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Two missing Kenyan activists have been released after they vanished in Uganda where they were attending a political opposition event, legal and rights groups said Saturday.Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo went missing in October after travelling to the neighbouring east African nation to support Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, who intends to run against long-time incumbent Yoweri Museveni in elections next year.In a brief joint statement on X, rights groups Amnesty Kenya, Vocal Africa and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said they "welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi last night in Busia after 38 days of their enforced disappearance".The statement, posted by LSK head Faith Odhiambo, did not give any further details but said they were "facilitating their transfer to Nairobi".It expressed thanks to human rights groups, as well as to the foreign ministries and to active citizens who "tirelessly campaigned for this moment".Oyoo's older brother, Nobert Ochieng, 53, said his family was "elated" at the news."It was a big relief, because it's been a very tormenting and difficult month for us," he said.Kenya's foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that the two were released late Friday after "sustained diplomatic engagement".Arrangements were underway to "ensure the two Kenyans reunite safely with their families", he added in a post on X.The pair went missing last month, with the Ugandan police denying either activist was in custody.Rights groups and the men's families in Kenya have agitated for their return, appealing to the Uganda court and urging the government to disclose their whereabouts.The head of Kenyan rights group Vocal Africa, Hussein Khalid, said last month that eyewitnesses had reported that the two men were taken by "masked, uniformed and armed men, suggesting strong evidence of state involvement in their disappearance."It is our suspicion that the two may be detained alongside other Ugandan political detainees in military facilities," he said.Dozens of government critics and opposition figures have been abducted in recent years across east Africa, and rights groups allege authorities are failing to protect their own citizens and even working together against activists.In May, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire say they were abducted and tortured by security forces in Tanzania, and received little support from their own governments.

Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Samah Hamad emphasized that the State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, represents a pioneering model of Moral and humanitarian commitment toward Palestine, defending the legitimate political, humanitarian, and developmental rights of its people.In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Samah Hamad said that the continuous support and genuine partnership with the State of Qatar are highly appreciated, as they embody the depth of Arab solidarity and a unified stance in defending Palestinian rights.She explained that Palestine's participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha aligns with its commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, with a focus on social protection and ensuring human dignity.The participation aims to highlight the unprecedented social challenges faced by Palestinian families under occupation and to develop innovative solutions to provide social protection and justice for Palestinian households, she added.Regarding the hosting of the Summit in the State of Qatar, she noted its significant implications, as Qatar is recognized for investing in human and social development and for successfully combining economic growth with social justice, strengthening its role as a hub for Arab dialogue on development.The Palestinian Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs underlined that the State of Qatar plays an influential role in supporting social protection programs, education, healthcare, and humanitarian response during crises. She noted that this support has contributed to enhancing the resilience of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank through initiatives for orphans and low-income families, and through development programs implemented in cooperation with the Qatari government, Qatar Charity, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development collaborates with Qatari institutions, the United Nations, and civil society to ensure the sustainability of social protection programs through data exchange and a national social registry, ensuring coordination and avoiding duplication in aid delivery, while emphasizing economic empowerment, employment programs, and social and educational services, she added.Regarding the challenges facing Palestine, Dr. Samah Hamad explained that the ministry continues to provide emergency humanitarian, food, and cash assistance to families affected by war and occupation, including orphans, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, alongside implementing psychosocial support programs for children and affected families and activating a joint government operations room to coordinate relief efforts and ensure aid reaches all governorates, including isolated areas in Gaza.She also stressed the importance of building an integrated social solidarity network combining civil society, governments, and donor countries to strengthen social protection for the most vulnerable groups. She added that the issue of orphans remains among the most urgent, with continuous development of care, shelter, protection, and education centers for children in need, alongside unifying orphan data nationally to ensure integration and prevent duplication.On the summit's contribution to enhancing Arab integration, she said that it represents an opportunity to strengthen Arab cooperation in the social field, exchange experiences, and launch collective Arab initiatives to support countries affected by conflicts and crises, foremost among them Palestine, ensuring the protection of human dignity and promoting comprehensive development.Dr. Samah Hamad concluded the interview by expressing deep appreciation to the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, for its ongoing support of the Palestinian people at humanitarian, developmental, and political levels, while affirming Palestine's aspiration to continue expanding partnership with Qatar to strengthen Palestinian people's resilience and preserve their human dignity.

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Djibouti signed two memoranda of understanding on Sunday, one on the establishment of a joint committee for cooperation between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, and another on holding political consultations on issues of mutual interest between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti.The memoranda were signed on behalf of the Qatari side by His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and on behalf of the Djiboutian side by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Djibouti Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.

His Excellency Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States inaugurated the new building of the Qatari Embassy in Washington, D.C., in a ceremony attended by a number of members of the US administration and Congress, prominent political, economic, and social figures, policy advisors, think tank representatives, and members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic corps.In his address during the ceremony, His Excellency affirmed that the opening of the new embassy building is a clear reflection of the strong and enduring relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America.He expressed hope that the new mission premises would serve as a new milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries across all fields.His Excellency reiterated Qatar's continued commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and educational spheres, noting that the new embassy building serves as a platform for promoting engagement and mutual understanding.He emphasized the importance of the ongoing and steadfast coordination between the State of Qatar and the United States in establishing stability and peace, and in achieving prosperity and well-being for the peoples of the region through cooperation based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the sovereignty of states.Held in partnership with Qatar Foundation, the Qatari Ministry of Defense, Qatar Airways, and Formula One, the ceremony featured a musical performance by Qatari composer and artist Dana Al Fardan, whose work skillfully reflected Qatari culture and folk heritage.The new embassy building is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., occupying the historic administrative building of the Carnegie Institution for Science.Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the building is considered one of the most significant architectural landmarks in the city.The facility includes dedicated spaces for diplomatic engagement, cultural and educational programs, consular services, and community outreach, enhancing the embassy's mission to deepen ties between the peoples of both nations and to promote cooperation in trade, security, education, and cultural exchange.

Tokyo stocks closed sharply lower on Tuesday, with the Nikkei index falling more than 2 percent, influenced by selling amid political uncertainty in Japan after the junior coalition partner (Komeito Party) decided to end its alliance with the Liberal Democratic Party. According to the Kyodo News Agency, the Nikkei 225 index declined by 1,241.48 points, or 2.58 percent, compared to Friday, closing at 46,847.32 points. The broader Topix index also closed lower, dropping 63.60 points, or 1.99 percent, to 3,133.99 points. Japanese financial markets were closed on Monday for a public holiday. In the main stock market, shares of electrical appliances, non-ferrous metals, and securities were among the biggest losers.

Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. In a post on social media platforms, Erdogan expressed his sincere gratitude to his American counterpart Donald Trump, the State of Qatar, and the Arab Republic of Egypt for demonstrating the necessary political will to encourage Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. Erdogan said that Turkiye will closely monitor strict implementation of the ceasefire deal, and continue to contribute to the process. Earlier, Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of the peace plan, expressing his thanks to the mediators from the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Turkiye.

The dollar took a breather on Thursday after a strong run this week that has put it on track for its best performance in nearly a year, helped by a weak yen that has struggled amid a change of guard in Japan's ruling party. The Japanese currency was last a touch stronger at 152.49 per dollar, after having slid to an eight-month low of 153 per dollar overnight. The euro is also under pressure due to the escalating political crisis in France following the shocking resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and his government, although French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours. The moves in the yen and the euro have in turn provided support for the dollar, which is up more than 1% for the week. Sterling rose 0.07% to $1.3413, after having touched a roughly two weeks previous session, while the Australian dollar was last up 0.11% at $0.6594. The New Zealand dollar rose 0.1 % to $0.5792, after falling in the previous session following the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's 50 basis point interest rate cut. Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was little changed at 98.77.

Gold eased on Thursday from the record high hit the day before, pressured by profit-taking and a slight uptick in the dollar, although expectations of further US rate cuts and political uncertainty lent some support to prices. Spot gold was down 0.2% at $3,858.50 per ounce, after hitting an all-time high of $3,895.09 on Wednesday. US gold futures for December delivery fell 0.4% to $3,883.60. The dollar index was up 0.1% against its rivals, making gold more expensive for other currency holders. Elsewhere, spot silver slipped 0.5% to $47.07 per ounce, platinum fell 0.3% to $1,552.05, and palladium gained 1% to $1,256.93.

Bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are deep-rooted across all levels, including the cultural field, which represents a model of cooperation between the two countries, given their strong historical ties. Cultural cooperation is reinforced by the alignment of political visions between the two countries, offering an exceptional model of bilateral relations, particularly in the cultural sphere, placing the two countries at the forefront of influence both regionally and internationally. Relations between the State of Qatar and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan are based on integration and mutual respect, thanks to the wisdom of the two leaderships and their shared visions, which contribute to enriching the cultural landscape and strengthening the Arab cultural identity. Cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened by the recent signing of a number of agreements and partnerships, which have contributed to advancing bilateral cultural relations to broader horizons. During this year, the State of Qatar and Jordan signed a cultural cooperation agreement that includes coordination and joint exchange in all cultural and artistic affairs between the two countries. The agreement was signed on the Qatari side by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the HashemiteKingdom of Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser bin Jassim Al-Thani, while it was signed on the Jordanian side by HE Minister of Culture Ali Al Ayed. The agreement aims to deepen fraternal relations and cooperation to serve the interests of the two brotherly countries, enhancing their bonds in joint Arab action. Historically, the first cultural cooperation agreement between the two brotherly countries was established in 1972, followed by an executive program for cultural cooperation for the years 1995-1997, signed in 1994, and in June 2021, a new cultural cooperation agreement was signed to deepen the bonds of cultural and artistic cooperation. Cooperation between the national libraries of the two countries is no less important than other cultural tributaries. The most prominent forms of this cooperation include the exchange of manuscripts, publications, and scientific information, the restoration of manuscripts, joint library training, the participation of Jordanian publishing houses in the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), and Qatari participation in the Amman International Book Fair, where the State of Qatar was the guest of honor at the 22nd edition of the Amman International Book Fair. The State of Qatar showcased its distinguished presence at the exhibition through a rich and diverse cultural program that reflects the excellence of the Qatari cultural scene, offering the exhibition's audience an opportunity to explore its most prominent features, as it represents a new chapter in the cultural relations between the two brotherly countries, particularly the ties that connect Jordanian publishers with Qatari cultural institutions concerned with publishing and distribution. It also highlights their joint work through the International Publishers Association (IPA) and the Arab Publishers Association (APA), in which Jordan holds important positions. The Ministry of Culture also participated in the 37th edition of Jordan's Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, where its pavilion attracted a large turnout from the Jordanian public and festival visitors of various nationalities who came to learn about the various aspects of authentic Qatari culture and heritage, as part of the Ministry's commitment to introducing the world to Qatar's rich heritage through participation in international events and festivals. Jordanian intellectuals and writers have received the lion's share of Qatari literary awards, including the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel and the State Prize for Children's Literature, over multiple editions. Furthermore, over the years, the two sides have exchanged artistic performances, including theater and musical concerts, during major events such as the selection of Doha as the Arab Capital of Culture in 2010, Doha as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2021, and Irbid as the Arab capital of culture for 2022. In addition, a number of popular bands have been hosted to perform at the Souq Waif Spring Festival.

The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Estonia held a round of political consultations on Monday. The talks were led by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in key sectors, including renewable energy, technology, and artificial intelligence. The two ministers also exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual concern.