President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation that ensures the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport complies with the World Anti-Doping Code which harmonises anti-doping policies, rules and regulations with sport organisations and among public authorities globally.

President Ramaphosa has signed into law the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill which effects a number of amendments that bring South Africa in line with the World Anti-Doping Code of 2021.

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) role is to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) is a public entity under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and is defined in the amended legislation as the national anti-doping organisation.

The legislative amendment also clarifies the powers of SAIDS. The SAIDS has  major role to play in preventing the use of prohibited substances in the South African and international sporting environment that are contrary to the principles of fair play and the health and well-being of athletes

The amendments enacted by President Ramaphosa have been induced by a World Anti-Doping Agency review of relevant South African legislation in 2022.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the Republican minority leader and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Senator Lindsey Graham. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, and Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Abbas Kamel.

Spokesman of the Presidency, Counselor Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, said that Senator Graham lauded Egypt’s pivotal and fundamental role in reinforcing security and stability in the region, as well as the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States. He noted that successive regional and global crises have proven the crucial need to further strengthen such strategic partnership, as it is a key pillar of regional stability. The Senator pointed out Egypt’s efforts and mediation to contain the situation in the Gaza Strip and acknowledged the burdens Egypt endure to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid into the sector.

Senator Graham was keen on getting a better understanding of the President’s vision on ways to resolve the crisis in the Gaza Strip. In this regard, President El-Sisi reiterated the vital importance of concerted international efforts to stop the war and prevent the expansion of its humanitarian and security repercussions. The President warned against the danger of the persistent and ongoing Israeli military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah, the ensuing exacerbation of the humanitarian catastrophe suffered by the people of the Strip and the war’s repercussions on regional security. President El-Sisi also affirmed the necessity for all parties to engage seriously in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, in a way that allows progress towards implementing the two-state solution, as it is the optimal path to ensure justice and sustainable security in the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Ministry of Agriculture conducted an activity assessment meeting on 30 May in the port city of Assab. The meeting focused on the first quarter’s progress and the five-year strategic plan and was part of a series of similar meetings conducted across all regions since April 2024.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture; Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region; Brig. Gen. Abraham Andom, Commander of the Eastern Command; and the Chairman and members of the Regional Assembly, Administrators of sub-zones, heads of line ministries, and other officials were also present.

During the meeting, reports were presented that highlighted the key elements of the five-year strategic plan, including land development, natural resource management, crop and livestock development, integrated and sustainable agro-business, and human resources development.

Eng. Omar Mahmud, acting Director General of Agriculture and Land in the region, reported on infrastructure developments, noting that micro-dams had been constructed in Afambo and Debaisima, while another in Romoda, South Dankalia, is under construction. He also detailed the agricultural activities being conducted in the region, utilizing both rainfall and irrigation farming.

Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the reports presented and adopted several recommendations. These included providing support to irrigation farmers, strengthening forestry safety, and developing sweet potato farming, among others.

Speaking at the event, Minister Arefaine Berhe highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing agricultural production. These initiatives include programs for exemplary farmers, small and integrated family agricultural programs, and small to medium agro-businesses, all of which are yielding encouraging results. Minister Arefaine called for reinforced efforts in developing household poultry farms, cultivating sweet potatoes, bee farming, and expanding date and other fruit farming. He urged all relevant institutions, agricultural experts, administrators, and the public to strengthen their participation in these efforts.

Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai emphasized the need to strengthen the information and data systems to align with the new strategic plan, ensure water supply, and develop human resources and research activities.

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

Eritrea’s delegation, led by Mr. Habtom Zerai, participated at the 77th World Health Assembly, held in Geneva, Switzerland from 27 May to 1 June 2024.

At the Assembly, Eritrea’s delegation expressed full support for the statement delivered on behalf of the African Group. The delegation emphasized that this year’s theme, “All for Health, Health for All,” resonates strongly with Eritrea’s health policy. They stated that for the last three decades, Eritrea has continuously focused on improving the quality of and access to healthcare.

The delegation further highlighted that healthcare in Eritrea is universally accessible to all citizens, irrespective of their social status or financial capacities. They noted that healthcare is heavily subsidized in Eritrea, where patients only make nominal payments, and financial support is provided to those in need.

Additionally, healthcare services have registered marked expansion over the years, with 70% of the population now living within a 5 km radius of a functioning health facility. The delegation also revealed significant improvements in disease remedy and prevention in Eritrea, noting that only 5 malaria-related deaths were reported in 2023, for instance.

Eritrea’s significant advancements in routine childhood vaccination have garnered recognition and multiple awards in the past two decades. The delegation added that Eritrea has sustained universal immunization coverage at around 98% since 2013.

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