Latest news with #JointDeclaration
See - Sada Elbalad
3 hours ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sisi, Turkish FM Discuss Ways to Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Regional Issues
Nada Mustafa President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received on Saturday Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, in the presence of Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Affairs of Egyptians Abroad. Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that the Turkish minister conveyed the greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to President El-Sisi, who appreciated the gesture and stressed the importance of continuing efforts to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. Sisi highlighted the qualitative progress in Egypt-Turkey relations, particularly following the signing of the Joint Declaration in February 2024 to reactivate the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meetings and elevate them to the level of the two heads of state. Moreover, the meeting witnessed mutual affirmation on the need to strengthen economic cooperation between Egypt and Turkey, with the goal of achieving a trade volume of $15 billion, in line with the agreement reached during President El-Sisi's visit to Ankara in September 2024. The two sides also underscored the importance of expanding Turkish companies' participation in investment projects in Egypt. The meeting also addressed developments in several regional issues, foremost among them the situation in the Gaza Strip. Both sides reaffirmed their rejection of the re-establishment of military occupation in the Strip, stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages and detainees, while rejecting the displacement of Palestinians. In addition, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in Libya, Syria, and Sudan. In this regard, Sisi outlined Egypt's vision for achieving peace and stability in these brotherly nations and the country's efforts in this regard, emphasizing the importance of respecting their sovereignty, preserving their territorial integrity, and safeguarding the resources of their peoples. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Everything you need to know about Trump's suspension of section 907; What it means for US-Azerbaijan relations and regional power shifts
President Trump is set to suspend Section 907, a law restricting aid to Azerbaijan, during President Aliyev's visit to Washington. This move signals strengthened US-Azerbaijan ties, with a focus on energy, security, and digital infrastructure. A peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been initialed, paving the way for regional transformation pending Armenia's 2026 referendum. Trump set to lift decades-old ban on aid to Azerbaijan as Aliyev visits Washington, Section 907 suspension signals new strategic era in the South Caucasus Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is section 907 of the freedom support act? Why is President Trump suspending it now? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Has Section 907 been enforced consistently? What is the significance of this suspension for Azerbaijan? Signals a new phase of US-Azerbaijan strategic cooperation Opens doors for direct aid, defense deals, and investment Boosts Azerbaijan's international standing amid post-conflict negotiations with Armenia What does this mean for US interests in the region? Securing energy corridors from the Caspian to Europe Countering Russian and Iranian influence in the Caucasus Enhancing cooperation on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and defense Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Energy, trade, and regional transit Investment in tech and digital infrastructure Security cooperation, including defense sales and counter-terrorism What else happened during Aliyev's visit to Washington? A Memorandum of Cooperation between SOCAR (Azerbaijan's state oil company) and ExxonMobil was signed. A Joint Declaration is expected between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with US President Donald Trump in attendance. A Strategic Working Group was established between Washington and Baku to draft a Charter on Strategic Partnership. Is peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan finally within reach? What are the main conditions set by Azerbaijan? A joint appeal to the OSCE to dissolve the Minsk Group, which mediated the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for decades. Constitutional amendments in Armenia to eliminate territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Will the agreement affect regional infrastructure? As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visits Washington, US President Donald Trump is set to suspend a controversial US law that has restricted aid to Azerbaijan for more than three decades. The decision marks a major shift in US foreign policy and could reshape dynamics in the South Caucasus region. Here's what you need to 907 is a provision of the 1992 Freedom Support Act, which prohibited direct US government assistance to Azerbaijan. It was passed in response to allegations that Azerbaijan had imposed a blockade on Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict While intended to protect Armenia, critics have long argued that the law was one-sided and outdated, especially given the evolving geopolitical Trump is expected to sign an executive document suspending the enforcement of Section 907 on August 8, 2025, during the official visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham move is being seen as a symbolic and strategic gesture, aligning with broader US efforts to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan amid shifting alliances in the entirely. While it was passed in 1992, several US administrations routinely waived its provisions, especially after the 9/11 attacks, when Azerbaijan became a critical partner in counter-terrorism the Biden administration reinstated enforcement, citing concerns over human rights and regional instability, using it as diplomatic leverage against Section 907 is being hailed in Baku as a long-overdue correction of a diplomatic injustice. It also:Washington's growing ties with Azerbaijan reflect broader strategic goals:The new strategic partnership will include collaboration on:Several major developments accompanied the visit:During the visit, the text of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan was officially initialled, signaling that both parties have agreed on its content. Though not a final signing, initialling marks the end of the negotiation phase and a step toward a legally binding Armenia plans a national referendum in 2026 to amend its constitution—an essential condition for the treaty to be has demanded:Yes. The peace framework includes provisions for the Zangezur Corridor , a transport route connecting mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan through southern Armenia. This corridor is a top priority for Baku and has now reportedly been accepted by the suspension of Section 907 and the initialling of a peace deal, the region is poised for transformation. The final peace treaty will likely follow the 2026 Armenian referendum. Meanwhile, US and Azerbaijani officials will continue working on their strategic partnership charter, with a focus on long-term economic and security cooperation.
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Greece and Egypt remain pillars of stability: Greek FM - Foreign Affairs
During his meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, in Athens on Wednesday, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis affirmed that Greece remains a firm supporter of Egypt within the European Union. "It is with great pleasure and honour that I welcome to the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs my dear friend, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty," said Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis on Tuesday in Athens. "In May 2025, we signed the Joint Declaration establishing the Strategic Partnership between our two neighbouring countries – a relationship that reflects the deep historical ties between our peoples and the enduring legacy of our ancient civilisations," he noted. "At the same time, this partnership vividly demonstrates the current strength of our cooperation, which has reached an all-time high, grounded in international law and mutual understanding across a range of complex geopolitical issues," he added. Gerapetritis described Greece and Egypt as "pillars of stability" in a region marked by escalating crises and intricate challenges. "We have developed an exemplary and multifaceted relationship, particularly in the sensitive Eastern Mediterranean," he stressed. Referring to the Agreement on the Delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone between the two countries, Gerapetritis described it as "exemplary", noting that it remains a model agreement five years after its signing. Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Greek minister reaffirmed that "our absolute priority remains achieving a ceasefire, ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to civilians, and securing the unconditional release of hostages." "In coordination with Egypt, we will continue to take humanitarian initiatives in the region," he said. On Syria, Gerapetritis condemned the recent attacks on civilians and religious sites in the country's south. Concerning Libya – a country he described as a "common neighbour" – Gerapetritis briefed Minister Abdelatty on his recent visits to Benghazi and Tripoli. "A stable and unified Libya is not only in the interest of the Libyan people but also critical to regional peace and prosperity," he emphasised. He also confirmed that the two countries had agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling irregular migration flows. Commenting on the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine in Sinai, Gerapetritis stated: "For Greece and Orthodox Christians everywhere, the Monastery is not only the oldest continually functioning place of worship, but also a unique symbol of ecumenical heritage." "Just as in our meeting in Cairo last June, today's discussion in Athens was extremely constructive, particularly regarding the legal status of the Monastery and efforts to further highlight its role as a global religious centre," he added. "I received firm assurances from my friend the Minister that the continuity and Greek Orthodox character of the Monastery will remain intact – a testament to Egypt's longstanding respect for religious freedom and its tradition of tolerance," he noted. The Greek minister went on to express appreciation for what he described as "exemplary cooperation," both bilaterally and within international organisations. "On the bilateral level, we are working systematically to strengthen trade ties, enhance energy interconnectivity – particularly through the flagship GREGY Interconnector project – and ensure the continuous development of legal migration pathways from Egypt to Greece. These efforts are of immense value to the Greek economy," he explained. He further underscored the importance of removing bureaucratic hurdles hindering the implementation of the legal migration agreement between the two countries. "Greece remains a steadfast supporter of Egypt within the European Union," he said. "It played a leading role in securing the EU-Egypt Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement and continues to actively support its implementation." "In closing, I would like once again to thank you, esteemed Minister and dear friend, for your presence here today – a clear expression of the enduring friendship and fraternity between our two peoples," Gerapetritis concluded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BRICS emerges as a strong geopolitical and geoeconomic entity
S D Pradhan has served as chairman of India's Joint Intelligence Committee. He has also been the country's deputy national security adviser. He was chairman of the Task Force on Intelligence Mechanism (2008-2010), which was constituted to review the functioning of the intelligence agencies. He has taught at the departments of defence studies and history at the Punjabi University, Patiala. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Illinois, US, in the department of arms control and disarmament studies. The ministry of defence had utilized his services for the preparation of official accounts of the 1971 war and the counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. In the JIC/National Security Council secretariat, he was closely involved with the preparation of the reports of the Kargil Review Committee and the Group of Ministers on national security as also with the implementation of their recommendations. His publications include two books and several articles. LESS ... MORE The recent Joint Declaration of BRICS marks a pivotal moment in the group's evolution from a coalition of emerging economies to a significant geopolitical and geoeconomic force. With the expansion to include five new members and eleven partner countries, BRICS now represents nearly half the world's population and accounts for 40% of global economic output. This transformation not only signals its growing clout but also underscores its intent to reshape the global order in favour of the Global South. Entitled 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,' the declaration emphasised BRICS's commitment to multilateralism, international law, and equitable global governance. It reflects a growing confidence and a clear pushback against Western dominance in global institutions. Once perceived as a non-Western alliance, BRICS is now positioning itself as the voice of emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs), firmly rooted in the priorities of the Global South. PM Modi has aptly called for redefining the acronym BRICS so as not to indicate the initials of the five core members but to convey a shared functional purpose of 'Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.' This captures the group's evolving identity. A significant aspect of the Joint Declaration was its open criticism of indiscriminate use of tariffs and proliferation of trade-restrictive actions- moves largely attributed to Western economic policies. It also condemned the attack on Iran and called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, but did not follow the Iranian line on Israel. This assertiveness reflects BRICS's increasing willingness to challenge the status quo, advocating for a fairer and more inclusive trade system. Its call for reform of global financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, long seen as instruments of the West, further illustrates this shift. The group's stress on multilateralism and international law was aimed at ensuring increased participation of the Global South in global decision-making processes and structures. It perceives 'the Global South as a driver of positive change.' It called for strengthening efforts to promote dialogue and consultations in pursuit of more just and equitable global governance, and of mutually beneficial relations among nations. On climate change, the group stressed that developed countries must step up with more grant-based, concessional finance, separate from existing aid, to help developing nations meet their climate goals without sacrificing poverty reduction and development priorities. The declaration covered the need for reforming the international financial architecture and stressed to enhance cooperation on all pillars of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This stance rightly insists that climate responsibilities must not come at the expense of development and poverty alleviation. It is a reminder that climate justice and equity are inseparable. On terrorism, the Joint Declaration expressed 'strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed.' It condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured, while reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens- a notable move for a diverse group with differing views on counterterrorism. Prime Minister Modi's strong remarks, indirectly aimed at Pakistan and China, highlighted the need for action against cross-border terrorism and the obstruction of sanctions against listed terrorists. While BRICS avoided the logjam on countering terrorism, unlike what happened at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), China's reluctance to support this issue would remain problematic. Diplomatically, the summit showcased BRICS's ability to bridge internal divides and issue a coherent and unified statement, no small feat for a grouping with such varying national interests. Its handling of the Israel-Palestine issue, calling for a two-state solution while not aligning completely with Iran, exemplifies the group's growing maturity in international diplomacy. In sum, the 17th Summit of BRICS indicates its transformation into a strong platform for the Global South. Its expansion has strengthened its legitimacy, and its assertive tone on global economic and political issues reflects a newfound confidence. If it can manage its differences, particularly on terrorism, it is poised to emerge as a credible counterweight to the West-led global governance system. The road ahead will be complex and difficult, but the message from Brazil is unmistakable: BRICS is no longer just watching from the sidelines. It is going to play an important role in managing global affairs. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
South China Morning Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Building railways as ‘one country, one system' may save Hong Kong a lot of money
We have all sworn to uphold 'one country, two systems'. But when it comes to building new railways, 'one country, one system' may save us a lot of money. Hopefully, London and Washington won't cite the Joint Declaration to criticise Hong Kong for breaching our treaty obligations. The construction costs of the mass transit links in the Northern Metropolis can be reduced by up to 30 per cent if Hong Kong adopts mainland Chinese standards for railway lines. I say, what's the argument? Go for it. The Highways Department disclosed this week that the cost of the first phase of the rail link could be reduced to HK$31.4 billion (US$4 billion), equivalent to saving 20 to 30 per cent, if construction used mainland standards. China is the world's 'infrastructure-building monster', as we say in Chinese; its railway standards are absolutely world-class and safe – and of course, cheap and fast. On the mainland, high-speed lines now link 97 per cent of cities with a population of more than 500,000 people, and recorded 4.08 billion passenger trips last year, a year-on-year jump of 10.8 per cent. The Northern Link will serve as the main line allowing residents from New Territories North to reach Hong Kong Island and Kowloon within 40 minutes.
