News

Inclusive gov’t essential to sustainable peace in Afghanistan – Lavrov

Published

3 years ago

21/10/2021

MNN

The participating countries proposed a broad-based international donor conference under the auspices of the United Nations as soon as possible.

Forming an inclusive government that reflects the interests of all ethnic groups and political forces is necessary to achieve a sustainable peace in Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

“We note the efforts the Taliban is making to stabilize the military-political situation,” Lavrov said at the third meeting of the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan.

However, the lack of international recognition of the Taliban, economic woes and humanitarian challenges illustrate instability in the country, he said.

The minister also pointed to threats from terrorist groups, primarily the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda, and the “acute problem” of drug production.

Lavrov called on the Taliban to prevent anyone from using Afghan territory against third countries, especially against Afghanistan’s immediate neighbors.

He urged the international community to provide Afghanistan with effective financial, economic and humanitarian assistance, and the United Nations should play a central coordinating role.

Acting Deputy Prime Minister of the Afghan Taliban’s interim government Abdul Salam Hanafi said the Taliban seeks to build good relations with its neighbors and all other countries.

Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said that the current government would not allow its land to be used against other countries.

Representatives from 10 countries attended the multilateral talks in Moscow, and the Taliban delegation was led by Hanafi.

In a joint statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry after the meeting, the participants voiced the need for further practical engagement with the Afghan Taliban.

The participating countries asked the current Afghan leadership to take further steps to improve governance and to form a truly inclusive government.

They called on Kabul to practice moderate and sound internal and external policies, and be friendly to neighbors.

The sides proposed a broad-based international donor conference under the auspices of the United Nations as soon as possible.

They stressed that the core burden of post-conflict economic and financial reconstruction and development of Afghanistan must be “shouldered by troop-based actors which were in the country for the past 20 years.”

MOSCOW, Oct. 20 (Xinhua)

News

Maldivian FM meets Qatari PM; both commit to stronger ties

Published

1 day ago

12/05/2024

Maldives and Qatar reaffirm the commitment to strengthening the partnership between the two countries on Sunday, in a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar.

Zameer, who is on an official visit to Qatar, met with Al Thani on Sunday morning.

At the meeting, Zameer reflected on the growing Maldives-Qatar partnership, and thanked Qatar for the generous assistance in Maldives’ socio-economic development.

According to a statement released by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, both Zameer and Al Thani reiterated the commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Zameer also conveyed appreciation for Qatar’s role in the mediation process on the Gaza crisis.

Both reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the partnership in the multilateral fora on matters of global concern.

Zameer was accompanied at the meeting by Secretary, Bilateral, Dr. Hala Hameed, Ambassador-at-Large, Dr. Fazeel Najeeb, and Assistant Director, Lamha Saleem.

This year will mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between the Maldives and Qatar.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Zameer is also scheduled to meet with other senior officials from the Qatari government to explore opportunities to enhance cooperation in various sectors between the two countries.

Zameer’s latest trip comes at the heels of a similar visit to India last week.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

President recognises forefront services of nurses

Published

1 day ago

12/05/2024

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has praised the dedicated efforts of nurses, stating that they fulfil a national obligation by providing forefront services. He made the remarks on a social media post, commemorating International Nurses Day.

In the post shared on social media, President Dr. Muizzu recognised the unwavering commitment of nurses, characterising their contributions and services as a valuable, significant responsibility for humanity. The president additionally commended the dedication of nurses for ensuring the provision of cutting edge care.

The International Nurses Day is annually celebrated on May 12, aiming to acknowledge the pivotal role nurses play, as they are the backbone of the healthcare system. The theme for International Nurses Day 2024 is “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.” The purpose of selecting the theme was to emphasise the significance of reshaping perceptions of the economic and societal advantages of the nursing field, such that nursing can be seen as an investment rather than a cost.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Government launches Hope Island for crime-exposed kids

Published

1 day ago

12/05/2024

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced the launch of Hope Island, a rehabilitation initiative aimed at children exposed to crime.

Speaking at a collaborative press briefing involving agencies under the homeland ministry, Minister Ali Ihusaan outlined the planning efforts for Hope Island. He emphasised the provision of fundamental education and religious guidance for the children residing there. He also highlighted the implementation of psychosocial intervention and sports programmes on the island.

Additionally, Minister Ihusaan disclosed that children would reside on Hope Island until they turn 18 years, and serve a designated term in either the Maldives Police Service (MPS) or the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Subsequently, he said that they would be granted opportunities to pursue their chosen careers.

Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan announced a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility to 15 years, with previous advocacy for lowering it to 12 years. He cited instances of 12-year-olds engaging in criminal activities and revealed ongoing legal initiatives, in collaboration with the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), to effect the change.

Moreover, Minister Ihusaan revealed plans to direct 12-year-old offenders to Hope Island for rehabilitation, with a dedicated facility established to mitigate exposure to criminal influences. He also disclosed intentions to develop a separate island specifically for this rehabilitation facility.

Source(s): PsmNews