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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Colombia rescinds Pak backing after Shashi Tharoor's intervention
Colombia rescinds Pak backing after Shashi Tharoor's intervention NEW DELHI: Colombia is learnt to have withdrawn a statement expressing solidarity with Pakistan over the loss of lives in India's Operation Sindoor that targeted Pakistani terrorists and their training camps on May 7. This was apparently after an intervention by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who led an all-party delegation to the South American country to expose Pakistan's support to cross-border terrorism and its links with the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22. Tharoor confirmed the development after a meeting with vice foreign minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio. The Indian delegation conveyed a strong message of zero-tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "I expressed India's view of recent events and voiced disappointment at Colombia's statement on 8 May conveying 'heartfelt condolences' to Pakistan. The minister assured me that the statement had been withdrawn and that our position was now properly understood and strongly supported," said Tharoor in a post on X. Colombia's "heartfelt condolences" followed India's military strikes on terrorist hideouts in response to the Pahalgam attack. At a media briefing on Thursday, Tharoor had expressed deep disappointment over Colombia's message to Pakistan following India's military actions. There was no acknowledgement or confirmation by the Indian external affairs ministry about Colombia's withdrawal of support for Pakistan. Another member of the delegation, Milind Deora, thanked former Colombian president Cesar Gaviria for his strong condemnation of terrorism. "I'm also grateful to my friend and former Colombian President @CesarGaviria_T who graciously accepted my request to unequivocally condemn Pakistan and state-sponsored terrorism-on behalf of Colombia's opposition and the Liberal Party, the country's largest political party" he said in a post on X. In Bogota, the Indian delegation also met Alejandro Toro, the president of the Second Commission of the Chamber of Representatives (equivalent to India's parliamentary committee on foreign affairs) and Jaime Raul Salamanca, president of the Chamber of Representatives (equivalent of Lok Sabha Speaker). "Both dignitaries expressed full understanding of our position and voiced strong support for India's right to defend itself, its territory and its sovereignty," Tharoor said on X. The delegation also held a meeting with senior officials of the Colombia Council for International Relations.
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
All-party delegations receive support from world leaders in India's fight against terror, Colombia withdraws statement offering condolences to Pak
India has tasked seven multi-party delegations to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community on Pakistan's designs and India's response to terror, especially in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Ethiopia conveyed a strong commitment to working with India in countering terrorism, Latvia reiterated unequivocal opposition to terrorism in all its forms, while Sierra Leone expressed strong support for India's stance on combating the scourge as multi-party delegations met political and diplomatic leadership to convey New Delhi's message. Bogota/Copenhagen/Addis Ababa, May 31 (PTI) As all-party parliamentary delegations continued global outreach on Saturday, meeting multiple stakeholders in various countries, Colombia withdrew a statement offering condolences to Pakistan for the loss of lives following India's Operation Sindoor. In Colombia, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading the all-party delegation to the South American country, confirmed Bogota's withdrawal of the controversial statement after meeting Vice Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio and her senior colleagues. 'I expressed India's view of recent events and voiced disappointment at Colombia's statement on May 8 conveying 'heartfelt condolences' to Pakistan. The Minister assured me that the statement had been withdrawn and that our position was now properly understood and strongly supported,' Tharoor said in a social media post. In Bogota, the Indian delegation also met Alejandro Toro, the president of the Second Commission of the Chamber of Representatives (equivalent to India's parliamentary committee on foreign affairs) and Jaime Raul Salamanca, president of the Chamber of Representatives (equivalent of Lok Sabha speaker), both of whom 'expressed full understanding of our position and voiced strong support for India's right to defend itself, its territory and its sovereignty,' Tharoor said on X. In Ethiopia, the all-party delegation visiting Addis Ababa on Saturday met Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Prosperity Party Adem Farah, who 'conveyed Ethiopia's strong commitment to work with India in the field of counter-terrorism,' the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia said on X. Earlier on Friday, the delegation met Hailemariam Dessalegn, the former prime minister who as the then deputy prime minister and the foreign minister had played a crucial role in holding the Second India-Africa Forum Summit in May 2011. Hailemariam expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and correlated it with the terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel Region of Africa, a statement said. In Copenhagen, the all-party delegation on Saturday apprised the Danish leaders of challenges posed by cross-border terrorism to India as they met select former MPs, former ministers and a former diplomat. 'Denmark's important voice in global affairs – as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and incoming EU Presidency – was highlighted as a powerful tool in the fight against terrorism,' the Indian Embassy said in a post on X. They met Lars-Christian Brask, Deputy Speaker of the Danish Parliament, and Christian Friis Bach, Chairman of the Danish Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee, and Trine Pertou Mach, committee member and briefed them on the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Operation Sindoor. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is leading the delegation, said in a post on X: 'We all welcomed Denmark's unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, valuing the country's strong stance against this global threat.' In Latvia, the main day of engagements of the visiting all-party delegation concluded with their participation in a special community event – Sindoor Sammaan – organised by the Indian diaspora there, said a post on X by the Indian Embassy in Riga. 'Nothing is going to divide us anymore,' delegation leader MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi told the gathering, emphasising on India's strong democracy and initiatives. The delegation met Latvian State Secretary Andzejs Vilumsons, who reiterated his country's unequivocal opposition to terrorism in all its forms and termed India a significant player in the Indo-Pacific region for peace and stability. They also met Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics, Special Envoy for Latvia's UNSC candidacy. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X: 'The state secretary took the opportunity to express Latvia's interest in promoting bilateral relations with India as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, including in the areas of political dialogue and economic cooperation.' The Indian embassy said the delegation also had the opportunity to meet Ingrida Circene, Chairwoman of the Human Endowment (HE) group for Promoting Cooperation with Parliament on Indian Issues, and Inara Murniece, Chairwoman of the HE Foreign Affairs Committee, and other esteemed members of both Saeima committees. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone has expressed strong support to India's stance on combatting terrorism, with Deputy Defence Minister Muana Brima Massaquoi highlighting the urgent need for African nations to unite against the menace and warning that inaction could bring the threat to their shores. The High Commission of India in Freetown said in a statement that the delegation held extensive meetings with key Sierra Leonean dignitaries including the Speaker of the Parliament, Members of Parliament and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Defence, the National Security Coordinator, acting Foreign Minister and the Vice President of Sierra Leone. In a strong show of solidarity, the Parliament of Sierra Leone condemned the terrorist attack at Pahalgam and observed a moment of silence to honour the victims of the attack, the statement said. The delegation interacted with foreign diplomats in Sierra Leone to galvanise international action against terrorism, and decisively counter the tactics of those who perpetrate, support and sponsor cross-border terror activities against India. The multi-party Parliamentary delegation led by Sanjay Kumar Jha completed their mission in Indonesia, where a prominent Indonesian Islamic organisation on Friday condemned terrorism in all its forms and asked New Delhi and Jakarta to walk hand in hand to promote peace and economic development. Through their several interactions in Jakarta over the last three days with a cross-section of important stakeholders, the delegation members garnered 'unequivocal support from all interlocutors in Indonesia,' the Indian Embassy in Jakarta said. The delegation then reached Kuala Lumpur, where it is scheduled to meet Malaysian ministers and MPs, apart from interacting with representatives of think-tanks, academia, media and the Indian community, to convey India's resolve to combat terrorism. During their visit to various countries, the delegations are holding meetings and discussions with wide-ranging stakeholders, such as the media, civil society, academicians and the Indian community. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side strongly responded to the Pakistani attempts by inflicting heavy damage to number of key Pakistani military installations, including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres and radar sites. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 announced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect. PTI NSA MPB PY GSP NPK NPK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Tharoor says Colombia withdrew condolences to Pak after Indian delegation voiced deep disappointment
Tharoor said he held an excellent meeting with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, and her senior colleagues dealing with the Asia-Pacific. Bogota, May 31 (PTI) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is leading an all-party delegation, on Saturday said Colombia has withdrawn its statement conveying 'heartfelt condolences' to Pakistan for the loss of lives following Indian military strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and assured support to India on the issue. 'I expressed India's view of recent events and voiced disappointment at Colombia's statement on 8 May conveying 'heartfelt condolences' to Pakistan. The Minister assured me that the statement had been withdrawn and that our position was now properly understood and strongly supported,' Tharoor posted on X. 'The all-party Parliamentary Delegation met Colombia's Vice Foreign Minister, Ms Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, conveying India's firm policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and its proactive approach to counter cross-border threats. The Colombian side responded positively,' the Embassy of India in Colombia posted on X. The delegation also engaged in a 'meaningful interaction' with Colombian MP Alejandro Toro, President of the Second Commission of the Chamber of Representatives, and MP Jaime Raul Salamanca, President of the Chamber of Representatives, conveying India's firm resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and its new approach to counter cross-border terrorism. The Colombian side reciprocated their resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism, the mission said. 'Both dignitaries expressed full understanding of our position and voiced strong support for India's right to defend itself, its territory and its sovereignty,' Tharoor said. The delegation held an in-depth and wide-ranging interaction with members of the Colombian Council on International Relations. The discussions focused on various aspects of India–Colombia relations. 'Delightful lunch discussion with thought leaders at the Colombia Council for International Relations today. Engaging exchange of ideas on global geopolitics, India's role in Latin America, economic development opportunities for India and Colombia. Always enriching to connect with such influential minds,' Tharoor said on X. The delegation also visited Tadeo University in Bogota and paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. The delegation reflected on Gandhi's profound contributions to the global struggle against colonialism and oppression, and how his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience continues to inspire movements for justice, freedom, and human dignity across the world. 'Humbled to pay floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Tadeo University in Bogotá today. A poignant moment reflecting on his enduring legacy of peace & non-violence, so relevant in our world. Grateful to the university for preserving his memory and values,' Tharoor said. From Colombia, the delegation would travel to Brazil. It will be in the United States on the last leg of its five-nation trip. India carried out precision strikes on nine terror infrastructures early on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Pakistani attempts were strongly responded to by the Indian side by inflicting heavy damages to a number of key Pakistani military installations including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres and radar sites. PTI NSA ZH NSA NSA This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Signed 7,500 International Agreements, Two-Thirds Under King Mohammed VI
Doha – Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita announced Monday that Morocco has concluded approximately 7,500 international agreements, with two-thirds signed during King Mohammed VI's reign. Speaking at the Chamber of Representatives, Bourita said that the conventional framework represents a fundamental tool of the country's foreign policy. 'The importance does not lie in signing conventions but in their effective implementation,' Bourita stated, echoing the King's guidance. Responding to a question from the Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) group about evaluating international agreements, the minister detailed several mechanisms for monitoring implementation. These include bilateral mechanisms such as joint commissions with partner countries, which he described as 'essential instruments to accompany the implementation of commitments.' Governmental departments also ensure agreements are properly executed, Bourita noted. Clear instructions are given to Morocco's ambassadors worldwide 'to make implementation support a key element guaranteeing the credibility of commitments signed by Morocco.' The minister disclosed that Morocco currently maintains about 800 economic agreements capable of generating significant impact in bilateral relations through the facilities and incentives they offer, particularly in the economic sector. Economic diplomacy and diaspora support Economic diplomacy constitutes a fundamental pillar of Morocco's foreign policy established by King Mohammed VI, Bourita told representatives. He pointed out that in today's world of challenges and opportunities, Morocco enjoys enormous potential for international cooperation thanks to 'the royal vision and the country's stability.' The government has taken practical measures to support this dynamic, including creating a Directorate General for Economic Diplomacy within the Foreign Affairs Ministry this year and appointing economic attachés to most Moroccan embassies. Partnership agreements have also been signed as part of the government's foreign trade plan. 'The Foreign Affairs Ministry remains a channel in this field that economic actors must leverage to promote Moroccan products,' Bourita said. He added that economic diplomacy primarily aims to enable economic actors to capitalize on Morocco's diplomatic network of nearly 110 embassies and 60 consulates. Regarding Moroccans residing abroad (MREs), Bourita affirmed that the government's approach focuses on protecting their rights, modernizing administrative services, and mobilizing their economic potential. This vision, Bourita explained, stems from royal instructions expressed in the November 6, 2024 speech calling for a new comprehensive and sustainable strategy. While annual transfers from MREs exceed MAD 117 billion ($11.7 billion), only 10% goes toward investment—a figure the government intends to increase. Bourita stressed the need to rethink dedicated institutions and fully involve Moroccans worldwide in developing public policies, especially regarding investment.
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Airports 2030: Morocco Launches $2.8 Billion Aviation Program
Doha – Morocco has launched a MAD 28 billion ($2.8 billion) investment program as part of its 'Airports 2030' vision, aiming to more than double passenger capacity to 80 million by 2030, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh announced on Monday in Rabat. The ambitious plan includes the construction of a new Casablanca airport on 800 hectares adjacent to the existing Mohammed V Airport. The new facility will single-handedly accommodate 40 million passengers and connect Morocco with long-haul destinations requiring over 8 hours of flight time. 'This program consists primarily of building a new airport in Casablanca, following Royal directives, to serve as a gateway between Morocco and other countries around the world, particularly distant destinations,' Kayouh told the Chamber of Representatives during a question session. The new Casablanca airport will be integrated with high-speed rail connections, allowing travelers to reach Marrakech in 50 minutes and Tanger in 90 minutes. These enhancements align with plans to double Royal Air Maroc's fleet from 50 to 100 aircraft by 2030. Beyond Casablanca, several regional airports will undergo major expansion. The Rabat-Salé Airport will increase capacity to 4 million passengers, the Fez Airport to 5 million, and the Sania Ramel Airport to 2 million. Moroccan airports handled over 34 million passengers in 2024, a figure expected to more than double under the 2030 vision. The plan prioritizes airports in FIFA World Cup 2030 host cities – Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, Marrakech, and Agadir – but will extend to neighboring areas to promote economic development and social cohesion. 'These expansion efforts will not be limited to World Cup host cities but will include neighboring towns to achieve economic development and socio-economic cohesion,' Kayouh said. The minister detailed several measures already implemented to improve passenger experience, including the elimination of scanners and reduction of airport transit times to under 25 minutes. Future enhancements will incorporate electronic gates and biometric passports. Nationwide transport upgrade On the rail front, Kayouh revealed that the National Office of Railways (ONCF) is advancing studies for the Marrakech-Agadir high-speed line, expected to be completed within three months. Land acquisition has already begun, securing 8 km at Marrakech's exit and over 60 hectares near Agadir's Adrar stadium. The Marrakech-Casablanca high-speed segment is scheduled for completion by 2029, while an extension to Essaouira is under consideration. In 2024, Moroccan railways transported 56 million passengers, predominantly via the Al Boraq high-speed train. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed Morocco's aviation strategy, noting the sector's important economic impact. According to IATA's 'Value of Air Transport to Morocco' report from last month, aviation contributes MAD 112 billion ($11.2 billion) to GDP and supports 856,000 jobs, representing 7.9% of the country's economy. 'Given the critical and growing importance of aviation to Morocco's economy, the launch of the 'Airports 2030 Strategy' will have a far-reaching and positive impact on Morocco's economic and social development,' said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. IATA's report indicates that Morocco's international air connectivity has increased by 36% within Africa and 63% with other regions since 2014. The country now operates 18 airports with commercial scheduled flights connecting to 54 countries through direct routes. The aviation sector directly employs 38,000 people in Morocco, generating MAD 11 billion ($1.1 billion) in economic output. Tourism supported by aviation makes the largest contribution, adding MAD 85 billion ($8.5 billion) to GDP and employing 681,600 people. IATA has recommended three key priorities to maximize Morocco's airport investments: ensuring cost-efficient charges and fees, building human resource capacity alongside infrastructure development, and implementing smart consumer regulations that reflect global best practices. 'It is no coincidence that the 'Airports 2030 Strategy' aligns with Morocco being a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Morocco will be on the world stage, which is a great incentive to be ready to show off Morocco's growing strength as an aviation hub linking Africa, Europe, and North America,' Al-Awadhi noted. Read also: Morocco's Airports Target 90 Million Passengers by 2035
