Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue
The Khaama Press | 23rdApril
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain strained, with recurring issues leading to heightened tensions. Recently, concerns escalated following airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan last month, and the subsequent assassination of a senior Taliban leader in Pakistan has intensified these worries.
On April 18, Mullah Mohammad Omar Jan Akhundzada, a senior member of the Islamic Emirate and close to the Taliban’s supreme leader, was killed in Balochistan, Pakistan, by unidentified attackers. Akhundzada was visiting his family in Quetta during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays and participated in local mosque prayers.
Washington warns Islamabad against ‘potential risk of sanctions’ amid Iran deals
The News | 23rd April
As Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi continues his crucial three-day visit to Pakistan, Islamabad has received an understated warning from Washington over its growing closeness with Tehran, hinting a “potential risk of sanctions”.
In light of the two nations signing various bilateral agreements, the US State Department spokesperson on Tuesday said: “We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions.”
The spokesperson, without mentioning Pakistan in the aforementioned statement warned against business deals with Tehran and later reminded Islamabad about its own trade and economic ties with Washington.
Boost for tourism with Shree Ramayan Trails launch
Daily Mirror | 22nd April
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is anticipated to receive a boost from Indian pilgrims with the official launch of the Shree Ramayan Trails project.
The Indo-Sri Lankan cultural project aims to draw millions of Indian and international Hindu pilgrims, travelers, and tourists to Sri Lanka by offering the pilgrimage of nine sacred sites across Sri Lanka as mentioned in the epic Ramayana.
Spanning from Adam’s Bridge in the Mannar Basin to Seetha Eliya in Nuwara Eliya, the nine revered sites will be showcased using cutting-edge technology and innovative tourism methodologies.
PAKISTAN
Pak-Iran trade volume ‘unacceptable’, to be increased to $10bn: Raisi
Dawn | 22nd April
Iran and Pakistan have decided to increase the trade volume between the two countries to $10 billion, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday, adding that the existing volume was “not acceptable”.
Raisi — who is currently on a three-day visit to Pakistan — made the remarks during a joint press conference alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after the two held a meeting in Islamabad. The visit is the first of its kind by any head of state after the February 8 general elections.
“We are committed to strengthening relations at high levels.
Finance minister confident of enjoying larger, longer IMF programme
The Express Tribune | 22nd April
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed confidence in securing a fresh and bigger IMF loan, and highlighted the positive shifts in macroeconomic factors, aiming to bolster the country’s struggling economy.
In an interview with The National, published on Monday, the finance minister noted stabilization in the currency and anticipated a decrease in inflation to single digits by next year. The interview came following discussions at the recent IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington.
Aurangzeb said, “We have entered as a country this year in a better shape, compared to where we were this time last time around.”
Pakistan, US collaborate to advance sustainable economic growth
The Nation | 23rd April
Pakistan and the United States have joined hands to advance sustainable economic growth.
As the world observed International Mother Earth Day, the US government and embassy in Islamabad vowed to support Pakistan’s ‘Green Alliance.’
US Ambassador Donald Blome’s recent visit to key sites highlighted the impact of the ‘Green Alliance.’ The USAID-funded wind power project in Jhimpir and investments in water management showcased tangible outcomes of bilateral cooperation.
The Gomal Zam Dam project in South Waziristan, supported by USAID, stands as a testament to the joint endeavours.
SRI LANKA
Iranian President to visit Sri Lanka on April 24
Daily Mirror | 22nd April
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Ebrahim Raisi is scheduled to make an official bilateral visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to jointly declare open the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project on April 24, The Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
They said the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, funded by Sri Lanka and Iran, is designed to generate and add 120 Megawatts of electricity to Sri Lanka’s national grid and provide irrigation to approximately 25,000 acres of paddy lands in the south-eastern part of Sri Lanka.
Five-day USN, SLN exercise gets underway in Trinco
The Island | 23rd April
A five-day training exercise, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) involving the US Navy, and the US Marine Corps began in Trincomalee yesterday (22).
The US Embassy said that the exercise would involve US Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) and a US Marine Corps unit specialized in security and anti-terrorism for naval assets.
The CARAT Sri Lanka exercise includes a Women, Peace, and Security Symposium on April 24 to promote the vital roles women play in peace negotiations, conflict management, and resolution. With approximately 70 U.S. personnel working with their Sri Lanka military partners, this fifth iteration of the CARAT Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise underscores the strong partnership and shared commitment of the United States and Sri Lanka to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Launches Mineral Export to Turkey via Iran
Afghanistan Times | 21st April
Afghanistan has initiated its export operations to Europe by dispatching its inaugural shipment of minerals to Turkey through Iran, as reported by Afghan media on Saturday. According to Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), the country has exported 1,100 metric tons of talc to Mersin, a port city located in southern Turkey along the Mediterranean coast. Utilizing the railway link connecting Afghanistan’s Rouzanak region in the western province of Herat to Iran’s city of Khaf in the northeast, the consignment was transported. This 220km railway, inaugurated in July 2023, serves as a vital conduit for Afghanistan’s expanding export endeavors.
Afghanistan Exports 67 Tons of Saffron, Worth $49M: Ministry
TOLO News | 23rd April
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reports that 67 tons of saffron, valued at $49 million, were exported last year.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesperson for the ministry, said that the saffron was exported to India, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Indonesia, Turkey, and the UK.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce added: “In the fiscal year 1402, approximately 67 tons of saffron worth $49 million were exported, primarily to India, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Indonesia, Turkey, and the UK.”
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh and Qatar sign five agreements, five MoUs
Prothom Alo | 23rd April
Bangladesh and Qatar today, Tuesday signed five agreements and five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance mutual cooperation between the two countries.
The agreements are: avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect of taxes in income between Bangladesh and Qatar, cooperation in legal field between the government of Bangladesh and State of Qatar, maritime transport between the two countries, promotion and protection of mutual investment, and establishment of the Bangladesh-Qatar joint business council.
Five MoUs include cooperation in the field of manpower employment (labour), cooperation in the field of ports (MWANI Qatar and Chattogram port authority), cooperation in the field of education, higher education and scientific research, cooperation in youth and sports, and cooperation in diplomatic training.
PM’s Bangkok visit to open new window of cooperation
Bangladesh Post | 23rd April
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Bangkok, Thailand today (Wednesday) morning on a six-day official visit at the invitation of her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.
A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the premier and her entourage members, is expected to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10am, said the premier’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam.
The aircraft is scheduled to land at Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok at 1.30pm (local time).
Minister: Bangladesh needs $534bn to address climate change impact by 2050
Dhaka Tribune | 23rd April
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Tuesday said Bangladesh needs US$ 534 billion to address climate change impact by 2050 and that is why international financial support is a must for implementing climate plans.
“Bangladesh is committed to working collaboratively with international partners to build climate resilience,” he said while addressing a technical session of the National
Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo 2024 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital.
The second day of NAP Expo 2024 focused on the advancement of Bangladesh’s National Climate Plans to discuss the national adaptation plan of Bangladesh.
BHUTAN
Kuensel | 22nd April
His Majesty and I are delighted to welcome all our guests to Bhutan. Most of you have flown in from different parts of the world, and that in itself speaks volumes about your commitment to the cause of tigers and sustaining their landscapes.
Today is International Mother Earth Day. I cannot think of a more meaningful time to reflect on our regard for wildlife, our interdependence with nature, and our commitment to preserve Mother Earth for all time.
We have gathered here because the tiger – this majestic symbol of grace, wisdom, and strength – needs help. For us in Bhutan, the tiger is one of our spiritual guardians. Like in many other cultures, the tiger is revered in Bhutanese folklore and mythology.
Indian election results will not hamper GoI assistance: PM
Business Bhutan | 22nd April
As the fervor of elections sweeps across India, Bhutan eagerly anticipates assurances of continued support from its neighbor and ally, the Government of India (GoI). Bhutan’s Prime Minister (PM), Dasho Tshering Tobgay, in a recent interview with the national television affirmed that regardless of the election outcome, India would uphold its steadfast commitment and support Bhutan.
The PM urged Bhutanese citizens not to be anxious, emphasizing the enduring strength of the Indo-Bhutan friendship. “Regardless of the political landscape in India, our bond remains resilient, and support for Bhutan’s development will persist,” he reassured.
MALDIVES
This win will speed up development and ensure peace: President
The Edition | 22nd April
Ruling People’s National Congress held a special ceremony tonight to mark their overwhelming win in yesterday’s Parliamentary Election.
PNC, along with other aligned parties and independent candidates has secured a clear super majority in the 20th People’s Majlis.
Interim results indicate that PNC alone has secured 66 out of the total 93 seats, already securing a majority for itself. Combined with the wins of 2 Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) candidates, 1 Maldives National Party (MNP) candidate, 1 Jumhoori Party (JP) candidate and 4 independent candidates endorsed by the party, PNC has won supermajority with a total of 74 seats.
New parliamentary assembly to be sworn in on May 28th
Sun | 23rd April
Parliament Speaker Mohamed Aslam states it has been decided that the new members elected to the parliament in Sunday’s election will be sworn in on May 28th.
Main ruling PNC secured supermajority in the incoming 20th parliamentary assembly comprising of 93 lawmakers.
In the first parliamentary sitting held since the election on Tuesday morning, Speaker Aslam congratulated all new members elected to the parliament. He added that they will be sworn in on May 28th.
The parliament is undertaking preparations for the inauguration ceremony.
Notably, main opposition MDP, which held the majority in the outgoing 19th parliamentary assembly, only secured 12 seats in Sunday’s election.
Maldives participates in the 80th Session of ESCAP
Raajje | 23rd April
A delegation from Maldives has actively participated in the 80th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Secretary of Economic and Development Cooperation Dr. Hussain Niyaaz is leading the Maldives delegation at the 80th Session of ESCAP, which kicked off in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday.
The session will proceed through April 26 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.
Themed around “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific”, the 80th commission session provides a platform to strengthen region-wide cooperative action on leveraging digital innovation for the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
MYANMAR
ASEAN ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Escalating Myanmar Violence
The Irrawaddy | 20th April
Southeast Asian regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] said it is “deeply concerned” about a recent upsurge in fighting in Myanmar, after fierce clashes over a key trading hub on the Thai border.
The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations urged “all parties for an immediate cessation of violence” in Myanmar, which has been roiled by conflict since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup.
The ministers’ statement issued late Thursday said 10-member ASEAN was “deeply concerned over the recent escalation of conflicts, including in the area of Myawaddy”.
War Between Arakan Army And Myanmar Military Enters ‘Critical Phase’
The Irrawaddy | 22nd April
The Arakan Army (AA) has steamrolled through Rakhine since it ended its informal ceasefire with Myanmar’s military in the state last November.
Now, it is fighting a battle that will determine the future of Rakhine people, the ethnic army’s spokesperson, Khaing Thukha, told The Irrawaddy.
“This is a critical moment,” he said during an interview about the military situation in Rakhine State and the AA’s progress towards its goal.
Since its founding 15 years ago it has been transformed from a handful of recruits training on a mountaintop in Kachin State into a giant killer.
NEPAL
PM Dahal stresses on production of scientific, technical human resources
The Himalayan Times | 21st April
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the production of scientific and technical human resources is vital for accelerating economic transformation in the country. In his address to the Fourth Convocation of the Far-West University on Sunday, the Prime Minister and the University Chancellor said such human resources are the demand of the time. Pressing an idea for utilising universities as a supporting tool for behavioral, social, and economic transformations, the Prime Minister urged the University to prioritise the production of human resources who can deliver with a sense of responsibility towards the nation and citizens.
Youths are the future of the nation and they should have qualities such as integrity, discipline, and a high sense of responsibility while passing out from universities as graduates.
Nepal drugs regulator to conduct on-site testing of medicines
The Kathmandu Post | 24th April
In a bid to ensure the quality of medicines being prescribed to patients, the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has been preparing to carry out on-site tests of medicines.
For that the national drugs regulatory body has imparted training to its 28 drugs inspectors and technicians, who will be deployed to hospitals across the country.
“A four-day field-based screening training for drug inspectors has been completed today,” said DDA Director General Narayan Prasad Dhakal. “Our drug inspectors carried out testing of drugs at Bir Hospital as a demonstration on Tuesday.”
Officials at the department said many countries have been practicing drug testing outside the laboratory, which gives immediate results within minutes of the collection of samples.
Emir of Qatar visit: Govt announces public holiday on Tuesday
Onlinekhabar | 22nd April
The government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, on the occasion of the state visit of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to Nepal.
Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma said a meeting of the Council of Ministers held at Singha Durbar today decided to give a public holiday tomorrow for the Qatari Emir’s state visit to Nepal.
The Cabinet meeting decided to submit to President Ramchandra Paudel for issuing the ordinance designed to make amendments to some Nepal Acts related to the facilitation of investment.
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