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More than 100 experts and specialists from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), along with national ministries and agencies, took part in a five-day workshop recently organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Qatar, in collaboration with the MoPH. The workshop focused on the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) provides a comprehensive framework to ensure Qatar’s preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to health threats, ranging from outbreaks of infectious diseases to chemical, biological and radiological hazards. The workshop brought together representatives from government bodies, healthcare providers, academia, civil society and partner organisations with the aim of strengthening Qatar’s capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.Participants actively engaged in discussions and technical activities with experts from the WHO Health Emergencies Programme at both the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and WHO headquarters. The sessions focused on assessing current capacities, identifying key priority gaps and developing a comprehensive national plan for health security.Director of the Health Emergency Department at MoPH, Dr Soha Albayat, stated: “The workshop reflects Qatar’s commitment to the International Health Regulations and to ensuring the highest standards of health security and well being. It represents a key step in the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security.”For her part, WHO Representative in Qatar, Dr Rayana Bou Haka, also emphasised the importance of the workshop, saying: “Health security is one of the top priorities of the WHO partnership with Qatar. This workshop marks an important milestone in our joint efforts to develop and enhance Qatar’s advanced preparedness and response capacities.”Through this workshop, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national health security while contributing to regional and international efforts to protect communities from emerging threats.The workshop concluded with an agreed set of actions to strengthen inter-sectoral co-ordination, build technical and operational capacities, and ensure the sustainability of long-term efforts to enhance health security across all sectors.The outcomes of the workshop will guide the next phase of implementing the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), in alignment with Qatar’s National Health Strategy (NHS) and the WHO’s priorities for emergency preparedness and response.

Jordan and Syria have reaffirmed their ongoing and effective coordination in security and intelligence efforts to counter drug trafficking and smuggling. In a joint statement issued by the two countries' anti-narcotics departments, both sides outlined key frameworks for security and intelligence cooperation aimed at dismantling criminal networks and disrupting smuggling routes. According to the statement, published by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the two countries reiterated their commitment to protecting societies from the scourge of drugs and the direct threat it poses to the security of individuals and the stability of states. They continue to enhance field coordination and intelligence exchange, which has recently yielded significant results in curbing cross-border criminal activities. The statement noted that, through joint efforts and close coordination, specialized teams successfully foiled seven smuggling attempts across their shared border and seized approximately one million narcotic pills intended for illicit distribution in regional markets. The cooperation also led to the dismantling of organized criminal networks involved in regional drug trafficking operations that posed a direct threat to the security of both countries and the wider region. Both sides stressed that combating drug trafficking is not solely a security task, but also a humanitarian, social, and moral responsibility that requires stronger regional and international cooperation to address this cross-border menace. They reaffirmed their determination to continue joint efforts with persistence and unwavering resolve to eradicate this dangerous phenomenon.

His Excellency President of the National Cyber Security Agency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki met separately with the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eng. Majid bin Mohammed Al Mazyed, and the Secretary General of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Furaih. The meetings were held today in Riyadh on the sidelines of the State of Qatar's participation in the second ordinary session of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council. The meetings focused on strengthening mutual cooperation in the cybersecurity field.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, launched the "Testaahel" card to support social security beneficiaries. The move aims to alleviate living costs, enhance beneficiaries' sense of belonging and community participation, and enable them to access essential services more easily and at a lower cost. Marking the occasion, His Excellency Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai said that, based on the Ministry of Defense's commitment to supporting social security beneficiaries, the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, announces the granting of the "Testaahel" card to social security beneficiaries, with the aim of improving the quality of life and alleviating the living burdens on beneficiaries, in addition to enhancing social solidarity and achieving sustainable development for the beneficiary groups. His Excellency emphasized that the Ministry of Defense continues to support national initiatives that serve the community, particularly with regard to social and livelihood empowerment for deserving groups. For his part, Director of the Social Security Department at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Mohanna Abdullah Al Nuaimi said that the launch of the 'Testaahel' card represents a practical interpretation of the ministry's vision to empower social security beneficiaries and improve their quality of life through tangible facilities that contribute to reducing burdens and achieving societal stability. Al Nuaimi added that the card allows beneficiaries to access services and discounts from a number of government and private entities, emphasizing that the initiative represents a successful model of integration among state institutions in supporting deserving groups. He commended the Ministry of Defense's efforts and its effective cooperation in implementing the initiative, praising its role in facilitating coordination procedures and providing technical and logistical support to launch the card in record time. Al Nuaimi pointed out that the Social Security Department continues to develop its programs and initiatives, in line with the Ministry of Social Development and Family's objectives to build a cohesive society that achieves social justice and equal opportunities. The "Testaahel" card offers discounts ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent on a wide range of services and products, including healthcare, education and training, catering and food supplies, transportation and communication, and entertainment services. The card is one of the initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups in society by facilitating their access to their daily needs, enhancing financial independence, and supporting the country's economic and social development efforts. The card also allows its holders to benefit from offers and discounts via a constantly updated smart electronic application.

The State of Qatar affirmed that the Israeli occupation is seeking to undermine peace prospects and de-escalation efforts in the region by implementing settlement, colonial, and aggressive plans and policies that pose a threat to peace and security. This came in a statement by the State of Qatar, delivered by Her Excellency Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah during her participation in the general debate on the situation of human rights in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, Item 7, within the framework of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Her Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar's welcome of the recent announcement by a number of countries of their official recognition of the sisterly State of Palestine, noting that these recognitions constitute a victory for the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people and are consistent with international legitimacy, relevant Security Council resolutions, and the New York Declaration on the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Her Excellency stressed the need for recognition of the Palestinian state not to remain ink on paper, calling on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and take effective measures to pressure Israel, the occupying power, to stop the war and crimes of genocide in the Gaza Strip, the forced displacement and starvation of its population, and to allow the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid, as well as to end its occupation of all Palestinian and Arab territories, and to hold accountable all those responsible for the crimes and grave violations committed against the Palestinian people.

The General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) will participate in the World Social Security Forum (WSSF 2025), organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 29 to October 3, under the theme "Shaping Social Security for a World in Transition." His Excellency Director-General of GRSIA, Ahmed bin Ali Al Hammadi, will lead the Authority's delegation to the forum, which is expected to bring together official delegations and experts from more than 150 countries. The event will feature plenary sessions and interactive workshops on global transformations in social security, innovation and digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence in insurance management, enhancing the financial sustainability of pension funds, and ensuring inclusive services for all groups. The forum will also include the 35th General Assembly of the ISSA and conclude with the Social Security Summit for an Inclusive and Sustainable World. GRSIA's participation in this prominent international gathering underscores Qatar's role in supporting global efforts to advance retirement and social insurance systems, while keeping pace with modern trends in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The International Social Security Association, the world's largest organization specializing in social security, brings together more than 320 member institutions from 160 countries with the aim of promoting excellence and innovation in social protection systems through the exchange of expertise and international standards.

The United Nations has reinstated international sanctions on Iran, effective early Sunday, after the UN Security Council granted reactivation under the "snapback" mechanism of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. This move is aimed at intensifying pressure on Tehran over its nuclear activities.Germany, France, and the United Kingdom — the so-called European "E3"--issued a joint statement saying they had triggered the snapback following what they described as Tehran's failure to meaningfully engage with diplomatic demands. They called on Iran to avoid further escalation and urged full compliance with Security Council resolutions and renewed cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).According to the E3, Iran's recent proposals during negotiations were deemed "very limited" and insufficient to avert the reimposition of sanctions, which took effect at midnight GMT after the 30-day deadline expired.The restored sanctions encompass a broad range of restrictions, including an arms embargo, freezing Iranian assets abroad, bans on nuclear cooperation, and constraints on ballistic missile development and certain energy exports.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the move, stating that the Security Council's action demonstrates the international community's unwillingness to accept Iranian threats. He reaffirmed that diplomacy remains open and emphasized that accountability will follow for Tehran's conduct.Earlier, a Russian-Chinese draft resolution to delay the sanction's reimposition for six months was rejected by the Security Council, effectively allowing the snapback mechanism to take effect. Russia condemned the decision, calling it a blow to diplomatic efforts with Iran.Responding to the developments, Iran recalled its ambassadors from Germany, France, and the UK for consultations in protest of the reactivation of the snapback mechanism.

The UN Security Council rejected Friday a last-ditch effort to delay the reimposing of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. The Council's decision came a day before Tehran's deadline, after Western countries announced that weeks of meetings with Iranian officials had not yielded "tangible" progress toward an agreement.The decision also comes a day before the so-called snapback mechanism, under which international sanctions on Iran would be restored as stipulated in the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, is due to take effect.Russia and China sought to delay the reimposing of UN sanctions on Iran in the 15-member UN Security Council, after only four countries voted in favor of the draft resolution they submitted, nine voted against, and two abstained.For its part, Iran warned that if the trigger mechanism is activated, it will end its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.Last Friday, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution to extend the suspension of international sanctions on Iran.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), aimed at enhancing co-operation in civil aviation.**media[361685]**The MoU was signed by QCAA Acting President Mohammed bin Faleh al-Hajri and CASSOS chairperson Nari Williams-Singh. The signing took place on the sidelines of the CARICOM Forum, held under the theme "Strengthening Regional Co-operation in Aviation Safety and Security for a Sustainable Future for All," in conjunction with the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), currently taking place in Montreal, Canada.**media[361686]**The agreement aims to bolster co-operation in various areas, including aviation safety, security, air navigation, and environmental sustainability. It also focuses on capacity building and professional development in the civil aviation sector, contributing to sectoral growth and integration of aviation systems both regionally and globally.**media[361687]**On the sidelines of the assembly, al-Hajri also held bilateral meetings with key international aviation leaders, including Deputy Administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chris Rocheleau; Director General of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, Alexander D'Orsogna; and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, Pengiran Dato Shamhary Mustapha.The meetings discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation, support joint initiatives within ICAO, and exchange views on key issues on the agenda of the 42nd ICAO Assembly.

The State of Qatar stressed the importance of consolidating national unity, strengthening trust, building institutions, establishing security, promoting development, and moving forward with a comprehensive political process led by Syria, with broad participation from all components of the Syrian people. This came in a statement by the State of Qatar delivered by the Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to Geneva, Abdullah bin Ali Bahzad, during his participation in the Item 4 General Debate, within the framework of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Bahzad emphasized that Syria today stands at a historic crossroads, indicating that after 14 years of devastating conflict and decades of authoritarian rule, the decisions and policies taken by the state will have a significant and direct impact on stability and social peace. He pointed out that the establishment of the Syrian National Commission for Transitional Justice, the National Commission for the Missing, and the two independent national commissions of inquiry into the events in the coastal and Suwayda, as well as positive cooperation with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, represent an important step by the state toward acknowledging its responsibility to investigate crimes and violations committed against Syrians and ensuring justice and accountability. He voiced the State of Qatar's welcome of the roadmap agreed upon by Syria, Jordan, and the United States to resolve the crisis in Suwayda, enhance stability in southern Syria, and consolidate security and peace in the region. He urged all parties to refrain from any actions that could fuel tensions and destabilize the situation to ensure the success of these efforts. The Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to Geneva reiterated Qatar's call to the international community to continue providing humanitarian and development support, lift sanctions, and take all necessary measures to halt Israeli attacks and end its occupation of Syrian territory.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed on Tuesday that 12 of its facilities in Gaza City were directly or indirectly hit between September 11 and 16. UNRWA added on its official website that among the targeted facilities were nine schools and two health centers, which sheltered more than 11,000 displaced persons.UNRWA noted that its activities in Gaza City have significantly decreased due to the deteriorating security situation.UNRWA's only health center in northern Wadi Gaza, located in Al-Shati refugee camp, was forced to suspend operations on September 13 due to intensified attacks and damage sustained during the raids.The agency stated that the massive destruction to the city's infrastructure, coupled with the severe disruption to humanitarian operations and access restrictions, severely impede the last remaining lifelines for civilians in Gaza City.On September 16, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel committed genocide, stating that Israel prevented trusted aid agencies (including UNRWA) from delivering essential and life-saving assistance, with the aim of "physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza through harsh living conditions."The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that nearly half of the more than 246,800 displacements recorded since mid-August occurred in the past week alone, with increasing reports of displaced families sleeping on the streets or in makeshift tents, struggling to survive.UNRWA noted that Israeli forces have tightened movement and access restrictions in the West Bank, including the installation of new road gates to control the movement of Palestinians in and out of communities across the region.

The State of Qatar participated in the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership Conference held in Riyadh under the auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah.