Day: May 19, 2023

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China will not attend G20 meeting in disputed Kashmir: Beijing

China has said that it is opposed to a G20 tourism meeting next week at Srinagar in the India-administrated part of Kashmir and will not attend.

"China is firmly opposed to holding any kind of G20 meetings in disputed territory, and will not attend such meetings," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

India, which holds the chair of G20 this year, has organised a series of meetings across the country in the run-up to the summit in New Delhi in September.

In 2019, India split the Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir to create the two federal territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

A large chunk of Ladakh is under Chinese control.

Ties between New Delhi and Beijing have been strained since a military clash in Ladakh in 2020 in which 24 soldiers were killed.

Calls for boycott

Kashmir Scholars Consultative and Action Network (KSCAN) has also called for the complete boycott of G20 meeting in India-administered Kashmir.

Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK) has also argued in its legal memorandum sent to all the participating states that any participation in the event would be paramount to a violation of international law and ethics. This legal memorandum has been sent to delegates as well.

UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues also denounced the decision of holding of G20 meeting in the disputed territory, saying such an event is tantamount to lending support to attempts by India to normalise the brutal and repressive denial of democratic and other rights of Kashmir Muslims and minorities.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, will host a meeting of the tourism working group for G20 members on May 22-24.

Kashmir is administrated in part by India, Pakistan and China, which has also opposed India's decision to hold a G20 meeting in the disputed area.

India has countered the objection saying it is free to hold meetings on its own territory. It said on Friday peace and tranquility on its border is essential for normal ties with China.

Source: TRTworld.com

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Why International Monetary Fund’s Baku office closed?

Azerbaijani Ministry of Finance believes that the closure of the local office by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Baku is a logical step and can be considered as an indicator of the transition of Azerbaijan to a higher category in terms of financial stability and improving its economic rating, Mayis Piriyev, Head of Department of the Public Relations and Civil Appeals of the ministry, told Trend.

According to Piriyev, Azerbaijan, which has been accepted as a member of the IMF since 1992, worked closely with the fund in 1993-2001, attracting loans for a number of programs, in connection with which, in those years, the IMF office in the country acted as a resident representative.

He noted that the main mission of the IMF is to implement credit and financial assistance programs that support the stabilization and improvement of the macroeconomic and fiscal situation in member countries experiencing financial difficulties in balancing their expenses with income and facing problems of depletion of their reserves in foreign currency.

The last time the Azerbaijani government attracted a loan from the IMF was in 2001, and by 2015 it had returned all its debts to the fund.

"Taking into account the rapid socio-economic development of our country, the significant growth of the gross domestic product, the creation of the State Oil Fund to manage oil revenues, and the formation of foreign exchange reserves that are many times higher than external debt obligations, since 2009 the cooperation of Azerbaijan with the fund has been carried out exclusively in the format of annual consultations and receiving some technical support," Piriyev said.

He also said that, during this time, the IMF reduced the number of employees of its Baku office and was actually represented by one contact person.

According to Piriyev, in a letter addressed to the ministry in connection with the decision to close the office in the country, the foundation notes that Azerbaijan currently has a stable economy and large financial resources, and accordingly there is no need for a policy-oriented cooperation and the activities of the office.

Piriyev, noting that in the absence of a local office of the fund in Baku, it is planned to expand cooperation within the framework of technical support, added that the country decided to provide financial support to the activities of the recently established the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia Regional Capacity Development Center (CCAMTAC), opened by the IMF, in the Kazakh city of Almaty.

He also said that a number of state structures of Azerbaijan are already showing interest in the activities, training and technical expertise of this center.

Source: Trend News Agency

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Representative of Tajikistan Attends the CAREC Training Program

Today in Batumi (Georgia) the training period for tourism workers, which began on May 15, has ended. It was attended by the head of the department of personnel and legal support of the Committee for Tourism Development of Tajikistan Ziyodullo Salimzoda.

The study period was organized on the basis of a knowledge exchange plan to promote regional cooperation and integration for the development of an economic corridor in the area of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, which was attended by representatives of other CAREC member states.

The Committee for Tourism Development is constantly taking the necessary measures for the full realization of all opportunities, human resources, theoretical and practical knowledge, training of gifted personnel in the field of tourism and, on this basis, competitiveness in the global tourism market.

The trip of a representative of the country’s tourism structure to Georgia, acquaintance with the culture and customs of the Georgian people create conditions for industry specialists to improve their working skills and expand their worldview.

It should be noted that the modern tourism industry is considered one of the most developing and profitable sectors of the world economy. In this direction, an important role is played by the training of qualified industry specialists, assistance in improving the quality of services to represent Tajikistan as a tourist country.

Source: National information agency of Tajikistan

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Experts from Europe and Central Asia to Discuss the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Science in Dushanbe for the First Time

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency in cooperation with International Atomic Energy Authority organizes National Liaison Officers Meeting to Enhance IAEA Technical Cooperation Programs. Meeting will be hosted for the first time by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and take place in Dushanbe from May 23 through May 26.

The Annual National Liaison Officers Meeting will be focusing on the enhancement and promotion of IAEA Technical Cooperation Programs.

The meeting will bring together esteemed representatives from member states from Europe and Central Asia Region to discuss the vital role of technical cooperation in achieving peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.

The National Liaison Officers Meeting serves as a crucial platform for member states to collaborate and exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices in the implementation of IAEA Technical Cooperation Programs. It enables participants to assess the effectiveness and impact of ongoing projects, identify areas for improvement, and explore innovative ways to address emerging challenges.

The meeting will host a diverse group of experts, including National Liaison Officers, policymakers, government officials, and technical experts. Participants will engage in interactive sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing forums to foster a deeper understanding of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programs and their significance in achieving sustainable development goals.

The outcome of the meeting will be instrumental in shaping future strategies, policies, and initiatives that will contribute to the peaceful and sustainable development of member states from Europe and Central Asia through the application of nuclear science and technology.

Source: National information agency of Tajikistan

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Tourism Potential of Tajikistan Presented in Russian Samara

The potential of health, mountaineering, ecological tourism, the unique nature of Tajikistan are presented in the presentation of the delegation of tourism companies in Russian Samara.

The presentation of the tourism potential of Tajikistan in the industrial regions of Russia will increase the attraction of Russian tourists to Tajikistan, and create a favorable basis for expanding cooperation in the field of tourism.

Also, travel companies and representatives of resorts in Tajikistan had the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of tourism associations, regulators of the tourism sector in Russia, including Samara, find new customers and partners, strengthen cooperation in order to develop the country’s tourism.

It is planned to hold such fruitful meetings and presentations of the tourism opportunities of Tajikistan in Kazan, Tyumen and Ufa.

Representatives of the tourism sector of Tajikistan also visited the Ethnopark of Friendship of Peoples in Samara, where there are examples of the ancient history of the construction of houses of various peoples. Every day in this place, various peoples and nationalities of Russia, as well as guests and tourists, get acquainted with the history, civilization and architectural structure of the construction of houses of the Tajik nation.

Representatives of the tourism structures of Tajikistan and Russia called it important and timely to hold such events to strengthen cooperation and make the most of the available opportunities.

Source: National information agency of Tajikistan

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Advisor to Akylbek Japarov released from custody

Temirbek Erkinov, adviser to the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and head of the Hungarian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, was released from custody. Law enforcement agencies informed 24.kg news agency.

It is known that Temirbek Erkinov entered into a plea agreement.

«An investigator of the State Committee for National Security filed a petition to the court to change the measure of restraint for Temirbek Erkinov. The security services officer substantiated the request by the fact that the accused is a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, has a permanent place of residence and wants to assist the investigation. Therefore, there is no need for further detention of the adviser to the chairman of the Cabinet. According to preliminary data, a plea agreement was concluded between the prosecutor and the accused. Based on the petition of the investigator, Temirbek Erkinov was placed under house arrest. The decision was made by the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek,» the law enforcement agencies said.

The Pervomaisky District Court of the capital confirmed to 24.kg news agency that Temirbek Erkinov had been released from custody.

Recall, Temirbek Erkinov was detained within a criminal case on corruption.

Source: 24.kg News Agency

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Kyrgyzstan supports idea of creation of Central Asia – China platform

«We support the initiative of the Chinese side to create an investment and financial platform Central Asia — China,» the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov said at the first Central Asia — China summit.

According to him, practical steps are being taken in Kyrgyzstan to improve the investment climate and attract foreign investment. The republic is working to attract investment in agriculture, industry, transport, and power industry. The Kyrgyz Republic has high hopes for the effective and productive work of the new platforms created as a result of the summit, such as the mechanisms for meetings of the Ministers of Economy and Trade, Investment and Industry, Agriculture, as well as heads of Customs Services within the framework of Central Asia — China format.

«It is important to provide enterprises and business circles with favorable conditions for economic activity, doing business, implementation of joint economic projects, and removal of barriers and obstacles in trade and economic cooperation. In this vein, we welcome the creation of Central Asia — China Business Council,» the head of state said.

He called the presence of natural raw materials, primarily mineral and energy resources, another competitive advantage of the Central Asian region. He believes that this is a huge potential for joint mutually beneficial partnership and development. Thus, Kyrgyzstan is ready for close cooperation in the field of «green» energy production.

«Taking into account the fact that we can supply our electricity to countries with a total population of over 2 billion people, there is no doubt that we will receive large not only material, but also environmental dividends for our entire region. In this vein, we support the idea of creation of Central Asia — China partnership for energy development. Our region has a unique history, a rich and diverse cultural heritage and great potential for cooperation. Our states and peoples are linked by many historical and cultural points of contact, common traditions, good neighborly relations,» he said.

Source: 24.kg News Agency

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The new Ambassador of India presented his credentials to I. Aliyev

On Friday, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India, Sridhara Madhusudhan, presented his credentials to the head of state, Ilham Aliyev. During the conversation, the sides discussed issues of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of politics, economy, culture, transport, including the North-South transport corridor.

Source: Turan News Agency

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Sergey Lavrov on what was achieved at the trilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia

At the trilateral meeting the Foreign Ministers of the RussiaN Federation, Azerbaijan and Armenia, exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements of the leaders of the three countries after the November 2020 statement, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said , commenting on the results of the completed ministerial meeting on May 19. The talk is about agreements on ensuring stability and security in Karabakh, unblocking transport communications under the leadership of the Working Group of Deputy Prime Ministers of the three countries, humanitarian issues, "but first of all the delimitation and demarcation of borders." For this purpose, a Border Delimitation Commission was created separately with the participation of three countries. "And of course, a separate topic of negotiations was the peace treaty, which is now being discussed and on which the parties have begun to work, and which is being discussed with the participation of other mediators - in Washington and Brussels," Lavrov said. "Our partners have confirmed today that it is very difficult to move forward on specific aspects of the peace treaty without delineating borders, unblocking transport communications, and improving the security situation both in Karabakh and on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border," the Russian minister said. A meeting of the Working Group with the participation of deputy Prime Ministers on unblocking transport communications is due to take place next week. "We hope for a concrete result and the parties are already close to a final agreement. We agreed to hold a meeting of the bilateral Commission on the delimitation and demarcation of borders with the participation of the Russian Federation in the near future," Lavrov continued. As for the peace treaty, "according to a number of articles, it was possible to bring the vision of the parties closer to the common vision, and now a bilateral meeting of ministers has begun and I hope that following its results they will inform what has been achieved," Lavrov said.

Source: Turan News Agency