No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, reports from the Pakistani press, quoting Pakistani govt sources emerged that said during the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's Pakistan visit it was agreed that Riyadh can call for an OIC FMs meet on Kashmir/CAA.

While no formal call has been made it doesn't look like an open-ended OIC FMs meet would happen by April 2020, as Pakistani govt sources were claiming. Islamabad could try to form a consensus for OIC Executive Committee Council of FM which includes 4 countries — Saudi Arabia, Gambia, Turkey, UAE. Saudi govt sources have so far said, that they have no information yet on any planned OIC FMs meet.

During Saudi FM's meet with Pakistan FM meet SM Qureshi, "two Foreign Ministers discussed OIC’s role in the advancement of the cause of Kashmir", a Pakistan foreign ministry release said, adding, "The Foreign Minister thanked the Kingdom’s support in OIC Contact Group on Jammu &amp; Kashmir"

The Saudi FM's call on with Pakistani PM Imran Khan also saw Kashmir being raised by the latter. A Pakistani PMO release said, "The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute was discussed."

While no official reaction has come from India on the developments, Indian govt sources told WION that the Jeddah based organisation has no locus standi &amp; New Delhi's position is clear on it.

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed.

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed. Over the weekend, reports from the Pakistani press, quoting Pakistani govt sources emerged that said during the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's Pakistan visit it was agreed that Riyadh can call for an OIC FMs meet on Kashmir/CAA. While no formal call has been made it doesn't look like an open-ended OIC FMs meet would happen by April 2020, as Pakistani govt sources were claiming. Islamabad could try to form a consensus for OIC Executive Committee Council of FM which includes 4 countries — Saudi Arabia, Gambia, Turkey, UAE. Saudi govt sources have so far said, that they have no information yet on any planned OIC FMs meet. During Saudi FM's meet with Pakistan FM meet SM Qureshi, "two Foreign Ministers discussed OIC’s role in the advancement of the cause of Kashmir", a Pakistan foreign ministry release said, adding, "The Foreign Minister thanked the Kingdom’s support in OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir" The Saudi FM's call on with Pakistani PM Imran Khan also saw Kashmir being raised by the latter. A Pakistani PMO release said, "The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu & Kashmir dispute was discussed." While no official reaction has come from India on the developments, Indian govt sources told WION that the Jeddah based organisation has no locus standi & New Delhi's position is clear on it.

No call taken by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on foreign minister meet on Kashmir/CAA yet

The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Tandi Dorji will be visiting India for five days starting November 17.

Dorji is expected to arrive in New Delhi tomorrow morning. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will meet Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in the evening.

On November 18, Dorji will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.&nbsp;

After taking charge of the ministry, Jaishankar went on a two-day bilateral visit to Bhutan in June this year. 
 
On Tuesday, the Bhutanese Minister will fly to Bodh Gaya in Bihar to attend a two-day programme.

The dignitary has a long trip planned in the country. On Thursday, he will travel to Kolkata to meet West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,

This will be followed by a programme in Kolkata. After this, Dorji will return to Bhutan next Saturday.

The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Tandi Dorji will be visiting India for five days starting November 17. Dorji is expected to arrive in New Delhi tomorrow morning.

The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Tandi Dorji will be visiting India for five days starting November 17. Dorji is expected to arrive in New Delhi tomorrow morning. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will meet Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in the evening. On November 18, Dorji will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. After taking charge of the ministry, Jaishankar went on a two-day bilateral visit to Bhutan in June this year. On Tuesday, the Bhutanese Minister will fly to Bodh Gaya in Bihar to attend a two-day programme. The dignitary has a long trip planned in the country. On Thursday, he will travel to Kolkata to meet West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, This will be followed by a programme in Kolkata. After this, Dorji will return to Bhutan next Saturday.

Bhutan's foreign minister Dorji to visit India for a week starting tomorrow

Watch Exclusive interview of Pekka Haavisto, Foreign minister, Finland with Ramesh Ramachandran, Associate Editor.

The Interview: In conversation with Pekka Haavisto, Foreign minister, Finland

Pekka Haavisto, Foreign minister, Finland speaks on J&K issue. To know more watch the video.

WION Exclusive: Pekka Haavisto speaks on J&K issue

Saudi Arabia appointed a prince with diplomatic experience in Western capitals as foreign minister on Wednesday in a partial cabinet reshuffle as the kingdom tries to mend its international image and prepares to take over the Group of 20 presidencies.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud had served for the last several months as ambassador to Germany and earlier as a political adviser at the Washington embassy. His previous business career in the defence industry included chairmanship of a joint venture with planemaker Boeing.

Saudi Arabia, a key US&nbsp;ally in confronting Iran, has faced intense Western criticism over its human rights record, including over last year's murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its involvement in the devastating war in Yemen.

Prince Faisal joins a new cadre of top Saudi diplomats in their 40s, including the ambassadors to the United States and Britain, who are siblings.

"Look at the team being put together in DC, London, and now with the new foreign minister... Consolidation deepens and a pro-Western crew is in place," said Neil Quilliam, senior research fellow at Britain's Chatham House think-tank.

"It is a move to outsmart Iran in all the capitals and at the UN&nbsp;This is a new form of pushback."

Saudi Arabia is trying to build consensus to contain the missile programme of its regional foe after the Trump administration withdrew from a deal that put limits on Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions.

Washington and Riyadh blame Iran for a series of recent attacks, including a September&nbsp;14 strike on key Saudi oil sites. Iran denies responsibility.

Saudi Arabia's young diplomats are part of a new generation of royals, including several other ministers and deputy governors, who have risen to power under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 34.

The de facto ruler of the world's top oil exporter has the support of many Saudi youth as he pushes to diversify the economy and open the ultra-conservative society up to the world. But his reforms have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent including the arrest of scores of critics.

As part of Wednesday's reshuffle announced in state media, Saleh al-Jasser, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, replaced Nabil al-Amoudi as transport minister.

It was unclear if Amoudi would remain in government. He was appointed last month to the board of Saudi Aramco as part of top management changes in the kingdom's energy sector as the state oil giant prepares for a partial share flotation as early as this year.

Outgoing foreign minister Ibrahim al-Assaf, who had earlier served as finance minister for years, remains a minister of state. He was appointed less than a year ago to restructure the ministry.

Saudi Arabia appointed a prince with diplomatic experience in Western capitals as foreign minister on Wednesday in a partial cabinet reshuffle as the kingdom tries to mend its international image and prepares to take over the Group of 20 presidencies.

Saudi Arabia appointed a prince with diplomatic experience in Western capitals as foreign minister on Wednesday in a partial cabinet reshuffle as the kingdom tries to mend its international image and prepares to take over the Group of 20 presidencies. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud had served for the last several months as ambassador to Germany and earlier as a political adviser at the Washington embassy. His previous business career in the defence industry included chairmanship of a joint venture with planemaker Boeing. Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in confronting Iran, has faced intense Western criticism over its human rights record, including over last year's murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its involvement in the devastating war in Yemen. Prince Faisal joins a new cadre of top Saudi diplomats in their 40s, including the ambassadors to the United States and Britain, who are siblings. "Look at the team being put together in DC, London, and now with the new foreign minister... Consolidation deepens and a pro-Western crew is in place," said Neil Quilliam, senior research fellow at Britain's Chatham House think-tank. "It is a move to outsmart Iran in all the capitals and at the UN This is a new form of pushback." Saudi Arabia is trying to build consensus to contain the missile programme of its regional foe after the Trump administration withdrew from a deal that put limits on Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions. Washington and Riyadh blame Iran for a series of recent attacks, including a September 14 strike on key Saudi oil sites. Iran denies responsibility. Saudi Arabia's young diplomats are part of a new generation of royals, including several other ministers and deputy governors, who have risen to power under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 34. The de facto ruler of the world's top oil exporter has the support of many Saudi youth as he pushes to diversify the economy and open the ultra-conservative society up to the world. But his reforms have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent including the arrest of scores of critics. As part of Wednesday's reshuffle announced in state media, Saleh al-Jasser, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, replaced Nabil al-Amoudi as transport minister. It was unclear if Amoudi would remain in government. He was appointed last month to the board of Saudi Aramco as part of top management changes in the kingdom's energy sector as the state oil giant prepares for a partial share flotation as early as this year. Outgoing foreign minister Ibrahim al-Assaf, who had earlier served as finance minister for years, remains a minister of state. He was appointed less than a year ago to restructure the ministry.

Young Saudi prince with Western experience named foreign minister

Saudi Arabia has appointed a new foreign minister with experience in Western capitals and loyalty to the powerful crown prince, in what observers say is a generational shift being driven by the young ruler.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, a one-time adviser to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and currently ambassador to Germany, will replace Ibrahim al-Assaf who was in the role for less than a year.

Assaf, who was appointed in the aftermath of the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, was demoted to minister of state.

While Assaf was charged with mending the kingdom's reputation in the immediate aftermath of the scandal, Prince Faisal has more repair work to do and must also contend with the kingdom's dangerously tense relations with Iran.&nbsp;

The new minister has "really strong ties with traditional Saudi allies", said Cinzia Bianco, a Middle East analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "He is dynamic and proactive."

But analysts also pointed to the 45-year-old prince's background with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, as well as his younger brother Prince Khaled, a former ambassador to Washingon he also served as an adviser.

"It is part of a generational shift creating a new class of leaders in Saudi Arabia that are disconnected from the old power brokers, helping MBS to consolidate his power without having to rely on the old guard," said Andreas Kreig, a professor at King's College London.

"This, in turn, guarantees loyalty and control amid a centralisation of power in the hands of the crown prince. Foreign policy decisions are being made inside the crown prince's office with ministers being executioners not actual decision-makers."&nbsp;

Prince Mohammed, a self-styled moderniser shaking up the conservative petrostate, has sought to shore up his reputation in the wake of the Khashoggi scandal which tested longstanding alliances with Western powers.

"A new Saudi political dynasty is appearing," tweeted Aziz Alghashian, a Saudi foreign policy expert at the University of Essex.

Prince Faisal, who was appointed as envoy to Berlin earlier this year, "has really strong ties with traditional Saudi allies, US and even a more European outlook than would be traditionally the case," said Bianco.&nbsp;

He takes office as the kingdom continues to deal with the aftermath of Khashoggi's killing, its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 attacks, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals.

"The outgoing wasn’t really a foreign policy person. The newly appointed is very smart, very articulate and he has also been very strident in his statements," said James Dorsey, a Middle East expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

"MBS needs someone who is much more strident. MBS has a lot of repairs to do and the new foreign minister has got what MBS needs."

The kingdom has also been navigating a spike in tensions with its regional arch-rival Iran since attacks on Saudi oil facilities last month that temporarily halved the kingdom's crude output and sent world prices soaring.&nbsp;

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility, but US officials blamed Tehran itself, charging that the rebels did not have the range or sophistication to target the facilities.

Tehran has denied involvement and warned of "total war" in the event of any retaliatory attack on its territory.

Earlier this month, Tehran said that an Iranian-flagged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-oil-tanker-hit-off-saudi-coast-may-have-been-missiles-255343">oil tanker was hit </a>by two explosions off the coast of Saudi Arabia, sparking new fears of conflict.

As part of the reshuffle announced overnight, transport minister Nabil al-Amoudi was also replaced, with Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser installed in the role.

The change comes after a fire engulfed a new high-speed train station in the western city of Jeddah in September, injuring five people.

As well, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/35-foreigners-including-asians-dead-in-saudi-bus-crash-report-256360">35 foreigners</a> were killed last week when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near the Islamic holy city of Medina.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has appointed a new foreign minister with experience in Western capitals and loyalty to the powerful crown prince, in what observers say is a generational shift being driven by the young ruler.

Saudi Arabia has appointed a new foreign minister with experience in Western capitals and loyalty to the powerful crown prince, in what observers say is a generational shift being driven by the young ruler. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, a one-time adviser to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and currently ambassador to Germany, will replace Ibrahim al-Assaf who was in the role for less than a year. Assaf, who was appointed in the aftermath of the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, was demoted to minister of state. While Assaf was charged with mending the kingdom's reputation in the immediate aftermath of the scandal, Prince Faisal has more repair work to do and must also contend with the kingdom's dangerously tense relations with Iran. The new minister has "really strong ties with traditional Saudi allies", said Cinzia Bianco, a Middle East analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "He is dynamic and proactive." But analysts also pointed to the 45-year-old prince's background with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, as well as his younger brother Prince Khaled, a former ambassador to Washingon he also served as an adviser. "It is part of a generational shift creating a new class of leaders in Saudi Arabia that are disconnected from the old power brokers, helping MBS to consolidate his power without having to rely on the old guard," said Andreas Kreig, a professor at King's College London. "This, in turn, guarantees loyalty and control amid a centralisation of power in the hands of the crown prince. Foreign policy decisions are being made inside the crown prince's office with ministers being executioners not actual decision-makers." Prince Mohammed, a self-styled moderniser shaking up the conservative petrostate, has sought to shore up his reputation in the wake of the Khashoggi scandal which tested longstanding alliances with Western powers. "A new Saudi political dynasty is appearing," tweeted Aziz Alghashian, a Saudi foreign policy expert at the University of Essex. Prince Faisal, who was appointed as envoy to Berlin earlier this year, "has really strong ties with traditional Saudi allies, US and even a more European outlook than would be traditionally the case," said Bianco. He takes office as the kingdom continues to deal with the aftermath of Khashoggi's killing, its worst diplomatic crisis since the September 11, 2001 attacks, in which most of the hijackers were identified as Saudi nationals. "The outgoing wasn’t really a foreign policy person. The newly appointed is very smart, very articulate and he has also been very strident in his statements," said James Dorsey, a Middle East expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "MBS needs someone who is much more strident. MBS has a lot of repairs to do and the new foreign minister has got what MBS needs." The kingdom has also been navigating a spike in tensions with its regional arch-rival Iran since attacks on Saudi oil facilities last month that temporarily halved the kingdom's crude output and sent world prices soaring. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed responsibility, but US officials blamed Tehran itself, charging that the rebels did not have the range or sophistication to target the facilities. Tehran has denied involvement and warned of "total war" in the event of any retaliatory attack on its territory. Earlier this month, Tehran said that an Iranian-flagged oil tanker was hit by two explosions off the coast of Saudi Arabia, sparking new fears of conflict. As part of the reshuffle announced overnight, transport minister Nabil al-Amoudi was also replaced, with Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser installed in the role. The change comes after a fire engulfed a new high-speed train station in the western city of Jeddah in September, injuring five people. As well, 35 foreigners were killed last week when a bus collided with another heavy vehicle near the Islamic holy city of Medina.

Saudi Arabia names new foreign minister in generational shift

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that there was no contradiction in being nationalistic.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Jaishankar said that "India is an exception as we are more nationalistic, but at the same time, we don't see a tension between being nationalistic and being international, in the sense of engaging more with the world, so nationalism is not a negative sentiment".

"I would say the entire neighbourhood, minus one, had actually been a fairly good story of regional cooperation," Jaishankar said in reference to Pakistan.

During the conversation with the journalists at a session of the World Economic Forum, Jaishankar also said that the Kashmir issue did come up in meetings with the US.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that there was no contradiction in being nationalistic. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Jaishankar said that "India is an exception as we are more nationalistic, but at the same time, we don't see a tension between being nationalistic and being international, in the sense of engaging more with the world, so nationalism is not a negative sentiment".

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that there was no contradiction in being nationalistic. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Jaishankar said that "India is an exception as we are more nationalistic, but at the same time, we don't see a tension between being nationalistic and being international, in the sense of engaging more with the world, so nationalism is not a negative sentiment". "I would say the entire neighbourhood, minus one, had actually been a fairly good story of regional cooperation," Jaishankar said in reference to Pakistan. During the conversation with the journalists at a session of the World Economic Forum, Jaishankar also said that the Kashmir issue did come up in meetings with the US.

Nationalism is not a negative sentiment, says Foreign Minister S Jaishankar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-national-security-advisor-restrained-him-on-venezuela-249294">Venezuela</a> is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move.

"We are ready to protect ourselves, we are ready to react," Arreaza told a news conference after meeting in Geneva with UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet.

"We will let no one trample sacred Venezuelan soil, we will respond and hope that never happens," the minister said.

On Wednesday, the US invoked a regional defence pact with 10 other countries and Venezuela's opposition in response to "bellicose" moves by President Nicolas Maduro's regime.

A request to invoke the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) came from the Venezuelan opposition, according to a statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was retweeted by President Donald Trump.

"Recent bellicose moves by the Venezuelan military to deploy along the border with Colombia as well as the presence of illegal armed groups and terrorist organizations in Venezuelan territory demonstrate that Nicolas Maduro not only poses a threat to the Venezuelan people, his actions threaten the peace and security of Venezuela’s neighbors," Pompeo said.

Trump said Thursday that former national security advisor John Bolton "was holding me back" on Venezuela, where Washington has recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-parties-back-guaido-as-congress-chief-in-2020-248230">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> as the legitimate president.

The US invoked the TIAR in response to large-scale movements by Venezuelan troops near the border with Colombia, which Maduro has accused of trying to "trigger a conflict."

In Geneva, Arreaza insisted that "we will never attack a brother country, our people will never trample the ground of a brother country, under any circumstance, except to defend our people and territorial integrity".

Venezuela is gripped by a deep political and economic crisis and has begun to deploy 150,000 troops along its long border with Colombia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has also ruled out an invasion of Venezuela, but recognises Guaido as the legitimate president.

Arreaza dismissed the opposition's invoking of the TIAR as "illegal" and "dangerous" because "it suggests they have activated a mechanism to attack Venezuela". 
&nbsp;

Venezuela is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move.

Venezuela is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move. "We are ready to protect ourselves, we are ready to react," Arreaza told a news conference after meeting in Geneva with UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet. "We will let no one trample sacred Venezuelan soil, we will respond and hope that never happens," the minister said. On Wednesday, the US invoked a regional defence pact with 10 other countries and Venezuela's opposition in response to "bellicose" moves by President Nicolas Maduro's regime. A request to invoke the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) came from the Venezuelan opposition, according to a statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was retweeted by President Donald Trump. "Recent bellicose moves by the Venezuelan military to deploy along the border with Colombia as well as the presence of illegal armed groups and terrorist organizations in Venezuelan territory demonstrate that Nicolas Maduro not only poses a threat to the Venezuelan people, his actions threaten the peace and security of Venezuela’s neighbors," Pompeo said. Trump said Thursday that former national security advisor John Bolton "was holding me back" on Venezuela, where Washington has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president. The US invoked the TIAR in response to large-scale movements by Venezuelan troops near the border with Colombia, which Maduro has accused of trying to "trigger a conflict." In Geneva, Arreaza insisted that "we will never attack a brother country, our people will never trample the ground of a brother country, under any circumstance, except to defend our people and territorial integrity". Venezuela is gripped by a deep political and economic crisis and has begun to deploy 150,000 troops along its long border with Colombia. Colombian President Ivan Duque has also ruled out an invasion of Venezuela, but recognises Guaido as the legitimate president. Arreaza dismissed the opposition's invoking of the TIAR as "illegal" and "dangerous" because "it suggests they have activated a mechanism to attack Venezuela".

Venezuela 'ready' to defend itself after US invokes defence pact: Foreign minister

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an "Indian state" following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Speaking to reporters, Shah said, "India is trying to give an impression to the world that life has returned to normalcy. If the life has returned to normalcy, then I say, why don't they allow you, the international media, why don't they allow the international organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is."

Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian Administered Kashmir" 
Qureshi's remarks came after his address at the UNHRC session, where he presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370.

Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan.

Time and again Islamabad has been left red-faced after all its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat with countries like Russia, UAE and US siding with India.

While Pakistan has been running from pillar to post, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a strictly internal matter.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an "Indian state" following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an "Indian state" following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here. Speaking to reporters, Shah said, "India is trying to give an impression to the world that life has returned to normalcy. If the life has returned to normalcy, then I say, why don't they allow you, the international media, why don't they allow the international organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is." Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as "Indian Administered Kashmir" Qureshi's remarks came after his address at the UNHRC session, where he presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. Time and again Islamabad has been left red-faced after all its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat with countries like Russia, UAE and US siding with India. While Pakistan has been running from pillar to post, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a strictly internal matter.

Geneva: Pakistan Foreign Minister mentions Jammu and Kashmir as 'Indian state'

Hong Kong activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joshua-wong-poster-child-of-hong-kongs-umbrella-movement-227835">Joshua Wong</a> has met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-foreign-minister-heiko-maas-meeting-with-hong-kongs-joshua-wong-disrespectful-china-248822">Germany's foreign minister</a> as he carries abroad his call to support the growing pro-democracy movement in the former British colony, a meeting slammed on Tuesday by China as "disrespectful".

Posting a photo of himself and foreign minister Heiko Maas on his Twitter account, the 22-year-old said they spoke on the "protest situation and our cause to free election and democracy in HK".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In Berlin I spoke to Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/HeikoMaas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HeikoMaas</a> on protests situation and our cause to free election and democracy in HK. Anticipating further discussion with members of German Bundestag in coming days. <a href="https://t.co/y8VCUZrE6s">pic.twitter.com/y8VCUZrE6s</a>
— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 (@joshuawongcf) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuawongcf/status/1171221980109885440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Beijing reacted angrily at their meeting during an event organised by Bild daily, saying "it is extremely wrong for German media and politicians to attempt to tap into the anti-China separatist wave".

"It is disrespectful of China's sovereignty and interference in China's internal affairs," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

"I want to stress once again that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. No foreign government, organisation or individual has the right to intervene," Hua said, adding that Beijing "strongly disapproves" of the meeting.

Wong, a prominent face in Hong Kong's growing pro-democracy protests, planned to hold talks with other German politicians during his visit to Berlin.

But there are no plans for Chancellor Angela Merkel to meet him, said her spokesman Steffen Seibert on Monday.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-chief-carrie-lam-warns-us-over-interference-248765/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The activist's visit came on the heels of Merkel's trip to China, where she stressed Friday that the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong "must be guaranteed", after meeting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing.

Ahead of her three-day visit to China, demonstrators in the semi-autonomous city appealed to the German chancellor to support them in her meetings with China's leadership.

Wong himself had written an open letter to Merkel, seeking her backing.

'Hong Kong the new Berlin'

 
Germany has emerged as a country of refuge for many Chinese dissidents in recent years, including Liu Xia, the widow of Chinese Nobel dissident Liu Xiaobo.

In May, two former Hong Kong independence activists were granted refugee status in Germany in what is one of the first cases of dissenters from the enclave receiving such protection.

Wong had arrived in Berlin late Monday after he was briefly detained in Hong Kong just before his departure to Germany following an error in his bail conditions from previous detention.

He was among several prominent democracy advocates held late last month in a roundup by police as the city reels from more than three months of unprecedented pro-democracy protests.

Bild reported that Wong turned up late at the event is organised, but was still able to meet Maas at the gathering.

In a brief speech at the event, Wong vowed to "protest until the day that we have free elections".

"If we are now in a new Cold War, Hong Kong is the new Berlin," he said, referring to the post-war split between communist East Berlin and the democratic West.

"'Stand with Hong Kong' is much more than just a mere slogan, we urge the free world to stand together with us in resisting the autocratic Chinese regime," he added.

Wong was due to hold a public discussion on Wednesday evening at Humboldt University in Berlin and later travel to the United States.

He launched his career as an activist at just 12 years old and became the poster child of the huge pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" protests of 2014 that failed to win any concessions from Beijing.

Wong has previously been jailed for involvement in those protests.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong has met Germany's foreign minister as he carries abroad his call to support the growing pro-democracy movement in the former British colony, a meeting slammed on Tuesday by China as "disrespectful".

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong has met Germany's foreign minister as he carries abroad his call to support the growing pro-democracy movement in the former British colony, a meeting slammed on Tuesday by China as "disrespectful". Posting a photo of himself and foreign minister Heiko Maas on his Twitter account, the 22-year-old said they spoke on the "protest situation and our cause to free election and democracy in HK". In Berlin I spoke to Foreign Minister @HeikoMaas on protests situation and our cause to free election and democracy in HK. Anticipating further discussion with members of German Bundestag in coming days. pic.twitter.com/y8VCUZrE6s — Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 (@joshuawongcf) September 10, 2019 × Beijing reacted angrily at their meeting during an event organised by Bild daily, saying "it is extremely wrong for German media and politicians to attempt to tap into the anti-China separatist wave". "It is disrespectful of China's sovereignty and interference in China's internal affairs," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. "I want to stress once again that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs. No foreign government, organisation or individual has the right to intervene," Hua said, adding that Beijing "strongly disapproves" of the meeting. Wong, a prominent face in Hong Kong's growing pro-democracy protests, planned to hold talks with other German politicians during his visit to Berlin. But there are no plans for Chancellor Angela Merkel to meet him, said her spokesman Steffen Seibert on Monday. Watch Video: The activist's visit came on the heels of Merkel's trip to China, where she stressed Friday that the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong "must be guaranteed", after meeting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. Ahead of her three-day visit to China, demonstrators in the semi-autonomous city appealed to the German chancellor to support them in her meetings with China's leadership. Wong himself had written an open letter to Merkel, seeking her backing. 'Hong Kong the new Berlin' Germany has emerged as a country of refuge for many Chinese dissidents in recent years, including Liu Xia, the widow of Chinese Nobel dissident Liu Xiaobo. In May, two former Hong Kong independence activists were granted refugee status in Germany in what is one of the first cases of dissenters from the enclave receiving such protection. Wong had arrived in Berlin late Monday after he was briefly detained in Hong Kong just before his departure to Germany following an error in his bail conditions from previous detention. He was among several prominent democracy advocates held late last month in a roundup by police as the city reels from more than three months of unprecedented pro-democracy protests. Bild reported that Wong turned up late at the event is organised, but was still able to meet Maas at the gathering. In a brief speech at the event, Wong vowed to "protest until the day that we have free elections". "If we are now in a new Cold War, Hong Kong is the new Berlin," he said, referring to the post-war split between communist East Berlin and the democratic West. "'Stand with Hong Kong' is much more than just a mere slogan, we urge the free world to stand together with us in resisting the autocratic Chinese regime," he added. Wong was due to hold a public discussion on Wednesday evening at Humboldt University in Berlin and later travel to the United States. He launched his career as an activist at just 12 years old and became the poster child of the huge pro-democracy "Umbrella Movement" protests of 2014 that failed to win any concessions from Beijing. Wong has previously been jailed for involvement in those protests.

Wrong for German politicians to tap into anti-China separatist wave: China on Joshua Wong's meeting with foreign minister Heiko Maas

China expressed anger on Tuesday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-joshua-wong-on-way-to-germany-us-after-brief-detention-248594">German Foreign Minister </a>Heiko Maas met prominent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joshua-wong-released-after-being-arrested-at-hong-kong-airport-248635">Hong Kong </a>activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joshua-wong-poster-child-of-hong-kongs-umbrella-movement-227835">Joshua Wong</a>, saying that no foreign country had a right to interfere in China's internal affairs.

Wong met Maas on Monday in Berlin at an event hosted by the German newspaper BILD.

After being held for around 24 hours at the Hong Kong airport on Sunday for allegedly breaching the terms of his bail, Mr Wong arrived in Berlin late on Monday evening, where he said he would "continue his battle for free elections".

The timing is especially awkward as German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Beijing last week. Hong Kong has been gripped by weeks of protests, initially against a now-shelved extradition bill and now focused more on securing greater freedoms for Hong Kong.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was "extremely dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to German allowing Wong to visit and to allow him to meet the German foreign minister.

"China has already lodged stern representations with the German side," Ms Hua told a daily news briefing.

Hong Kong is an internal affair and no foreign government, organization or individual has a right to interfere, she added.

"Any plots to rely on foreigners to build oneself up or acts or words to split the country are doomed to failure."

Ms Hua said that during her trip last week, Merkel clearly said that she opposes violence and supports "one country, two systems".

Hong Kong returned to Beijing from British rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.

"We can't help but ask, what is the purpose of the German side in allowing Joshua Wong to come to Germany at this time and to meet with minister Maas?"

China urges Germany to abide by its promises and avoid sending wrong messages to separatist Hong Kong forces, and urges Maas to abide by the basics of international law and act for the benefit of relations and not be a "damager" of the relationship, Ms Hua added.

Interference by foreign parliaments in Hong Kong's matters is deeply regrettable, the leader of the Chinese-ruled city said earlier on Tuesday, adding that an escalation of violence cannot solve social issues in the city.

Carrie Lam was speaking after another weekend of sometimes violent clashes in the former British colony, with police firing tear gas to disperse protesters in cat-and-mouse skirmishes, at times smashing windows and starting street fires.

Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding the autonomy they had been promised. China denies accusations of meddling in the city.

China expressed anger on Tuesday after German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas met prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, saying that no foreign country had a right to interfere in China's internal affairs.

China expressed anger on Tuesday after German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas met prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, saying that no foreign country had a right to interfere in China's internal affairs. Wong met Maas on Monday in Berlin at an event hosted by the German newspaper BILD. After being held for around 24 hours at the Hong Kong airport on Sunday for allegedly breaching the terms of his bail, Mr Wong arrived in Berlin late on Monday evening, where he said he would "continue his battle for free elections". The timing is especially awkward as German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Beijing last week. Hong Kong has been gripped by weeks of protests, initially against a now-shelved extradition bill and now focused more on securing greater freedoms for Hong Kong. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was "extremely dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to German allowing Wong to visit and to allow him to meet the German foreign minister. "China has already lodged stern representations with the German side," Ms Hua told a daily news briefing. Hong Kong is an internal affair and no foreign government, organization or individual has a right to interfere, she added. "Any plots to rely on foreigners to build oneself up or acts or words to split the country are doomed to failure." Ms Hua said that during her trip last week, Merkel clearly said that she opposes violence and supports "one country, two systems". Hong Kong returned to Beijing from British rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. "We can't help but ask, what is the purpose of the German side in allowing Joshua Wong to come to Germany at this time and to meet with minister Maas?" China urges Germany to abide by its promises and avoid sending wrong messages to separatist Hong Kong forces, and urges Maas to abide by the basics of international law and act for the benefit of relations and not be a "damager" of the relationship, Ms Hua added. Interference by foreign parliaments in Hong Kong's matters is deeply regrettable, the leader of the Chinese-ruled city said earlier on Tuesday, adding that an escalation of violence cannot solve social issues in the city. Carrie Lam was speaking after another weekend of sometimes violent clashes in the former British colony, with police firing tear gas to disperse protesters in cat-and-mouse skirmishes, at times smashing windows and starting street fires. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding the autonomy they had been promised. China denies accusations of meddling in the city.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas meeting with Hong Kong's Joshua Wong 'disrespectful': China

After China expressed disapproval of the Indian government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing said,” Any bilateral differences should not become disputes.” Also, India and China on Monday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)

Watch: India-China sign four MoUs

How Sushma Swaraj perfected the art of public diplomacy

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister, stumbled on Friday when asked if he had ever set his own self-interest aside in his career, saying he had sacrificed a bigger wage and finishing a book on Shakespeare. At a hustings event to try to win over members of the governing Conservative Party, who will ultimately choose the new prime minister later this month, Johnson was caught off guard when an interviewer asked him to detail when he had set aside his "own self-interest for the good of the country".

UK's Johnson says not true intelligence withheld from him as foreign minister

The inaugural edition of the Afghan Peace Conference titled “Lahore Process” is being held in Bhurban today. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will address the inaugural session of the conference, which will be attended by heads of political parties and political stalwarts from Afghanistan. Gulbadin Hikmatyar, Ustad Atta Noor, Chairman Afghan High Peace Council and former vice-president Karim Khalili, Second Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Mohaqiq as well as Uzbek leader and current vice-president Rashid Dostum will attend the peace conference.

Afghan Peace Conference 'Lahore Process' in Bhurban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-former-foreign-secretary-a-surprise-pick-in-team-modi-20-222869">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries.

Jaishankar termed his conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian as "cordial".

"Had a cordial conversation with the French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian Plenty to look forward to and do in our already strong and successful strategic partnership with France," he said in a tweet.

The ties between Indian and France are on an upswing in the last few years. Both sides are particularly focussing on enhancing defence and security cooperation.&nbsp;

On his talks with Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Jaishankar said it was a warm conversation.

"Had a warm conversation with Foreign Minister of Turkey @MevlutCavusoglu that helped us build a personal and professional bond. Thank you for your good wishes. Look forward to closely working with you.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries. Jaishankar termed his conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian as "cordial". "Had a cordial conversation with the French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian Plenty to look forward to and do in our already strong and successful strategic partnership with France," he said in a tweet. The ties between Indian and France are on an upswing in the last few years. Both sides are particularly focussing on enhancing defence and security cooperation. On his talks with Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Jaishankar said it was a warm conversation. "Had a warm conversation with Foreign Minister of Turkey @MevlutCavusoglu that helped us build a personal and professional bond. Thank you for your good wishes. Look forward to closely working with you.

S Jaishankar holds telephonic conversations with foreign ministers of France, Turkey

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm.

"The National Education Policy as submitted to the Minister HRD is only a draft report. Feedback shall be obtained from the general public. State governments will be consulted. Only after this, the draft report will be finalised. GoI respects all languages. No language will be imposed," said Jaishankar in a tweet.

In another tweet in Tamil, Jaishankar said: "It is only after the recommendation of the people, the Union government will take forward the Education Draft policy. The government will promote all Indian languages. There is no intention of the government to impose any language in any part of the country."

Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam on Saturday had also clarified that no policy decision has been taken by the Central government yet and there would be no "imposition of any language in educational institutions."

"This is a draft policy submitted by the committee and is placed for the views of the general public. It is not the policy announced by the government. After getting feedback from the general public, and after consulting State governments, the National Educational Policy will be finalised by the government," Subrahmanyam had said in a tweet.

"The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for equal development and promotion of all Indian languages. There will be no imposition of any language in educational institutions, nor discriminations against any language," he had added.

Even Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' had on Saturday said that no language would be imposed on any state.

"The committee had been formed for drafting the New Education Policy. That committee has given its report. The report of the committee is only received by the Ministry. That is not the policy. No language will be imposed on any state," HRD Minister Pokhriyal had told ANI.

"We have received the draft report to take suggestions from the people. Somewhere this misunderstanding has happened. People think that this has become policy," he had added.

"Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government have decided that we will respect all Indian languages with full power and develop them. There shouldn't be any controversy over this matter," he said.

Several political parties had warned the Centre of a language war over 'attempts' to impose Hindi. Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu have said the state has a history on the language issue and would not tolerate any imposition.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm. "The National Education Policy as submitted to the Minister HRD is only a draft report. Feedback shall be obtained from the general public. State governments will be consulted. Only after this, the draft report will be finalised. GoI respects all languages. No language will be imposed," said Jaishankar in a tweet. In another tweet in Tamil, Jaishankar said: "It is only after the recommendation of the people, the Union government will take forward the Education Draft policy. The government will promote all Indian languages. There is no intention of the government to impose any language in any part of the country." Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam on Saturday had also clarified that no policy decision has been taken by the Central government yet and there would be no "imposition of any language in educational institutions." "This is a draft policy submitted by the committee and is placed for the views of the general public. It is not the policy announced by the government. After getting feedback from the general public, and after consulting State governments, the National Educational Policy will be finalised by the government," Subrahmanyam had said in a tweet. "The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for equal development and promotion of all Indian languages. There will be no imposition of any language in educational institutions, nor discriminations against any language," he had added. Even Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' had on Saturday said that no language would be imposed on any state. "The committee had been formed for drafting the New Education Policy. That committee has given its report. The report of the committee is only received by the Ministry. That is not the policy. No language will be imposed on any state," HRD Minister Pokhriyal had told ANI. "We have received the draft report to take suggestions from the people. Somewhere this misunderstanding has happened. People think that this has become policy," he had added. "Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government have decided that we will respect all Indian languages with full power and develop them. There shouldn't be any controversy over this matter," he said. Several political parties had warned the Centre of a language war over 'attempts' to impose Hindi. Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu have said the state has a history on the language issue and would not tolerate any imposition.

No language will be imposed, says Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj Is Attending The SCO Meeting. India Is Likely To Raise The Issue Of Cross-Border Terrorism At The Meeting.

Gravitas: Strategic Autonomy: The New Template Of India's Foreign Policy

India Has Stopped Buying Oil From Iran After US Sanctions, But Iran's Foreign Minister Is Persuading India To Buy Its Oil.

Gravitas: Will India Buy Oil From Iran Despite US Sanctions?

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif held talks with his counterpart Sushma Swaraj in the Indian capital today after New Delhi stopped purchases of Iranian oil this month in the wake of renewed US sanctions.

Iran, India foreign ministers hold talks in New Delhi after US sanctions

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Turkey to "confront" comments made by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-begins-to-bury-its-dead-after-mosque-massacre-204416">the killing of at least 50 people at mosques in Christchurch</a>.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday after a lone gunman opened fire at the two mosques during Friday prayers.

Erdogan — who is seeking to drum up support for his Islamist-rooted AK Party in March 31 local elections — said Turkey would make the suspected attacker pay if New Zealand did not.

The comments came at a campaign rally that included video footage of the shootings which the alleged gunman had broadcast on Facebook.

Ardern said Peters would seek urgent clarification.

"Our deputy prime minister will be confronting those comments in Turkey," Ardern told reporters in Christchurch. "He is going there to set the record straight, face-to-face."

Peters had earlier condemned the airing of footage of the shooting, which he said could endanger New Zealanders aboard.

Despite Peters' intervention, an extract from Tarrant's alleged manifesto was flashed up on a screen at Erdogan's rally again on Tuesday, along with footage of the gunman entering one of the mosques and shooting as he approached the door.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he summoned Turkey's ambassador for a meeting, during which he demanded Erdogan's comments be removed from Turkey's state broadcaster.

"I will wait to see what the response is from the Turkish government before taking further action, but I can tell you that all options are on the table," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

Morrison said Australia's ambassador to Turkey will on Wednesday meet with the members of Erdogan's government.

Morrison said Canberra is also reconsidering its travel advice for Australians planning trips to Turkey.

Relations between Turkey, New Zealand and Australia have generally been good. Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders travel each year to Turkey for war memorial services

Just over a century ago, thousands of soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) struggled ashore on a narrow beach at Gallipoli during an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives.

The area has become a site of pilgrimage for visitors who honour their nations’ fallen in graveyards halfway around the world on ANZAC Day every April 25.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Turkey to "confront" comments made by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the killing of at least 50 people at mosques in Christchurch.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Turkey to "confront" comments made by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the killing of at least 50 people at mosques in Christchurch. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, was charged with murder on Saturday after a lone gunman opened fire at the two mosques during Friday prayers. Erdogan — who is seeking to drum up support for his Islamist-rooted AK Party in March 31 local elections — said Turkey would make the suspected attacker pay if New Zealand did not. The comments came at a campaign rally that included video footage of the shootings which the alleged gunman had broadcast on Facebook. Ardern said Peters would seek urgent clarification. "Our deputy prime minister will be confronting those comments in Turkey," Ardern told reporters in Christchurch. "He is going there to set the record straight, face-to-face." Peters had earlier condemned the airing of footage of the shooting, which he said could endanger New Zealanders aboard. Despite Peters' intervention, an extract from Tarrant's alleged manifesto was flashed up on a screen at Erdogan's rally again on Tuesday, along with footage of the gunman entering one of the mosques and shooting as he approached the door. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he summoned Turkey's ambassador for a meeting, during which he demanded Erdogan's comments be removed from Turkey's state broadcaster. "I will wait to see what the response is from the Turkish government before taking further action, but I can tell you that all options are on the table," Morrison told reporters in Canberra. Morrison said Australia's ambassador to Turkey will on Wednesday meet with the members of Erdogan's government. Morrison said Canberra is also reconsidering its travel advice for Australians planning trips to Turkey. Relations between Turkey, New Zealand and Australia have generally been good. Thousands of Australians and New Zealanders travel each year to Turkey for war memorial services Just over a century ago, thousands of soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) struggled ashore on a narrow beach at Gallipoli during an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives. The area has become a site of pilgrimage for visitors who honour their nations’ fallen in graveyards halfway around the world on ANZAC Day every April 25.

Erdogan mosque attack comments: New Zealand foreign minister to travel to Turkey, 'confront' him

Australia's former foreign minister says she was mistaken for the spouse of a politician by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/melania-trumps-wardrobe-choices-during-africa-trip-stirs-controversy-170144#melania-trump-concluded-her-africa-trip-170130">US First Lady Melania Trump</a>, in her latest comments on the subordinate role of women in conservative politics.

Julie Bishop has been vocal about the treatment of senior female politicians since she stepped down after the ouster of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull last year.

Bishop, who was Australia's first female foreign minister and deputy leader of the Liberal Party, is among several senior politicians from the centre-right government set to quit parliament at upcoming national elections amid expectations of an opposition win.

She told a talk in Adelaide Saturday that Melania thought her partner David Patton was Australia's foreign minister, instead of her, after President Donald Trump stuck up a conversation with him, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

"Melania, standing by, assumed David was the foreign minister and she said to me: 'Julie, will you be coming to my ladies' lunch tomorrow?," Bishop said of the encounter at the UN General Assembly Leaders' week in 2017.

"And I said 'No, David's going to the partners' lunch'. She thought about that for a while, thinking: 'Why would Australia's foreign minister come to the partners' lunch?'

"So this went on for a while until the president explained that I was the foreign minister."

Australia's embattled minority government has been accused of having a "women problem", with Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently boosting the number of female politicians in his cabinet to counter the criticism.

One cabinet minister who is also leaving parliament, Kelly O'Dwyer, reportedly said as a warning in a party meeting several months ago that the Liberals were widely viewed by voters as "homophobic, anti-women, climate-change deniers".&nbsp;

Bishop said she was not comfortable being the only woman among 18 men in cabinet after Turnbull's predecessor Tony Abbott won national elections in 2013.&nbsp;

"This isn't fine. This is not completely normal," she said of the situation.

There have been growing calls for the Liberals to introduce quotas to improve the low levels of female representation in the party.

This is not the first time the issue of sexism has been raised in Australian politics.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard became a torchbearer for women around the world in 2012 with her fiery speech about misogyny in parliament, where she accused Abbott of sexism.

Australia's former foreign minister says she was mistaken for the spouse of a politician by US First Lady Melania Trump, in her latest comments on the subordinate role of women in conservative politics.

Australia's former foreign minister says she was mistaken for the spouse of a politician by US First Lady Melania Trump, in her latest comments on the subordinate role of women in conservative politics. Julie Bishop has been vocal about the treatment of senior female politicians since she stepped down after the ouster of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull last year. Bishop, who was Australia's first female foreign minister and deputy leader of the Liberal Party, is among several senior politicians from the centre-right government set to quit parliament at upcoming national elections amid expectations of an opposition win. She told a talk in Adelaide Saturday that Melania thought her partner David Patton was Australia's foreign minister, instead of her, after President Donald Trump stuck up a conversation with him, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. "Melania, standing by, assumed David was the foreign minister and she said to me: 'Julie, will you be coming to my ladies' lunch tomorrow?," Bishop said of the encounter at the UN General Assembly Leaders' week in 2017. "And I said 'No, David's going to the partners' lunch'. She thought about that for a while, thinking: 'Why would Australia's foreign minister come to the partners' lunch?' "So this went on for a while until the president explained that I was the foreign minister." Australia's embattled minority government has been accused of having a "women problem", with Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently boosting the number of female politicians in his cabinet to counter the criticism. One cabinet minister who is also leaving parliament, Kelly O'Dwyer, reportedly said as a warning in a party meeting several months ago that the Liberals were widely viewed by voters as "homophobic, anti-women, climate-change deniers". Bishop said she was not comfortable being the only woman among 18 men in cabinet after Turnbull's predecessor Tony Abbott won national elections in 2013. "This isn't fine. This is not completely normal," she said of the situation. There have been growing calls for the Liberals to introduce quotas to improve the low levels of female representation in the party. This is not the first time the issue of sexism has been raised in Australian politics. Former prime minister Julia Gillard became a torchbearer for women around the world in 2012 with her fiery speech about misogyny in parliament, where she accused Abbott of sexism.

Melania Trump 'mistook former female Australia foreign minister for partner'

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday embarked on a visit to Germany to attend an international security conference in Munich where leaders and defence experts from across the world will discuss security issues.

Speaking to reporters prior to his departure, Qureshi said he will present Pakistan's point of view on different issues of regional peace and security in the conference from February 15-17, the Radio Pakistan reported.

The meeting will be attended by the defence and foreign ministers and security experts from across the world.

The foreign minister said he will also hold meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his counterparts from Russia, Germany, Uzbekistan and Canada.

He said Pakistan's role in the Afghanistan peace process is being globally "appreciated" and he will present the country's stance on the war-torn nation in the conference.

He said Pakistan has always supported peace efforts to bring stability to Afghanistan. ?Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process is being globally appreciated. We will use this opportunity to present our stance and hear the views of all parties, he said.

Qureshi is also expected to meet key US congressmen and members of the US Senate. The foreign minister said Pakistan-US relations have reached an important stage and it is his effort to reset the relations with the US.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday embarked on a visit to Germany to attend an international security conference in Munich where leaders and defence experts from across the world will discuss security issues.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday embarked on a visit to Germany to attend an international security conference in Munich where leaders and defence experts from across the world will discuss security issues. Speaking to reporters prior to his departure, Qureshi said he will present Pakistan's point of view on different issues of regional peace and security in the conference from February 15-17, the Radio Pakistan reported. The meeting will be attended by the defence and foreign ministers and security experts from across the world. The foreign minister said he will also hold meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his counterparts from Russia, Germany, Uzbekistan and Canada. He said Pakistan's role in the Afghanistan peace process is being globally "appreciated" and he will present the country's stance on the war-torn nation in the conference. He said Pakistan has always supported peace efforts to bring stability to Afghanistan. ?Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process is being globally appreciated. We will use this opportunity to present our stance and hear the views of all parties, he said. Qureshi is also expected to meet key US congressmen and members of the US Senate. The foreign minister said Pakistan-US relations have reached an important stage and it is his effort to reset the relations with the US.

Qureshi in Germany to attend Munich Security Conference

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday called up hard-line Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in yet another provocative act on the eve of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-jammu-and-kashmir-on-february-3-ram-madhav-191632">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

During the phone call, Qureshi discussed the situation in Kashmir with Geelani, according to ARY channel.

Geelani is the second Kashmiri separatist leader whom Qureshi called up in the last few days.

Earlier, he had a telephonic conversation Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

India took strong objection to that phone call and Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi Sohail Mahmood was summoned by Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to lodge a protest.

Gokhale bluntly told Mahmood that Pakistan should desist from such provocative actions, failing which there will be "implications".

Significantly, Qureshi`s phone call to Geelani came just a day ahead of the prime minister`s visit to the state.

Prime minister Modi will launch several developmental projects during the day-long visit.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday called up hard-line Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in yet another provocative act on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday called up hard-line Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in yet another provocative act on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir. During the phone call, Qureshi discussed the situation in Kashmir with Geelani, according to ARY channel. Geelani is the second Kashmiri separatist leader whom Qureshi called up in the last few days. Earlier, he had a telephonic conversation Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. India took strong objection to that phone call and Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi Sohail Mahmood was summoned by Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to lodge a protest. Gokhale bluntly told Mahmood that Pakistan should desist from such provocative actions, failing which there will be "implications". Significantly, Qureshi`s phone call to Geelani came just a day ahead of the prime minister`s visit to the state. Prime minister Modi will launch several developmental projects during the day-long visit.

Pakistan Foreign Minister calls up Kashmiri separatist leader Geelani

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjrjqe12IrgAhWLvY8KHYlEB_IQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw15Y2sVj8mkDKrs_EAusLTi">The United States </a>is pushing for a United Nations Security Council statement expressing full support for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/news-brief-big-stories-of-day-192355&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjrjqe12IrgAhWLvY8KHYlEB_IQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_rcicXvl8sCSxOJFYAAWi">Venezuela's National Assembly </a>as the country's "only democratically elected institution," but Russia is expected to block the move, diplomats said on Friday.

The council will meet on Saturday at the request of the United States after Washington and a string of countries in the region recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as head of state and urged President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, along with several other ministers, are due to address the 15-member body. Ahead of the public meeting, the United States circulated a draft Security Council statement.

The draft, seen by Reuters, said: "As conditions in the Republic of Venezuela continue to deteriorate, the Security Council expresses its full support for the National Assembly as Venezuela's only democratically elected institution."

If the council backed the statement, it would effectively recognize Guaido - who is head of the National Assembly - as Venezuela's head of state. Guaido declared himself the country's interim president on Wednesday.

However, Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Friday that Moscow would oppose the US push for the Security Council to back Guaido as interim president. Council statements must be agreed by consensus.

Before Washington circulated the draft statement to council members late on Friday, Nebenzia told Reuters: "That will not pass ... For us, nothing changes."

The draft statement also "calls for the immediate start of a political process that leads to free, fair and credible elections with international electoral observation in the shortest possible time."

During Saturday's Security Council meeting, Pompeo will urge council members and other countries to recognize Guaido, the State Department said in a statement on Friday.

The United States is pushing for a United Nations Security Council statement expressing full support for Venezuela's National Assembly as the country's "only democratically elected institution," but Russia is expected to block the move, diplomats said on Friday.

The United States is pushing for a United Nations Security Council statement expressing full support for Venezuela's National Assembly as the country's "only democratically elected institution," but Russia is expected to block the move, diplomats said on Friday. The council will meet on Saturday at the request of the United States after Washington and a string of countries in the region recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as head of state and urged President Nicolas Maduro to step down. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, along with several other ministers, are due to address the 15-member body. Ahead of the public meeting, the United States circulated a draft Security Council statement. The draft, seen by Reuters, said: "As conditions in the Republic of Venezuela continue to deteriorate, the Security Council expresses its full support for the National Assembly as Venezuela's only democratically elected institution." If the council backed the statement, it would effectively recognize Guaido - who is head of the National Assembly - as Venezuela's head of state. Guaido declared himself the country's interim president on Wednesday. However, Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Friday that Moscow would oppose the US push for the Security Council to back Guaido as interim president. Council statements must be agreed by consensus. Before Washington circulated the draft statement to council members late on Friday, Nebenzia told Reuters: "That will not pass ... For us, nothing changes." The draft statement also "calls for the immediate start of a political process that leads to free, fair and credible elections with international electoral observation in the shortest possible time." During Saturday's Security Council meeting, Pompeo will urge council members and other countries to recognize Guaido, the State Department said in a statement on Friday.

US pushes UN Security Council to back Venezuela's Guaido

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-accepts-deal-in-tax-fraud-case-in-spain-with-fine-suspended-sentence-191989&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiynpe5sIbgAhXJbn0KHZmEB4sQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AaiI-I4Wa-NaYCjCthlhS">Spain</a> on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests.

"The scenario has changed radically, there have been deaths. We have to prevent the situation from worsening. This undoubtedly demands a process of intervention to guarantee the only way out which is elections," said Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell.

The United States, Brazil, and other countries on Wednesday endorsed Guaido's declaration in repudiation of President Nicolas Maduro, as more protests rocked the economically strapped country.

Guaido's announcement came amid violence that has killed at least 13 people this week, according to a toll by the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict.

When asked if Spain would also endorse Guaido's declaration, Borrell reiterated that "what is important" is that Venezuela holds fresh elections.

He said some 200,000 Spanish nationals live in Venezuela, a former Spanish colony.

Spain on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests.

Spain on Thursday said fresh elections were the "only way out" for Venezuela after opposition leader Juan Guaido claimed the presidency amid anti-government protests. "The scenario has changed radically, there have been deaths. We have to prevent the situation from worsening. This undoubtedly demands a process of intervention to guarantee the only way out which is elections," said Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell. The United States, Brazil, and other countries on Wednesday endorsed Guaido's declaration in repudiation of President Nicolas Maduro, as more protests rocked the economically strapped country. Guaido's announcement came amid violence that has killed at least 13 people this week, according to a toll by the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict. When asked if Spain would also endorse Guaido's declaration, Borrell reiterated that "what is important" is that Venezuela holds fresh elections. He said some 200,000 Spanish nationals live in Venezuela, a former Spanish colony.

Elections only way out of Venezuela crisis: Spain

Sushma Swaraj India's Foreign Minister in Uzbekistan

The 10th India-Japan Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue was held between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Japanese counterpart Tarō Kōno on Monday in New Delhi.

During the Strategic Dialogue, India and Japan agreed that Kōno's visit to India provides an opportunity for the nations to identify agendas in bilateral relations in 2019.

He was on an official three-day visit to India from January 7 to January 9.

Speaking to former Indian ambassador to the US Arun K Singh on WION's 'The Diplomacy Show', Kono said, "India has a huge potential and it is a growing economy with a young population. So it's good to have a very friendly relationship with India and Japan and India could be a natural ally in terms of our economy and defence and security."

WION:&nbsp;You are visiting India and is this the first time you have come to India or you've been here before?&nbsp;

Kōno: Well, this is the first time as a Foreign Minister. But, I have been to New Delhi and Mumbai before. Your government kindly invited my wife and I two years ago. So I visited New Delhi and Mumbai and before that, I attended a conference on energy policy. So it's good to be back.

WION:&nbsp;So you have had an engagement with India from before and although you've been Foreign Minister for a little over a year. And you'd have interacted with Indian leaders, I think you hosted the Indian Foreign Minister in Japan last year. &nbsp;

Kōno: Yes. &nbsp;

WION:The Indian Prime Minister was there in October but this is your first time as the Foreign Minister. Dealing with the relationship in that capacity and visiting India, what are the impressions you have formed. Where are we in the relationship? &nbsp;

Kōno: Well, India has a huge potential and it is a growing economy with a young population. So it's good to have a very friendly relationship with India and Japan and India could be a natural ally in terms of our economy and defence and security. So I'm very glad to be able to visit India as a Foreign Minister. &nbsp;

WION:Both countries have now described the relationship as a special strategic and global partnership. Is that designation justified?

Kōno: I think so. India is the largest democracy on this planet and India and Japan share many common values, democracy, human rights, rule of law and we are strategically, I think aligned very nicely. So I think we need to work hard to develop this special strategic relationship into the future. &nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;In the statement that has been put out by the Japanese Foreign Ministry after your meetings here with your counterpart; the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister. It has been said that India is the most important partner for Japan in the context of the free and open Indo-Pacific. Why is that?&nbsp;

Kōno: Well, India is the largest recipient of our ODA (Official Development Assistance) and Japan is now the third largest investor in India. More than fifteen hundred Japanese companies are now very active in the Indian market and India as well and I think keeping free and open sea lines of communication is vital to the economic prosperity in not only Asia but for Africa, the Middle East, all the way across the Pacific to the western coast of the United States and we share common values of this free and open Indo-Pacific vision and India is the most important partner to making it happen. We need to work on connectivity for economic prosperity and also we need to work together to keep the law enforcement capacity of the countries along the coast and we can work together on this issue as well. So this relationship needs to be stronger and I think it is natural to say this is the most important partnership to make a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' happen.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;You referred to the important investment by the Japanese companies in India, the large number of Japanese companies present here, but if you look at the trade relationship and the total trade seems to be in the order of about 16 billion dollars. What more can we do to enhance our trading partnership?&nbsp;

Kōno: Well, we are now working on RCEP. We hope to conclude this negotiation by the end of 2019. Also, we concluded TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) negotiations and India is welcome to join TPP. So now there is a lot of protectionism rising all over the world. But I think we can work to keep free and open trade and I think that is beneficial for India and Japan as well.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Defence is one area where India and Japan are looking at doing more and more. We have now agreed to hold the two plus two dialogue of foreign and defence ministers. There is a defence policy dialogue. We do a large number of exercises including the Malabar series of exercises.&nbsp;

What can be done in terms of enhancing defence cooperation in terms of trade in defence or technology partnership? What's your sense of what are the obstacles there?&nbsp;

Kōno: When Prime Minister Modi visited Japan last year, we agreed to start two plus two ministerial meeting process and we are holding a dialogue on cyber, dialogue on space. As you mentioned, the Japanese Maritime Self-defence Force are participating officially in Malabar exercise and Indian Army-Air Force is working with Japanese self-defence forces in joint exercises. So there is a lot of cooperation between our Self-defence Force and Indian armed forces.&nbsp;

At the same time there are a lot of things we can do to get the defence industry going and so there is a lot of potential and creating very strong relationship between Japan and India or plus the US or even Australia will bring stability in this Indo-Pacific region and I think stability is a cornerstone for the economic prosperity of this region. So having a good, stable relationship between Japan and India, we can build on a lot of things on this fundamentals.&nbsp;

WION:Certainly, and in the context of the Indo-Pacific; we have the trilateral meetings between India, US and Japan and I think you along with your US and Indian colleague had a meeting in New York and the Indian and the Japanese Prime Minister had a meeting with President Trump recently in the framework of the G-20. So, how are you seeing the potential for the trilateral partnership in the context to Indo-Pacific and the Quadrilateral involving Australia?&nbsp;

Kōno: We had a summit meeting among the three countries in Buenos Aires at &nbsp;G-20 and probably this year in Osaka during the G-20 summit, there's gonna be another trilateral summit meeting. So, this trilateral relationship will be getting stronger and we can coordinate defence and security policy, we can coordinate economic policy as well and plus we are now having DG (Director General) level meeting including Australia.

WION:Okay.&nbsp;

Kōno: So, this is a new mechanism for this region to keep this free and open trade, free and open sea lines of communication. So it could be a good vehicle to build a multilateral relationship.

WION:As countries are looking at new frameworks for interaction, new architectures for security and other forms of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Clearly, they're also looking at the rise of China; the economic, the technological, the military rise of China, its assertiveness be it in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Senkaku Islands. How are you looking at the challenge from the rise of China as far as Japan is concerned and in terms of Japan's interests and globally how should the world react and deal with that?&nbsp;

Kōno: Well for last 40 years, the Japanese government, as well as Japanese private sector, helped the Chinese economy to grow. I think a stable growth of the Chinese economy according to the existing international order will give great opportunity for many other economies to prosper. But unfortunately, there is some disagreement with China such as protecting intellectual property right or industrial subsidies or sort of - forced technology transfer.&nbsp;

So, we need to get China to play the game according to the international rule; but if China comes back to stable growth and they play the same game, it will provide a lot of opportunity for the region. At the same time, they are violating our territorial water in the East China Sea and their action in the South China Sea needs to be corrected. So on those fundamental issues, Japan has no intention to concede. I think we need to get China engaged in the International framework and try to get China to play according to the international rules. So, it is important to cooperate among US, Japan, India or another country and get China to play within their existing liberal international order, that will create a lot of opportunity.&nbsp;

WION:Many have argued that the fact that the Chinese economic system is essentially based on state-owned enterprises and therefore; the manner in which they compete with private sector-led economies does not quite meet the WTO (World Trade Organisation) framework and rules and norms. So how can one deal with that challenge?&nbsp;

Kōno: Well, a lot of economic issues need to be solved within the framework of WTO. We are trying to get US, Europe, Japan, and another like-minded country to modernize the WTO. I think we need to address the issue of e-commerce and all those things need to be addressed within the framework of WTO. So, at the same time, we need to modernize WTO better. We need to ask each country; China, US, and others to play the game according to the WTO rules.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;The relations with the United States are a very critical relationship for Japan since the Second World War. It's a very important security partner for Japan but of late there are voices emerging from the US; challenging or questioning US commitment to its allies, partners, security commitment. Given that, has that caused some anxiety concern in Japan about how the US is looking at its evolving role in the global context, in the context of the Asia-Pacific?&nbsp;

Kōno: Well, I think the alliance between Japan and the United States is the cornerstone for security policy of Japan and President Trump and his administration's commitment to Asia or the Asia Pacific is still very strong in terms of security and defence policy. It is unfortunate that Washington left TPP and we are still hoping for the US to come back to TPP. But I think in general, in terms of security; the US is very committed to the region. So, we are not really worried about it and for example the issue of North Korea; I think the trilateral commitment among US, Japan and South Korea is very solid and we are working on North Korea to change the policy. So, I think the Trump administration; well there are a lot of issues but when it comes to the Asia Pacific or when it comes to the relationship between Japan and the United States, I think it's very stable and their commitment is real.&nbsp;

WION: In the context of North Korea, the US seems to have taken some very unprecedented steps and decisions in terms of President Trump agreeing to a meeting with Chairman Kim and there's talk now for a second meeting and for Japan, clearly whatever happens around North Korea is of deep interest including the issue of abduction of Japanese personnel and security concerns. Are you comfortable that the US has kept you fully informed about what they're doing with North Korea and how they're planning the next step?&nbsp;

Kōno: Yes, Secretary Pompeo and the Foreign Minister Kang of South Korea and myself get together regularly and exchange the views and we are very solid and I think if North Korea makes right decisions, there is going to be a bright future for that country. So, a lot of things is now up to Mr. Kim Jong-un. If he makes the right decision for his country, Japan is ready to normalise the relationship with North Korea once they solve the issue of missile nuclear and abduction issues. We are ready to provide economic assistance to North Korea just like we did to South Korea in the past. So we are all waiting for his decisions and we are very grateful for the international community is united behind the U.N. Security Council resolution. So, I think President Trump is taking very strong leadership on this issue and we are waiting for their second summit meeting, it will be another breakthrough in this issue.&nbsp;

WION:Europe is another very important leg in the Western alliance system and Europe at the moment seems to be going through its own challenges. There is Brexit happening, For a long time, Germany and Angela Merkel were seen as leaders for Europe, setting the norms. She seems to have been weakened. The French President Macron who was seen at one stage as emerging as the new voice in Europe, he seems to have been weakened domestically. So, is there concern in Japan about the strength of the voice from Europe including because of the rise of right-wing forces, authoritarian tendencies in some countries. How are you seeing that and how is Japan looking at dealing with that challenge?

Kōno: Well, Europe is for democracy, rule of law, basic human rights. We share a lot of common values, you know. Europe, Japan, India; we are in the same boat I think and we welcome strongly united Europe. The Brexit and the possible no-deal Brexit worries us. It's true, but we hope that they could take care of that issue and I think it's time for Japan, Europe, India, and other democratic countries to share a little bit more burden to keep this liberal international order going. I think we have sort of relied on US bit too much, too long. Now the US is asking for some help, I think it's time for us to get a little bit more burden on our shoulder and EU and Japan conclude EPA and Strategic partnership agreement. So EU-Japan EPA is another signal that we are standing firm with the free trade regime and would like to convey the strong signal to the whole world. So, strong Europe, united Europe is welcome and we are for expansion of EU to the Balkan countries. So, I think Europe with a long history of democracy could take care of those issues and stand united.&nbsp;

WION:Expansion of Europe, expansion of NATO, of course, causes a lot of concern to Russia and Russia is an important political and defence partner of India. Japan has an important relationship with Russia. There's the issue of the islands since the Second World War. What's your sense of what can be done to improve really the situation between US and Russia, Western Europe and Russia so as to lessen Russia's increasing dependence on China which would be in the interest of neither the US nor Europe nor Japan and India?&nbsp;

Kōno: Well since the end of the Cold War, Russia is no longer a security threat in East Asia and Russia could offer a lot of energy to Japan. Natural gas, electricity and all those things. So, Russia and Japan could be a natural partner in some area and Russia is a good friend of India for many years so there are probably a lot of things we can do together trilaterally and I'm very much looking forward to that. Now Prime Minister Abe has agreed with President Putin to expedite the process of concluding the peace treaty. 70 years after the war, we still haven't got a peace treaty with Russia. Now, I'm actually going to Moscow next week to start a new round of peace treaty negotiations and there are a lot of things we could invest in, especially Siberia Far East and there are a lot of things we can do together. So, I think it's good to have Russia on our side and I'm very optimistic.&nbsp;

WION:Well, I wish you good luck for your visit and the negotiations and as our discussion showed; there is a lot of convergence between India and Japan including because of our shared values and interests. I want to thank you for the effort you are making for advancing this relationship and thank you for joining this show.&nbsp;

Kōno: Thank you very much.

The 10th India-Japan Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue was held between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Japanese counterpart Tarō Kōno on Monday in New Delhi.

The 10th India-Japan Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue was held between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Japanese counterpart Tarō Kōno on Monday in New Delhi. During the Strategic Dialogue, India and Japan agreed that Kōno's visit to India provides an opportunity for the nations to identify agendas in bilateral relations in 2019. He was on an official three-day visit to India from January 7 to January 9. Speaking to former Indian ambassador to the US Arun K Singh on WION's 'The Diplomacy Show', Kono said, "India has a huge potential and it is a growing economy with a young population. So it's good to have a very friendly relationship with India and Japan and India could be a natural ally in terms of our economy and defence and security." WION: You are visiting India and is this the first time you have come to India or you've been here before? Kōno: Well, this is the first time as a Foreign Minister. But, I have been to New Delhi and Mumbai before. Your government kindly invited my wife and I two years ago. So I visited New Delhi and Mumbai and before that, I attended a conference on energy policy. So it's good to be back. WION: So you have had an engagement with India from before and although you've been Foreign Minister for a little over a year. And you'd have interacted with Indian leaders, I think you hosted the Indian Foreign Minister in Japan last year. Kōno: Yes. WION:The Indian Prime Minister was there in October but this is your first time as the Foreign Minister. Dealing with the relationship in that capacity and visiting India, what are the impressions you have formed. Where are we in the relationship? Kōno: Well, India has a huge potential and it is a growing economy with a young population. So it's good to have a very friendly relationship with India and Japan and India could be a natural ally in terms of our economy and defence and security. So I'm very glad to be able to visit India as a Foreign Minister. WION:Both countries have now described the relationship as a special strategic and global partnership. Is that designation justified? Kōno: I think so. India is the largest democracy on this planet and India and Japan share many common values, democracy, human rights, rule of law and we are strategically, I think aligned very nicely. So I think we need to work hard to develop this special strategic relationship into the future. WION: In the statement that has been put out by the Japanese Foreign Ministry after your meetings here with your counterpart; the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister. It has been said that India is the most important partner for Japan in the context of the free and open Indo-Pacific. Why is that? Kōno: Well, India is the largest recipient of our ODA (Official Development Assistance) and Japan is now the third largest investor in India. More than fifteen hundred Japanese companies are now very active in the Indian market and India as well and I think keeping free and open sea lines of communication is vital to the economic prosperity in not only Asia but for Africa, the Middle East, all the way across the Pacific to the western coast of the United States and we share common values of this free and open Indo-Pacific vision and India is the most important partner to making it happen. We need to work on connectivity for economic prosperity and also we need to work together to keep the law enforcement capacity of the countries along the coast and we can work together on this issue as well. So this relationship needs to be stronger and I think it is natural to say this is the most important partnership to make a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' happen. WION: You referred to the important investment by the Japanese companies in India, the large number of Japanese companies present here, but if you look at the trade relationship and the total trade seems to be in the order of about 16 billion dollars. What more can we do to enhance our trading partnership? Kōno: Well, we are now working on RCEP. We hope to conclude this negotiation by the end of 2019. Also, we concluded TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) negotiations and India is welcome to join TPP. So now there is a lot of protectionism rising all over the world. But I think we can work to keep free and open trade and I think that is beneficial for India and Japan as well. WION: Defence is one area where India and Japan are looking at doing more and more. We have now agreed to hold the two plus two dialogue of foreign and defence ministers. There is a defence policy dialogue. We do a large number of exercises including the Malabar series of exercises. What can be done in terms of enhancing defence cooperation in terms of trade in defence or technology partnership? What's your sense of what are the obstacles there? Kōno: When Prime Minister Modi visited Japan last year, we agreed to start two plus two ministerial meeting process and we are holding a dialogue on cyber, dialogue on space. As you mentioned, the Japanese Maritime Self-defence Force are participating officially in Malabar exercise and Indian Army-Air Force is working with Japanese self-defence forces in joint exercises. So there is a lot of cooperation between our Self-defence Force and Indian armed forces. At the same time there are a lot of things we can do to get the defence industry going and so there is a lot of potential and creating very strong relationship between Japan and India or plus the US or even Australia will bring stability in this Indo-Pacific region and I think stability is a cornerstone for the economic prosperity of this region. So having a good, stable relationship between Japan and India, we can build on a lot of things on this fundamentals. WION:Certainly, and in the context of the Indo-Pacific; we have the trilateral meetings between India, US and Japan and I think you along with your US and Indian colleague had a meeting in New York and the Indian and the Japanese Prime Minister had a meeting with President Trump recently in the framework of the G-20. So, how are you seeing the potential for the trilateral partnership in the context to Indo-Pacific and the Quadrilateral involving Australia? Kōno: We had a summit meeting among the three countries in Buenos Aires at G-20 and probably this year in Osaka during the G-20 summit, there's gonna be another trilateral summit meeting. So, this trilateral relationship will be getting stronger and we can coordinate defence and security policy, we can coordinate economic policy as well and plus we are now having DG (Director General) level meeting including Australia. WION:Okay. Kōno: So, this is a new mechanism for this region to keep this free and open trade, free and open sea lines of communication. So it could be a good vehicle to build a multilateral relationship. WION:As countries are looking at new frameworks for interaction, new architectures for security and other forms of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Clearly, they're also looking at the rise of China; the economic, the technological, the military rise of China, its assertiveness be it in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Senkaku Islands. How are you looking at the challenge from the rise of China as far as Japan is concerned and in terms of Japan's interests and globally how should the world react and deal with that? Kōno: Well for last 40 years, the Japanese government, as well as Japanese private sector, helped the Chinese economy to grow. I think a stable growth of the Chinese economy according to the existing international order will give great opportunity for many other economies to prosper. But unfortunately, there is some disagreement with China such as protecting intellectual property right or industrial subsidies or sort of - forced technology transfer. So, we need to get China to play the game according to the international rule; but if China comes back to stable growth and they play the same game, it will provide a lot of opportunity for the region. At the same time, they are violating our territorial water in the East China Sea and their action in the South China Sea needs to be corrected. So on those fundamental issues, Japan has no intention to concede. I think we need to get China engaged in the International framework and try to get China to play according to the international rules. So, it is important to cooperate among US, Japan, India or another country and get China to play within their existing liberal international order, that will create a lot of opportunity. WION:Many have argued that the fact that the Chinese economic system is essentially based on state-owned enterprises and therefore; the manner in which they compete with private sector-led economies does not quite meet the WTO (World Trade Organisation) framework and rules and norms. So how can one deal with that challenge? Kōno: Well, a lot of economic issues need to be solved within the framework of WTO. We are trying to get US, Europe, Japan, and another like-minded country to modernize the WTO. I think we need to address the issue of e-commerce and all those things need to be addressed within the framework of WTO. So, at the same time, we need to modernize WTO better. We need to ask each country; China, US, and others to play the game according to the WTO rules. WION: The relations with the United States are a very critical relationship for Japan since the Second World War. It's a very important security partner for Japan but of late there are voices emerging from the US; challenging or questioning US commitment to its allies, partners, security commitment. Given that, has that caused some anxiety concern in Japan about how the US is looking at its evolving role in the global context, in the context of the Asia-Pacific? Kōno: Well, I think the alliance between Japan and the United States is the cornerstone for security policy of Japan and President Trump and his administration's commitment to Asia or the Asia Pacific is still very strong in terms of security and defence policy. It is unfortunate that Washington left TPP and we are still hoping for the US to come back to TPP. But I think in general, in terms of security; the US is very committed to the region. So, we are not really worried about it and for example the issue of North Korea; I think the trilateral commitment among US, Japan and South Korea is very solid and we are working on North Korea to change the policy. So, I think the Trump administration; well there are a lot of issues but when it comes to the Asia Pacific or when it comes to the relationship between Japan and the United States, I think it's very stable and their commitment is real. WION: In the context of North Korea, the US seems to have taken some very unprecedented steps and decisions in terms of President Trump agreeing to a meeting with Chairman Kim and there's talk now for a second meeting and for Japan, clearly whatever happens around North Korea is of deep interest including the issue of abduction of Japanese personnel and security concerns. Are you comfortable that the US has kept you fully informed about what they're doing with North Korea and how they're planning the next step? Kōno: Yes, Secretary Pompeo and the Foreign Minister Kang of South Korea and myself get together regularly and exchange the views and we are very solid and I think if North Korea makes right decisions, there is going to be a bright future for that country. So, a lot of things is now up to Mr. Kim Jong-un. If he makes the right decision for his country, Japan is ready to normalise the relationship with North Korea once they solve the issue of missile nuclear and abduction issues. We are ready to provide economic assistance to North Korea just like we did to South Korea in the past. So we are all waiting for his decisions and we are very grateful for the international community is united behind the U.N. Security Council resolution. So, I think President Trump is taking very strong leadership on this issue and we are waiting for their second summit meeting, it will be another breakthrough in this issue. WION:Europe is another very important leg in the Western alliance system and Europe at the moment seems to be going through its own challenges. There is Brexit happening, For a long time, Germany and Angela Merkel were seen as leaders for Europe, setting the norms. She seems to have been weakened. The French President Macron who was seen at one stage as emerging as the new voice in Europe, he seems to have been weakened domestically. So, is there concern in Japan about the strength of the voice from Europe including because of the rise of right-wing forces, authoritarian tendencies in some countries. How are you seeing that and how is Japan looking at dealing with that challenge? Kōno: Well, Europe is for democracy, rule of law, basic human rights. We share a lot of common values, you know. Europe, Japan, India; we are in the same boat I think and we welcome strongly united Europe. The Brexit and the possible no-deal Brexit worries us. It's true, but we hope that they could take care of that issue and I think it's time for Japan, Europe, India, and other democratic countries to share a little bit more burden to keep this liberal international order going. I think we have sort of relied on US bit too much, too long. Now the US is asking for some help, I think it's time for us to get a little bit more burden on our shoulder and EU and Japan conclude EPA and Strategic partnership agreement. So EU-Japan EPA is another signal that we are standing firm with the free trade regime and would like to convey the strong signal to the whole world. So, strong Europe, united Europe is welcome and we are for expansion of EU to the Balkan countries. So, I think Europe with a long history of democracy could take care of those issues and stand united. WION:Expansion of Europe, expansion of NATO, of course, causes a lot of concern to Russia and Russia is an important political and defence partner of India. Japan has an important relationship with Russia. There's the issue of the islands since the Second World War. What's your sense of what can be done to improve really the situation between US and Russia, Western Europe and Russia so as to lessen Russia's increasing dependence on China which would be in the interest of neither the US nor Europe nor Japan and India? Kōno: Well since the end of the Cold War, Russia is no longer a security threat in East Asia and Russia could offer a lot of energy to Japan. Natural gas, electricity and all those things. So, Russia and Japan could be a natural partner in some area and Russia is a good friend of India for many years so there are probably a lot of things we can do together trilaterally and I'm very much looking forward to that. Now Prime Minister Abe has agreed with President Putin to expedite the process of concluding the peace treaty. 70 years after the war, we still haven't got a peace treaty with Russia. Now, I'm actually going to Moscow next week to start a new round of peace treaty negotiations and there are a lot of things we could invest in, especially Siberia Far East and there are a lot of things we can do together. So, I think it's good to have Russia on our side and I'm very optimistic. WION:Well, I wish you good luck for your visit and the negotiations and as our discussion showed; there is a lot of convergence between India and Japan including because of our shared values and interests. I want to thank you for the effort you are making for advancing this relationship and thank you for joining this show. Kōno: Thank you very much.

India a growing economy with a young population and huge potential: Japan Foreign Minister on WION's The Diplomacy Show

French FM to meet Indian counterpart

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will visit Afghanistan on December 15 to hold talks with top Afghan leadership on "political reconciliation and durable peace" in the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Qureshi announced his visit to Kabul after US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, seeking Pakistan's help with stuttering Afghan peace talks and support in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table to end the 17-year brutal war in the country.

Addressing a ceremony in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said it was the robustness of Pakistan's foreign policy that the US requested for assistance in Afghan issue, Radio Pakistan reported.&nbsp;

He said Pakistan was committed to Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

The foreign minister said "he will visit Kabul on December 15 to hold talks with "Afghan leadership on political reconciliation and durable peace in Afghanistan."

Trump's letter was followed by visit to Islamabad by US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad who held talks with top officials and also called on Queshi and the prime minister.

It would be Qureshi's second trip to Kabul after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government came to power in August.

In the letter, Trump "stated that his most important regional priority was achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war. In this regard, he has sought Pakistan's support and facilitation," the Foreign Office said.

The president also acknowledged that the war had cost both the US and Pakistan and emphasised that both the countries "should explore opportunities to work together and renew partnership".

The Trump administration, in the recent months, has intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war in Afghanistan where the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terror attacks.

The Taliban are fighting to flush out international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001.&nbsp;

Pakistan and Afghanistan are trying to improve ties despite lingering suspicions and mistrust about each other.'&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Addressing the ceremony in Multan, Qureshi also said that Pakistan made the decision of opening Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate Sikh pilgrims.&nbsp;

"This step gave a message of peace and love from Pakistan,"&nbsp;he said.

He said Pakistan's foreign policy "is on a positive trajectory based on national interest and self-reliance."

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will visit Afghanistan on December 15 to hold talks with top Afghan leadership on "political reconciliation and durable peace" in the war-torn country.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will visit Afghanistan on December 15 to hold talks with top Afghan leadership on "political reconciliation and durable peace" in the war-torn country. Qureshi announced his visit to Kabul after US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, seeking Pakistan's help with stuttering Afghan peace talks and support in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table to end the 17-year brutal war in the country. Addressing a ceremony in Multan on Saturday, Qureshi said it was the robustness of Pakistan's foreign policy that the US requested for assistance in Afghan issue, Radio Pakistan reported. He said Pakistan was committed to Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. The foreign minister said "he will visit Kabul on December 15 to hold talks with "Afghan leadership on political reconciliation and durable peace in Afghanistan." Trump's letter was followed by visit to Islamabad by US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad who held talks with top officials and also called on Queshi and the prime minister. It would be Qureshi's second trip to Kabul after Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government came to power in August. In the letter, Trump "stated that his most important regional priority was achieving a negotiated settlement of the Afghan war. In this regard, he has sought Pakistan's support and facilitation," the Foreign Office said. The president also acknowledged that the war had cost both the US and Pakistan and emphasised that both the countries "should explore opportunities to work together and renew partnership". The Trump administration, in the recent months, has intensified its efforts to seek a negotiated settlement of America's longest war in Afghanistan where the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers since late 2001, when it invaded the country after the 9/11 terror attacks. The Taliban are fighting to flush out international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001. Pakistan and Afghanistan are trying to improve ties despite lingering suspicions and mistrust about each other.' Addressing the ceremony in Multan, Qureshi also said that Pakistan made the decision of opening Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate Sikh pilgrims. "This step gave a message of peace and love from Pakistan," he said. He said Pakistan's foreign policy "is on a positive trajectory based on national interest and self-reliance."

Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi to visit Afghanistan on December 15

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday reacted to India's decision of calling off talks with Pakistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. Qureshi noted that he can a say a lot over the incident but that would only add to the existing issues and hamper peace.&nbsp;

"I can say a lot but I don’t want to worsen the situation, we want peace. Only a few words can worsen the situation," Qureshi stated at the United Nations.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Qureshi also raised the issue of India's construction on the Kishanganga during his meeting with World Bank Chief Jim Yong Kim on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly session at the United Nations.

Qureshi presented Pakistan's position on the Kishanganga and Ratle projects, it said.

He told the World Bank Chief that India's construction of these projects represented a violation of the Treaty, which gave Pakistan exclusive rights to western rivers, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: I can say a lot but I don’t want to worsen the situation, we want peace. Only a few words can worsen the situation: Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan Minister of Foreign Affairs at UN after India cancelled meeting with Pakistan at UNGA. <a href="https://t.co/wHXQHdjmOH">pic.twitter.com/wHXQHdjmOH</a>
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Qureshi said Pakistan was not interested in politicising the issue, the statement said.

According to the statement, Kim said he understood Pakistan's position on the treaty and expressed the bank's desire to play a constructive role in resolving the matter at the earliest.

India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday reacted to India's decision of calling off talks with Pakistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday reacted to India's decision of calling off talks with Pakistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. Qureshi noted that he can a say a lot over the incident but that would only add to the existing issues and hamper peace. "I can say a lot but I don’t want to worsen the situation, we want peace. Only a few words can worsen the situation," Qureshi stated at the United Nations. Meanwhile, Qureshi also raised the issue of India's construction on the Kishanganga during his meeting with World Bank Chief Jim Yong Kim on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly session at the United Nations. Qureshi presented Pakistan's position on the Kishanganga and Ratle projects, it said. He told the World Bank Chief that India's construction of these projects represented a violation of the Treaty, which gave Pakistan exclusive rights to western rivers, news agency PTI reported. #WATCH: I can say a lot but I don’t want to worsen the situation, we want peace. Only a few words can worsen the situation: Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan Minister of Foreign Affairs at UN after India cancelled meeting with Pakistan at UNGA. pic.twitter.com/wHXQHdjmOH — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Qureshi said Pakistan was not interested in politicising the issue, the statement said. According to the statement, Kim said he understood Pakistan's position on the treaty and expressed the bank's desire to play a constructive role in resolving the matter at the earliest. India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a signatory. (With inputs from agencies)

Don't want to worsen situation: Qureshi on cancelled talks with India

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