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The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Resettlement of Afrikaners in US 'politically motivated' , Dirco says
US President Donald Trump's administration is set to bring the first group of Afrikaners it has classified as refugees to the US early next week. US President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Picture: AFP The International Relations Department (Dirco) said the resettlement of white South Africans or Afrikaners in the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is 'entirely politically motivated'. US President Donald Trump's administration is set to bring the first group of Afrikaners it has classified as refugees to the US early next week. 'Mission South Africa' In March, Trump set up a programme called 'Mission South Africa' offering an expedited pathway to US citizenship for white South Africans, falsely claiming that the government was confiscating their land and calling their treatment in the country 'terrible'. Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes held what it called a 'cordial discussion' with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, about the departure of white South Africans to the US. 'The discussion follows engagements via the diplomatic channels, where the government expressed concerns with the information conveyed that the United States has commenced with processing alleged refugees from South Africa and will begin resettling these citizens in the United States.' ALSO READ: First SA white Afrikaner refugees set to arrive in US next week 'Politically motivated' Phiri said Dirco reiterated that allegations of discrimination against Afrikaners were 'unfounded'. 'It is most regrettable that it appears that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being 'refugees' is entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa's constitutional democracy, Phiri said. 'A country which has, in fact, suffered true persecution under apartheid rule and has worked tirelessly to prevent such levels of discrimination from ever occurring again, including through the entrenchment of rights in our Constitution, which is enforced vigorously through our judicial system. 'In addition, it is not clear how the principle of non-refoulement will be applied in relation to these citizens once they are resettled,' said Phiri. SA will not block anyone Phiri said South Africa will not block white South Africans or Afrikaners who want to leave the country. 'Whilst South Africa challenges the United States' assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country, as contained in section 21(2) of the Constitution. 'However, it is essential that in doing so, South Africa ensures that it is compliant with other domestic laws and prescripts,' Phiri said. ALSO READ: WATCH: AfriForum 'not having sleepless nights' over allegations of high treason Status of people leaving Phiri added that through diplomatic channels, Dirco has sought the status of people that will be departing for the US, whether as asylum seekers, refugees or ordinary citizens 'Dirco has sought assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them; amongst others. 'The Government of South Africa remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with the United States of America, anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral partnership,' Phiri said. 'Discrimination allegations unfounded' Phiri said Dirco has reiterated that allegations of discrimination are unfounded. 'The South African Police Service statistics on farm-related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race. There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination. 'Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law,' Phiri said. Phiri stated progressive judgements from South African courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, have 'demonstrated a principled commitment to protect minorities and vulnerable groups,' adding that 'this shows the extent to which South Africa is working towards a country in which every citizen is free and protected'. NOW READ: WATCH: AfriForum went to Washington to gossip about SA – Mufamadi
Sharjah 24
06-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SCCI, Estonian Ambassador discuss cooperation
He pointed to the promising opportunities for boosting trade and investment across key sectors, particularly advanced technology and sustainable agriculture, which align with the developmental priorities of both sides. These remarks were made during an official meeting, at the SCCI headquarters, between Al Owais and Maria Belovas, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the UAE, accompanied by her delegation. The meeting was attended by Raghda Hamad Omran Taryam, Board Member of SCCI, and Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at SCCI, along with several officials from both sides. During the meeting, Al Owais highlighted the promising opportunities for robust bilateral cooperation and sustainable partnership between Sharjah and Estonia in the agriculture and technology sectors. He pointed out the mutual interest shared by the investment environments in both countries to advance digital transformation, foster innovation through advanced technologies, and support strategic goals in food security via the adoption of smart and sustainable agricultural solutions. Al Owais praised the role of the UAE-Estonia Business Council in strengthening bilateral economic ties and facilitating a key platform for business networking and the promotion of trade and investment collaboration. He also extended an official invitation the Estonian Ambassador to attend the opening ceremony of the upcoming edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, a flagship event organized and hosted by Expo Centre Sharjah on May 28. For her part, Maria Belovas formally invited the Sharjah Chamber to organize an official trade mission to Estonia. The initiative aims to provide Sharjah business community's representatives with an opportunity to explore Estonia's investment landscape and business environment, and to identify potential opportunities in key sectors such as digital technology, cybersecurity, startups, and others.
Arab Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait and China Deepen Strategic Ties in Beijing Political Consultations
BEIJING, April 25: The foreign ministries of Kuwait and China concluded the fifth round of their political consultations today in Beijing. The Kuwaiti delegation was led by Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Ambassador Chen Weiqing, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Department of West Asia and North Africa at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Hayat described the talks as highly constructive, noting that both sides demonstrated closely aligned perspectives on a wide range of regional and international issues. He highlighted the open, candid, and in-depth nature of the discussions, which focused on mutual interests. He expressed satisfaction on behalf of both delegations with the continued growth and strength of the historical and distinguished relations between Kuwait and China. He further noted that the consultations focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and development sectors, in line with the ongoing evolution of Kuwaiti-Chinese ties. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering coordination and cooperation in regional and international forums, as well as supporting one another's positions within international organizations to serve shared interests. Ambassador Hayat emphasized that these consultations reflect the directives of both countries' senior leaderships to maintain momentum in high-level exchanges and preserve the unique and longstanding relationship between the two nations across multiple fields. The two sides also reviewed the latest progress on agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between their governments, particularly those linked to major development projects in Kuwait. These include the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, the Al-Shagaya and Al-Abdaliya renewable energy initiatives, the wastewater treatment plant, labor and housing cities, and the low-carbon green waste recycling system. They also explored further cooperation in the areas of economic and free zones. On the sidelines of the consultations, Ambassador Hayat held several bilateral meetings with senior Chinese government officials, representatives from the International Relations Department of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee, and senior advisors from the National Development and Reform Commission. During these meetings, both sides underscored the importance of continuing diplomatic consultations and deepening bilateral collaboration, building on the momentum of the successful state visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to China in September 2023. Ambassador Hayat reiterated Kuwait's strong commitment to further advancing its strategic partnership with China. It was agreed that the political consultation mechanism would continue on a regular basis, with the next round to be held in Kuwait at a date to be determined through diplomatic channels. The meetings were attended by Kuwait's Ambassador to China, Jassim Ibrahim Al-Najem, Counselor Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil, members of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Beijing, and Diplomatic Attachés Ajil Al-Ahmad and Mubarak Al-Qamis from the Asian Affairs Department at Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (KUNA)
