Latest news with #Affairs
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Crown Prince concludes landmark visit to Japan
TOKYO, May 31: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah departed early on Saturday the Japanese city of Osaka following an official visit. His Highness the Crown Prince was seen off at the airport by the Minister of Information, Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the State of Kuwait Ambassador to Japan Sami Al-Zamanan and the Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah sent on Saturday a thank you message to the Japanese Emperor Naruhito. His Highness Crown Prince expressed his gratitude for the warm reception during his official visit to Japan, thanking Emperor Naruhito on behalf of himself and his delegation. He highlighted that this warm welcome reflects the strong historic ties between the two countries, nurtured by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness the Crown Prince also appreciated the positive Kuwaiti-Japanese discussions on mutual interests and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation to elevate bilateral relations, benefiting both nations and addressing global challenges. In conclusion, he wished Emperor Naruhito continued good health and success, and further progress and prosperity for Japan and its people. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah also addressed a message of identical sentiments to the Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito, noting that he was deeply moved by the warm hospitality that mirrored the close and historic relations between the State of Kuwait and Japan. He noted that the visit to Japan was a significant step for bolstering the bilateral ties, the strategic partnerships, and affirming the resolve to expand this partnership and promote it at various levels. His Highness the Crown Prince wished him utmost good health and success and for his people more progress and prosperity. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, upon conclusion of his official visit to Japan, sent on Saturday a message to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, expressing deep gratitude for the well-organized reception for him and his entourage. His Highness the Crown Prince thanked the prime minister for the well-organized and warm reception during his presence in Japan, noting that the visit depicted depth of the distinguished and solid bonds that date back to 60 years ago. These close relations are of prior concern for His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, he said to the premier. This visit was an opportunity to discuss regional and international issues of common concern, expand the bilateral partnership in various sectors, and promote it to a more comprehensive level, he added. The freshly concluded visit by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan (May 28-31) has successfully pushed for the constructive development of the historic ties, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Saturday. In a statement, obtained by KUNA, following the end of His Highness the Crown Princes visit, Ambassador Mukai said 'I am also pleased to express our pride in His Highness's successful visit to Japan 'where he met with His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito, the Crown Prince (Murihito of) Akishino, and the Prime Minister Ishiba, and the two countries have concurred to upgrade our bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.' During His Highness' visit, five memoranda of understanding were signed, the Ambassador added. 'Through the MoC (Memorandum of Cooperation) on Training of Diplomats between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, 'I hope the cooperation between the two Ministries will be further strengthened,' he said. 'The two countries have agreed on the comprehensive cooperation in the field of electricity, water, and renewable energy through signing the MOC between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy of the State of Kuwait,' said the Ambassador. Ambassador Mukai said, 'the MoC on Direct Investment between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Kuwait Foreign Direct Investment Agency was also signed, which I hope will facilitate the further expansion of the investment from Japanese companies into Kuwait in the future.' 'We are optimistic that this visit and its outcomes will serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation, building upon the strong and enduring relationship between Japan and Kuwait, founded on shared values and mutual interests,' he affirmed. Earlier today (Saturday), His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled concluded his visit to Japan, departing from the city of Osaka and addressing messages to the emperor and the crown prince, expressing sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality and affirming that the visit constituted a substantial push the bilateral relations. On Friday, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled, during his official visit to Japan, visited Expo 2025 Osaka. Accompanied by senior Kuwaiti official, he started his tour of the expo with a visit to the pavilion of the hosts, where the Japanese officials briefed him on the exhibits that reflect their history, culture and civilization.(KUNA)
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
King Salman and Crown Prince receive letters from Egypt's President El-Sisi
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman received two written messages from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi concerning bilateral relations between the two countries. The letters were delivered to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Al-Khuraiji during his meeting on Thursday in Riyadh with Egypt's Ambassador to the Kingdom, Ihab Abu Seree'. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the deep-rooted brotherly ties and ongoing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. They also discussed issues of mutual interest.
Egypt Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt's FM will meet with UN former chief, Gambian Foreign Minister in Cairo
CAIRO – 30 May 2025: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty will meet with Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Saturday in Cairo, according to a statement issued by the Ministry on Friday. Additionally, Abdelatty will attend the Tripartite Meeting on Libya (Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria). Then, he will with Gambian counterpart Mr. Mamadou Tangara. The meeting will be followed by an expanded discussion session and a joint press conference. Afternoon, Abdelatty will receive Senator Tim Sheehy, Member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford's Tories amend controversial mining bill to allay First Nation concerns
Premier Doug Ford is amending his controversial Bill 5 in a last-ditch bid to allay concerns from Indigenous leaders that treaty rights and environmental protections are under threat. The Progressive Conservatives scrambled Wednesday to alter their Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects by proposing to make changes in regulations after the legislation is passed — which critics dismissed as too little, too late. 'This is totally the wrong way,' said New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), whose remote northwestern riding includes the vast Right of Fire mineral deposits Ford wants to feed electric vehicle development, defence and other industries in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW A key amendment would eventually allow Indigenous-led 'special economic zones' to fast-track mining and infrastructure projects that could benefit their communities. It states 'regulations under this Act shall be made in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult.' Ford's office said 'this amendment creating a new category of zone is at the request of some First Nations who, like us, want to build projects that will unlock economic prosperity for generations.' Special economic zones, which would limit environmental assessments and be exempt from many municipal and provincial rules, have been a main point of contention with First Nations because they violate treaty rights and endanger wildlife. 'We've ... heard the desire to strengthen the commitment to the duty to consult. They want to make sure that their rights and treaty rights are protected. We hear them,' said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. 'A responsible government, an element of pragmatism, will work with them and build upon that advice,' said Lecce. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, who is meeting with chiefs from across the province, said the changes 'line up perfectly with what we're hearing from First Nations business leaders and First Nations political leaders.' 'They want to be a part of the economic opportunity and fundamentally transform and change the economic fortunes of many First Nations across this province,' said Rickford, who worked as a nurse in remote reserves for years before going into politics. 'There have been no 'economic' designations as of yet,' he said, referring to the special economic zones where development could be expedited by years. But as protesters rallied outside Queen's Park, opposition parties and First Nations said the government's 'trust-me' approach to make changes in regulations won't work because the government has already broken trust by rushing the bill into law after failing to consult them while crafting it. 'This legislation will not unleash our economy. In fact, it erodes trust between Ontario and Moose Cree First Nation and will only delay planning and development because there is no shortcut around First Nations' rights,' said Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley. 'This attempt to shortcut the duty to consult and override environmental protections will end up at the Supreme Court and delay any Ring of Fire activity by at least 10 years,' said Chief Michael Sugarhead of Nibinamik First Nation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW In a legislative committee doing a clause-by-clause examination of the bill Wednesday, Mamakwa said 'the government is on a path of no reconciliation' with First Nations that will backfire. 'You cannot legislatively bulldoze your way to our homeland,' said Mamakwa. 'If that's done, there are repercussions and we don't want to go there ... while you may change your laws, you remain accountable to us.' Earlier this week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said the government's actions could lead to 'conflict on the ground.' 'If this bill in its current form goes through, that is where we're heading, And those that oppose (Bill 5) will most likely end up in jail,' said Fiddler, who has repeatedly emphasized that 'our treaty is not red tape, our rights are not red tape.' NDP Leader Marit Stiles said consultations with Indigenous leaders should have taken place before the bill was drafted and agreed it will lead to a slowdown in mine and infrastructure development because of court challenges and protests. 'This eleventh hour scramble ... is not going to cut it,' she told reporters. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the amendment is yet another example of the three-term Tory government being forced into policy retreats because it doesn't 'do its homework.' 'They react, and then they realize they need to walk things back. This has been a pattern with this government, as we saw, even with the Greenbelt,' said Crombie in reference to the Tories' $8.28-billion land swap scandal now being investigated by the RCMP. Green Leader Mike Schreiner noted 'the government says 'trust us' on a bill that they've actually broken trust with First Nations.' Provincial Politics Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Provincial Politics Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. 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Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
SCA moved environmental rights forward, but left children's rights behind
Children are disproportionately affected by environmental harms and they will be affected by the pollution caused today for decades after this generation of adults has died. On 11 April 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) handed down judgment in what is known as the Deadly Air case, a court case brought by affected communities living in the Highveld Priority Area, the most polluted section of air in South Africa and a hotspot of air pollution globally. The court declared the high levels of air pollution to be a violation of the right to an environment which is not harmful to health and wellbeing and ordered the Minister of Environmental Affairs to make regulations to implement special measures to improve air quality. While the judgment is hailed as a victory for environmental rights, it is eerily silent on the rights of those most affected – children. This is despite overwhelming evidence and legal submissions before the court on their particular vulnerability to deadly air. The Highveld Priority Area is an area covering 31,106km² of Gauteng and Mpumalanga. It was designated priority status in 2007 under the National Air Quality Act, because of the obscene levels of air pollution, which is caused by 12 of Eskom's 15 coal-fired power stations, Sasol's petrochemical refinery, metal smelters and hundreds of mines, contributing to the deaths of at least 3,000 children annually. The affected communities, including their children, represented by local NGOs groundWork Trust and VEM, provided the court with evidence that in the 10 years since its declaration as a high priority area, there was no improvement in air quality in the Highveld Priority Area, and that up to 10,000 deaths (and myriad diseases) could be avoided annually if the levels of pollutants were brought within the prescribed limits. The applicants showed that children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to, among other factors, their smaller lungs, developing brains and bodies, and increased amount of time spent outside. Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of death in children under the age of five. According to Unicef, South Africa ranks 8th globally for the number of children dying annually from diseases caused by fossil fuel combustion, in this case, for coal-fired power. The then minister did not dispute these facts but argued that she was not duty-bound to enact regulations to implement the necessary measures to reduce air pollution. This was the question the court had to answer: does the minister have a duty to enact regulations necessary to give effect to the plans for reduction in air pollution? The Centre for Child Law was admitted to the proceedings in the SCA as amicus curiae (a friend of the court) to provide the court with considerations regarding the interests of affected children. The Centre argued that the minister's duty to enact regulations stems from her special duty to children, which includes the constitutional duty to consider the best interests of the child as paramount in any matter concerning children (section 28(2)), and to promote and protect children's rights to dignity, health and a safe environment, under constitutional and international law. The high court had already confirmed that children's rights are necessarily violated by the violation of the right to an environment which is not harmful to health and wellbeing, but did not elaborate further. Disappointingly, and rather confusingly, the high court's judgment calls the communities' child rights arguments 'opportunistic' when they are clearly implicated, even in the view of the court. In the SCA, the centre implored the court to confirm that children's rights were crucial to the case, and to the cases children will bring in the future. The SCA, in an even more disappointing outcome for children, does not engage whatsoever with the rights of children in its April 2025 judgment. Why children? The Deadly Air case presented an opportunity for the court to set a precedent that children's rights must be core to the inquiry regarding the duties of government, and the interpretation of rights in the context of environmental justice. Children cannot vote and have few opportunities to have their voices heard on important matters affecting their lives. Many have turned to the courts globally to exercise their right to be heard and to access justice. In December 2024, the youth-led African Climate Alliance won their case against the Minister of Mineral Resources, in which the court reversed the minister's decision to procure additional coal-fired power based solely on the fact that the impact on children's rights was not considered. This judgment is just the start of what children will need to ensure that their present and future are safe from harm. The SCA had the opportunity to grapple with the content and scope of the rights of the child, paving the way for their future protection, but failed to do so. Children are to be singled out for good reason. They are disproportionately affected by environmental harms, and they will be affected by the pollution caused today for decades after this generation of adults has died. It is a matter of equality that they are given due regard. Coupled with their limited opportunity for democratic participation, and the vulnerabilities inherent in their position in society, the courts have a duty to develop the law in consideration of their rights. The global climate justice movement is being led by children – think Ayakha Melithafa and Greta Thunberg, who are just two of millions of children globally advocating for a liveable climate. In addition to their massive protests, more than 50 court cases have been launched by children all over the world challenging governments and private actors to reduce emissions that cause climate change and environmental harms. They often represent the interests of other children and future generations in their work. They are claiming their rights, where adults are failing, and the courts must be their ally. Positive takeaways from the Deadly Air Judgment The SCA makes three important findings which advance environmental and climate rights: 1) a 'state of affairs' can be a violation of rights, if coupled with government inaction; 2) a purposive, rights-informed interpretation of relevant legislation finds that the minister bears a duty to the public to implement plans to reduce harm; and 3) that the right to an environment which is not harmful to health is immediately realisable, and not subject to availability of resources. This significant development in environmental rights law should have reflected the intersections with child rights and defined the scope and meaning in the interest of all children. Conclusion The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child is calling the climate crisis an African child rights crisis because of the clear evidence that African children are already suffering more than any other demographic in the world because of environmental damage. Africa's negligible contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is made up almost entirely by South Africa's coal industry. South Africa has a duty to local children, as well as children in the wider sub-Saharan region. Children are counting on the courts to enforce this important duty. DM Liesl Muller is a senior attorney at the Centre for Child Law. She is appointed as external expert on climate change and children's rights to the South African Human Rights Commission and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
