Emirates Press

DUBAI: Colombia aims to establish itself as a leading digital hub in Latin America, partnering with the United Arab Emirates, Mauricio Lizcano, the country’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the second day of the ongoing World Governments Summit 2024.

During his participation in the global event, Lizcano signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

These agreements aim to promote cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two countries, to encourage and boost innovation, competitiveness and social welfare, stimulating research and development projects in strategic areas for Colombia, including the creation of a roadmap for a long-range artificial intelligence hub in Colombia.

“We have signed several agreements with the UAE and have built a strong relationship, with visits by presidents and ministers, which is alread
y beginning to yield its first results with this project,” the minister said.

Colombia launched its National Digital Strategy 2023-2026 a few days ago to respond to the country’s most significant challenges and “become a digital economy and society”.

“By developing eight main axes, starting with connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and cybersecurity, we hope to become a Latin American digital hub,” said the minister.

He elaborated that Colombia’s digital transformation ambitions extend beyond mere citizen convenience. “Our vision is to leverage technology to drive economic growth, bridge the digital gap, and foster greater social equity,” he emphasised.

The minister explained that the South American country is in a middle-income trap, with around US$ 7,500 per capita per year, and is also one of the most inequitable countries in the world.

The minister praised the neat organisation of the WGS by the UAE. “Convening nations to exchange experiences, showcase best practices, and analyze em
erging government trends is a commendable effort we deeply appreciate on behalf of all participating countries,” the minister concluded.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Qatari Ambassador to Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani commended the outstanding performance of the Jordanian national team players in the final of the Asian Cup held in the Qatari capital, Doha.

Speaking at a sports event organized by the Qatari embassy in Amman to celebrate the Sports Day of the State of Qatar, the Qatari ambassador expressed his admiration for the Jordanian team, stating, “I raise my hat in salute to the resilient Jordanians. Congratulations to Qatar, congratulations to the Nashama, and salutes to them for their honorable and commendable performance.”

During the celebration, the Qatari ambassador emphasized the profoundness of Qatari-Jordanian relations across various domains, notably in sports.

Highlighting Qatar’s unique initiative, the Sports Day, aimed at promoting the significance of sports and its impact on societal well-being, the ambassador reiterated the event’s importance.

The sports day, held at the gymnasium of the Orthodox Club, featured diverse acti
vities including football, tug-of-war, basketball, table tennis, and a taekwondo demonstration.

Ambassador Al Thani concluded the event by distributing gifts to participating children and attendees.

Source: Jordan News Agency

RAS AL KHAIMAH: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today offered his condolences on the death of the martyr of the nation, Suleiman Saeed Mohammed Al Shehhi, who passed away, along with his colleagues, while performing their duties in training the Somali Armed Forces.

Sheikh Saud stressed that the UAE’s martyrs’ sacrifices would be forever etched in the nation’s memory, and implored God Almighty to grant Al Shehhi and all Emirati martyrs eternal peace in Paradise, offering his deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Social Security Corporation (SSC) announced allocation of 948 natural death pension salaries during the past year 2023, bringing the cumulative number to 24,509 at end of last year.

In a press statement Tuesday, SSC said the entitled beneficiary of this retirement pension must have paid actual subscriptions for a period no less than 24 contributions, including 6 continuous payments, adding that death must occur this time to benefit from this service.

The SSC added that this salary is allocated to the eligible heirs of the corporation-insured person from the beginning of the month of the beneficiary’s death and a funeral expenses allowance of JD700 is also paid to the family.

Source: Jordan News Agency

DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met with Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, at the World Governments Summit 2024, held in Dubai under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’.

Welcoming the Kyrgyzstani President and the accompanying delegation, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the long-standing friendship between the UAE and the Kyrgyz Republic, and their common dedication to enhancing these ties for mutual benefit.

The meeting addressed ways of further advancing cooperation between the UAE and the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as several topics being discussed at the current World Governments Summit. They highlighted the summit’s vital role in shaping future governments, enhancing agility, efficiency and proactivity in the face of developmental and economic changes and optimising investments for a better future.

Sadyr Zhaparov applauded the UAE’s remarkable progress and development accomplishments. He reit
erated the Kyrgyz Republic’s commitment to strengthening ties across strategic sectors in line with each country’s vision. Zhaparov also commended the impressive organisation of this year’s World Governments Summit, and its role in shaping new visions and faciliating international cooperation that will lead to enhanced government work and a better future.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Chairman of the World Governments Summit; and Abdilatif Jumabaev, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UAE.

In its 11th edition, the World Governments Summit brings together 85 international organisations, 140 governments, more than 25 heads of state, 700 heads of major international companies, and more than 4,000 experts.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Ministry of Local Administration Tuesday declared a state of alert in municipal emergency rooms and joint service councils, to deal with a rainstorm, which is forecast to cross the Kingdom tomorrow.

The ministry issued a flood warning to those living in low-lying areas as the Department of Meteorology forecast heavy downpours that could trigger flash floods in some areas.

Ministry Secretary-General Nidal Adwan said necessary procedures have been taken and response crews and mechinery were in the field according to the emergency plan.

He urged the public to heed safety precautions and stay clear of flood streams, call the ministry’s main emergency room when needed and report any accidents.

Source: Jordan News Agency