Philippine President Meets Ambassador of Qatar

HE President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Philippines Ahmed Saad Al Homidi at the presidential palace.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and enhance them.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Army Chief Oversees Live Fire Drills of Armored Vehicles, Artillery Systems

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Hunaiti, attended live fire drills on Thursday featuring the Al-Hussein tank and advanced artillery systems, part of ongoing efforts to enhance the operational readiness of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF).

The exercises, held at one of the military’s specialized training ranges, were aimed at testing the upgraded capabilities of the Al-Hussein tank and other armored units.

During the visit, Hunaiti received a detailed briefing from the Commander of the Royal Maintenance Corps, who outlined the tank’s comprehensive upgrades, including overhauls to its key systems, electronic components, and targeting technologies.

The live fire drills involved personnel from the Royal 40th Armored Brigade of the Central Military Region. The unit, recently trained on the advanced TOGS (Thermal Observation and Gunnery System), demonstrated precision targeting in both day and night scenarios, showing enhanced proficiency in adverse weather conditions.

Additionally,
Hunaiti oversaw the live testing of the WM80 multiple rocket launcher, deployed by the Royal 28th Rocket Battalion under the Royal Artillery Corps. Known for its long-range accuracy, the WM80 demonstrated its ability to strike strategic targets with precision.

Participants in the drills displayed high levels of skill, hitting their targets with accuracy, underscoring the forces’ readiness for operational deployment in various combat scenarios.

General Hunaiti commended the troops for their performance and emphasized the importance of continuous training and testing to maintain the high combat effectiveness of the JAF. He noted that such exercises are critical in bolstering the armed forces’ preparedness to confront evolving security threats.

He further highlighted that the Jordanian Armed Forces remain committed to modernizing their arsenal, incorporating state-of-the-art technology, and ensuring that personnel are equipped and trained to leverage these advancements.

As part of JAF’s broader strategic vis
ion, the General Command has prioritized the development of its armored and artillery divisions, recently introducing advanced tanks and rocket systems to its formations and units to enhance national defense capabilities.

Source: Jordan News Agency

4.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Philippines

An earthquake measuring 4.8 magnitude on the Richter scale struck on Thursday Eastern Samar province in the Philippines.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located 22 km from Sulat municipality in the province at a depth of 10 km, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.

There have been no reports of casualties or material damage due to the earthquake so far.

On Wednesday, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Catanduanes province in the eastern Philippines, without causing casualties or material damage.

The Philippines is witnessing increased volcanic and seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean, where tectonic plates intersect.

Source: Qatar News Agency

FM, Japanese Counterpart Address Escalation in the Region

Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Ayman Safadi and Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi on Thursday discussed the alarming escalation of violence in the Middle East.

The ministers emphasized the urgent need to de-escalate tensions to avert a potential regional war that poses significant risks to both regional and international peace and security.

During their phone conversation, Safadi and Iwaya underscored the necessity for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and reiterated the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Safadi highlighted his support for the initiative proposed by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, aligning it with the efforts of US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, which seek to reaffirm Lebanon’s commitment to the resolution contingent upon achieving a ceasefire.

The discussion also encompassed support for a prisoner exchange deal aimed at establishing an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

Safadi reiterated that halting aggressio
n in Gaza is essential to mitigate further regional escalation. He urged an end to Israeli military operations in the West Bank and condemned extremist actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The ministers also explored cooperative efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to both Gaza and Lebanon, with Safadi highlighting the dire humanitarian needs exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli aggression. He noted that approximately one million Lebanese citizens have been displaced due to the Israeli Aggression.

Emphasizing Jordan’s position, Safadi asserted that the kingdom will utilize all its resources to address any threats to its security and stability, ensuring it does not become a battleground for external parties.

He and Iwaya also celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Japan, discussing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

In a separate meeting, Safadi engaged with a delegation from the Churches for Middle East Peace organization, warning about the repercussions of Israeli esca
lation in the region.

He reiterated that establishing an independent Palestinian state with occupied Jerusalem as its capital, based on the June 4, 1967 lines, remains the only viable path to achieving lasting security, stability, and peace.

Safadi raised concerns over ongoing Israeli violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, urging respect for the historical and legal status quo of these significant locations.

The discussions with the delegation also focused on addressing the humanitarian crisis instigated by the Israeli operations and providing essential aid to Lebanon amid its internal displacement challenges.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Jordanian Students from CPF Program Participate in 42 Asia Hackathon Finals

The “42 Amman” program, part of the Crown Prince Foundation’s (CPF) initiatives, announced that a group of its students participated remotely in the finals of the 42 Asia Hackathon, held in Seoul, South Korea.

The three-day hackathon was organized by the Singapore University of Technology and Design in collaboration with the Korean Innovation Academy “42 Seoul.” The students worked on addressing challenges in food delivery through programming, focusing on reducing environmental pollution caused by frequent car use. The event also provided a platform for participants from around the world to exchange skills and experiences.

This participation highlights the growing demand for digital talent in Asia’s rapidly expanding digital economy and emphasizes Jordan’s potential for investment in technology. The program connects students to the global 42 network, opening doors to future job opportunities.

The 42 Amman program, under the Crown Prince Foundation’s economic participation track, offers students free progra
mming education without prior requirements.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Prime Minister Sends Congratulations to Iraqi Counterpart

Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent on Thursday a cable of congratulations to HE Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day.

Source: Qatar News Agency