Category: General

Amman: The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) concluded its trading session on Wednesday with a marginal decrease of 0.17 percent, settling at 2,432 points.

The trading activity saw approximately 2 million shares changing hands, accumulating a total value of around JD3.2 million through 1,834 transactions.

A scrutiny of the day’s trading revealed a mixed performance among publicly traded companies. Specifically, 23 companies experienced a decline in their share prices, while 17 companies witnessed an uptick in their shares. The remaining 34 companies maintained stability in their share prices.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: Dr. Anwar Gargash, the Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, held a meeting with Ambassador Uemura Tsukasa, the Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for the Middle East Peace.

They discussed various regional and international matters of mutual interest, including ongoing developments in the region and the significance of efforts towards establishing security and stability for peace in the region.

During the meeting, Dr. Gargash affirmed the UAE’s position calling for a ceasefire and working to create the conditions for a political solution that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state. He stressed the need to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, protect civilians, and ensure the delivery of aid to alleviate the suffering faced by the residents of Gaza.

Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of avoiding an expansion of the conflict and returning to sustainable political solutions that can prevent the region
from facing recurrent crises.

Dr. Gargash also referenced the importance of adhering to the most recent UN Security Council resolution urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the month of Ramadan. He said that prolonging the conflict could have adverse effects on the region and exacerbate the ongoing crises.

Dr. Gargash reviewed the UAE’s significant humanitarian initiatives in this regard, such as sending relief aid to the Gaza Strip through challenging land crossings, maritime corridors from Cyprus, and airdrops of aid. He also discussed the progress of several projects, including the UAE field hospital, water desalination projects, and other related initiatives.

Source: Emirates News Agency

MUSCAT: The National Human Rights institution participated in a webinar titled “Respecting and Upholding the Rights of People with Autism: National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) perspective”, organised by Oman Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Forum.

The event took place on Tuesday, 2nd April 2024, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day.

In his address, Maqsoud Kruse emphasised the importance of the rights of persons with disabilities and the right to mental health. He also referred to Federal Law No. 10 of 2023 concerning mental health, which underscores the mental health rights of individuals, including those with autism. Furthermore, he affirmed the National Human Rights institution commitment to the principle of the right to health as a fundamental human right.

Source: Emirates News Agency

A Palestinian youth died due to injuries he sustained when Israeli occupation forces stormed Qabatiya town, south of the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, Fawaz Hammad, director of Al-Razi Hospital in Jenin said in a statement on Tuesday.

The martyr, Rabih Faisal Zakarneh (20 years), was seriously wounded during the invasion of the occupation forces in Qabatiya on Saturday.

Source: Jordan News Agency

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday directed the government to facilitate the Arab Potash company’s (APC) projects in water and energy, including solar power initiatives, to enhance competitiveness in global markets.

During a meeting with APC representatives at Al Husseiniya Palace attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, His Majesty commended the company’s development in line with its investment plan, which aligns with the Economic Modernisation Vision.

The King called for stepping up work on value added expansion and investment projects, as well as sustainable energy projects that are in line with Jordan’s environmental commitments.

His Majesty also stressed the need to prioritise sectors that add high value to the economy and generate jobs, urging the government and the APC to study prospects of cooperation and investment to develop the Risheh gas field after exploration activities conclude.

The King commended the APC’s efforts in recruiting competent employees, enhan
cing governance, expanding products, and tapping new markets.

For his part, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh said the government is working on supporting national industries, and investing in natural minerals across the country.

He added that the government recognises the need to create a suitable environment for the private sector, including the APC, to enable them to compete in global markets, highlighting mining as a key sector in the economic vision.

APC Chairman Shehadah Abu Hdaib said the company is a pillar of the Jordanian economy through its direct contribution to the state budget, which amounts to 65 percent of profit, adding that the APC and its affiliate companies are the largest employers in the industrial sector, noting the company’s partnership with the government.

The company’s president and CEO, Maen Nsour, reviewed performance indicators during (2014-2023), which saw an increase in production volume and sales.

On indicators during (2019-2023), Nsour said production volume reached 13.1 mi
llion tonnes, with net sales of $4.7 billion and a net profit of $2 billion, as well as a contribution of $7.3 billion to the foreign exchange reserves.

He noted that the company’s strategy during (2024-2028) focuses on innovation, research, and development, automation, and sustainability.

Future plans for the APC include expanding bromine production, expanding projects in the southern region, building an industrial complex in Aqaba, and increasing potash production by 35 percent through projects valued at $1.2 billion out of a total of investments worth $1.5 billion over the upcoming five years.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan and Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh attended the meeting.

Source: Jordan News Agency