Latest news with #regionalcooperation
South China Morning Post
18-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Are China, Pakistan, Bangladesh quietly planting region's new framework?
In a quiet but potentially defining moment for South Asia, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China and Bangladesh convened in the Chinese city of Kunming last month. It may have looked like just another diplomatic gathering, but it signalled a strategic shift – one that could recalibrate the balance of regional cooperation and breathe life into the idea of a regional framework post-SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation For decades, SAARC was envisioned as the collective voice of South Asia, a platform where neighbours – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – could come together despite their political differences. Yet, SAARC today feels like a relic of a bygone era. India's repeated refusal to participate in SAARC summits, citing tensions with Pakistan, has stalled the organisation. Even Bangladesh's recent call to revive SAARC in the post-Hasina political climate seemed more nostalgic than practical. Truth is, SAARC has always been hostage to bilateral disputes, particularly between India and Pakistan, and that structural weakness may now prove fatal. India, unwilling to engage with Pakistan in a multilateral setting, has shifted its attention to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a seven-nation initiative – including Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka – that notably excludes Pakistan. Meanwhile, India's growing partnership with the United States under its Indo-Pacific strategy has cast it as Washington's preferred regional partner in its bid to counter China's influence. This has not gone unnoticed in China, which finds itself recalibrating its South Asia engagement strategy. For China, Pakistan is a partner in the important China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a strategic gateway to South Asia. The relationship, based on trust and deepened over the test of time, is not just convenient – it is essential. For Pakistan, which faces a gradual isolation from regional forums and remains at odds with India, an alternative multilateral framework that includes China and like-minded South Asian states could offer both strategic relevance and economic opportunity.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union Chairperson appoints H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, as his Special Envoy for the Sahel region
The Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, is pleased to announce the appointment of H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, as his Special Envoy for the Sahel region. The Chairperson of the African Union is most grateful to H.E President Évariste Ndayishimiye for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the Union. President Ndayishimiye will spearhead the renewed African Union's high level diplomatic support and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the prevailing security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel. The Special Envoy's mandate covers intensifying engagements with the governmental authorities, opinion leaders, regional actors and organizations, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to foster dialogue, build consensus, and promote comprehensive strategies towards durable peace and stability within the Sahel region. President Ndayishimiye brings with him very rich political experience, and impeccable credentials of resolute commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration and cooperation. The appointment reflects the African Union's steadfast commitment to supporting peacebuilding and regional cooperation in one of Africa's most critical regions. The Chairperson of the African Union has expressed full confidence in President Ndayishimiye's ability to advance the Union's vision through his distinguished leadership and deep understanding of the continent's complex dynamics. In effect, this appointment is to foster the African Union's drive to permanently silence the guns and promote peace, security, stability, and political dialogue in the Sahel region. The Chairperson of the African Union therefore calls on the AU Commission, the AU Mission in the Sahel (MISAHEL); all stakeholders and the international community to extend support to the Special Envoy, who is expected to immediately commence his engagements in the region. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
CNA
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Is it too easy to be a home-based F&B business?
CNA938 Rewind - It's in Southeast Asia's best interest for Timor-Leste to be part of ASEAN: Analyst Singapore has launched an enhanced technical assistance programme to support Timor-Leste's integration into ASEAN, reinforcing its commitment to regional cooperation. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced this during an official four-day visit of Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, to Singapore – it's been over a decade since his first in the role. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin find out more from Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst, Solaris.
CNA
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - It's in Southeast Asia's best interest for Timor-Leste to be part of ASEAN: Analyst
CNA938 Rewind - It's in Southeast Asia's best interest for Timor-Leste to be part of ASEAN: Analyst Singapore has launched an enhanced technical assistance programme to support Timor-Leste's integration into ASEAN, reinforcing its commitment to regional cooperation. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced this during an official four-day visit of Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, to Singapore – it's been over a decade since his first in the role. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin find out more from Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst, Solaris.
Malay Mail
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Malaysia-born Australian foreign minister Penny Wong recalls Sabah roots, marks 70 years of bilateral ties (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong says close people-to-people ties are key to long-term friendship between Australia and Malaysia. She said this is also supported by the shared history of both countries and a strong belief in the value of regional cooperation. 'The friendship between Australia and Malaysia is built on our shared history and the close relationships between our peoples,' she said in a 1-minute and 25-second video posted on her official Instagram account, @senatorpennywong. The video includes footage from her childhood in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, as well as her appearance at the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre last week. Wong added that this year marks the 70th anniversary of Australia-Malaysia diplomatic relations, and she expressed support for Malaysia's role as Asean Chair. 'We will continue working with our regional partners to support a shared vision for a more secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in which Asean plays a central role,' she said. Wong, who was born in Malaysia and raised in Australia, said her life story reflects the reality of modern Australian society. 'My story, like that of many Australians, is a modern Australian story — almost half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas,' she said. She emphasised that this multicultural background is one of Australia's key strengths in building strong international relationships, including with Southeast Asian nations. 'It helps us find common ground with people across the world, including in Southeast Asia,' she added. — Bernama
