Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Finance Dr. Mohamed Maait, and Minister of Transport Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, said the meeting reviewed the implementation status of the investment plan for the transportation sector projects. The President was briefed on efforts to develop the railway system, rehabilitate and develop the Greater Cairo metro lines, in addition to projects for the construction, modernization, and operation of ports across the country in partnership with a number of global companies. The meeting also followed up on the latest with regard to the government’s efforts to localize industries related to the transport sector in Egypt by establishing partnerships with the private sector and attracting foreign investment in this field.

President El-Sisi gave directives to continue efforts aimed at improving the localization of industry in Egypt in the transport sector and increasing the percentage of the local component by intensifying ongoing work to provide the necessary facilitations in this regard, which will help implement the state’s strategy to strengthen the national industry in productive fields and achieve maximum benefit from the advanced infrastructure that has been constructed and modernized in various sectors across the republic. In this context, the President gave directives to expedite the completion of the construction and development of maritime, land, and dry ports, as well as logistic zones, to encourage transit trade and develop Egyptian exports, ultimately transforming Egypt into a regional hub for transportation and transit trade. This shall provide more distinguished job opportunities for citizens and drive comprehensive economic and social development efforts.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

“Today, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen, we are witnessing a global and collective failure to protect civilians in armed conflicts” says ICRC president Mirjana Splojaric. Statement for the first international follow-up conference to review implementation of the Political Declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas on Tuesday 23 April 2024 in Oslo (Sweden).”

“Today, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen, we are witnessing a global and collective failure to protect civilians in armed conflicts” says ICRC’s president Mirjana Splojaric. Statement for the first international follow-up conference to review implementation of the Political Declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas on Tuesday 23 April 2024.

The human toll of these wars, exacerbated by the use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas, is unacceptable.

Heavy explosive weapons put at risk everyone – children, women and men – and everything – homes, schools and hospitals – within their wide impact areas often extending well beyond their target. In urban environments where military objectives, civilians and civilian objects are commingled, the results are devastating. The ICRC teams on the ground have seen scores of civilians killed or injured, often left with permanent disabilities or serious mental trauma. Cities are reduced to rubble, with homes, infrastructures, schools and cultural sites destroyed. People’s means of earning a living are wiped out. Services essential for human survival collapse, leaving entire populations without access to water, sanitation, electricity or health care – causing more death and disease, triggering displacement and setting development back decades.

The ICRC has witnessed the human cost of war and heavy explosive weapons rising over the past two years. It has become intolerable.

Importantly, it raises serious questions about how states and non-state armed groups using such weapons are interpreting and applying the rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) that govern the conduct of hostilities. These IHL rules are all about protecting civilians from the deadly dangers of hostilities. They stem from the cardinal principle of distinction that requires all parties to a conflict to distinguish at all times between the civilian population and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives. Attacks must not be directed against civilians or civilian objects, and indiscriminate attacks are prohibited.

Furthermore, the principles of proportionality and precaution afford protection to civilians and civilian objects against the danger of being incidentally harmed by attacks against military objectives. In the conduct of military operations, constant care must be taken to spare the civilian population and civilian objects. Attacks are prohibited when they may be expected to cause incidental harm to civilians and civilian objects that would be excessive or could be avoided or minimized.

And yet, we see exceptions to IHL being made that strip entire categories of people of their protection. We see transactional and reciprocal arguments invoked in an attempt to justify unacceptable interpretations of proportionality, feasible precautions not being taken and other non-compliant behaviors. We see military necessity being increasingly emphasized to the detriment of sparing civilian lives, with far too little regard being paid to the protective purpose of IHL. As parties to armed conflicts interpret these tenets of international humanitarian law with increased elasticity, they set a dangerous precedent with tragic consequences for all.

On the contrary, these principles and rules must be faithfully complied with at all times by all parties in all armed conflicts, including when using explosive weapons in populated areas.

In this respect, we commend the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas for stressing the importance of full compliance with IHL as a means to protect civilians and civilian objects and to avoid, and in any event minimize, civilian harm.

While there is no general prohibition under IHL against using heavy explosive weapons in populated areas, their use in these areas is very likely to have indiscriminate effects, and, depending on the circumstances, IHL rules may well prohibit such use. This underpins the long-standing call by the ICRC and the broader International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to all states and non-state armed groups that are parties to armed conflicts to avoid the use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas. These weapons should not be used in populated areas unless sufficient mitigation measures can be taken to limit their wide area effects and the consequent risk of civilian harm.

In this regard, the declaration is a groundbreaking achievement. It acknowledges the profound suffering inflicted by these weapons and is the first instrument expressly committing states to curb their use.

The declaration recognizes that, beyond compliance with the law, effectively protecting civilians requires states and parties to armed conflicts to review and improve national policy and practice with regard to the protection of civilians during armed conflict involving the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

The ICRC welcomes this political commitment. The daily reminders from around the world of the devastation caused by urban warfare highlight the declaration’s relevance and urgency. However, in the reality of armed conflicts, we must soberly acknowledge that the declaration’s life-saving potential will only materialize if:

all endorsing states implement the declaration – in letter and spirit
all parties to armed conflict, including non-state armed groups, fully adhere to its commitments, and
all warring parties interpret IHL, including its rules on the conduct of hostilities, in good faith, as the protective body of law it is meant to be.

Words matter. Political pledges matter. Yet they offer scant consolation to civilians worldwide enduring the horrors of bombardment. What is urgently needed is tangible, on-the-ground change. We call on you all to take concrete steps, here in Oslo and when back in your capitals, to make this change.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

A groundbreaking agreement between MSC Group, MSC Foundation and the charity Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org) International prepares for the construction of a brand-new hospital ship that will deliver free surgery and training annually to thousands of people in Africa.

On 8 April, the chairman of MSC Group and MSC Foundation, Capt. Gianluigi Aponte, Diego Aponte, MSC Group President and Member of the MSC Foundation Board, and Mercy Ships Founder Don Stephens finalised an agreement to kickstart this new project with a generous anchor donation from MSC Foundation, reflecting the visionary leaders’ commitment to supporting access to critical healthcare for the generations to come.

“I spent part of my childhood and early years in the shipping industry in the Horn of Africa, it is a region close to my heart. I saw firsthand the challenges faced by many local communities there and this shaped my conviction that improving the availability of healthcare would bring real and lasting impact for them. It has been extremely gratifying to work with Don and provide this crucial support through his unique organisation Mercy Ships, our partnership has reaped extraordinary results already and now we are on the verge of expanding their fleet to increase this support. I truly look forward to seeing this new ship set sail to help more communities across Africa” said Capt. Aponte, founder of the MSC Group. 

Since Mercy Ships was founded in 1978, the organisation has provided more than 117,000 transformational specialised surgical procedures. These surgeries include maxillofacial reconstructions, contracture release for severe burns, correction for orthopaedic problems in children, cleft lip and palate repair, ophthalmology and dental services. Mercy Ships, a non-governmental organisation, is also committed to boosting the capacities of local healthcare systems through sustainably designed surgical education, training, and advocacy programs.  Mercy Ships has provided additional training to more than 54,300 local professionals in their areas of expertise.

Expanding its fleet with a new purpose-built hospital ship, designed to similar specifications as the Global Mercy™ with a focus on designated training spaces, will allow Mercy Ships to increase its capacity to collaborate with host nations in training and advocacy efforts.

The need to accelerate access to surgical care and surgical education in sub-Saharan Africa remains very apparent. In his welcome speech at the recent West African College of Surgeons (WACS) conference in Freetown, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh of Sierra Leone stated that the country is still grappling with 91% unmet surgical needs. Highlighting the progress already made, he urged collaborative efforts to tackle surgical deficits.

Don Stephens, founder of Mercy Ships, confirmed Mercy Ships’ vision for serving African nations with safe surgical care and education. “The investment of many around the world towards a fleet of hospital ships will be enhanced by the future of our new purpose-built vessel. The mission of Mercy Ships to bring Hope and Healing is only possible by the generosity of our partners, volunteer crew, and the provision of God. Today, I am grateful to MSC for their support.”

Operating hospital ships involves transporting large quantities of essential supplies across oceans and seas to continuously support surgical and training activities. MSC and Mercy Ships have been partners since 2011, with the MSC Group ensuring logistical support and container delivery of supplies to all ports of service. The infrastructure support and logistical expertise provided by its teams in Africa ranges from MSC’s local shipping agency and MSC and TiL terminals handling cargo to MSC and MEDLOG logistics, storage, and inland transportation services. In addition to this, MSC have provided extensive technical advice and experience in preparation for the new vessel, working with Mercy Ships to develop a design that will improve efficiency for the organisation’s needs.

The new ship will feature living spaces to accommodate approximately 600 crew members and guests on board. Its hospital will span two decks and 7,000 square metres, featuring six operating rooms, a fully equipped laboratory, and state-of-the-art training spaces such as a simulation lab. This makes it possible for Mercy Ships to strengthen local surgical systems during its time in port, typically a 10-months field service.

Gert van de Weerdhof, CEO of Mercy Ships said: “This new hospital ship will bring state of-the-art equipment and facilities to support the nations we serve. This new vessel and her future crew will enable us to meet surgical needs, while supporting host nations as they develop healthcare systems with their next generation of medical professionals.”

Diego Aponte, MSC Group President and a Member of the MSC Foundation Board, said, “I have always been passionate about Africa and I was struck by the extraordinary and honourable nature of Don’s initiative when it was first presented, and these made me want to be involved in a significant way. Mercy Ships brings tangible and concrete support to thousands of families across the region, and with MSC Group’s major presence there we have a duty to give back to the local communities. This vessel is yet another milestone in our vision to support the African continent with achieving a truly prosperous and sustainable destiny.”

Daniela Picco, MSC Foundation Executive Director, said: “We are extremely proud of our support for Mercy Ships through grant-making and in-kind donations and of the transformative impacts their free services and training have had on 18,000 medical professionals and community leaders, and 30,300 patients of all ages through 33,200 surgeries since 2011.

“When the discussion started with Mercy Ships’ founder Don Stephens to build a new ship together, I was delighted to facilitate this game-changing commitment to accompany Mercy Ships into the coming decades.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

Media Enquiries:
MSC Foundation
Kim Mancini
kim.mancini@mscfoundation.org
+41 76 249 8434 
www.MSCFoundation.org

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA
Giles Read
giles.read@msc.com
+41 79 797 3351
https://apo-opa.co/448iJiq

Mercy Ships International
Anne Buckland
anne.buckland@mercyships.org
https://MercyShips.org

Mercy Ships US
Laura Rebouche
laura.rebouche@mercyships.org
https://MercyShips.org

About MSC Foundation:
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the MSC Foundation is the philanthropic entity of the MSC Group. Established by the Aponte family in 2018, the Foundation supports causes in environmental conservation, community support, education, and emergency relief. Its mission is to use MSC’s global reach and knowledge of the sea to take action that contributes to protecting and nurturing the blue planet and its people. For more information, visit: www.MSCFoundation.org and follow us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/49POqOV), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/49HEXcs) and Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3W3at1o).

About MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company:
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a global leader in transportation and logistics, privately owned and founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. As one of the world’s leading container shipping lines, MSC has 675 offices across 155 countries worldwide, with the MSC Group employing almost 200,000 people. With access to an integrated network of road, rail, air, and sea transport resources which stretches across the globe, the company prides itself on delivering global service with local knowledge. MSC’s shipping line sails on more than 300 trade routes, calling at 520 ports, and is targeting net zero decarbonization by 2050. For more information about our journey to net-zero please visit: https://apo-opa.co/448iJiq

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides additional training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.   

Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.  

From April 15th to 20th, 2024, representatives of Gansu Provincial Government of China and Jiuquan Municipal Government participated in the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi also visiting Dubai and Saudi Arabia. During this period, Gansu Hengyuan Dongli New Energy Limited Company (www.HengyuanNewEnergy.com) signed contracts with several international solar buyers, opening new international sales channels for China photovoltaic new energy enterprises.

The leader of Gansu Province and mayor of Jiuquan attended the signing ceremony in Dubai. At the signing ceremony, Ms. Xian Xiaoli, President of Gansu Hengyuan Dongli New Energy Limited Company said: “Green and Prosperity Together” is the development goal of Gansu Hengyuan Dongli New Energy Limited Company, and “Technology Priority and Quality First” is the standard that Hengyuan Dongli adheres to in exploring domestic and international markets.

Gansu Hengyuan Dongli New Energy Limited Company has responded to China’s strategic call of “Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality”. The 6GW photovoltaic module base project it invested in Jiuquan City covers an area of 152 mu, with an investment of about 4 billion yuan RMB (approximately 553 million USD), of which 2.4GW production line has been completed and put into operation. The remaining production lines are under construction. The company plans to invest in an additional 5GW high-efficiency battery base project, covering an area of about 240 mu, with an investment of about 4 billion yuan RMB (approximately 553 million USD). In order to form a fully closed-loop Hengyuan new energy equipment manufacturing industrial chain and build a new energy equipment manufacturing industry demonstration park, the company plans to build an inverter factory, a photovoltaic bracket factory and a wire and cable factory in the later stage, covering an area of about 160 mu and investing about 2 billion yuan.

Hengyuan Photovoltaic Module focuses on high power output and extreme reliability and is committed to reducing the overall system cost and improving investors’ income. It adopts the latest high-efficiency intelligent production line equipment to meet various specifications of products such as 182 and 210. It has established in depth cooperation with many well-known enterprises at home and abroad to jointly promote the R&D and application of new energy technologies. Furthermore, it has established a New Energy Technology Research Institute in Jiuquan, Gansu Province, led by a team of national experts and academicians from China, focusing on the investment in the R&D field of new energy technologies. This will ensure the continuous upgrading and iteration of enterprise industrial technologies, and promoting the rapid development of new energy industries in the local and even western regions with services.

This is the result of the development vision of Gansu Hengyuan Dongli New Energy Limited Company in the field of photovoltaic new energy, based on the western part of China, serving the whole country and facing the Central Asia and even the global market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Hengyuan Dongli New Energy.

Company: Gansu Hengyuan Dongli New Energy Limited Company
Contact: Meng Lu
Email: Salesoffice@hengyuannewenergy.com
Website: www.HengyuanNewEnergy.com
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3w5bVpo
Tel: +86156 2023 3138
Address: Jiuquan New Energy Comprehensive Utilization Industrial Park, Hengyuan Road, Suzhou District, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, China