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The National
08-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Xi wants Russia and China to be 'friends of steel'
Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday the two countries should be "friends of steel", as they pledged to boost co-operation to a new level at a time of heightened confrontation with the West. At talks in the Kremlin, the two leaders cast themselves as defenders of a new world order no longer dominated by the US. Mr Xi is the most powerful of more than two dozen foreign leaders visiting Moscow this week to mark Thursday's 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a celebration of huge significance for Mr Putin. Mr Xi's participation is an important boost Moscow at a time of acute geopolitical tension from the Middle East to South Asia, and as Russia comes under pressure from the US in faltering talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. China and Russia should safeguard international fairness and justice and "be true friends of steel that have been through a hundred trials by fire", Mr Xi said in televised comments. The two countries should solidify the foundations of their co-operation and "eliminate external interference", said Mr Xi, whose country is currently engaged in a tariff war launched by US President Donald Trump. Mr Putin and Mr Xi have met dozens of times and signed a "no-limits" strategic partnership in February 2022, less than three weeks before Russia sent its army into Ukraine. China is Russia's biggest trading partner and has thrown Moscow an economic lifeline that has helped it soften the blow of western sanctions. Mr Putin said the two leaders would personally oversee all key elements in the relationship, aiming for a substantial boost to trade and investment by 2030. Domestically, the Second World War anniversary offers Mr Putin a chance to rally Russians in remembrance of a historic feat that is central to the country's national identity. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in the war, including many millions in Ukraine, which was also devastated. On the world stage, Mr Putin aims to show he has powerful allies and that years of western sanctions have failed to isolate Russia. In opening remarks after greeting Mr Xi in one of the Kremlin's most opulent halls, Mr Putin thanked him for coming to Moscow to mark 80 years since the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler. "The victory over fascism, achieved at the cost of enormous sacrifices, is of lasting significance," Mr Putin said. "Together with our Chinese friends, we firmly stand guard over historical truth, protect the memory of the events of the war years and counteract modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism." Mr Putin has portrayed his war in Ukraine as a struggle against modern-day Nazis from the start. Ukraine and its allies reject that characterisation as a grotesque falsehood, accusing Moscow of conducting an imperial-style invasion. Mr Xi said the two countries, as world powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, would work together to counter "unilateralism and bullying" – an implied reference to the US. Mr Putin last week announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, beginning on Thursday. Ukraine has not committed to abide by it, calling it a ruse by Mr Putin to create the impression he wants to end the war. Instead, it has declared its willingness to join a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days. Both countries are under pressure from Trump to reach a peace deal, and Washington has threatened repeatedly to walk away from talks unless there is clear progress. Ukraine targeted Moscow with drones for three days this week, but the skies above the Russian capital were calm on Thursday. With so many foreign leaders present, any attacks during the events on May 9 could embarrass Mr Putin and draw a tough response from Moscow. A Ukrainian military spokesman told Reuters that Russian troops had continued to conduct assaults in several areas on the eastern front, despite the ceasefire. Russia's Defence Ministry said Ukrainian forces had made two attempts to break through the border into Russia's Kursk region since the start of the ceasefire. Reuters could not independently verify the claims by either side. Chinese troops will take part in Friday's military parade on Red Square, the centrepiece of the commemorations. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday urged countries not to send their militaries to participate, saying it would go against some nations' declared neutrality in the war. Mr Xi has called for talks to end the conflict in Ukraine and has accused the US of stoking it with weapons supplies to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has in the past urged him to try to persuade Mr Putin to halt the war.
India Gazette
29-04-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
EAM Jaishankar congratulates Somalia's new Foreign Minister
New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has congratulated Abdisalam Abdi Ali on his appointment as Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. During their interaction on Tuesday, Jaishankar and Ali discussed bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation. Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, 'Congratulated FM Abdisalam Abdi Ali of Somalia on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation. Discussed our bilateral ties and multilateral cooperation. Value his stand to resolutely oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations.' Earlier, Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also shared a post welcoming Ali as the new Foreign Affairs minister. 'We welcome our newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, and express our full confidence in his leadership as he takes on his new responsibilities,' the ministry wrote on X. The ministry also congratulated their former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, on his appointment as the new Minister of Defence. 'We convey our congratulations to our former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, on his appointment as the new Minister of Defence and wishes him continued success and dedication in his service to the nation,' the ministry wrote on X. Meanwhile, Jaishankar received calls from various world leaders condemning the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others. Jaishankar stated that India is determined to bring the perpetrators, planners, and backers of this attack to justice. Jaishankar received a call from the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, and Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister and many others. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ends its support for cross-border terrorism and closes the integrated Attari Check Post. (ANI)
Egypt Today
20-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
To aid investors, Egypt's president directs transition from multiple fees to unified tax on net profits
CAIRO – 20 April 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reviewed the procedural burdens faced by investors, directing the replacement of various fees charged by different state's agencies with a unified additional tax on net profits. In a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and other pertinent state officials, Sisi ordered fostering a more competitive investment climate. The president underlined the need to ensure that investors experience tangible and swift improvements in the ease of doing business in Egypt through simplified procedures and reduced financial burdens. The meeting, attended by the prime minister's deputy for industrial development besides the ministers of finance and investment, focused on the government's efforts to create a business-friendly environment and attract more local and foreign investments. Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, emphasized the country's strategic vision to leverage private sector leadership and continental cooperation to boost sustainable growth#Egypt #Africa… — Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) April 16, 2025 Discussions included the procedural burdens faced by investors and a proposed plan to alleviate these burdens, such as unifying collection agencies and launching an economic entities platform. Reducing Customs Clearance Duration The meeting also addressed efforts to reduce customs clearance times, aiming to decrease the number of days required from eight to six. Customs services will continue to operate on official holidays and Fridays, with the option to pay fees after banking hours, according to the state's plan. Boosting Exports, Asset's Returns The discussions also covered the export rebate program, which aims to support national industry and increase Egyptian exports to global markets, with a focus on meeting state targets for export growth by 2030. Sisi and the ministers reviewed the efforts of The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE) to maximize returns from state-owned assets. Empowering Private Sector The meeting highlighted efforts made under Egypt's Initial Public Offering (IPO) program, in line with the State Ownership Policy Document. Such initiatives aim to enhance returns on state-owned assets through extensive partnerships with the private sector. The president underscored the need to give the private sector a central role in driving economic growth and increasing exports. To achieve this, Sisi directed encouraging national investments in production and export, while providing necessary services for exporters.
Gulf Today
20-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
ERC distributes Eid clothing in Yemeni city
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) launched its annual charitable project in the Yemeni city of Al Mukalla, Hadhramaut Governorate on Tuesday, to distribute Eid clothing to children with special needs, orphans, and the most underprivileged families. This initiative is part of the United Arab Emirates' efforts in Hadhramaut to alleviate the hardships of citizens and bring smiles to their faces. The project will continue until the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Hamid Rashid Al Shamsi, Advisor for Development and International Cooperation and ERC Representative in Hadhramaut Governorate, stated to the media: 'We are pleased to announce the launch of the 'Eid Clothing' project in Hadhramaut for 2024 as part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to support needy families and spread joy and happiness on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.' Al Shamsi emphasised that the project aims to provide Eid clothing to 7,525 beneficiaries, distributing 1,075 shopping vouchers, each valued at Dhs200, which can be used in various shopping centres across the governorate. The goal is to ease the financial burden on families and bring happiness and joy to the hearts of the beneficiaries. Recently, the ERC had launched its annual Ramadan Iftar Project in Al Mukalla, as part of the UAE's ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts for the Yemeni people. Al Shamsi emphasised that the project reflects the UAE's steadfast commitment to humanitarian aid and reinforces the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations. WAM
See - Sada Elbalad
13-03-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sano: Contemporary Challenges Require Unity of Muslim Ummah and Its Reconciliation
Mohamed Mandour Dr. Qutb Mustapha Sano, member of the Muslim Council of Elders, former Minister of Religious Affairs, Minister of International Cooperation, former Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Guinea, and Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah, stressed the importance of uniting the Muslim Ummah and reconciling its people in the face of contemporary challenges that seek to divide them and impose a specific culture. In the third episode of the "One Ummah" program, which airs on the Muslim Council of Elders' social media platforms throughout Ramadan, He stated that the Muslim Ummah is confronting numerous intellectual, social, political, and economic challenges. These require unified efforts to overcome. This can be achieved by raising generations capable of turning these challenges into opportunities and using modern technologies positively and beneficially for the Ummah. The member of the Muslim Council of Elders further explained that unity within the Ummah is also about distancing itself from extremism and radicalism and upholding the values of mutual understanding and coexistence. This was the main focus of the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held in Bahrain last February, which called for the unity of the Ummah based on the shared belief that those who pray our prayer, face our Qiblah, and consume our halal food are indeed Muslims. Dr. Qutb Sano urged the members of the Ummah to move beyond past historical conflicts in which current and future generations were not involved, citing Allah's words: "That was a community that had already gone before. For them is what they earned and for you is what you have earned. And you will not be accountable for what they have done." (The Quran, 2:141). This, he emphasized, is crucial for the Ummah to restore its unity, leadership, and distinctiveness.
