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Kazakh President Meets Chevron CEO to Discuss Expanding Energy Cooperation

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Kazakh President Meets Chevron CEO to Discuss Expanding Energy Cooperation

Astana, Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met on Monday with Chevron Chairman and CEO Michael Wirth to discuss the implementation of major investment projects in Kazakhstan’s energy sector, according to an official statement from the president’s office.

During the meeting, President Tokayev acknowledged Chevron’s vital role in the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s energy industry and congratulated Wirth on the successful completion of the Tengiz field expansion project.

“Particular attention was paid to the further implementation of major investment projects, including those related to gas production and petrochemical development,” the presidential press service reported.

Tokayev also emphasized the need to boost the involvement of domestic companies in the oil and gas sector and reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to deepening its long-standing partnership with Chevron.

Michael Wirth, in turn, reaffirmed the company’s strong relationship with Kazakhstan, describing the country as a strategic partner. He highlighted that the Tengizchevroil joint venture, which has operated in Kazakhstan since 1993, has made substantial contributions to the national economy over the past three decades.

The meeting underscores Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and solidify its role as a key energy player in Central Asia.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Deadly Russian Missile Attack on Sumy Claims Dozens of Lives on Palm Sunday

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Deadly Russian Missile Attack on Sumy Claims Dozens of Lives on Palm Sunday

Kyiv, Ukraine — More than 30 people were killed and over 80 injured when Russian ballistic missiles struck the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday, marking one of the deadliest attacks in recent weeks.

“As of now, 31 people are known to have been killed in Sumy by the Russian ballistic missile strike. Among those killed were two children,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X.

RELATED NEWS : Ukraine claims that over 150 Chinese fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

Expressing condolences to the families, Zelenskyy said at least 84 people have been wounded, including 10 children.

The president condemned the attack, urging the world not to stay silent or indifferent.

“Russian strikes deserve nothing but condemnation. There must be pressure on Russia to end the war and guarantee security for people. Without truly strong pressure, without sufficient support for Ukraine, Russia will continue dragging this war out.”

Zelenskyy recalled how Putin has been ignoring the US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire initiated by President Donald Trump.

“Unfortunately, Moscow remains convinced it can continue killing with impunity. Action must be taken to put an end to this,” said Ukrainian officials, urging the international community to respond to the latest deadly assault.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that the casualties from the Russian missile strike occurred in residential areas. “People were injured in the street, inside vehicles, on public transport, and within their own homes,” he stated.

According to Volodymyr Artiukh, head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, the city center was struck by two ballistic missiles, launched by Russian forces.

Emergency crews and forensic teams remained at the site, conducting rescue operations and gathering evidence. Authorities described the attack as “a brutal war crime committed by the Russian Federation against civilians.”

“On this bright Palm Sunday, our community suffered a terrible tragedy. The enemy launched a missile attack on civilians,” Sumy’s acting mayor, Artem Kobzar, wrote on Telegram.

Palm Sunday is widely observed in Ukraine, with many residents attending church services.

Moscow intensifies offensive The attack comes amid a renewed Russian spring offensive targeting Ukraine’s northeastern regions, including Sumy and neighboring Kharkiv.

Sumy shares a border with Russia’s Kursk province, where Ukrainian forces advanced in August 2024.

On Apr. 9, Ukraine’s military chief, Oleksandr Sirski, said Russia had intensified operations in the area.

According to Zelenskyy, more than 67,000 Russian troops are now positioned in the Kursk direction, signaling a full-scale buildup for an attack on Sumy.

The escalation comes as the United States attempts to broker a ceasefire between the two sides. While Kyiv accepted a proposed 30-day truce a month ago, Moscow has refused, and partial agreements on maritime and energy ceasefires have so far failed to hold.

The deadly strike in Sumy occurred just a day after President Trump struck an optimistic tone on the conflict.

“I think Ukraine-Russia might be going OK, and you are going to be finding out pretty soon,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

“There’s a point at which you just have to either put up or shut up, and we will see what happens, but I think it’s going fine.”

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Brice Oligui Nguema Wins Gabon Presidential Election by Landslide

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Brice Oligui Nguema Wins Gabon Presidential Election by Landslide

Libreville, Gabon – Brigadier General Brice Oligui Nguema, the interim president and leader of Gabon’s military junta, has won the country’s presidential election with an overwhelming majority, according to provisional results released Sunday by the Interior Ministry.

Interior Minister Hermann Immongault announced at a press conference in Libreville that Nguema secured 90.35% of the vote. His closest challenger, former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, garnered just 3.02%, while the remaining six candidates failed to surpass 1% of the vote.

These preliminary results must still be confirmed by the Constitutional Court, which will also be responsible for adjudicating any electoral appeals in the coming days.

“Now we have to turn the page on the presidential elections. Tomorrow is a working day, and we must go back to work to build Gabon,” Nguema said at his campaign headquarters in the capital, surrounded by jubilant supporters, as reported by EFE.

More than 920,000 registered voters—out of a population of approximately 2.5 million—cast their ballots at around 3,000 polling stations across Gabon’s nine provinces and in embassies and consulates in nearly 30 countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Election day proceeded peacefully and was marked by long lines of voters eager to choose their next leader. According to the Interior Ministry, voter turnout reached 70.04%, a significant increase from the 56.65% recorded during the contentious presidential election of August 2023.

That election had sparked political upheaval: shortly after the authorities declared Ali Bongo the winner, the military intervened, deposing the president. Bongo had first taken office in 2009 following the death of his father, Omar Bongo, who had ruled the country since 1967.

Both the opposition and the military condemned the 2023 vote as lacking transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.

Saturday’s election marks a critical milestone in Gabon’s path toward democratic transition. The military-led ouster of the Bongo dynasty brought an end to more than five decades of family rule in one of Africa’s major oil-producing nations.

Of the five West and Central African countries that have experienced military coups since 2020—namely Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Gabon—Gabon is the only one on the brink of restoring civilian governance. It also remains one of the few to maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties with its former colonial power, France.

The country is expected to hold legislative and local elections in the coming months, further solidifying its transition to democratic rule.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Multiple Fatalities After Helicopter Crashes into New York’s Hudson River

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Multiple Fatalities After Helicopter Crashes into New York’s Hudson River

New York, USA — Several people were killed Thursday when a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Manhattan, according to local authorities.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, sending plumes of smoke into the air and debris into the water. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter struggling in midair before plummeting into the river.

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Rescue operations were immediately launched by the NYPD, FDNY, and Coast Guard, who recovered several victims from the wreckage. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities, but described the crash as a “mass casualty incident.”

Emergency responders on the scene of a deadly helicopter crash near Jersey City on April 10, 2025. Photo : CBS News New York

The helicopter was reportedly a private charter flight. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are on site and working to determine the cause of the crash.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams offered condolences to the victims’ families and praised the swift response by emergency services. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he said in a press briefing.

The Hudson River has been the site of several aviation incidents in recent years, including the famed “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009. This latest crash raises fresh questions about air traffic safety over the city’s waterways.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those on board, and to all six individuals who were in the helicopter,” said Mayor Eric Adams.

German industrial giant Siemens confirmed in a statement Friday that executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, and their three children were among the victims. According to CBS New York, the children were 4, 5, and 11 years old.

The Fatal Flight

The helicopter involved in the crash was a Bell 206, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It was operated by New York Helicopters, a tour company, said Deputy Mayor Tiffany Tisch. The flight departed from Lower Manhattan around 3 p.m., Mayor Eric Adams confirmed.

A source close to the investigation revealed that the aircraft was owned by Meridian Helicopters, a Louisiana-based company specializing in the sale, leasing, and refurbishment of helicopters.

After takeoff, the helicopter reportedly flew over Governor’s Island, circled near the Statue of Liberty, and traveled north along Manhattan’s West Side. It turned around shortly after passing the George Washington Bridge, then flew south along the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, before crashing near Jersey City.

SOURCE : CBS NEWS/EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

U.S. and Russia Conduct Second Prisoner Exchange Under Trump Administration

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U.S. and Russia Conduct Second Prisoner Exchange Under Trump Administration

Abu Dhabi, UAE — In a rare display of cooperation, the United States and Russia carried out a prisoner swap on Thursday — the second since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January — as both nations signal a renewed effort to rebuild strained diplomatic ties.

Russia released U.S.-Russian dual citizen Ksenia Karelina, a former ballet dancer and spa worker from Los Angeles, who had been imprisoned since early 2024 on treason charges for allegedly donating to a Ukrainian charity. In exchange, the United States released Arthur Petrov, a Russian-German citizen accused of violating U.S. export controls by allegedly shipping sensitive electronics to Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Karelina’s release, stating on social media, “American Ksenia Karelina is on a plane back home to the United States. She was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year. President Trump will continue to work for the release of ALL Americans.”

The prisoner exchange reportedly took place in Abu Dhabi, where CIA Director John Ratcliffe and a senior Russian intelligence official were personally present for the handover, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. A CIA spokesperson said the swap underscored “the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with Russia, even amidst significant tensions.”

Karelina’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, confirmed that she had departed Abu Dhabi and was en route to the U.S. following her release. The 33-year-old had been sentenced to 12 years in a Russian penal colony for contributing roughly $50 to a U.S.-based pro-Ukraine charity — a donation Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) alleged was used to support Ukraine’s military. Karelina denied the charges, and supporters labeled her detention politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Petrov had faced up to 20 years in prison in the U.S. after being arrested in Cyprus in 2023 at Washington’s request. He was accused of exporting restricted microelectronic components to Russia in violation of sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine.

President Donald Trump, accompanied by Marc Fogel, speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

This latest exchange follows a February deal in which U.S. citizen Kalob Wayne Byers, arrested in Moscow for carrying cannabis edibles, was released after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another earlier exchange saw American teacher Marc Fogel swapped for Russian cyber specialist Alexander Vinnik, wanted for cybercrime and money laundering.

The most significant prisoner exchange between the two nations since the Cold War occurred on August 1, 2024, when journalists — including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich — and political detainees were traded for alleged Russian spies held in Western countries.

While Moscow has yet to officially confirm Thursday’s swap, the move comes as Washington and Moscow engage in ongoing backchannel talks. A new round of negotiations opened in Istanbul this week, focusing on partially restoring embassy operations that were reduced following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Despite continued disagreements over the war, the Trump and Putin administrations have signaled growing interest in reviving bilateral cooperation. However, several American citizens remain imprisoned in Russia, and U.S. officials continue to accuse Moscow of using them as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians detained in the West.

“This is a step forward,” said a senior U.S. official involved in the talks, “but we remain vigilant and committed to bringing every American unjustly detained abroad back home.”

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Turkey and Israel Engage in Talks to Prevent Unintended Clashes in Syria

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Turkey and Israel Engage in Talks to Prevent Unintended Clashes in Syria

Istanbul, Turkey — Turkey and Israel have initiated technical-level discussions to prevent unintended military clashes in Syria, Turkish officials confirmed Thursday, marking a rare moment of dialogue between the two nations amid heightened regional tensions.

The first round of talks took place Wednesday in Azerbaijan, where defense representatives from both countries discussed the creation of a de-escalation mechanism aimed at avoiding “undesirable incidents” involving their forces operating in Syrian territory.

RELATED NEWS : Turks protest as opposition remains defiant over Istanbul mayor’s detention

“A mechanism to avoid conflict is being developed,” a Turkish Defense Ministry official said on condition of anonymity, in line with ministry policy. “Work will continue to establish a conflict-free zone and communication framework.”

Tensions have been mounting in Syria since the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad late last year, with Turkey and Israel pursuing divergent strategic interests in the country’s post-conflict landscape. Ankara has thrown its support behind Syria’s new Islamist-led government—formed by former rebels it supported during the 13-year civil war—while Israel has expressed deep concern over the rise of what it perceives as a hostile regime on its northern border.

Israel has established a buffer zone inside Syria as a security measure and reportedly carried out airstrikes on a Syrian airbase that Turkey is believed to be eyeing for joint operations with the new Syrian government. Turkish officials said discussions are underway to possibly use the base for Turkish-Syrian counterterrorism training missions targeting Islamic State remnants.

“These activities are conducted in accordance with international law and are not intended to target third parties,” the Turkish official said.

Israel, however, remains wary. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned earlier this week that any Turkish military base inside Syria would pose a “danger to Israel,” reinforcing concerns in Tel Aviv over growing Turkish influence in the region.

Despite these tensions, Turkey insists it has no interest in stoking conflict. “Turkey has no intention of engaging in hostilities in Syria — not with Israel or with any other regional actor,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Wednesday. “However, we cannot stand by if developments in Syria threaten our national security.”

Bilateral ties between Israel and Turkey, once close allies, have been strained for years and have further deteriorated over the war in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military operations there, drawing harsh responses from Israeli officials.

Amid these diplomatic strains, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump this week in addressing the perceived threat posed by Turkey. Instead, Trump praised Erdoğan’s leadership in Syria, proposed himself as a mediator between Ankara and Tel Aviv, and urged Netanyahu to be “reasonable” in dealing with Turkey.

As regional power dynamics shift rapidly in post-Assad Syria, the talks between Israel and Turkey represent a cautious step toward avoiding direct confrontation — even as the broader relationship remains fraught.

SOURCE : AP NEWS/TIMES OF ISRAEL |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Beijing Says Chinese Nationals Captured in Ukraine Volunteered to Join Russian Forces

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Beijing Says Chinese Nationals Captured in Ukraine Volunteered to Join Russian Forces

Beijing, China — The Chinese government has denied any official involvement in the presence of its citizens on the Ukrainian battlefield after two Chinese nationals were captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian troops in the eastern Donetsk region.

According to Chinese officials and testimony from one of the captured individuals, the men joined the Russian military voluntarily and were not part of any formal deployment by the Chinese state.

RELATED NEWS : Ukraine claims that over 150 Chinese fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Tuesday that two Chinese nationals had been taken prisoner in combat. On Wednesday, he cited Ukrainian intelligence reports estimating that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently serving with Russian forces in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy claimed that many of these individuals may have been recruited through social media campaigns, including videos posted on TikTok and other Chinese platforms. He also suggested the possibility of covert recruitment methods employed by Moscow, though he stopped short of accusing the Chinese government of direct involvement.

“I believe the Chinese authorities are aware of this type of recruitment,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s official position of neutrality in the conflict and denied any state-sanctioned participation by Chinese citizens in the war.

“China’s stance on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and well-recognized by the international community,” Lin said during a press briefing. He confirmed that Beijing is in contact with Kyiv to verify the reported capture of Chinese nationals and stressed that the Chinese government advises its citizens to avoid war zones and not engage in any military activities abroad.

Fighting for Citizenship

One of the captured Chinese men told Ukrainian authorities that he paid an intermediary in China 30,000 rubles (approximately $350) to join the Russian army. His stated goal was to obtain Russian citizenship and pursue a military career.

According to Ukrainian military sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda, the prisoner said he had traveled to Russia as a tourist before enlisting and claimed that some of his fellow Chinese fighters had criminal backgrounds in their home country.

He also revealed that the group received military training in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, communicating with Russian commanders using gestures and mobile phone translation apps due to the lack of interpreters.

International Response

The U.S. has reacted with concern to the reports of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a press conference that China has become a “major enabler” of Russia’s war effort, supplying nearly 80% of the dual-use goods that support Russia’s military operations.

Zelenskyy said the two captured men were part of a group of six Chinese nationals encountered by Ukrainian troops in Donetsk. He warned that this precedent is “deeply concerning,” especially in the context of growing international involvement in the conflict. He referenced North Korea’s reported deployment of over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces.

Zelenskyy urged the U.S. and European allies to take action to prevent further escalation and to address the potential participation of Chinese nationals in Russia’s aggression.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Ukraine claims that over 150 Chinese fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

Diplomat Times
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Ukraine claims that over 150 Chinese fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukraine on Wednesday expanded on its explosive claim that a significant number of Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war, saying it has gathered detailed intelligence on more than 150 alleged mercenaries recruited by Moscow through social media.

In response, Chinese officials dismissed the allegations as “totally unfounded.”

RELATED NEWS : Russia says it awaits US information before accepting ceasefire with Ukraine

The accusation and subsequent denial come amid heightened diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire in the war, now entering its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals had been captured while fighting with Russian troops on Ukrainian soil — the first time Kyiv has made such a claim. On Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is willing to exchange the two prisoners of war for Ukrainian soldiers held in Russia.

While stopping short of accusing Beijing of directly authorizing the deployment, Zelenskyy claimed Chinese officials are aware of Moscow’s efforts to recruit Chinese fighters. He also said Ukrainian intelligence has identified 155 Chinese citizens allegedly serving in Russian ranks, complete with names and passport details.

Cars burn following a Russian attack in Dnipro, Ukraine, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Photo : Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP

“We believe there are many more,” Zelenskyy told reporters, presenting documents listing names, travel dates, and other personal information. The Associated Press has not independently verified the materials.

China has been one of Russia’s key diplomatic partners since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. While there is no public evidence that Beijing has sent troops or weapons, Western officials accuse China of supplying microelectronics, machinery, and other dual-use goods that support Russia’s war industry. China has also provided an economic lifeline through expanded trade in energy and consumer products.

U.S. officials have expressed concern. At a State Department briefing Tuesday, spokesperson Tammy Bruce called reports of Chinese fighters in Ukraine “disturbing,” adding, “China is a major enabler of Russia in this war,” and noting that Beijing provides “nearly 80% of the dual-use items Russia requires to sustain its military operations.”

President Donald Trump, who is seeking to deliver on his campaign promise to end the war, has yet to comment publicly on the Chinese mercenary claims. However, his envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, urged caution.

“I’m not convinced yet that these individuals are anything more than mercenaries or volunteers,” Kellogg said during a panel at Georgetown University. “There’s an axiom in the military — the first report is always wrong. Let’s see how this plays out.”

Kellogg also noted that Ukraine itself has received support from international volunteers, including Americans. “This is not the same scale as North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to support Russia,” he added.

The European Union echoed U.S. concerns. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called China “the key enabler of Russia’s war.”

Meanwhile, fighting on the ground shows no sign of slowing. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 55 Shahed and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight. In Donetsk, a “massive drone attack” on the eastern city of Kramatorsk left an 11-year-old girl, her mother, and grandmother injured, according to regional governor Vadym Filashkin.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses downed 158 Ukrainian drones across 11 regions overnight. While it reported no casualties, several airports temporarily suspended flights, and some drones reached as far as the Orenburg region — nearly 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) east of the Ukrainian border.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India’s Strategic Clout Wanes in Bangladesh but Strengthens in Sri Lanka

Jagdishor Panday
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India’s Strategic Clout Wanes in Bangladesh but Strengthens in Sri Lanka

New Delhi, India — India is witnessing a notable shift in its neighborhood diplomacy as it loses influence over Bangladesh, once its closest ally, while simultaneously rekindling and strengthening ties with Sri Lanka. The changing political landscape in South Asia reflects New Delhi’s evolving strategic posture amid emerging challenges and new opportunities.

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After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing government in August 2024, India’s relationship with Bangladesh entered a turbulent phase. The new interim government in Dhaka, led by Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has adopted a noticeably colder stance toward New Delhi. Tensions between the two neighbors have been exacerbated by the contentious issue of Hasina’s extradition.

Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India following a massive student-led movement that ousted her from power, remains a highly polarizing figure in Bangladeshi politics. Dhaka has accused her of committing crimes against humanity, genocide, corruption, and mass murder—allegations that the new administration insists she must answer in court. During a sideline meeting at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok earlier this month, Yunus formally requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extradite Hasina. However, the talks ended without resolution.

According to Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, the extradition request was made but remained unsettled. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Modi raised concerns about the safety and status of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, signaling mutual distrust. The failed talks were further shadowed by Yunus’s recent diplomatic overtures to Beijing, including a high-profile visit to China prior to the BIMSTEC meeting, a move that clearly irked New Delhi.

In contrast, India appears to be enjoying a diplomatic resurgence in Colombo. After years of strained ties during the final phase of the Rajapaksa dynasty—largely due to Sri Lanka’s increasing closeness with China—relations have begun to warm under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a 56-year-old leftist leader elected in September 2024.

Despite early speculation that his communist ideology would draw him closer to Beijing, Dissanayake has charted a pragmatic foreign policy path that includes strengthening relations with India. His administration has responded positively to New Delhi’s outreach, and the results are already visible.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a guard of honor presented to him by the Sri Lankan Army during an official welcome ceremony in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Photo : AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Colombo from April 4–6, immediately after the BIMSTEC Summit, marked a significant moment in India-Sri Lanka ties. The visit, widely praised for its symbolism and substance, resulted in several bilateral agreements and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s central role in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. President Dissanayake’s office emphasized that Modi’s visit underscored the strategic importance of Colombo in regional affairs.

Among the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation. The agreement includes high-level military exchanges, joint training exercises, capacity-building initiatives, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, naval port visits, and exploratory cooperation in the defense industry. Modi described the pact as “rooted in shared security interests and mutual trust,” reinforcing India’s long-standing concerns about Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, particularly after the 99-year lease of Hambantota Port to China under the Rajapaksas.

India had previously supported Sri Lanka during its economic meltdown in 2022 with emergency credit lines and humanitarian aid, helping to stabilize the crisis-ridden island nation. That goodwill now appears to be paying off.

While India maintains historical and emotional ties with Bangladesh—having played a key role in its liberation in 1971—its relationship with Dhaka is now at a crossroads. The reversal of political fortunes in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka marks a striking reshaping of South Asia’s strategic map.

As India recalibrates its neighborhood strategy, the shift in dynamics—losing grip on Dhaka while regaining Colombo—is emblematic of the complex and often unpredictable nature of regional diplomacy. Whether this realignment proves sustainable or temporary will depend on how leaders in New Delhi, Dhaka, and Colombo navigate the turbulent waters ahead.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Djibouti Forum Urges Optimism and Stronger Cooperation in Face of Global Policy Challenges

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Djibouti Forum Urges Optimism and Stronger Cooperation in Face of Global Policy Challenges

Djibouti City, Djibouti – As global economic headwinds and policy-driven turbulence took center stage at the second edition of the Djibouti Forum, leaders from across the world struck a hopeful tone, calling for deeper cooperation and bolder investment in Africa’s future.

Gathering over 150 global participants from 51 countries—including institutional investors managing a combined $2.6 trillion in assets—the Forum served as a platform to reimagine Africa’s economic trajectory through innovation, diversification, and strategic partnerships.

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Despite acknowledging the challenges, Djibouti’s Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed expressed confidence in the country’s vision to expand beyond its world-class ports and logistics infrastructure.

“Renewable energy, the digital economy, tourism, and financial services are at the heart of Djibouti’s next chapter,” he declared, emphasizing the country’s commitment to economic and political stability. “Our currency has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1949, offering investors a rare degree of predictability.”

Attendees at the Opening Ceremony of the Djibouti Forum 2025 on April 7th, 2025, held in Djibouti City. Photo : ICP via Handout DT

A major theme throughout the forum was the call for greater domestic resource mobilization. Speakers emphasized empowering African pension funds and sovereign wealth funds to play a more active role in co-investing and absorbing risk in transformative projects.

Dr. Slim Feriani, CEO of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Djibouti (FSD), highlighted the fund’s openness to international partnerships. “The FSD will invest alongside you. We’re putting skin in the game and plan to double our assets under management within five years. But we can’t do this alone,” he said.

With more than 50 high-profile speakers, discussions spanned key sectors including energy, connectivity, financial services, technology, tourism, and logistics. Key sessions also explored privatization opportunities and models for effective public-private partnerships.

Dr. Acha Leke, Senior Partner and Chairman of McKinsey & Company Africa, shared a message of long-term optimism. “Africa is home to 345 companies valued over $1 billion, with total revenues near $1 trillion. The opportunities are real.”

Lionel Zinsou, former Prime Minister of Benin, drew attention to the rise of philanthropic capital in Africa. “Philanthropy is now a vital player in blended finance, helping de-risk investments and reduce financing costs,” he noted.

Former World Bank Vice President Dr. Samuel Maimbo praised the FSD for pioneering a new model of sovereign collaboration. “The era of aid and debt must give way to one of hope and prosperity. This forum is a powerful start.”

Hosted by the FSD, the Djibouti Forum has quickly established itself as a leading platform for driving investment dialogue across the continent. Under the leadership of Dr. Feriani, a former Tunisian Minister with deep roots in international finance, Djibouti is positioning itself as a hub of opportunity, resilience, and forward-thinking economic strategy.

As the event concluded, one message rang clear: amidst uncertainty, optimism and unity remain Africa’s greatest competitive edge.

SOURCE : ICP |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

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