Amid deteriorating ties with Pakistan, Taliban seek regional alliances
Afghanistan Times | 11thJune
In response to rapidly declining relations with Pakistan, the Taliban are intensifying diplomatic outreach to regional powers and neighboring countries. The Taliban’s efforts include active participation in international forums, such as the World Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, and engagements with Iran, China, Russia, and the UAE.
Notably, Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently met in Kabul with Taliban Home Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, underscoring the UAE’s interest in maintaining ties. Additionally, there have been contacts with West Asian nations and other global players.
‘High-powered delegation’ from China to visit Pakistan soon
The News | 11th June
Days after concluding his five-day trip to China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Tuesday that a high-powered delegation from the neighbouring country would soon visit Pakistan.
Briefing the federal cabinet members on his China visit during a meeting in Islamabad, the PM said: “A high-powered Chinese delegation will be visiting Pakistan soon.”
Shedding light on his trip, the premier revealed that the Chinese side, on multiple occasions, raised their concerns. However, he reassured that the government prioritised the security issue at every step whether it be discussions at government-to-government or government-to-business or other high-level forums.
Modi may visit Dhaka this month in first bilateral visit post-reelection
Dhaka Tribune | 11th June
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was supposed to visit India as the first foreign guest of the new Indian government at the end of June or early July. However, with some last-minute changes in the plan, her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, may come to Bangladesh instead at the end of June.
In that case, it would mark Modi’s inaugural bilateral visit to any country in his third term as prime minister and his third trip to Bangladesh as the head of government following his visits in 2015 and 2021.
Sheikh Hasina arrived back home on Monday following her trip to New Delhi to attend Modi’s swearing-in. Although it was more of a courtesy visit, Dhaka is now eager for Modi to reciprocate the gesture by visiting Bangladesh.
PAKISTAN
Govt bulldozes four bills through NA amid fury
Dawn | 11th June
The National Assembly proceedings on Monday turned chaotic as the government rammed through four bills in a controversial manner amidst vociferous protests from the opposition, which accused the ruling coalition of bypassing democratic norms and stifling debate.
The tumultuous sitting saw Energy Minister Awais Leghari facing the wrath of both treasury and opposition members over the ongoing power outages and loadshedding issues, with the minister conceding that power companies and its officials had been inefficient in addressing the problem.
At the outset of the sitting, the opposition members belonging to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) staged a token walkout against the Punjab police for allegedly preventing opposition leader in NA Omar Ayub Khan and some MNAs from entering premises of an anti-terrorist court (ATC) in Sargodha, which resulted in the cancellation of Mr Khan’s bail.
Rs18 trillion federal budget today
The Express Tribune | 12th June
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is set to unveil Rs18 trillion federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the National Assembly on Wednesday (today), which would focus on fiscal consolidation to contain budget deficit, official sources said on Tuesday.
According to sources, the main targets of the budget would be mitigating people’s problems, transforming agriculture sector, promoting information technology (IT), boosting exports, promoting industrial growth and bolstering businesses.
WB approves $1b for Dasu power project
The Nation | 12th June
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved on Monday $1 billion in a second round of additional financing for the DASU Hydropower Stage I (DHP I) Project.
This financing will support the expansion of hydropower electricity supply, improve access to socio-economic services for local communities, and build the Water and Power Development Authority’s capacity to prepare future hydropower projects. “Pakistan’s energy sector suffers from multiple challenges to achieving affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.
SRI LANKA
Ferry service between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the offing
Daily Mirror | 11th June
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka have initiated discussions on a free trade agreement (FTA) and the potential launch of a passenger ferry service between the two countries.
This was conveyed during the recent meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sheikh Hasina has also aledged support for Sri Lanka’s agricultural modernization and expressed willingness to provide assistance through direct private investment partnerships from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka.
The Island | 12th June
Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda addressing a press briefing titled ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country,’ held on Tuesday (11) at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) said that the issue of Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lanka waters employing illegal fishing gear will be taken up during the the upcoming visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Sri Lanka.
He added that efforts are underway to enact new laws aimed at enhancing the fishing industry, safeguarding the interests of fishing communities and preserving marine resources.
Presidential Election crucial for country’s future, says President
Daily Mirror | 12th June
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the upcoming presidential election will be pivotal for the country’s future, focusing on national success rather than individual triumphs or losses.
Speaking at a policy reform discussion held at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Battaramulla, Wickremesinghe addressed youth representatives from the Economic Reforms Sectoral Monitoring Committee.
AFGHANISTAN
BRICS nations emphasize women’s fundamental rights in Afghanistan
The Khaama Press | 11th June
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the BRICS countries emphasized the preservation of fundamental rights for Afghan citizens, including the rights of women and ethnic groups.
The Russian news agency TASS reported today, Tuesday, June 11, that the BRICS foreign ministers called for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis in Afghanistan.
BRICS also stressed that visible and verifiable actions must be taken in Afghanistan to ensure that Afghan soil is not used by terrorists.
Afghan Ministry of Economy Lauds EU’s Significant Aid Commitment
TOLO news | 11th June
The Ministry of Economy has praised the European Union’s recent commitment to provide €150 million in aid to Afghanistan.
Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized to TOLOnews that this aid should be directed towards creating job opportunities for Afghan citizens.
Habib attributed the country’s rising poverty levels to the economic restrictions imposed by the international community.
“Global aid is largely focused on humanitarian assistance, and investing this aid in infrastructure and employment projects can improve the economic situation of the people,” he added.
BANGLADESH
ADB approves $250m to boost social protection in Bangladesh
Prothom Alo | 11th June
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Bangladesh on Monday signed a $250 million loan agreement to further strengthen Bangladesh’s social protection system.
Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Edimon Ginting, country director, ADB, signed the loan agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, respectively, at a ceremony at ERD in the capital on Monday.
“The Second Strengthening Social Resilience Program aims to accelerate reforms in increasing the coverage and efficiency of the protection, improving the financial inclusion of disadvantaged people, and strengthening the response to diversified protection needs,” said country director Edimon Ginting.
PM receives maiden GCA Local Adaptation Champions Award
Bangladesh Post | 11th June
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday received the Local Adaptation Champions Award of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) as Bangladesh won the maiden award for its leading role in introducing local adaptation programme to face climate change impacts.
GCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen today handed over the award to the Prime Minister while paying a courtesy call on her at her official Ganabhaban residence.
“Bangladesh has won the award for its leading role in taking locally formulated climate adaptation programme,” PM’s Press Secretary Md Nayeemul Islam Khan told a news briefing.
BHUTAN
Trashigang dzongkhag looks to ecotourism
Kuensel | 12th June
Kanglung—Trashigang dzongkhag will be promoted as a community-based ecotourism destination in the 13th Plan. This is the dzongkhag administration’s plan for the next five years.
While the dzongkhag has rich history, culture and biodiversity, issues with accessibility and other infrastructure is the bottleneck for it to realise its full potential, mainly ecotourism business for international, regional and local tourists.
Following the formation of a tourism development committee, the administration is preparing tourism products to develop the dzongkhag as an ecotourism destination.
Trashigang dzongdag, Ugyen Dorji, said that the ecotourism management plan is based on the Prime Minister’s directives. The dzongkhag has asked the gewogs to come up with their own plans to promote ecotourism in their respective areas.
Chairman positive about Bhutan-Kuwait air link
Business Bhutan | 11th June
In another milestone of Bhutan and Kuwait relationship, the two governments signed the Air Service Agreement (ASA) on January 9, 2024, which would facilitate air transportation and establish a legal framework for flight operations connecting Bhutan and Kuwait. When questioned about developments in this area, Chairman of the Human Rights and Foreign Relations Committee, Rinzin Dorji, shared that works are going on positively. According to the chairman, the agreement will have significant benefits for both service providers and receivers, particularly for Bhutanese citizens who are currently working and studying in Kuwait. “The establishment of an air link between the two countries will make it more convenient for Bhutanese nationals to travel between the two countries,” he said.
MALDIVES
India visit was a momentous success: Pres. Muizzu
Raajje | 11th June
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has described his recent official visit to neighboring India as a momentous success for the island nation.
The Maldivian leader said this while speaking to Public Service Media (PSM) in India before embarking on his return home.
Muizzu embarked on the brief visit to the neighboring country on Saturday, upon the official invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to press, Muizzu highlighted that his official visit India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi and the new Council of Ministers was a significant success for the Maldives.
Trade deficit widens, fish exports drop 41 percent
Sun | 12th June
The merchandize trade deficit widened from USD 669.3 million in the first quarter of 2023 to USD 768.5 million in the first quarter in 2024; reflecting stronger import and decline in exports.
However, compared to the final quarter last year, merchandize trade deficit in Q1-2024 registered a decline of 6%.
According to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)’s Quarterly Economic Bulletin released on Tuesday, total merchandize exports – comprising of domestic exports and re-exports – register an annual decline of 5 percent in the first quarter this year, reaching a total of USD 131.3 million.
MMA reports that the fall in total merchandize exports was caused due to the steep decline in domestic exports – which has been observing decreases over the last two consecutive quarters as well.
Maldives to donate USD 50,000 to UNRWA Palestine fund
The Edition | 12th June
Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has announced today that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to increase the donation from Maldives to the UN Fund for Palestine to USD 50,000.
Every year, the Maldives has been donating USD 5000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Zameer announced this this morning at the inauguration of the ‘Palestine aa eku’ [With Palestine] telethon organized by State media PSM.
MYANMAR
Russia Approves Moves to Build Nuclear Plant in Myanmar
The Irrawaddy | 7th June
Russia has approved the building of a nuclear power plant in Myanmar, according to the UK-based Nuclear Engineering International magazine.
It reported that Moscow approved the construction of a low-power nuclear plant.
A draft agreement submitted by Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) aims to build a plant with a capacity of at least 110 megawatts using Russian pressurized water reactors, it reported on Monday.
Moscow and the regime signed a memorandum of understanding at the Atom Expo in 2022 in the Russian resort city of Sochi to study the feasibility of a small modular reactor in Myanmar.
Myanmar Junta Forcing Villagers Into Sittwe as ‘Human Shields’ for City
The Irrawaddy | 11th June
Myanmar’s junta plans to use residents expelled from around a dozen villages as human shields to defend the Rakhine State capital Sittwe, which the ethnic Arakan Army (AA) has surrounded and is poised to seize, local residents said.
The All Arakan Students’ and Youths’ Congress (AASYC) said in a statement on Tuesday that all residents of more than 12 villages to the north of Sittwe had been ordered to demolish their homes and leave their villages within five days starting Monday.
With all entrances to and exits from Sittwe Township blocked, the evicted civilians have been ordered to relocate to Sittwe town, half of whose population has already fled their homes since February.
NEPAL
EV sales boom in Nepal, helping to save on oil imports, alleviate smog
The Himalayan Times | 6th June
Nepal’s abundant hydroelectric power is helping the Himalayan nation cut its oil imports and clean up its air, thanks to a boom in sales of electric vehicles. Nearly all of the electricity produced in Nepal is clean energy, most of it generated by river-fed hydro-electricity. Thanks to that abundant source of power, the country is quickly expanding charging networks and imports of EVs have doubled in each of the past two years, according to customs data. The Nepal Electricity Authority estimates use of EVs has reduced oil import costs by $22 million a year, and the savings are increasing.
Nepal’s export of high-value goods grows at snail’s pace
The Kathmandu Post | 12th June
Nepal’s export of high-value products grew at a snail’s pace in the first ten months of the current fiscal year.
According to the statistics from the Trade and Export Promotion Center, the export of high-value goods increased by 5.64 percent in the review period, which experts say is not a good sign for a country preparing to graduate from the “least developed” status by 2026.
They said that the government is least bothered about enhancing production and increasing exports.
As per the statistics, export earnings from goods identified by the Nepal Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2023 totalled Rs89.82 billion in the review period.
PM Dahal, his Indian counterpart Modi meet
Onlinekhabar | 10th June
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is on an official visit to India, and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held a meeting on Sunday evening. In the meeting held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Dahal congratulated Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for taking charge of the country’s executive head for the third consecutive time and expressed confidence that the relations between Nepal and India would reach a new height during his tenure.
On the occasion, they discussed various issues of bilateral interest and mutual relations between Nepal and India. Matters related to the implementation of agreements and understandings signed between the two countries in the past were also discussed.
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