Latest news with #PrimeMinister'sOffice
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- General
- Yahoo
Chan Chun Sing meets Timor-Leste president, foreign defence leaders
SINGAPORE – Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing met several of his counterparts on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, and reaffirmed Singapore's friendly bilateral defence ties with their countries, the Ministry of Defence said. The minister called on Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, and they exchanged views on regional security developments and ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, said Mindef. Mr Chan also met Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and both ministers reaffirmed the warm and longstanding bilateral relationship. They discussed regional security issues and cooperation between their countries in multilateral platforms such as the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), ADMM-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements. 'Singapore and Malaysia's defence establishments interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses,' said Mindef. 'These interactions strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties.' In a meeting Mr Chan had with Brunei's Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Defence II Haji Awang Halbi Haji Mohd Yussof, they discussed bilateral cooperation as well as engagement through multilateral platforms such as the ADMM and ADMM-Plus. Singapore's and Brunei's militaries have regular interactions through high-level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and bilateral exercises, which strengthen ties and enhance professionalism, said Mindef. Both countries will mark the 50th anniversary of defence relations in 2026. Mr Chan also met Philippine Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, and they expressed their commitment to continue working together through the ADMM and ADMM-Plus meetings. They also discussed avenues to further defence cooperation between their countries. In addition, Mr Chan met French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu. Mr Chan expressed appreciation for France's support for the Republic of Singapore Air Force training at Cazaux Air Base since 1998. Both ministers also exchanged views on security priorities and geopolitical developments, said Mindef. The two defence ministers had earlier on May 30 signed three agreements to expand cooperation between Singapore and France in emerging and advanced areas of defence technology, such as quantum and artificial intelligence. The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a state visit to Singapore. The state visit comes as Singapore and France mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. During the visit, PM Wong and Mr Macron upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Republic's first with a European country. Mr Chan's meetings took place at the Shangri-La Hotel, where regional and global defence leaders have gathered for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier security summit. The dialogue, being held from May 30 to June 1, brings together defence ministers, military chiefs and security experts from around the world to discuss key security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Yomiuri Shimbun
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
U.S. Tariffs, Rice Prices Discussed in Basic Economic Policy Draft; Disaster Prevention Agency Also Discussed
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Prime Minister's Office The government will aim to maintain the free trade system by taking the lead in expanding the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, as part of its efforts to respond to U.S. tariff measures, according to the draft of its basic economy policy for the next fiscal year. The draft of the 'Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform' also states that the government will 'review rice farming policies to address soaring rice prices.' U.S. tariff measures 'could shake the free trade system built by the post-war international community,' the draft says. It goes on to state that the government will 'grapple with maintaining and strengthening international economic order based on free and fair rules' through international cooperation, such as expanding the TPP and building a more resilient supply chain. Regarding the domestic economy, the draft states it is necessary to take caution against possible impacts of the tariff measures and the economic risks of surging prices.' It stresses the need to mobilize all possible policy measures, including passing costs onto prices as appropriate, to increase people's income and the country's productivity. Touching on the soaring rice prices, the draft states the government will ensure the stable supply of rice through the smooth distribution of its stockpiled rice. It also states that the government will take concrete steps to review its rice farming policies. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed his willingness to review the policy of adjusting rice production, which is effectively a policy of reducing rice acreage, and instead expand sales channels by increasing rice exportation. These stances are reflected in the draft. The draft makes reference to a disaster prevention agency, which the government aims to establish in fiscal 2026. The envisaged organization will be positioned as the central command for the entire government on the coordination of policy measures for disaster prevention. The draft states that the agency will have the authority to issue recommendations to other government bodies, and that the government will secure sufficient funding and personnel for the agency as well as appoint a dedicated cabinet member to head it. According to the draft, the government will also consider setting up regional bases for disaster prevention, an idea which Ishiba has touted. Following adjustments by the ruling parties, the basic policy is expected to be approved by the Cabinet as early as on June 13.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Flin Flon, Man., virtually deserted, thousands more evacuees expected as fires rage
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says thousands more evacuees are expected and the city of Flin Flon is virtually deserted as wildfires continue to rage in his province. Kinew told a Friday news conference that the mayor, councillors, health-care staff and other officials have had to depart Flin Flon. "The only folks remaining on the ground are firefighters and folks in the office of the fire commissioner and RCMP, who are there to battle the blaze," Kinew said. "We do expect some very, very challenging conditions in Flin Flon and in the surrounding community." He added, "Pray for rain." The evacuees are among 17,000 people reported so far to be out of their homes due to a number of wildfires burning in remote regions from Manitoba's northwest to the southeast. Kinew said as the fires grow, thousands more evacuees can be expected and that communities like Winnipeg, Thompson and The Pas have already stepped up to help provide food and shelter. He said he spoke with some evacuees in Winnipeg. "(It's) very scary, very tiring, long days for people who've been on the road and in the air to find their way to safety," he said. Kinew said more outside help has arrived, including 125 firefighters from the United States. He said Canadian Armed Forces personnel are flying out evacuees from the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, north of Flin Flon. He said the airport near Mathias Colomb, also known as Pukatawagan, has not been damaged by the fire. Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the incident response group on Friday to address the wildfire situation in Western Canada and elsewhere in the country. The group, consisting of senior ministers and officials, was briefed on the federal government's efforts to support affected communities, including the evacuation at Mathias Colomb, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement Friday evening. "The prime minister has been in close contact with the premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan," the statement said. "Various arms of the federal government are working with premiers and the Canadian Armed Forces. All orders of government are engaged, including with Indigenous leadership." However, the head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said the situation is becoming dire and they are being kept in the dark on what's to be done. 'Nobody is communicating with us. Nobody is communicating with our leadership,' Grand Chief Kyra Wilson told a news conference in Winnipeg earlier Friday. 'We have people that are waiting to be evacuated. She said communities are asking for firefighting equipment, including water pumps and hoses, but getting only vague assurances that it's on the way. 'We have communities that have no electricity,' she added. 'They have no water. They're running out of fuel, running out food.' In an emailed statement, the office of National Defence Minister David McGuinty said flights and crews are on scene to get everyone out as quickly as possible. 'RCAF aircraft departed Winnipeg and Trenton this morning to conduct air evacuation,' said the statement. 'The CAF is also deploying liaison and co-ordination personnel to support the local incident command post, including assistance with airstrip deconfliction and management to ensure the safe and efficient flow of evacuation flights.' Earlier Friday, Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine said fierce winds were threatening to breach city limits and begin burning structures in the city of 5,000, located 630 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. All residents, along with 1,000 more in the surrounding area, have had to leave. "Unless we get one heck of a boost, (the fire) is projected to take chunks out of our town and surrounding areas," Fontaine said in an interview. "It's looking very ugly right now. "We're begging for air support (to help douse the fire). It's really crucial." Winnipeg has opened up public buildings for evacuees as it deals with hotels already crammed with other fire refugees, vacationers, business people and conventiongoers. The province declared a provincewide state of emergency this week to help various levels of government coordinate a response. The fire menacing Flin Flon began Monday near Creighton, Sask., and quickly jumped the boundary into Manitoba. It has grown rapidly and as of early Friday stood at 380 square kilometres. Crews have struggled to contain it. Water bombers have been intermittently grounded due to heavy smoke and a drone incursion. The 1,200 or so residents of Creighton have also been ordered out, many of whom have gone to nearby Nipawin, Sask. In total, more than 8,000 people have fled wildfires in Saskatchewan. Steve Roberts from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency told reporters Friday winds have pushed wildfires significant distances. The fire near Creighton and Flin Flon is moving towards those communities, and crews are preparing to put up barriers should flames get to the outskirts, he said. Officials also said multiple structures have been lost in a fire near East Trout Lake, but exact numbers aren't known. Winds are expected to shift, said the agency's Marlo Pritchard. "A lot of the smoke that has been sitting for the last day or so will be moving south," he said. "In the next 24 to 48 hours, the communities in the south of the province will experience extreme smoke conditions." Roberts said a separate fire has reached just outside Pelican Narrows, about 510 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. Meanwhile, Alberta, which has taken the brunt of wildfire damage in recent years, has been comparatively better off. But the 1,300 residents of Swan Hills, northwest of Edmonton, have been ordered out, as have the 900 residents of Chateh in the northwestern corner of the province. Firefighters battling a blaze near Chipewyan Lake, Alta., lost radio contact late Thursday and were forced to take shelter at the local fire hall and school. Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen, on social media, said smoke has stymied attempts to get them out. He also said some structures have been damaged by the fire, but it's unclear how badly they were hit. — By Jeremy Simes in Regina and Aaron Sousa in Edmonton, with files from Matthew Scace in Calgary. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025. The Canadian Press
Yomiuri Shimbun
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Ishiba Using Expo as Opportunity to Meet World Leaders, Improve Diplomacy
The Yomiuri Shimbun Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, right, shakes hands with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith before their meeting on Thursday at the Prime Minister's Office. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is stepping up his 'Expo diplomacy' with world leaders visiting Japan for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. The United States' tariff policy has escalated conflict between Washington and Beijing, tasking Japan with further cooperation with the Global South. Ishiba is taking advantage of Japan being the host of the Expo – which is bringing more than 100 foreign dignitaries to the country – with an aim of enhancing the nation's presence and building personal trust. Ties with developing countries 'We want to place greater emphasis on relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law,' Ishiba told Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on Thursday. The United States has imposed 48% tariffs on Laos. In the talks, Ishiba highlighted Japan's contribution to Laos' economic growth. On the same day, Ishiba also met with the leaders of Tanzania and Kuwait at the Prime Minister's Office. During his meeting with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Ishiba touched on an episode when he was Defense Agency director general, in which Kuwait provided the Self-Defense Forces with a base of operations in Iraq. Ishiba then said Japan would like to strengthen the bilateral relationship. As of Thursday, Ishiba had met with 17 foreign dignitaries since the Expo opened in April. Up until the closing day in October, the prime minister will meet world leaders who visit Japan for their National Day at the Expo. National Days are a showcase of each country's culture and are held almost daily. 'The Expo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deepen strategic ties with small and medium-sized countries that we have limited chances to visit diplomatically,' a senior Foreign Ministry official said. Gain experience The Expo is a valuable opportunity for the prime minister to gain diplomatic experience too, after being criticized for inexperienced conduct such as greeting others with a two-handed handshake when he first took office. According to those close to Ishiba, he checks out the Foreign Affairs magazine from the National Diet Library and has been studying late into the night to familiarize himself with the situations in various countries. Ishiba reportedly told those around him: 'The Expo is a good opportunity. We can convey Japan's importance to countries sandwiched between the United States and China.' He seems to grow more confident with each day of meetings. During a meeting Wednesday with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, who studied in Japan, the two leaders spoke in Japanese without an interpreter, and Ishiba created a relaxed mood by calling the meeting 'historic.' Ishiba is expecting U.S. President Donald Trump's visit on July 19, which coincides with the Expo's U.S. National Day. However, there is no clear prospect of this happening. Ishiba's diplomatic skills will be put to the test in the current Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations in which leaders may be required to come up with a breakthrough at some point in June.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
PM launches development projects worth over Rs48,500 crore in state
Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated, laid foundation stones and dedicated to the nation a series of development projects in Bihar worth over Rs 48,500 crore ahead of addressing a public rally at Bikramganj in Rohtas district. A key highlight of the day was the foundation stone laying for Stage-II of the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project (3x800MW) in Aurangabad district, valued at over Rs 29,930 crore. This project is expected to significantly strengthen energy security in Bihar and eastern India. "It will boost industrial growth, create job opportunities, and provide affordable electricity in the region," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. In a major step towards improving connectivity, Modi also laid the foundation stones for several road infrastructure projects. These include the four-laning of the Patna-Ara-Sasaram section of NH-119A, the six-laning of the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata highway (NH-319B), the Ramnagar-Kacchi Dargah stretch (NH-119D) and the construction of a new Ganga bridge between Buxar and Bharauli. "These projects will create seamless high-speed corridors in the state and enhance trade and regional connectivity," the PMO said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Modi also inaugurated the completed four-laning of the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi section of NH-22, valued at around Rs 5,520 crore, along with improvements to the elevated highway and at-grade roadways in Gopalganj Town on NH-27. Among other developments, the PM inaugurated 192-bed dormitories for students, as well as staff quarters, at Navodaya Vidyalaya in Jehanabad, reaffirming his government's focus on improving educational infrastructure. Continuing his emphasis on railway development, Modi dedicated to the nation the third rail line between Son Nagar and Mohammad Ganj, a project worth over Rs 1,330 crore. He also inaugurated a newly implemented automatic signalling system between Sasaram and Anugrah Narayan Road stations and laid the foundation stones for five terminal platforms at Harding Park in Patna. On Thursday evening, ahead of his Rohtas visit, Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at Patna's Jayprakash Narayan International Airport, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for a new civil enclave at Bihta Airport, to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,410 crore.
