On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Acting ECOWAS Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, His Excellency Francis Chuks NJOAGUANI, received in audience in Ouagadougou His Excellency Dietrich BECKER, the new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Questions relating to cooperation between ECOWAS and the Federal Republic of Germany, notably through the GIZ, collaboration with the European Union, the decision to withdraw the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from ECOWAS, irregular migration of young people from the region to Europe, and the ECOWAS single currency, among others, were on the agenda.

On the question of the withdrawal of ESA countries from ECOWAS, the Resident Representative reiterated the Community’s efforts to bring about a positive outcome to the situation, notably the recent appointment by the region’s Heads of State of three mediators at the highest level, to initiate dialogue with the ESA countries.

The German Ambassador noted that he had perceived a note of pragmatism in the communiqué of the first Summit of ESA Heads of State and hoped that it would be a good starting point for collaboration between the ESA and ECOWAS. He reiterated his country’s readiness to continue supporting ECOWAS in its efforts to achieve regional integration.

The two personalities were delighted with the fruitful exchanges, which enabled them to take stock of current issues and thus strengthen cooperative relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received Chairman of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Major General Khairat Barakat, to discuss the agency’s work files and its efforts in developing Egypt’s statistical system. The meeting also aimed to review various aspects of the agency’s work, including censuses, surveys conducted, as well as the data and statistics provided to cover all economic and social activities.

During the meeting, H.E. Al-Mashat emphasized the leading role of the CAPMAS in promoting statistical awareness in Egypt. Al-Mashat underscored the importance of statistics and data as fundamental elements in decision-making, especially those related to development, given that policymakers and planners rely on available data to understand realities and optimize resource utilization.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the significance of the statistics and data provided by the agency, which cover all economic, social, demographic, and environmental activities. H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat stressed the importance of making such data accessible to decision-makers, researchers, and the general public, in line with professional principles, international standards, and norms.

The meeting also addressed ongoing efforts to enhance the agency’s information and digital infrastructure, and to ensure that the agency’s personnel are qualified to handle databases and keep pace with developments in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

Moreover, the meeting reviewed mechanisms to develop the statistical system to address data gaps, promote the use of statistics in national policies, planning processes, budget preparation, and performance indicators. It also emphasized the production of information that meets user needs and making it available in suitable formats. Additionally, it discussed integrating multiple sectors into the national statistical system and developing a capacity-building action plan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning and Economic Development – Egypt.

On 21 July 2024, H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs met with H.E. Amb. Ismail Khairat, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Consular Affairs and Egyptian Expatriates, and H.E. Amb. Ahmed Shaheen, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia-Pacific, Australia and New Zealand Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, discussing the Israel-Hamas situation and seeking support for negotiation on the release of 6 Thai hostages held in Gaza.

Both sides also discussed about means to promote further cooperation on the ocassion of 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, for instance, the exchange of visit at various levels, the expansion of trade and investment, tourism, education, and the possibility to jointly organize cultural week.

The Egyptian side expressed appreciation to the Thai side’s warm hospitality during the visit to Thailand of the Grand Imam of Egypt earlier in July, which reflected the strong relations between the two countries. The Vice Minister also expressed his appreciation to the Egyptian side for scholarships granted to the Thai students to study in Egypt for the past several years, as well as agreed with the Egyptian side to push for mechanisms to propel cooperation, e.g. the 3rd Joint Commission and the Political Consultation meetings. The Egypt side also agreed to consider the agreement to waive visa on diplomatic passport, and also to consider the support Thailand’ s application to BRICS membership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Government of the Republic of Seychelles wishes to inform that Mr. Vincent Meriton, former Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, has decided not to proceed with his candidature to the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) at the elections to be held during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly (Summit) of the African Union in February 2025, due to arising health concerns.

The Seychelles Government has thanked Mr. Meriton for endeavouring to take on the responsibility of leading the African Union Commission and feels that Mr Meriton would have been able to contribute to the transformative reforms to propel the Commission forward, had he been successful in his candidature.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.