ROME (ITALPRESS) – A new international cooperation initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development in Africa has been launched today at the headquarters of Acri in Rome, through the signing of a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding by seven leading Italian institutions and organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

The signatories of the protocol include: Acri (Association of Foundations and Savings Banks), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, AOI (Association of Italian Organizations for International Cooperation and Solidarity), CINI (Italian Coordination of International NGOs), LINK 2007 – Cooperazione in Rete (a network of Italian NGOs), and CIDCI (Italian Coordination of Diasporas for International Cooperation).

The agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to pilot a joint project aimed at sustainable development in one or more African communities, which will be selected by a Promoters’ Committee composed of representatives from each of the partner organizations.

This Committee will define the initiative’s strategic direction, select target territories and sectors of intervention, and approve a project developed by a dedicated operational team. The initiative will be guided by principles of co-design, inclusion, and sustainability, encouraging active collaboration among public, private, and civil society actors.

The protocol also allows for the future inclusion of additional partners, with unanimous approval from the Promoters’ Committee. Each organization will contribute its expertise, infrastructure, and, when needed, qualified consultants to support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the initiative. The project aligns with Italy’s Law 125/2014, which outlines the general framework for international development cooperation.

Giovanni Azzone, President of Acri, emphasized the innovative nature of the agreement: “For the first time, stakeholders from different sectors – profit, non-profit, NGOs, and diaspora groups – are coming together to pool their resources, knowledge, and experience toward a shared goal. This protocol lays the foundation for a co-design approach right from the start, which, if successful, could be replicated. Foundations of banking origin continue to play their role as bridge-builders for the common good.”

CDP President Giovanni Gorno Tempini also highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration: “We proudly join this concrete initiative, born from the synergy of public, private, and third-sector actors committed to sustainable development. The network created by this agreement offers a virtuous model capable of advancing high-impact international cooperation projects for African communities.”

Enrico Maria Bagnasco, President of Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, linked the initiative to Italy’s broader strategic framework: “This multi-stakeholder initiative strengthens the bond between Italian businesses and African diasporas under the Mattei Plan. It’s an innovative model that can create long-term positive impacts through the contribution of Italian enterprises in technology, skills, and socially responsible corporate culture.”

Silvia Stilli, President of AOI, welcomed the opportunity to strengthen civil society’s role:
“This protocol supports a systemic approach as envisioned by Law 125/2014 and recognizes the vital role of civil society organizations as community actors, particularly in crisis and poverty-stricken areas. AOI sees this alliance as a chance to network proven experiences and promote social justice, inclusion, and sustainability.”

Luca De Fraia, President of CINI, spoke to the importance of inclusive partnerships:
“This protocol represents a concrete step toward fairer and more inclusive international cooperation centered on local territories and communities. A well-structured co-design process from the outset could become a model for the entire cooperation system.”

Sandro De Luca, President of LINK 2007, stressed the initiative’s broader societal relevance: “In today’s global climate, where solidarity and collective values are often challenged, this partnership stands as a shared space for impactful and socially just solutions.”

Bertrand Mani Ndongbou, President of CIDCI, underlined the role of migrant communities: “CIDCI, representing over 150 diaspora associations in Italy, joins this initiative believing that sustainable cooperation must actively include migrant communities. With their deep local knowledge and intercultural perspective, diasporas are key to creating more rooted and participatory development efforts.”

This initiative signals a significant step toward a more collaborative, inclusive, and impactful model of international cooperation, with the potential to reshape how Italy engages with sustainable development across Africa.

– Photo Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Lucas Vázquez has announced his departure from Real Madrid. Spanish player bid farewell to the entire Blancos community with a video on social media. The 34-year-old has been at Real Madrid since 2007 (including a year at Espanyol), joining the youth academy before climbing the ladder to the first team.

With over 300 appearances for Real Madrid, Vazquez enjoyed one of the club’s most successful eras, winning five Champions League titles, four Spanish league titles, four European Super Cups, four Spanish Super Cups, five Club World Cups, and one Copa del Rey. “I’m leaving Real Madrid, but Real Madrid will never abandon me,” said the Spaniard. “Wherever I go, I will proudly say that I had the honor of playing for the best team in the world. Thank you for accompanying me on the greatest journey of my life”.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – South Africa’s main opposition party, Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, has expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the Sahara, believing it to be a solution that guarantees Morocco’s sovereignty and promotes peace and stability in the region.

According to the MAP news agency, Zuma made the statement following a meeting in Rabat with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, emphasizing that the plan “allows meaningful local governance for the Saharan populations, while ensuring Moroccan sovereignty.” The MK leader cited the “historical and legal context” supporting Rabat’s claims and called on the international community to support the autonomy plan, which he described as “a balanced path to development and stability.”

The position is part of a policy document published last month by the party, which reaffirms the Sahara’s historic ties with Morocco and recalls the 1975 Green March as an “act of peaceful decolonization.” With this support, Moroccan diplomacy is breaking the taboo of South Africa’s support for Algeria’s stance on the regional dispute over Western Sahara. South Africa is the last major African country that continues to support Algeria, thanks to the dominance of the communist wing within the ruling ANC party.

– photo MAP –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Tottenham are not giving up on Koni De Winter. The Belgian defender from Genoa has been followed by Inter Milan for several weeks, but now a head-to-head battle could open between the Nerazzurri and Spurs.

According to ‘The i Paper’, the English club and the Rossoblu, owners of the 2002-born defender, are already in contact, with the Ligurian club asking for around €25 million. In addition to Tottenham and Inter, De Winter could also end up in the sights of Bournemouth, as a replacement for Dean Huijsen, who has joined Real Madrid.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

SASSUOLO (ITALPRESS) – English interest is mounting for Andrea Pinamonti. The Sassuolo-owned striker, who was on loan at Genoa last year, is reportedly being pursued by West Ham and Brentford, according to The Standard.

The two clubs have already inquired about the player’s availability, though discussions are still in the early stages. Pinamonti, who scored 11 goals in all competitions for the Rossoblu in the recently concluded Serie A season, is said to be interested in the Premier League, with the hope of returning to the national team. West Ham and Brentford have not yet begun formal negotiations, but could make an official offer in the coming days.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s airspace, spanning 90,000 square kilometres from Crete to Tunisia, is experiencing unprecedented levels of air traffic this summer. An average of 500 aircraft traverse the region daily—half of which pass through, while the rest land or take off from the national airport.

Malta Air Traffic Services CEO Robert Sant confirmed that this figure is expected to climb even higher. “It appears that sometimes we will reach 550 or 560, a level which we haven’t seen before and which is expected to remain till the end of the year. This will be a record-breaking year,” he said.

Several factors are contributing to this surge, including industrial action by air traffic controllers in France and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These developments have led many airlines to reroute flights through Malta’s corridor. Despite the pressure, Maltese air traffic controllers are managing the increased demand effectively. “The capacity and demand were very high and we performed very well,” Sant stated, noting that controllers helped reduce delays and maintained high safety standards. Airspace is divided into zones operated by pairs of controllers using advanced systems like radar, surveillance, and datalink technology. With growing global tensions and a surge in tourism, this summer is expected to be Malta’s busiest air traffic season to date.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal have stalled again. The agent’s waiver of his approximately €7 million commission seemed to have unblocked the deal, but “A Bola” reports that Sporting Lisbon has rejected the Gunners’ latest offer of €63.5 million plus €10 million in bonuses.

The issue revolves around the variable component, as the Portuguese club wants the entire €10 million to be tied to easily achievable targets, compared to the €3 million offered by Arsenal. So, the deal is still open, although other aspects remain to be ironed out, such as the payment schedule.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

TURIN (ITALPRESS) – Juventus has officially announced the appointment of François Modesto, who will take on the role of technical director of the club from today, reporting directly to general manager Damien Comolli.

“He will turn forty-seven in just over a month – August 19th – François Modesto was born in Bastia and, after a career as a footballer that lasted about twenty years, from 1997 to 2016, he decided to immediately embark on a career in management, holding senior positions in Greece, England, and Italy. […] In the summer of 2022, he arrived in Italy, to Monza, newly promoted to Serie A, where he took on the role of Technical Director, remaining in the role until the end of 2024. His vision, his path, and his transversal ability will be a fundamental added value for our club,” adds Juve.

“Joining such a glorious club is both an honor and a great responsibility for me,” said François Modesto. “This club boasts an extraordinary history and a culture of victory that I deeply admire. I am thrilled to embark on this new journey, working closely with Damien, coach Igor Tudor, and the entire staff to build an ambitious, modern, and winning project. I will make all my experience and commitment available to contribute to Juventus’ success, both in Italy and in Europe.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – “No thanks.” This is the response that, according to “The Athletic,” Liverpool reportedly gave to Bayern Munich regarding the €67.5 million offer that was reportedly presented for Luis Diaz.

The 28-year-old player, whose contract expires in 2027, has already made it known that he wouldn’t mind a change of scenery; for the English champions, he’s not unsellable, but Bayern’s offer has reportedly been rejected. At Anfield, the Colombian striker is valued at €100 million, but according to The Athletic, a deal could be finalized for around €92 million. And, Sky Deutschland emphasizes, Bayern is ready to raise the stakes, considering Diaz a priority signing.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Tourist spending in Malta continued to rise sharply in May, with new data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) showing a 17% increase in per-head expenditure compared to May 2024.

Over 347,000 tourists visited Malta during the month, a 6.3% rise from the same period last year. Their total spending exceeded €363 million, up by 16.9%, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth in both arrivals and expenditure.

The average stay reached six nights, contributing to more than 2.2 million overnight stays—an 8.6% increase year-on-year. Tourists spent an average of €165 per night.

The UK remained Malta’s largest source market with over 93,000 visitors, although declines were noted from Germany, France, and Italy. In contrast, arrivals from Poland increased.

Tourist activity extended beyond Malta, with over 222,000 visitors also heading to Gozo and Comino—accounting for 60% of all arrivals.

Looking at the broader picture, tourist arrivals for the first five months of 2025 have surpassed 1.4 million, up 14.3% from the same period last year. Expenditure in that time rose by 21.9% to over €1.16 billion, with spending per tourist climbing to €823.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews