ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “It is with deep emotion and great honour that I address you today to celebrate a highly symbolic occasion, deeply rooted in the Moroccan national consciousness: Throne Day. This day represents much more than a commemoration – it is the living expression of the unbreakable bond that unites the Moroccan people with their Sovereign, His Majesty King Mohammed VI. It is the celebration of a historic pact, embodied by the constantly renewed Baïa, with roots stretching back over twelve centuries of history, and which continues to inspire our country’s march toward modernity and progress.” These was said by Youssef Balla, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Italy, on the occasion of Throne Day.

“Today,” he added, “we do not merely celebrate the anniversary of our August Sovereign’s accession to the Throne; we celebrate the momentum of a nation in motion, the visionary leadership of an enlightened guide, and the successes of a people united around their foundational values. Looking toward the future, it is essential to reflect on the path traveled, the challenges overcome, and the goals achieved. Today’s Morocco has undergone profound transformation: firmly rooted in its millennia-old heritage, yet strongly focused on innovation and sustainable development. The recent years – especially those leading beyond 2025 – have marked a phase of extraordinary acceleration in reforms and major strategic projects launched under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.”

“Morocco,” he continued, “is engaged in a process of structural transformation whose effects are visible across all sectors. Our economy has significantly diversified. Between 2014 and 2024, Moroccan exports have doubled, benefiting from numerous free trade agreements that give our country access to a global market of over 3 billion consumers. Beyond traditional sectors, the automotive industry has become a flagship, positioning Morocco among the world’s major hubs in vehicle production and export, with continuously growing capacity and rapidly increasing local integration rates. The goal is to reach one million units per year in the coming years. Similar dynamism is seen in the aerospace, offshoring, agri-food, tourism, and services sectors. Reforms aimed at improving the business climate and incentives for foreign investment have made Morocco a prime destination for capital and talent. Our country has also established itself as a leading global player in the field of renewable energy. The Noor solar complex in Ouarzazate, the wind farms of Tangier and Tarfaya, as well as new ongoing projects, demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to a green, decarbonized economy. The goal of reaching 52% of installed electricity capacity from renewable sources is well underway, with new investments planned, particularly in green hydrogen, where Morocco has exceptional potential. Morocco is now fully entering the digital age. The digitization of public services is intensifying, and the startup ecosystem is growing vigorously. This transition represents a strategic lever for improving governance, stimulating innovation, and bringing the state closer to its citizens.”

“On the international stage, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has strengthened its position as a reliable and influential actor both regionally and globally,” the Ambassador continued. “The issue of the Moroccan Sahara remains a constant priority of our foreign policy. The Autonomy Plan, presented by Morocco in 2007, continues to garner wide international support: 123 United Nations member states – including three permanent members of the Security Council – have expressed their support for Moroccan sovereignty and the autonomy initiative, which is recognized as serious, credible, and realistic. In addition, 30 consulates have been opened by African, Arab, and Latin American countries in the cities of Laâyoune and Dakhla – a tangible sign of international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. In Europe, 24 EU member states have explicitly supported the Moroccan initiative. Regarding the Middle East crisis, Morocco’s position is clear and unwavering: full and consistent support for the two-state solution, with the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security alongside the State of Israel. This is the only path to a just and lasting peace in the region. In the face of the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, Morocco has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of Palestinian civilians, and secure access to humanitarian aid. As Chair of the Al-Quds Committee, His Majesty the King has ordered the delivery of large-scale aid, despite logistical and geopolitical challenges.”

“In Africa, the royal vision is one of South-South cooperation based on solidarity, shared responsibility, and joint development. Morocco is not only present in Africa – it has become a strategic link between the continent, Europe, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean.
Relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Italian Republic are today stronger than ever, founded on a long history of dialogue and friendship. This year, we celebrate two centuries of formal diplomatic relations – an anniversary that reflects the depth of our ties. Italy is a key political and economic partner for Morocco. Our trade is steadily growing and encompasses an increasingly diverse range of goods and services. Italian companies view Morocco as a strategic platform for Africa, while Moroccan businesses find in Italy a dynamic and promising market. Political and sectoral dialogue is continuous and fruitful, covering topics such as security, justice, culture, the environment, and energy.”
“Allow me now to say a few words to the members of our community present here. On this national holiday, I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation.”

-Photo: Press Office, Embassy of Morocco-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – A victory worth more than any trophy. Two years of struggle, of thought, and today his release. An independent commission has acquitted Lucas Paquetà of all charges of “misconduct” for violating anti-betting rules in football.

The Football Association launched its investigation in August 2023, and the Brazilian international was charged in May 2024 for allegedly seeking and obtaining bookings with the aim of “influencing the betting market.” The four charges against him related to a Premier League match against Leicester on November 12, 2022, as well as the 2023 matches against Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth.

“We are delighted that Lucas has been acquitted. He has maintained his innocence from the beginning, and we, as a club, have stood by him steadfastly throughout the process,” said West Ham Vice President Karren Brady. “Despite the incredible pressure he was under, Lucas gave his all week after week for the club. It has been a difficult time for him and his family, but he has remained absolutely professional and is now eager to put an end to this matter, as is everyone at West Ham.”

“From day one of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious charges,” Paquetà said. “I cannot say anything else at this time, but I would like to express my gratitude to God and my desire to return to playing football with a smile on my face. To my wife who has never let go of my hand, to West Ham, to the fans who have always supported me, to my family, my friends, and to the legal team who have supported me, I simply say thank you for everything.” According to the BBC, the former Brazilian AC Milan player Paquetà faced a life ban if convicted.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Atlético Madrid is seeking quality players to add to its attack, and according to ‘As’, the Colchoneros have once again set their sights on Giacomo Raspadori. His contract with Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club expires in June 2028 and he’s on a salary of around €2.5 million per season, Cholo Simeone is keen on the Italian champions’ striker.

Napoli are reportedly willing to sell the Italian striker only for an offer of €30 million with €5 million in bonuses. This figure Atlético are not currently considering, although it could be closer to €25 million in fixed compensation plus €5 million in bonuses. So far, there has never been a formal negotiation, partly because the Spanish club’s main target remains Frenchman Enzo Millot of Stuttgart.

In this case, the transfer fee would be determined by a €23 million release clause, but other clubs are interested in him, such as Galatasaray, who appear to have made significant progress in discussions with the player’s entourage.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BERLIN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Emre Can will continue to captain Borussia Dortmund for the 2025-26 season. Julian Brandt and Nico Schlotterbeck will continue to serve as his assistants next season as well. The announcement was made by the German club’s coach Niko Kovac after last night’s 8-1 friendly victory against Siegen. The former Juventus player inherited the Borussia captaincy from Marco Reus in 2023. Despite some criticism and dissenting voices in recent weeks, the German midfielder of Turkish origin will therefore remain captain of the Dortmund team.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester United’s transfer window isn’t over yet. The Red Devils, after spending nearly €150 million to acquire Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, are still searching for another striker. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, in fact, don’t seem to offer Ruben Amorim the guarantees the manager demands from his attacking players.

According to ‘The Athletic’, after Viktor Gyokeres slipped away to Arsenal, Manchester United are now eyeing Benjamin Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenian international currently owned by Leipzig (39 goals in 87 appearances). The Germans have set a price tag of around €90 million, but the fight for Sesko promises to be tough, given that Newcastle are on the verge of a €140 million transfer fee from Liverpool for Alexander Isak, and also have the Slovenian on their shopping list.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BAKU (AZERBAIJAN) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The international expansion of the Italpress news agency continues, as it signed a partnership agreement today in Baku with AnewZ, Azerbaijan’s English-language all-news television channel.
In addition to the TV channel, the group also operates a multimedia news agency and a 24/7 English-language news web portal.
The signing ceremony was attended by Gaspare Borsellino, editor-in-chief and founder of Italpress; Rufat Hamzayev, executive director of AnewZ; Fikrat Dolukhanov, director of News and Innovation; and Rena Jafarova, partnership manager.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to Baku, Luca Di Gianfrancesco.
“Italpress is continuing its path of internationalization,” said Director Gaspare Borsellino. “Today’s agreement in Baku is certainly an important milestone in our international development. Thanks to the partnership with AnewZ, a young and dynamic media company in Azerbaijan, we can count on important video and multimedia content from a vast and geopolitically significant region”.
AnewZ’s Executive Director, Rufat Hamzayev, also expressed great satisfaction with the agreement: “I am truly very pleased and proud of this partnership with Italpress, which follows recent agreements with major partners like Reuters, CCTV, and other international news agencies. In addition to exchanging video and text content”, Hamzayev added, “we also plan to engage in co-productions and joint activities with our Italpress colleagues in the areas of training and dissemination of our content”.
“This is a very important development for both news agencies,” said Ambassador Luca Di Gianfrancesco. “AnewZ is a relatively new agency, established in Azerbaijan last year in preparation for the COP29 climate conference, with the aim of building more synergies with counterparts from other countries. From Italpress’s perspective, I believe this partnership will certainly be fruitful in opening a window onto a country of growing interest for Italy, and onto a region that is regaining global relevance in light of recent developments and events”.

– Photo by AnewZ –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Granit Xhaka is officially a new Sunderland player. The Swiss, who has also been linked with AC Milan in recent weeks, arrives from Bayer Leverkusen.

“I’m very proud to be here. When I spoke to the club, I sensed their energy and mentality. It’s been a long wait, but now I’m here and I can’t wait to get started,” said the midfielder, who has signed a three-year contract.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Saudi Arabia is interested in Robert Lewandowski. As Mundo Deportivo reports, several clubs in the Saudi Pro League have expressed interest in the Barcelona center forward, coming off a season that saw him score 42 goals in 52 appearances.

The striker is happy in Barcelona, and the Blaugrana club would like to keep him. According to the newspaper, however, Laporta’s club would not oppose the transfer if the Polish player—who turns 37 on August 31st—were to ask to leave.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – In the Throne Speech delivered Tuesday evening, King Mohammed VI of Morocco reiterated his outstretched hand to Algeria to resolve the bilateral crisis that has lasted 50 years due to Algeria’s dispute over Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara.

Mohammed VI affirmed his “unwavering attachment to the policy of outstretched hands towards our brothers in Algeria,” emphasizing Morocco’s continued willingness to engage in a “frank and responsible,” “fraternal and sincere” dialogue on the unresolved issues between the two countries. “The Algerian people are a brotherly people united by centuries-old human and historical ties with the Moroccan people, particularly through language, religion, geography, and a common destiny,” the Sovereign declared, according to the MAP news agency. The King stated that this commitment arises from “the firm conviction we hold within us regarding the unity of our peoples and our common ability to overcome this deplorable situation.” He renewed his call to “build bridges, not walls” and to work for a future in which “reason and the superior interests of both peoples” prevail.

Referring to the construction of the Maghreb Union, Mohammed VI emphasized that it cannot be achieved “without a sincere and joint commitment from Morocco and Algeria,” along with the other states in the region. The Moroccan sovereign also welcomed the positive momentum surrounding the Sahara Autonomy Plan proposed to the UN in 2007 and defined it as “the only realistic solution” to the regional dispute. “We express our thanks and consideration to the friendly United Kingdom and the Portuguese Republic for their constructive positions in support of the Autonomy Proposal, within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” he stated. Finally, Mohammed VI reiterated the need for a “consensual” solution “in which there are neither winners nor losers,” confirming Morocco’s willingness to pursue a peaceful and mutually acceptable outcome. To date, 123 UN member states have recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara or supported the Autonomy Plan, including 24 members of the European Union.

– photo MAP –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MUNICH (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Luis Diaz is officially a new Bayern Munich player. The Colombian striker has signed a four-year contract with the German club, which paid £65.5 million to Liverpool to secure the player’s registration.

“I am very happy to be part of Bayern Munich, because it is one of the most important clubs in the world. I want to help my new team with my style of play and my personality. My goal is to win every title possible, and we will work every day to achieve that,” explained Diaz, who will wear the number 14 jersey.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews