Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, November 17th, 2023

Menafn.com: First Russian Language Classes Debut in Tunisia

Tunisia makes history as the first North African country to include Russian in secondary education. Supported by a Russian Ministry of Education grant, classes at the Center for Open Education and Russian Language in Tunis were a success. This aligns with President Putin's plan for Russian language schools in Africa, reflecting a global trend. The success underscores Russian language education's impact on international collaboration through cultural diplomacy.

Nhregister.com: Syrian President Announces Amnesty and Reduced Sentences on Coup Anniversary that Brought His Father to Power

Syria's president granted amnesty and reduced sentences for various crimes, coinciding with the coup anniversary. The amnesty includes pardons for older individuals and those with incurable diseases. Death sentences will be commuted to life, and life sentences reduced to 20 years. Excluded are crimes related to weapons smuggling or fatalities. In another development, French authorities issued international arrest warrants for President Assad and others, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity, including a 2013 chemical attack.

Egypttoday.com: Egypt's ETC and Belgium's Jan De Nul collaborate to export renewable energy to Europe.

Egypt's EETC and Belgium's Jan De Nul Group signed an MoU to explore exporting renewable energy to Europe, using a marine interconnection line with a minimum capacity of 2 gigawatts. The initiative aligns with Egypt's strategy for 10 gigawatts of renewable energy projects, requiring $10 billion in investments over five years. In October, the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) furthered Egypt's commitment to sustainable energy by signing agreements for a green ammonia and green hydrogen project during the Belt and Road Forum in China.