strong signal of the cultural closeness between Italy and Morocco. It is an honour for us and highlights the role of the great Italian masters in the international dialogue of cinema. In 2025, we celebrate the 200th anniversary of our diplomatic relations: culture and creativity will be at the heart of these celebrations, bearing witness to the friendship that has united our two countries for two centuries,” said Italy’s Ambassador to Rabat, Pasquale Salzano.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LIVERPOOL (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Giovanni Leoni’s season is already over, Ibrahima Konaté’s contract expires in June and he is being courted by Real Madrid, so Liverpool are looking around to strengthen their back line.

At the top of the list remains Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace’s centre-back who was strongly pursued during the summer: according to English media, the Reds could revive their interest in January, backed by the player’s desire to move on. On the final day of the summer transfer window, Guehi came very close to joining Anfield in a deal worth around €40 million.

Another name under consideration is Ronald Araújo, Barcelona’s defender who is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Tottenham: for the Blaugrana, the Uruguayan is not untouchable, provided an offer of €50-60 million arrives.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The visit of President Sergio Mattarella to Kazakhstan on September 29–30, 2025, “has a symbolic significance.” This was stated by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Italy, Yerbolat Sembayev, in an interview with the Italpress agency.

“This is the first visit of an Italian Head of State in the past 28 years: the last one was in 1997, when our country was visited by President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro. This fact highlights the high level of trust between our countries and the desire to deepen the partnership,” he noted.

According to Sembayev, President Mattarella’s official visit is the natural continuation of active political contacts at the highest levels. “In September 2023, Kazakhstan hosted the visit of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. It was the first visit of an Italian Foreign Minister to Kazakhstan in 25 years, important from the perspective of strengthening our strategic partnership,” the Ambassador said.

He also recalled that on May 30 of this year, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid an official visit to Kazakhstan. “The visit marked an important stage in the development of relations between Kazakhstan and Italy and was characterized by a series of key events. In particular, there were high-level bilateral talks, participation in the first Central Asia + Italy summit, and the Italian Prime Minister’s speech at the plenary session of the Astana International Forum,” observed the head of the diplomatic mission in Italy.

“The official visit of President Sergio Mattarella to Kazakhstan takes place in the context of the European Union’s active engagement with Central Asia, where Kazakhstan plays a key role as a stable, reliable, and responsible partner. We are confident that this summit will give new momentum to political dialogue, deepen mutual understanding, and open up new opportunities in a wide range of fields, from energy and logistics to education, science, and culture,” he added.

Kazakhstan and Italy, Sembayev emphasized, “share common principles: respect for international law, sustainable development, economic openness, and dialogue.” In this context, he noted, “President Mattarella’s visit confirms the high level of relations between Kazakhstan and Italy and the will to further develop them in a spirit of friendship and mutual benefit.”

Speaking of bilateral relations, Sembayev stressed that they are characterized by stability, depth, and sustainable development. “Italy is rightly one of our main trade and economic partners within the European Union. In 2024 alone, the volume of mutual trade reached a record 20 billion dollars, clearly reflecting the scope and potential of our economic cooperation. Over the past 20 years, gross foreign investment from Italy to Kazakhstan have reached 7.7 billion dollars, mainly in the oil and gas sector, energy, and industrial equipment,” he added.

The ambassador recalled that Italy is the leading importer of Kazakh oil and an investor in key sectors of the economy. “At the same time, cooperation goes beyond the energy sector: projects are intensifying in the agro-industrial field, mechanical engineering, infrastructure, and sustainable development,” he noted. “More than 265 Italian companies operate actively in Kazakhstan, present in sectors such as energy, mechanical engineering, processing, construction, and agriculture. Our cooperation also extends to the humanitarian and academic spheres: university exchanges, cultural initiatives, projects in green technologies and sustainable development are expanding,” he said.

“Political dialogue is maintained at a high level, which creates favourable conditions for a further strengthening of ties,” Sembayev declared. “Cultural cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy is also gaining ground. The opening in November 2023 of the Italian Cultural Institute in the city of Almaty, the only one in Central Asia, marked a new stage of collaboration in this field, representing another step forward toward bringing our peoples closer,” he added.

The ambassador said the peak of bilateral cultural cooperation was reached in April 2024 with the opening of Kazakhstan’s pavilion at the 60th International Contemporary Art Biennale in Venice. Thousands of visitors from Italy and around the world had the opportunity to admire works by famous Kazakh artists. He recalled that “regular tours by Kazakh artistic groups are organized in Italy.”

“For example, in March 2023 a major tour was held by the Orchestra of the National University of Arts of Kazakhstan, conducted by Professor A. Musakhajayeva, in Milan, Genoa, Sanremo, and Rome. The concerts of the Kazakh National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments Kurmangazy, held in June 2023 in Rome and Naples, were also very successful,” he added.

One of the main goals, according to Sembayev, is to promote Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural heritage in Italy. “For example, in May 2023 we organized in Rome a presentation by Kazakh designers and jewelers on the theme ‘Traditions and Contemporary Kazakhstan: A Link Through the Centuries,’ attended by representatives of Italy’s creative industry, including designers, art historians, and artists. The presentation aimed to introduce the Italian public to Kazakhstan’s national style through trends in decorative and applied arts.”

The exhibition of artifacts from the collections of Almaty’s Association of Museums, inaugurated in Naples in autumn 2023, also aroused great interest and surprise among the Italian public. “The exhibition ‘Nomads of Kazakhstan: Past and Present,’ held in the historic centre of Castel Nuovo, offered local residents and thousands of tourists visiting this Italian metropolis from around the world the opportunity to discover Kazakhstan’s cultural and historical heritage,” the diplomat emphasised.

“In October of this year, we plan to inaugurate in Rome a bust of the great Kazakh poet and thinker Abai Kunanbaiuly. In addition, during President Sergio Mattarella’s visit to Kazakhstan, a street will be inaugurated in the Kazakh capital Astana named after the great Italian traveller Marco Polo. These projects will represent another step forward in the cultural rapprochement of our countries. We highly value the level of mutual understanding reached between our countries and are confident that this dialogue will only continue to expand,” Sembayev concluded.

– Photo: Embassy of Kazakhstan in Italy –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona have further physical problems. Brazilian striker Raphinha has torn the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh, in the middle third of the muscle. Recovery is estimated at approximately three weeks, barring any unforeseen circumstances during his rehabilitation. There’s less good news for goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who has torn the medial meniscus in his left knee.

The player will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Saturday by Professor Joan Carles Monllau. The Blaugrana medical staff expects him to be out of action for between four and six weeks, depending on his post-surgery progress. These two significant absences are forcing Flick to reconsider his plans for upcoming matches.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has declared that the return of Crimea and all occupied territories is “non-negotiable.”

The announcement, during a UN summit, marks a clear shift from Abela’s previous calls for compromise and a realistic path to peace. Abela had previously argued that insisting on a total victory for Ukraine was unrealistic. Just last March, he criticized the opposition Nationalist Party—and indirectly its European counterparts—for promoting what he described as a “victory at all costs” policy.

But in New York, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Abela pledged Malta’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, explicitly including Crimea. He emphasized that restoring Ukraine’s borders is essential not only for Kyiv but also for lasting global peace. Abela concluded by calling on Russia to “immediately lift its illegal occupation” of all territories conquered since 2014.

-Photo DOI-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews