On behalf of the Government and people of Seychelles, I would like to extend our warm greetings and congratulations to the people of the European Union (EU) as you celebrate Europe Day.

Europe Day is a celebration of the core European values and beliefs, guided by the principles of the rule of law, democracy, justice, respect for human rights and dignity, and solidarity. Today serves as an opportune moment of reflection on the historical events that led to the establishment of the European Community. Preserving this spirit is, now more than ever, crucial against the backdrop of the current international climate and discourse.

As a Small Island Developing State in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles recognises its longstanding partnership with the Union, and the strong cooperation in areas of mutual interests including, but not limited to, the environment and climate change, trade, and maritime security. The European Union has been a steadfast partner in our journey towards attaining sustainable development, progress and prosperity.

In November 2023, we signed the Samoa Partnership Agreement with the EU, alongside other members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), to extend our cooperation in key priority areas, such as democracy, climate change and ocean governance. This new cooperation agreement is a testament of the national importance we give towards strengthening international alliance in order to address emerging threats and new opportunities, with our partners. We are optimistic that this new agreement will build further on the foundations laid by the Cotonou Agreement and other agreements.

I wish every European a happy Europe Day and may the spirit of solidarity, peace and prosperity guide your efforts in building a more prosperous and sustainable world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.

The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students’ Central Region branch organized seminars in connection with the 33rd Independence Day Anniversary.

The seminars, targeting junior and high school students as well as youth civil servants in the Berik, Gala-Nefhi, and Serejaka sub-zones, were conducted by veteran fighters.

They aimed to impart the noble values of the Eritrean revolution, highlight the sacrifices made, and discuss the psychological warfare and resilience of the Eritrean people.

Additionally, author Solomon Dirar hosted a seminar focusing on the heroic feats of the Eritrean Commando.

Organizers emphasized their responsibility to transmit the noble values of the Eritrean struggle for independence to future generations.

Participants on their part recognized the significance of these events in conveying the history of the Eritrean people to the new generation and stressed the importance of continuing these educational efforts.

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

President William Ruto has called for a strong commitment from all parties in the South Sudan peace process to achieve lasting and sustainable peace.

The President said the mediation process is keen on ending conflict and political instability in South Sudan.

He said the Tumaini Initiative, a high-level mediation for South Sudan, has brought together eight categories of parties and groups, ensuring the process is inclusive and home-grown.

“This initiative exemplifies the Pan-African policy of African solutions to African challenges, contributing to the ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative’ and fostering an environment for transformational development in South Sudan, our region, and the entire African continent,” he said.

He spoke during the launch of high-level meditation for South Sudan at State House, Nairobi.

Present were Presidents Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia), Nangolo Mbumba (Namibia), and Faustin-Archange Touadera (Central African Republic), and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, among others.

The President lauded the progress made by the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, the Real-SPLM, and the South Sudan United Front in the mediation process.

“The path you have chosen is noble, and what you have accomplished so far under this initiative is admirable. Here is your opportunity to design a future worthy of your vision,” he said.

The President said Kenya stands ready to contribute to ending cycles of conflict and instability in Sudan to achieve the peace and prosperity its people have long fought for.

“I pledge my unwavering commitment and availability to support this process at any stage of the mediation roadmap,” he said.

President Salva Kiir thanked President Ruto for accepting the role of resolving the South Sudan process.

He said he was hopeful that the mediation will yield positive results ahead of the country’s general elections later this year.

President Kiir said the South Sudan government will negotiate in good faith and with an open mind.

“We hope that the opposition groups have a similar conviction and desire for peace in South Sudan, which, when fully achieved, will bring everlasting stability and economic development in the region, not just South Sudan,” he said.

President Hichilema encouraged the participants in the peace process to be accommodating and engage in genuine negotiations with a spirit of give and take.

“In today’s world, no one really wins the war; you may win a battle, but the war continues,” he noted.

Lazarus Sumbeiywo, the chief mediator in the South Sudan peace process, lauded regional and international partners for supporting the peace process.

He said, for the last month, the mediation has consulted widely with the parties involved to ensure the process is inclusive.

“After this launch, we plan to engage in sustained and continuous mediation to ensure a speedy and comprehensive resolution of the issues, so long as the parties go along with the plan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

Following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, the UAE has allocated USD 15 million in aid to the victims of the floods and the effects of the heavy rainfall that swept through Kenya, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent people, displacement of thousands of civilians, and destruction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, houses, medical facilities, and agricultural lands, particularly in northern areas of the capital Nairobi.

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, affirmed the UAE’s keenness, under the directives of the UAE President, to respond to the humanitarian needs on both regional and international levels in an urgent manner, to safeguard lives and mobilize aid efforts to assist the most vulnerable. Furthermore, H.H. emphasized the need to assist those afflicted by disaster regardless of their location, particularly in view of the severe climate and environmental changes witnessed across the globe, and their repercussions including natural disasters that necessitate mobilizing all humanitarian international efforts to support countries and societies in need.

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, said: “The UAE is extending this support, following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, as part of the deep-rooted relations between the two countries, reflecting the UAE’s solidarity with Kenya in mitigating the severe consequences of recent floods. It also aims to meet the essential needs of the people of Kenya, stemming from the UAE’s humanitarian and developmental role in providing urgent relief to nations in times of crises and natural disasters.”

His Excellency also expressed his sincere condolences and solidarity with the government and people of the Republic of Kenya, and to the families of the victims of the floods, as well as his wishes for a speedy recovery to all the injured.

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