RABAT (MOROCO) (ITALPRESS) – Ecuador views Morocco’s autonomy initiative as “the basis for resolving the regional dispute” over Western Sahara. The statement was made today in Rabat by Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, following a meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.

In remarks to the press, Sommerfeld reaffirmed that Quito, aligning itself with the position of the majority of United Nations member states, supports Morocco’s efforts to reach a “political, realistic, pragmatic, lasting, and mutually acceptable” solution to the Western Sahara issue, within the framework of UN-led negotiations.

Ecuador’s stance confirms a clear alignment with Morocco’s position and follows a decision made on October 22, 2024, when Quito withdrew its recognition of the so-called “SADR” and cut all ties with the entity.

The explicit support of a South American country like Ecuador further strengthens the international legitimacy of the autonomy proposal presented by Rabat in 2007—an initiative the UN Security Council has described as a “serious and credible” basis for a negotiated resolution to a conflict that has persisted for decades.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta‘s health authorities have raised concerns over the growing availability of nicotine pouches, a new and unregulated product that is rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among young people.

The Superintendence of Public Health, citing the World Health Organisation, described the pouches as “highly addictive, acutely toxic, and a potential gateway to tobacco use.”

The packaging and marketing – featuring bright colours, appealing flavours, and trendy designs – are seen as deliberately targeting children and adolescents.

These pouches, which do not contain tobacco but deliver nicotine directly through the gums, bypass current tobacco regulations. Unlike snus, a banned smokeless tobacco product, nicotine pouches are legal by default, as they fall outside existing laws.
France and the Netherlands have already banned the sale of nicotine pouches, citing similar public health concerns.

The issue will be addressed in Malta’s upcoming Tobacco Control Strategy 2025–2030, which is yet to be announced.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is facing a growing public health crisis, with obesity contributing directly to seven deaths in 2024 alone, according to the National Death Registry. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela confirmed the figures in response to a parliamentary question, highlighting a broader national concern.

The Mediterranean nation continues to record the highest male obesity rate in Europe. A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report revealed that 75% of Maltese men are overweight, the highest rate across 52 European countries. Women fare only slightly better, with 60% also classified as overweight. Official data shows that 45% of 11-year-olds in Malta are overweight or obese, with boys most affected. Among five-year-olds, 34% of boys and 32.2% of girls fall into the same category.

Experts warn that obesity is a major contributor to a host of life-threatening conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. It also leads to chronic joint problems and strains Malta’s healthcare system far beyond the immediate deaths recorded.

To combat the epidemic, health professionals urge lifestyle changes focusing on regular exercise and balanced diets. They recommend 30–60 minutes of physical activity, three to five times a week, along with diets rich in unprocessed foods and low in refined sugars and fats.

Tackling obesity, specialists insist, requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving doctors, dietitians, and fitness experts—not just medical treatment alone.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Rodrigo De Paul could land in MLS. As Marca reports, Inter Miami, the team that Leo Messi plays for, is ready to speed up operations to secure the Atletico Madrid midfielder’s registration. The renewal hypothesis for the Argentine, whose contract with the colchoneros expires in 2026, is therefore moving away. De Paul has played 187 games and scored 14 goals with Atletico Madrid.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

BAGHDAD (IRAQ) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Kamel Ghribi, President of GKSD and Vice President of GSD (San Donato Group), recently concluded an institutional mission to Iraq and Syria, which included a series of meetings with the highest political and health authorities of both countries. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote concrete projects in the sectors of healthcare, infrastructure, energy, and education.

The mission in Iraq

At the invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, President Ghribi visited several areas of the country, including Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf, participating in high-level institutional meetings and promoting the development of synergies between GSD – GKSD and the Iraqi public system.
In Karbala, Ghribi met with the Minister of Health, Saleh Al-Hasnawi, to discuss expanding healthcare collaborations and hospital infrastructure. He also visited the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussein and held an important meeting with the city’s Governor, Nassif Jassem Al-Khattabi, focusing on local development and attracting Italian investment.
In Najaf, Ghribi visited the university hospital affiliated with the GSD Hospital Group, where he engaged with Italian and Iraqi doctors working on the ground. He then met with Governor Youssef Kanawi to explore future investment opportunities. The Governor was officially invited to visit Italy to learn more about the GSD – GKSD model and assess its applicability in Iraq.

The visit to Syria

On his way back to Italy, Ghribi made an institutional visit to Damascus, where he met with: Asaad Hassan Al-Shaybani, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Musab Al-Nazzal, Minister of Health; and Mohammed al-Bashir, Minister of Energy.
During the meetings, discussions focused on the potential contribution of GSD – GKSD to Syria’s post-war reconstruction, particularly in the areas of healthcare, energy, education, environmental technologies, and infrastructure. President Ghribi offered the Group’s support in sharing technical expertise, project planning capabilities, and sustainable development models within a framework of international cooperation.

A vision for Mediterranean Cooperation

“There are now real opportunities for Italian businesses in Iraq and Syria, also driven by the remarkable wave of goodwill toward Italy and the Italian government led by Giorgia Meloni,” stated Kamel Ghribi, President of GKSD and Vice President of GSD. “In both countries, I encountered an exceptional willingness to engage in dialogue, a strong desire for growth, and a sincere openness to the Italian experience. Now is the time to build bridges—not only economic ones, but also cultural and social—between our country and two nations eager for a brighter future.”
“The mission confirms the role of GSD – GKSD as a player in economic diplomacy between Italy and the Middle East, capable of combining entrepreneurial vision with social responsibility,” a press note stated. “The Group’s experience in Iraq and the start of dialogue with Syria represent a pioneering model for many other Italian companies, demonstrating how fruitful cooperation based on shared values and concrete goals can be”.

– Photo: GKSD Press Office –
Top left: Kamel Ghribi with Yusuf Kinawi, Governor of Najaf
Top right: Kamel Ghribi with Nassif Jassem Al-Khattabi, Governor of Karbala
Bottom left: Kamel Ghribi with Asaad Al-Eidani, Governor of Basra
Bottom right: Kamel Ghribi with Asaad Hassan Al-Shaybani, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs

(ITALPRESS.

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – More sirens from Saudi Arabia for Lionel Messi. Already courted in the summer of 2023 by the Saudi League upon the expiration of his contract with PSG, the 38-year-old Argentine star, who will be released by Inter Miami in December, would be in the sights of Al-Ahli led on the bench by the German Matthias Jaissle, winner of the Asian Champions League.

The managers of the Saudi sports club in Jeddah, according to what ‘L’Equipe‘ reveals, have been working for weeks to convince the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to play in the ‘City of Sports King Abdullah’ stadium, with Saudi Arabia itself pushing to have him as a sort of testimonial in view of the 2034 World World Cup. Inter Miami, for its part, would like to keep Messi after his first two years in MLS but the story has all the characteristics to become a new summer market torment.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

HOUSTON (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The Concacaf Gold Cup 2025 goes to Mexico. In the final at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Aguirre’s team beat the United States 2-1. Pochettino’s national team took the lead in the 4th minute with Richards, Mexico equalized in the 27th minute with Jimenez and took the lead in the 78th minute with Alvarez after the confirmation of the VAR. For Mexico, who was the reigning champion, this was the 13th win in the competition (the USA remained stuck at 7).

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Kazuyoshi Miura continues to break all records. The Japanese striker yesterday celebrated his 40th season as a professional footballer, playing the first 45 minutes of the Japanese fourth division match between his Atletico Suzuka and Veertien Mie. Last June 15 he had already played 8 minutes against YSCC Yokohama, but his club wanted to honor him with a starting role in a home match to celebrate the 58 years (and 130 days).

“I know it’s rare for a professional athlete to celebrate his 40th season, and I feel really lucky and grateful – said Miura. – I believe I can continue to play, and before today’s game I told my teammates that I feel able to do it thanks to their support. My motivation is to work hard and give my best to be able to play like I did today together with my teammates. Continuing to train daily and maintaining the desire to improve at my age is difficult, but that’s what motivates me.”

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – In search of a successor for coach Renato Paiva, Botafogo has reportedly shown interest in Davide Ancelotti, assistant coach of the Brazilian national team and son of coach Carlo.

According to Globo Esporte, CBF, the Brazilian federation, however, has not yet been contacted by Botafogo regarding a possible purchase of Davide Ancelotti, who has never coached a team in his career.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PORTO (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Francesco Farioli is the new coach of Porto, after signing a contract valid for the next two seasons, until June 2027. The Portuguese club officially announced it on its website.

The press conference to present Francesco Farioli will see the participation of president André Villas-Boas, and is scheduled for Monday at 12 at the do Dragão stadium. Farioli is not the first Italian on the Porto bench: previously, for a very brief period in 2004, Luigi Delneri had coached the Portuguese before leaving the club before the season had even begun.

– photo IPA Agency –

Source: medNews