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Eritrea: President Isaias Afwerki Arrives in Beijing

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President Isaias Afwerki, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, arrived in Beijing yesterday morning to participate in the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

Upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport, President Isaias Afwerki and his delegation, which includes Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, were accorded warm welcome accompanied with guard of honor.

The Summit, set to convene from 4 to 8 September following the Ministerial Conference, will focus on strengthening friendship and partnership, as well as enhancing mutual development cooperation between China and Africa.

On the sidelines of the Summit, President Isaias is scheduled to hold meetings with President Xi Jinping and other Heads of State and Government.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, initiated in 2000, convenes every three years, alternating between China and Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Turkish Doctors Conduct Health Initiative in Uganda

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In cooperation with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Çare Association for Aid and Development, a volunteer medical team from Türkiye, consisting of specialist doctors, nurses and anesthesia technicians, provided free medical examinations and surgeries in Uganda’s Yumbe district.

As part of this initiative, the team conducted health screenings and treated a variety of conditions, including eye diseases, malnutrition, infections and other health issues.

In total, 170 cataract surgeries and 190 general surgery procedures were performed, while 1,600 individuals received outpatient care. Additionally, training sessions were held for local healthcare workers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Pagume festival returns for 7th year, celebrating Africa’s golden month

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Pagume Festival Pvt. Ltd. is thrilled to announce the return of the Pagume Festival, set to be celebrated for the seventh time in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Since its inception in 2008, the festival has grown into a major cultural event, marking the 13th month of the Ethiopian calendar, Pagume.

This unique and groundbreaking festival, which holds national and international significance, will take place from the 13th of Pagume. The event serves as a transitional bridge where Ethiopians bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. It showcases events representing all 88 Ethiopian nationalities and 12 regional delegations, featuring cultural performances, historical events, and traditional dances such as Fiche Chambelala and Deraro.

Over the past six years, the Pagume Festival has successfully integrated New Year celebrations from various ethnic groups, including Irecha and Ferana, into one grand event. This year, the organizers aim to enhance community ties and expand economic benefits by hosting a continental cultural and exhibition festival exclusively for Ethiopians.

For the first time, the festival will invite delegations from several African countries, celebrating Pagume as the “Golden Month of Africa.” This intercontinental festival provides a remarkable opportunity to strengthen cultural and economic connections by showcasing Ethiopia’s traditions and investment prospects. Preparations are complete for what promises to be the inaugural international festival of its kind in Ethiopia.

The festival’s key objectives include promoting Ethiopian cultural values, natural attractions, and investment opportunities to both local and international visitors; strengthening national and continental solidarity; enhancing collaboration between the private sector, stakeholders, and the government; and establishing Pagume as a renowned international festival.

Haileab Meresa, the visionary and General Manager of the project, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the ‘African Tourism Board’, recognizing this continent-wide festival. This agreement ensures annual participation from African delegations and enhances trade and regional ties.”

In collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, the festival organizers are offering convenient ticket packages through the “ET Holiday Package” to facilitate travel for international guests. This year, the festival has garnered significant interest from new partners, highlighting its growing importance and impact on cultural and economic development.

The Pagume Festival promises to be a celebration of unity, culture, and economic opportunities, showcasing the best of Ethiopia and Africa to the world.

Africa’s air cargo market sees modest growth

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its July 2024 analysis of the air cargo market, revealing a mixed performance for African airlines. While global demand for air cargo continued to soar, Africa’s growth lagged behind, raising questions about the region’s competitive position in the international market.

In July, African airlines reported a 6.2% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand, the lowest of all regions and a significant drop compared to previous months. Notably, demand on the Africa-Asia trade route experienced a 15.4% increase, indicating strong ties with Asia. However, overall demand growth remains concerning given the global context, where the airline industry recorded a 13.6% increase in demand compared to July 2023.

Capacity for African airlines also rose by 10.5% year-on-year, reflecting a positive trend despite the slower demand growth. This increase in capacity, however, is less robust than the 23.8% expansion noted in June, suggesting a cooling off in momentum.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, highlighted the robust global air cargo environment, noting that the sector continues to benefit from increased global trade, booming e-commerce, and challenges within maritime shipping. “With the peak season still to come, it is shaping to be a very strong year for air cargo,” he stated.