
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Friday that he is not concerned by a Reuters article suggesting the United States is considering suspending Spain from NATO due to its opposition to the war against Iran. Sánchez, attending a European Union leaders' summit in Nicosia, Cyprus, responded to reports that Washington might suspend Spain's participation in leadership roles within the Alliance. He affirmed, "Spain is a reliable partner within NATO and we fulfill our obligations," adding, "So, no worries." He further clarified that his government operates on official documents and US government positions, not emails. Sánchez reiterated that the Spanish government's stance is clear: "absolute cooperation with our allies, but always within the framework of international legality." The founding treaty of NATO, signed in 1949, does not include provisions for the suspension or exclusion of a member. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for NATO to "remain united," describing it as one of its "assets." Since late February, Sánchez has opposed the war led by the United States and Israel against Iran, becoming a leading voice in the West against the hostilities. This firm position has reportedly angered US President Donald Trump, who criticized Madrid for refusing to allow the US to use military bases in Andalusia for air attacks, even threatening to "cease all trade" between the two countries. Trump has also criticized the Spanish government for not committing to increa
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Must ReadFormer Senegalese President Macky Sall has expressed his vision for a reformed and integrated United Nations, emphasizing the crucial involvement of member states and the integration of artificial intelligence. If elected Secretary-General, Sall aims to leave behind a UN that is more confident, effective, and deeply reformed, having successfully undergone digital transformation and fully leveraged artificial intelligence. He also seeks reform at both the Secretariat and member state levels. This digital ambition is a key aspect of his candidacy, presented by Burundi on behalf of the African Union, positioning him as a candidate for technological renewal. Sall advocates for a more systemic integration of artificial intelligence to streamline Secretariat activities, improve threat analysis for peace, and reduce waste in peacekeeping operations. He stresses that no transformation can rely solely on the Secretariat's will, highlighting that reforms will remain timid without the commitment of member states. Sall has consistently presented himself as a "bridge-builder," aiming to unite an organization facing multiple crises, including geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic fragilities. He seeks to convince capitals, which hold the true power of reform, to fully engage in rebuilding multilateralism.
Must ReadDangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals announced it has secured $2.5 billion from private investors to fund its expansion projects, including extending refining operations into East Africa. This investment allows private investors to acquire a stake in the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, which began operations two years ago and is currently the largest on the continent. Previously, only the Nigerian government-controlled oil company NNPCL held a stake, approximately 7.2%. Dangote stated this is considered the largest private investment made public in Africa. This private placement is seen as a preliminary step before the refinery's public listing, expected to allow the general public to invest later this year. Aliko Dangote, the company's founder, stated the funds will supplement internal cash flows and external financing as the company pursues its expansion program. The group plans to more than double its production capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, which would make it the largest refinery globally, surpassing India's Jamnagar refinery. Dangote also intends to build a 700,000 barrels per day oil refinery in Lamu, on the Kenyan coast in East Africa. Africa currently imports over 70% of its refined fuels. Dangote aims to reduce Africa's reliance on imported refined products and enhance the continent's energy security.
Must ReadThe German Football Federation DFB is set to officially announce Jürgen Klopp as the new coach of the German national team on Friday. The DFB has scheduled a press conference for Friday morning at its headquarters in Frankfurt, without specifying the agenda. According to SID, a German subsidiary of AFP specializing in sports, only final validation by the federation's authorities is pending. Klopp, 59, former coach of Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool, is expected to sign a contract until 2030, the end of the next World Cup cycle. Under contract with Red Bull since early 2025, Klopp is reportedly being released without a transfer fee, but in exchange for a one-million-euro donation to Red Bull's Wings for Life foundation, dedicated to spinal cord injury research. Klopp was the preferred candidate for the DFB to succeed Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Klopp left Liverpool in June 2024 after nine seasons, during which he won the English championship in 2020 and the Champions League a year prior. Germany has experienced three World Cup setbacks since winning its fourth title in 2014, with first-round eliminations in 2018 and 2022, and a round of 16 exit in late June.