On September 28, 2024 the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxim Ryzhenkov, spoke on behalf of the Republic of Belarus at the general political discussion of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. 

The head of the Foreign Ministry openly named the main causes of the erosion of the global security system and the weakening of the role of the United Nations in resolving the most acute conflicts and problems of mankind. In this regard, Foreign Minister drew attention to the initiative of the Belarusian Head of State on the urgent need to start a global security dialogue.

The Minister stressed that the UN must free itself from the dictates of individual states suffering from permissiveness and their own exclusivity. Ryzhenkov noted that Belarus would continue to insist on a fair reform of the Security Council and inclusion of large developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America in its permanent membership.

The head of the Belarusian delegation called on the UN to actively support regional processes and interact with regional organizations, since regionalism is a key reality of today.

Separately, Minister noted the urgent need for serious and objective assessments of the Organization regarding the destructive impact of illegal sanctions on sustainable development processes, as well as the transfer of this work to a systematic basis.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus met with the Secretary-General of the Organization, António Guterres. The issues on the current international agenda, including global and regional security, were touched upon. M.Ryzhenkov noted the need to enhance the role of the United Nations in countering illegal unilateral coercive measures. The Secretary-General separately stressed the active and prominent role of Belarus in the UN and conveyed his warmest wishes to the Head of the Belarusian State. 

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, M.Ryzhenkov also held talks with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi. The roadmap of bilateral cooperation and issues of enhancing interaction between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries were considered. Agreements have been reached on a series of upcoming industry contacts in Minsk and Tehran. Iran has confirmed its support for Belarus on the way to the country’s partner status in the BRICS.

The organization of a number of meetings at the highest and high levels is also on the agenda of the two countries.

Meaningful talks were held with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov. The parties stated the strategic nature of the relationship. The sides discussed the implementation of the agreements reached by the Heads of State during the state visit of the President of Belarus to Azerbaijan in May 2024. The Ministers reached agreements on ways to intensify and systematize work in a number of areas. 

The agenda of the upcoming high-level visits in the near future, cooperation of the the Foreign Ministries of the two countries, and infrastructure projects were discussed in details.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

The United Arab Emirates’ delegation continued its participation in several key high-level meetings during the fourth day of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79). The UAE and the Republic of the Gambia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing mutual exemption of entry visa requirements between the two countries. The agreement was signed by H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, and by H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Gambia.

As part of the extensive participations conducted by the UAE delegation, H.E. Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, participated in a high-level meeting of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Group of Friends. 

H.E. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, participated in an event entitled “Global River Guardians: A Prelude to the G20 in Brazil.” 

H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan also participated in the launch event for Liberia’s UN Security Council campaign. In addition, H.E. met with Her Excellency Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, and several foreign ministers of states participating in UNGA79. 

H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, also joined the G77 and China ministerial meetings.

For his part, His Excellency Khalifa Bin Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State, participated in the Joint Ministerial Meeting between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). H.E. also participated in the joint meeting between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), along with the GCC joint meeting with China. Furthermore, His Excellency met with Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

For her part, H.E. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, engaged in discussions with Dr. Christos Christou, International President at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and Rina Amiri, U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights.

H.E. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology, met with Ayaka Suzuki, Director of the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General (EOSG).

H.E. Dr. Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences, participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Foreign Ministry Channel for Global Health Security.

H.E. Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, met with Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Director of the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

For her part, H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion during the COP28 Presidency, participated in an event entitled “From Dubai to Cali: Accelerating the climate-nature agenda for people and planet.” Her Excellency also met with María Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development for the Republic of Colombia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.

At the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held on Saturday, 28th September 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the critical responsibility of Ghanaian journalists in safeguarding the nation’s democracy, particularly as the 2024 elections draw near. Addressing an audience of media professionals, the President emphasized the growing challenges posed by disinformation, misinformation, and the digital age.

As part of the celebration marking 75 years of journalism excellence, the President noted that while technology has democratized access to information, it has also created new vulnerabilities. In the current media landscape, where social media platforms enable the rapid spread of information, journalists are faced with the task of ensuring that facts prevail over falsehoods.

“In this digital age, we face new challenges—disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism—that can distort the electoral process. Journalists must rise to the occasion by being the gatekeepers of truth,” the President stated.

With the country set to embark on yet another crucial election in December 2024, President Akufo-Addo called on the media to report with integrity, fairness, and accuracy, ensuring that citizens are well-informed to make decisions that affect their future. He stressed that the stakes are higher than ever, and the role of the media has never been more critical.

“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. It is through your work that citizens are informed about the policies of political parties, the integrity of candidates, and the issues that matter most to their lives,” he added.

The President’s speech also reflected on the broader role of journalism in shaping Ghana’s democracy. He credited the media for its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and the public good, particularly in periods of political transition. He highlighted the media’s contribution to the restoration of democracy in 1992 and its continued involvement in educating the public and safeguarding democratic values.

The President noted that journalism, as the “fourth estate,” has been pivotal in moving Ghana forward. He urged media practitioners to maintain their professionalism and safeguard the public’s trust by adhering to the principles of truth, fairness, and impartiality.

However, he was quick to caution that with great power comes great responsibility. “The bond between journalists and the public is built on trust, and it is this trust that must be continually safeguarded by your professionalism and dedication to accuracy, fairness, and balance,” he said.

As a passionate advocate for press freedom, President Akufo-Addo recounted his efforts in advancing the rights of journalists in Ghana. He highlighted his government’s commitment to passing the Right to Information Act, which empowers journalists and the general public to access critical information to hold leaders accountable. This, coupled with the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law during his tenure as Attorney General in 2001, has strengthened the foundation of press freedom in Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo, whose term as president is set to end, reflected on his long-standing relationship with the media. He emphasized the personal significance of attending the awards ceremony, noting that it would be his last as President of the Republic. Despite returning from a demanding schedule at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he made it a priority to attend the event in recognition of the invaluable role the media has played in his presidency and the democratic journey of Ghana.

In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo commended the resilience, courage, and dedication of Ghanaian journalists. He reaffirmed his belief that a free and vibrant press is crucial to democracy, and as the country prepares for the 2024 elections, he called on the media to uphold its duty as the torchbearer of truth and fairness.

“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the media in Ghana remains free, vibrant, and independent. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation,” the President declared, leaving the audience with a message of hope and responsibility as they prepare for the next chapter in Ghana’s political history.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded the critical role of Ghanaian journalists in the country’s democratic journey, during his speech at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, held on Saturday, 28th September 2024.

This event marked 75 years of excellence in Ghanaian journalism, under the theme “75 Years of Excellence in Journalism: The Role of the Media in Democratic Governance and Elections.”

Delivering the keynote address, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude for the media’s unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability. He highlighted how journalism in Ghana has not only borne witness to historical moments but actively shaped the nation’s progress, particularly in its fight for independence. He recounted how early journalists fueled the fires of freedom and encouraged national unity through their fearless reporting during colonial times.

“Long before the celebrations of 6th March 1957, journalists were already playing a crucial role, using their pens and their voices to fuel the fires of freedom,” the President remarked. He referenced notable figures such as Dr. J.B. Danquah and Kwame Nkrumah, who, in addition to their political activism, were journalists. Their work laid the foundation for Ghana’s independence movement, inspiring a spirit of resistance against colonial rule that could not be silenced.

The President also touched on the media’s indispensable role in Ghana’s democratic governance, emphasizing how the press has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s democratic culture. According to the President, the media was crucial during the restoration of democracy in 1992, educating the public on their rights, informing them about political processes, and ensuring transparency in governance.

“The story of Ghana’s democracy is incomplete without the contribution of the media. You have been there in moments of triumph and trial, standing as pillars of truth and integrity,” the President stated. He credited the Ghanaian media for their diligent work in monitoring electoral processes, reporting on irregularities, and ensuring peaceful transitions of power.

In the modern context, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the new challenges journalists face, such as disinformation, misinformation, and the rising influence of social media. He called on journalists to be vigilant in their role as gatekeepers of truth, particularly as the country prepares for the 2024 elections.

“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. You have been at the forefront, monitoring the polls and ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard,” he said, urging the media to continue to act with integrity and uphold professional standards.

As the event also marked President Akufo-Addo’s last attendance at the GJA Awards as President of the Republic, he shared a personal reflection on his journey alongside the media throughout his career. He recounted his legal battles to protect press freedoms, such as the historic court case against the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to ensure fair access to state media, and his work as Attorney General in repealing the Criminal Libel Law in 2001.

He concluded his speech by expressing his deep commitment to ensuring media freedom in Ghana, describing it as a cornerstone of democracy. As he prepares to retire from active political life, President Akufo-Addo extended an invitation to journalists to visit him in Kyebi, where he looks forward to continuing his engagement with the media and reflecting on the country’s democratic progress.

In his final remarks, President Akufo-Addo reminded journalists of the importance of their work: “The media has always been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of our democratic journey. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation.”

The awards ceremony, which brought together the finest journalists in the country, was a fitting tribute to 75 years of Ghanaian journalism and its vital role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.