JFDA implements regulatory plan for Shawarma establishments to ensure public safety

The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) has commenced the implementation of its comprehensive regulatory plan for shawarma establishments during the summer season. The plan comprises a series of proactive measures aimed at raising awareness, strengthening regulations, and conducting thorough inspections to bolster food monitoring and traceability systems, ultimately safeguarding the health and safety of citizens. In a statement released on Sunday, JFDA Director-General Nizar Muhaidat highlighted the strict regulatory actions that will be enforced. These measures include intensified field inspections of all food establishments specializing in fast food, with a particular focus on the shawarma sector. The inspections will also be extended to examine the sources of chicken utilized in shawarma preparation, ensuring their compliance with the declared source as provided by relevant stakeholders. To further reinforce food safety, the Administration has introduced a rapid and immediate field test specifically designed to detect the presence of albumin protein. This test serves to identify any prohibited use of eggs or egg powder in the preparation of shawarma fillings, thus preventing potential health risks associated with such practices. The regulatory plan will additionally concentrate on intensifying and expanding the sampling of ready-to-eat shawarma meals for assessment of their suitability for human consumption. Of particular importance is the priority given to examining and detecting the presence of Salmonella bacteria through the collection of samples, which will undergo laboratory tests within a swift 24-hour timeframe. This comprehensive plan represents a continuation of the JFDA’s ongoing commitment to enhance regulatory procedures and provide steadfast support in ensuring food safety. Its implementation is expected to significantly augment the efficiency of control measures, particularly during the summer season when rising temperatures amplify the importance of ensuring the safety and appropriateness of fast food for consumption.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Telecommunications commission partakes in GSR-23

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) participated in the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-23), which took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, from 5 to 8 June 2023 and was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The TRC Chairman Bassam Sarhan said the participation in the annual symposium aimed at promoting global dialogue on regional regulatory issues and adopting a set of guidelines for best regulatory practices. The delegation, he continued, held several meetings with the participating delegation heads to coordinate between regulatory departments and international bodies and exchange experiences. He added that separate meetings were held with Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, US Federal Communications Commission, and ITU Arab Regional Office to discuss regulatory affairs, the introduction of 5G to Jordan, digitization initiatives, and projects carried out by the TRC.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Health minister arrives in Baghdad to boost bilateral healthcare collaboration

Minister of Health Firas Hawari arrived in the Iraqi capital on Saturday evening, leading an official delegation on a brief visit aimed at enhancing the historical and deeply-rooted relations between Jordan and Iraq. The visit holds particular significance in strengthening collaboration in the healthcare sector between the two nations. Upon their arrival at Baghdad International Airport, the Minister of Health and the accompanying delegation were received by Saleh Al-Hasnawi, the Iraqi Minister of Health, along with senior officials from the Iraqi Ministry of Health. The delegation was also greeted by Montaser Al-Aqla, Jordan’s Ambassador to Baghdad, and the embassy staff. During the visit, the Minister will actively engage in constructive discussions with his Iraqi counterpart, focusing on identifying potential areas of cooperation between the ministries of health of both countries. The discussions will cover a wide range of topics of mutual interest, with the aim of fostering collaborative efforts in the field of healthcare. In addition to these discussions, Hawari will meet with the President and Prime Minister of Iraq, further solidifying the strong bilateral ties between Jordan and Iraq. Following the Baghdad leg of the visit, on Sunday, the Minister and the accompanying delegation will proceed to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. They will participate in the Jordanian-Kurdistan Medical Forum, scheduled for Monday. This forum serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences in the medical field, with the presence of prominent healthcare professionals. Moreover, the visit to Erbil will encompass significant meetings with senior officials in the region, emphasizing the commitment to fostering collaboration beyond the healthcare sector.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Syrian-Emirati talks to develop economic cooperation

The Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, Mohsen Abdul-Karim Ali, discussed with the Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Damascus, Abdel-Hakim al-Nuaimi, means to develop economic cooperation and trade exchange between Syria and the UAE.

The minister praised the depth of relations between the two countries and the two brotherly peoples, stressing making every effort to provide all facilities that contribute to developing joint work to achieve the common interests of the two countries.

In turn, al-Nuaimi pointed out the importance of discussing trade issues of common interest, prospects for future cooperation and building real partnerships with the Syrian side.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Syrian director Najdat Anzour participates in Shanghai International Film Festival

Director Najdat Anzour participated in the opening ceremony of the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival along with several international stars.

Anzour told SANA reporter that the participation in international film events would pave the way for strong relations between film festivals, and open prospects for cooperation and artistic cultural exchange.

“The participation of (Blood of the Palm Trees) film in the official competition of Golden Panda International Film Festival is a significant opportunity for the world to recognize how the Syrians confront all kinds of oppression, violations, stealing and terrorism they are exposed ,” he noted.

“Blood of the Palm Trees” film produced by the National Film Organization narrates the last days of the archeologist Khaled al-Asaad, director of Palmyra Antiquities who faced Daesh (ISIS) terrorists and refused to hand them maps of archaeological places of the city.

The film illustrated the ancient city of Palmyra, which has been sabotaged by Daesh terrorists who attempt to loot its antiquities , and hailed the sacrifices of the Syrian Arab Army who cleared the city from terrorism.

The 25th Shanghai International Film Festival is being held from June 9 and 18, including 53 films of feature films, animations, documentaries, and short film.

Many countries participate in the festival including: Russia, Belgium, Britain, India, Spain, Italy? Iran, Japan and the host country China.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Reception ceremony on anniversary of Philippines’ Independence Day

The Embassy of Philippines in Damascus held a reception ceremony on the occasion of Philippines’ 125th Independence Day anniversary.

Charge d’affaires of the embassy John G. Reyes underlined that holding the reception ceremony confirms the historic solid relations binding the two friendly countries, Syria and Philippines.

Director of the Department of Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriates, Mohammed Haj Ibrahim highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and that Syria was among the first five countries that recognized the independence of Philippines in 1946.

“Both countries have the same values regarding peace and positive perspectives towards the future, thanking the Philippines government for its support to Syria during the terrorist war against the country and the devastating earthquake last February,” Haj Ibrahim added.

“Syria is keen on promoting the relations with Philippine in all areas, hoping that the cooperation will be enhanced in economic and trade exchange fields,” the Director noted.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency