Latest news with #Algiers
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in Arab forum for equality in Algeria
Algiers: The Sultanate of Oman participated on Wednesday in the Fourth Arab Forum for Equality 'Dialogue and Solutions' 2025, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, represented Oman at the forum. This year's forum focused on discussing regional priorities to address inequality and social protection amid the crises facing the Arab region. It examined how social protection systems can reduce inequalities stemming from economic, environmental, humanitarian, and political challenges, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development. During a panel discussion on 'Financing Comprehensive Social Protection,' Dr. Al Najjar highlighted Oman's key national experiences and practices in this field, including the implementation of a social protection system to enhance financial and operational efficiency, diversify funding sources, and provide direct cash benefits to the elderly, children, orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. She also addressed ways to strengthen integration between government and private sectors and civil society institutions to expand social protection coverage. Emphasising that investment in social protection is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and social well-being, she noted its alignment with the goals of 'Oman Vision 2040.' The forum, attended by ministers, officials, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and experts, facilitated the exchange of national and international experiences on reducing inequality in the Arab region. It showcased best regional and global practices in social protection systems, their role in mitigating inequality, supporting vulnerable groups, and engaging stakeholders in solution-driven dialogue to enhance social cohesion. Sessions covered topics such as 'Extending Social Protection to the Informal Sector,' 'Social Protection Under War, Israeli Occupation, and Conflict,' 'Social Protection as a Pathway to Reducing Inequality,' and 'Innovative Solutions to Strengthen Social Protection.' Discussions concluded with a focus on 'Global Partnerships for More Effective Social Protection.' -ONA
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman pavilion draws large crowd at Algiers International Fair
Algiers: The Sultanate of Oman's pavilion at the 56th Algiers International Fair, where Oman is the guest of honour, has attracted significant attention from visitors and Algerian business representatives since its opening. Algerian visitors and business leaders told Oman News Agency (ONA) that Oman's pavilion stands out as a highlight of this year's fair, showcasing the nation's heritage and culture through its distinctive design. The pavilion features a diverse range of Omani companies operating in industrial, commercial, and service sectors. Tariq Mosoni, a plastics industry entrepreneur, noted that the Omani pavilion offers high-quality products with excellent specifications, praising both the products and competitive pricing of Omani plastic companies, which have gained popularity among Algerian consumers. In her turn, Iman Bouthelja, a visitor, expressed admiration for the product variety, describing the pavilion as 'magnificent' and well-received by attendees. She anticipated that participating Omani companies would secure commercial contracts and agencies with Algerian firms, given their products' quality and specifications. Meanwhile, Algerian businessman Abdurrahman bin Omar highlighted that Oman's pavilion provides Algerian visitors and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to closely view Omani products and industries. He noted their high quality could help establish trade partnerships in Algerian and neighbouring markets, revealing his decision to partner with several Omani companies in electrical and agricultural sectors. The Omani pavilion features 60 companies spanning pharmaceuticals, transportation, electrical transformers, real estate, fisheries, tourism, food products, handicrafts and other sectors.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Algeria prosecution seeks 10 years jail for writer Sansal on appeal
ALGIERS: Algeria's prosecutor general sought at an appeal hearing on Tuesday 10 years in prison for novelist Boualem Sansal, doubling his current sentence, an AFP journalist in the courtroom reported. The dual Algerian French writer, whose case has been at the heart of a diplomatic row between Paris and Algiers, was sentenced to five years imprisonment on March 27. A verdict is expected on July 1. Sansal, 80, was arrested in November at the Algiers airport and has been detained since for undermining Algeria's territorial integrity. This came after he said in an interview with a far-right French media outlet that France unfairly ceded Moroccan territory to Algeria during the 1830-1962 colonial era. The statement was viewed by Algeria as an affront to its national sovereignty and echoed a long-standing Moroccan claim. On Tuesday, Sansal appeared before the judge without legal representation after authorities said he wished to defend himself. 'The Algerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and conscience,' he told the court during the roughly 20-minute hearing, seemingly in good health. 'This makes no sense.' Defending the remarks he made to French far-right media on Algeria's borders, he said: 'Fortunately, after independence in 1962, the African Union declared that inherited colonial borders are inviolable.' Also questioned on some of his books, Sansal answered: 'We are holding a trial over literature? Where are we headed?' According to his relatives, Sansal has been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, and many feared his health would deteriorate in prison. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune to show 'mercy and humanity' toward Sansal. But Algiers has insisted that the writer has been afforded due process. His conviction and sentence further frayed ties between Paris and Algiers, already strained by migration issues and Macron's recognition last year of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which is claimed by the Algeria-backed pro-independence Polisario Front. Charges against the writer include 'undermining national unity,' 'insulting state institutions,' 'harming the national economy,' and 'possessing media and publications threatening the country's security and stability.'
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Forum in Algiers highlights Algerian-Omani Economic Partnerships
Algiers: The Algerian-Omani Business Forum, titled 'Algerian-Omani Economic Partnerships: Pioneering Fields and Promising Prospects," was held on Tuesday in the Algerian capital, as part of Oman's participation as the guest of honour at the 56th Algiers International Fair. Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasized that the organisation of this forum—attended by elite business leaders from both countries—reflects the mutual interest in strengthening relations, enhancing bilateral investment and exploring trade and investment opportunities to boost commercial exchange, imports and exports. In his speech, he stated that Oman seeks to diversify its imports, promote Omani exports and establish investment integration between the two nations. He noted that the forum aims to develop joint collaboration and expand the foundations of integration toward broader horizons, building a competitive economy that interacts with global markets, adapts to changes, and sustains national economic growth. He added that both governments are committed to providing all necessary facilities, incentives and enablers to empower the private sector in contributing to sustainable prosperity and development. The Minister expressed hope that Oman's participation as the guest of honor at the 56th Algiers International Fair would enhance investment and trade exchange between the two countries. He called on the private sectors in both nations to play their desired role, with both governments ready to provide all required support. On his turn, Tayeb Zitouni, Minister of Internal Trade and Market Regulation of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, expressed pride in the historical and fraternal ties between the two countries, which have reached a strategic level of convergence and understanding in recent years. In his remarks, he highlighted the state visit of the President of Algeria to Oman in October 2024, followed by the state visit of His Majesty the Sultan to Algeria in May 2025, as pivotal milestones in Algerian-Omani relations. These visits culminated in a joint statement that clearly affirmed the leaders' commitment to strengthening bilateral partnership and elevating it to broader horizons, serving the mutual interests of both nations and peoples. He noted that Algerian-Omani economic cooperation has taken promising steps, reflected in major projects such as the fertilizer production complex in 'Arzew" city, valued at approximately $2.4 billion, and the establishment of the Algerian-Omani Investment Fund. Additionally, projects under study in sectors such as automobiles, energy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture were discussed. He stressed the potential to expand economic cooperation into promising and vital sectors like tourism, services, cultural industries, and traditional crafts—areas where both countries possess significant potential and real investment opportunities. He called for doubling efforts to develop export-import channels and leveraging both nations' natural and human resources. Meanwhile, Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the forum explored joint partnership opportunities and reviewed available investment prospects in both countries. He added that partnerships between investors in both nations are expected in various sectors, particularly manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, noting that the Algerian market is promising and strategically positioned to provide investors access to neighboring markets. The forum featured three panel discussions addressing investment opportunities in logistics, manufacturing, and urban development. Additionally, promotional presentations on investment in Oman and Algeria were showcased on the sidelines. Bilateral meetings were held between business leaders from both countries to explore joint trade and investment cooperation, including opening marketing channels for their products and establishing joint investment ventures. The forum was attended by Saif Nasser Al Badai, Ambassador of Oman to Algeria, along with several officials from the public and private sectors and some business leaders from both nations.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman, Algeria explore new avenues for trade, investment cooperation
Algiers, Algeria –Qais Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, held a series of high-level meetings with Algerian ministers and senior officials to explore ways to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Oman and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The discussions took place on the sidelines of Oman's participation as the guest of honour at the Algiers International Fair, reflecting the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations. Yousef met separately with Saïd Grib, Minister of Industry; Kamel Rezig, Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion; Tayeb Zitouni, Minister of Domestic Trade and Market Regulation; and Omar Rekkache, Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency. The meetings focused on activating existing agreements and memoranda of understanding, while identifying new areas of partnership in sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, and real estate. The two sides discussed facilitating joint projects, increasing trade volumes, and boosting cross-border investments through targeted incentives and streamlined procedures. Yousef stressed that these meetings reflect the spirit of the joint communique issued during the historic state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Algeria in May. He noted that the visit laid the groundwork for a new phase of strategic cooperation across multiple sectors. 'Algeria has shown strong interest in expanding its partnership with Oman, and we see a shared commitment to creating broader opportunities for investors and business leaders in both countries,' Yousef said. As part of the visit, the minister and his delegation toured the Rouiba Industrial Zone and visited leading Algerian companies, including the National Company for General Industries – a key player in energy and petroleum equipment manufacturing – as well as major producers in the dairy and sugar industries. The Omani delegation included Saif Nasser al Badai, Oman's Ambassador to Algeria; Faisal Abdullah al Rowas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Eng Dawood Salim al Haddabi, CEO of Madayn (Public Establishment for Industrial Estates); along with representatives from various government institutions, private sector entities, and prominent business leaders. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
