Day: September 17, 2024

Jordan received today, Tuesday, the body of the martyr / Maher Al-Jazi / who carried out the King Hussein Crossing operation, in which three Israeli border guards were killed last week. The Jordanian News Agency / Petra / reported, quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that Al-Jazi's body was handed over from the Israeli side, to be buried in the Kingdom after being handed over to his family. The spokesman for the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, Sufyan Al-Qudah said that "the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, in coordination with the relevant authorities in the Kingdom, continues its efforts to release the Jordanian citizens Musleh Al-Awdat and Hussein Al-Naimat, who are being held as a result of the shooting incident that took place on the Palestinian side of the King Hussein Crossing, which is controlled by Israel." The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation had reported earlier today that the Israeli occupation authorities had returned Maher Al-Jazi's body to Jordan, and the Israeli newspaper "Jerusalem Post" report ed that the decision to return the body to the Kingdom came after "great pressure" from the Jordanians, and in order to "preserve the quality of security relations" between the two sides. Over the past few days, the Jordanian capital Amman and other cities in Jordan have witnessed massive demonstrations demanding the return of Al-Jazi's body, after the occupation authorities detained it following his martyrdom. Maher Al-Jazi, a retired Jordanian soldier, had opened fire on guards at the King Hussein border crossing while his truck was passing, killing three Israeli border guards. Source: National Iraqi News Agency

President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid confirmed today, Tuesday, that literary exhibitions and forums enhance cultural convergence between peoples. A presidential statement stated: "President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid attended a dialogue session held by the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center entitled (Arab-Kurdish Dialogue is an Initiative to Activate Memory and Common Destiny) held within the cultural sessions accompanying the days of the Baghdad International Book Fair in its twenty-fifth session." The speakers in the session pointed out, according to the statement, to: "The importance of the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center in enhancing the cultural, intellectual and literary dialogue that brings together Arabs, Kurds and other Iraqi components, and the necessity of working to develop commonalities in a way that serves peaceful coexistence and cooperation in various fields." The speakers stressed: "The importance of the cultural roles played by Kurdish and Arab intellectuals and writers in enriching thought and culture in achieving rapprochement and convergence and overcoming the issues and differences that occurred during the past period, and contributing to their resolution, to establish a conscious democratic society." Rashid praised: "organizing the exhibition and the efforts made by those in charge of it, pointing out "the importance of such exhibitions and literary and intellectual forums in enriching the cultural scene and enhancing cultural convergence between peoples and nations." Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Manama, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today met with the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Alastair Long, at Gudaibiya Palace. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad emphasised the longstanding relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, founded on a historic partnership and collaboration across multiple sectors. His Royal Highness noted the Kingdom's commitment to further enhancing strategic bilateral relations to fulfil mutual aspirations. HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad stressed the importance of advancing Bahrain-UK multisector collaboration through mutual visits and joint agreements. During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening Bahrain-UK cooperation, addressing issues of common interest, and reviewing regional and global developments. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Minister of Finance and National Economy, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, also attended the meeting. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received cables of congratulations following McLaren winning first place in the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024, and their leading position in the Constructors' Championship. The cables were received from senior members of the royal family, the Speaker of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council Chairman, ministers, senior officials, dignitaries, members of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council, members of municipal councils, governors, Bahrain's ambassadors abroad, accredited heads of diplomatic missions in the Kingdom. They attributed this victory to HM the King's vision and leadership, and the continuous follow up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. They also commended McLaren's performance in the Formula One World Championship, which further adds to Bahrain's record of achievements. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Cabinet Affairs Ministry and Honorary President of the Good Word Society, stated that the Shaikh Isa bin Ali Award for Voluntary Work annually reflects the wise directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the dedicated efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to promote volunteerism as a key pillar of societal progress. The 14th edition of the award's closing ceremony was attended by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Southern Governor; Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain; Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Humaidan; Minister of Social Development Osama bin Ahmed Al Asfoor; and Minister of Cabinet Affairs Hamad bin Faisal Al Maliki. HH Shaikh Isa highlighted that the award's continuity is a result of the support and oversight of His Highness Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor to HRH the C rown Prince and Prime Minister, and the support of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, which drives further efforts for the nation's advancement. He welcomed the attendees and acknowledged the award's role in recognising the noble efforts of volunteers, which align with the evolving perception of voluntary work and its noble mission. He thanked the dignitaries for attending and praised the efforts of the Good Word Society and the Arab Union for Voluntary Work for their contributions. He also appreciated the support of the award sponsors and all partners from government, private, and civil sectors in Bahrain and beyond. The ceremony honoured 12 leading figures in voluntary work from across the Arab world, including HH Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain; His Highness Shaikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department; Fathallah Al Zeni, Libya's Minister of Youth; and several others who have significant ly contributed to voluntary and developmental work in the Arab world. The Shaikh Isa bin Ali Award for Community Leadership was presented to Rashid Al Zayani Charity in recognition of its community role and developmental efforts. In the category of best Bahraini voluntary project, the Bahrain Diabetes Society won first place for its mobile unit for children's support, the Bahrain Society for Women's Development came second for its Afiya initiative, and the Jannusan Charity took third place for its educational card initiative. In the category of voluntary teams and individuals, the Awaidna initiative by Dr. Osama Bahr won first place, followed by the Majors Initiative by the Basma Voluntary Team in second, and the Tawasul Ahl Al Bahrain Initiative in third. The event also saw the recognition of the award sponsors, including Al Salam Bank, Solidarity Bahrain, GPIC, Al Bilad newspaper, Al Ayam newspaper, and Al Watan newspaper. The honourees expressed their gratitude to HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa for h is recognition, affirming that the award has become one of the most prestigious in the Arab world, cementing Bahrain's position as a hub for voluntary work. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Moscow, Abdullah Khalil Buhejji, Director General of Bahrain News Agency (BNA), participated in the 53rd meeting of the Executive Board of the Organization of Asia Pacific News Agencies (OANA). The meeting was organised by the Russian News Agency (TASS) and attended by members of the Executive Board and the Technical Committee. The meeting discussed key topics such as ethical standards in editorial practices and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in media. During the meeting, it was agreed to hold the 19th General Assembly of OANA in Moscow next year and the next Executive Board meeting in Malaysia in February 2025. The committee also approved the minutes of the 52nd meeting held in Tokyo in March and reviewed a report on decisions from the previous session, which included two competitions for photography and best article. Buhejji also participated in the BRICS Media Summit, held on September 13-17 in Moscow, attended by representatives of over 60 media outlets from 45 countries. The summ it coincided with TASS' 120th anniversary celebrations. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, The 33rd Bahrain International Music Festival will take place from October 1-24, showcasing a vibrant artistic scene in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The festival will offer a rich blend of local and international music, featuring a range of Bahraini, Gulf, Arab, and global performances. This unique celebration promises an exceptional experience, combining the heritage of the past with the innovation of the present. The opening event at the Bahrain National Theatre will feature a special performance by Fatma Said, the rising star of international opera and classical music, and a Gramophone Award winner. The festival is expected to attract a large audience, with diverse performances held at various cultural venues across Bahrain, allowing attendees to explore a wide array of musical styles. This year's edition continues to serve as a unique platform for cultural exchange through art and music. More information on the festival, attendance, and ticket purchases. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Abu Dhabi, Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, discussed with Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, various initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing cooperation to achieve sustainability in the energy sector. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the 2024 World Utilities Congress and the Arab Water Forum, both held in Abu Dhabi. The two ministers addressed shared key issues discussed at the events, including innovative technologies and solutions to tackle common challenges in sustainability and water security, and their role in advancing national and international efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. The meeting also covered matters related to ensuring the sustainability of water resources, emphasising the need for self-sufficiency through increased innovation and investment in relevant sectors. Both ministers emphasised the importance of international cooperation in achieving water security and addressing cl imate change, while also highlighting the significance of enhancing bilateral cooperation on utilities and water security. Source: Bahrain News Agency