Latest news with #StrategicPartnershipAgreement
Yomiuri Shimbun
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Ishiba, EU Leaders to Agree on Intl Economic Order; Draft Statement Shows Support For Rules-Based Free Trade
Japan and the European Union intend to lead a rules-based international economic order in the face of U.S. tariff policies and threats of economic coercion by China, according to a draft Japan-EU joint statement obtained Monday. The statement, to be finalized between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and EU leaders later this month, will also include a launch of the Japan-EU Competitiveness Alliance to upgrade their cooperation across multiple fields, including economic security, trade and defense industries. The joint statement and supplementary documents on the alliance scheme are expected to be released following talks scheduled for July 23 between Ishiba and European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen when they visit Tokyo. The draft states that Japan and the EU 'firmly share values and principles' such as the rule of law and free and fair trade, and recognizes that Japan-EU cooperation has become 'all the more important.' China has tightened trade controls, including restrictions on exports of rare earths, while the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has slapped high tariffs on Japan and the EU. The joint statement, while avoiding naming these countries, stated that Japan and the EU 'continue to contribute to maintaining and strengthening a stable and predictable rules-based free and fair economic order.' Japan will steadily advance tariff negotiations with the United States, hoping to reach an agreement by the Aug. 1 deadline, while clarifying its stance on multilateral cooperation with the EU toward the stabilization of the long-term international economic order. Trade and economic security are a main focus of Japan-EU cooperation. They will agree to work together to maintain the World Trade Organization-centered free trade system and lead discussions in multilateral forums such as WTO and Group of Seven summit meetings. They will cooperate in monitoring the supply chains of strategic materials and strengthening and diversifying the supply chains of critical materials such as rare earths and batteries. To enhance energy security, Japan and the EU will also support investment to stabilize energy supplies including liquefied natural gas. Japan and the EU will invite industrial entities from both sides to launch a dialogue on defense industry collaboration between Japan and the EU, including in connection with advanced and dual-use technologies. They will also accelerate the development of satellite constellations that link multiple small satellites. The two sides have deepened their cooperative relationship through the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into effect in 2019, and the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which officially came into effect in January. These agreements serve as a basis for the upcoming Competitiveness Alliance to further strengthen their strategic competitiveness in face of the current state of the global economy.
Cambrian News
23-06-2025
- Business
- Cambrian News
Welsh Government and councils sign 'landmark agreement'
The Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Welsh Government and Local Government in Wales creates a framework for national and local government to work more effectively together, cutting unnecessary bureaucracy while respecting each other's democratic roles.
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Fat cat uni boss who claimed £37,429 of expenses on foreign travel slammed by staff
'His expenses might be first class but his leadership is third rate.' The head of a cash-strapped university who the Sunday Mail revealed claimed £37,429 of expenses on foreign travel has been accused of 'utter contempt' by staff. Professor James Miller, principal of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), went on luxury trips to Barbados, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and South Africa. Lecturers voted for industrial action in an indicative ballot over possible compulsory redundancies after UWS had a £14.4million deficit in 2023-24. Unison bosses have confirmed the union is also moving towards a vote of no confidence in senior figures. Meanwhile, the EIS teaching union says its vote of no confidence has taken place and UWS notified. A survey of EIS members highlighted a litany of alleged failings from Miller which included 'secretiveness' and 'a track record of failure'. Members could anonymously nominate any of the senior team they felt were accountable for mismanagement and overwhelmingly nominated Miller. The survey, seen by the Sunday Mail, included the comment: 'A £14million deficit and £40,000 in travel? That's not leadership — it's negligence' and, 'No trust remains in a principal who flies to Barbados while pleading poverty at home.' Others said: 'His expenses might be first class but his leadership is third rate' and, 'No confidence in a man who gambled with our finances and lost.' We told how the fatcat, 61, who earns £288,000 a year including pension contributions, is among 12 senior uni staff to have claimed expenses of more than £163,000 in less than two years. A trip to Barbados by Prof Miller cost £5970 for flights and hotel stays in November 2023. The four-day event was described on expenses claims as "a Strategic Partnership Agreement" during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus and the UWS. In October 2023 Professor Miller also spent £5631.09 on a trip to attend COP28 Partnership Meetings in Dubai and £5867.28 on return flights to South Africa to present at the GEC+Africa 2024 Congress last February. In August, return flights to attend the two-day "Going Global" conference in Abuja, Nigeria, cost £5058.81 and a trip to Dubai to preside at graduation ceremonies cost £3717.98 in October the same year. Other expenses included £3172.80 for return flights from Dubai to Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur as well as £2782.28 for return flights to New York to attend and participate in the Tartan Day Parade in April 2024. UWS said: 'Our senior leadership team, the university Court and its sub-committees have formulated, approved and overseen the ongoing implementation of our multi-year plan and organisational change project. "UWS cannot comment on unattributable, anonymous surveys which appear to be based largely on misleading information.' Unison Scotland lead for higher education John Mooney said: 'The university top brass need to get their heads out of the sand, take compulsory redundancies off the table and work with unions to resolve the universities' financial issues.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Trade, energy, defence and regional connectivity: Pakistan, Tajikistan review cooperation
DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon Thursday reviewed bilateral cooperation in different areas, including political, trade, economy, energy, defence, security, and regional connectivity. During the bilateral meeting, they agreed to actively pursue new avenues for cooperation, with a focus on fostering investment opportunities, enhancing educational linkages, prompting cultural exchanges, advancing information technology collaboration and strengthening people-to-people contacts. Earlier upon arrival at Qasr-e-Millat, the President welcomed the Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation. At the invitation of Government of Tajikistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived here to participate in the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers' Preservation (ICGP) being held on 29-31 May, 2025. PM Shehbaz to visit Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan from May 25 to 30 He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials. Upon arrival at Dushanbe, he was received by the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Qohir Rasulzoda. During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Tajik President held in-depth and wide-ranging discussions covering various aspects of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. During the discussions, they fondly recalled the signing of historic Strategic Partnership Agreement during the Prime Minister's visit to Dushanbe in July 2024, which laid a strong foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing shared interests. Reaffirming the fraternal ties existing between the two countries marked by shared history, culture and geography, the leaders expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and resolved to elevate the strategic cooperation to a new level, for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples. On CASA-1000, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to positioning it as a pivotal project for regional integration. Welcoming the holding of CASA-1000 Inter-Governmental Council in Dushanbe on 15 May 2025, the Prime Minister assured the shared commitment to its early operationalisation. Regarding economic cooperation, the two leaders, acknowledging the untapped potential in bilateral trade, underscored the importance of actively pursuing new avenues of cooperation in line with the decisions taken during the 7th Session of Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad in December 2024. They also agreed to effectively leverage the existing institutional frameworks including twelve Joint Working Groups (JWGs), to further enhance collaboration between the two countries, especially in oil & gas and energy sectors. They took good note of growing bilateral cooperation in the field of defence & security and reiterated their resolve to further boost the same in order to overcome the common security challenges faced by the two countries. They emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, combating cross-border organized crime and human and drug trafficking. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional and global geopolitical developments. They emphasized the importance of working together to promote peace, stability, and economic development in the region. On peaceful resolution of Tajik-Kyrgyz border dispute, the Prime Minister felicitated the President on this milestone and appreciated the President's prudence and wisdom in resolving the issue through peaceful means. The Prime Minister hoped that this historical development would usher in a new era of cooperation and progress in the region. The two leaders expressed satisfaction on cooperation at the multilateral fora, including at the UN, OIC, SCO and ECO and reaffirmed their resolve to continue collaboration on global and regional issues of common interest. The Prime Minister, reaffirming Pakistan's historical and cordial ties with Tajikistan, underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to ongoing structured and multifaceted engagement with Tajikistan, for mutual gains. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to strengthening connectivity linkages with the Central Asian region. Towards that end, he highlighted China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a linchpin of Pakistan's connectivity with the region. The Prime Minister also briefed the President on the latest situation in the South Asian region. The Prime Minister underscored that our region could not afford India's irresponsible and unlawful actions since 7 May 2025, which amounted to acts of war and violation of the UN Charter and international law. The Prime Minister urged the international community to hold India accountable, reiterating that Pakistan desires peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full resolve if challenged. He also underscored that the resolution of Jammu & Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, remains fundamental to securing lasting peace in the region. In response, President Emomali said that as a staunch friend of Pakistan, he too was very worried at the events of early May, adding that he would always promote peace and stability in the region. He added that he was deeply impressed by the Prime Minister's remarkable leadership that was critical to the restoration of peace and security in the region.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
NHS Lanarkshire and University of Glasgow sign new partnership agreement
The Strategic Partnership Agreement will help improve healthcare services, support new research and lead to better health for people living in Lanarkshire. NHS Lanarkshire and the University of Glasgow have signed a new agreement to work closely together. This Strategic Partnership Agreement will help improve healthcare services, support new research and lead to better health for people living in Lanarkshire. By combining NHS Lanarkshire's focus on patient care with the University of Glasgow's strengths in teaching and research, the partnership aims to bring real improvements in how healthcare is delivered. Dr Chris Deighan, NHS Lanarkshire executive medical director, said: 'This partnership is a big step forward for healthcare in Lanarkshire. 'There is strong evidence that involvement in clinical research and innovation leads to improved quality of healthcare. "Working with the University of Glasgow means we can develop new ideas and use the latest research to improve care for our patients.' Professor Matthew Walters, head of the school of medicine, dentistry and nursing and professor of clinical pharmacology at the University of Glasgow, added: 'I am delighted that the University of Glasgow has signed a new agreement to work more closely with NHS Lanarkshire to further strengthen our important relationship. 'World-leading research is built on strong collaborations and this agreement will form the basis for closer working relations across our institutions, linking teaching and research with healthcare services to ultimately improve patient care and the healthcare we support.' Key benefits of the partnership include: Better research opportunities: Teams will work together on important studies and trials that can lead to new and better treatments. Training and education: Staff will have more chances to learn and develop, helping to attract and keep skilled healthcare workers in Lanarkshire. Improved patient care: New ideas and ways of working will be tested and introduced to make services more effective and focused on patients' needs Healthier communities: The partnership will focus on local health issues and finding ways to reduce inequalities, so everyone has a fair chance at good health This agreement shows a shared commitment to improving healthcare now and in the future for the people of Lanarkshire. Professor Eamonn Brankin, associate medical director and lead for academic liaison at NHS Lanarkshire, added: 'This is a great opportunity to connect research, education and frontline care. "Together, we can create new ways of working that benefit patients and staff.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
