GLOBALink | China-made crane ship shipped to Africa to aid port construction
Chinese-built crane ship "NORTH WAVE 1" was shipped from Ningde port in China's Fujian to Sierra Leone on Tuesday, to support port construction in the African country.
The crane ship was carried by a large semi-submersible "TRIUMPH" owned by Boskalis.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Africa Press Conference of Shincheonji Church Attended by Journalists From 55 African Countries
Philippines, Americas after Africa! Online press conference with about 300 journalists from 55 African countries
I wish everyone across the world will come and study the word from Shincehonji seminar to change people’s life. – Ugnada, Stephen Ogwang, secretary general of born again churches
I have never encountered the word of God before, I have only learned from Shincheonji.
– South Africa, Daisyman Goniwe, Independent Methodist Church
On the 28th, an Africa Press Conference of Shincheonji Church: Testimony on the Parables of the Secrets of Heaven and Their True Meanings was held through the Zoom platform with Man Hee Lee, chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony(Shincheonji Church) and journalists from 55 African countries. This press conference was planned at the request of African journalists and pastors and was hosted by Shincheonji Church.
The organization of Shincheonji Church, announced that it had planned a press conference to inform the true meaning of the New Testament in the Bible. The press conference started with the introduction of Shincheonji Church. And after The results of the Revelation seminar held last year were shared, followed by the Shincheonji Online Seminar: Testimony on the Parables of the Secrets of Heaven and Their True Meaning, which started in January of this year.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus has testified the prophecies and fulfillment recorded in the Book of Revelation to the world through YouTube for a total of 10 weeks from October last year. It has recorded 8 million cumulative views on YouTube so far. Through this seminar, Shincheonji Church signed MOUs with more than 1,200 pastors and seminaries in 57 countries (of which 235 MOUs were signed in 16 countries in Africa). And now Shincheonji church is supporting the exchange of the word of the Bible to each church and seminary.
The journalists who attended asked questions about the Revelation seminar and introduction seminar, which they heard objectively from the reporter's point of view, and how they felt about Shincheonji. The chairman Man Hee Lee, who was directly present at the press conference, answered plans after the MOU and questions about the seminars clearly.
Chairman Lee said that he especially loves Africa among global village and that he hopes Africans who have good faiths would come into the Word and get to understand God’s stance and His Will.
Long with that, he stated that the secret of the heaven is recorded with parables in the Bible, and he hopes that whole world would understand the true meaning of parable through word seminar so that they could believe in it and reach salvation.
Furthermore, Chairman Lee asked all the press associates to promote that there is a testimony on the prophecy and fulfillment of Revelation and the secrets of kingdom of heaven available to everyone today.
"Testimony on the Parables of the Secrets of Heaven and Their True Meanings" which is an on-going seminar that uncovers the meaning of the parable begun on the 3rd of January will be broadcasted 2 times a week on Monday and Thursday through Shincheonji YouTube Channel in 24 different languages.
Press-release of the HWPL
GLOBALink | Xi as a genuine facilitator of China-Africa cooperation
Though distance apart, China and Africa have engaged each other as good friends, good partners, and good brothers.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Joint Statement of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and the Georgian Ministry of Defense
As part of the United States’ commitment to strengthening the Georgian Defense Forces (GDF), Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commanding General, made an official visit to Tbilisi. Minister of Defense Juansher Burchuladze welcomed Gen. Cavoli March 15-17 and reaffirmed the shared commitment to security cooperation.
The visit provided an opportunity for Gen. Cavoli and Minister Burchuladze to discuss regional security challenges, mutual security cooperation initiatives and perspectives of future cooperation. Joint training and exercises were highlighted, including plans for upcoming multinational exercise Agile Spirit, which is scheduled to be held in the summer of 2021 in Georgia.
Gen. Cavoli also met with Georgian Chief of Defense Major General Giorgi Matiashvili and discussed the successful progress of the GDF within the Georgia Defense Readiness Program (GDRP), which focuses on enhancing Georgia’s ability to staff, equip and train its forces, as well as post-GDRP security cooperation priorities. Gen. Cavoli praised the growing leadership role and enhanced capabilities of the Georgians in the U.S. - Georgia military relationship.
In addition, Gen. Cavoli visited the Vaziani training area where the GDRP –Training (GDRP-T) team focuses specifically on enhancing Georgia’s ability to train its forces. The Georgian Defense Forces maintain a high-level of training for its international missions and the GDRP-T mission enhances Georgia’s interoperability and strengthens the country’s territorial defense capabilities. U.S. and Georgian forces are proud to serve side-by-side in the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and around the world.
Press Service of the MOD
HWPL Hosts ‘HWPL Peace Education Development Forum in Africa’
On February 6th, Heavenly Culture World Peace, Restoration of Light(HWPL) hosted a HWPL Peace Education Development Forum in Africa. 500 people from 24 countries in the sectors of African national education ministries, UNESCO national committee, MOU-signed schools and organizations participated to discuss ‘the Roles and Cooperation of Educations in the Post-COVID-19 Era.’
The host organization, HWPL, is promoting international projects in 25 countries to develop long-term peacebuilding in Africa based on the its initiative ‘Spreading a Culture of Peace’ also proposed by the United Nations resolution.
The forum highlighted the necessity of developing and applying a new educational policy to stop the disparities in education and human right violations such as sexual exploitation of children and women rampant in Africa during COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, speakers shared the examples of implementing HWPL Peace education curricula in their classrooms and reaffirmed the solidarity in promoting peace as educators in Africa.
A member of the University of Zambia Youths of United Nations Association(UNZAYUNA) as well as the case presenter of HWPL Peace Education, Grace Mutale highlighted the importance of HWPL Peace Education, “Through HWPL Peace Education, I realized that I am the answer to realizing peace and determined to take part in peace work.”
Deputy Director of Ministry of Education Kenya, Science and Technology, Bartholomew Lumbasi Wanikina said “Peace Education is important since through the teachers, children able to build and sustainable peace in their respective families, friends, community, workplace, and country. Therefore, as educators, we must disseminate the message of peace so that children can have peace and have a sustainable peace,” emphasizing the responsibility and the role of educators in building sustainable peace.
General Secretary, Cote d’lvoire National Commission for UNESCO, SORO N’ golo Aboudo said, “We would like to have an associated school so that this culture of peace program is taught in these schools, and that the children are really aware about the issue of peace and especially the issue of nonviolence.”
During the forum, HWPL signed a MOA(‘Memorandum of Agreement’) with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Kenya, and signed Peace Academy MOUs(‘Memorandum of Understanding) with 13 schools. The department of peace education will work closely with peace academies to appoint and train on-and offline peace educators and conduct pilot classes on the value of peace.
Press-release of the HWPL
The Visa Foundation Announces Grantee to Support COVID-19 Recovery in Central Europe (including Georgia), Middle East and Africa
Funds will support relief efforts being undertaken by the Red Cross
Tbilisi, May 13, 2020 – The Visa Foundation today announced its approval of a $1.6 million COVID-19 relief grant to the Red Cross to support their COVID-19 recovery programs across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. The Red Cross is supporting the frontline response to the pandemic and providing critical services for vulnerable communities through public health and disaster relief services.
This grant is part of the Visa Foundation’s previously announced $210 million global commitment, with $10 million in COVID-19 relief focused on the emergency needs announced this week for organizations worldwide and another $200 million to address longer-term needs of the small and micro business community over the next five years. Globally, the Visa Foundation is providing $4.3 million in funding to support the Red Cross’ COVID-19 programs.
“Societies around the world have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the outbreak placing immense strain on public health providers and other essential services,” said Andrew Torre, Regional President CEMEA, Visa. “We are incredibly grateful and inspired by the tireless work of all humanitarian organizations at this time, and are pleased the Visa Foundation grants will support the ongoing efforts of the Red Cross.”
Across the CEMEA region, COVID-19 has placed additional challenges on communities, with many already suffering the effects of poverty, insecurity, conflict or climate change. The grant to the Red Cross aims to provide much needed support to continue providing vital services across the region.
“We’re grateful for the amazing work humanitarian assistance organizations are providing to communities around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, “ said Graham MacMillan, president of the Visa Foundation. “The Visa Foundation is proud to offer these grants to support these organizations’ mission-critical work during these perilous times.”
The forthcoming 5-year $200 million program will support small and micro businesses, with a focus on fostering women’s economic advancement, both of which will be critical to long-term economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This commitment expands the Visa Foundation’s long-standing support for small and micro businesses globally. Additional information on the Foundation’s grant and investment strategy will be shared in the coming months.
For more information:
- The Visa Foundation’s COVID-19 regional grantees: https://usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/blog/bdp/2020/05/11/the-visa-foundation-1589219590276.html
- Visa Inc. COVID-19 response: https://usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/blog/bdp/2020/04/03/visa-is-committed-1585927227688.html
- Visa Foundation $210 Million commitment to small and micro businesses and immediate COVID-19 relief: https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.17066.html
About the Visa Foundation
The Visa Foundation seeks to support inclusive economies where individuals, businesses and communities can thrive. Through grantmaking and investing, the Foundation prioritizes the resilience and growth of micro and small businesses that benefit women. The Foundation also supports broader community needs and disaster response in times of crisis. The Visa Foundation is registered in the U.S. as a 501(c)3 entity. For more information, visit https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/philanthropy/visa-foundation.html.
About Visa Inc.
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and a driving force behind the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit usa.visa.com/about-visa, visa.com.ge, facebook.com/VisaGeorgiaGE
Visa Announces Fintech Fast-Track Program in Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa
Regional fintechs will be able to connect to Visa’s payment network in as little as four weeks Sub-Saharan prepaid issuing provider, GTP, signs on as regional partner
Dubai, 13 February 2019 — Visa (NYSE: V) today announced it is expanding its Fintech Fast-Track Program in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) region as part of its efforts in developing the next generation of digital payment solutions. Already rolled out in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, the program provides innovative fintechs with a faster and easier integration process with VisaNet, Visa’s global network, in addition to a suite of tailored digital solutions and growth capabilities.
With the Visa Fast-Track program, fintechs based in CEMEA can now onboard to Visa’s global network in as little as four weeks. The program has been tailored to the needs of fintechs, adapting to their realities and providing them with processes that are faster, which include reducing the number of onboarding conditions. The program also links fintechs to platforms that are already certified by Visa and connects fintechs to sponsoring banks, providing fintechs with scaling opportunities through Visa’s global network.
Andrew Torre, Regional President, CEMEA, Visa, said, “The payments ecosystem is evolving at an unprecedented pace with some of the most exciting innovations coming from our region. We are actively engaged with passionate, entrepreneurial communities to understand where synergies exist in order to foster and bring new experiences to life in a secure and scalable manner in our pursuit of a digital future. Our aim is to connect new players and ideas with our network partners, so that we can deliver intuitive and relevant payment, banking and retail experiences to customers and merchants.”
The Fintech Fast-Track program provides a new commercial framework that includes access to Visa’s payment capabilities, reduced fees and streamlined processes. After successful launches in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific in the second half of 2018, the program is now available to fintechs in CEMEA. Visa is inviting all innovative fintechs in the region to apply to the program by registering online through the program website – www.visa.com/fintechcemea.
The Fast-Track program is one of several Visa initiatives designed to support fintech and startup companies. These include:
- Investment: Visa continuously evaluates and invests in companies that have the potential to advance digital payments for our clients and their customers. Recent fintech investments globally have included Klarna, Paidy, Marqeta and PayStack in Nigeria.
- Partnership: Many payment platforms and fintechs are already collaborating with Visa globally to create new consumer and merchant experiences, including YellowPepper, NovoPayment, Stripe, Conductor, Flutterwave and Revolut.
- Engagement: Visa’s Everywhere Initiative, a global innovation program that tasks startups with solving some of the most challenging issues in payments and commerce, has been running in CEMEA since 2017.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Visa will work with Global Technology Partners (GTP), to design and enable turnkey end-to-end packaged solutions jointly for the Visa Fintech Fast Track program. The enterprise solution will include bin sponsorship, issuer processing services, acquirer QR code processing services and program management services.
Rich Bialek, CEO of GTP, said, “GTP is excited to work with Visa to bring new digital products to our banks and cardholders. Fintech companies in the CEMEA region are developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of this rapidly growing consumer base. By expanding the fast-track program to CEMEA, Visa and GTP will enable these companies to rapidly deliver new technologies and services to consumers, improving and expanding how commerce works in this dynamic market.”
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About Visa Inc.
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is the world’s leader in digital payments. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company’s relentless focus on innovation is a catalyst for the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and a driving force behind the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com, www.visasoutheasteurope.com, https://www.facebook.com/VisaGeorgiaGE, www.visanewscissee.com
About Global Technology Partners
Global Technology Partners is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma USA. The company was founded in 2003 and began processing its first Visa prepaid debit card in Burkina Faso in 2007. Since then, GTP has expanded into over 30 African countries, with more in development. GTP designed its system specifically for prepaid programs, and now offers industry-leading prepaid and mobile processing solutions.
