Afghanistan
Joint Afghanistan-Kazakhstan Exhibition Held in Kabul-Tolo News
The third Kazakh-Afghan Business Forum and a joint exhibition showcasing products from Kazakhstan and Afghanistan were held in Kabul. The acting Minister of Industry and Commerce described Kazakhstan as a friend of Afghanistan and emphasized the need to increase trade between Kabul and Astana. Click here to read...
Local Officials: China Pledges to Start Trade via Wakhan with Completion-Tolo News
Local officials in Badakhshan said that Chinese authorities have assured them that the country will open its trade route with Afghanistan once the construction of the Wakhan road is completed. According to Badakhshan local officials, the second phase of the Wakhan road project with China will be completed within the next two months, and at the same time, China will begin its trade activities with Afghanistan. Click here to read...
ICRC Warns: Migrant return worsen poverty in Afghanistan-The Khaama Press
The ICRC reports rising poverty in Afghanistan, as thousands of returning migrants face dire conditions amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned of a growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, as approximately five thousand migrant’s return to the country each week. This surge in migration is exacerbating the already dire situation, with millions facing extreme poverty and displacement. The ICRC emphasized that over 50% of the Afghan population now relies on humanitarian aid. Click here to read...
Afghanistan, China discuss strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors-The Khaama Press
The Taliban and China discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on key sectors like politics, economy, and culture, fostering mutual cooperation. The Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced on Monday, April 21 that in a recent high-level meeting, Afghanistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on political, economic, and cultural relations. Click here to read...
Bhutan
Thailand King’s state visit: Milestone of unity and friendship – Kuensel
As the vibrant hues of national flags and ornate portraits of Thai and Bhutanese kings flutter along the expressway and streets of Thimphu, an air of excitement has enveloped the capital in anticipation of a historic event. From April 25 to 28, Bhutan will receive Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand on their first official state visit since His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua assumed the throne in 2016. This visit marks not only a momentous occasion for the diplomatic relations established in 1989 but also a significant step toward strengthening the enduring bond between the two nations. In an exclusive interview, the Ambassador of Thailand to Bhutan, Makawadee Sumitmor, highlights the immense significance of this royal visit. “This is the first state visit abroad in the current reign, making it a historical milestone for both countries. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn had previously visited Bhutan as Crown Prince in 1991, shortly after our diplomatic ties were established,” she said. Click here to read...
Maldives
Saeed denies stating that bunkering will generate USD 400 million revenue in a year – Adhadhu
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has denied stating that the bunkering service, launched in September, will generate a USD 400 million revenue within a year. Speaking at the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) campaign hall in July, Saeed assured that the service would generate USD 400 million within a year. "What is the impact of this [bunkering] on the economy? Firstly. From this July to the end of July next year, when we estimated, the Maldives' GDP is USD 6.5 billion. Hopefully, additional USD 400 million will enter that amount," he said. But at a press conference at the President's Office on Monday, Saeed said he had previously said the government would work to reach the target of USD 400 million. Click here to read...
President Muizzu Announces Comprehensive Plan to Deliver on Development Pledges – PSM News
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government has developed a detailed and actionable plan to implement all development projects outlined in his presidential manifesto. In a message shared via his official WhatsApp channel following a Cabinet working session held earlier on April 22, President Muizzu described the meeting as "successful" and emphasized that a clear, comprehensive roadmap has been finalized to carry out the administration’s top infrastructure commitments. The Cabinet working session, which included ministers and managing directors of key state-owned enterprises, focused on sharing progress and aligning strategies for major development initiatives. Among the organizations that presented updates were the State Trading Organization (STO), Waste Management Corporation, Fenaka Corporation, Road Development Corporation, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), and Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). Click here to read...
Myanmar
Karen forces resume attacks on junta forces on Thailand-Myanmar border – Myanmar Now
After a pause in combat during New Year’s festivities in Myanmar, forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) assaulted and seized junta positions near the border with Thailand last week, sources within the ethnic armed group said. Members of several brigades of the KNLA—the armed wing of the political organisation Karen National Union (KNU)—launched offensives in the respective territories under their command. Brigade 7 carried out assaults in Karen (Kayin) State’s Hlaingbwe Township; Brigade 6 in Karen State’s Kawkareik Township (or Dooplaya District, according to the KNU nomenclature); and Brigade 4 near Myeik and Dawei in Myanmar’s southernmost subdivision, Tanintharyi Region. Click here to read...
Chinese Envoy in Lashio to Broker Return of Myanmar Military – Irrawaddy
Chinese special envoy to Myanmar Deng Xijun is in Lashio to personally supervise the handover of the northern Shan State capital to the Myanmar military regime after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) was forced by Beijing to leave the city it liberated. On April 21, Deng presided over a meeting between junta officials and the MNDAA to discuss the handover and administration of Lashio at the Two Elephants Hotel. MNDAA flags were replaced with Myanmar national flags in Lashio town as Deng met the two sides. The Chinese envoy toured the town including the airport in the evening, according to a source close to the MNDAA. Click here to read...
Pakistan
Govt urged to issue permits to skilled Afghan workers-Dawn
The Balo¬ch¬is¬¬¬¬tan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Quetta, has appealed to the federal government to issue work permits to skilled Afghan refugees working in the mining, agriculture and other sectors in the province under the guarantee of local stakeholders. Haji Akhtar Kakar, the vice president of the cha¬m¬¬ber of commerce and in¬¬dustry, made the request while pointing out that the existing shortage of skilled labour could worsen further if the issue was not addressed promptly. Click here to read...
Khunjerab Pass opens for year-round trade and travel-Dawn
The Khunjerab Pass was virtually inaugurated on Tuesday for year-round trade and travel between Pakistan and China, in what officials called a historic step toward strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The pass, which serves as the entry point for the CPEC project, had previously remained open only from April 1 to Nov 30 due to heavy snowfall during the winter months. However, under this new agreement, the border will now remain open throughout the year. Click here to read...
Pakistan 'concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives' in IIOJK-The Express Tribune
Pakistan on Wednesday voiced concern over the killing of tourists in an attack in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, offering condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. The statement came from the Foreign Office in response to questions about the incident, which took place in the Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Click here to read...
Pakistan, Bangladesh to widen trade ties-The Express Tribune
In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, Pakistan and Bangladesh are working closely to strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples. Taking a step forward in this direction, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in the last week of April 2025. The visit is expected to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in the fields of tourism and investment, where ample opportunities await Pakistan in Bangladesh's growing market. Click here to read...
