VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence were the main topics discussed during the event organized in Malta by Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity that promotes the convergence between networking and security.
The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in St. Julian’s, where Fortinet met Maltese partners and representatives from public entities and private businesses.
The event was opened by Cesare Radaelli, Senior Channel Director Italy and Malta of Fortinet: “It is a very important year for Fortinet,” he stated, “because we are pushing on different technologies such as Network Security, OT and SecOps.” Radaelli declared: “We decided to organize this event in Malta because here too we see a growing demand in terms of cybersecurity, and it is important for us to be increasingly present.” He continued, “customers need to focus on the most important issues while increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of their security infrastructures. The threats are growing. Beyond malware, we are seeing AI being used by cybercriminals to develop more refined attacks in terms of quality and execution time.”
During the forum, there were several interventions by the company’s partners and customers: “Our partnership with Fortinet,” explained Finian Massa, Strategic Marketing Manager at ICT Solution, “has been going on for 13 years now. We have seen the company grow and support many activities, not only Maltese ones. We are witnessing increasingly frequent cyber attacks and continuous threats. The support of a company like Fortinet certainly gives security and makes up for the lack of qualified personnel in the field of cyber security.” “The positive thing,” he continued, “that there is more awareness of these dangers, companies know the problem and are invited to invest more and more in cyber security with the support of the institutions that must do their part to regulate this sector”.
An important topic covered during the initiative was the one linked to the use of artificial intelligence in the fight against cyber threats, a tool that is revolutionizing the world but, as Marthese Vella, Chief Technology Officer at AX Group explained, this also hides many pitfalls. “Artificial intelligence,” Vella said, “is certainly a hot topic in cybersecurity. On the positive side, AI can significantly increase our ability to detect threats in real time, analyze large amounts of data, and automate incident responses. This means we can identify patterns much faster than traditional methods, allowing us to proactively address vulnerabilities before they are exploited. However, we also need to recognize the risks. Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to develop more sophisticated attacks, creating challenges that can overcome our defenses. Ultimately, the key is to find a balance. We should leverage AI’s strengths while implementing strong security measures and ethical guidelines to mitigate its potential drawbacks. In this way, we can leverage AI as a powerful ally in our ongoing fight against cyber threats”.

– photo Fortinet –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Commission has expressed serious concern over allegations of fraud in Maltàs residence permit system. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson highlighted the potential security risks to the Schengen area posed by the alleged fraudulent scheme. “The European Commission does not have general powers to intervene in individual cases, nor does it have law enforcement powers in criminal matters or the competence to intervene in the day-to-day activities of an individual Member Statès administration or judiciary,” Johansson said, responding to nationalist MEP David Casa, adding that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation, also in light of the forthcoming conclusions of ongoing investigations. Johansson stressed that under EU law on legal immigration, fraudulently obtained residence permits must be withdrawn. The investigation stems from allegations of a large-scale scheme involving the fraudulent issuance of around 18,000 identity cards to third-country nationals, mainly from Egypt and Libya. The scandal has sparked intense political debate in Malta, with opposition parties and civil society organisations calling for the resignation of the Interior Minister, Byron Camilleri.
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo credit: Agenzia Fotogramma-

Source: medNews

WASHINGTON (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Serbian Film Festival is currently underway in Washington. Thanks to a well-defined programme until October 20, it is possible to see the main Serbian film productions in different parts of the city. On the occasion of this event, the Office for Public and Cultural Diplomacy, the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Embassy of Serbia in Washington organized a reception at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia. On this occasion, Arno Gujon, Director of the Office for Public and Cultural Diplomacy, had the opportunity to emphasize the characteristics of the Serbian Film Festival and the importance of organizing these events abroad: “The film industry in Serbia has grown a lot in recent years,” said Gujon. “From 2018 until now, it has grown by more than 200 percent. And today, the film industry in Serbia employs more than 5,000 people. So, it is far from being an insignificant number. And it is important for us to develop it. This is one of the goals of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic. He has invested a lot in the film industry by creating new films about Serbian history, culture and new and modern topics. And so it is important to be here in Washington and abroad because the Serbian film industry, Serbian culture and cinematography are not so well known outside of Serbia. And because it is very specific, very different from other cultures and cinematography in the world. I think we have something to add to this global offer in this sector and we are very happy that we managed to organize this first Serbian film festival here in Washington DC”.
– photo xp6 Italpress –
(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The European Council, which brings together the heads of state and government of the 27 member states of the European Union, reaffirmed at a summit in Brussels “the great value” that the EU attributes to its strategic partnership with Morocco. The European Council also reiterated the need to preserve and continue to strengthen the close relations with the Kingdom in all areas within the Morocco-EU partnership.

According to the MAP agency, this is the third time since the decision of the European Court of Justice taken two weeks ago that the EU institutions have reaffirmed this commitment at the highest level.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, have in fact reaffirmed, in a joint statement, the European bloc’s commitment to preserve and further strengthen the close relations with Morocco in all areas, according to the principle “pacta sunt servanda”.

This commitment was reiterated this week by the EU’s foreign policy chief, who chaired the EU Foreign Affairs Council, underlining the “immense value” that the EU attaches to the strategic partnership with Morocco.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, together with Deputy Minister Valentino Valentini, met at Palazzo Piacentini with the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef.

At the center of the meeting was the desire to further strengthen commercial synergies and the technological and industrial partnership between the two countries in strategic sectors, promoting collaboration between institutions and investors, as already happened in September 2023 during the Italian-Saudi Investment Forum.

Focus on the issues already started during Urso’s visit to Riyadh in November 2023 and, in particular, on the commitment of the two countries in the mining sector and in the supply chain and processing of critical raw materials, which represent a fundamental pillar for the development of companies, called upon to achieve decarbonization objectives. In this regard, during the meeting, it was decided to establish a special bilateral working group with the task of presenting concrete cooperation proposals to the two governments.

“There are great complementarities and common interests between Italy and Saudi Arabia, both committed to achieving autonomy in the sector of critical raw materials,” underlined Minister Urso, adding, “to this end we can collaborate, not only in sharing best practices, but also to explore the opportunity for partnerships and investments in this sector. A strategy that could open new doors and further strengthen bilateral relations”. (ITALPRESS).

 

Foto: Ufficio Stampa Mimit

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has identified two suitable sites for wind farms from the initial six in Malta’s Exclusive Economic Zone. However, it did not say where the shortlisted sites are located due to further on-site studies are needed to reduce technical risks and uncertainties.
The wind vanes are expected to start turning in 2030 and the wind farm would generate 300 megawatts. By comparison, the interconnector between Malta and Sicily generates 200 megawatts, and the two LNG plants generate 200 and 150 megawatts.
Energy Minister Miriam Dalli told parliament that preparatory work for a call for investment in offshore windfarms is underway.
After the identification of six sites in the National Policy for the Deployment of Offshore Renewable Energy, technical experts conducted further studies to determine their technical and economic viability with the least environmental impact. Various issues were factored in, including the suitability of the available technology on the basis of the depth of the sea.
The sites had been shortlisted and, after a call for tender, one would be used for wind energy. The results of geophysical studies would be attached to the call for tenders.
Last year six international companies in the offshore wind business have shown an interest in Malta’s offshore renewable energy policy. They were among 64 entities and individuals who submitted their views on the National Policy for the Development of Offshore Renewable Energy when it was open to the public for consultation.
Malta’s first-ever national policy for offshore renewable energy was announced in August last year, with plans to have the first wind or solar floating farms located between 12 and 25 nautical miles off Malta.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma –
(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltàs Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the voice of the Mediterranean needs to be heard loud and clear on how decisions are taken about irregular immigration. He was addressing a joint press conference by the leaders of nine European countries, following the Med9 summit which was held in Paphos, Cyprus.

He said that irregular immigration is one of the most urgent challenges for the Mediterranean and argued that there is no solution without the participation of all the countries in this region. “Every country in the region must play their part in tackling the crisis. Each country in the region MUST be given the tailored support they need to do just that. For our partners in North Africa and the Middle East to be able to do their part, we must also ensure that the resources needed are made available to them”.

Speaking about the conflict in the Middle East, Abela reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire. He added that Malta agrees that the EU is fully supporting Jordan, as the country is offering shelter to a number of refugees, who have fled their war-torn countries. The King of Jordan, Abdullah as well as the President of the European Commission Ursola Von Der Leyen also attended this meeting. In his speech the King described Jordan as an important strategic partner to bring stability to the region.

PM Abela referred to the solution of two states to pave the way towards peace, hope and dignity. “We stand ready to work with international partners to ensure that peace, security, and justice prevail in the Middle East. Our collective duty must move beyond words – we need action.”

Abela also condemned the Russian war in Ukraine and said that the sovereignty of the Ukraine is not negotiable.

The MED9 was founded 11 years ago on the initiative of the Cypriot Government and includes France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Croatia and Slovenia in an effort to work together and address regional challenges in the Mediterranean.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The first session of the G7 ministerial on Industry and Technological Innovation is underway in Rome, focusing on the digital development and the strengthening of value chains with Africa.

The main topics on the agenda for today’s session were the strengthening cooperation between the G7 countries and Africa to increasingly integrate AI into production processes, supporting business initiatives in the continent through the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, in line with the Italian presidency project within the principles of the Mattei Plan.

Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso presided over the proceedings who at the beginning thanked the participants for having contributed to creating “a concrete discussion, anchored in reality, which builds on the conclusions reached in Verona last March and the Leaders’ Declaration, in Borgo Egnazia”.

In recent months, the Italian Presidency of the G7 and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have advanced the project to launch the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, a pioneering initiative that aims to strengthen local ecosystems of Artificial Intelligence in African countries in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, education, training, water and energy, in line with the “Mattei Plan” developed by the Italian Government.

Among the objectives of the Hub, the promotion of strategic partnerships aimed at stimulating innovation and strengthening local AI ecosystems to create new opportunities for industrial growth, technological progress and social development. “The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is part of the Mattei Plan, a priority of the Italian Government’s foreign policy. With this instrument we want to contribute to the achievement of development objectives, leveraging the private sector and interesting projects for the market”, declared Minister Urso.

The Hub will see the light in 2025, with a headquarters based in Italy and the participation of over 100 entities, including governments, international organizations and technology companies who have already expressed interest.

In addition to the G7 members, the UNDP and ITU organizations, the outreach countries Egypt, India, Kenya, Tunisia and the Netherlands took part in the session. Representatives of 4 African startups identified by Mimit and UNDP as part of the AI Hub activities also took part in the session: Nasrallah Hassan, Co-Founder Birrama (Ethiopia), Tonee Ndungu, CEO Kytabu (Kenya), Marouen Hammami, CTO IrWise (Tunisia) and Karim Beguir, CEO InstaDeep (Tunisia). Furthermore, representatives of some big national and multinational companies participated, presenting a proposed project to be brought together within the Hub: Julien Groues, Vice President of Amazon Web Services, Maximo Ibarra, CEO Engineering, and Farrukh Hussain, Investment Director Sony Group. At the end of the working session, Minister Urso signed a collaboration memorandum on the AI Hub with the UNDP, the International Telecommunications Union and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edmondo Cirielli.

– Photo Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta Fiscal Advisory Council (MFAC) issued a stark warning to the Maltese government about the need for fiscal prudence and a strategic approach to energy subsidies.
In its assessment of the Half-Yearly Report for 2024, the council’s recommendations come at a critical time as Malta grapples with excessive deficit procedures initiated by the European Union and ahead of the 2025 Budget speech.
In its report, the MFAC reiterated its call for the Maltese government to devise an exit strategy for its fixed-energy-price policy.
This policy has cost Maltese taxpayers approximately €320 million annually. The council’s stance echoes similar appeals from the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund.
The MFAC acknowledged that the energy subsidies have helped stabilise costs for consumers, however, it emphasised that they pose a significant strain on public finances and risk exacerbating the country’s fiscal deficit.
Moreover, the council pointed out that the current policy lacks incentives for energy conservation and efficiency improvements, running counter to Maltàs goal of achieving carbon neutrality and promoting a green transition.
The Maltese government expects to spend up to €160 million on energy subsidies in 2025, representing 0.7% of GDP. However, the MFAC insists that further reductions are necessary to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
-photo Agenzia Fotogramma-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The green hydrogen sector is expected to generate around 300,000 direct jobs by 2030, representing 10% of the Kingdom’s employment needs. This was declared by the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Younes Sekkouri, following the opening of the 4th edition of the “World Power-to-X Summit” in Marrakech.
Sekkouri underlined that the development of the green hydrogen and renewable energy sector, in general, constitutes an important lever for the national economy, specifying that this sector is not only promising in terms of direct job creation, but offers also a strong potential for the creation of indirect and induced jobs. The Minister remarked that the investors have a crucial role to play in this process, explaining that investments are essential to achieve these ambitious objectives.
“The government is fully committed to supporting this dynamic, in particular by making one million hectares of land available for projects in this sector,” he said, while recalling that strategic partnerships with private actors will also be encouraged to maximize the impact of these investments.?The Minister also spoke about the new roadmap, which will be integrated into the next law and which will introduce specific measures aimed at promoting employment in the green hydrogen sector, explaining that these measures will include tax incentives, direct subsidies and initiatives to encourage innovation and research in this sector.?”The adaptation of the training offer is also a priority to ensure a qualified workforce, and that three high-level specialized training institutes are already operational, in Oujda, Ouarzazate and Tangier, to provide training to technicians and engineers in the field of renewable energy, especially solar, wind and energy efficiency,” he said.

– photo Map –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews