Latest news with #StefanoSannino


Asharq Al-Awsat
23-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
EU Official Hold Talks in Algeria on ‘New Pact for Mediterranean'
The European Commission's Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, Stefano Sannino, made an official visit to Algiers on Tuesday to discuss with senior Algerian officials the reviving of their 'Partnership Agreement' and a plan to engage the partner countries of the Southern Neighborhood in the New Pact for the Mediterranean. In a statement, the European Commission said Sannino will stay in Algeria until April 24. 'This mission is firmly in line with the consultations conducted on the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which the European Commission will adopt in the coming months, with a view to promoting a more integrated and supportive approach to regional cooperation,' the statement said. During this visit, Sannino will hold talks with representatives of several Algerian ministerial departments, including Foreign Affairs, Energy, Finance, and Culture. He will also take part, on Wednesday, in the opening of a conference on 'New Investment Dynamics and Prospects for Cooperation' between the European Union in Algeria, jointly organized by the Delegation of the European Union in Algeria and the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), in the presence of representatives of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA) and the business community in Algeria. The visit will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the EU's commitment to revitalizing bilateral cooperation with Algeria, within the broader and strategically articulated framework of the New Pact for the Mediterranean, the Commission said. It added that the EU 'aspires to a partnership that goes beyond the very strong existing relations, particularly in the energy sector, to build other strategic complementarities for sustainable and inclusive growth, in a changing geopolitical context and facing shared challenges such as reindustrialization, economic competitiveness, and the green transition.' The visit comes as Algeria's Foreign and Commerce ministries hold talks with the North Africa Unit at the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, aimed at reviving their 'Partnership Agreement' signed in 2002. The new Agenda for the Mediterranean was launched by the European Union in 2021 to strengthen the strategic partnership with its Southern Neighborhood partners in trade and renewable energies, upgrading facilities and infrastructure, and managing migration and counter-terrorism issues.


Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: JEBA, EU discuss investment opportunities in Jordan
AMMAN — The Board of Directors of the Jordan Europe Business Association (JEBA) on Thursday held a meeting with Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Stefano Sannino to explore ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union. The discussions centred on expanding investment opportunities in Jordan and enhancing cooperation amid regional and global economic challenges, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Also attending the meeting were EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, JEBA President Ali Murad and JEBA Director-General Hussam Saleh. Talks focused on practical avenues to bolster the role of Jordan's private sector and improve trade and investment flows between the two sides. Sannino stressed the EU's long-term commitment to Jordan, underscoring ongoing efforts to translate the strategic partnership into tangible initiatives in key sectors such as energy, digital transformation, tourism, education and entrepreneurship. He also expressed the EU's readiness to collaborate on organising the upcoming Jordanian-European Investment Forum later this year, as well as a workshop to examine the implications of the suspension of European sanctions on Syria. Sannino highlighted the importance of integrating Jordan's economy into European value chains, while also advocating for greater legislative stability and improvements to the business climate. He voiced 'strong' support for the JEBA's plans to evolve into a broader platform that facilitates "stronger" trade ties with the Jordanian private sector. Murad described the meeting as a 'milestone' in the 'deepening' partnership between Jordan and the EU. He noted that the EU's recognition of the vital role played by the Jordanian private sector reflects a shared commitment to transforming the partnership into real-world outcomes that drive sustainable development both in Jordan and across the region. JEBA board members highlighted the challenges facing the Kingdom's private sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which have 'severely' impacted tourism, investment and employment. They called for swift action to activate the investments outlined under the EU's 3 billion euros support package, including the 1.4 billion euros allocated for projects in education, health and industry. The board also presented a series of policy recommendations aimed at supporting Jordan's economy, including strengthening public-private partnerships in national infrastructure projects, advancing Islamic finance mechanisms, expanding the application of preferential rules of origin and raising awareness across Europe of Jordan's export potential. Concluding the meeting, JEBA's board stressed the importance of transitioning the organisation into a European chamber a step they believe will 'significantly' enhance the Kingdom's role as a 'strategic' economic gateway to the Global South. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Jordan Times
10-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
JEBA, EU discuss investment opportunities in Jordan
Jordan Europe Business Association and European External Action Service explore ways to strengthen the 'strategic' partnership between Jordan and the EU (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Board of Directors of the Jordan Europe Business Association (JEBA) on Thursday held a meeting with Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Stefano Sannino to explore ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union. The discussions centred on expanding investment opportunities in Jordan and enhancing cooperation amid regional and global economic challenges, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Also attending the meeting were EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, JEBA President Ali Murad and JEBA Director-General Hussam Saleh. Talks focused on practical avenues to bolster the role of Jordan's private sector and improve trade and investment flows between the two sides. Sannino stressed the EU's long-term commitment to Jordan, underscoring ongoing efforts to translate the strategic partnership into tangible initiatives in key sectors such as energy, digital transformation, tourism, education and entrepreneurship. He also expressed the EU's readiness to collaborate on organising the upcoming Jordanian-European Investment Forum later this year, as well as a workshop to examine the implications of the suspension of European sanctions on Syria. Sannino highlighted the importance of integrating Jordan's economy into European value chains, while also advocating for greater legislative stability and improvements to the business climate. He voiced 'strong' support for the JEBA's plans to evolve into a broader platform that facilitates "stronger" trade ties with the Jordanian private sector. Murad described the meeting as a 'milestone' in the 'deepening' partnership between Jordan and the EU. He noted that the EU's recognition of the vital role played by the Jordanian private sector reflects a shared commitment to transforming the partnership into real-world outcomes that drive sustainable development both in Jordan and across the region. JEBA board members highlighted the challenges facing the Kingdom's private sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which have 'severely' impacted tourism, investment and employment. They called for swift action to activate the investments outlined under the EU's 3 billion euros support package, including the 1.4 billion euros allocated for projects in education, health and industry. The board also presented a series of policy recommendations aimed at supporting Jordan's economy, including strengthening public-private partnerships in national infrastructure projects, advancing Islamic finance mechanisms, expanding the application of preferential rules of origin and raising awareness across Europe of Jordan's export potential. Concluding the meeting, JEBA's board stressed the importance of transitioning the organisation into a European chamber a step they believe will 'significantly' enhance the Kingdom's role as a 'strategic' economic gateway to the Global South.


Daily News Egypt
05-03-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Health Minister meets EU delegation to discuss Gaza relief efforts
Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, met with a European Union delegation led by Stefano Sannino, Director-General for the Middle East and North Africa, to explore ways to enhance cooperation in sustaining Egypt's relief efforts for Gaza amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, the meeting reviewed Egypt's rescue and reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has been providing medical and humanitarian aid to Palestinians since the crisis began. Discussions also covered the readiness of Egyptian hospitals to receive wounded Palestinians, including emergency departments, intensive care units, and inpatient facilities. The preparedness of medical teams across various specialties was also emphasized to ensure comprehensive care for injured and sick individuals from Gaza. The two sides explored ways to strengthen cooperation in meeting urgent medical and humanitarian needs, rehabilitate the Palestinian health system, and establish mechanisms for providing psychological support, particularly for children affected by the crisis. Minister Abdel Ghaffar reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, emphasizing the country's longstanding role in providing humanitarian and medical aid. He also invited the EU delegation to visit medical facilities in North Sinai and neighboring governorates to witness Egypt's extensive efforts in treating Palestinian patients. Sannino praised Egypt's pivotal role in relief and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing that Cairo's response serves as a model in addressing the humanitarian crisis. He expressed his commitment to enhancing EU-Egypt cooperation to further support Gaza's reconstruction and meet the health and humanitarian needs of Palestinians in these challenging times.


Babnet
01-03-2025
- Business
- Babnet
Tunisia - European Union: A Shared Commitment to Strengthening Economic Cooperation
On Friday, February 28, 2025, Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr. Samir Abdelhafidh, met with Mr. Stefano Sannino, Director General for the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf Countries at the European Commission, who is on a working visit to Tunisia. The meeting, which was attended by the European Union Ambassador to Tunisia, Mr. Giuseppe Perrone, provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the importance of the existing cooperation and partnership between Tunisia and the European Union, as well as their commitment to further strengthening and diversifying it in the mutual interest of both parties. During the discussion, the minister highlighted the significant improvements in several economic indicators in recent months. He also outlined key reforms and measures introduced by the Tunisian government to stimulate economic activity, including accelerating the implementation of projects and ongoing efforts to enhance the investment and business climate. For his part, Mr. Stefano Sannino emphasized that his visit aligns with the EU's ongoing efforts to reinforce its constructive partnership with Tunisia across various sectors. He also reaffirmed the European Union's commitment and readiness to continue supporting Tunisia in achieving its economic and social development goals.