On September 16, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Badr Abdelatty, who is in Moscow on a working visit.

The ministers specifically discussed a wide range of issues related to further dynamic development of the traditionally friendly Russian-Egyptian relations. They also reaffirmed Moscow and Cairo’s mutual commitment to establish comprehensive cooperation in accordance with the interstate Treaty on Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation signed in Sochi in October 2018.

The ministers noted the leading role of the Joint Russian-Egyptian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in increasing the volume of bilateral trade and expanding cooperation in industry, energy and agriculture. In this context, the implementation of large joint investment projects was highlighted, first of all the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Egypt, El Dabaa, and creation of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue timely supplies of Russian grain products to Egypt.

The ministers also discussed topical international and regional problems. Moscow and Cairo’s mutual intention to maintain coordination at the UN, BRICS and other multilateral platforms was reaffirmed. It was noted that Russia and Egypt had similar approaches to resolving the ongoing crises and conflict situations in the Middle East and the African continent through political and diplomatic means in accordance with international law and the provisions of the UN Charter.

Sergey Lavrov informed Badr Abdelatty in detail about Russia’s fundamental assessments and considerations on the Ukrainian issue.

When discussing the situation in and around the Gaza Strip, the foreign ministers highlighted that it was necessary to cease fire as soon as possible and provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people in the enclave. They also emphasised that a comprehensive peaceful Palestinian-Israeli settlement on a generally accepted international legal basis, which provides for the creation of an independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders with its capital in East Jerusalem, was a priority.

The ministers reaffirmed Russia and Egypt’s commitment to continue efforts aimed at prompt political settlement to the crisis in Libya, based on the principles of its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Special focus was placed on preparations for the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum scheduled to take place in Sochi in November.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

On 9 – 13 September 2024, Thailand hosted the 1st Plenary of the 62nd Annual Session of the Asian-African Consultative Organization (AALCO) held at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel in Bangkok whereby Mrs. Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, was elected as President of the Meeting. The Annual Session was attended by more than 300 participants, including representatives from 39 Member States and 7 international organizations.

​Throughout the Session, members discussed 9 important and urgent legal issues at the regional and global levels, including the work of the International Law Commission (ILC) at its 75th Session, climate change, law of the sea, the question of Palestine, violent extremism and terrorism, international trade and investment law, cyberspace laws, and space laws. Seven ILC members also took part in the Session, including Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul, Ambassador of Thailand to Vienna, Prof. Phoebe Okowa, Prof. Masahiko Asada, and Dr. Hong Thao Nguyen.

​The Annual Session also saw the adoption of “Krungthep Declaration,” which reaffirms Member States’ commitment to the principles and purposes of AALCO by strengthening cooperation in addressing global challenges through existing international legal fora, ensuring adequate representation of Asian and African countries in international legal bodies, engaging with youth to develop international law particularly on emerging international legal issues which would affect future generations, as well as reiterating the importance of encouraging more Asian and African States to participate in AALCO as Member States.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Egypt September 17-19 to co-chair the opening of the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The strategic dialogue aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and deepen economic development, as well as increase people-to-people ties through culture and education. In addition to co-chairing the strategic dialogue, the Secretary will meet with Egyptian officials to discuss ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages, alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and helps establish broader regional security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Department of State.

On September 16, 2024, at the Kenya School of Government, Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa inaugurated the master trainer training for the Health Provider Portal. This event signifies a key advancement in Kenya’s rollout of social health insurance and the digitization of healthcare services. 

 Dr. Barasa underscored the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the BETA Plan. This plan encompasses sustainable health financing reforms and the integration of digital healthcare systems. 

She noted the importance of recent legislations, including the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 and the Digital Health Act 2023, which are pivotal for transitioning from NHIF to the Social Health Authority (SHA). The SHA, created under the Social Health Insurance Act, will replace the NHIF claims management system and manage a comprehensive health benefit package. 

This package includes preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitation services, ensuring equitable access for all Kenyans. The Health Provider Portal, a component of the “Digital Health Superhighway,” aims to improve healthcare delivery and manage health products more effectively. With over one million households already registered, efforts are being intensified to achieve complete public registration by the October 1, 2024, launch. 

The training program will prepare master trainers to implement the SHA Health Provider Portal across health facilities. Additionally, training on health management information systems and community health promoters will run concurrently to support assisted registration.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Mr. Harry Kimtai, Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Social Health Authority Chairman Dr. Timothy Olweny, Acting CEO Dr. Elijah Wachira, and representatives from the Council of Governors, among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.