Latest news with #FrenchDevelopmentAgency
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
After updating Morocco's map to include the Sahara, France revises the Kingdom's total area
France continues to update its official data on Morocco following its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. After publishing the kingdom's complete map, including the southern provinces, on October 29, 2024, French diplomacy has now updated Morocco's official area on its website—raising it from 446,550 km² to 710,850 km². This update reflects the political decisions made by Paris, notably following the letter sent by President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI on July 30, 2024. Earlier this week, the French ambassador inaugurated a visa application office in Laayoune, marking another step in this policy shift. This opening follows the announcement of a €150 million investment in Morocco's Saharan provinces, made by the Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD) during a visit to Laayoune. It's worth recalling that in February, both the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, and the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, visited Laâyoune and Dakhla separately.
Business Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Macron kicks off Asia tour in Vietnam with focus on energy
[HANOI] French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to focus on energy, transport and infrastructure during his state visit to Vietnam, the first stop of his South-east Asian tour as he seeks to shore up alliances in the region. Macron will hold talks with Vietnam's top leaders in Hanoi on Monday (May 26). An agreement on a power grid project between the French Development Agency and Vietnam's National Power Transmission Corporation is set to be one of the deals sealed during his visit, according to state media. From Vietnam, Macron will be looking to boost bilateral relations in Indonesia before travelling to Singapore to speak at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit on Friday. The three countries illustrate the density of the ties France has forged in 'all sectors, including energy, transportation and defence', the president's Elysee office said in a briefing. The visit comes on the heels of similar trips by the leaders of China, Spain, Japan, and other nations, as South-east Asia moves into the spotlight amid uncertainties surrounding supply chains and global trade. Vietnam and France upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during a visit to Paris by Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. During that trip in October, the leaders discussed boosting security and defence cooperation and working closer in areas such as aerospace, transport infrastructure and renewable energy. As Europe calibrates its priorities amid US tariff uncertainty, Macron said France aims to deepen economic ties with regional superpower China, after a call with President Xi Jinping on Thursday. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up 'Chinese investment is welcome in France,' Macron said. 'But our companies must benefit from fair competition in our two countries,' he said. In addition to the business deals, Macron has been urged to raise human rights issues while in Vietnam and press for the release of dozens of civil society activists. 'The Vietnamese government's broad and intense crackdown on freedom of speech and assembly is the opposite of what it pledged to France and the EU,' said Bénédicte Jeannerod, France director at Human Rights Watch. 'The authorities have jailed an increasing number of democracy advocates and dissidents and are resisting reforms,' she said. Macron is also set to visit the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi on Tuesday, where he will deliver a speech about the future of France's relationship with Vietnam. BLOOMBERG
The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Macron kicks off Asia tour in Vietnam with focus on energy
France's President Emmanuel Macron. -- Photo: Reuters HANOI (Bloomberg): French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to focus on energy, transport and infrastructure during his state visit to Vietnam, the first stop of his South-East Asian tour as he seeks to shore up alliances in the region. Macron will hold talks with Vietnam's top leaders in Hanoi Monday. An agreement on a power grid project between the French Development Agency and Vietnam's National Power Transmission Corporation is set to be one of the deals sealed during his visit, according to state media. From Vietnam, Macron will be looking to boost bilateral relations in Indonesia before traveling to Singapore to speak at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit on Friday. The three countries illustrate the density of the ties France has forged in "all sectors, including energy, transportation and defense,' the president's Elysee office said in a briefing. The visit comes on the heels of similar trips by the leaders of China, Spain, Japan, and other nations, as South-East Asia moves into the spotlight amid uncertainties surrounding supply chains and global trade. Vietnam and France upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during a visit to Paris by Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. During that trip in October, the leaders discussed boosting security and defense cooperation and working closer in areas such as aerospace, transport infrastructure and renewable energy. As Europe calibrates its priorities amid US tariff uncertainty, Macron said France aims to deepen economic ties with regional superpower China, after a call with President Xi Jinping on Thursday. "Chinese investment is welcome in France,' Macron said in a post on X. "But our companies must benefit from fair competition in our two countries,' he said. In addition to the business deals, Macron has been urged to raise human rights issues while in Vietnam and press for the release of dozens of civil society activists. "The Vietnamese government's broad and intense crackdown on freedom of speech and assembly is the opposite of what it pledged to France and the EU,' said Bénédicte Jeannerod, France director at Human Rights Watch. "The authorities have jailed an increasing number of democracy advocates and dissidents and are resisting reforms,' she said. Macron is also set to visit the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi on Tuesday, where he will deliver a speech about the future of France's relationship with Vietnam. --With assistance from Linh Vu Nguyen. -- ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Macron Kicks Off Asia Tour in Vietnam With Focus on Energy
(Bloomberg) -- French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to focus on energy, transport and infrastructure during his state visit to Vietnam, the first stop of his Southeast Asian tour as he seeks to shore up alliances in the region. Macron will hold talks with Vietnam's top leaders in Hanoi Monday. An agreement on a power grid project between the French Development Agency and Vietnam's National Power Transmission Corporation is set to be one of the deals sealed during his visit, according to state media. From Vietnam, Macron will be looking to boost bilateral relations in Indonesia before traveling to Singapore to speak at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit on Friday. The three countries illustrate the density of the ties France has forged in 'all sectors, including energy, transportation and defense,' the president's Elysee office said in a briefing. The visit comes on the heels of similar trips by the leaders of China, Spain, Japan, and other nations, as Southeast Asia moves into the spotlight amid uncertainties surrounding supply chains and global trade. Vietnam and France upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during a visit to Paris by Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. During that trip in October, the leaders discussed boosting security and defense cooperation and working closer in areas such as aerospace, transport infrastructure and renewable energy. As Europe calibrates its priorities amid US tariff uncertainty, Macron said France aims to deepen economic ties with regional superpower China, after a call with President Xi Jinping on Thursday. 'Chinese investment is welcome in France,' Macron said in a post on X. 'But our companies must benefit from fair competition in our two countries,' he said. In addition to the business deals, Macron has been urged to raise human rights issues while in Vietnam and press for the release of dozens of civil society activists. 'The Vietnamese government's broad and intense crackdown on freedom of speech and assembly is the opposite of what it pledged to France and the EU,' said Bénédicte Jeannerod, France director at Human Rights Watch. 'The authorities have jailed an increasing number of democracy advocates and dissidents and are resisting reforms,' she said. Macron is also set to visit the University of Science and Technology in Hanoi on Tuesday, where he will deliver a speech about the future of France's relationship with Vietnam. --With assistance from Linh Vu Nguyen. More stories like this are available on
Jordan Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan, French Development Agency discuss accelerating key water projects
Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud on Thursday meets with a delegation from the French Development Agency to explore strategies for expediting several vital water sector initiatives (Petra photo) AMMAN — Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud on Thursday met with a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD), led by its Middle East Regional Director Yves Guicquéro, to explore strategies for expediting several vital water sector initiatives. The discussions focused on advancing projects crucial to Jordan's Water Sector Strategy 2023-2040. Abu Soud highlighted the ministry's ongoing efforts to fast-track projects aimed at enhancing services for citizens, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. He pointed to the strategic National Carrier Project, alongside key developments including the Balqa wastewater treatment plant, valued at 75 million euros, and the Madaba wastewater treatment plant and networks, valued at 100 million euros. Other critical projects discussed were Al Sukhna and Qasabat Maan wastewater systems. The minister also referred to a project focused on improving and rehabilitating wells at the Faisal Nursery in Jerash, designed to bolster water supply in the Jerash Governorate. Discussions covered the latest progress on these undertakings, with the minister expressing anticipation for continued constructive cooperation. The AFD delegation provided an overview of the agency's contributions to financing these projects and their current work trajectory. They conveyed their satisfaction with the "constructive and fruitful cooperation" between their team and the Jordanian water sector staff. The AFD representatives stressed the agency's readiness to collaborate and coordinate with Jordan's water sector on all issues aimed at improving water and wastewater services throughout the Kingdom.
