BDF Chief of Staff chairs Isa Royal Military College council meeting

Manama, Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), chaired the council meeting of the Isa Royal Military College.

The meeting discussed the college’s development plans and programmes, aligned with the BDF’s ongoing commitment to modernisation and advancement.

The meeting also discussed specialised training programmes and theoretical and practical academic topics.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Shura Council Chairman meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Manama, Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, welcomed a delegation from the Chinese Communist Party, headed by Li Min Chiang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Party Central Committee.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee of the Shura Council, and members of the committee.

The Chairman affirmed that the strategic cooperation and growing partnerships between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the People’s Republic of China contribute to strengthening relations and serve mutual interests, reflecting the approach led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Excellency President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

HM King’s Diplomatic Advisor welcomes Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister

Manama, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Advisor to His Majesty the King for Diplomatic Affairs, welcomed Li Mingxiang, the Chinese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his visit to Bahrain.

Shaikh Khalid praised the strong relations between Bahrain and China, which are a key focus of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as demonstrated by the recent state visit to Beijing and the discussions with President Xi Jinping. The visit led to a comprehensive strategic partnership benefiting both nations and enhancing their cooperation.

The Chinese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasised President Xi’s appreciation for HM the King as an important friend and partner, noting the successful outcomes of HM the King’s visit to Beijing and Bahrain’s vital role in promoting security and development in the region and beyond. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bahrain in various domains.

The meeting also included discussions on regional and international develo
pments of mutual interest.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Saudi Embassy in Damascus Celebrates Kingdom’s 94th National Day

Damascus, SANA-The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Damascus held a reception Tuesday evening on the occasion of the 94th National Day, the anniversary of the unification and establishment of the modern state, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.

In a speech during the ceremony, the Acting ChargĂ© d’Affaires at the Saudi Embassy, ?? Abdullah al-Harees, stressed that the historical relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Syria are based on respect, brotherhood, Arabism, blood, and a common destiny.

He expressed his country’s aspirations to work to serve common interests with Syria, and to serve the issues of the Arab and Islamic nations and international security and peace, calling on God Almighty to preserve Syria and grant it security, safety and prosperity, and to perpetuate the fraternal ties between the two countries and the two brotherly peoples.

He praised the Kingdom’s international, Islamic and Arab status, its role in achieving regional and international security and peace, an
d its serious efforts to achieve the goals of the Vision 2030, which seeks to put Saudi Arabia at the forefront of nations under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

For his part, Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources Dr. Firas Qaddour stressed that the relations between the two countries are deep-rooted, expressing his aspiration for a bright future that will enhance bilateral relations in various fields.

He congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership and people, on the occasion of the National Day, noting that today’s celebration is an expression of the spirit of unity and solidarity that unites us with all Arab brothers and the Kingdom in particular.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Habib Abbas told reporters in a statement that relations between the two countries are good and are witnessing cooperation in many fields.

He hoped to develop and strengthen bilateral relations in a way that serves the interests of t
he two countries and peoples.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Interior Minister receives Religious Advisor to UAE President

Manama, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, received Ali bin Al Sayed Abdulrahman Al Hashimi, Advisor on Judicial and Religious Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs. Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, was present.

The minister expressed pride in the historical relations between the leaderships and peoples of the two countries, emphasising their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various sectors.

They discussed areas of collaboration, coordination, and the exchange of expertise in countering extremist ideas through messages of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Ministry of Education and Higher Education Prepares for Launch of 16th National Week for Scientific Research and Innovation 2024

Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in collaboration with the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council, is preparing to launch the “16th National Week for Scientific Research and Innovation 2024.” The events are held annually under the slogan “Promising Researchers for Qatar” and include the 16th National Exhibition for Student Research.

The activities will take place from September 29 to October 3, 2024, at the Qatar National Convention Center.

The 16th National Week for Scientific Research and Innovation 2024 aims to enhance students’ research, inquiry, and innovation skills, foster a spirit of collaboration and competition, and achieve excellence in scientific research. It also seeks to highlight student research projects that address contemporary issues and provide the necessary support for them.

Additionally, it aims to offer outstanding projects the opportunity to participate in regional and international competitions while collaborating and coordinating with partners in
relevant state institutions.

This year, 70 primary schools participated in the exhibition, presenting 412 research projects involving 810 students. Furthermore, 162 middle and high schools participated, showcasing 808 research projects across various fields with 1,559 students involved.

The research projects were evaluated through several stages to ensure objectivity in assessment and transparency in the judging decisions and results announcement.

Additionally, 116 public and private schools participated in the action research competition, with 368 teachers submitting 328 research projects.

The 16th National Week for Scientific Research and Innovation includes events, most notably the final rounds for student research, projects, workshops, and discussion sessions for teachers and students.

The National Exhibition for Student Research will also be inaugurated, alongside a fun corner and partner presentations on September 30, 2024, under the patronage of HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthai
na bint Ali Al Jabr Al Naimi.

The week will also feature an awards ceremony for partner supporters of student research and projects. The events will conclude on October 3, 2024, announcing competition results and honoring the top three winners among students and supervisors in the research and innovation competition and the winning teachers in the action research competition.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Oil Minister meets Ecuadorian Ambassador to UK

New York, Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, met with Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Ecuador’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The minister commended the vital role of the INC’s Secretariat in facilitating the committee’s tasks and progressing towards finalising the legally binding instrument by the end of this year, in line with the United Nations Environment Assembly resolution 5/14. He emphasised that Bahrain, as part of the GCC negotiation team, values the Secretariat’s efforts in this regard.

He further noted that the legally binding instrument must address the improper management of plastic waste, highlighting that plastic has become a key material in various industries and sectors. Therefore,he said, it is essential to ens
ure that the instrument does not negatively impact countries from both economic and social perspectives.

The minister also stressed the importance of international cooperation to mitigate pollution resulting from improper plastic waste management.

Both parties reviewed Bahrain’s efforts and initiatives to reduce plastic pollution since 2019, aligning with UN calls and global trends on this issue.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

MOFA’s Consular Affairs Department Official’s Statement on US Visa Waiver Program

Doha: Qatari passport holders travelling to the United States of America (US) for tourism and business purposes will be able soon to apply for a 90-day non-extendable travel authorization, an official source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)’s Department of Consular Affairs said. The move is pursuant to the State of Qatar’s accession to the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Qatari nationals can apply for a two-year travel authorization via esta.cbp.dhs.gov or the mobile application (ESTA Mobile) through the IOS app store or Google Play store. The authorizations are valid for two years.

The travel authorization is deemed void upon the expiration of the passport, the source said, adding that the implementation and requirements of the VWP will be announced in due course.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Bahrain 1 team wins gold in NHRA drag race, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad commends motorsport progress

Manama / North Carolina, Bahrain 1 team secured a major victory in North Carolina, USA, winning one of the most prestigious global championships in drag racing, the NHRA Carolina Nationals. This win strengthens the team’s international standing and highlights the skill and expertise of its drivers in this thrilling sport.

His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Personal Representative, and the owner of Bahrain 1 team, affirmed that the team’s success in one of the world’s top drag racing competitions in North Carolina is a testament to its advanced level in motorsport globally.

His Highness attributed the team’s continued global achievements to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as the backing of national companies.

HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad emphasised that this victory further enhances Bahrain’s position in international motorsports, demonstrating a ste
adfast commitment to supporting and developing the sport, while encouraging Bahraini youth to achieve excellence across various domains.

His Highness expressed his appreciation to the drivers, technical crew, and all those involved in this remarkable success, “Your dedication and determination to advance Bahrain’s position have made this dream a reality. We promise to continue providing full support for the development of drag racing and further strengthening Bahrain’s presence on the global sports stage”.

The race took place at the zMAX Dragway, one of the most challenging tracks in the world. The Bahrain 1 team demonstrated outstanding skill, outpacing top international teams to claim first place, despite the competition featuring cars equipped with the latest global technologies, adding to the intensity of the competitiveness.

With this achievement, the “Bahrain 1” drag racing team has left a significant mark in the history of the sport, once again proving the ability of Bahraini athletes to compete int
ernationally and secure distinguished results.

Drag racing enjoys great popularity in the GCC countries and the United States, attracting a large number of motorsport enthusiasts. This victory marks an additional step in bolstering Bahrain’s presence in global motorsports.

Khalid Al Balooshi, the team manager, congratulated HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad on this significant victory.

Al Balooshi added that the Bahrain 1 team once again proved its ability to compete with the best global teams, delivering an impressive performance that reflects the high spirit and commitment of the team.

The overall standings for drag racing this season saw fierce competition among the world’s top drivers, with positions shifting in various rounds. Experienced and high-performing drivers led the races, with some surprise names emerging as top contenders due to their consistent strong performances.

The drivers’ rankings are based on their performance across multiple rounds, with points awarded according to their finishing posi
tions in each race. The current standings are as follows:

1st place: Ken Quartuccio, 920 points

2nd place: Khalid Al Balooshi, 901 points

3rd place: Kris Thorne, 882 points

6th place: Justin Bond, 872 points

7th place: Jordan Lazic, 855 points

The competition remains tight, with only minor time differences separating the drivers, adding to the excitement. As the season nears its end, the battle for the top three spots is expected to continue until the final round, making this one of the most thrilling seasons in drag racing history.

Attention is now focused on the two remaining rounds of this year’s drag racing season, where the competition among drivers intensifies as they aim to secure more points and improve their standings. These two rounds will be decisive in determining the season’s ultimate champion, especially given the close points tally among the top contenders.

The next round, to be held on one of the most challenging tracks in St. Louis from September 27 – 29, will require exceptional skil
l and precise vehicle control under competitive pressure. The final round will take place in Las Vegas from November 1 – 3, where the season’s champion will be crowned. This race is expected to be fiercely contested, as drivers strive to deliver their best performance and secure a spot on the podium.

With the strong performance shown by the Bahrain 1 team in previous rounds, the team remains one of the top contenders for the championship. However, the challenges are significant, and everything will be decided in these last two rounds.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Qatari Students Team Win Silver Medal at International Astronomy Olympiad in Russia

Doha: A team of Qatari students has made a distinguished scientific achievement by winning the silver medal for the first time at the International Open Astronomy Olympiad, which was held in the city of Sochi, southern Russia, with the participation of students from 20 countries from around the world.

The Olympiad aims to test students’ skills in scientific challenges related to astronomy, and to exchange knowledge and experiences in this field.

The Qatari team participating in the Olympiad won the silver medal, as student Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed from Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys was able to achieve this honorable achievement, while students Mohammed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Saeed Ali Abu Sharb, and Mohammed Ismail Darwish were honored for their distinguished participation and scientific activity, which reflects the high level of knowledge and commitment they showed during the competition, after intensive training.

The participation of the Qatari team received wide praise from the jud
ges and organizers, who commended the performance of the students that exceeded expectations, despite this being the first participation of the State of Qatar in the Olympiad.

HE Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov congratulated the student Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed on winning the silver medal, expressing his aspirations to see more Qatari participation in the upcoming Olympiad.

Source: Qatar News Agency