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HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi received a copy of the credentials of ambassador of Germany Oliver Owcza and ambassador of France Arnaud Pescheux. HE the Secretary-General wished both ambassadors success in carrying out their duties, stressing that they will receive full support to strengthen bilateral relations between Qatar and their respective countries, in order to achieve closer co-operation across various fields.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Friday hailed the "vital role" played by Qatar in winning the release of a British couple held by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.He welcomed the release of Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife, Barbie, 76, who had been arrested in February, saying: "This long-awaited news will come as a huge relief to them and their family.""I want to pay tribute to the vital role played by Qatar," including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, "in securing their freedom", Starmer added in a statement.

His Excellency Minister of Interior, Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Police Academy Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani attended on Thursday the graduation ceremony of 13 officers of the first batch of the second-line leadership program at the Police Officers Institute at the Academy's headquarters.During the ceremony, His Excellency handed out certificates to the graduates in the presence of a number of leaders and heads of the country's security and military agencies.The program aimed to prepare a new generation of security leaders capable of contributing to the development of institutions and facing future challenges. The program was implemented in cooperation with the IE University in Spain, which specializes in leadership.

UN commission says Israel has committed genocide in GazaIt cites destruction of Gaza fertility clinic in findingsIsrael denies allegations of genocideNajwa Abu Hamada felt no sense of justice when a UN Commission of Inquiry cited the destruction of a fertility clinic among actions that it said showed Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.Instead, the commission’s findings revived painful memories in Abu Hamada of the embryos she had stored at the Al-Basma IVF centre and lost when it was hit by Israeli forces in late 2023.Like other Gazans, Abu Hamada feels helpless and without a voice to protest as Israel presses on with its nearly two-year-old military offensive in Gaza and the death toll keeps rising.“The genocide is not only targeting men, children and women, it is also targeting frozen fertility eggs – my only hope,” Abu Hamada said in Qatar, where she now lives. “Israel came and even carried out genocide which reached even the embryos that belong to me at (the) Al Basma centre. What can compensate me?”Abu Hamada has already had one child by using fertility procedures in Gaza, and is still wondering if she can have another child at the age of 49.On Tuesday, she and her husband Eyad Abu Hamada spoke with her doctor Bahaeldeen Ghalayini, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who established the Al Basma IVF centre, about the possibility of undergoing further fertility treatments.“The doctor told us don’t lose hope,” said her husband.The couple had travelled to Qatar for fertility treatment before the Gaza war began. The loss of her embryos back home in Gaza in 2023 dealt a huge blow to her hopes of having another child.Reuters could not independently verify details of her story. But Ghalayini confirmed separately to Reuters that Abu Hamada had embryos that were stored at the Gaza clinic before it was attacked in late 2023.The UN Commission concluded that the destruction of the Al Basma IVF centre was “a measure intended to prevent births among Palestinians in Gaza” — one of five acts or violations that count as genocide under the 1948 convention.“The Israeli security forces launched a tank shell that directly hit the clinic and caused the explosion of five liquid nitrogen tanks, consequently destroying all the reproductive material that was stored therein for future conception of Palestinians,” it said.Israel has not confirmed striking the clinic. It has denied carrying out genocide or deliberately targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure during its military operation in Gaza, which it says is intended to eradicate Hamas following the group’s storming of Israel in October 2023.Daniel Meron, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, said the UN commission of inquiry’s conclusion that Israel has committed genocide was “scandalous” and “fake,” and described its report as a “libelous rant.”Reuters was first to report on the attack that Ghalayini said destroyed 4,000 embryos plus 1,000 more specimens of sperm and unfertilised eggs.The commission’s 72-page legal analysis is the strongest UN finding to date but the body is independent and does not officially speak for the United Nations. The UN has not used the term ‘genocide’ but is under increasing pressure to do so.Israel has accused Hamas fighters of operating from medical facilities, which Hamas denies.Along with the destruction the fertility clinic, the commission of inquiry cited as evidence of genocide the scale of the killings in Gaza, aid blockages and forced displacement.Abu Hamada had a son, Khalil, who was conceived through fertility procedures at a different clinic. He was killed when he was 17, during a flare-up of violence between Israel and the Islamic Jihad fighter group in 2022.“God blessed me with him after 12 years (of infertility) and five (IVF) transplant operations. He is gone after he became a young man and I wanted him to get married and celebrate his wedding, and I lost him,” said Abu Hamada.“We want everyone to stand by us. The whole world is watching and doing nothing.”

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is set to take place from November 3-27. With less than two months until the tournament kickoff, fans in Qatar look forward to welcoming their national teams and partaking in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of football and culture. This is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting and will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams. A total of 104 matches will take place over 25 days at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. Argentina fans will hope to see their team win this competition for the first time, following the success they enjoyed during Qatar 2022. For Maria Hermina, a human resource professional and Argentinian super fan based in Qatar, the tournament has brought a wave of excitement within the football-loving expat community. “Football is in our blood. It unites us all regardless of our diverse backgrounds or beliefs – this is the beauty of the game. We look forward to celebrating this beautiful game with fans from around the world. In 2022, we watched the senior Argentinian team crowned as world champions, now we are rooting for our young Albiceleste to bring home the U-17 World Cup trophy.” Portuguese fan leader, Elisabete Reis, an etiquette and protocol consultant in Qatar and a long-time resident of 19 years, looks forward to recreating memories of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with the team set to make their fourth appearance at the upcoming tournament. The young Portuguese squad will be looking to improve on their best finish when they finished in third place in 1989. “The world was amazed by what Qatar had to offer. I was happy that fans were able to appreciate the true beauty and culture of Qatar and go back with a positive perspective. The U-17 World Cup, will bring the world together once again in Qatar, allowing fans to embrace new cultures and revel in the thrill of this game. I look forward to welcoming global fans to my second home, and creating incredible memories together.” Amongst participating teams, Uganda is set to make their first ever appearance at a FIFA competition. For fan leader, Allan Ssemugabi, who works in the automobile industry, the team’s qualification to the tournament was a historic moment for football fans. “This is a momentous occasion in our football history. Fans are super excited, and many will be travelling to Qatar to support our young players. It’s a dream for us to be able to watch our team play at a global stage. I am excited to unite with fans from around the world to celebrate our common passion for football. I am certain that fans will enjoy all that Qatar has to offer, especially its compact nature, making it easy to travel between various cultural sites using public transport.” Indonesia will be making their second appearance at the competition after hosting the competition in 2023. Fan leader Vidi Viciyandrie, who works in the oil and gas industry, is an avid supporter of Indonesian football. “Football is the number one sport back home; we are crazy about the game. Indonesian fans take immense pride in supporting our national teams, no matter what the result is. Our young Garudas have our full support. This will be a wonderful tournament for all of us. The world has seen how Qatar can successfully organise football tournaments, and the U-17 World Cup will be another spectacular event for football fans.” The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will host eight matches a day during the group stage. Fans will also be able to enjoy several cultural activations in a vibrant fan zone. The venue is connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone smashed the long-standing United States women's 400 metre record to surge into the final at the World Athletics Championships. The 26-year-old American, who is the world record holder at the 400m hurdles but has chosen to run the flat race in Tokyo, blazed through her semi-final in 48.29sec.That was almost half a second faster than Sanya Richards-Ross's previous US record of 48.70, which had stood since 2006. McLaughlin-Levrone will be the red-hot favourite to capture her first 400m world title in tomorrow's final and said she was "honoured" to better Richards-Ross's national mark."Definitely wasn't expecting that time but it just shows the fitness is there," she said. "Excited for the finals and grateful to have taken down a record by an amazing woman."McLaughlin-Levrone was one of the stars when Tokyo hosted the Covid-delayed Olympic Games in 2021. She set a world record of 51.46sec when winning 400m hurdles gold in one of the stand-out performances of those Games. She was also part of the US 4x400m relay squad that took gold.She said she still had gas left in the tank after her semi-final performance and was taken aback when she looked at her time on the scoreboard. "I wasn't expecting that but it's not surprising because I know the work's been put in," she said. "It's really just about executing and I'm grateful that it showed me that it's there."McLaughlin-Levrone was joined in the semi-finals by Paris Olympics champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, who went through in a time of 49.82. Paris Games silver medallist Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain also qualified along with Poland's Natalia Bukowiecka and Jamaica's Nickisha Pryce.Britain's Amber Anning, who qualified with a second-quickest time of 49.38, said McLaughlin-Levrone would be the woman to beat in the final. "I think she wanted to put herself into a good position going into that final," said Anning. "I just tried to stay with her as much as possible but still execute my race."

Spain's King Felipe VI on Tuesday denounced the "unspeakable suffering" of hundreds of thousands of Gazans under Israeli bombardment in the Palestinian territory, in a rare political intervention."The latest episode in this conflict... has degenerated into an unbearable humanitarian crisis, the unspeakable suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent people and the total devastation of Gaza," the monarch said during a visit to Egypt.Felipe, who rarely speaks out on international issues, noted his trip "is taking place at a turbulent and tragic time for the region".The Spanish government, which recognised the State of Palestine in May 2024, has become one of Israel's fiercest critics in Europe.On Sunday, the final stage of the Vuelta cycling race was cancelled because of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that saw some 100,000 people take to the streets of Madrid, according to local authorities.Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez later expressed his "deep admiration" for the protesters, while also suggesting excluding Israel from sports competitions "as long as the barbarity continues" in Gaza.Israel has not had an ambassador in Madrid since 2024.Last week, Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel amid heated exchanges after Sanchez's government announced measures aimed at stopping "the genocide in Gaza".

Qafco CEO Abdulrahman al-Suwaidi will outline the focus of the 15th edition of GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference, which is ‘innovation and sustainability in the agri-nutrient sector’.The conference is set to take place from September 29 to October 1 in Abu Dhabi.Al-Suwaidi, who is also Chairman, GPCA Agri-Nutrients Committee, will deliver welcome address at the event.Hosted by Fertiglobe, the conference will convene global leaders and stakeholders to explore the future of agri-nutrients and chart a path toward sustainable growth.A CEOs plenary featuring Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO, Yara International, and Ahmed el-Hoshy, CEO, Fertiglobe, will discuss the importance of advancing agri-nutrients to meet tomorrow’s challenges.A high-level Leadership dialogue ‘Accelerating Growth: Harnessing Innovation, Sustainability, and Scalability’ will feature Naser al-Omaira, (Acting) CEO, Fertil; Fahad al-Battar, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients; N Suresh Krishnan, Board of Directors, Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) and MD and CEO, Paradeep Phosphates; and Rakesh Kapur, Joint MD, IFFCO, to explore strategic priorities for driving sustainable growth in the agri-nutrient sector.An executive panel “How nutrients innovation drives sustainability and quality for food brands” will feature Dr Rania Abou Samra, VP, Innovation and Research, Nestle MENA, and Tom Harvey, GM, Commercial, Spinneys, who will explore how innovation in agri-nutrients can enhance food quality, sustainability, and consumer trust.The panel will be followed by discussions on unlocking future growth across the agri-nutrient sector, innovations in agri-nutrient technologies for sustainable agriculture, and a fireside chat on AI-driven transformation in manufacturing.The opening address on Day 2 will be presented by Fahad al-Battar, followed by a Keynote address from Dr Shamal Mohammed, CEO, Innovation Oasis–Silal, who will discuss world food security, challenges and pathways to sustainable nourishment. The last day of the conference will feature engaging conversations on building resilient supply chains in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world, regulatory and trade imperatives impacting future growth, mega-trends and emerging markets.“We express our appreciation to Fertiglobe for hosting the 15th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference in Abu Dhabi and we look forward to welcoming delegates to one of the region’s most influential industry gatherings,” said Dr Abdulwahab al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA. “This conference is a catalyst for networking and collaboration across the global and regional agri-nutrient value chain, and we anticipate strong participation and engagement.”The GPCA Operational Excellence Workshop will return for its third edition on September 29. Building on its success, this immersive workshop will allow delegates to gain practical insights about driving operational efficiency in agri-nutrient production plants.

HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance, held a bilateral meeting with Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in France.During the meeting, various pressing subjects related to both parties were discussed, particularly in the areas of finance and economy. Moreover, both parties expressed their intention to co-operate meaningfully for mutual benefits and shared interests.

Second Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba and ambassador of the Republic of Peru to the State of Qatar Gonzalo Voto Bernales discussed trade and economic co-operation between the two countries and explored ways to further strengthen these ties, reports QNA.Discussions also highlighted the role of the private sector in stimulating trade and enhancing bilateral trade exchange. In a statement, Qatar Chamber indicated that it was agreed to organise a business meeting between Qatari businessmen and their Peruvian counterparts.The meeting, scheduled for later this month, will focus on identifying opportunities to enhance trade and investment cooperation, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade. The Qatar Chamber and the Lima Chamber of Commerce will coordinate the session via videoconference. Both sides expressed a strong desire to increase trade exchange between the two countries, which reached QR41mn in 2024.

NEXX, a logistics AI (artificial intelligence) company, in association with Zipto Supply Chain, a leading Chinese cross-border E-commerce logistics provider, is expanding into Qatar market as it establishes advanced smart fulfillment center at Milaha Logistics City, Qatar, to enhance cross-border E-commerce logistics capabilities in the region.In this regard, NEXX officially announced strategic partnerships with Zipto Supply Chain and Middle East delivery leader iMile, during the Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong."Together with Zipto's expertise in Chinese market access and iMile's last-mile excellence, powered by our AI-driven fulfillment center, we are positioned to transform the region's logistics landscape and revolutionise service standards in this sector," said Hui Ka, Oscar, chief executive officer of NEXX.Operated jointly by NEXX, Milaha and Hong Kong E-commerce logistics company KEC, the 5,000sqm smart fulfillment center is equipped with an agentic AI management system, automated sorting robots, and pharmaceutical logistics certification.It offers end-to-end warehousing and fulfillment services tailored for cross-border B2C E-commerce customers. The center also supports B2B operations and features a bonded warehouse. It is scheduled to commence full operations in the fourth quarter of this year.On NEXX's strategic partnership with Zipto to expand into the Qatar market, this partnership will see Zipto utilise the former's advanced smart fulfillment center as its primary Qatar operational base, harnessing the facility's sophisticated automation capabilities to serve Chinese E-commerce businesses expanding into the Qatari market, with planned subsequent expansion into the UAE.In a complementary agreement, NEXX has partnered with iMile, which will establish its Qatar headquarters within NEXX's smart fulfillment center, utilising the facility's intelligent logistics infrastructure to enhance and expand its delivery services across the country through integrated technological solutions."We are pleased to support NEXX and its partners Zipto and iMile as they bring innovative logistics solutions to Qatar. Our commitment to fostering international collaboration and sustainable business growth is strengthened by these important partnerships, which will position Qatar as a central player in the region's E-commerce landscape," said Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer of Invest Qatar.NEXX had recently announced a strategic investment from Rasmal Ventures — the first independent venture capital fund supported by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). It disclosed that Ibrahim al-Derbasti, executive vice president of Offshore and Marine at Milaha, as co-founder of NEXX Middle East.

Prominent Qatari rider Mashel al-Naimi dominated the opening round of the 2025 QSTK 600 season, winning both races at the Lusail International Circuit. In Race 1, al-Naimi secured the victory with a time of 20:51.947, followed by his compatriot Abdulla al-Qubaisi who finished just over five seconds behind. In Race 2, the competition was much closer, with al-Naimi once again taking the top spot with a time of 20:50.510, narrowly beating al-Qubaisi by a mere 0.063 seconds. Both races saw Emmanuel Geoffrey of India finishing in third place, while Qatar's Jassim al-Thani consistently placed fourth in each of the 10-lap races which covered a distance of 54.5 km. In the QSTK trophy category which ran concurrently, Nawaf al-Shuaibi won Race 1, followed by Mustafa Husain and Ali Boushehri in second and third places respectively to complete an all-Kuwaiti podium. India’s' Johann Emmanuel won Race 2, while Hungary’s Marton Belleli came second. Boushehri was third.