Latest news with #MinistryofInformation
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Russia marks formal diplomatic entry into Africa's youngest country
The Russian Federation is set to inaugurate the mission between September and October 2025, marking a pivotal step in Moscow's growing engagement with Africa's youngest nation. This move signals Russia's formal diplomatic entry into South Sudan and reflects its broader ambition to strengthen political, economic, and security ties across the continent. It also aligns with Moscow's strategic posture of deepening partnerships in the Horn of Africa amid shifting global alliances. South Sudan's Ambassador to Russia, Chol Tong Mayay, announced the embassy plan during a farewell meeting with a delegation from the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology & Postal Services. The delegation had just returned from participating in the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF'25), which concluded the previous week. Ambassador Mayay urged Juba to strengthen economic ties with Moscow, calling Russia a reliable and strategic partner. He noted that scholarships for South Sudanese students have increased from five to 25 this year, part of broader efforts to build human capital and deepen cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, defense, and education. South Sudan welcomes move South Sudan's government has welcomed the move, describing it as a strategic step that could unlock new avenues for cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and defense. The planned embassy will serve as a permanent diplomatic mission, replacing Moscow's current arrangement of managing relations through its embassy in neighboring Ethiopia. Russia's engagement with South Sudan has grown steadily, in line with its broader push to expand influence in the Horn of Africa. During a meeting in Moscow last year, President Vladimir Putin described relations with Juba as developing ' intensively,' noting that Russia was among the first to recognize South Sudan's independence. Ambassador Mayay further revealed that between May and June 2025, Russia and South Sudan signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding focusing on mineral extraction and petroleum exploration.
American Military News
6 days ago
- Politics
- American Military News
Cambodia, Thailand wage tit-for-tat as border rift widens
This article was originally published by Radio Free Asia and is reprinted with permission. Cambodia on Tuesday blocked imports of Thai vegetables and fruit, and Thailand banned its nationals from working at some casinos inside Cambodia in fresh fallout from a border dispute sparked by a 10-minute firefight last month. Cambodia's Ministry of Information said that starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, authorities along the border with Thailand closed gates to block the import of Thai agricultural products. Prime Minister Hun Manet declared Tuesday that Cambodia will only allow the Thai imports if the Thai military reopens all border checkpoints and resumes normal operations. He also set that as a condition for discussing reductions in troops numbers at the border. Tensions and military deployments have spiked since Thai forces shot dead a Cambodian soldier on May 28. Thailand says Cambodian forces dug a trench on the Thai side of the border. 'Thailand must first show genuine goodwill and comply with our basic condition, which is to reopen the border crossings on both sides to the way they were. Only then will we talk about troop matters,' Hun Manet said Tuesday. Since June 7, Thailand has restricted border openings to 8am to 4pm. Usually they are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thailand's military was planning to propose a reduction in troop deployments along the border during a Thailand-Cambodia Regional Border Committee meeting scheduled for June 27-28. But Deputy Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit said Cambodia, which was due to host the meeting, has indefinitely postponed it, The Nation reported. On Tuesday, the Thai military banned Thais from crossing the border to work at casinos and entertainment venues in Poipet, which lies on the Cambodian side of the main land border crossing point between the two countries, opposite the eastern Thai town of Aranyaprathet. Casinos are not legal in Thailand, so gambling establishments proliferate near at key border crossings in neighboring countries like Cambodia. The Bangkok Post newspaper reported that the order took effect on Tuesday at 8 a.m. and is in place until further notice. It is aimed at guaranteeing the safety of Thai people, the report said. Police Col. Napatrapong Supaporn, immigration police chief in Sa Kaeo province, was quoted as saying that Thais who are still in Poipet should return home for their own safety. Meanwhile, authorities in the Cambodian border provinces including Pursat and Preah Vihear announced on Facebook that hundreds of families had been evacuated from frontline areas to safer locations. This week, Cambodia submitted a request for the International Court of Justice in The Hague to rule on the demarcation of four locations at the border, including near the scene of last month's clash. The border dispute has historical roots and the two sides differ over which maps to use in demarcating territory. The last time there was a serious and bloody flare-up in tensions was between 2008 and 2011, over a disputed 11th century temple at Preah Vihear. The International Criminal Court has granted sovereignty over the temple to Cambodia.
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos strives to develop strong tourism growth
This photo taken on January 28, 2024 shows Chinese tourists at a train station in Luang Prabang. From January to March 2025, Laos welcomed 1,262,035 foreign tourists, marking an 11 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. - AFP VIENTIANE: Laos' Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism will roll out a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism sector, attracting more visitors and boosting national revenue. According to Lao National TV on Friday (June 20), the ministry will focus on improving access to tourist sites, upgrading transport and facilities to meet both national and international standards, and ensuring a safe, clean,and enjoyable experience for visitors. Key priorities include enhancing infrastructure and transportation within and around major tourist destinations, as well as diversifying tourism offerings through greater involvement of local communities and the private sector. The government also aims to strengthen the management of popular tourist towns and improve service quality by aligning with Asean and national tourism standards. To boost visibility, promotional efforts will be expanded across various media platforms, ensuring accurate and timely information reaches a broad audience. In support of economic growth, the government will promote the adoption of digital payment systems to encourage domestic currency circulation, while also modernising border checkpoints to streamline entry procedures for travelers. The ministry will also encourage closer cooperation with tourism associations and neighbouring countries, and review visa policies to enhance accessibility for international visitors. These comprehensive efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Laos as a more attractive, competitive, and sustainable tourism destination within the region. From January to March 2025, Laos welcomed 1,262,035 foreign tourists, marking an 11 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, domestic tourism experienced a remarkable surge, with 1,467,886 local travelers recorded, a 98.6 per cent rise compared to the same period last year. - Xinhua
Saba Yemen
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Meeting in Sana'a discusses media preparation for Conference of Greatest Messenger
Sana'a – Saba A meeting was held today in Sana'a, chaired by Minister of Information Hashem Sharaf Al-Din, with the participation of the Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Third International Conference on the Greatest Messenger (PBUH), Abdulrahman Al-Afif, member of the Supervisory Committee Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shoaibi, and Conference President Dr. Al-Qassem Abbas. The meeting, attended by the heads of the conference's Media Committee, Dhaifallah Al-Shami, and the Relations Committee, Dr. Ali Muthaffar, as well as Deputy Head of the Preparatory Committee Abdullah Rubaid, discussed aspects related to media preparation and coverage for the conference scheduled to be held from 21 to 23 Rabi' al-Awwal 1447 AH. The meeting reviewed the conference's key themes, including cultural and social, political and administrative, economic, educational and scientific, professional, technical and industrial, media, and security and military aspects. It also addressed the role of media in covering the conference's activities and various topics. During the meeting, the Minister of Information affirmed the commitment of media institutions and outlets to actively cover and accompany the conference's proceedings and topics, reflecting the Yemeni people's deep reverence for the Greatest Messenger (PBUH) and his noble legacy. He emphasized that the research papers submitted for the conference are rooted in real-world needs rather than theoretical frameworks, and were carefully selected for their relevance to the state and society. He highlighted the importance of these studies in delivering a meaningful media message that strengthens Yemenis' love and deep connection to the Prophet (PBUH). Minister Sharaf Al-Din also stressed the media's eagerness to cover the conference comprehensively, particularly the media axis, which requires scientific contributions to effectively convey the message of this significant religious occasion both domestically and internationally. He affirmed that the Ministry of Information, its leadership, and media institutions would stand as strong supporters of the conference committees and organizers, especially given that it is the first global conference of this magnitude aimed at showcasing the status of the Prophet (PBUH) in the hearts of all Muslims, and Yemenis in particular. Meanwhile, Conference President Dr. Al-Qassem Abbas and Media Committee Head Al-Shami expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Information for its support and sponsorship of the conference and its activities. They confirmed the Ministry's role in overseeing media efforts for the conference, noting that the media work has been structured into three phases: preparation and setup, live coverage and accompaniment, and post-conference follow-up to implement recommendations and outcomes—ensuring the event reflects the greatness and noble status of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Observer
18-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman participates in Beijing book fair
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Information, is participating in the Beijing International Book Fair 2025, which runs until 22 June in the Chinese capital, Beijing. Oman's participation aims to activate its pavilion as a literary and intellectual hub, offering visitors insights into the nation's past, present and future. The pavilion features a diverse and extensive collection of publications across literary, artistic, intellectual and scientific fields, with a particular focus on titles in English and Chinese. Additionally, visual presentations highlight Oman's cultural, historical and civilisational landmarks, alongside digital and visual publications through the "Ayn' platform. The participation also seeks to strengthen cultural and media cooperation between Oman and China, fostering intellectual and literary exchange. It aims to promote cultural collaboration in authorship, publishing and book production, while introducing Omani writers to audiences in Arab, Islamic and international markets. The pavilion also promotes Muscat International Book Fair and attracts new publishing houses to participate, reflecting Oman's commitment to active engagement and positive influence in the global cultural landscape. Oman's presence at the fair underscores the significance of cultural and intellectual exchange as a cornerstone of the country's cultural strategy and a key pillar of Oman Vision 2040. — ONA
