According to the communique, the decision follows a recent stand taken by the Maldivian government, “whereby it no longer recognizes the sovereignty of the Republic of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, its territorial integrity and is now objecting to the Agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom.”
The communique said that the decision reflects the commitment of Mauritius to safeguard its national interest and uphold the principles of sovereignty and respect of the UN Charter, international law, peace and stability in the region.
Port Louis is the capital and largest city of Mauritius.
The South American country’s national airline Boliviana de Aviacion announced the temporary closure of El Alto International Airport following the crash.
No official statement on the crash has been released yet.
The security forces personnel work at a military plane crash site at El Alto International Airport in El Alto, Bolivia, Feb. 27, 2026.
“This is amazing. I think it’s one of the future technologies for mobility,” Merz said after the experience, commending the close cooperation between German manufacturers and Chinese technology.
Mercedes-Benz has established a comprehensive local footprint and cooperation network spanning its entire industrial chain in China, the company said in a press release on Thursday. Its Chinese R&D team is playing an increasingly crucial role within Mercedes-Benz’s global R&D network, the statement notes.
Merz’s official visit to China took place on Feb. 25 and 26. Visiting companies from both countries and promoting practical cooperation were key items on his Thursday agenda.
Merz arrived in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Thursday noon. At Unitree Robotics, he watched humanoid robots performing different tasks and was impressed by their agile movements.
Merz’s visit reflects Germany’s strong interest in China’s technological innovation, said Wang Xingxing, founder and CEO of Unitree, who noted the vast potential of the German market and expressed hope for deeper cooperation in the robotics sector.
Merz also visited Siemens High Voltage Circuit Breaker Co. Ltd., Hangzhou, where he learned about the development of German-funded enterprises in China.
Executives from approximately 30 leading German companies in sectors such as automotives, chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, machinery and the circular economy accompanied Merz on his visit. More than ten commercial agreements were reached, sending a clear signal of deepening pragmatic cooperation.
As his trip concluded, Merz said he was leaving China with deep impressions of the country, and noted that Germany and China enjoy good cooperation and also face challenges that they need to address together.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (C) communicates with Ola Kaellenius (L), CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group, and Cao Xudong, CEO of Chinese tech firm Momenta, after experiencing an urban and highway pilot driver-assist system, co-developed by Mercedes-Benz and Momenta, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 26, 2026.
While in the coastal city of Pemba, the delegation held a meeting with the Army Commander of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM), Major General André Rafael Mahunguane.
The discussions focused on jointly assessing the prevailing security situation in Cabo Delgado and reviewing future operational plans. Both the Rwandan and Mozambican forces reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation and to working collaboratively towards achieving their shared operational objectives.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cabo Delgado Province, Valige Tauabo. During the engagement, members received a comprehensive briefing on the current security situation in the province.
Discussions centred on ongoing joint operations conducted by the Rwanda Security Forces and Mozambican forces to counter terrorism, as well as on strategies to further strengthen security efforts across the province.
Major General Nyakarundi commended the strong partnership between the Rwandan and Mozambican security forces, noting that their resilience and dedication have significantly contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in Cabo Delgado. He reaffirmed Rwanda’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at maintaining normalcy throughout the province.
Major General Mahunguane expressed appreciation for the contribution of the Rwanda Security Forces in combating Islamic State-linked terrorists, underscoring the positive impact of the bilateral partnership. Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and lasting security for the people of Mozambique and the wider region.
Governor Tauabo conveyed gratitude for the steadfast role played by the Rwanda Security Forces in restoring security across the province, as well as for their support in enhancing community welfare through various civil–military cooperation initiatives.
Later in the evening, the ACOS visited Mocímboa da Praia, the headquarters of the Rwanda Security Forces in Cabo Delgado.
Addressing RSF troops comprising RDF and Police personnel, he delivered a message of appreciation from the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF and President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, commending them for their courage and dedication.
The ACOS urged the troops to remain vigilant, emphasizing that discipline remains fundamental to the success of their mission, which aims to support Mozambican state authority through combat operations and security sector reform initiatives.
The ACOS also visited Mocímboa da Praia, the headquarters of the Rwanda Security Forces in Cabo Delgado. While in the coastal city of Pemba, Maj Gen Nyakarundi and his delegation held a meeting with the Army Commander of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM), Major General André Rafael Mahunguane. Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, began his official visit to Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique on Thursday.Maj Gen Nyakarundi with his delegation in a group photo with Mozambican counterparts.
Supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund, this multi-agency initiative launched on Thursday, February 25, 2026, aims to fast-track the transition toward sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient agri-food systems across six food-insecure districts including; Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, and Burera.
The programme focuses on strengthening strategic partnerships, improving access to finance, and promoting affordable green technologies in horticulture, poultry, and livestock value chains. It further provides targeted support to agri‑MSMEs and cooperatives through financial literacy training, investment-ready business planning, and strengthened lending capacity among financial institutions.
Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernisation at the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized the programme’s transformative potential: “The Rwanda Green Food Future programme represents a strategic step in strengthening our food systems through innovation, partnerships, and investment. By empowering farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses with climate-smart solutions and access to finance, we are building a resilient agricultural sector that supports national development and improves livelihoods across rural communities.”
Dr. Ozonia Ojielo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, underscored the collective commitment of the UN system: “This Joint Programme reflects the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Rwanda’s vision for sustainable development. By bringing together multiple agencies, government institutions, and private-sector partners, we are creating a powerful platform to mobilize resources, scale innovation, and accelerate progress toward inclusive and climate-resilient food systems.”
The launch event convened government ministries, district authorities, development partners, financial institutions, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and UN agencies to align priorities and reinforce commitments for effective implementation.
The programme is designed to de-risk private investment, strengthen value chains, and expand financial inclusion, ensuring that farmers and small enterprises can access the tools, capital, and knowledge needed to scale sustainable production.
By fostering coordinated action among public and private stakeholders, the initiative aims to expand the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies, strengthen the investment readiness of agri-MSMEs and cooperatives, improve access to finance across agricultural value chains, and advance inclusive economic growth and food security in vulnerable districts across Rwanda.
The Joint SDG Fund Food Systems Transformation Window was established through a partnership between the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the Joint SDG Fund Secretariat to support government-led food systems transformation and accelerate progress across the SDGs.
This joint programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund in collaboration with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub.
The European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland have been also commended for their contributions in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
The launch marks a pivotal milestone in building a shared platform for collaboration and sustained partnership, accelerating Rwanda’s journey toward a resilient, competitive, and inclusive agrifood system.
Participants at the launch of the Rwanda Green Food Future programme./@FAORwandaDr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernisation at the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources speaking at the launch. Dr. Ozonia Ojielo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, underscored the collective commitment of the UN system.
The pilot, co-pilot and two vendors were killed when the aircraft struck a market stall at 9:09 a.m. local time (0539 GMT), said the report.
Four ambulances were immediately dispatched to the scene, Fars quoted Ali Nasiri, head of the provincial emergency medical services organization, as saying.
Mansour Shishehforoush, director general of Isfahan’s crisis management department, told the official news agency IRNA that a technical failure caused the incident.
Hosted at the Paris Expo–Porte de Versailles, the exhibition runs from late February to early March each year, showcasing agricultural and livestock products, related value chains, farming technologies, partnerships, and innovation.
The 2026 edition opened on Saturday, February 21, and was officially inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Rwanda is exhibiting at Stand 7, highlighting its progress in developing export-oriented agricultural and livestock products. The country is represented by the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and the Embassy of Rwanda in France.
The event provides a platform for traders, farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors to exchange expertise and build partnerships to advance the agriculture and livestock sectors.
Fifteen Rwandan companies are participating, showcasing products such as coffee, tea, honey, and other value-added goods. The participation reflects Rwanda’s continued investment in strengthening agricultural value chains and expanding access to international markets.
Agricultural and livestock exports remain a key driver of Rwanda’s economy. In December 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources announced that exports from the sector had generated more than $893.1 million in revenue.
Under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda aims to increase annual foreign exchange earnings from agricultural and livestock exports to $1.5 billion by 2029.
Rwanda is taking part in international agriculture and livestock exhibition for the fith time. Rwanda is showcasing products including coffee, tea, honey and others.Rwanda is exhibiting at Stand 7, where it is highlighting the country’s continued progress in developing export-oriented agricultural produce. The 2026 edition of the trade fair opened on Saturday, February 21. Rwanda is represented by 15 companies.
In a video statement posted after a meeting of the country’s Energy Security Council, Szijjarto said Hungary would oppose the sanctions package at Monday’s EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels and maintain its position until oil transit to Hungary resumes.
“As long as the Ukrainians do not restart oil transport to Hungary, we will not let go of decisions that are important to them,” he said.
He noted that Ukraine’s decision earlier this week not to restart shipments was “political blackmail” aimed at creating fuel supply disruptions and driving up petrol prices ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections.
According to the minister, Hungary has countered the situation by releasing part of its strategic crude reserves and securing replacement supplies via maritime routes.
Szijjarto recalled that Hungary has halted diesel exports to Ukraine, which he said accounted for around 10 percent of Ukraine’s diesel imports, and has also moved to block a planned 90-billion-euro EU loan for Ukraine.
In a separate social media post on Sunday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary would not “stand idly by” while the Druzhba pipeline remains blocked. “We will ensure Hungary’s fuel supply and take appropriate countermeasures until shipments are restarted by Ukraine,” Orban wrote.
The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Central Europe via Ukraine, has faced repeated disruptions since last year amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Hungary stated that although there are currently “no practical or technical obstacles,” Ukraine has decided not to restart crude deliveries.
A worker operates machinery at the Danube Refinery in Szazhalombatta, Hungary, May 24, 2022.
Barrot said in an interview with French media that the U.S. Embassy in France had commented on the tragedy, which he described as concerning “the national community,” prompting France to call in the ambassador.
Earlier on Friday, the U.S. Embassy said on X account that “violent left-wing extremism is on the rise, and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety,” adding that it would continue to monitor the situation and hoped those responsible for the violence would be brought to justice.
According to French media, the incident followed the death of Deranque, a far-right activist who was seriously injured during a clash between radical groups during a conference given by a member of French hard-left party La France Insoumise in Lyon on Feb. 12.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot addresses the audience during a plenary session on the second day of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, June 10, 2025.
In a statement released by Tour du Rwanda management, organisers confirmed the accident and expressed their deep condolences to the families affected. The injured are receiving care, and authorities are closely monitoring their condition.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families and remain committed to public safety,” the statement read in part.
The Rwanda National Police has launched an investigation into the incident.
Candy Basomingera, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, expressed sorrow over the accident and stressed the need for vigilance on the roads during the race.
“This reminds us of the importance of being vigilant on the road as we drive and cheer on the riders. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and we wish a quick recovery to those who have been injured,” she said.
Israeli cyclist Itamar Einhorn of NSN Devo Team won the first stage of the race, completing the 174 km from Rukomo to Rwamagana in a time of 4:00:05.02 and earning the first yellow jersey.
The 2026 edition, marking the 18th Tour du Rwanda since it gained international status, runs from February 22 to March 1, covering eight stages and nearly 1,000 km. Riders will face more than 16,000 meters of total elevation gain over the week, living up to Rwanda’s nickname as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
A total of 18 teams are competing, including four Rwandan squads.
The first stage of Tour du Rwanda 2026 covered 174 km from Rukomo to Rwamagana. This year’s edition marks the 18th Tour du Rwanda since it gained international status in 2009.
