Latest news with #Dialogue
AsiaOne
3 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
French President Macron and PM Wong sample local fare at Lau Pa Sat; sign deals on defence, AI at summit, Singapore News
Following a casual visit to Lau Pa Sat for local delicacies on Thursday (May 29) night, Singapore and France commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations with multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation in areas such as defence and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged MoUs at a joint press conference on Friday (May 30), ahead of Macron's keynote address at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's largest forum on security and defence. Forty-seven countries, including 40 minister-level delegates, are attending the 22nd edition of the Dialogue at the Shangri-La Hotel from May 30 to June 1. Speaking about a shifting global order and heightened uncertainty on Friday, PM Wong emphasised the need for "like-minded countries to work together to put in place the outlines and the pillars of a new order that will ensure stability and continue shared prosperity for countries around the world". The MoUs mark Singapore's first comprehensive strategic partnership with a European country, and Singapore will be a constructive partner that will "always be a steadfast supporter to advance these areas of shared interest together in order to achieve win-win outcomes for both sides". Defence According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Singapore and France signed the France-Singapore General Security Agreement, which will facilitate the sharing and mutual protection of classified information between the two countries. They also agreed to support and deepen security cooperation in areas of mutual interest beyond defence, including counterterrorism and cybersecurity. Singapore and France's respective civil aviation authorities have also signed a new agreement to "collaborate comprehensively" on aviation across key major areas, including safety and security, air traffic management, environment, training & education and aviation innovation. Partnership within the maritime sector will also be enhanced as both countries plan to conduct various pilot projects in key focus areas, including the safe bunkering of alternative marine fuels, as well as data exchange to enhance port efficiency. Digital technologies & AI At a separate bilateral meeting on Wednesday, Singapore and France reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration in key areas of digital policy and innovation. Signed by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo and France's Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies Clara Chappaz, the roadmap sets out new areas for collaboration, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and quantum technologies. Singapore's and France's AI Safety Institutes will also ramp up knowledge exchange on AI safety and collaborative research to advance responsible use of safe and trustworthy AI. Civilian nuclear energy The two nations also signed a cooperation agreement to establish bilateral civil nuclear cooperation as Singapore explores the potential deployment of nuclear energy domestically. With France being one of the largest users of nuclear energy, the agreement will facilitate information sharing on various technologies of interest to Singapore, such as the "exchange and training of personnel, exchange of scientific and technical data and participation of personnel in research and development activities related to nuclear energy". The National Environment Agency and the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection also signed an MoU regarding radiation and nuclear safety, regulatory matters, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Dinner at Lau Pa Sat Macron landed in Singapore on Thursday, for the third and final stop of his Southeast Asian tour following visits to Indonesia and Vietnam. Macron and PM Wong, together with their spouses, visited Lau Pa Sat last night and were greeted by a throng of people hoping to get a glimpse of the world leaders. Stopping for pictures with eager onlookers, the two leaders also had a taste of some local dishes — chee cheong fun and char kway teow. [[nid:718429]]
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
US envoy visits Damascus, says Syria-Israel conflict ‘solvable'
The United States envoy to Syria says the conflict between Israel and Syria is 'solvable' as he visited the capital, Damascus and praised the interim government, as the political and economic thaw between the nation and Western powers continues apace. Thomas Barrack, who raised the flag over the US ambassador's residence for the first time since it closed in 2012 amid Syria's civil war, said solving the issues between Syria and Israel needed to start with 'dialogue'. 'I'd say we need to start with just a non-aggression agreement, talk about boundaries and borders,' he told journalists on Thursday. In recent months, the US has begun rebuilding ties with Syria under its new administration. Earlier in May, the US also lifted sanctions on the country in a surprise announcement, offering a nation devastated by nearly 14 years of war a critical lifeline. The European Union followed suit days later. Barrack said that Syria would also no longer be deemed by the US as a state sponsor of 'terrorism', saying the issue was gone 'with the [former President Bashar al-Assad regime being finished', but added that the US Congress still had a six-month review period. 'America's intent and the president's vision is that we have to give this young government a chance by not interfering, not demanding, by not giving conditions, by not imposing our culture on your culture,' Barrack said. Reporting from Damascus, Al Jazeera's Mahmoud Abdel Wahed said the warming ties between Syria, the US and other Western countries were a 'major shift in the political dynamic of the region'. Wahed explained that as Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani continues to meet representatives from Western countries and officials from the European Union and the United Nations, it will bring 'a lot of benefits' for the new Syrian administration and the Syrian people. 'This is some kind of recognition of the new leadership – giving a chance to the new leadership to boost its economy, to bring more Western investment to help the government rebuild war-torn Syria,' he added. Since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and Israel's subsequent occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights, the two countries have had a fraught relationship. Shortly after al-Assad was deposed in December following a lightning offensive by opposition fighters, Israel seized more Syrian territory near the border, claiming it was concerned about the interim administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israel has carried out frequent attacks in Syria both during the al-Assad rule and since his ouster. During a meeting between US President Donald Trump and al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earlier in May, the US leader urged al-Sharaa to normalise relations with Israel. While al-Sharaa has not commented on possible normalisation with Israel, he has supported a return to the terms of a 1974 ceasefire agreement that created a United Nations buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
China says it is concerned by EU probe into Chinese tyres
BEIJING, May 29 (Reuters) - China's commerce ministry said on Thursday that China would defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms when it was asked about the European Union launching an investigation into China's alleged dumping of tyres. China is "very concerned" by the EU's move and urges the bloc to engage in dialogue and consultation with China to solve each other's concerns, a spokesperson for the ministry said in a regular press briefing.
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Jeddah Governor Launches 2025 World Day for Cultural Diversity
Governor of Jeddah Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi inaugurated the 2025 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development events at his office, organized by the Makkah Region branch of the Human Rights Commission (HRC). The event took place in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah, under the theme "Dialogue Between Civilizations Through the Lens of Human Rights." According to SPA, the events, inaugurated in the presence of HRC Makkah Region Branch Director Zaydi bin Raked Al-Ruwaili, aimed to promote shared human values, highlight the Kingdom's role in fostering a culture of tolerance and mutual respect among nations, and support cultural diversity. Through such initiatives, the HRC seeks to advance human rights principles through culture and the arts, and to create space for dialogue among diverse civilizations.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN youth call for inclusive, sustainable development
KUALA LUMPUR: Youth delegates from ASEAN member states have urged regional leaders to adopt bold and inclusive policies to advance youth empowerment, sustainable development, and regional resilience during the 4th ASEAN Youth Dialogue, held here from May 22 to 26. In the 4th ASEAN Youth Statement 2025, issued in conjunction with the Dialogue, themed 'Youth for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Inclusion and Driving Change in ASEAN', the young leaders presented nine key policy recommendations to ASEAN governments. Among the recommendations are the call on ASEAN Member States to renew their commitment to empowering youth in driving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Pact for the Future, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021–2025. The delegates also strongly urged greater focus on the health and well-being of young people, proposing targeted policies that address sexual and reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse, nutrition, and hygiene. They also highlighted the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare services, particularly for mental health support. The youth also urged ASEAN member states to expand social protection programmes for marginalised communities – including women, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups – which includes improving access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and protection from violence and discrimination. In addressing the rapid digital transformation, ASEAN youth encouraged the development of accessible education and advanced skills training in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as campaigns to combat cybercrimes such as misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying and online scams. The statement also recommended ASEAN member states to develop joint education and training programmes that centre on the 17 SDGs. These should involve multistakeholder collaboration between governments, academia, civil society and the private sector to build youth capacity, competitiveness and knowledge exchange. To bridge the urban-rural divide, the youth urged investments in inclusive infrastructure that integrates planetary health approaches, and advocated for meaningful youth participation in sustainable urban and rural development. They also called for the establishment of innovation support centres and enabling policy frameworks to promote a robust and inclusive start-up ecosystem. This includes providing mentorship, access to funding and market, and entrepreneurial knowledge sharing. The statement also highlighted the importance of intercultural exchanges to celebrate ASEAN's cultural diversity and traditional knowledge, while promoting mutual understanding and regional unity. ASEAN youth also called for accelerated climate action, urging member states to address biodiversity loss and strengthen disaster resilience through local wisdom, adaptive practices, sustainable infrastructure and corporate responsibility. 'We appreciate ASEAN Leaders' commitment in empowering youth as one of the key actors of our joint sustainable future. Together, through intergenerational collaboration and innovation, we will create an inclusive ecosystem that nurtures and amplifies youth voices. 'We hope these nine policy recommendations will unleash the immense potential of ASEAN's youth, empowering them to lead with courage and creativity towards an inclusive and sustainable future for ASEAN,' it said. The ASEAN Youth Dialogue, hosted in Kuala Lumpur, brought together delegates from all ASEAN countries, providing a regional platform for youth engagement and policy discourse on shared development priorities.
