होम ब्लॉग पेज 158

The Fifth annual Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue to Begin in Doha today

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The Fifth annual Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue to Begin in Doha today.

Diplomat Times (Qatar) -The fifth annual strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and the United States of America will kick off today in Doha and will be chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency U.S. Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken.

The Qatar-U.S. Strategic Dialogue addresses several issues of mutual interest, including regional stability, defense cooperation, public health, counterterrorism, combating human trafficking, human rights, climate change, energy efficiency, humanitarian assistance, strategic investments, economic cooperation, and cultural and educational exchanges.

In that context, Dr. Majid bin Mohammed al-Ansari, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that Strategic Dialogues are a milestone in the relations between our countries and reflect the well-established and advanced level of our partnership in all fields. He also noted that the celebration of the two partners of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the classification of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally of the United States, and the continuous close cooperation between the two countries in bilateral, regional and international fields all serve as evidence of a shared commitment to enhance those relations.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. al-Ansari mentioned that these dialogues also demonstrate the concept of joint coordination on regional and global issues, and enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of health, humanitarian assistance, international development, human rights, regional cooperation and climate change, as well as trade, investment, culture and education. He also expressed his full confidence that the outcomes of the fifth session of the Strategic Dialogue will contribute to reinforcing long-term cooperation, including continuous coordination to bring peace and stability to the region.

Dr. al-Ansari also noted the coincidence of the strategic dialogue with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, praising the close cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States to ensure a safe and successful tournament. He added that the two sides recently have had in-depth discussions on cybersecurity, law enforcement training, public relations, and human rights.

Dr. al-Ansari also stressed that the State of Qatar and the United States share a common interest in combating human trafficking and promoting labor rights, pointing to the U.S. Department of State’s recognition of Assistant Undersecretary of Labor Mr. Mohammed al-Obaidly as a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Hero as evidence of the progress made by the State of Qatar on this issue.

Dr. al-Ansari also complimented the strong security partnership between the two countries, including cooperation in law enforcement, aviation, border security, countering violent extremism, countering terrorism, and countering financing of terrorism. He reaffirmed the commitment of the State of Qatar to provide $75 million over five years and implement efforts to support the work of the United Nations Office on countering terrorism.

Dr. al-Ansari also indicated that relations between the State of Qatar and the United States have been established through various institutions throughout different periods of time, stressing that the distinguished partnership shown by the two countries in dealing with the Afghanistan issue, especially on relocation efforts, clearly reflects the high level of these well-established relations.

Dr. al-Ansari also said that the State of Qatar operates in an environment of international, bilateral, and multilateral alliances, and considers the United States its strongest ally and its most important partner in many fields. He expressed his confidence that the close strategic cooperation will continue between the two countries on various issues.

Source : Qatar News Agency

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will represent India at inauguration of FIFA World Cup 2022

Diplomat Times (New Delhi) – Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will represent India at inauguration of FIFA World Cup in Qatar on November 20: Ministry of External Affairs.

At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the Hon’ble Vice President of India will pay an official visit to Qatar on 20-21 November and represent India at the inauguration of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

India and Qatar enjoy close and friendly relations with multifaceted partnership extending to areas of trade, energy, security, defense, health, culture, education, among others. In the last financial year, bilateral trade crossed US $15 billion. Qatar plays an important partner in India’s energy security and India participates in Qatar’s food security. Next year, both countries would be celebrating 50 years of establishment of full diplomatic relations.

People to people ties form an important element of bilateral relationship with over 840,000 Indians in Qatar. During his visit, besides attending the inaugural ceremony on 20 November, Hon’ ble Vice President will also interact with the members of the Indian community.

Hon’ble Vice President’s visit would be an opportunity to join a close and friendly country Qatar as it hosts a major sporting event and also to acknowledge the role played and support extended by Indians in this World Cup.

Daniele orsato to take charge of FIFA World Cup 2022 Opening Match

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Italian chosen to officiate Qatar v Ecuador in FIFA World Cup Opening Match.

Diplomat Times (Qatar) – Daniele Orsato of Italy will referee the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 between the hosts and Ecuador on Sunday 20 November.

The 46-year-old became a FIFA official in 2010 and worked as a video assistant referee (VAR) at Russia 2018. He took charge of the 2020 UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in Lisbon.

Qatar and Ecuador meet in Doha’s Al Bayt Stadium at 19:00 local time. The home team are the only debutants among the 32 nations at the 2022 World Cup, while Ecuador are participating in the tournament for the fourth time.

The teams are in Group A with Senegal and the Netherlands.
Orsato is the only Italian referee at this World Cup and has been chosen to oversee the first match of the competition.

Qatar and Ecuador are in Group A with Senegal and the Netherlands.

Who is Daniele Orsato ?

Born 23 November 1975 (age 46)
Live in Montecchio Maggiore, Vicenza, Veneto, Italy.

Orsato became a FIFA referee in 2010. He has served as a referee in qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2012. Orsato refereed group stage matches in the 2012–13, 2013–14, and 2014–15 UEFA Champions League competitions.

In 2016, Orsato refereed the round of 16 match between PSV Eindhoven and Atlético Madrid in the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Countdown start, teams start arriving

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Diplomat Times (Qatar) – FIFA World Cup 2022 countdown start : There are 2 days left for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and people all over the world have started talking about it.

This time, Qatar has been hosted FIFA World Cup, a small country in the Middle East, Qatar may be small in terms of area and then in terms of population, but the people of Qatar have a very big heart, Qatar is also known for its skyscrapers.

Qatar is a country where the infrastructure changes at a very fast pace.

There are many such stadiums in Qatar which have been completed this year, one of which (Lusail Stadium) was inaugurated on 9 September 2022. The Lusail Stadium, owned by the Qatar Football Association, is the largest stadium in Qatar. There is a seating arrangement for 80000 spectators.

Let’s talk about the opening match of the World Cup:

The first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will begin on Sunday, 20 November.

Host nation Qatar will play with Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
The match will take place at 7pm local time (11am ET/4pm GMT) following a change in the FIFA World Cup schedule.

Where is Al Khor?

Al Khor is 35 kilometers north of Doha, the capital of Qatar.

How many teams are participating in FIFA World Cup this time ?

Let us tell all of you that this time 32 teams are participating in this world cup of football. List is given below :

1. Argentina(ARG) 2. Australia(AUS) 3. Belgium(BEL) 4. Brazil(BRA)  5. Cameroon(CMR)
6. Canada(CAN)  7. Costa Rica(CRC)  8. Croatia(CRO)  9. Denmark(DEN)                      10.  Ecuador(ECU)  11. England(ENG)  12. France(FRA)  13. Germany(GER)                    14. Ghana(GHA)  15. Iran(IRN)  16. Japan(JPN)  17. Korea Republic
(KOR)  18. Mexico(MEX)  19. Morocco(MAR)  20. Netherlands(NED)  21. Poland(POL)     22. Portugal(POR)  23. Qatar(QAT)  24. Saudi Arabia(KSA)  25. Senegal(SEN)  26. Serbia
(SRB)  27. Spain(ESP)  28. Switzerland(SUI)  29. Tunisia(TUN)  30. United States(USA)  31. Uruguay(URU)  32. Wales(WAL)

 

Report By : Ramzan Ali, Qatar | Editing By : Shasi Kumar 

India delivers National Statement at COP 27: Sharm El-Sheikh

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India delivers National Statement at COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh, Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav delivered India’s Statement.

Diplomat Times (Sharm El-Sheikh) – India delivers National Statement at COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh, Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav delivered India’s Statement.

“Excellencies,

Let me first express our gratitude to our hosts and the Presidency of COP27, the Arab Republic of Egypt for their tremendous efforts and gracious hospitality.

A year ago, at Glasgow, we responded to the call of science and came forward with important pledges and commitments.

This year at Sharm-el-Sheikh is our moment of action, and the Presidency of Egypt has rightfully designated this as the COP of implementation.

Excellencies

Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, announced India’s aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2070 at Glasgow. Within one year, India has submitted its Long-Term Low Emissions Growth Strategy indicating low carbon transition pathways in key economic sectors.

Responding to the call for increased ambition in our 2030 climate targets, India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions in August 2022. We have embarked on far-reaching new initiatives in renewable energy, e-mobility, ethanol blended fuels, and green hydrogen as an alternate energy source.

We also seek to foster strong international cooperation through action and solutions-oriented coalitions like International Solar Alliance and Coalition of Disaster Resilience Infrastructure, both of which were launched and nurtured by India.

This is a testimony to our ethos of collective action for global good.

India, home to 1.3 billion people, is undertaking this arduous effort, despite the reality that our contribution to the world’s cumulative emissions so far is less than 4 per cent and our annual per capita emissions are about one-third of the global average.

At the heart of India’s vision of a safe planet is a one-word Mantra – Lifestyle for Environment, that Prime Minister Modi set forth in our National Statement at COP26. Mission LiFE was launched by Prime Minister Modi in the presence of the UN Secretary General His Excellency Antonio Guterres, on 20th October 2022.

The world urgently needs a paradigm shift from mindless and destructive consumption to mindful and deliberate utilization. We are trustees of this planet earth. We must nurture it through sustainable lifestyles that optimize resource use and minimize waste.

As the world’s most populous democracy and a vibrant emerging economy, India seeks to lead by example, and invites the global community to be a part of Mission LiFE for individual, family and community-based actions.

Excellencies

India is assuming the Presidency of the G20 in 2023 with the motto of ‘One earth, One family, One future’. Our journey towards a planet safe for humanity, is one that no nation can undertake alone. This is a collective journey to be undertaken with equity and climate justice as our guiding principles.

We hope that the fight against climate change will unite the world as one family.”

Source : PIB

Bilateral Discussions between the Prime Minister of Thailand and the President of the French

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Bilateral Discussions between the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand and the President of the French Republic during the visit to Thailand.

Diplomat Times (Bangkok) – H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic visited Thailand during 16 – 18 November 2022 to attend the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) as Guest of the Chair. On 17 November 2022, during 11.30 – 13.20 hrs., President Macron held bilateral discussions with H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, at Ivory room followed by a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister in honour of President Macron and his delegation at Purple Room, the Government House.

Both Leaders reiterated their close partnership in the region and highlighted France’s role as ASEAN Development Partner and Thailand’ chairmanship of APEC 2022 under the theme “Open. Connect. Balance.” particularly Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model. Thailand recognized French constructive role in the European Union, G7 and G20, which contributed to an atmosphere of stability and security in the Indo – Pacific region.

Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations by taking immediate steps on priorities under the Roadmap for Thai – French Relations 2022 – 2024, with a view to establishing the Strategic Partnership between Thailand and France by 2024 in order to achieve sustainable economy, low-carbon society and transition technology.

The Prime Minister of Thailand encouraged France, which is 3rd trading partner and 9th investment partner of Thailand in the EU, to increase more trade volume and enhance more investment in target industries especially in Electric Vehicles (EVs), smart electronics, digital and BCG in the EEC. Thailand proposed France to support the import of Thailand’s eco-friendly goods in EU and France and to invest more in green industries, particularly EVs where Thailand sets the target to 30% of EV productions in Thailand by 2030. Thailand asked the French side to support the resumption of the Thai – EU FTA negotiations in the earliest stage which will help over 280 French companies in Thailand and Thai companies in France.

On political and security pillar, both sides expressed readiness to concretise 2 + 2 dialogue (Ministry of Foreign Affairs + Ministry of Defence), to support cooperation in the defence industry cooperation and to the signing of the visa exemption agreement for holders of official passports between Thailand and France at the earliest stage to facilitate the exchanges of high-level visits.

On people-to-people relations, both sides reiterated the importance of safe travel in support of Thailand as the centre of the transport in the region as well as professional training and education for Thai personnel in accordance with the French business expansion in Thailand. Both sides looked forward to next year marking Thai – French Year of Innovation (YoI) 2023.

Bilateral Discussions between the Prime Minister of Thailand and the President of the French
both sides discussing on the Bilateral Discussions . Photo MFA Thailand

Both sides deliberated on urgent global issues i.e. climate change, biodiversity, pandemic management, as well as stressed readiness to be partners with the international community to find peaceful solutions in situations of conflict, such as in Ukraine and Myanmar, through dialogue in order to reduce the impacts on food and energy security and to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.

Following the meeting, both sides issued the Joint Press Statement on the Bilateral Discussions. The Prime Minister took this opportunity to hand over to the French President the Declaration of Intent (DoI) in support of the PREZODE (PREventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence) which was France’s Initiative, in order to create a network of researchers and professionals in zoonotic disease.

During the President’s visit to Thailand as Guest of the Chair, President Macron is scheduled to attend a number of APEC programmes and activities. In the evening of 17 November 2022, he will attend the Gala Dinner at the Royal Thai Navy Hall and on 18 November 2022, President Macron will deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit on “Navigating a Turbulent World” at the Athenee Hotel as well as participate in the APEC Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests and Royal Audience at Chakri Throne Hall.

Source : Ministry of Foreign affairs, Thailand

 

Japan-Papua New Guinea Foreign Ministers Meeting in Thailand

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Japan-Papua New Guinea Foreign Ministers Meeting in Thailand

Diplomat Times (Bangkok) -Japan-Papua New Guinea Foreign Ministers Meeting in Thailand, At APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Bangkok, Thailand to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting, held a meeting with Hon. Justin W. TKATCHENKO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Minister Hayashi stated that he condemned the fierce attacks by Russia on the cities in Ukraine including Kiev.

In this context, Minister Hayashi stated that he was very concerned about the information he received on the explosion in Poland, and he was paying close attention to the ongoing investigation. Minister Hayashi also stated that the situation in Ukraine concerns the foundation of the international order, and so he would like to closely cooperate with Minister Tkatchenko. Minister Tkatchenko stated that he shared exactly the same perception as Minister Hayashi.

Minister Hayashi stated that Papua New Guinea is a center pillar of stability and prosperity of the Pacific Islands region, and also an important partner to Japan tied with a strong bond through trade of natural resources and so forth. Minister Hayashi also stated that he looked forward to working with Minister Tkatchenko for further development of the amicable bilateral relations and realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s efforts relevant to Papua New Guinea based on the needs of the Pacific Island countries under the Pacific Bond Policy after last year’s PALM9 (The 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting ), and Minister Tkatchenko expressed appreciation for Japan’s efforts. The two ministers also discussed the situation in the Pacific Island countries, and concurred the importance of maintaining the unity of the Pacific Island countries.

The two ministers affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abduction issue.

Both ministers shared the view that the international community must oppose in unity against unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas and economic coercion.

Discussing between both countries diplomats. Photo: Japan MFA Facebook

Both leaders concurred that it is essential to strengthen the functions of the United Nations including the Security Council reform in order to restore the UN’s credibility, and that they would work together on this front.

Pune Airport Gets Ultra Fast 5G Connectivity

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Pune Airport Gets Ultra Fast 5G Connectivity

Pune – Bharti Airtel announced the deployment of its 5G services at Pune Lohegaon Airport, making it the first airport in the Maharashtra to have ultrafast 5G services.

Airtel recently announced the launch of 5G services at the new airport Terminal at Bengaluru.

Airtel 5G Plus service is now live in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Siliguri, Nagpur, Varanasi, Panipat and Gurugram, the company said in a statement.

“Customers in these cities have started enjoying Airtel 5G Plus services in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the roll out,” the company said.

Commenting on the launch, George Mathen, CEO, Maharashtra and Goa, Bharti Airtel said, “I am thrilled to announce the beginning of a new chapter in Maharashtra as Pune International Airport, becomes the first airport in the state to have the Airtel 5G Plus services”.

“While at the terminal, customers can now access superfast access to High Definition video streaming, gaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and more. I thank the authorities for all the support extended to make this project live,” Mathen added.

Airtel recently announced the advent of 5G at the swanky new airport Terminal at Bengaluru.

The RBI and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan signed agreement of 200 USD

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The RBI and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan signed agreement of 200 USD

New Delhi – The Reserve Bank of India and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) signed an agreement to enable the RMA to avail of an additional currency swap amount of up to USD 200 million equivalent in INR from the RBI.

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) today signed an Agreement to extend the validity period of the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement signed on January 31, 2020 and to provide additional swap support to Bhutan. This agreement will enable the RMA to avail of an additional swap amount of up to USO 200 million equivalent in INR (approximately INR 1657 crore or BTN 16.57 billion) from the RBI. This support of USO 200 million INR equivalent is in addition to the extant currency swap support of USD 200 million INR equivalent extended by the RBI. This agreement was facilitated by the Government of India at the request of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

2. The agreement will be valid till June 30, 2023. In the past, the RBI and the RMA have signed bilateral currency swap agreements in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2020. Under the SAARC Currency Swap Arrangement, the RBI offers an aggregate amount of USO 2 billion both in foreign currency (USO and Euro) and in INR to the requesting countries.

3. The swap agreement between the RBI and the RMA is intended to provide a backstop line of funding for RMA for short-term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or to meet any balance of payments and liquidity crises. The INR swap arrangements have benefited Bhutan in managing the INR liquidity. This facility has also helped to promote trade and investment between the two countries.

4. Additionally, India is currently providing two Standby Credit Facilities (SCF) to Bhutan, of INR 300 crore (BTN 3 billion) and INR 400 crore (BTN 4 billion), whose settlement period was recently extended by another 60 months with a reduced interest rate of 2.5°/o with effect from 01 July 2022. The SCFs also serve to promote bilateral trade by facilitating payments within India and meeting INR requirements in Bhutan.

5. India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and close cooperation based on trust and mutual understanding across all sectors, including financial cooperation as brought out above.

India takes charge of G20 2023: Bali Summit Ends, PM come with G20 Presidency

India takes charge of G20 2023: Bali Summit Ends, Indonesian President Joko Widodo symbolically handed over the G20 Presidency to PM Narendra Modi.

PTI (Bali) – Indonesia on Wednesday handed over the G20 presidency to India for the coming year as the Bali summit of the grouping ended here with the member states finalizing the joint declaration.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo handed over the G20 presidency to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said taking over the Presidency of the grouping is a matter of pride for every citizen in India.

‘Together with every countries’ efforts, we can make the G20 summit a catalyst for global welfare,” Modi said.

The handing over ceremony comes at the conclusion of the two-day G20 summit which ended with the member states finalizing the joint declaration.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that India has contributed ‘constructively’ to drafting of G20 ‘outcome document’.

The G20 comprises 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA and the European Union (EU).

Together, they account for over 80 per cent of the global GDP, 75 per cent of international trade and two-thirds of the world population.

 

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without any modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)