US Vice President Harris has arrived in Manila to reset US ties with the Philippines. She has also planned to visit the disputed islands of Palawan. Now, she met with Philippine President.

US Vice President Kamala Harris meets Philippine president

Is Taiwan being cautious after the US Midterms election? Taiwan expects an unchanged US Policy even if there is a Republican-controlled House in the US. Watch this report to find out more.

US-Taiwan ties: Taiwan cautious after US Midterms? Taiwan expects unchanged US Policy

Saudi Arabia recently told the U.S that Iran might attack the Arab Kingdom. US said it's "concerned" and warned it will not hesitate to respond if necessary. U.S just vowed to respond for Saudi Arabia, the same country that it threatened recently for cutting down oil production? What is going on between U.S. and Saudi Arabia? Are they friends? Are they foes? Let’s talk about U.S. – Saudi ties: why they can’t live with or without each other.

US - Saudi: Can't live with, Can't live without

Iran and Saudi Arabia are the foremost rivals in West Asia. But recently, Tehran has been reaching out to Riyadh. Ghadi Francis tells you more on #TheWestAsiaPost

The West Asia Post | Is Iran trying to mend its ties with Saudi Arabia?

After ADIDAS ended its partnership with musician Kanye West, what does the brand plan to do? Priyanka Sharma brings you the details

WION Fineprint | What next for ADIDAS after severing ties with Kanye West?

The Indian military is willing to provide operational and cyber-security training to the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the two nations further deepen their defence engagement. But while Philippines has long been an ally of the US, why did it look towards India for its defence requirements? How do the two nations benefit from each other and why has the US been ousted from the equation?

India-Philippines defence ties: A win-win equation

France wants to be India's "best partner" in boosting its defence manufacturing. Why? What’s in it for France? What’s the need to be in India’s good books? Let’s get to the point.

Why France wants to be India’s “best defence partner”

Russia and Turkiye have strengthened their bilateral ties. Both countries will collaborate on energy & trade. This comes after Putin and Erdogan hold 4-hour long talks.

Russia, Turkiye strengthen bilateral ties: Countries to collaborate on energy & trade

In the past few weeks, Europe has experienced some record high temperatures that triggered several wildfires. Meanwhile, the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez made an interesting appeal. He's now asking the Spanish people to stop wearing their ties to stay cool amid heat wave.

WION Fineprint: Spanish PM Sanchez urges employees to stop wearing ties to stay cool amid heat wave

A comment by the Israeli president of the World Economic Forum has sparked a political row in Pakistan. President Isaac Herzog of Israel at Davos talked about a great change regarding Israel's ties with the Muslim world. WION's Anas Mallick brings in new details.

Is Pakistan rethinking Israel ties? Islamabad denies delegation visited Israel

A comment by the Israeli president of the World Economic Forum has sparked a political row in Pakistan. President Isaac Herzog of Israel at Davos talked about a great change regarding Israel's ties with the Muslim world.

Pak govt: Imran Khan a tool to create chaos

Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho spoke to WION on the Indo-Portugal ties. Watch his full interview here.

Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho speaks to WION on Indo-Portugal ties

On the Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference, the West urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. The world leaders converge as tensions spike.

Chinese Foreign Minister addresses Munich Security Conference

For several months now since November, the leaders of the west, Russia, and indeed the United States have been engaged in an escalating war of words. The political shadow boxing has been over a possible Russian incursion into Ukraine, in the aftermath of Russia having amassed almost over a hundred thousand troops along the borders with eastern Ukraine.

West sends weapons to Ukraine as tensions escalate with Russia

President Vladimir Putin hailed the relationship between China and Russia as he met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping ahead of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Chinese President Xi Jinping amid Ukraine crisis

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin is in China attending the Beijing Winter Olympics. Will the crisis and war tensions overshadow the games completely? Watch the report.

Ukraine crisis overshadows the Beijing Winter Olympics

Russian President Putin & Chinese President Xi Jinping project united front against the West

India and Oman are set to take defence ties to next level with a number of high-profile visits like by Omani Defence Ministry Secretary General Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Zaabi, who is the executive head of the Omani defence establishment, will visit India from January 30 to February 4.&nbsp;

During the visit, he will co-chair the 10th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMMC) with Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. JMMC is the top forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence and gives a framework to defence exchanges between the two sides. The last JMCC was held in Oman in 2018. &nbsp;

Being held after a gap of three years, largely due to Covid crisis, the 10th JMCC is expected to evaluate the ongoing defence exchanges and provide a roadmap for strengthening defence ties further. Indian side has been working for a long time so that the visit can happen soon. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-india-observes-martyrs-day-and-how-is-it-connected-to-mahatma-gandhi-448860" hreflang="en">Why India observes ‘Martyr’s Day’ and how is it connected to Mahatma Gandhi?</a>

Zaabi during India visit will call on Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is understood that he will also be given an overview of Indian defence production industry for possibilities of procurement and joint production of defence equipment. &nbsp;

Visit by Secretary General Zaabi kick starts a month of intensive defence exchanges with Oman. February will see high profile defence engagements, which includes visits of chief of Oman's Royal&nbsp;Air Force, chief of Oman's Royal Navy, and talks between Indian Navy officials and commander of Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). The visits of the naval and air force chiefs of Oman are taking place after a gap of five years and is expected to enable a high-level re-engagement between the forces of two sides. &nbsp;

February will also witness a bilateral air force exercise in Jodhpur between India and Oman Air force. The annual bilateral air exercise this year will see the participation of over 150 personnel from Oman. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-special-friendship-with-israel-on-30th-anniversary-of-establishment-of-diplomatic-ties-448809" hreflang="en">PM Modi hails 'special friendship' with Israel on 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties</a>

Oman is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks. The country also provides critical operational support to Indian naval deployments in the Arabian sea for anti-piracy missions. The country also actively participates in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). &nbsp;

Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of India-Oman strategic partnership. Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region and an important anchor for India’s defence and strategic interests. Defence exchanges are a part of a framework MoU, which was renewed in 2021. &nbsp;

Apart from the engagements in defence, training is a key component in the ties. Omani forces regularly take part in training courses in India both at professional as well as higher command level. Same stands true for Indian armed forces, who take part in the staff and command courses conducted at NDC, Oman.&nbsp;

India and Oman are set to take defence ties to next level with a number of high-profile visits like by Omani Defence Ministry Secretary General Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi.

India and Oman are set to take defence ties to next level with a number of high-profile visits like by Omani Defence Ministry Secretary General Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi. Zaabi, who is the executive head of the Omani defence establishment, will visit India from January 30 to February 4. During the visit, he will co-chair the 10th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMMC) with Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. JMMC is the top forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence and gives a framework to defence exchanges between the two sides. The last JMCC was held in Oman in 2018. Being held after a gap of three years, largely due to Covid crisis, the 10th JMCC is expected to evaluate the ongoing defence exchanges and provide a roadmap for strengthening defence ties further. Indian side has been working for a long time so that the visit can happen soon. Also Read: Why India observes ‘Martyr’s Day’ and how is it connected to Mahatma Gandhi? Zaabi during India visit will call on Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is understood that he will also be given an overview of Indian defence production industry for possibilities of procurement and joint production of defence equipment. Visit by Secretary General Zaabi kick starts a month of intensive defence exchanges with Oman. February will see high profile defence engagements, which includes visits of chief of Oman's Royal Air Force, chief of Oman's Royal Navy, and talks between Indian Navy officials and commander of Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO). The visits of the naval and air force chiefs of Oman are taking place after a gap of five years and is expected to enable a high-level re-engagement between the forces of two sides. February will also witness a bilateral air force exercise in Jodhpur between India and Oman Air force. The annual bilateral air exercise this year will see the participation of over 150 personnel from Oman. Also Read: PM Modi hails 'special friendship' with Israel on 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties Oman is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks. The country also provides critical operational support to Indian naval deployments in the Arabian sea for anti-piracy missions. The country also actively participates in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of India-Oman strategic partnership. Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region and an important anchor for India’s defence and strategic interests. Defence exchanges are a part of a framework MoU, which was renewed in 2021. Apart from the engagements in defence, training is a key component in the ties. Omani forces regularly take part in training courses in India both at professional as well as higher command level. Same stands true for Indian armed forces, who take part in the staff and command courses conducted at NDC, Oman.

Oman defence ministry's secretary general, air and navy chief to visit India to strengthen ties

To strengthen defence ties, the United States and Japan look to sign two pacts soon.

The two nations, who are looking to deepen defence cooperation,&nbsp;will ink a new five-year agreement soon to share the cost of the American military presence in the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. &nbsp;

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The leader was speaking at the outset of a virtual conference, which was held between the US and Japanese foreign and defence ministers on Thursday. &nbsp;

The two nations will also sign a deal to collaborate closely in research and development of defence-related technologies, which may include ways to counter threats from hypersonic weapons, said Blinken. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who joined virtually from home as he is recovering from a COVID-19 infection, said the US-Japan alliance is highly important. &nbsp;

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"We're meeting against a backdrop of increased tensions and challenges to the free, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region that we both seek challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions and by the coercive and aggressive behaviour of the People's Republic of China," Austin said. &nbsp;

"We remain grateful for the support that Japan continues to provide US forces deployed there and for an extraordinary level of mutual cooperation across the full spectrum of military capabilities," he added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To strengthen defence ties, the United States and Japan look to sign two pacts soon. The two nations, who are looking to deepen defence cooperation, will ink a new five-year agreement soon to share the cost of the American military presence in the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

To strengthen defence ties, the United States and Japan look to sign two pacts soon. The two nations, who are looking to deepen defence cooperation, will ink a new five-year agreement soon to share the cost of the American military presence in the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Also Read: Chinese national in US steals agricultural tech, pleads guilty The leader was speaking at the outset of a virtual conference, which was held between the US and Japanese foreign and defence ministers on Thursday. The two nations will also sign a deal to collaborate closely in research and development of defence-related technologies, which may include ways to counter threats from hypersonic weapons, said Blinken. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who joined virtually from home as he is recovering from a COVID-19 infection, said the US-Japan alliance is highly important. Also Read: Trump's 'non-woke' social media app rivalling the 'biased' big-tech to launch soon "We're meeting against a backdrop of increased tensions and challenges to the free, stable and secure Indo-Pacific region that we both seek challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions and by the coercive and aggressive behaviour of the People's Republic of China," Austin said. "We remain grateful for the support that Japan continues to provide US forces deployed there and for an extraordinary level of mutual cooperation across the full spectrum of military capabilities," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

To strengthen ties, US, Japan look to ink crucial defence pacts soon

Iran says it is ready to restore diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia. Ties between Tehran and Riyadh have been frozen since 2016.

Iran says it is ready to restore diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka on Thursday discussed the state of bilateral relations and views on further strengthening the ties between the two countries with his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The two foreign ministers held a telephone conversation and exchanged best wishes on the occasion of New Year 2022. They also expressed the hope for a better and prosperous year ahead.&nbsp;

“During the conversation, the two ministers held discussions on the friendly state of bilateral relations. Matters related to the bilateral exchange of visits and the progress made in the implementation of development projects and post-earthquake reconstructions were discussed during the occasion,” Nepal Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

With the help of the Indian government, Nepal has come a far way in terms of development. Recently, the Indian government helped in the construction of 50,000 houses in Gorkha, for 26,912 beneficiaries, and Nuwakot, where there are 23, 088 beneficiaries. These districts were badly hit due to an earthquake in 2015.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-maoist-party-pledges-to-fight-for-disputed-land-with-india-442428">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal Maoist party pledges to fight for disputed land with India</a>

The Foreign Minister of Nepal thanked India for its continuous support and cooperation extended, including the fight against the ongoing Covid pandemic.

The two foreign ministers also agreed to continue their conversation on areas of cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

“Just finished a New Year call with FM Dr. Narayan Khadka of Nepal. Was an opportunity to recognize progress on so many fronts. Our Development Partnership and Covid collaboration have been noteworthy. Agreed to broaden the vistas of our cooperation,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the Indian cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal for the construction of a bridge over the Mahakali river at Dharchula (India)- Dharchula (Nepal).

Khadka was scheduled to visit India, along with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to participate in the vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which was postponed due to the rapid spread of Omicron variant in India.&nbsp;

Following the development, the visit of Nepali leaders has been postponed.&nbsp;

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka on Thursday discussed the state of bilateral relations and views on further strengthening the ties between the two countries with his Indian counterpart Dr S.

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka on Thursday discussed the state of bilateral relations and views on further strengthening the ties between the two countries with his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar. The two foreign ministers held a telephone conversation and exchanged best wishes on the occasion of New Year 2022. They also expressed the hope for a better and prosperous year ahead. “During the conversation, the two ministers held discussions on the friendly state of bilateral relations. Matters related to the bilateral exchange of visits and the progress made in the implementation of development projects and post-earthquake reconstructions were discussed during the occasion,” Nepal Foreign Ministry said in a statement. With the help of the Indian government, Nepal has come a far way in terms of development. Recently, the Indian government helped in the construction of 50,000 houses in Gorkha, for 26,912 beneficiaries, and Nuwakot, where there are 23, 088 beneficiaries. These districts were badly hit due to an earthquake in 2015. Also read | Nepal Maoist party pledges to fight for disputed land with India The Foreign Minister of Nepal thanked India for its continuous support and cooperation extended, including the fight against the ongoing Covid pandemic. The two foreign ministers also agreed to continue their conversation on areas of cooperation between the two countries. “Just finished a New Year call with FM Dr. Narayan Khadka of Nepal. Was an opportunity to recognize progress on so many fronts. Our Development Partnership and Covid collaboration have been noteworthy. Agreed to broaden the vistas of our cooperation,” Jaishankar said in a tweet. Earlier in the day, the Indian cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal for the construction of a bridge over the Mahakali river at Dharchula (India)- Dharchula (Nepal). Khadka was scheduled to visit India, along with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to participate in the vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which was postponed due to the rapid spread of Omicron variant in India. Following the development, the visit of Nepali leaders has been postponed.

India, Nepal exchange views on further strengthening ties

In a major boost for India-Sri Lanka bilateral ties, the island nation has now confirmed that it will sign the mega oil tank farm deal with India.

India-Sri Lanka to sign mega oil tank farm deal

During his visit to Ethiopia, the Chinese Foreign Minister&nbsp;Wang Yi pledged his support to the government as he said that Ethiopia is capable of handling the Tigray conflict. Wang met with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.&nbsp;

During the meeting, Wang said that China and Ethiopia enjoy a traditional friendship. He further added that the two sides have become comprehensive strategic cooperative partners, reports Xinhua news agency.

With this, Wang also expressed the Chinese desire to further strengthen the ties.&nbsp;

"The comradeship of Ethiopia and China is growing. China has the desire to further strengthen," Wang said. He further added, "We understand the situation in Ethiopia very well. It has the history, acumen and capacity to solve this problem. We also want the problem to be solved."

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He further called for dialogue along with a political solution to the ongoing crisis. He said that China is willing to help the African country to restore peace. "China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. We do not meddle in the internal affairs of Ethiopia, and we also oppose any external forces' interference in the internal affairs of Ethiopia, and in particular disagree with the practice of some external forces to pressure Ethiopia for their own political purposes," read the statement.&nbsp;

The year-long conflict in the region has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes.

Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces have been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government forces for a year. The intention is to topple the government.&nbsp;

The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray, where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions.

The fighting reached its peak in the past few months when Ethiopia's military reportedly used fighter jets and armed drones against the TPLF.

(With inputs from agencies)

During his visit to Ethiopia, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged his support to the government as he said that Ethiopia is capable of handling the Tigray conflict.

During his visit to Ethiopia, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged his support to the government as he said that Ethiopia is capable of handling the Tigray conflict. Wang met with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen. During the meeting, Wang said that China and Ethiopia enjoy a traditional friendship. He further added that the two sides have become comprehensive strategic cooperative partners, reports Xinhua news agency. With this, Wang also expressed the Chinese desire to further strengthen the ties. "The comradeship of Ethiopia and China is growing. China has the desire to further strengthen," Wang said. He further added, "We understand the situation in Ethiopia very well. It has the history, acumen and capacity to solve this problem. We also want the problem to be solved." Also read | US House to vote on bill banning imports of products from China's Xinjiang He further called for dialogue along with a political solution to the ongoing crisis. He said that China is willing to help the African country to restore peace. "China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. We do not meddle in the internal affairs of Ethiopia, and we also oppose any external forces' interference in the internal affairs of Ethiopia, and in particular disagree with the practice of some external forces to pressure Ethiopia for their own political purposes," read the statement. The year-long conflict in the region has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes. Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) forces have been fighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government forces for a year. The intention is to topple the government. The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray, where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions. The fighting reached its peak in the past few months when Ethiopia's military reportedly used fighter jets and armed drones against the TPLF. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese FM Wang Yi visits Ethiopia; expresses desire to strengthen ties

Japan's new foreign minister,&nbsp;Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Thursday said that it was important to build constructive and stable ties with China while calling for responsible behaviour from its neighbour.

Ties between Japan and China have not been so good due to territorial dispute over a group of tiny East China Sea islets as well as the legacy of Japan's past military aggression.

Hayashi, in his first news conference as a foreign minister, stressed the importance of constructive, stable relations with China.

"Ties between Japan and China are increasingly important not just for our two countries, but for the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community," Hayashi said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-of-words-between-japan-and-china-escalates-377853">Also read |&nbsp;War of words between Japan and China escalates</a>

"We need to assert and ask for responsible behaviour while at the same time, maintain dialogue and firmly cooperate on shared challenges," he added.

However, he did not elaborate on what he meant by responsible behaviour. Hayashi also said he would step down as head of the Japan-China Parliamentarians' Friendship League to avoid "unnecessary misunderstanding".

A state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping was scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the coronavirus. Speaking about the same, Hayashi said that time was not ripe to set a date for a visit to Japan.

The war of words between China and Japan escalated in April this year as it played out on two fronts. The first was the Senkaku Islands and the second front was the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean. China, at that time, was seeing this as an opportunity to further its own agenda.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan's new foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Thursday said that it was important to build constructive and stable ties with China while calling for responsible behaviour from its neighbour.

Japan's new foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, on Thursday said that it was important to build constructive and stable ties with China while calling for responsible behaviour from its neighbour. Ties between Japan and China have not been so good due to territorial dispute over a group of tiny East China Sea islets as well as the legacy of Japan's past military aggression. Hayashi, in his first news conference as a foreign minister, stressed the importance of constructive, stable relations with China. "Ties between Japan and China are increasingly important not just for our two countries, but for the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community," Hayashi said. Also read | War of words between Japan and China escalates "We need to assert and ask for responsible behaviour while at the same time, maintain dialogue and firmly cooperate on shared challenges," he added. However, he did not elaborate on what he meant by responsible behaviour. Hayashi also said he would step down as head of the Japan-China Parliamentarians' Friendship League to avoid "unnecessary misunderstanding". A state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping was scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the coronavirus. Speaking about the same, Hayashi said that time was not ripe to set a date for a visit to Japan. The war of words between China and Japan escalated in April this year as it played out on two fronts. The first was the Senkaku Islands and the second front was the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean. China, at that time, was seeing this as an opportunity to further its own agenda. (With inputs from agencies)

Important to build 'constructive and stable ties' with China, says Japanese FM

The ASEAN region is one of the major hubs for India's global economic engagement and the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a new urgency to re-imagine the cooperation and expand its ambition further, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.

In an address at a CII event, he also said that the centrality of ASEAN to the Indo-Pacific and the importance of ties between India and the grouping are self-evident.

"But if they have to continue to be salient, then we must strive to go beyond ideas and concepts that have outlived their shelf life," the external affairs minister said without elaborating.

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The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners.

Jaishankar said the larger region is undergoing "significant" socio-economic changes and that the pandemic has clearly accelerated them.

"It is important that we -- India, the ASEAN and our relationship -- we recognise that a different world awaits us. It is one that puts a greater premium on trust and transparency, resilience and reliability, as also on choices and redundancy," he said.

"Our contemporary conversations will be relevant only if we adequately capture these emerging concerns," he noted.

Jaishankar said India's ties with the ASEAN are rooted in history, geography and culture and what has energised them in recent years is a growing awareness of the potential they hold for mutual interests and development.

He said that as cooperation between the two sides grew in the course of the last 25 years, new facets and domains emerged for collaboration and that connectivity and security were among the more notable ones.

"As a result, our Look East policy matured into an Act East one. Its success is reflected in drawing India more comprehensively into the Indo-Pacific. There is no doubt that the ASEAN is one of the major hubs for India's global economic engagement," Jaishankar said

"As it develops, it is natural that we would like to re-visit the level of ambition that we have set for our partnership. That is also influenced by autonomous changes in the region. But what has given this objective a new urgency is the necessity to re-imagine our cooperation in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

The external affairs minister said a crisis can often be the basis of creativity and the endeavour should be to come out of the pandemic stronger.

The 10 member countries of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

The ties between India and ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with the focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence.

The ASEAN region along with India together comprises a combined population of 1.85 billion people, which is one-fourth of the global population and their combined GDP has been estimated at over USD 3.8 trillion.

Jaishankar said that the pandemic provided the backdrop for how most countries approach both their economic policies and their global outlook now.

"After all, it has disrupted our supply chains, impacted our manufacturing, affected our trade and veritably ruined many services sectors. These developments have not just altered various dimensions of our day to day business; they have even shaped our way of life," he said.

"From the prolonged crisis of the last two years, four areas have come into sharp focus for international business cooperation: resilient and reliable supply chains, health security, digital for development and green and sustainable recovery," he added.

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Jaishankar said these four elements should constitute the core agenda for the ties.

He said uncertainties brought forth by the pandemic cannot just be wished away nor can it be considered as a one-time phenomenon.

"Therefore, we are tasked with responding to the immediate repercussions even as we are compelled to plan for the future. A large part of the answers - both short term and beyond - lies in diversification, expansion and transparency. De-risking our national economies will only be possible if we achieve a strong measure of success quickly in that regard," he said.

Jaishankar said the pandemic has brought out many inadequacies in the global health system and that meaningful partnerships, sharing of advanced technologies, collaboration in vaccine and pharmaceutical production and transparency in health information are all part of the answers.

He also highlighted the achievements of India's pharma sector.

"Apart from vaccines, Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing stepped up to the challenge by ramping up production for medicines that were in great demand. All this was happening even as we simultaneously transformed the public health system in India," he said.

"The fact is that health has emerged as a more serious priority for all societies. Business must recognise the ensuing opportunities," he added.

The ASEAN region is one of the major hubs for India's global economic engagement and the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a new urgency to re-imagine the cooperation and expand its ambition further, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.

The ASEAN region is one of the major hubs for India's global economic engagement and the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a new urgency to re-imagine the cooperation and expand its ambition further, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday. In an address at a CII event, he also said that the centrality of ASEAN to the Indo-Pacific and the importance of ties between India and the grouping are self-evident. "But if they have to continue to be salient, then we must strive to go beyond ideas and concepts that have outlived their shelf life," the external affairs minister said without elaborating. Also Read | Thousands of Covid testing kits recalled that delivered false positives The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners. Jaishankar said the larger region is undergoing "significant" socio-economic changes and that the pandemic has clearly accelerated them. "It is important that we -- India, the ASEAN and our relationship -- we recognise that a different world awaits us. It is one that puts a greater premium on trust and transparency, resilience and reliability, as also on choices and redundancy," he said. "Our contemporary conversations will be relevant only if we adequately capture these emerging concerns," he noted. Jaishankar said India's ties with the ASEAN are rooted in history, geography and culture and what has energised them in recent years is a growing awareness of the potential they hold for mutual interests and development. He said that as cooperation between the two sides grew in the course of the last 25 years, new facets and domains emerged for collaboration and that connectivity and security were among the more notable ones. "As a result, our Look East policy matured into an Act East one. Its success is reflected in drawing India more comprehensively into the Indo-Pacific. There is no doubt that the ASEAN is one of the major hubs for India's global economic engagement," Jaishankar said "As it develops, it is natural that we would like to re-visit the level of ambition that we have set for our partnership. That is also influenced by autonomous changes in the region. But what has given this objective a new urgency is the necessity to re-imagine our cooperation in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. The external affairs minister said a crisis can often be the basis of creativity and the endeavour should be to come out of the pandemic stronger. The 10 member countries of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. The ties between India and ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with the focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence. The ASEAN region along with India together comprises a combined population of 1.85 billion people, which is one-fourth of the global population and their combined GDP has been estimated at over USD 3.8 trillion. Jaishankar said that the pandemic provided the backdrop for how most countries approach both their economic policies and their global outlook now. "After all, it has disrupted our supply chains, impacted our manufacturing, affected our trade and veritably ruined many services sectors. These developments have not just altered various dimensions of our day to day business; they have even shaped our way of life," he said. "From the prolonged crisis of the last two years, four areas have come into sharp focus for international business cooperation: resilient and reliable supply chains, health security, digital for development and green and sustainable recovery," he added. Also Read | India's COVID-19 active caseload drops to 2,46,687, lowest in 203 days Jaishankar said these four elements should constitute the core agenda for the ties. He said uncertainties brought forth by the pandemic cannot just be wished away nor can it be considered as a one-time phenomenon. "Therefore, we are tasked with responding to the immediate repercussions even as we are compelled to plan for the future. A large part of the answers - both short term and beyond - lies in diversification, expansion and transparency. De-risking our national economies will only be possible if we achieve a strong measure of success quickly in that regard," he said. Jaishankar said the pandemic has brought out many inadequacies in the global health system and that meaningful partnerships, sharing of advanced technologies, collaboration in vaccine and pharmaceutical production and transparency in health information are all part of the answers. He also highlighted the achievements of India's pharma sector. "Apart from vaccines, Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing stepped up to the challenge by ramping up production for medicines that were in great demand. All this was happening even as we simultaneously transformed the public health system in India," he said. "The fact is that health has emerged as a more serious priority for all societies. Business must recognise the ensuing opportunities," he added.

Covid necessitated need for urgency to re-imagine cooperation: Jaishankar on India-ASEAN ties

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the US, there is enormous potential for further alignment and deepening bilateral ties, Nisha Desai Biswal, president, US-India Business Council, has said.&nbsp;

Biswal, who had served as assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs in President Barack Obama's administration, was speaking to diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

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On the first day of the US visit, Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> will meet global CEOs.<a href="https://twitter.com/joinsumit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@joinsumit</a> brings you <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a>'s conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/NishaBiswal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NishaBiswal</a> 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/USIBC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USIBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONatUNGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONatUNGA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInUS</a> 
 
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Here is the interview: &nbsp;

WION: PM Modi will be engaging with the US president and the business community. How do you see this panning out? &nbsp;

Nisha Desai Biswal: This is a very anticipated visit by both leaders, Indian PM Modi and US President Joe Biden. They have many engagements in the past. This meeting comes at a very important time as world is battling Covid. Collaboration of the US and India on Covid is crucial. We are looking to galvanise action on climate change. PM Modi has been a key leader globally in fight against climate change. And [there is] Quad leaders' meeting on margins of UNGA. The importance of Quad is really high in framing opportunities for our four democracies -- India, the US, Australia and Japan -- to create ecosystem and opportunities to benefit Indo-Pacific region. It will be an important meeting and of course, from the US perspective, we hope there is focus on important role of private sector, need to deepen economic ties and trade ties. It will be an opportunity to start those conversations as well. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: There has been discussion on a mini US-India trade pact and private sector has been engaging on it. Do you think trade has the potential to expand?&nbsp;

Nisha Desai Biswal: Absolutely, I feel both countries have struggled to align their trade policy but increasingly, we see that trade between our nations, and deepening the economic partnership between our nations is not only important for India but for economic growth of the US too. It is important for our strategic partnership, and strategic power that India has become. So, I think now is the time to focus on how we reach alignment between the US and India. Both are one of the biggest economies in the world, which are outside of some of the big trading blocks in the Indo-Pacific region. This will be important area of focus. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the evolution of this relationship in next few years? &nbsp;

Nisha Desai Biswal: The US-India Business Council was set up over 45 years ago, because our leaders even at a time when we did not have deep ties understood that we need to have that. Economic relationship is going to be a key part of that. So, I have seen throughout my career how the US and India systematically converged their goals aspirations and aligned their approaches to the point we are today. We are the most consequential partners for each other. We have enormous convergence. We are not carbon copy of each other and our approaches are also different. We have a stake in ensuring the future of Indo-Pacific region and world. I see an enormous potential for further alignment and deepening of ties between our two countries. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Both countries are engaging on Indo-Pacific strongly. How can Indo-Pacific be a region where both countries can collaborate in terms of businesses, trade and connectivity? Is there a transparent way of connectivity that our leaders have been talking about? &nbsp;

Nisha Desai Biswal: I think you are seeing it already. Quad grouping, a framework was initiated when I was in government when Obama was the president. But it has become more and more consequential for the countries. The Quad framework is really about how our democracies can collaborate across a broad spectrum of issues whether it is on combating climate change, collaboration on Covid, on really ushering in the new technology, which are going to comprise future economy. And frankly, how we can support not only our four countries but all of the countries of the region. You are going to see that more coming out of the meeting of the leaders this week whether it is on deepening ties on education, key advanced technology, semi-conductors, 5G, etc. You will see Quad grouping is an important one ushering in the future that Indo-Pacific countries want. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: You are an Indian American. Indian Americans are a living bridge between two countries. Many are in present administration. How do you feel as an Indian American connecting between two countries? &nbsp;

Nisha Desai Biswal: Well, I think it's a source of great pride and joy to see these two countries become deep partners that they were always meant to be. I was able to contribute in it as a source with enormous pride and hope to see it get even brighter in the years to come. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: China is the dragon in the room. Do you think the Chinese economic crisis will have a wider impact? &nbsp;

Nisha Desai Biswal: I will not speak on it. I think we have global economy crisis right now as we look at it, and the impact of the pandemic has been around the world. What we have seen while coming out of that is that one focus needs to be on diversifying supply chain, de-risking investment and also just fulfill the real need to examine global trade to make sure that we are able to support inclusive growth. Companies are also trying to regionalise, and there is enormous potential for the US and India.&nbsp;

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the US, there is enormous potential for further alignment and deepening bilateral ties, Nisha Desai Biswal, president, US-India Business Council, has said.

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the US, there is enormous potential for further alignment and deepening bilateral ties, Nisha Desai Biswal, president, US-India Business Council, has said. Biswal, who had served as assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs in President Barack Obama's administration, was speaking to diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. On the first day of the US visit, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi will meet global CEOs.@joinsumit brings you @sidhant's conversation with @NishaBiswal @USIBC #UNGA #WIONatUNGA #UNGA2021 #ModiInUS For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRcEPB pic.twitter.com/4puBpvcclO — WION (@WIONews) September 23, 2021 × Here is the interview: WION: PM Modi will be engaging with the US president and the business community. How do you see this panning out? Nisha Desai Biswal: This is a very anticipated visit by both leaders, Indian PM Modi and US President Joe Biden. They have many engagements in the past. This meeting comes at a very important time as world is battling Covid. Collaboration of the US and India on Covid is crucial. We are looking to galvanise action on climate change. PM Modi has been a key leader globally in fight against climate change. And [there is] Quad leaders' meeting on margins of UNGA. The importance of Quad is really high in framing opportunities for our four democracies -- India, the US, Australia and Japan -- to create ecosystem and opportunities to benefit Indo-Pacific region. It will be an important meeting and of course, from the US perspective, we hope there is focus on important role of private sector, need to deepen economic ties and trade ties. It will be an opportunity to start those conversations as well. WION: There has been discussion on a mini US-India trade pact and private sector has been engaging on it. Do you think trade has the potential to expand? Nisha Desai Biswal: Absolutely, I feel both countries have struggled to align their trade policy but increasingly, we see that trade between our nations, and deepening the economic partnership between our nations is not only important for India but for economic growth of the US too. It is important for our strategic partnership, and strategic power that India has become. So, I think now is the time to focus on how we reach alignment between the US and India. Both are one of the biggest economies in the world, which are outside of some of the big trading blocks in the Indo-Pacific region. This will be important area of focus. WION: How do you see the evolution of this relationship in next few years? Nisha Desai Biswal: The US-India Business Council was set up over 45 years ago, because our leaders even at a time when we did not have deep ties understood that we need to have that. Economic relationship is going to be a key part of that. So, I have seen throughout my career how the US and India systematically converged their goals aspirations and aligned their approaches to the point we are today. We are the most consequential partners for each other. We have enormous convergence. We are not carbon copy of each other and our approaches are also different. We have a stake in ensuring the future of Indo-Pacific region and world. I see an enormous potential for further alignment and deepening of ties between our two countries. WION: Both countries are engaging on Indo-Pacific strongly. How can Indo-Pacific be a region where both countries can collaborate in terms of businesses, trade and connectivity? Is there a transparent way of connectivity that our leaders have been talking about? Nisha Desai Biswal: I think you are seeing it already. Quad grouping, a framework was initiated when I was in government when Obama was the president. But it has become more and more consequential for the countries. The Quad framework is really about how our democracies can collaborate across a broad spectrum of issues whether it is on combating climate change, collaboration on Covid, on really ushering in the new technology, which are going to comprise future economy. And frankly, how we can support not only our four countries but all of the countries of the region. You are going to see that more coming out of the meeting of the leaders this week whether it is on deepening ties on education, key advanced technology, semi-conductors, 5G, etc. You will see Quad grouping is an important one ushering in the future that Indo-Pacific countries want. WION: You are an Indian American. Indian Americans are a living bridge between two countries. Many are in present administration. How do you feel as an Indian American connecting between two countries? Nisha Desai Biswal: Well, I think it's a source of great pride and joy to see these two countries become deep partners that they were always meant to be. I was able to contribute in it as a source with enormous pride and hope to see it get even brighter in the years to come. WION: China is the dragon in the room. Do you think the Chinese economic crisis will have a wider impact? Nisha Desai Biswal: I will not speak on it. I think we have global economy crisis right now as we look at it, and the impact of the pandemic has been around the world. What we have seen while coming out of that is that one focus needs to be on diversifying supply chain, de-risking investment and also just fulfill the real need to examine global trade to make sure that we are able to support inclusive growth. Companies are also trying to regionalise, and there is enormous potential for the US and India.

Potential to deepen ties is enormous, says US-India Business Council president Nisha Desai Biswal  

The group behind the annual Tiananmen Square memorial vigil in Hong Kong on Sunday said that it will not cooperate with police conducting a national security investigation into the group’s activities, as they termed it as an abuse of power.

The police notified the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China last month that it was under investigation for working for foreign interests, an accusation that it had denied.

Chow Han Tung, vice chairwoman of the alliance, at a news conference said, "This is a really bad precedent of the national security (police) abusing the power by arbitrarily labelling any civil organisation as a foreign agent".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-heads-to-qatar-amid-unfolding-afghan-situation-410984">Also read |&nbsp;Blinken heads to Qatar amid unfolding Afghan situation</a>

“The alliance strongly denies that we are any foreign agents,” Chow said. “We are an organisation that was founded during the 1989 democratic movement, it was founded by the Hong Kong people.”

The investigation comes as a part of a broad crackdown on Hong Kong civil society following mass pro-democracy protests in 2019.&nbsp;

Authorities have tightened control over the city with a sweeping national security law imposed by China’s ruling Communist Party that effectively criminalised opposition to the government.&nbsp;

The law and other changes have forced several civil organisations to disband or seen their leaders arrested.

The group behind the annual Tiananmen Square memorial vigil in Hong Kong on Sunday said that it will not cooperate with police conducting a national security investigation into the group’s activities, as they termed it as an abuse of power.

The group behind the annual Tiananmen Square memorial vigil in Hong Kong on Sunday said that it will not cooperate with police conducting a national security investigation into the group’s activities, as they termed it as an abuse of power. The police notified the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China last month that it was under investigation for working for foreign interests, an accusation that it had denied. Chow Han Tung, vice chairwoman of the alliance, at a news conference said, "This is a really bad precedent of the national security (police) abusing the power by arbitrarily labelling any civil organisation as a foreign agent". Also read | Blinken heads to Qatar amid unfolding Afghan situation “The alliance strongly denies that we are any foreign agents,” Chow said. “We are an organisation that was founded during the 1989 democratic movement, it was founded by the Hong Kong people.” The investigation comes as a part of a broad crackdown on Hong Kong civil society following mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. Authorities have tightened control over the city with a sweeping national security law imposed by China’s ruling Communist Party that effectively criminalised opposition to the government. The law and other changes have forced several civil organisations to disband or seen their leaders arrested.

Group behind Hong Kong’s Tiananmen vigil denies foreign ties

EU&nbsp;countries on Friday laid out their&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;for stepping up engagement with the&nbsp;Taliban, agreeing to establish a joint&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;"presence" to help departures if security allows.&nbsp;

"We have to engage with the new government in Afghanistan, which doesn't mean recognition, it's an operational engagement,"&nbsp;EU&nbsp;foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, following a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in Slovenia.&nbsp;

"This operational engagement will increase depending on the behaviour of this government."

He laid out a raft of "benchmarks" that the new authorities would have to meet as the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;gears up to announce a new government after seizing power.&nbsp;

These included Afghanistan not serving as a base for terrorism, respecting the rights of women and the media, the establishment of an "inclusive and representative" government, and allowing access for aid.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216">Also read |&nbsp;Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

In addition, he said that the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;must live up to its commitment to allow foreign nationals and Afghans at "risk" to leave after the US-led evacuations ended at the end of August.&nbsp;

Borrell said&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries agreed to establish a joint&nbsp;presence&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;if security allows to deal with the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and ensure the departure of Afghans the bloc had been unable to get out of the country.&nbsp;

EU&nbsp;diplomats have left Afghanistan for neighbouring countries or to return to their homelands.&nbsp;

On humanitarian aid, Borrell said the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;would look to step up its help for the Afghan people but would judge the authorities "according to the access they provide".&nbsp;

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is also looking to bolster coordination with Afghanistan's neighbours as it looks to stave off a large-scale flow of migrants from the country to Europe.&nbsp;

Borrell said that the bloc would look to set up a "regional political platform" with the countries around Afghanistan aimed at helping to stabilise the situation.&nbsp;

EU countries on Friday laid out their conditions for stepping up engagement with the Taliban, agreeing to establish a joint Kabul "presence" to help departures if security allows.

EU countries on Friday laid out their conditions for stepping up engagement with the Taliban, agreeing to establish a joint Kabul "presence" to help departures if security allows. "We have to engage with the new government in Afghanistan, which doesn't mean recognition, it's an operational engagement," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, following a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in Slovenia. "This operational engagement will increase depending on the behaviour of this government." He laid out a raft of "benchmarks" that the new authorities would have to meet as the Taliban gears up to announce a new government after seizing power. These included Afghanistan not serving as a base for terrorism, respecting the rights of women and the media, the establishment of an "inclusive and representative" government, and allowing access for aid. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work In addition, he said that the Taliban must live up to its commitment to allow foreign nationals and Afghans at "risk" to leave after the US-led evacuations ended at the end of August. Borrell said EU countries agreed to establish a joint presence in Kabul if security allows to deal with the Taliban and ensure the departure of Afghans the bloc had been unable to get out of the country. EU diplomats have left Afghanistan for neighbouring countries or to return to their homelands. On humanitarian aid, Borrell said the EU would look to step up its help for the Afghan people but would judge the authorities "according to the access they provide". The EU is also looking to bolster coordination with Afghanistan's neighbours as it looks to stave off a large-scale flow of migrants from the country to Europe. Borrell said that the bloc would look to set up a "regional political platform" with the countries around Afghanistan aimed at helping to stabilise the situation.

EU sets conditions for Taliban ties, eyes Kabul 'presence'

Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco on Tuesday, citing what it called hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades. 
 
Speaking at a news conference in Algiers, Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials, supporting a separatist group and failing in bilateral commitments, including on the Western Sahara issue.

Watch:&nbsp;Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with Morocco over 'hostile issues'

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"The Moroccan kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria," he said, announcing the immediate cessation of ties. Consulates in each country, however, will stay open, he added. 
 
Morocco's Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on social media that it regretted what it called an unjustified decision and said it would remain a "credible and loyal partner" to the Algerian people.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/all-is-well-in-cyberspace-websites-of-ousted-afghanistan-govt-are-still-up-a-week-after-taliban-takeover-408189" hreflang="en">All is well in cyberspace: Websites of ousted Afghanistan govt are still up a week after Taliban takeover</a> 
 
While the border between the two North African powers has been closed since 1994, diplomatic relations have not been broken since they were restored in 1988 following an earlier dispute. 
 
Morocco has said for years it wants the border to reopen. Algeria has said it must stay shut for security reasons.

Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco on Tuesday, citing what it called hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades.

Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco on Tuesday, citing what it called hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades. Speaking at a news conference in Algiers, Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials, supporting a separatist group and failing in bilateral commitments, including on the Western Sahara issue. Watch: Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with Morocco over 'hostile issues' × "The Moroccan kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria," he said, announcing the immediate cessation of ties. Consulates in each country, however, will stay open, he added. Morocco's Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on social media that it regretted what it called an unjustified decision and said it would remain a "credible and loyal partner" to the Algerian people. Also Read: All is well in cyberspace: Websites of ousted Afghanistan govt are still up a week after Taliban takeover While the border between the two North African powers has been closed since 1994, diplomatic relations have not been broken since they were restored in 1988 following an earlier dispute. Morocco has said for years it wants the border to reopen. Algeria has said it must stay shut for security reasons.

Algeria cuts diplomatic relations with Morocco citing 'hostile actions'

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president. 
 
Brought together by shared unease about Iran, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under the "Abraham Accords" crafted by the administration of then-US&nbsp;President Donald Trump 
 
Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-officials-say-cargo-ship-possibly-attacked-en-route-to-uae-395707">Israeli officials say cargo ship possibly attacked en route to UAE</a>

The opening of the UAE embassy, which is situated in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, followed the inauguration of Israel's embassy in the UAE last month. 
 
"Since the normalisation of ties ...we have seen for the first time discussions on trade and investment opportunities," UAE ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja said, after raising his country's flag outside the building. 
 
"We signed major agreements across various fields, including economy, air travel, technology and culture." 
 
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the opening of the embassy "an important milestone in our journey towards the future, peace prosperity and security" for the Middle East. 
 
"Seeing the Emirati flag flying proudly in Tel Aviv might have seemed like a far-fetched dream about a year ago," he said. "In many ways nothing could be more natural and normal." 
 
In the UAE last month to inaugurate Israel`s temporary embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said bilateral trade since normalisation exceeded $675 million and he expected more deals. 
 
The regional rapprochement has been deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. 
 
The UAE has said last year's US-brokered accords, which challenged a decades-old allegiance to Palestinian ambitions as a major driver of Arab policy, would ultimately benefit the Palestinians.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president. Brought together by shared unease about Iran, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under the "Abraham Accords" crafted by the administration of then-US President Donald Trump Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel. Also Read: Israeli officials say cargo ship possibly attacked en route to UAE The opening of the UAE embassy, which is situated in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, followed the inauguration of Israel's embassy in the UAE last month. "Since the normalisation of ties ...we have seen for the first time discussions on trade and investment opportunities," UAE ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja said, after raising his country's flag outside the building. "We signed major agreements across various fields, including economy, air travel, technology and culture." Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the opening of the embassy "an important milestone in our journey towards the future, peace prosperity and security" for the Middle East. "Seeing the Emirati flag flying proudly in Tel Aviv might have seemed like a far-fetched dream about a year ago," he said. "In many ways nothing could be more natural and normal." In the UAE last month to inaugurate Israel`s temporary embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said bilateral trade since normalisation exceeded $675 million and he expected more deals. The regional rapprochement has been deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. The UAE has said last year's US-brokered accords, which challenged a decades-old allegiance to Palestinian ambitions as a major driver of Arab policy, would ultimately benefit the Palestinians.

In a first for Gulf, UAE opens embassy in Israel, hails trade ties

As China's global stature has grown, many expected that its weapons exports would reflect its place on the world stage. Yet after decades of trying, that simply hasn't happened.

Last month's confrontation with the Philippines, where Chinese naval vessels entered Philippine waters without authorisation, may indicate the crux of the problem and this failure may well illustrate a key weakness for China. Essentially, few want to partner up with Beijing, reported Foreign Policy.

Richard Aboulafia, writing in Foreign Policy said that snazzy weapons mean a lot less if you don't have friends and this is why the world doesn't want Beijing's fighter jets.

China has made great strides in improving its state-owned aerospace technology base, particularly in the military realm. It has made aircraft like J-10, J-10C, FC-31, etc. For decades, China's growth as a combat aircraft export power has seemed inevitable.

In April 1997, Interavia, a once-influential trade journal, predicted, 'China Poised to Overtake Russia' and Beijing would 'well outstrip Russia in a decade or so as the combat aircraft provider to the developing world'. Nine years later, Aviation Week &amp; Space Technology opined that 'China may emerge as the bargain-basement provider of combat aircraft packages for the export market,' reported Foreign Policy. The numbers clearly show that nothing of the sort happened, wrote Aboulafia.

Between 2000 and 2020, China exported just USD 7.2 billion worth of military aircraft, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute arms transfers database.

Meanwhile, the United States stayed safely on top, exporting USD 99.6 billion, and Russia stayed in the second slot at USD 61.5 billion. Even France's aircraft exports doubled China's, at USD 14.7 billion. And there were few signs of upward momentum for China, reported Foreign Policy.

Chinese fighters also didn't break out of their relatively small core market. In the 1990s, their biggest customers were Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, North Korea, and a few African countries. That remains on the list today.

A Center for Strategic and International Studies report points out that, since 2010, 63.4 per cent of China's conventional weapons sales have gone to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, reported Foreign Policy.

The best explanation for this failure is China's foreign policy. The Philippines is a perfect illustration of why China's fighter export ambitions have stalled, says Aboulafia.

For five years, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has tried to steer the country away from the United States and towards China. Also, until a few years ago, the country had never purchased a new fighter jet, the limited defence budget could only afford hand-me-down jets from the United States.

The Philippines is cash-strapped, non-aligned, and eager to assert a pro-China path: the perfect recipe for a Chinese combat aircraft export market breakthrough in a key regional nation explained Aboulafia. But, then also China couldn't sell any of its aircraft.

Last month, tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea heated up to a simmer, with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr&nbsp;tweeting, "You're like an ugly oaf forcing your attentions on a handsome guy who wants to be a friend; not to father a Chinese province."

The Philippines has instead found another path for its combat aircraft needs. In 2015, it took its first Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50s. It isn't just the Philippines. China's other neighbours don't like China, with predictable ramifications for the fighter sales business.

As China's global stature has grown, many expected that its weapons exports would reflect its place on the world stage. Yet after decades of trying, that simply hasn't happened.

As China's global stature has grown, many expected that its weapons exports would reflect its place on the world stage. Yet after decades of trying, that simply hasn't happened. Last month's confrontation with the Philippines, where Chinese naval vessels entered Philippine waters without authorisation, may indicate the crux of the problem and this failure may well illustrate a key weakness for China. Essentially, few want to partner up with Beijing, reported Foreign Policy. Richard Aboulafia, writing in Foreign Policy said that snazzy weapons mean a lot less if you don't have friends and this is why the world doesn't want Beijing's fighter jets. China has made great strides in improving its state-owned aerospace technology base, particularly in the military realm. It has made aircraft like J-10, J-10C, FC-31, etc. For decades, China's growth as a combat aircraft export power has seemed inevitable. In April 1997, Interavia, a once-influential trade journal, predicted, 'China Poised to Overtake Russia' and Beijing would 'well outstrip Russia in a decade or so as the combat aircraft provider to the developing world'. Nine years later, Aviation Week & Space Technology opined that 'China may emerge as the bargain-basement provider of combat aircraft packages for the export market,' reported Foreign Policy. The numbers clearly show that nothing of the sort happened, wrote Aboulafia. Between 2000 and 2020, China exported just USD 7.2 billion worth of military aircraft, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute arms transfers database. Meanwhile, the United States stayed safely on top, exporting USD 99.6 billion, and Russia stayed in the second slot at USD 61.5 billion. Even France's aircraft exports doubled China's, at USD 14.7 billion. And there were few signs of upward momentum for China, reported Foreign Policy. Chinese fighters also didn't break out of their relatively small core market. In the 1990s, their biggest customers were Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, North Korea, and a few African countries. That remains on the list today. A Center for Strategic and International Studies report points out that, since 2010, 63.4 per cent of China's conventional weapons sales have gone to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, reported Foreign Policy. The best explanation for this failure is China's foreign policy. The Philippines is a perfect illustration of why China's fighter export ambitions have stalled, says Aboulafia. For five years, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has tried to steer the country away from the United States and towards China. Also, until a few years ago, the country had never purchased a new fighter jet, the limited defence budget could only afford hand-me-down jets from the United States. The Philippines is cash-strapped, non-aligned, and eager to assert a pro-China path: the perfect recipe for a Chinese combat aircraft export market breakthrough in a key regional nation explained Aboulafia. But, then also China couldn't sell any of its aircraft. Last month, tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea heated up to a simmer, with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr tweeting, "You're like an ugly oaf forcing your attentions on a handsome guy who wants to be a friend; not to father a Chinese province." The Philippines has instead found another path for its combat aircraft needs. In 2015, it took its first Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50s. It isn't just the Philippines. China's other neighbours don't like China, with predictable ramifications for the fighter sales business.

China fails to sell its fighter jets due to strained ties with other countries

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