Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories SaveROME — The leaders of Italy and the U.K. agreed on Saturday to tackle irregular migration to Europe, pledging to intensify cooperation in the fight against human trafficking. The two leaders reportedly agreed to co-fund a first Italian-British project of assisted voluntary repatriations to countries of origin drawn up by the International Organization for Migration for migrants stranded in Tunisia. The talks also touched on other issues, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and “the crisis in the Middle East,” it added. In recent months, Sunak has developed a strong partnership with Meloni, and has sought to win support from other European leaders to help crack down on migration, with both Albania and Italy seen as crucial partners. After meeting Meloni, Sunak also made an appearance at a political gathering organized by her Brothers of Italy party, along with other international guests including Rama and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Shipping majors Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have stopped their carriers from entering the Red Sea after repeated attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. "We are deeply concerned about the highly escalated security situation in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Hapag spokesperson Nils Haupt said "some of the company’s ships were asked to pause and drift outside the strait, a narrow stretch of water that links the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea. The World Shipping Council (WSC) issued a statement saying "is deeply alarmed and concerned about the escalating security crisis unfolding in the Red Sea region. "It’s not just container freight rates that stand to gain from Red Sea disruptions.

India ODI skipper on South Africa tour KL Rahul has stated that the Indian youngsters won’t be expected to play the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa.. (Photo: IANS/Dhananjay Yadav)Johannesburg, Dec 16 (IANS) India ODI skipper on South Africa tour KL Rahul has stated that the Indian youngsters won’t be expected to play the roles of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. With the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, the spotlight turns to the emerging talents – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, and Sai Sudharsan. Rahul, leading the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, emphasized the need to give the fresh faces time to find their footing at the international level. “To expect them to play the role that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played in the World Cup will be too early. India enters the series with a boost of confidence, having recorded their largest victory against South Africa by 106 runs at the same venue in Johannesburg.

Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described Spanish top diplomat José Manuel Albares’ visit to Morocco on Wednesday and Thursday as “fruitful.”“Two fruitful days of visit to Morocco by Minister Albares,” wrote the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday in a message posted on its X account, specifying that Madrid and Rabat reaffirmed their “strong ties of friendship, neighborliness, and cooperation” on this occasion. The message recalled that the Spanish Foreign Minister, during this first bilateral trip to a foreign country since the beginning of the new legislature, was received by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, before holding talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. The Spanish Foreign Minister also had a meeting with Moroccan and Spanish economic actors and visited the Colegio Español de Rabat . Albares’ visit to Morocco is part of the strengthening of the constantly evolving strategic partnership between Morocco and Spain. It reinforces the scope of friendship ties and the serenity and strength of the strategic relations between the two countries.

Head of Morocco’s National Security and Territorial Surveillance Abdellatif Hammouchi held two working sessions in Rabat with France’s Director-General of Internal Security, Nicolas Lerner, who was on a working visit to the Kingdom. They also examined operational coordination mechanisms related to security issues of common interest, a statement by the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) said. These initiatives are founded on mutual trust and shared interests, the press release pointed out. The meeting with the Director General of the French National Police is part of a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings led by the Director General Morocco’s National Security and Territorial Surveillance. The goal is to fortify security collaboration and coordination with various regional and international partners and organizations involved in law enforcement, said the press release.

This Christmas season, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as “the Met,” is displaying one of the oldest Madonna and Christ Child icons in existence along with other pieces of early Christian art in its “Africa & Byzantium” exhibit. Credit: Photo courtesy of The MetNot all the pieces on display at the Met’s “Africa & Byzantium” exhibit are overtly religious or Christian. Icon with the Virgin and Child, saints, angels, and the hand of God, one of the oldest icons of the Blessed Virgin and Christ Child in existence, sixth century. Credit: Photo courtesy of The MetAccording to the Met, the depiction of the Virgin and Child is one of the oldest surviving icons in the world. “Africa & Byzantium builds upon the long legacy of the Met’s award-winning Byzantine exhibitions,” Achi said in the November press release.

The Singapore Tourism Board has appointed Markus Tan as the Regional Director for India, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (IMESA), effective January 1, 2024. In his new role, based in Mumbai, Tan will spearhead STB’s initiatives in promoting Leisure and Business Travel & Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (BTMICE) in the IMESA region. From 2015 to 2022, he was based in Tokyo, Japan, as the Regional Director for North Asia, overseeing STB operations in Japan and the Republic of Korea. Tan will be taking over from the current Regional Director, GB Srithar. Speaking on the leadership handover, Srithar said, “I am thrilled to pass on the baton to Markus to lead Singapore’s tourism business across the IMESA region.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — On her last day on the job, North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood pleaded guilty Friday to two misdemeanors for misusing a state-issued vehicle for personal activities. Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway sentenced Wood to 12 months of unsupervised probation on the counts, news outlets reported. Wake District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said that Wood had paid $1,064 in restitution as part of a plea agreement. Wood attorney Roger Smith Jr. said Friday that she accepted responsibility for driving her state car for personal use. An apologetic Wood pleaded guilty in March to misdemeanor hit-and-run involving the crash and paid fines and court costs.

Relations between Morocco and Spain have never been stronger, offering an example of a success story of cooperation between two neighbours working hand on hand including on controversial issues. Both ministers welcomed the momentum in bilateral trade. Spain is Morocco’s largest trading partner while Morocco is the third largest trading partner for Spain outside the EU, right after the US and the UK. Bilateral trade totaled 20 billion euros last year and is set to break new records as businessmen from the two countries reap the benefits of improved diplomatic ties. Both ministers said the working group in charge is regularly meeting to find a mutually acceptable solution.

According to Mandy, the quietest times to travel in South Africa are October, November, April, and May — the country as a whole receives fewer visitors during these months. One disclaimer: Because South Africa is so large, with lots of geographical diversity, there are plenty of climate quirks as you traverse different regions. Book your stay at Moditlo River Lodge via Booking.comBook your stay at Moditlo River Lodge via Agoda.comBest time to visit South Africa for a beach holidayThere’s no question that summer in South Africa (December to February) is the best time to sunbathe on one of the many spectacular beaches that wrap its long, 1,770-mile (2848.5 km) coastline. The Cape Town Art Fair and Cape Town International Jazz Festival, which both occur each February, are great draws. Worst time to visit South AfricaSouth Africa is one of those places that holds its appeal all year long.

Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories SaveTIRANA, Albania — Albania on Friday returned 20 icons to neighboring North Macedonia that were stolen a decade ago, Albania’s Culture Ministry said. Later, the cargo arrived at the National Museum in North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, where they were unpacked and briefly presented to the public. The icons, frescoes and other pieces were taken from churches and cultural centers in southeastern Albania and in the neighboring North Macedonia. Both Albania and North Macedonia have launched full membership negotiations with the European Union. ___Associated Press writer Konstantin Testorides in Skopje, North Macedonia, contributed to this report.

LONDON, December 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb+" (Good) of Arab War Risks Insurance Syndicate (AWRIS) (Bahrain). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry.

from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, KenyaKenya BureauNAIROBI, (CAJ News) – AUTHORITIES have granted Multigate a license to facilitate remittances within Kenya. This is another boost for the treasury management technology company’s efforts to expand its presence and operations within the African continent, after successfully securing similar licenses in Nigeria and Uganda. The World Bank projects remittance flows to the Sub-Saharan Africa region to rise by 1,3 and 3,7 percent in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Remittance growth in 2022 was primarily driven by solid remittance growth in six countries, including Kenya (8,5 percent to US$4,1 billion) and Uganda (17,3 percent to $1,3 billion). Remittances to Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, Nigeria, accounted for around 38 percent of total remittance inflows to Africa.

Floods in Kenya have killed at least 170 and displaced more than 600,000 since the onset of heavy rains in November. Tens of thousands of residents in the country's north have lost livestock, farmland, and homes. In early December, president Ruto said 38 of Kenya’s 47 counties were affected by the floods. Kenya's military continues nationwide efforts to evacuate hundreds of people trapped by rising waters. Kenya’s meteorological department has warned that heavy rains will continue into the new year and issued a warning for people living in lowlands and flood prone areas to evacuate to prevent further losses.

Share ArticleU.S. Air Force B-2 bombers teamed up with the U.K.’s Royal Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs to fly across Europe’s North Sea in a single-day exercise. The Bomber Task Force mission saw the Spirits hailing from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., join forces with the RAF’s fifth-generation fighters on Dec 13. Following the mission, one of the B-2s returned to Whiteman on the same day, and another landed at RAF Fairford. “Operating alongside RAF fifth-gen fighters enhances our strength through combined training.”The Air Force’s BTF deployments are part of long-planned exercises, independent from current global events. The B-1s returned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, in late November.