Latest news with #Gerapetritis
Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Reuters announces first speakers to join inaugural Reuters NEXT Gulf in Abu Dhabi
Definitive live journalism summit spotlights leading voices, including Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, Emaar Founder and Chairman, and HashKey Capital CEO NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reuters today announced the initial lineup of speakers for its premier Reuters NEXT Gulf event in Abu Dhabi on October 22, 2025. The unmatched agenda is set to deliver insights from 40+ experts, including the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE HE Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Emaar Founder and Chairman Mohammed Alabbar and HashKey Capital CEO Deng Chao. Reuters NEXT Gulf, a collaboration between Reuters Events and Reuters global newsroom, will convene more than 350 global leaders, innovators and CEOs in Abu Dhabi to examine the challenges defining business, society and the world. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development is the host city partner of Reuters NEXT Gulf. In a world marked by rapid political, financial, social and technological transformation, staying ahead requires insight and foresight. Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for innovation and business means that nowhere is more relevant for global leaders in business and policy to chart the path forward. Among the first set of speakers announced are: Sinan Ulgen, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Europe and Director, EDAM: The former Turkish diplomat joins the 'What's NEXT? The Gulf's role in a new world order' panel to discuss the critical issues and key leaders shaping the region's future. Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman, Damac Group: The founder of the Emirati conglomerate, best known for its luxury property development arm, is speaking on the 'New corporate playbook: adapting to shifting consumer behavior' panel, sharing insights on how international consumer dynamics are changing. HE Khalfan Belhoul, CEO, Dubai Future Foundation: With a focus on shaping Dubai's future, the government-backed organization joins Reuters NEXT Gulf to discuss its mission of fostering innovation, developing future leaders and building a future-ready city. Mohammed Alabbar, Founder and Chairman, Emaar: In a fireside chat, the founder of Dubai-based real estate development company known for its iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, will discuss new planned ambitious projects both within UAE and as far afield as Montenegro and Indonesia. Luigo Di Maio, Special Representative for the Gulf Region, European Union: Tasked with developing a stronger, more comprehensive and more strategic EU partnership with countries in the Gulf region, he joins the 'Tariff wars and trade shifts' panel. Giorgos Gerapetritis, Foreign Minister, Greece: Gerapetritis, who made a state visit to the Middle East earlier this year, has been positioning Greece as an active and reliable interlocutor in the region's affairs with a commitment to fostering stability and humanitarian aid. Gerapetritis will discuss the region's future against the backdrop of Greece's upcoming tenure as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council. Abdulaziz Al Sager, Head, Gulf Research Institute: The influential businessman, advisory board member and president of Sager Group Holding in Saudi Arabia joins the 'What's NEXT? The Gulf's role in a new world order' panel. Deng Chao, CEO, HashKey Capital: Speaking on the 'Deep tech at scale' panel, Chao brings timely insights from leading a digital asset investment firm that manages more than US$1 billion in client assets and invests globally in crypto and blockchain. Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, International Monetary Fund: From modernizing Lebanon's tax and customs systems in his role as Finance Minister in 2005-08 to now overseeing the IMF's work in the Middle East, North Africa, central Asia and Caucasus, Azour brings his unique experience to the 'What's NEXT? The Gulf's role in a new world order' panel. Nasser Saidi, Politician and Economist, Former Minister of Economy and Industry, Former Vice Governor, Lebanese Central Bank, Lebanon: The founder and president of Nasser Saidi & Associates, which provides economic and business consultancy services to major public and private sector entities, joins the 'Tariff wars and trade shifts' panel. Yusuff Ali, Chairman and Managing Director, Lulu Group: The Indian businessman has played a key role in transforming the retail business into a multinational conglomerate, including its listing on the Abu Dhabi stock exchange last year. He will join the 'New corporate playbook: adapting to shifting consumer behavior' panel. John Pagano, Group CEO, Red Sea Global: With an aim to transform Saudi Arabia's tourism sector with its focus on sustainable development, the luxury tourism developer owned by PIF is behind large scale projects like the Red Sea and AMAALA. Pagano will join the 'New corporate playbook: adapting to shifting consumer behavior' panel. Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria: Nigeria is one of Africa's largest trading partners with the GCC; its trade with the UAE alone exceeds US$3 billion. In a fireside chat, Tuggar will discuss Nigeria's economic and geopolitical relations with countries across the region. Abdulrahman Tarabzouni, CEO, Saudi Technology Ventures: The largest technology-focused venture capital firm in the Middle East and North Africa region manages a US$800 million fund. Tarabzouni shares how his firm invests and scales promising and disruptive technology companies in sectors like e-commerce, fintech, logistics and communications. HE Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE and Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (2008 – 2021): In a wide-ranging fireside chat with Gargash, Reuters will discuss the UAE's foreign policy objectives in the region, including the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the Syrian civil war. HE Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE: Bringing the voice of the UAE government to the 'What's NEXT? The Gulf's role in a new world order' panel, Reuters will unpick how decisions made in the next decade by business, finance and policy leaders in one of the world's fastest-growing regions will have lasting worldwide influence. 'We're uniting market movers and leading visionaries across industries and government at Reuters NEXT Gulf because times of great change demand the emergence of strong leaders,' said Alessandra Galloni, Reuters Editor-in-Chief. 'Our unmatched agenda tackles the world's biggest challenges and opportunities so that leaders can answer today's most pressing questions and ignite change.' The agenda covers six main themes: Geopolitics: The Gulf, like every region in the world, finds itself adapting to significant changes on the world political stage after the 'global year of elections.' Shifting trade patterns are also leading to new financial and diplomatic alliances, amid a broader shift toward deglobalization. Economy & Markets: The Gulf is experiencing a renaissance, bucking global economic trends and growing fast – with growth expected to surge to around 4.4% in 2025, more than doubling 2024 projections. Banking & Finance: The financial services industry in the Gulf is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by the advances of digital technology. The Middle East public cloud market is expected to reach almost $10 billion by 2027, but challenges remain in the form of data security and privacy concerns. Technology & AI: A focus on developing technology and AI has been a key plank of the region's concerted push to diversify beyond oil and gas. Alongside heavy AI investment, there have been significant efforts to develop Arab-language models trained on local datasets. Climate & Sustainability: The Gulf is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, water scarcity, and environmental degradation posing significant challenges. The spotlight is on the region, and its diversification away from oil, with the UAE hosting COP28. Business Leadership: Social, political, and economic upheaval have been a constant theme around the world, and with it has come an increased need for leaders to steer a steady course and rebuild trust. 'The world is undergoing a period of intense change and leaders need insight on what the future may hold to navigate and plan for success. Reuters NEXT Gulf speakers tap into the expertise and experience needed to do just that,' said Josh London, Head of Reuters Professional. 'Reuters is committed to providing professionals in the Middle East with the crucial insights needed to navigate doing business in this time of uncertainty. The expansion of Reuters NEXT to Abu Dhabi, alongside the recent launch of digital subscriptions and a new Arabic website coming later this year, demonstrates the importance of this region.' Visit our event website to learn more, stay up-to-date with new speakers, and register your interest to attend Reuters NEXT Gulf. MEDIA CONTACTHeather CarpenterSenior Director, Communications, Logo – View original content:
Libya Review
06-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Haftar Meets Greek FM in Benghazi
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis met with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi on Sunday, as part of Athens' efforts to expand diplomatic ties in Libya and confront irregular migration. The one-hour meeting focused on growing migrant flows to Crete and maritime jurisdiction issues in the Eastern Mediterranean. The visit highlights Greece's strategic push to engage both eastern and western Libyan factions, aiming to secure influence as the country seeks post-conflict recovery. Gerapetritis underlined the shared geography and historical bonds between Greece and Libya, calling for a stable and prosperous Mediterranean. Speaking after the meeting, Gerapetritis said he exchanged views with Haftar on managing migration, defining maritime boundaries, and enhancing bilateral cooperation. He reiterated Greece's commitment to a 'steady and constructive relationship' with Libya. Later in the day, Gerapetritis met Belgassem Haftar, head of Libya's Reconstruction Fund, who extended an invitation to Greek companies to participate in rebuilding key infrastructure. The move signals an economic opening for Greek firms in energy, construction, and logistics. Although the Greek diplomat was scheduled to visit Tripoli—home to Libya's internationally recognised government—logistical issues led to a postponement until 15 July. His trip underscores Athens' aim to maintain a presence on both sides of Libya's political divide. Greece's outreach comes as Turkey continues to consolidate influence in Libya by engaging both rival factions. Ankara has supported political reconciliation and secured strategic agreements, including maritime and energy cooperation. To counterbalance Turkey's growing presence, Greece is leveraging its membership in the European Union and its role at the UN Security Council. The Greek-Libyan engagement reflects a broader geopolitical contest in the Eastern Mediterranean, where energy resources, migration, and regional alignment remain central concerns. Tags: benghaziGreeceGreek FMkhalifa haftarlibya
Libya Review
03-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Greek Foreign Minister Rejects Political Bidding Over Libya
On Thursday, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis ruled out any attempt by Athens to buy political influence in Libya, despite Turkey's increasing presence there. In press statements, Gerapetritis stressed that Greece remains committed to defending its maritime economic interests in the Mediterranean through diplomacy and international law. 'Greece will never engage in bidding wars over Libya,' Gerapetritis declared. 'We are a reliable partner, firmly committed to international law, and we pursue multi-dimensional diplomacy—from Africa to the Aegean.' Addressing the situation in Libya and ongoing disputes over maritime zones, Gerapetritis insisted that Greece has not abandoned the region. He acknowledged Turkey's growing influence in Libya and wider Africa, but emphasized that Athens has strengthened its own relations with Libyan authorities. 'We have never walked away from Libya. On the contrary, we've restored our diplomatic channels with both sides, and very soon, I will visit both eastern and western Libya,' he confirmed. He also reiterated Greece's rejection of transactional diplomacy, stating, 'We will not buy influence in Libya. We stand by our principles and have plenty of diplomatic tools at our disposal.' Gerapetritis strongly dismissed the 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya's former government, calling it 'infamous, legally void, and in violation of international law.' He asserted that the agreement carries no legal standing regardless of the parties involved. On the issue of irregular migration, the Greek foreign minister announced a new national strategy to address increasing migrant flows from eastern Libya. He described the challenge as part of broader regional instability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. 'The southern migration route is driven by conflict and instability. Greece has made tough decisions, particularly in border control. We keep the sea open—we won't endanger lives—but our approach is proving effective,' he said. Gerapetritis also revealed plans to discuss maritime boundaries with Libyan officials during his upcoming trip and to initiate formal talks on the exclusive economic zone. Additionally, he announced Greece's intention to create marine parks in the Ionian Sea and the southern Aegean, a move he described as both an environmental project and a geopolitical statement, despite anticipated opposition from neighboring countries. Tags: GreeceGreek FMlibyaMartime DealTurkey
Shafaq News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
UK, Greece hail Baghdad's stabilizing role amid regional crisis
Shafaq News/ Iraq received strong international praise on Tuesday for its balanced diplomatic posture and commitment to de-escalation during the recent Iran–Israel conflict, with both the United Kingdom and Greece commending Baghdad's role in promoting regional stability and protecting diplomatic missions. During a meeting in Baghdad, UK Chargé d'Affaires Robin Milton expressed his gratitude to Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji for the government's efforts in securing foreign embassies and maintaining calm amid heightened regional tensions. Milton lauded 'Iraq's effective role in ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions and contributing to de-escalation through its measured foreign policy,' according to a statement from al-Araji's office. Al-Araji reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to safeguarding all diplomatic facilities in the country, emphasizing Baghdad's ongoing efforts to cooperate with regional and international partners to prevent further escalation. 'Iraq continues to work for the security of the region through reason, wisdom, and diplomacy,' he said. خلال اللقاء الذي جمعنا بالقائم بأعمال السفارة البريطانية @UKinIraq في بغداد، السيد روبن ميلتون، أكدنا التزام العراق بتعهداته في حماية البعثات الدبلوماسية العاملة على أراضيه، وأوضحنا أن الحكومة العراقية تواصل جهودها بالتعاون مع الدول الشقيقة والصديقة لتجنب المخاطر المحتملة الناجمة… — قاسم الاعرجي (@qassimalaraji) June 24, 2025 Separately, Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis held a phone call with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague, seeking Iraq's perspective on unfolding developments in the Middle East. Gerapetritis praised Iraq's 'balanced diplomacy and influential regional role' in navigating complex crises and underscored the importance of preventing extremist groups from exploiting current unrest. Hussein welcomed the outreach, highlighting Iraq's proactive diplomatic engagement as key to regional peace. He warned of declining adherence to international law and cautioned that conflicts such as the Gaza war could trigger broader instability across Lebanon and even Iran. He reaffirmed Iraq's support for the US-led ceasefire initiative and expressed hope for serious adherence from all parties. On bilateral ties, both ministers described Iraqi-Greek relations as 'very strong,' agreeing to enhance cooperation. Gerapetritis announced plans to visit Baghdad soon with a delegation of Greek business leaders, a move warmly welcomed by Hussein.
Libya Observer
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Greek FM to visit Libya amid maritime border dispute
Greece's Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, will travel to Libya on 1 July for talks focusing on contested maritime boundaries and rising migration across the Mediterranean, Greek newspaper Kathimerini has reported. A diplomatic source said Gerapetritis will visit both Tripoli and Benghazi and reiterate Athens' call for negotiations on maritime boundaries. The minister is also expected to raise the issue of irregular migration from Libyan shores, which has surged this year. The source said Greece was prepared to provide resources to help Libya combat the flow of migrants and disrupt human trafficking networks. The dispute between Greece and Libya centres on the status of islands including Strofades, Sapienza, Schiza, Gavdos and Chrisi, and their role in drawing maritime borders. Greece maintains these islands must be factored into any agreement. Libya disagrees, arguing that the islands have no effect on the boundaries. Relations between the two nations have been strained recently after Libya's Government of National Unity and its rival administration in the east opposed a Greek call for international oil and gas exploration licences in waters south of Crete. Tags: Greece
