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Maroc
3 days ago
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco's Top Police Chief Attends 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow
Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, is on a working visit to Moscow on May 27-29 to represent the Kingdom at the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues. The meeting, which holds particular significance in the field of security, is attended by heads and senior officials from security and intelligence services representing over 100 countries from the Global South, the East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Numerous international and regional organizations are also attending, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Organized by the Russian Security Council, this meeting has been held regularly since 2010. It serves as a strategic forum for coordination and exchange of views among countries on developing collective mechanisms to address growing global threats and to examine international policies aimed at neutralizing emerging risks, thereby contributing to the consolidation of international peace and security. This event, chaired by the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, was marked by the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and an opening address via videoconference by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who emphasized that the new global security architecture must be fair and equitable and that all countries should be provided with strong guarantees to ensure their own security without compromising the interests and security of others. The Russian president also welcomed the participation of security and intelligence services from Eastern and Southern countries, which represent the majority of the global security system. These countries, he noted, support the principle of fair and equitable sovereignty and promote their own development models. The meeting's agenda also included plenary sessions and several thematic conferences addressing various global security issues, such as the growing threats of terrorism, as evidenced by the emergence of regional strongholds and new hubs of terrorist organizations; the increasing dangers of cybercrime and breaches targeting vital and sensitive state infrastructures; and the transnational intersections and ramifications of organized crime. As part of the event, the Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance stressed that neutralizing growing strategic threats and dangers requires the establishment of a joint and indivisible security infrastructure, with the assistance of national security and intelligence services in close cooperation and coordination with their counterparts in different regions of the world. Hammouchi also noted that fair and equitable cooperation between countries is the key to the success of any security structure aimed at confronting current strategic threats and challenges. "The duty of vigilance underlying our proactive efforts and shared responsibility requires the exchange of information on all identified or potential security threats, as well as their secure and immediate sharing in the interest of our collective security, based on a win-win principle," he said. On the sidelines of this international event, which featured a series of multilateral security-focused meetings, the Moroccan official held bilateral talks with the heads and members of several security and intelligence services from brotherly and friendly nations, including the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation. These meetings focused on numerous issues of common interest and on ways to bolster bilateral cooperation to address emerging risks and threats. This visit highlights the prominent role and active presence of Morocco in the field of international security cooperation. It also reflects the credibility enjoyed by Moroccan security services among their international partners as major players in joint efforts to preserve international security and stability. MAP: 28 mai 2025
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Russian Embassy marks 80th anniversary of victory over Nazism in WWII
KUWAIT CITY, May 10: The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the State of Kuwait hosted the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazism in World War II. Present at the event were numerous ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of international communities. The event highlighted vital moments at such a remarkable period in human history and underscored the contributions of Soviet Union in defeating the Nazi regime. Speaking on behalf of the ambassadors of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) -- Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan; Russian Ambassador to Kuwait Vladimir Zheltov stated 'eight decades have passed since the conclusion of the Great Patriotic War, the term used in Russia to denote World War II, commencing with the Nazi German assault on the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941 and culminating in Germany's capitulation on May 9, 1945.' He explained 'this conflict remains deeply entrenched in the collective consciousness of those who experienced it or inherited its legacy, notwithstanding the evolving geopolitical landscape and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.' He added the events during those tumultuous years were not spontaneous, as they are rather the consequences of the major disruption of the global order following World War I and the endeavors of certain powers to exploit Nazism as a tool against the Soviet Union. He pointed out that the Nazi offensive against the Soviet Union is considered the most brutal assault in history, with the Soviets confronting a force bolstered by the majority of European nations. 'This conflict evolved into a protracted war of attrition lasting four years. During this period, the Red Army effectively dismantled the German war machine and liberated half of the European continent,' he revealed. He stressed that the Soviet Union bore the brunt of the war, incurring the loss of 27 million citizens, predominantly civilians; and that 78 percent of the Nazi Army casualties occurred on the Eastern Front alone. He said the Second Front was not established until June 1944, less than a year before the end of the war, illustrating the immense challenge that the Soviet forces faced independently. He vehemently condemned the attempts of some western entities to revise history and distort facts, asserting that 'today, we observe disconcerting efforts to diminish the Soviet Union's role and absolve those who collaborated with the Nazis. This signifies a lapse in political memory and disregard for the lessons of history.' He affirmed that observing this anniversary is a moral imperative towards those who sacrificed their lives for liberty and a reminder to all generations that historical accuracy remains an impenetrable defense against falsehoods and distortion of facts. Moreover, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Kuwait Zubaydullah Zubaydov asserted that the observance of the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) holds national importance, as it allows Tajikistan to reaffirm its commitment to the considerable sacrifices made by its people in the fight against Nazism. He said this anniversary transcends historical occurrence, as it is an essential element of the Tajik national identity. He disclosed that more than 300,000 Tajiks served in the Red Army -- a huge figure considering the Republic's population at the time was below 1.5 million. He elaborated that Tajikistan, despite its geographical separation from the main areas of conflict, played a crucial role in the provision of military and humanitarian aid; thereby, contributing to the liberation of main areas such as Belarus and Crimea. He added some Tajik soldiers were among those who first entered the Reichstag in Berlin in 1945.
News18
24-04-2025
- News18
International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance, And Quotes To Celebrate Young Women In Tech
Published By : Bhaswati Sengupta Trending Desk Last Updated: International Girls in ICT Day 2025: The day is celebrated to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). International Girls In ICT Day 2025: The fourth Thursday of April is considered International Girls in ICT Day. The date varies from year to year. This year it falls on April 24. The day is celebrated to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and explore the different fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Theme The 2025 theme for International Girls in ICT Day 2025 is 'Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation." It aims to raise global awareness about building a world where girls and women have equal opportunities and access to leadership roles in this era of digital evolution. To mark the occasion, the International Telecommunication Union will livestream a global event in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Arab States regions. The event will connect countries like Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and Nouakchott, Mauritania along with experts across the world, to inspire change and promote. International Girls in ICT Day 2025: History Initiated by the International Telecommunication Union in 2011, the day is celebrated globally. The day falls annually on the fourth Thursday of April. It supports gender equality and provides a platform to encourage girls and women to discover career opportunities in the STEM fields, especially in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Significance International Girls in ICT Day highlights a crucial yet often overlooked global issue- the need for gender equality and inclusive leadership in the digital world. It aims to empower girls and women to pursue careers in technology, bridging the gender gap and ensuring their voices and talents help shape the future of innovation and digital transformation. International Girls in ICT Day 2025: Quotes 'We need to be serious about supporting and nurturing our girls if we are serious about building a better, stronger and fairer future"- Hillary Clinton. 'Women no longer have an 'if I can' mindset. Now it's more about 'how I can'— be in tech, start something in tech, fund something in tech."- Shaherose Charania. 'The word 'female,' when inserted in front of something, is always with a note of surprise. Female COO, female pilot, female surgeon — as if the gender implies surprise … One day there won't be female leaders. There will just be leaders."- Sheryl Sandberg. 'Recognise and embrace your uniqueness…Being a Black woman, being a woman in general, on a team of all men, means that you are going to have a unique voice. It's important to embrace that." – Erin Teague. 'Women shouldn't be afraid to put themselves forward." – Sarah Wood. News18 Lifestyle section covers health, fashion, travel, food, and culture with articles on wellness tips, celebrity style, travel spots, and recipes, focusing on Indian and global trends. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Russia Today
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Moscow hosts WWII anniversary conference
An international conference to mark the upcoming anniversary of the end of World War II opened in Moscow on Tuesday, bringing together dozens of researchers from Eastern Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Asia, and Africa. Russia is preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany and hold its annual Victory Day parade in Red Square on May 9 to honor the estimated 26.6 million Soviet lives lost during the war. The two-day academic event at the President Hotel has drawn more than 40 historians from 25 countries, including the UK, France, Ireland, Canada, Indonesia, Iran, Serbia, and Bulgaria. According to the organizers, the forum seeks to encourage joint approaches to studying WWII. In a message sent to the participants, Sergey Naryshkin, head of the Russian Historical Society and Russia's foreign intelligence chief, underscored the importance of defending historical truth amid attempts to 'politicize and rewrite' the past. 'The great victory over Nazism was achieved through the collective heroism of the Soviet people... The defeat of the enemy was brought closer by Chinese soldiers, members of the European Resistance, and troops from the anti-Hitler coalition,' Naryshkin said, adding their memory is 'carefully preserved by millions around the world.' Aleksandr Chubaryan, academic director of the Institute of World History at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said one of the conference's main goals is to counter historical amnesia. The gathering, he added, shows how wartime memory continues to unite international scholars. According to MGIMO University Rector Anatoly Torkunov, the changing world order calls for a reassessment of the 'unique political experience' accumulated during WWII. 'First of all, this concerns relations with our Western partners…' he said. More than 20 foreign leaders are expected to attend the May 9 events in Moscow, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned the leaders of the bloc's candidate countries against attending Moscow's celebrations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the comments, calling them tantamount to a revival of Nazism. German media reported this month that Berlin advised local institutions not to invite Russian or Belarusian officials to events commemorating WWII. Moscow responded by calling the move a 'blatant insult' to the memory of the victims of the Nazis and to fallen Soviet soldiers.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One thing that could rupture Russia's friendship with China
As he looks to solidify his territorial gains in Ukraine in a potential ceasefire deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has one eye trained on Russia's southern border – and boosting Russian influence in Central Asia. Following his 2024 re-election, Putin made Uzbekistan his third foreign visit after China and Belarus. The visit signalled the region's continued importance to Moscow. In response to Western sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine war, trade and investment between Russia and Central Asian countries have grown significantly. Russia's Lukoil and Gazprom are now the dominant foreign players in Uzbekistan's energy fields. In Kazakhstan, Moscow controls a quarter of the country's uranium production. But as Russia tries to reaffirm its role in the region, China has also been quietly expanding its influence. Could this growing competition over Central Asia affect Beijing and Moscow's broader relationship? The Central Asian region is home to approximately 79 million people spread across five nations. It was part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991. Its strategic location between Russia and China, on the doorstep of the Middle East, has long made it a 'grand chessboard' for great power politics. While Russia has traditionally dominated the region, Central Asian leaders have made efforts to somewhat distance themselves from Moscow recently. At the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in October 2022, for example, Tajikistan's president publicly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin. He demanded respect for smaller states like his. Similarly, during Putin's 2023 visit to Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made a symbolic statement at the press conference by delivering his speech in Kazakh rather than Russian. This was a rare move that seemed to catch Putin's delegation off guard. In another striking moment, Tokayev declared at an economic forum in Russia in 2022 that Kazakhstan does not recognise Russia's 'quasi-states', referring to its occupied territories of Ukraine. Yet, all Central Asian states remain part of at least one Russia-led organisation, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, or the Eurasian Economic Union. Three states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) rely on Russian security guarantees through the Collective Security Treaty Organization. And the region's economic dependency on Russia remains significant. Of the 6.1 million migrants in Russia, the largest groups come from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. These countries depend heavily on remittances from these migrant workers. With Russia preoccupied with Ukraine and constrained by Western sanctions, China has seized the opportunity to deepen its engagement in the region. Beijing's involvement in Central Asia has long been economic. In 2013, for instance, China unveiled its ambitious, global Belt and Road Initiative in Kazakhstan. And by 2024, it was China, not Russia, that was the largest trading partner of every Central Asian country except Tajikistan. But in recent years, China has expanded its influence beyond economic ties, establishing itself as a key player in regional politics. At the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit in 2023, for example, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged support for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the region. This is traditionally a role played by Russia. Xi has also been making high-profile visits to Central Asian states, signalling Beijing's growing strategic interests here. Local populations, however, remain wary. Public opinion surveys indicate China is viewed more negatively than Russia. Many Chinese-funded projects bring their own workers, limiting job opportunities for locals and fuelling resentment. There is also anxiety about potential 'debt trap' diplomacy. Civil society groups have called for economic diversification to avoid over-reliance on Beijing. Further complicating matters is Beijing's treatment of the Muslim minority Uyghur population in the Xinjiang region of western China. This has reinforced suspicions in Muslim-majority Central Asia about China's long-term intentions in the region. The increasing competition raises questions about the potential impact on the broader, 'no limits' relationship between Moscow and Beijing. At a recent forum, Putin acknowledged Beijing's growing economic role in the region. However, he insisted Russia still has 'special ties' with Central Asian states, rooted in history. And he notably dismissed concerns about China's expansionist aims, saying: 'There is nothing about domination in the Chinese philosophy. They do not strive for domination.' On the ground, however, things aren't so simple. So far, China and Russia have managed to avoid stepping on each other's toes. How long that balance remains, however, is an open question. Central Asian countries, meanwhile, are courting both sides – and diversifying their ties beyond the two powers. Many of the region's educated elite are increasingly looking toward Turkey – and pan-Turkic solidarity – as an alternative to both Russian and Chinese dominance. Russia's historical influence in the region remains strong. But the days of its unquestioned dominance appear to be over. Russia may try to reassert its preeminent position, but China's deepening economic presence is not going anywhere. With both countries pushing their own regional agendas, it's hard to ignore the overlap – and the potential for a future clash over competing interests. Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva is a Lecturer in Government at Flinders University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
