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Egypt’s president makes his first visit to Turkey as relations thaw

Middle East

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September 4, 2024

Egypt’s president makes his first visit to Turkey as relations thaw

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The presidents of Turkey and Egypt on Wednesday found common ground on the war in Gaza as they continued to mend long-strained relations, emphasizing the need for a permanent cease-fire and guaranteed delivery of humanitarian aid.

Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi spoke during the Egyptian leader’s first official visit to Ankara after years of tensions between the regional powers.

“Turkey and Egypt have a common stance on the Palestinian issue,” Erdogan said after he and el-Sissi oversaw the signing of cooperation agreements. “The end of the genocide that has been going on for 11 months, the establishment of a permanent cease-fire as soon as possible, and the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid continue to be our priorities.”

In February, Erdogan made his first visit to Egypt in more than a decade after the countries agreed to repair ties and reappointed ambassadors. He said the countries wanted to boost bilateral trade to $15 billion in the coming years.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, left, listens to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a bilateral signature agreements ceremony at the Presidential palace in Ankara, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Relations between Egypt and Turkey, a long-time backer of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood group, soured a decade ago after the Egyptian military ousted President Mohammed Morsi, who hailed from the Brotherhood, amid mass protests against his divisive rule. Egypt also outlawed the group as a terrorist organization.

In recent years, Ankara has stopped its criticism of el-Sissi’s government, aiming to improve strained relations with Egypt and other Arab nations while seeking investments during an economic downturn. In November 2022, Erdogan and el-Sissi were photographed shaking hands at the World Cup in Qatar.

The Egyptian foreign minister then traveled to Turkey in 2023 to show solidarity after a deadly earthquake struck parts of southern Turkey and Syria.

This is el-Sissi’s first visit to Turkey since he was elected president in 2014, a year after he led the military’s overthrow of Morsi.

“We should work together to prevent humanitarian crises, especially by addressing regional issues together,” el-Sissi said. “We should work more intensively, especially with our brothers in Gaza and Palestine. In this context, both Turkey and Egypt emphasized that an urgent cease-fire should be established as soon as possible.”

Erdogan, a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions, accused Israel’s government of “condemning” the people of Gaza to hunger and thirst.

“Israel and its supporters are responsible for every innocent person who dies from hunger, thirst or lack of medicine,” he said.

He also told reporters that Turkey wanted to cooperate with Egypt on natural gas and nuclear energy.

Erdogan welcomed el-Sissi at the steps of his airplane at the airport in Ankara, a gesture he rarely makes.

El-Sissi said on Facebook that his trip to Turkey and Erdogan’s February visit to Cairo “mirror the joint will to start a new era of friendship and cooperation between Egypt and Turkey.”

Egypt, together with Qatar and the United States, a key Israel ally, has been working for months to try and broker a cease-fire and the return of the remaining more than 100 hostages held by the Palestinian militant Hamas group. The negotiations have stalled following new Israeli demands.

Egypt opposes any Israeli presence along the Gaza side of its border, claiming it would threaten the decades-old peace treaty between the countries, a cornerstone of regional stability. Hamas had asked to have Turkey added as a guarantor in the cease-fire talks, but the proposal was not accepted.

The war began with Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel in which the militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 hostages. The overall Palestinian death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 40,000 people, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.

Associated Press writer Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.

Virgin Atlantic and Riyadh Air sign agreement to expand connectivity and premium travel between London, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond

Travel

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September 4, 2024

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Virgin Atlantic and Riyadh Air sign agreement to expand connectivity and premium travel between London, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond

UK/SAUDI ARABIA (DT) Virgin Atlantic and Riyadh Air have signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, with the goal of introducing an array of benefits for customers traveling between London, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and destinations beyond.

The agreement, signed yesterday at a ceremony at Riyadh Air’s Headquarters in Riyadh, is the first stage in the strategic partnership that will enable both airlines to strengthen connectivity, expand their networks and enhance customer experience.

The agreement lays the foundations for a long-term relationship, subject to regulatory approvals, that includes interline and codeshare connectivity, as well as a potential deeper partnership which could encompass loyalty benefits.

The partnership will open new destinations in Saudi Arabia and beyond for Virgin Atlantic customers, which includes its new service between London Heathrow and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“Following on from the announcement of our new services from London to Riyadh, we’re committed to working with the best partners in the region, to ensure our first route to Saudi Arabia delivers choice to our customers. We’re looking forward to working closely with Riyadh Air as they embark on their journey into the skies.”

Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO said:

“Our partnership with Virgin Atlantic will help us collectively provide additional connectivity to the Kingdom. Riyadh Air has signed agreements with a number of strong global partners around the world, most recently Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic’s network will assist our growth to and from Saudi Arabia as we enter service in summer 2025.”

The new partnership aims to capitalise on the huge growth taking place as part of Saudi Vision 2030. Air travel between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia is forecast to grow 24% between 2019-2035 whilst annual trade between the UK and Saudi Arabia was worth £17.1 billion in 2023 with the ambition to reach £30 billion of trade by 2030. The new service will also connect family and friends with a recent fivefold increase in Saudis living in UK between 2000 and 2018.

Riyadh Air, which will begin operations in 2025, is committed to building a premier carrier for customers traveling to and from the Middle East, with its base of operations in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

About Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the seventh year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year.

Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years. In March 2024, Virgin Atlantic welcomed Wendy Darling, the 11th delivery of 12 A350s, and Ruby Rebel, the 5th of 1 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world’s first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030.

About Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air, a PIF company, is a world-class airline. Launched in March 2023, the airline will be a digitally led, full-service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft. Riyadh Air will equip its aircraft with the most advanced, state-of-the-art features with innovative, best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences, including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions. Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart.

In Asia, pope urges Indonesia to live up to promise of ‘harmony in diversity,’ fight extremism

Asia

Diplomat Times

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September 4, 2024

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In Asia, pope urges Indonesia to live up to promise of ‘harmony in diversity,’ fight extremism

Jakarta, Indonesia (AP) — Pope Francis urged Indonesia to live up to its promise of “harmony in diversity” and fight religious intolerance on Wednesday, as he set a rigorous pace for an 11-day, four-nation trip through tropical Southeast Asia and Oceania that will test his stamina and health.

Francis had a packed first full day in Indonesia, meeting with outgoing President Joko Widodo and other Indonesian authorities at the presidential palace, and then greeting Catholic priests, nuns and seminarians at Jakarta’s main cathedral in the afternoon.

Cannons boomed as Francis joined Widodo on the veranda of the palace along with President-elect Prabowo Subianto. A marching band, stiff-legged troops and children in traditional Indonesian dress welcomed the first pope to visit in 35 years.

In his remarks to the Indonesian authorities, Francis compared the country’s human diversity with the archipelago’s 17,000 islands. He said each one contributes something specific to form “a magnificent mosaic, in which each tile is an irreplaceable element in creating a great original and precious work.”

And yet, Francis warned that such diversity can also become a source of conflict. It was an apparent reference to episodes of intolerance that have flared in recent years in Indonesia as well as a broader concern about conflicts raging around the world.

“This wise and delicate balance, between the multiplicity of cultures and different ideological visions, and the ideals that cement unity, must be continuously defended against imbalances,” Francis said. Political leaders, he said, had a particular role to play but he also assured Widodo of the Catholic Church’s commitment to increasing interreligious dialogue.

“This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including that of countering extremism and intolerance, which through the distortion of religion attempt to impose their views by using deception and violence.

Regionally, internal conflict in Myanmar has forced more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, where thousands have fled overcrowded, violent camps to countries including Indonesia. Francis met with at least one Rohingya refugee upon arrival Tuesday at the Vatican’s residence in a show of support for refugees to be welcomed, not rejected.

Farther afield, Indonesia has long been a strong supporter of Palestinians and the government has regularly condemned Israel’s war in Gaza. Widodo thanked Francis for the Vatican’s support of Palestinians since the start of the war.

“War will not benefit anyone, war will only bring suffering and misery to the common people,” Widodo said. “Therefore let us celebrate the differences that we have. Let us accept each other and strengthen tolerance to realize peace, to realize a better world for all humanity.”

Francis arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday to kick off the longest, farthest and most difficult trip of his pontificate given his myriad health problems. At 87, he uses a wheelchair, has regular bouts of bronchitis and has had multiple surgeries for intestinal problems.

By the trip’s end on Sept. 13, Francis will have flown 32,814 kilometers (20,390 miles) to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, one of the longest papal trips ever in terms of days on the road and distances traveled.

In Indonesia, Francis will be seeking to support the Catholic community, which only makes up 3% of the population of some 275 million, while seeking to encourage greater ties with the country that is home to the largest Muslim population.

The highlight of Francis’ first stop will be his participation Thursday in an interfaith meeting in Jakarta’s iconic Istiqlal mosque with representatives of the six religions that are officially recognized in Indonesia: Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism and Protestantism.

While Francis will want to highlight Indonesia’s tradition of religious tolerance, the country’s image as a moderate Muslim nation has been undermined by flare-ups of intolerance. In 2021, a militant Islamic couple blew themselves up outside a packed Catholic cathedral on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island during a Palm Sunday Mass, injuring at least 20 people.

As Francis arrived, Amnesty International said it hoped his visit would encourage an end to acts of intolerance and discrimination against minority groups and truly promote a respect for religious freedom that is enshrined in the country’s constitution.

In a statement, Amnesty noted that from January 2021 to July 2024, there were at least 123 cases of intolerance, including rejection, closure or destruction of places of worship and physical attacks. The perpetrators allegedly came from various backgrounds, including government officials, residents and community organizations.

“The pope’s visit has an important role to play in encouraging Indonesia to end intolerance and discrimination against all minority groups. Freedom of religion is a right protected by the Indonesian Constitution,” said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

In the afternoon, Francis meets with Indonesian clergy and nuns in Jakarta’s Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral for his traditional pep talk to the local church. Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Catholic seminary and has long been a top source of priests and nuns for the Catholic Church, though their numbers today are not keeping pace with the growth in the overall Catholic population.

Asia, along with Africa, has long been seen as the future of the Catholic Church, both in terms of the number of baptized faithful and the number of men and women who decide to become priests or nuns. In Asia, the numbers are growing whereas longtime Catholic bastions such as Europe and the Americas have been seeing a long-term contraction both in the number of Catholics and those who enter religious life.

While Indonesia can by no means compete with India or the overwhelmingly Catholic Philippines in terms of the overall number of baptized Catholics or priests, the number of men studying to become priests is continuing to grow whereas the number of seminarians in Asia overall has started to level off or even decline in the last few years.

According to Vatican statistics as of Dec. 31, 2022, the last year for which data is available, there were 5,903 Catholic priests in Indonesia for a population of 8.29 million Catholics. While the number of seminarians studying for the priesthood in Asia has declined since 2017, including in the Philippines and India, Indonesia continued to add them, with 4,024 seminarians in 2022 compared to 3,777 in 2017.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

BY By NICOLE WINFIELD and EDNA TARIGAN

Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia to begin ambitious Asia-Pacific tour

Asia

Shasi Kumar

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September 3, 2024

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Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia to begin ambitious Asia-Pacific tour

Jakarta, Indonesia (Reuters) – Dozens of excited Indonesians waved on Tuesday as a motorcade carried Pope Francis through the capital as he began the first leg of an ambitious Asia-Pacific tour expected to urge global action on climate change as part of his longest trip yet.

The 87-year-old pontiff, who will also visit East Timor, Singapore and Papua New Guinea over the next 10 days, was seated in a wheelchair as a lift disembarked him from a chartered aircraft at Jakarta airport.

Two children in traditional clothes presented a bouquet of local produce before the pope was greeted by Indonesia’s religious affairs minister, its Vatican envoy and several of its bishops on a red carpet flanked by honour guards.
Francis then drove off in a waiting car, waving and smiling. As his motorcade passed through Jakarta towards the Vatican embassy, where he is staying, small crowds of people were seen waving excitedly.

“I’m so happy, I feel so blessed,” said Enny Rahail, 52, who travelled 3,000 km (1,860 miles) to Jakarta from her home in southeast Maluku before standing for two hours in mid-day heat to wave to the pope outside the embassy.
“As Indonesians we are happy because the Catholic leader comes to our country,” said Enny, who called Francis an “advocate for peace” and said she cried as the pope arrived.
The ageing pope was not set to attend any public events on Tuesday, to allow him time for rest after the 13-hour overnight flight from Rome.

But shortly after arriving at the embassy, Francis held an informal meeting with a group of refugees living in Indonesia.
The Vatican gave few details, but said the group included persons from Somalia, Sri Lanka and members of the persecuted Rohingya minority from Myanmar.
The pontiff is set to travel nearly 33,000 km (21,000 miles)on the 12 days of the Asia-Pacific tour, before he arrives back in Rome late in the evening of Sept. 13.
At the beginning of his flight to Jakarta, Francis spent roughly half an hour individually greeting the accompanying journalists, leaning on a cane as he walked slowly around the back of the aircraft, chatting and shaking hands.

He offered only a few words about the trip, saying the coming days would represent his longest voyage abroad.

DIVINE BLESSINGS

Francis, who is not only the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics but also the Vatican’s head of state, wired customary greetings to every country he crossed on the way to Indonesia, including Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey.
He offered prayers of peace, hopes for prosperity, or divine blessings, in messages varying with each country.
An address to Indonesia’s political leaders on Wednesday will be the pope’s first official event. The following day, he will participate in an inter-religious meeting at Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, the Istiqlal Mosque.
Francis, who pushed for the 2015 Paris climate pact, is expected to continue voicing appeals to confront the dangers of a warming globe.
Jakarta, the Indonesian capital home to at least 10 million people, is vulnerable to climate change, as it tackles chronic flooding and sinking land. The government is building a new capital, Nusantara, on the island of Borneo.
Just 3% of a population of about 280 million is Catholic in Indonesia, which is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
“This is a very historic visit,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo told reporters before the pope’s arrival, offering Francis a warm welcome on a long-planned visit that had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Indonesia and the Vatican have a similar commitment to cultivate peace and brotherhood as well as ensure prosperity for the people.”
(This story has been refiled to add the dropped word ‘who’ in paragraph 5)

Reporting by Joshua McElwee and Stanley Widianto; Additional reporting by Willy Kurniawan, Ananda Teresia and Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Martin Petty and Clarence Fernandez FOR Reuters

Bangladesh floods leave 71 dead, fears of waterborne disease rise

Climate

Diplomat Times

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September 3, 2024

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Bangladesh floods leave 71 dead, fears of waterborne disease rise

Dhaka, Bangladesh (Reuters) – The death toll from floods in Bangladesh rose to 71 on Tuesday with millions of people still stranded in devastated areas and increasing concern about outbreaks of waterborne disease as the inundation recedes.
The floods, triggered by relentless monsoon rains and runoff from upstream waterways, have wreaked havoc over the past two weeks, causing widespread destruction and affecting around five million people.

More than 580,000 families are still marooned in 11 flood-hit districts, and in urgent need of food, clean water, medicine and dry clothing. Nearly 500 medical teams were helping provide treatment, with the army, air force, navy, and the border guard assisting in relief efforts.
Authorities are now focusing on preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, a common aftermath of such disasters, and ensuring the availability of clean drinking water.

The Directorate General of Health Services said nearly 5,000 people had been hospitalised over the past 24 hours for cases of diarrhoea, skin infections and snake bites.
Heavy rain in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday swamped many districts, submerging roads in knee-deep to waist-high water, causing massive traffic jams as vehicles struggled through waterlogged streets.
Crops worth 33.5 billion taka ($282 million) have been damaged, affecting more than 1.4 million farmers, according to a preliminary assessment by the agriculture ministry.

A 2015 analysis by the World Bank Institute estimated that 3.5 million people in the South Asian country were at risk of annual river flooding, which has only increased in recent years due to climate change.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said two million children are at risk from Bangladesh’s most severe flooding in three decades. UNICEF has launched an urgent appeal for $35 million to provide essential supplies to those affected.

“Year after year, the lives of millions of children in Bangladesh are being devastated by floods, heatwaves and cyclones. Climate change is clearly altering children’s lives,” said Emma Brigham, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Bangladesh.
($1 = 119.0000 taka)

Reporting by Ruma Paul; editing by Mark Heinrich : Reuters

From Small Principalities to Overlooked Nations: Why You Should Explore Europe’s Most Underrated Destination

Diplomat Times

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August 31, 2024

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From Small Principalities to Overlooked Nations: Why You Should Explore Europe’s Most Underrated Destination

TRAVEL (EURO NEWS/DT) – As a passionate traveler, you’ve probably explored Europe’s most popular destinations, such as France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

But have you considered venturing to some of the continent’s lesser-known spots?

Based on data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), we’ve compiled a list of Europe’s five least-visited countries and why they deserve a place on your travel bucket list.

In a continent famed for its grand cities and historic landmarks, Europe’s lesser-known destinations are starting to capture travelers’ imaginations. From tiny principalities to overlooked nations, these hidden gems offer unique experiences away from the tourist crowds.

Recent travel trends highlight a growing curiosity about Europe’s most underrated locales. Countries like Andorra, Liechtenstein, and San Marino, as well as lesser-visited regions of established nations, are emerging as prime spots for those seeking an authentic European experience.

Why Visit?

These destinations are often overshadowed by their more prominent neighbors but offer a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Andorra’s mountainous landscapes, Liechtenstein’s fairy-tale castles, and San Marino’s medieval charm provide a refreshing contrast to the usual European hotspots. Additionally, their small size allows for an immersive and intimate travel experience.

San Marino boasts striking architecture and stunning mountain views – but very few visitors

Tiny, landlocked San Marino is technically a microstate rather than a country, landlocked and surrounded on all sides by Italy.

As an avid traveler, you’ve likely visited Europe’s top destinations, including France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

But have you ever thought about exploring some of the continent’s hidden gems?

Using data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), we’ve put together a list of Europe’s five least-visited countries and why they should be on your travel radar.

Liechtenstein is home to fairytale landscapes – but just a handful of tourists have ever visited

Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, it’s somewhat surprising that Liechtenstein is so badly travelled.

Just 160 km squared and home to less than 40,000 people, it offers a true fairytale experience right in the heart of the Alps without the crowds.

Attracting around 69,000 tourists every year, it’s home to mediaeval castles, quaint alpine chalets and picturesque villages.

A decade ago, it was possible to rent the entire principality for a night, ‘ruling’ over it for the price of €65,000.

Sadly, that is now a thing of the past but Liechtenstein is still very much worth visiting.

In the winter, it offers uncrowded ski resorts with top notch slopes and, in the warmer months, hikers can enjoy seemingly endless hiking trails.

For culture lovers, don’t miss a trip to the capital, Vaduz.

Home to countless museums, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is one of the most popular, featuring impressive galleries packed with modern and contemporary art.

Moldova is known as an Eastern European gem – but only to a select few

Due to its location between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is facing significant challenges in developing its tourism industry, but it has plenty to offer.

Officially the least visited country – when you discount microstates and principalities – it’s also the cheapest in Europe, making it a perfect spot for budget travellers.

Note that the UK’s and other European governments advise against all travel to Transnistria, a breakaway region which is internationally recognised as part of Moldova.

Playing host to just 121,000 visitors a year, Moldova is bursting with hidden gems undiscovered by relatively few people.

If you’re the kind of traveller who prefers to visit places off the beaten track before they get too popular, it could be the place for you.

Its vineyards and wineries are increasingly gaining recognition for their high quality, making Moldova a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.

Elsewhere, it offers up a rich history, cities filled with Brutalist architecture and tasty Balkan-Slavic cuisine.

Monaco may be tiny but it attracts luxury and speed seekers alike

The principality of Monaco really is diminutive – just 1.98 km squared – but it punches far above its weight, thanks to world-class hotels, restaurants and, of course, playing host to the Grand Prix.

Despite property being limited and extremely expensive, its population of almost 37,000 inhabitants means it’s the world’s most densely populated country.

It’s a real melting pot, home to 125 different nationalities. Unlike the smallest state in the world – Vatican City – Monaco is known for its super-rich citizens as well as visitors seeking the high life.

As the sovereign microstate is so pricey and out of reach to most, it’s perhaps unsurprising that it has relatively low tourist numbers – around 328,000 a year.

It is possible to visit on a budget – if you avoid the casinos and Michelin starred eateries, that is.

Free activities include a stroll around the old town, which offers stunning views out to the Mediterranean sea and the option of taking in majestic buildings like the Prince’s Palace.

The Japanese gardens are also free to enter and are perfect for a moment of zen amongst the glamour of Monaco.

One thing not to miss? Sunbathing and swimming at the iconic Larvotto Beach – the perfect place to soak up the Riviera atmosphere.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has emerged from dark tourism and into a future hotspot

Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, Bosnia and Herzegovina gained worldwide notoriety during its tragic civil war in the 1990s.

After then, it was little visited and then often only by ‘dark tourists’.

As prices across Europe – especially in the Eurozone rise – many people are now discovering its charms.

Currently only hosting around 529,000 tourists a year, this less-developed European nation has a lot to offer.

Since neighbouring Croatia adopted the Euro in 2023, visitors put off by high prices have turned instead to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Its capital, Sarajevo, is perfect for history lovers as the location of the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand – the main event that sparked World War I. The Tunnel of Hope, used during the civil war, is a touching tribute to the country’s past.

What to Expect

Travelers can look forward to picturesque landscapes, rich local traditions, and the chance to explore historic sites often missed by the average tourist. These regions are also known for their friendly locals, who offer a warm welcome and insider tips on the best hidden treasures.

Getting There

Reaching these destinations is easier than ever, with convenient transport options linking them to major European hubs. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a quieter retreat, Europe’s underrated destinations promise a memorable adventure.

So why not step off the beaten path and discover Europe’s hidden treasures? The continent’s smallest and most overlooked nations are ready to offer an unforgettable travel experience.

Ryanair and Travel fusion partnership takes off further expanding airline’s “Approved OTA” network

Diplomat Times

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August 30, 2024

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Ryanair and Travel fusion partnership takes off further expanding airline’s “Approved OTA” network

Swords, Ireland (DT) – Ryanair, Europe’s leading low-cost airline, has announced a significant expansion of its approved Online Travel Agency (OTA) network through a new partnership with TravelFusion. This collaboration marks a key milestone in Ryanair’s ongoing efforts to enhance its digital reach and provide more booking options for travelers.

The partnership with TravelFusion, a leading provider of travel technology solutions, will integrate Ryanair’s flight inventory into TravelFusion’s comprehensive OTA network. This move aims to offer travelers greater flexibility and convenience when booking flights through a wide array of online travel platforms.

Under the new agreement, Ryanair’s full range of services, including flight options, fare details, and ancillary services, will be seamlessly accessible through TravelFusion’s network of travel agents and online platforms. This integration is expected to improve Ryanair’s visibility and accessibility across various digital channels, making it easier for travelers to find and book flights.

“We are excited to partner with TravelFusion to further expand our OTA network,” said Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness. “This collaboration will enhance our distribution capabilities, providing more options for our customers and strengthening our position as a leading airline in the digital space.”

TravelFusion’s CEO, David Williams, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Integrating Ryanair’s extensive flight network into our platform is a significant step forward for us. We look forward to delivering a seamless booking experience for travelers and helping Ryanair reach even more customers.”

The expanded network will be rolled out in phases, with the full integration expected to be completed by the end of the year. This development underscores Ryanair’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and streamline the booking process.

Ryanair’s CMO, Dara Brady said:

“We’re pleased to announce that our “Approved OTA Aggregator” partnership with Travelfusion is now live. Through this exciting new agreement, Travelfusion’s network of OTA partners will now be able to offer Ryanair flights to their customers on the condition that they provide full price transparency. This is an incredible development for OTAs who want to sell Ryanair flights without needing to plug a direct connect, with the integration of both Ryanair’s and Travelfusion’s system providing a more streamlined and efficient option that minimises resource requirements but also offers tech support should it be required.”

Jay Shah has been elected as the new Chairperson of the International Cricket Council

Sports

Diplomat Times

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August 27, 2024

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Jay Shah has been elected as the new Chairperson of the International Cricket Council

New Delhi, India (DT) — Shah, who will turn 36 next month, is set to become the youngest Chairperson in ICC history when he takes office on December 1.

Jay Shah, the current honorary secretary of the BCCI, has been elected unopposed as the Independent Chair of the ICC and will begin his term on December 1, 2024.

On August 20, it was announced that the current ICC Chair, Greg Barclay, would not seek a third term and would step down at the end of his tenure in November.

As the sole nominee for the position, Shah highlighted his commitment to broadening cricket’s global reach and popularity, particularly with its forthcoming inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics.

“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” Shah stated.

“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.”

“While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways.”

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Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra is elected Thailand’s prime minister

World

Andy Sengiah

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August 16, 2024

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Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra is elected Thailand’s prime minister

Bangkok, Thailand (AP) — Thailand’s Parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister Friday, continuing the legacy of the political dynasty that began with her father Thaksin Shinawatra, one of Thailand’s most popular but divisive political figures.

Thaksin, a former Prime Minister, was ousted by a military coup in 2006, which triggered decades of deep political divisions. Paetongtarn appears to be the beneficiary of a deal her father made with his old conservative foes, allowing the populist party led by her to take power while pushing aside the more progressive party that finished first in last year’s election.

Paetongtarn becomes Thailand’s third leader from the Shinawatra family, after her billionaire father, who returned from exile last year, and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, who lives in exile. Paetongtarn also is Thailand’s second female prime minister after her aunt, and the country’s youngest leader at 37.

As the only nominee, she was confirmed by 319 votes in favor, with 145 against and 27 abstentions. Paetongtarn is the leader of the Pheu Thai party, the latest of a string of parties linked to Thaksin. She is not an elected lawmaker as that was not required for her to be a candidate for prime minister.

She will officially become prime minister with royal assent, though the timing of that step isn’t known.

Paetongtarn, a former business executive, appeared overwhelmed as she spoke to reporters after the Parliament vote at the party’s office in Bangkok. She said she was very “honored and happy.”

“I really hope that I can make people feel confident, that we can build opportunity and quality of life,” she said. “I hope that I can do my best to make the country go forward.”

Paetongtarn’s nomination followed the removal of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Pheu Thai on Wednesday after less than a year in office. The Constitutional Court found him guilty of a serious ethical breach regarding his appointment of a Cabinet member who was jailed in connection with an alleged bribery attempt.

It was the second major ruling in a week to shake Thai politics. The same court last week dissolved the progressive Move Forward party, which won last year’s general election but was blocked from taking power. The party has already regrouped as the People’s Party.

Thaksin’s residual popularity and influence is a factor behind the political support for Paetongtarn. Her public entry into politics came in 2021 when the Pheu Thai party announced she would lead an inclusion advisory committee. She was named one of Pheu Thai’s three prime ministerial candidates ahead of the polls in 2023 and was made party chief last year.

When Paetongtarn was on the campaign trail for Pheu Thai, she acknowledged her family ties but insisted she was not just her father’s proxy.

“I am my dad’s daughter, always and forever, but I have my own decisions,” she told a reporter.

However, her work will not be easy with Thaksin continuing to call the political shots for Pheu Thai, said Petra Alderman, a political research fellow at England’s University of Birmingham.

“Thaksin was a political force to reckon with, but he was also a liability,” she said, “He has a tendency to overplay his political hand, so serving in his shadow has never been easy.”

Alderman noted that, while Paetongtarn seems to enjoy warm political and public support, that is not the only factor that will determine the course of her premiership.

“Who gets to govern in Thailand and for how long are questions that are often answered by unelected and unaccountable watchdog institutions, (such as) the Election Commission of Thailand and the Constitutional Court, or military coups,” she said.

Pheu Thai and its predecessors linked to Thaksin have won all national elections since 2001, with core populist policies pledging to solve economic problems and bridge income equality, until it lost to the reformist Move Forward in 2023. It was given a chance to form a government, however, after Move Forward was blocked from taking power by the previous Senate, a military-appointed body.

Move Forward was excluded from the coalition by Pheu Thai, which went on to join with parties affiliated with the military government that previously ousted it in a coup.

Thaksin returned to Thailand last year after years in exile on the same day that Srettha was approved by both lower and upper houses, in what was interpreted as part of a political bargain between Pheu Thai and their longstanding rivals in the conservative establishment to stop Move Forward from forming a government.

Senators were given special power to veto a prime ministerial candidate by the constitution adopted in 2017 under a military government. However, new members of the Senate, selected in a convoluted process last month, do not retain the veto. It means that a candidate needs just a majority from the lower house.

The coalition of Pheu Thai and its old conservative rivals under the leadership of Paetongtarn could strengthen their unity because Paetongtarn possesses something that Srettha does not — a direct line to her powerful father who has the final say — said Napon Jatusripitak, a political science researcher at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

“In a strange way, it creates a clear chain of command and curbs factionalism,” he said. “Paetongtarn will be given clear jurisdiction on where she can exercise her own agency and where it is a matter between her father and the coalition members.”

Associated Press writer Napat Kongsawad contributed to this report, By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI FOR AP

No Golds for India: Why the World’s Most Populous Country Falls Short at the Olympics

Sports

Diplomat Times

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August 14, 2024

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No Golds for India: Why the World’s Most Populous Country Falls Short at the Olympics

New Delhi, India (CNN/DT) — The competition was intense until the final shot. At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, India’s Abhinav Bindra was neck and neck with his closest rival going into the last round of the men’s 10-meter air rifle.

With a nearly perfect shot, Bindra clinched India’s first-ever individual Olympic gold, marking a historic moment that many hoped would signal a turning point for the country after decades of underperformance at the Games.

Yet, 16 years and four Summer Games later, with only one additional gold medal to show, those aspirations have largely fallen short.

India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, is the world’s most populous country, as recognized by the United Nations. In 2022, it surpassed Britain to become the world’s fifth largest economy and, last year, joined the ranks of just four countries to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon. Led by a prominent prime minister with significant global influence, India has made notable strides in many areas.

However, when it comes to the Olympics, India continues to underperform relative to its size and achievements.

India won just six medals in Paris, falling short of its record haul of seven at Tokyo in 2021.

The United States, with less than a quarter of India’s population, topped the charts with 126 medals followed by China with 91.

India ranked 71st in the medal table, below nations with much smaller populations including Georgia, Kazakhstan and North Korea.

India has now won just 41 Olympic medals in total since its debut in 1900, all at the Summer Games.

“There is no doubt that India has been an underperformer in the Olympics and generally in global sports,” said Ronojoy Sen, author of “Nation at Play: A History of Sport in India.”

“If you look at the population to medal ratio it is probably the worst.”

Among the bright spots for India in Paris, javelin ace Neeraj Chopra added silver to the gold he won at Tokyo 2020, and shooter Manu Bhaker clinched double bronze to become the first Indian woman to win two medals at the same Games.

Vinesh Phogat, known for her high-profile role in anti-sexual harassment protests, became the first Indian woman to qualify for a wrestling final in the women’s 50kg freestyle – only to be disqualified for failing to make her weight class. On Wednesday, her appeal for a silver medal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

CNN reached out to the Indian Olympic Association for comment on the team’s performance in Paris.

Major Hurdles

India’s history of unrealized Olympic potential can be attributed to several factors, with a significant issue being the underinvestment in sports.

According to experts, New Delhi has never invested heavily in a national training program comparable to those of traditional Olympic powerhouses, which view gold medals as a symbol of national strength, as noted by Sen.

“For countries like the USA, China, and the former Soviet Union, sports were integral to their early national narratives and a means of gaining global recognition and glory,” he explained.

The most successful Olympic nations also excel in identifying and nurturing talent from a young age. For example, in China, training starts as early as when children can walk, Sen added.

Indian athletes frequently encounter obstacles such as insufficient funding and limited access to facilities, analysts point out.

“When people highlight that India, with its 1.4 billion people, has only (six) medals, it’s a misleading narrative,” said Boria Majumdar, sports analyst and author of “Dreams of a Billion: India and the Olympic Games.” “The reality is that 1.39 billion people lack access to adequate sports facilities.”

India sends far fewer athletes and support staff to the Olympics than top teams like the US, Majumdar said. For example, 117 Indian competitors went to Paris, compared with nearly 600 Americans.

India also faces broader health challenges that impede development and curtail sporting potential from childhood, experts say.

India ranked 111th of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index report. At 18.7%, it has the world’s highest child wasting rate – the number of children who are too thin for their height – reflecting acute undernutrition. More than one third of children under age 5 in India are stunted due to malnutrition, meaning they are too short for their age, according to the report.

“Until we address some of these basic concerns around nutrition, it will be very hard for us to achieve greater excellence at the highest level of sport where victories are counted in milliseconds,” Sen said.

Another challenge to Olympic progress is the additional barriers faced by women athletes in India, in what remains a deeply patriarchal nation.

“Right from childhood, when I started wrestling, people would tease me saying that ‘she’s a girl what can she do, why is she entering a male sport?’” said Sakshi Malik, an Indian wrestler who won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Malik quit wrestling last year amid controversy over sexual harassment allegations against India’s wrestling chief, which saw Malik, Phogat and other wrestlers sleeping on the streets of Delhi for weeks demanding action.

“I gave up my sport which I love beyond all else for this fight because I bear that responsibility of protecting the younger athletes who come after me,” Malik said. “Things have to change.”

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