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U.S. Bolsters Chip Production with Billion-Dollar Incentives
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Thursday: Julia Kornberg on Berlin Atomized at Lost City Books Berlin Atomized , the debut novel from author Julia Kornberg , is described as a “kinetic, globetrotting novel” following three “downwardly mobile” Jewish siblings from 2001 to 2034. Originally published as Atomizado Berlín in 2021, the English-language version, translated by Jack Rockwell , was released earlier this week on Dec. 3. To celebrate, Lost City Books is hosting a conversation between Kornberg and Rockwell, with moderation by translator and author Lily Meyer . Berlin Atomized shows the siblings struggling against economic turmoil, environmental collapse, and war, among other crises over the span of multiple decades. Kornberg opens her novel in Nordelta, a wealthy ( and gentrified ) gated community in Buenos Aires, during Argentina’s great depression in 2001. Born and raised in Buenos Aires and now based in New York City, Kornberg has focused on writing about the Jewish Argentine community, culture, and identity. A writer from a young age, Kornberg recently told Beyond the Zero that “this is pretty much all I’ve done” and credited Argentina’s “institution” of literary workshops—one of which she attended as an adolescent—to fueling her interest in writing. Currently, a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University, Kornberg is working on her second novel. Julia Kornberg discusses Berlin Atomized at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Lost City Books, 2467 18th St. NW. lostcitybookstore.com . Free. —Daryl Perry Saturday and Sunday: Native Art Market at NMAI Across Indigenous communities in the Southeast U.S., weaving baskets has been a crux of culture, society, and technology. Native women used the practice of basket weaving, the oldest preserved artistic tradition of Indigenous culture, as a means of socializing, documenting history, telling stories, and combining practicality with creativity. The tradition lives on through dedicated descendants and artful masters of the craft, and is one of many forms of art that will be displayed at the National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Art Market. The annual market features Indigenous artists from around the Western Hemisphere, who are known for their award-winning craftsmanship. Lovers of art are invited to immerse themselves in the rich, vibrant culture by learning about Native traditions and the contemporary ways in which these artists adapt them to the modern age. Like basketry, the artwork and creations on display—and for sale—at the market showcase the spirit of vibrant artistry kept alive today. You’ll find beadwork, which predates European arrival to the U.S. and exemplifies just how resourceful Native Americans were in their ingenuity, hundreds of years ago. Also included will be illustrations, jewelry, metalwork, sculptures, photography, and clothing. The Native Art Market runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m on Dec. 7 and 8 at the National Museum of the American Indian, Third Street and Maryland Avenue SW. americanindian.si.edu . Free. — Meg Richards Saturday: The Skeptics Guide to the Universe at Miracle Theatre A podcast steeped in science hosted by people who work in science was once one of the most popular ones on iTunes. A long time ago, when you had to actually download a podcast on a computer and then use a cord to upload it to your iPhone, The Skeptics Guide to the Universe ruled a much less influential platform. It’s not surprising that the easier it became to listen to the format, the dumber and dumber it became. Like most early pods that stuck around, the show has produced more than a thousand episodes, a book, and live shows. Unlike most popular current pods, the show is not a product of any other streaming platform, sponsored by a gambling app or broadcast network. And it’s definitely not part of the crop of pods speaking to the young White dudes who might have swung an election. If the influence of those shows are justifiably bumming you out, this live version of The Skeptics Guide should be a respite from today’s news. If you’re a regular attendee of Nerd Nite at DC9 or the Profs and Pints talks throughout D.C., you’ll most likely like The Skeptics Guide . At a time when the dumbest possible future feels inevitable, it’ll be nice to spend a few hours with some like-minded individuals that realize the universe is vast. The Skeptics Guide to the Universe records at 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Miracle Theatre, 535 8th St. SE. unionstagepresents.com . $40. —Brandon Wetherbee Tuesday: Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute Reading with Kimiko Hahn The Folger Shakespeare Library has been hosting programming at a breakneck pace since reopening this summer. On Tuesday, the library is hosting its esteemed birthday tribute to Emily Dickinson in person for the first time since 2020. This year’s reading will be done by poet Kimiko Hahn , the author of 10 poetry collections and winner of the Poetry Foundation’s Ruth Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award. The tribute event is a hallmark of Folger’s programming and has previously featured Mary Oliver , Carolyn Forché , and U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo , among others. And afterward local poet and civil rights lawyer Sunu Chandy will moderate a conversation with Hahn. Prepare for the birthday festivities by brushing up on your poetry readings , attempting Dickinson’s black cake recipe (the cake will also be served at the event) , or watching the TV show Dickinson , based loosely (to say the least) on her life. Or, before you head to the Folger, you can read the Washington Post Magazine ’s account of Dickinson’s 1855 trip to D.C. that’s at odds with her popular hermit-esque persona. According to the story, the then-24-year-old Dickinson was repelled by the city’s opaque high society but interested in its political and cultural attractions; a stance City Paper readers might get behind. The Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute starts at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol St. SE. folger.edu . $20. —Serena Zets Ongoing: Virginia Hall Exhibit at the Spy Museum Virginia Hall was hardly a woman of no importance . Baltimore born and raised, Hall went on to become the Nazis’ most wanted Allied spy and a decorated World War II operative with medals from the U.S., the UK, and France. “One of my favorite photos of her is her jumping off a barn as a little girl,” says Hannah Saloio , curator of the new Virginia Hall exhibit at the International Spy Museum. “I think that kind of tells her entire story.” The small but detailed exhibit, found in the museum’s Spies and Spymasters gallery on the fifth floor, aims to tell Hall’s story in greater detail. The woman who became known as “the lady who limps” by the Gestapo—due to her prosthetic leg, which she nicknamed “ Cuthbert ”—was working as a clerk for the State Department in Estonia when Germany invaded Poland and launched WWII. From driving an ambulance on the front lines in France to being recruited by the British Special Operations Executive, Hall proved that women could play an equally important role in the war’s reconnaissance, sabotage, and espionage efforts. Indeed, some of her biggest confidants in France, where she was stationed, were nuns, sex workers, and a brothel owner. Her “resume” sounds more like something out of an Evelyn Salt movie than real life: She was hunted by the Gestapo’s Butcher of Lyon; fled France on foot over the Pyrenees Mountains—with a wooden leg; and became a wireless operator for the U.S. Office of Strategic Services. For one mission, she filed down her teeth to better pass as an elderly milkmaid in order to track German troops. According to the museum , “she radioed intelligence reports, coordinated parachute drops of supplies, oversaw sabotage missions, and planned ambushes of German soldiers.” An NPR article notes that “at its peak, Hall’s network consisted of some 1,500 people,” including a soldier who later became her husband. Her MBE Medal Award, a passport, and the actual uniform she wore as a French ambulance driver are among the artifacts in the exhibit. But the biggest takeaway is the long-overdue recognition of her work. The Virginia Hall exhibit is now open in the Spies and Spymasters gallery at the International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. spymuseum.org . $20–$32. —Sarah Marloff Don’t forget to sign up for City Lights , our twice-weekly guide to the best arts and nightlife, delivered from our writers straight to your inbox every Thursday and Sunday.Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay home after rebel takeover
Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and RussiaPhoto: Gritty Gukesh outplays Liren on time in Rd3 for first win in World Championship
By LOLITA BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, and said “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80 year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. Trump has criticized the billions that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine. Washington has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is a move to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump’s proposed national security advisor U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg was a character in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.It looked like there was an episode of “Power Slap” taking place in the stands during the UCLA-USC football game on Saturday. In a video that made its way around social media , a female fan, who wore a UCLA bucket hat slapped a male fan while he was sitting in the stands at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.. The blonde woman stood over the man — who was wearing a red sweatshirt, a Trojans color — wound her arm back and struck him hard as fans nearby were visibly stunned by the incident. Warning: Adult Language “Woah woah woah, what the f–k,” someone can be heard yelling. “What the hell!” The woman caught herself after the force of her haymaker caused her to stumble. The man in the red sweatshirt was seen touching his face to assess any damage before looked up at the woman and raised his hands in the air. Fans nearby looked on while the woman took a few steps back while staring down the man. It is unclear if the two knew each other or what sparked the vicious scene. The fans have yet to be identified. It is also unclear if stadium security or authorities intervened. Despite the ongoings in the stands, the Trojans rallied back to defeat the rival Bruins 19-13 and became bowl-eligible. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 221 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown to Ja’Kobi Lane in the fourth quarter.
East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a potential first-round pick, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. Revel, who sustained a torn left ACL in practice in September, had one season of eligibility remaining. "After an incredible journey at East Carolina, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," the senior posted on social media. "... Pirates nation, thank you for your unwavering energy and support every game. Representing ECU is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to do so on Sundays!" Revel recorded two interceptions in three games this season, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown on Sept. 14 against Appalachian State. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Revel had three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 70 tackles in 24 games. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection last season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. --Field Level MediaEmbattled Trump nominees Hegseth, Gabbard visit Senate seeking support
Rubicon Technologies ( OTCPK:RBTC ), announced on Monday, the appointment of Eric Bauer as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Grant Deans, Rubicon’s interim CFO, will continue as the company’s Controller, reporting directly to Bauer. More on Rubicon Technologies Financial information for Rubicon Technologies
‘Tenants not tourists’: Debate rages over NYC bill to change short-term rental legislation, expand Airbnb offerings
Share Tweet Share Share Email The U.S. Commerce Department on Friday announced that it was finalising an award of up to $1.61 billion for Texas Instruments to boost chip production and up to $4.745 billion for Samsung Electronics of South Korea. TakeAway Points: The U.S. Commerce Department said on Friday it was finalizing an award of up to $4.745 billion to South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and up to $1.61 billion for Texas Instruments to expand chip production. The department “modified this grant to line with market conditions and the scope of the investment the company is making,” according to a Commerce representative. Texas Instruments has pledged to invest more than $18 billion through 2029 in two new factories in Texas and one in Utah, which are expected to create 2,000 manufacturing jobs. Amkor’s Arizona plant, when fully operational, will package and test millions of chips for autonomous vehicles, 5G/6G, and data centers. US finalizes up to $6.75 billion in chips awards for Samsung, Texas Instruments, and Amkor The department also finalized an award of up to $407 million to help fund Amkor Technology’s planned $2 billion advanced semiconductor packaging facility in Arizona, which is set to be the largest of its kind in the U.S. The Samsung award is about $1.7 billion smaller than the preliminary award announced in April of up to $6.4 billion and reflects its revised smaller investment plans, the department said. A Commerce spokesperson said the department “changed this award to align with market conditions and the scope of the investment the company is making.” A Samsung spokesperson said its “mid-to-long-term investment plan has been partially revised to optimize overall investment efficiency” but declined to disclose details of its agreement with the Commerce Department. In April, administration officials said Samsung planned to invest roughly $45 billion to build two chip production facilities, a research center and a packaging facility by 2030. On Friday, Commerce said Samsung plans to invest $37 billion and complete the projects by the end of the decade. Texas Instruments has pledged to invest more than $18 billion through 2029 in two new factories in Texas and one in Utah, which are expected to create 2,000 manufacturing jobs. The company is getting $900 million for its Texas operations and $700 million. Amkor’s Arizona plant, when fully operational, will package and test millions of chips for autonomous vehicles, 5G/6G, and data centers. Apple will be its first and largest customer with the chips produced at a nearby Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC facility. Amkor CEO Giel Rutten said the facility “will serve as a critical cornerstone in establishing a robust semiconductor manufacturing supply chain within the United States.” Congress in August 2022 approved a $39 billion subsidy program for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and related components, along with $75 billion in government lending authority. Commerce invests in Intel Last month, Commerce finalized an award of up to $7.86 billion for Intel, down from $8.5 billion announced in March after the California-based chips maker won a separate $3 billion award from the Pentagon. Commerce has now finalized the largest awards it offered earlier this year, including this week, finalizing up to $458 million for SK Hynix in Indiana. In total, Commerce has finalized over $33 billion of the over $36 billion in proposed incentive funding. “With this investment in Samsung, the U.S. is now officially the only country on the planet that is home to all five leading-edge semiconductor manufacturers,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Related Items: Amkor , Samsung , Texas Instruments , US Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you PDD’s Temu App Tops U.S. iOS Downloads Bitcoin Rises To New Record Above $107,000 US Supreme Court Rejects Nvidia’s Bid To Avoid Securities Fraud Suit CommentsA Democratic state senator’s errant email is shedding light on new taxes that she and her colleagues may pursue in 2025 as well as a strategy to sell them to the public. Sen. Noel Frame , D-Seattle, sent the missive last Friday as a follow-up to discussion during a Washington state Senate Democratic Caucus retreat. But she inadvertently blasted it out to every Republican senator too. You can predict what happened next. Her email and attached PowerPoint presentation found their way onto social media. A furor followed. Conservative podcaster Brandi Kruse, a former television journalist, led the way, calling the materials “worse than getting a lump of coal in your stocking.” “Probably the worst email and ideas in state history,” wrote Rep. Travis Couture , R-Allyn, on X. He will be the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee next session. Frame on Monday described the email mixup as a “very simple error.” She said her presentation was intended as an “education exercise” for her Democratic colleagues. With the state facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, she said her role as vice chair of finance on the Senate Ways and Means Committee is to explore tax options while others try to identify savings. “I wanted to get the conversation started early. Not this early. Now, every legislator is better prepared,” she said On the list Frame’s email says the quiet part out loud. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen have said voters’ preserving of the capital gains tax in the November election is a sign they’re comfortable with requiring super-wealthy individuals and large businesses to pay a little more. And Democratic budget writers in the two chambers have already indicated that they plan to consider all revenue options to erase a shortfall estimated between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next four-and-a-half fiscal years. They’ve just not itemized tax policies in the manner Frame did. For example, there have been private conversations on attempting a statewide version of Seattle’s JumpStart tax levied on companies with large payrolls and high-paid employees . Frame puts it atop her list. The idea is employers would pay a tax on the total compensation paid to employees making more than $168,600 annually. It would affect companies with an annual payroll of $8 million or more in Washington. A “wealth tax” is on her list as well. Last year, she proposed a 1% levy on intangible assets above $250 million such as cash, bonds and stocks. Gov. Jay Inslee last week called for a similar tax on wealth above $100 million. Frame’s PowerPoint includes a guesstimate of what might be raised if the threshold is lowered to $50 million. In addition, Frame suggests the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate could make another run at a 1% real estate transfer tax on any portion of property sales above $3.025 million. That proposal didn’t reach the finish line last session. Her roster includes a 1% surcharge on taxes paid by the state’s largest corporations, an excise tax on guns and ammunition sales, a lift of the 1% cap on annual property tax increases , and a sales tax on self-storage unit rentals. “We can fund world-class schools, affordable housing, and more by making the wealthy few pay what they owe,” reads the PowerPoint. “We have to identify the villain and the problem blocking our progress and how we can take action to solve the issue.” ‘Frame’s viewpoint’ Pedersen said Monday he doesn’t think it’s “necessarily a bad thing” the email got out. Democrats are trying to be transparent on the pluses and minuses of different revenue options, he said, adding that there will be months of discussion “before we get to the answer.” Even so, Pedersen distanced himself from the content. “The PowerPoint contained language that Sen. Frame was trying to sell the caucus on and I’ll say that reflects Sen. Frame’s viewpoint, and that’s not necessarily the viewpoint of any other member,” he said. Frame also outlined tax relief ideas such as a renters’ credit and a property tax exemption for one’s primary residence. A margin tax for businesses is on the list too. This would allow a company to choose a major deduction — like the cost of labor — before tax is calculated on its gross receipts. In her email, Frame invited her Democratic colleagues to reach out if they had interest in sponsoring a revenue bill. “Let’s spread that tax policy love around!
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, co-sponsored the Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution, or SHIELD, Act, which was introduced Monday and is intended to strengthen laws to protect children and adults from having personal images shared publicly by others. "In today's world, we are seeing children and vulnerable adults being exploited and extorted in ways we have never seen before," Van Drew said in a statement. "Perpetrators are threatening to share intimate images or videos without consent, preying on the fear and vulnerability of their victims. While the rapid evolution of our technology has made this possible, our laws to protect victims are lagging behind, and too often, offenders are getting away with it." The SHIELD Act would make it illegal to knowingly distribute intimate images of another person without that person's permission, and specifies that it covers people of all ages, and consent to making the images does not confer consent to distribute them. Atlantic City Airshow canceled for 2025 Atlantic City police officer accused of assaulting, pointing gun at wife Somers Point man killed after motorcycle strikes SUV on Longport Boulevard Atlantic City Mayor Small indicted on witness tampering charge in child abuse case Body found in fridge in Belleplain State Forest Somers Point man killed in two-vehicle crash in Egg Harbor Township 'Great Day Express' takes its maiden voyage to Big SNOW at American Dream Mall Mays Landing's Level Up comic and video game shop to close after 18 years GoFundMe started for Somers Point man seriously injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Long Beach Island fire damages multimillion-dollar bayfront home Troopers gave special treatment to drivers with courtesy cards, watchdog finds Lower Township man charged with possession of child porn Who are The Press' 2024 High School Football All-Stars? Who are The Press' football Player, Team and Coach of the Year? BPU begins process to consider 8% increase in Atlantic City Electric rates It is endorsed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; the National Center on Sexual Exploitation; the Rape, Abuse, and Incent National Network (RAINN); the National Association of Police Organizations; the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative; Bumble; Girls Inc.; the International Justice Mission, and the National District Attorneys Association, Van Drew's office said. Other co-sponsors are Democratic U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Republican U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran of Texas, and Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. Van Drew REPORTER: Michelle Brunetti Post 609-841-2895 mpost@pressofac.com Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Staff Writer Author twitter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Best Delta-8 Gummies: Leading THC Edibles Available for 2025
[Latest] Hyaluronic Acid Market Likely to Experience a Tremendous Growth by 2030
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "dateCreated": "2024-11-27T20:49:31+02:00", "datePublished": "2024-11-27T20:49:31+02:00", "dateModified": "2024-11-28T07:53:16+02:00", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22159/news/rwanda/photos-kagame-receives-credentials-of-11-new-diplomats", "headline": "PHOTOS: Kagame receives credentials of 11 new diplomats", "description": "President Paul Kagame received letters of credence from 11 newly accredited envoys, at Village Urugwiro, on Wednesday, November 27. The new envoys...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22159/news/rwanda/photos-kagame-receives-credentials-of-11-new-diplomats" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/11/27/64961.jpg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/11/27/64961.jpg" }, "articleBody": "President Paul Kagame received letters of credence from 11 newly accredited envoys, at Village Urugwiro, on Wednesday, November 27. The new envoys include Ambassador Sahak Sargsyan of Armenia, High Commissioner Jenny Isabella Da Rin of Australia, Ambassador Jeanne Crauser of Luxembourg, and Ambassador Mirko Giulietti of Switzerland. Others are Ambassador Lincoln G. Downer of Jamaica, Ambassador Nadeska Imara Cuthbert Carlson of Nicaragua, the High Commissioner Savvas Vladimirou of Cyprus, and Patricio Alberto Aguirre Vacchieri of Chile. Othe envoys include Dag Sjoogren of Sweden, Brigadier General Mamary Camara of Mali, and Ernest Yaw Amporful, the High Commissioner of Ghana to Rwanda; the trio will be resident in Kigali. The new envoys pledged to work towards improving the existing bilateral ties between Rwanda and their respective countries while exploring new areas of cooperation. The incoming Swedish envoy said he comes “to boost the already thriving bilateral ties between Rwanda and Sweden because this country (Rwanda) is our valuable partner.” He maintained that both countries are set to prioritize shared interests, particularly in the areas of digitalization, climate action, and health. According to him, Rwanda, and Sweden boast cordial relations backed by several bilateral agreements signed previously. Just recently, the two countries signed an MoU to develop a bilateral cooperation agreement that would enable Sweden to finance emission reduction projects in Rwanda. Jamaica’s Downer said “Rwanda is a brother country,” adding that, “my job is to reiterate this commitment as witnessed by our leaders and deepen the relations with Rwanda.” Downer said that Rwanda and Jamaica have so far signed two bilateral agreements including on political consultation and tourism. “We now need to operationalize both memoranda and it is for me now to meet with the players in Rwanda to develop a plan of action so that we can accomplish our strategic objectives.” According to Downer, Jamaica has a lot to offer in the area of tourism – to which Rwanda is an aspiring hub in the East African Community. “That is one of our leading foreign exchange earners but also in the area of logistics as Jamaica has positioned as a logistics hub in the Caribbean.” Vladimirou of Cyprus said he looked forward to the development of the bilateral cooperation. He said he already planned for a bilateral meeting with the foreign affairs minister of Cyprus and his Rwandan counterpart. “The main areas of interest are fintech and agri-tech. But as you may know, Rwanda is strategically positioned in Africa and we can see the prospects of our businesses here.” Vladimirou also touched on a potential bilateral agreement in the offing on student exchange, which he said was being planned in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education. “I see the growing interest of students from all over Africa, including Rwanda, who want to study in Cyprus and this is something we are going to work on with your Minister (of Education).” The Nicaraguan envoy said she was grateful to be in Rwanda, saying that both countries share a history of brotherhood. “We are here to deepen that friendliness in different aspects like agriculture, education, tourism, and generally help each other.” She added; “We are both on the journey of development and our priority is the people. And that's what we are here for.” Like Rwanda, Amb. Carlson said that Nicaragua has a history of struggles, which has largely contributed to the country’s resilience. “Nicaragua is a very big country by land, our main source income is agriculture, and a bit of mining, friendly people as Rwanda, and you can see the similarities. One of the things that has impressed me most is the cleanliness, women empowerment, and equity in Rwanda and this is something as Nicaragua we are fortunate to implicate for the betterness of our people.” Ghana’s Amporful said he was honoured to be the country’s first resident Ambassador to Rwanda, adding that the development signals a major milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. “During my tenure, I look forward to enhancing the economic and trade relations between our two countries.” Amb. Amporful maintained that Rwanda and Ghana have witnessed growth in the two countries' trade volume, thanks in large part to the cooperation framework put in place. “My vision is to establish something like a Ghana trade mission to facilitate small-scale farmers from Ghana on the Rwandan market.” Ambassador Jeanne Crauser of Luxembourg echoed similar sentiments, citing that she was “pleased” to be the first Ambassador of her country to Rwanda. “I am eager to deepen the bilateral cooperation between both countries.” Luxembourg and Rwanda, she said, enjoy cordial relations mainly in the fields of education, climate resilience, and adaptation, as well as innovation. “Those are three areas where we are already having cooperation projects but these will not be the only areas of cooperation. It is the beginning of even greater ties.” “We are eager to help Rwanda and continue its economic transformation journey like it did in the last thirty years.” Capacity building Armenia’s Sahak Sargsyan revealed that his country is mulling ways to implement two projects in the effort of human capital development, particularly in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and robotics. “There are a couple of projects that are envisaged to be implemented in partnership with the Rwandan government, and Armenian organizations.” He explained that Armenia has committed to setting up an advanced STEM lab in Rwanda, where students in the fields of science and technology will be equipped with advanced knowledge in emerging technologies. “This will work in the form of an after-school programme of children below 18 years of age, where they will be trained in skills before they are admitted to the university.” The second project is an AI foundation where Armenian experts in the field of AI will be nurturing aspiring students in the field of AI. On education, he said, Armenia had pledged to facilitate the exchange programmes including Armenian lecturers coming to Rwanda. While Armenia is relatively new to the Sub-Saharan region, Amb. Sargsyan pointed out that the country has a strong historical presence in the East Africa region. “So, we are trying to rewrite our strong ties with African countries starting with Rwanda because we share multiple similarities.”", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Edwin Ashimwe" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }Year in pictures: February 2024