Tehran, IRNA - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is due to leave Tehran for Russia on Tuesday to attend a BRICS Summit, according to the director of the public relations of the presidential office.
Habibollah Abbasi told IRNA on Saturday that the Iranian President is scheduled to give a speech at the Summit due to be held in Kazan on October 22-24.
The president is also planned to have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from some other member countries, including among others President Vladimir Putin of Russia and China’s Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the event, Abbasi said.
Pezeshkian is also due to attend some other subsidiary meetings during this visit, he added. Islamic Republic News Agency
Iranian Minister of Agriculture Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh said that Islamic Republic of Iran and Tanzania will strengthen cooperation in the field of livestock industry.
The two countries enjoy high capacities and potentials to expand their cooperation in the livestock industry, he said, emphasizing that cooperation between Iran and Tanzania will be strengthened in the fields of livestock inputs, animal husbandry industry and tropical products.
Iranian minister of agriculture, who has travelled to Dar es Salaam for participating in 5th Iran-Tanzania Joint Economic Commission, pointed to the topics of cooperation discussed between the two countries and added organizing 5th Iran-Tanzania Joint Economic Cooperation Commission will pave suitable ways for the two countries to expand their cooperation in the aforementioned fields.
According to the scheduled programs, the two countries will ink 11 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to bolster bilateral cooperation in the fields of animal husbandry industry and tropical products.
Iran has also high capability in exporting the technical and engineering services to Tanzania, Nouri said, noting that Iran can help Tanzania in the fields of exporting gas, petrochemical, agriculture and also transfer of technical know-how and knowledge to this African country.
It is hoped that the cooperation between Iran and Tanzania will be further expanded in the fields of animal husbandry industry in particular, the agriculture minister added.
This agreement has various goals such as elimination of double taxation in the two countries, attraction of direct investment, further development of economic relations and expansion of tax cooperation between the two countries, exchange of information to promote transparency in the tax behaviour of the parties, assistance in tax collection, and the provision of facilities. MEHR News Agency
Harambee House Annex building that houses the office of the Deputy President. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]
At least 108 staff members in the Deputy President's office have been placed on compulsory leave, effective immediately.
In a circular seen by The Standard, Principal Administrative Secretary Patrick Mwangi informed the Chief of Staff and advisors in the DP’s office of the decision, following Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
“Following the ongoing constitutional process affecting the Deputy President, it has been decided that all officers in Job Groups T and U are to proceed on compulsory leave immediately,” Mwangi wrote.
Officers on supernumerary contracts have also been instructed to take immediate leave. All affected staff are required to comply by noon on Saturday, October 19.
Some of the affected staffers include his advisors, Chief of Staff, Administration Secretary, Secretary State functions, Chief Finance Officer, Youth Development Director, and several other directors and deputy directors of different functions. The directive follows the Senate's decision on Thursday to impeach Gachagua, affirming the National Assembly's earlier vote. Gachagua faced accusations of gross misconduct, constitutional violations, and undermining the president, among other charges. Senators upheld his impeachment on five out of 11 grounds.
On Friday, President William Ruto nominated Kithure Kindiki to replace Gachagua, with the National Assembly swiftly approving the nomination. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula declared Kindiki as the deputy president-elect.
Justice Chacha Mwita suspended the Senate's resolution and barred Parliament from appointing a replacement until October 24, when the matter will be reviewed by a bench to be appointed by Chief Justice Martha Koome. By Betty Njeru, The Standard
The future of our country hangs in the balance, and the decisions we make in the coming weeks will shape the destiny of our nation for years to come. In a time of economic uncertainty, social division, and growing discontent with the status quo, the people of Somaliland need a leader with a bold vision, a proven track record, and the ability to unite the nation.
That leader is Dr. Abdirahman Cirro, the Waddani Party's presidential candidate. Dr. Cirro offers a fresh, forward-looking vision for Somaliland that contrasts sharply with the failed policies and broken promises of President Muse Bihi’s government. His leadership style, built on integrity, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of the needs of the people, represents a clear departure from the incompetence and mismanagement that have plagued the current administration.
Under President Muse Bihi’s government, divisions have deepened, and trust between the people and their leaders has eroded. His administration has failed to foster national cohesion, often resorting to authoritarian measures that alienate large segments of the population. Dr. Cirro, on the other hand, understands that true leadership lies in empowering the people and creating an environment where everyone can contribute to the nation's success.
"A true leader brings together those divided, for the strength of a nation lies in its unity." Economic Development: A Blueprint for Inclusive Growth Somaliland’s economy is at a crossroads, and under the current administration, it has faltered. President Muse Bihi’s government has been characterized by economic stagnation, high unemployment, and rising costs of living, all while failing to invest in the infrastructure necessary for long-term growth.
The Waddani Party’s manifesto offers a comprehensive plan to revitalize the economy, create jobs, and ensure that the benefits of growth are felt by all citizens. Dr. Cirro’s economic vision focuses on developing key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and renewable energy. His government will invest in modernizing infrastructure, creating jobs through public works projects, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Unlike Behi’s administration, which has favoured short-term profits for the elite, Dr. Cirro is committed to long-term, sustainable growth that benefits every Somaliland citizen. Particularly crucial is his commitment to improving the country’s ports, including Berbera, Saylac, Lughaya, Bullaxaar, Xiis, Maydh, Lasqoray, and other key locations. Upgrading these ports will not only boost trade and regional cooperation but also create thousands of jobs and position Somaliland as a major logistical hub in the Horn of Africa. "A nation's wealth is not in its riches, but in the prosperity of its people."
In addition, Dr. Cirro plans to address the housing crisis by implementing a National Housing Policy that will prioritize affordable housing for all Somalilanders. His government will also complete the water distribution network in Hargeisa, ensuring that all neighborhoods, even the most underserved, have access to clean water. A large reservoir will be constructed to store rainwater, ensuring long-term water security for the capital and surrounding areas. "The prosperity of a nation begins with the prosperity of its people and their access to life's essentials."
National Defense: Protecting Somaliland's Sovereignty In the realm of national defense, Dr. Cirro understands the importance of a well-trained, well-equipped military to protect Somaliland’s sovereignty and ensure peace. President Behi’s administration has neglected the needs of the military, resulting in declining morale and inadequate support for the armed forces. Dr. Cirro has pledged to reverse this trend by providing the necessary resources, training, and support to the men and women who defend our country. One of his key initiatives will be to provide housing for the National Army by building 15,000 homes for military personnel.
This will not only improve living conditions for those who serve but also set a standard for housing development across the country. His government will ensure that the military is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves, restoring pride and professionalism to the armed forces. "A nation's strength is measured not by the size of its army, but by how well it cares for those who serve."
Foreign Relations and Somaliland’s Recognition: A New Diplomatic Approach International recognition has long been a dream for Somaliland, yet under President Muse Bihi’s administration, little progress has been made. Dr. Cirro has a bold, pragmatic strategy for advancing Somaliland’s case for recognition on the global stage. His approach focuses on building strong diplomatic relationships with key international actors, including the African Union, European Union, and the United States, while deepening regional partnerships with neighboring countries.
Dr. Cirro understands that recognition will not come overnight, but through sustained diplomatic engagement and demonstrating Somaliland’s stability, democracy, and economic potential, he believes recognition is within reach. His government will also leverage Somaliland’s strategic location and growing economic importance to make a compelling case for formal recognition. "Recognition comes not from demand, but from demonstrating value and commitment to global progress." Social Affairs: Building a Compassionate Society Dr. Cirro’s vision for social affairs is grounded in compassion, justice, and equality.
He recognizes that the current administration has neglected the needs of the most vulnerable—the poor, elderly, people with special needs, and refugees. President Behi’s government has failed to provide adequate social services, leaving many Somalilanders without the support they need to lead dignified lives. Dr. Cirro is committed to expanding social programs that offer safety nets for the disadvantaged, improving access to healthcare and education, and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. His government will prioritize marginalized groups, offering them the resources and opportunities they need to fully participate in society. "The true test of a nation’s greatness lies in how it treats its most vulnerable." Good Governance and Judiciary Reform: Restoring Trust in Institutions
Under President Behi, corruption has flourished, and trust in government institutions has eroded. The judiciary has lost its independence, and many Somalilanders no longer believe in the fairness of the legal system. Dr. Cirro’s leadership promises to restore faith in governance by implementing strict anti-corruption measures, promoting transparency, and strengthening the independence of the judiciary.
His government will introduce reforms that ensure public officials are held accountable, and that justice is accessible to all Somalilanders, regardless of their social or economic status. By restoring trust in the judiciary and government institutions, Dr. Cirro will create a more just and equitable society. "Justice is the foundation of peace; without trust in justice, there can be no peace.
The Power of Change is in Your Hands As the November 13th election approaches, the people of Somaliland have a clear choice. President Muse Bihi’s government has failed to deliver on its promises, leaving the nation divided, economically stagnant, and diplomatically isolated. In contrast, Dr. Abdirahman Cirro offers a vision of hope, unity, and prosperity.
His leadership, built on integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to the people, is exactly what Somaliland needs in these challenging times. A vote for Dr. Cirro is a vote for affordable housing, modernized infrastructure, responsible resource management, and a stronger, more resilient economy. It is a vote for a leader who will protect our national sovereignty, advance Somaliland’s case for international recognition, and build a compassionate society that leaves no one behind. On November 13th, 2024, Somalilanders have the power to bring about real change. By voting for Dr. Cirro and the Waddani Party, we can ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for our nation. "The future is in your hands. Vote for progress, vote for unity, and vote for Dr. Abdirahman Cirro."
Inclusion expands range of recruitment choices for domestic workers
Cairo: Saudi employment authorities have included Tanzania onto the list of domestic help recruitment, setting the price cap at SR5,700 per worker inclusive of value-added tax (VAT).
The kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources said the move continues its initiatives to offer suitable and diverse choices for citizens and expatriates interested in recruiting domestic workers. The decision is part of the ministry’s efforts to regulate the recruitment market and price governance.
The ministry has urged all establishments concerned with recruitment to commit themselves to observing the ceilings of the announced prices to avoid penalties.
Earlier this year, a Saudi government portal responsible for domestic labour affairs highlighted the price caps for hiring house workers in the kingdom.
The Musaned platform, linked to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources, put the maximum fees of recruiting from Uganda at SR8,300 per worker, Ethiopia at SR5,900, Kenya at SR9,000, Bangladesh at SR11,750, and Sri Lanka at SR13,800, while from the Philippines set at SR14,700, Thailand at SR10,000 and Burundi at SR7,500 exclusive VAT.
Saudi labour authorities have recently sought to regulate the domestic labour market.
To this end, the Ministry of Human Resources launched Musaned to help customers learn about their rights and duties and related services including visa issuance, recruitment requests and contractual relation between the employer and the worker.
The ministry has said it is necessary to conduct contracting via the Musaned, being the official recruitment platform.
Last October, Saudi Arabia unveiled new rules for employing domestic workers, setting the worker’s minimum age at 21 years as part of efforts to preserve contractual rights.
The regulations stress that the dues owed to the worker or his/her heirs are considered first-degree debts.
The contract should have a fixed duration, and if not, it will be considered renewable for one year from the date of the worker doing the job. By Ramadan Al Sherbini, Correspondent, Gulf News
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