Latest news with #DominiquedeVillepin
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Embracing Mountains and Seas, Coexisting with Cultures: The "International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Theme Events Officially Kick Off in Gran Canaria, Spain
Gran Canaria, Spain--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - On May 29, 2025 local time, the "International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Theme Events officially kicked off in Gran Canaria, Spain. Centered around the theme "Embracing Mountains and Seas, Coexisting with Cultures-Mountain Tourism and Cultural Inclusiveness for the Future," the event brought together a diverse group of prestigious international organizations, government officials, industry leaders, experts, and scholars, and media professionals from around the world. The gathering aims to explore paths of inclusive and reciprocal global mountain tourism and shared development. Scene from the Opening Ceremony A series of activities were held as part of the Theme Events, including the Opening Ceremony, the Theme Forum, the Exchange and Sharing Session of Mountain Culture and Tourism, the China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition, and the "Night of Gran Canaria" Welcome Dinner. Guests participated in various formats to exchange advanced ideas, discuss frontier issues, and deepen practical cooperation. At the Opening Ceremony, keynote addresses were delivered by Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA); Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña; Antonio Morales Méndez, President of the Government of Gran Canaria, Spain; Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism; and Yang Changqing, Director of the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, was specially designated by H.E. Yao Jing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra, to attend the ceremony and deliver a speech on his behalf. He Yafei, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of IMTA, and Song Xiaolu, Deputy Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, China, also delivered insightful remarks. At the event, Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding, signaling a future of constructive cooperation in promoting innovative governance in mountain tourism and advancing sustainable development. Peter Semone, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), released the Asia-Pacific Mountain Tourism Development Report (2025), jointly compiled by IMTA and PATA. The report provides a systematic analysis of the far-reaching impact of sustainable tourism on economic growth, cultural exchange, and ecological conservation. It also offers forward-looking strategic insights and professional recommendations for the development of mountain tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The event also witnessed the release of the Enjoy the Wonder of Mountains, Share the Natural Beauty-The "International Mountain Tourism Day 2025" Gran Canaria Initiative. The initiative, grounded in the concepts of mutual learning among civilizations and integrative innovation, calls on governments, enterprises, communities, and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, actively promote environmentally friendly tourism, and jointly build an open, inclusive, and mutually enriching mountain civilization. Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), and Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) "The IMTD has now emerged as a vital platform, not only showcasing the rich and varied values of our mountain regions but also fostering deeper exchanges within our industry and strengthening international collaboration," said Dominique de Villepin, Chairman of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA). He emphasized that this year's Theme Events-held against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain-will carry forward the spirit of "Mutual Understanding among People." By bringing together the insights and expertise of industry leaders, it will be a powerful force in fostering cultural inclusiveness and deepening the bonds between China and Europe. Miguel Sanz, General Director of Turespaña, noted that mountain tourism is one of the key directions for the future of global tourism. Turespaña is fully committed to promoting the sustainable transformation of Spain's tourism sector, aiming to achieve a balanced development that aligns environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic growth. The goal is to foster a new tourism model that is green, low-carbon, and enhances residents' well-being. Liang Nan, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Spain, stated that on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Spain, he expressed hope that mountain tourism, as a unique vehicle, would further deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries. He also invited more Spanish friends to appreciate the grandeur of China's landscapes and the charm of its civilization, and to jointly open a new chapter in China-Spain tourism cooperation. Christine Brew, Representative of UN Tourism, emphasized that mountain tourism is a vital tool for promoting inclusive development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation-particularly through its strong linkages to community empowerment and rural revitalization. She underscored that mountain tourism plays a key role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), directly contributing to multiple targets. Scene from the Panel Discussion The supporting activities were rich and vibrant. The China-Spain Cultural and Tourism Exchange Exhibition showcased the natural and cultural landscapes of mountain destinations in both countries through fine brush paintings and photographic works. The "Night of Gran Canaria" Welcome Dinner featured a spectacular blend of traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage performances by ethnic minorities and the passionate expressions of Spanish folk art. Together, they created a vivid scene of mutual cultural appreciation and harmonious coexistence between civilizations, set against the backdrop of mountains and seas. The event was co-hosted by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and Turismo de Gran Canaria, with strong support from UN Tourism, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), the Mountain Partnership Secretariat (MPS) hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Oficina Nacional de Turismo de China en Madrid, the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, China, and the Foreign Affairs Office of Guizhou Province (Guizhou Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries), China. The "International Mountain Tourism Day" is an international commemorative day initiated by the International Mountain Tourism Alliance in 2018. Since its first launch on May 29, 2019, the theme events have been successfully held in China, Nepal, Laos, France, and Spain for seven consecutive years. Media Contact Company Name: International Mountain Tourism AllianceContact: Zhang YijingEmail: admin@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Middle East Eye
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Ex French prime minister calls for "isolating" Israel to prevent "ethnic cleansing"
Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin urged the West on Tuesday to "economically and strategically isolate" Israel to oppose the goal of "deporting" the population of Gaza. "We are facing an Israeli plan (...). After the reoccupation of Gaza, the second step will be deportation. The political objective of Benjamin Netanyahu and his government is the deportation of the population of Gaza, which is the hallmark of ethnic cleansing, of territorial cleansing," Dominique de Villepin told Franceinfo radio. He added: "The Europeans know this perfectly well, and they are there with wooden swords, even though there are three things that must be done immediately." First, "immediately suspend the European agreement with Israel. Most of Israel's trade is with Europe. Second, impose an arms embargo on all European countries. Third, refer the entire Israeli government and key Israeli military authorities to the International Criminal Court (...) by writing collectively to the Court," he proposed. "If you want to stop what is happening today, you must make it clear to Israel that there will be a before and an after," he added.
El Chorouk
13-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
Will Dominique de Villepin be the 'salvation of Paris' from its crisis with Algeria?
The escalating crisis in Algerian-French relations has created a pessimistic outlook for the future of these relations, which, according to observers, may not regain their hoped-for calm for at least two years, the remaining term of French President Emmanuel Macron's second presidential term at the Élysée Palace. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had hinted in his interview with the French newspaper 'L'Opinion' at the impossibility of restoring calm to relations between Algeria and Paris under the current French president's rule. From here, those following these relations are trying to anticipate the post-Macron era, in light of the political discussions in France about the identity of those who will run in the presidential race to succeed Macron, who, according to the French constitution, cannot run for a third term. In this context, the latest poll in France conducted by the reputable 'Ifop' institute revealed that the potential candidate for the French presidential elections, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin, is leading everyone with 51 percent of positive opinions, ahead of his counterpart, former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, who received 50 percent. What is interesting is that the Minister of Interior, Bruno Retailleau, who has made targeting Algeria a political project, was not mentioned at all in the poll, while former Prime Minister Michel Barnier came in third place with 46 percent of positive opinions, and in fourth place, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal came in fourth place with 45 percent of positive opinions. The credibility of this poll lies in the fact that it was conducted at the request of a media platform known for its far-right leanings, 'Sud Radio,' published on Monday, May 12, and its results were in favor of a personality who does not share the political orientations of the far-right. In fact, this personality, considered to be from the Gaullist current, is the closest personality from this current to the left, which currently controls the majority of members of the French National Assembly (the lower house of parliament). In President Tebboune's aforementioned interview with 'L'Opinion,' he had praised some moderate French political figures who have not received their due attention in the French media, which is controlled by financiers known for their far-right leanings, such as Vincent Bolloré. He mentioned Dominique de Villepin among them, considering him the personality who truly represents the legacy of Gaullist thought, which has a special vision regarding French-Arab relations, not represented by many current political figures in this current, referring here to the Minister of Interior, Bruno Retailleau, who promotes that orientation but whose actions on the ground are moving in the opposite direction.
Leaders
14-04-2025
- Health
- Leaders
OIC Denounces Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Hospital, Cites Risk of Humanitarian Crisis
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a statement today vehemently condemning the Israeli occupation's bombing of the Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip. The OIC labeled the attack a war crime and a blatant breach of international and humanitarian law. It also warned that the continued targeting of hospitals, ongoing power outages, and severe shortages of medical supplies and fuel are pushing Gaza's healthcare system to the brink of collapse, posing the risk of a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe. The organization renewed its urgent call on the international community—particularly the UN Security Council—to take immediate action to implement a ceasefire and guarantee the delivery of critical medical assistance, humanitarian aid, and basic necessities to the people of Gaza. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Stands Firm Against Palestinian Displacement at OIC Summit Syria Welcomes Re-activation of Frozen OIC Membership After 13 Years Voices Against Gaza War: Dominique de Villepin – UNA-OIC Approves Draft Resolutions to Strengthen Islamic Media Collaboration Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
Telegraph
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Europe abandoned Trump, so Trump is abandoning Europe
'America can no longer be considered an ally of Europe,' said Dominique de Villepin, once France's foreign minister and now presidential hopeful, to Swedish journalist Martin Gelin. Friedrich Merz, the incoming German chancellor, called separately for 'real independence from the USA'. It's safe to say that Europe has not taken the decision of Donald Trump to effectively end his nation's existing support structure for Ukraine well, which European leaders acting in a manner medically consistent with extreme shock. That an American leader could publicly chastise Zelensky, threaten to cut off aid, and disparage Nato through official Oval Office comments is too much to bear. Europeans still don't get it. De Villepin believes America, like Russia and China, is an 'illiberal superpower,' but he and other Europeans are missing two important trends. First, the US has had enough of European freeriding. Second, that Trump is going hard after China, and as a result is focusing far less on other regional concerns. Trump and predecessors have been trying to get Nato signatories to spend at least 2 per cent of gross domestic product on defence. There was progress last year as countries crossed the threshold for the first time, but European members and Canada are still not devoting sufficient resources to the common defence. Trump finally got tired of pleading, pressuring, and cajoling, so after two invasions of Ukraine he finally walked away. Europe abandoned its own defence, so Trump is abandoning Europe. No one should be surprised: The continent had decades of warning. At the same time, Trump is pulling what is now known as the 'reverse Nixon,' in other words, wooing Russia to isolate China. At first, he let China off the hook. Most notably, Trump paused the implementation of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, also known as the 'TikTok law'. Also, it appears his staff was instrumental in killing proposed bipartisan legislation to review and restrict American investment into China. Moreover, Trump tried to reach out to Xi Jinping with, among other things, an unprecedented invitation to the inauguration. The American leader made it known he wanted an invitation to Beijing during the first 100 days of his new term. Since then, however, just about everything he's doing has had a China-hawk angle. Trump in two tranches imposed a 20 per cent across-the-board tariff on Chinese goods; announced 25 per cent steel and aluminium tariffs hitting Chinese producers hard; eliminated the $800 de minimis tariff exemption that Chinese companies in particular took advantage of (the elimination was subsequently delayed to permit inspection mechanisms to be put in place); issued the America First Investment Policy Memorandum to restrict investment into the United States by 'foreign adversaries' and American tech investments in such regimes; and had the US Trade Representative propose steep charges on Chinese-operated and Chinese-made vessels entering US ports. China's leaders, unlike Europe's, realise the significance of the moves. 'If the US has another agenda in mind and if war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end,' a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday, in response to the second 10 per cent tariff. Fight to the end? Beijing is alarmed that the new administration is showing no deference. For instance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in response to the Chinese comments, on Wednesday said the United States was prepared to go to war if Beijing starts one. Trump believes the Chinese economy is fragile and will not grow 'around 5 per cent,' Premier Li Qiang's growth target for the year. America's leader knows that now is the time to hit Beijing hard. As Trump understands, economic security is national security and China is a direct national security threat. European leaders should pay attention to what he has been saying and doing.
