Putin to hold talks with Syria’s Assad on Wednesday: Kremlin
Rwanda to host inaugural Africa Energy Expo in 2024
(About Rwanda: Rwanda - Wikipedia )
BY KANG'ETHE NJOROGE ON MARCH 13, 2023
- Middle East Energy has announced plans to host Africa Energy Expo in February 2024, with Rwanda chosen as the Inaugural host.
- Scheduled for February 2024, the African Energy Expo is a first-of-its-kind trade show, and an extension of Middle East Energy’s 48-year legacy, aimed at promoting sustainable, innovative energy sources and driving the African energy transition.
- The event will be a unique platform for energy leaders to debate and shape the future of the African energy landscape.
Middle East Energy has announced plans to host Africa Energy Expo in February 2024, with Rwanda chosen as the Inaugural host.
The announcement was made at the 2023 Middle East Energy Exhibition and Conference in Dubai.
Scheduled for February 2024, the African Energy Expo is a first-of-its-kind trade show, and an extension of Middle East Energy’s 48-year legacy, aimed at promoting sustainable, innovative energy sources and driving the African energy transition.
The new addition to the already extensive energy portfolio of the company was announced by
Azzan Mohamed, Exhibition Director – Energy Portfolio MEA; Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Manager – Energy Portfolio MEA;
and members of the Rwandan government represented by H.E Emmanuel Hategeka, the Ambassador of Rwanda to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and
Yves Gahonzire, Business Development Manager, Rwanda Convention Bureau.
In his remarks, Azzan Mohamed detailed how the upcoming event will create more avenues for
Pan-African energy sectors to strengthen relationships and unlock investment opportunities.
“Since inception, the goal of Middle East Energy has been to drive transformation in the energy sectors of the Middle East and African regions. We have played a strategic role in bridging the gap between buyers, sellers, and all agents in the energy and power ecosystem through our events portfolio which includes Middle East Energy, Nigeria Energy, and Egypt Energy.”
“The upcoming African Energy Expo will drive our goal forward by fostering
collaborations between stakeholders across East, West, North, South, and Central African countries. In addition to being a platform for the discovery of the latest technological innovations, it will feature a high-level Leadership Forum with engaging panel discussions, keynotes, and networking opportunities.”
Middle East Energy is the leading energy industry event in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Every year, it provides a unique platform for energy leaders to debate and shape the future of energy transition in the region. Enjoying a 45-year legacy, Middle East Energy provides opportunities for all agents in the energy ecosystem to network with international energy suppliers, discover products and solutions that are changing the energy landscape, and build long-lasting business relationships.
The Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE, H.E Emmanuel Hategeka, also said “We are delighted to host this event in Rwanda, a country that has made positive advancements in the energy transition to renewables but is also the second most attractive MICE destination on the continent. Over the past two decades, we have consciously invested in the stability, safety, as well as infrastructure of the country and ensured that Rwanda is an open-to-business nation.”
“We are one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa with pre-pandemic GDP growth of around 8 percent per year, having shown resilience throughout the pandemic and a strong bounce back. By investing in a national airline that is connecting the country to the world, implementing policies such as visa-on-arrival for tourists from around the globe, to building a new airport to accommodate the growing tourism traffic, Rwanda is the go-to place for leisure and MICE on the continent,” he concluded.
(MICE: Meetings Incentives Conventions Exhibitions bzw. Events (MICE) . UvM)
The African Energy Expo will enable the establishment of resilient energy systems and infrastructures across all regions in Africa, by providing an unmatched opportunity for pan- African communities to connect and network.
Yves Gahonzire, Business Development Manager, Rwanda Convention Bureau reinforced Rwanda’s enthusiasm to be the host for the annual African Energy Expo saying, “As one of the governing boards of Rwanda, we are very excited at Rwanda Convention Bureau to partner with Middle East Energy to host this caliber of event. Rwanda is ready and open to channel a Pan-African drive and move the energy sectors forward. There are great opportunities in Africa’s energy sectors for investment in the regional market, and the event will be the hub for
partnerships and collaborations”.
As an extension of Middle East Energy, the leading energy trade event in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, it will be a unique platform for energy leaders to debate and shape the future of the African energy landscape.
About Kang'ethe Njoroge
A communication expert with over 10 years’ in journalism and public relations. My ability to organize, coordinate and follow through assignments has enabled me to excel in media. I have a passion for business in Africa and of course business in Kenya!
Rwanda to host inaugural Africa Energy Expo in 2024 (theexchange.africa)
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EP Plenary: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on the situation in Israel and Palestine
President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament,
Thank you for this opportunity to address you today on these increasingly important issues. Everybody has been following closely the developments in the Middle East in the past weeks, both in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
First, I would like to start by underlining both, the European Union’s and my own personal engagement with both parties. I have been in contact with both, Israeli Foreign Minister [Eli] Cohen – even this morning - and Palestinian Prime Minister [Mohammad] Shtayyeh. We invited Prime Minister Shtayyeh to Brussels, where we had a very good exchange at the last Foreign Affairs Council in January.
This has been coupled with public messaging - you have seen a number of my statements. Not my statements, the last one was a statement of 27 Member States. Sometimes people blame me for the statements of the 27 Member States [but] it is not me, it is the 27 Member States. I am representing the Council, and the Council is [composed of] the 27 Member States.
This was issued last Wednesday, after we faced a difficult situation on the ground, with increasing violence and extremism. I think it is crucial that the European Union is united and speaks with one voice - not my voice, the voice of the 27 [Member States], all together.
We managed to reach an agreement of the 27 [Member States] and this is the first time it happens in many years that we have a statement of the 27 [Member States on this issue].
I spoke this morning on the phone with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who was not very happy about this debate. He was concerned and asking why the European Parliament is interfering in internal affairs of Israel - once again, blaming me. I am sorry, I am coming to the [European] Parliament and if the [European] Parliament calls me to discuss about something, I have to come, isn’t it? It is not me who put this title “Deterioration of democracy in Israel and the consequences in the occupied territories”, it is the political groups.
This parliament is free to discuss everything they consider important. And that is what I tried to explain to the Israeli minister [in a] very friendly [way]: “Look, it is normal that the parliamentarians are concerned for the growing spiral of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, and [there is] the need for all sides to de-escalate the situation.”
I mentioned this agreement that we - the 27 Member States - reached, where, of course, we condemn terrorism. Of course, we fully recognise Israel’s right to defend itself. And we certainly never draw comparisons between operations by the Israeli military and the actions of terrorists. But we have to call for the proportional use of force. Nor do we [tolerate] any kind of funding activities that could encourage incitement.
Of course, we are a strong believer in the two-state solution, and there is no - we believe - viable alternative to that. With our international partners, we will continue to work for a peaceful solution to the conflict.
And I am using this Parliament to say that - I suppose you agree - the European Union has to engage in looking for peace in the Middle East. And that the Middle East Peace Process is something that matters to us, and we are engaged in that. Maybe someone does not like it, but we do it because we believe that it is our contribution to the security in the region and to our security too.
So, I hope that today it will be a good discussion to show to [Israeli Foreign] Minister Cohen that the [European] Parliament is ready to discuss what is happening in the Middle East and how we can contribute to the Peace Process, and this is not at all to have an anti-Israeli position - not at all.
Second, we have known Israel for its vibrant democracy, that is true. So vibrant that we have seen five elections in the past three years – very vibrant. Five elections in three years shows quite a dynamic electoral process.
The new government is keen to pursue a judicial reform and that is what we want to discuss today. A judicial reform which has led to a heated internal political debate. And everybody knows because everybody watches TV and reads newspapers, that many Israelis have been demonstrating in the streets. And both the government and the opposition are using fierce language. A compromise seems difficult, but as far as I know, talks are ongoing – especially thanks to the efforts of President [of Israel, Isaac] Herzog. And I do not want to prejudge the outcome of this debate. I am not part of this debate, I am just saying that this debate is taking place. And I can remind you what President Herzog himself has said.
We are a close observer because Israel is a key partner, and our shared values are based on a democratic and open society and the rule of law. We expect this to continue.
And if we have concern, if you have concerns, you will not hesitate in expressing them and conveying them, as you do in any part of the world.
For example, the Knesset is discussing a bill that could re-establish the death penalty. We know that we are strongly, and we are in principle, opposed to the death penalty. And for sure, today I am sure that many members will engage on this clearly.
Third, with full respect to the internal political dynamics with Israel, this chamber is fully empowered to discuss about these dynamics and to understand what happens there with respect to our perception of values and interests in the region – nothing is strange with that.
This cannot be seen as an interference but a way of showing our interest and our appreciation for the Israeli democracy.
Then, you present in the title of the debate also the consequences on the occupied Palestinian territory. And I am not inventing a new word if I say that the situation there is grave, and that violence has reached levels unseen since 2005 with an appalling number of victims, including children.
This cannot go [on] like this. And I made a call, with our [EU27] statement, and also with an article published in the Middle Eastern press, asking both sides to act urgently and responsibly.
They need to do whatever they can to allow for a change of course. And we have been clear, and I will be clear once again: settlements are illegal under international law. Is that being anti-Israeli, saying that? No. Settlements are illegal under international law and their expansion must stop, as well as demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes. The Israeli government must seriously counter the violence of settler extremists and hold perpetrators accountable. And military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law. It is difficult not to agree on that.
But the Palestinian Authority must act too. They must redouble their efforts in terms of security cooperation, and work to prevent acts of terror that have claimed many Israeli lives. It is equally important that the Palestinians work towards reconciliation in order to reunite the Palestinian territories under one single legitimate authority. Palestinian factions should engage constructively in reconciliation talks. Palestinian people deserve the right to vote in national democratic elections to renew the legitimacy of their leadership. This is important also in view of future peace talks.
The international community must act as well to help bring about renewed perspectives for peace. And we need renewed international efforts to help both Israelis and Palestinians to think through their options.
And in order to contribute to it, on the 13 of February, I met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal [Bin Farhan Al Saud] and with Arab League Secretary-General Aboul Ghei and we agreed to work together towards a viable solution, in order to revive and build on the Arab Peace Initiative, also by adding a European peace contribution to it. And in this effort, we will be working closely with other Arab and international partners.
We have also supported the work of the United States, including on the recent Aqaba Joint Communique. And all parties should now respect the agreement reached in Aqaba in good faith.
We must help to create the conditions where it would be advantageous for Israelis and Palestinians to go back to the negotiation table and talk. And nothing will make me happier [than] to be able to contribute, from the [side of] European Union, to prepare this process.
I think everybody in this chamber agrees that the European Union should do all we can in order to contribute to a peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Middle East and [to reach] peace between Israel and Palestine.
This, and nothing else, is what is moving us, and in particular me.
Thank you.
Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-238459
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Putin to hold talks with Syria’s Assad on Wednesday: Kremlin
- Assad's office said he had arrived in Moscow for an official visit during which he would meet with Putin
- Assad was accompanied by a "large ministerial delegation", said the Syrian presidency statement
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Syria’s leader Bashar Assad in Moscow on Wednesday, the Kremlin said.
“Topical issues of further development of Russian-Syrian cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the situation in and around Syria will be discussed,” the Kremlin said in a statement on Tuesday.
Assad’s office said he had arrived in Moscow for an official visit during which he would meet with Putin.
In a statement, it said that the Syrian president had been greeted on arrival by Putin’s special representative Mikhail Bogdanov and the Russian ambassador to Damascus Alexander Yefimov.
Assad was accompanied by a “large ministerial delegation,” said the Syrian presidency statement.
Damascus is a staunch ally of Moscow which intervened in the Syrian conflict in 2015 by launching air strikes to support the government’s struggling forces.
The Syrian civil war has killed around half a million people and displaced millions more since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
Putin to hold talks with Syria’s Assad on Wednesday: Kremlin (arabnews.com)
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