Latest news with #AfricaDepartment
Daily Tribune
21-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and Japan Hold Seventh Round of Political Consultations to Boost Bilateral Ties
The seventh round of political consultations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Japan was held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Manama, aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation between the two countries. The session was co-chaired by Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations at Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Ambassador Ando Toshihide, Director General of the Middle East and Africa Department at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was also attended by Bahrain's Ambassador to Japan, Ahmed Mohammed Al Doseri, and Japan's Ambassador to Bahrain, Her Excellency Ms. Okai Asako, along with representatives from Bahrain's Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Economic Development Board. Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah welcomed Ambassador Toshihide and praised the enduring and ever-growing relations between Bahrain and Japan, highlighting the shared commitment to expanding cooperation across political, economic, and security domains for the mutual benefit of both nations. He commended Japan's influential role in regional affairs, including its stance on Middle Eastern issues and its participation in international coalitions, particularly its involvement with the Combined Maritime Forces headquartered in Bahrain. He reiterated Bahrain's commitment to fostering regional and global stability through strengthened international partnerships that contribute to peace and prosperity. The two sides discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, environmental initiatives, space technology, education, and cultural exchange. Both delegations expressed optimism for continued progress and prosperity in the bilateral relationship. The consultations reflect the shared vision of both Bahrain and Japan in enhancing diplomatic dialogue and advancing comprehensive cooperation in line with their strategic interests.
Russia Today
03-03-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Russia sees a boom in African tourism
Tourism from African countries to Russia has surged by nearly 60% over the past two years, the deputy director general of the Center for Strategic Research (CSR), Yulia Maksutova, has stated. Speaking to Izvestia in Moscow on Friday, she highlighted a rising demand for travel, fueled by expanding business and educational exchanges. She added that flight connections between Russia and Africa are expanding, with direct routes to Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, the Seychelles, and Ethiopia. Currently, 143 flights depart from Russia to these destinations each week, 128 of which are to Egypt. The return traffic includes 144 flights, with the same majority coming from Egypt. 'Citizens of Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Namibia, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Seychelles already have a visa-free entry regime to Russia,' the expert noted. She stressed that while the number of tourists from African countries has grown by nearly 60% over the past two years, the overall figures remain relatively low, with only about 37,000 trips recorded annually. At present, African visitors make up less than 1% of Russia's total inbound tourism. However, Maksutova noted that initiatives such as the formation of a Russian-African working group on tourism in the Central African Republic (СAR) could help boost mutual travel. 'Residents of the African continent primarily travel to Russia for business, personal, work, or study purposes, as well as for individual tours across the country. With proper joint efforts from both the government and businesses, a foundation can be laid for increasing traditional tourist flows,' said Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), as quoted by the CSR's press service. In December, the Russian embassy in Kenya announced that Moscow had expanded its single-entry e-visa program to include Kenya, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order on December 5 updating the policy, adding 11 new countries, including three African states. With these additions, a total of 64 nations are now eligible for Russia's e-visa scheme. In turn, Russian citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Tunisia and Morocco. In Angola, Russians can stay for up to 90 days, while in Mozambique and Malawi, the limit is 30 days. In Sao Tome and Principe, Russian visitors are allowed up to 15 days. The number of Russian travelers to Africa has risen significantly, despite the continent being a more expensive destination, Anatoly Bashkin, director of the Africa Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, told Izvestia in January. He attributed the surge to Africa's unique culture, diverse natural beauty, and the coexistence of modernity with deep-rooted traditions, making it one of the world's most fascinating travel destinations. Last February, the Africa Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Aeroflot, Russia's flag carrier, had resumed flights to Mauritius in 2023. The department identified these countries, along with Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, as being the most popular sub-Saharan African destinations for Russian tourists.
