Author: HeraldStar

France has acknowledged Chad’s decision to terminate its defence cooperation with Paris, as announced by the Chadian government on Thursday. In a statement issued on Friday, France’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it would collaborate with Chad to facilitate the implementation of this decision. The announcement came just a day after Chad declared its intention to sever ties in the defence sector, which has been a cornerstone of the two nations’ relationship for decades. The French Ministry emphasized that it has been actively working to reconfigure its military presence in Africa over the past two years, in light of changing regional dynamics…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was forced to appoint a new transport minister on Friday after Louise Haigh, the youngest member of his cabinet, resigned following revelations that she pled guilty to a criminal offence dating back to 2013. Haigh admitted to misleading the police regarding a mobile phone she had claimed was stolen during a mugging, only to later discover it was still at her home. In her resignation letter, Haigh explained that she had made an honest mistake but acknowledged the incident could distract from the government’s work. Heidi Alexander, former deputy mayor for transport in London, was…

On Sunday, South Africa assumes the G20 presidency, marking a historic first for the African continent. The presidency comes a year after the African Union became a permanent member of the forum, providing South Africa with an opportunity to advocate for key issues that are central to Africa’s development. President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined priorities including inclusive economic growth, food security, climate change, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping global progress. However, with global tensions rising—especially surrounding trade wars and diplomatic conflicts—the country faces significant challenges as it works to implement its agenda. As the fourth emerging market…

In a show of increasing military cooperation, China and Russia conducted their ninth joint strategic air patrol over the Sea of Japan on Friday, as part of an ongoing annual partnership since 2019. The patrol, which took place in “relevant airspace,” was designed to test and enhance the operational capabilities of both countries’ air forces, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. The operation comes amid growing concerns in the region, with South Korea’s military reporting that 11 Chinese and Russian aircraft entered its Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) without prior notice. The planes remained in the zone for four hours…

Tensions escalated in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Friday after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced it would halt European Union accession talks until 2028, sparking widespread protests across the capital. The announcement, which contradicts Georgia’s constitutional commitment to EU membership, prompted thousands of demonstrators to gather outside the parliament building, waving Georgian and EU flags and demanding that the government reverse its decision. The protests quickly turned violent, with riot police deploying water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. The protests, which began Thursday, intensified as protesters hurled fireworks and confronted police officers. Elene Khoshtaria, a leader of the…

Saudi Arabia has shifted its focus from pursuing a full-fledged defense treaty with the United States to seeking a more modest military cooperation agreement, according to multiple Saudi and Western officials. This pivot comes amid heightened public outrage in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, further complicating efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Earlier this year, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman softened the kingdom’s stance on Palestinian statehood, signaling that a public commitment from Israel to a two-state solution could pave the way for normalization. However, following Israel’s Gaza…

Baku, Azerbaijan – November, 2024 – In a significant engagement on the sidelines of COP-29, Mr. Qaiser Nawab, a prominent Pakistani Global Climate Youth Advocate, Founder and CEO of the youth-led organization “THE” Society International (Together for Health and Education), and President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), met with Mr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, United Nations Youth Office. During the meeting, Mr. Nawab briefed Mr. Paullier about the impactful initiatives spearheaded by “THE” Society International to empower youth in critical areas such as climate change advocacy, health, education, and sustainable development. He…

By Qaiser Nawab The operationalization of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage at COP29 represents a historic turning point in global climate policy. This long-awaited development marks a significant achievement for developing countries, small island states, and vulnerable communities across the globe who have been disproportionately affected by the intensifying impacts of climate change. Spearheaded under the leadership of Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency, this milestone reflects a global commitment to addressing the inequities of climate change impacts while fostering hope for more inclusive, effective solutions. The journey to the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund began during COP27…

By Qaiser Nawab The 2023 Rhodium Group report on Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Europe reveals significant trends shaping the EV landscape. Chinese FDI flows into Europe, amounting to €7.9 billion in 2022, reflect a stabilization following pandemic-era fluctuations. Investments are now focused on strategic sectors, with EVs, clean energy, and semiconductors taking precedence. One critical finding is the diversification of Chinese investments within the European EV ecosystem. Beyond high-profile acquisitions, such as the purchase of Volvo Cars by Geely in 2010, Chinese firms are now investing in manufacturing facilities, battery supply chains, and advanced research collaborations. Notable examples…

Baku, Azerbaijan, November 2024 – The Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with Gender Hub Azerbaijan, the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), “THE” Society International (Together for Health and Education), and the Commonwealth Youth Forum, hosted a landmark side event at COP29. Titled “Enhancing Women’s Green Skills: Based on the Commonwealth Experience and Beyond,” the event took place at the Commonwealth Pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP29 in Azerbaijan. The event brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the critical intersection of climate change, gender equality, and youth empowerment. It provided a platform to discuss the need…