Afghanistan
Muttaqi Meets with China, Pakistan Foreign Ministers to Boost Cooperation-Tolo News
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting minister of foreign affairs of the Islamic Emirate, met with the foreign minister of China Wang Yi, and foreign minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, in Beijing. As part of efforts to expand regional engagement, Amir Khan Muttaqi discussed the expansion of bilateral relations, strengthening economic cooperation, and removing trade barriers. Click here to read...
UN: Afghanistan unprepared for return of refugees-The Khaama Press
The UN has warned that Afghanistan is unprepared to accommodate returning migrants, citing ongoing crises and a shortage of aid. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed grave concern over Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian situation, highlighting the country’s inability to accommodate the growing number of returning migrants. The UN agency reports that over 3 million Afghan refugees have returned from neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Iran, in recent years, exacerbating the strain on Afghanistan’s already limited resources. Click here to read...
Bhutan
Odisha Dy CM Highlights Key Issues at South Asia Labor Mobility Conference in Bhutan – Pragativadi
The two-day South Asia Labor Mobility Conference concluded in Bhutan under the joint auspices of the Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank. The summit brought together policymakers, economists, and stakeholders from various countries to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding labour migration. Representing India, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Task Force for Migrant Workers, participated actively. In discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Tshering Tobgay, Singh Deo emphasised the importance of regional collaboration to safeguard migrant workers’ rights and strengthen labour mobility frameworks. Click here to read...
Maldives
President Muizzu Ratifies Bold Anti-Tobacco Law, Setting a Regional Precedent – PSM News
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a landmark amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, implementing a decisive generational ban on tobacco and e-cigarette use. Positioned as a major public health intervention, the measure reinforces the Maldives' standing at the forefront of tobacco control in Southeast Asia. The new law prohibits individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 from using tobacco and forbids the sale of such products to this cohort. Public sentiment played a crucial role in shaping the policy, with a social media poll by the president helping to gauge national support. Approved by Parliament on 13 May, the amendment will take effect on 1 November. Click here to read...
Maldives Calls for Urgent Reforms in International Climate Finance – PSM News
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has emphasised the Maldives' dedication to sustainable ocean stewardship and advocated for immediate reforms in international climate finance. During his address at the Honolulu International Forum (HIF), a prestigious platform organised by the Pacific Forum, the Vice President, commending the Pacific Forum for its five decades of fostering strategic stability and policy dialogue in the Indo-Pacific, spoke of the Maldives' deep connection to the ocean. Click here to read...
Maldives Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Relations with the EU – PSM News
Geela Ali, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Maldives to the European Union, has reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to deepening diplomatic engagement and strengthening relations with the European Union. She made the statement after presenting her letters of credence to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a formal ceremony at the Berlaymont building, the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. During a brief exchange following the ceremony, Ambassador Geela conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. She underscored the Maldives' interest in expanding diplomatic cooperation with the European Union, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering stronger ties. Click here to read...
Myanmar
India Asked to Probe Myanmar Rebel Deaths – The Irrawaddy
Myanmar’s civilian National Unity Government (NUG) has asked India to investigate the killing of 10 Tamu District People’s Defense Team members near the Indian border. The NUG statement on Tuesday said 10 resistance fighters were not killed in combat but were captured, tortured and executed by Battalion 1 of the Assam Rifles in Manipur State. It said the group reported its location near the border to the Indian authorities. They went missing from their camp on May 14 and Assam Rifles handed their bodies to resistance forces on Friday, the civilian government said. The Indian authorities coerced resistance leaders into signing a document acknowledging that the fighters entered Indian territory and launched an attack, which led to their deaths. Click here to read...
European govts back company that uses Chinese tech to monitor Myanmar internet users – PSM News
An internet service provider backed by European state development funds in military-run Myanmar appears to have installed highly sophisticated Chinese technology that information gathered by reporters indicates is being used for online surveillance. An investigation by Finance Uncovered (FU) and Myanmar Now (MN) has collected evidence from multiple sources indicating that Frontiir has installed equipment capable of tracking people online, blocking websites and preventing people from using virtual private networks (VPNs) which allow users to side-step censorship controls. The equipment was developed by Geedge Networks, a controversial Chinese cybersecurity company founded by the so-called father of China’s Great Firewall, Fang Binxing. Our findings bring into focus decisions made by the governments of the UK, Norway and Denmark to inject $40 million into Frontiir through their international development funds in return for shares in the company. Click here to read...
Pakistan
For talks with India, PM Shehbaz sees Saudi Arabia as neutral venue-Dawn
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Saudi Arabia could be the “neutral” venue for much-needed talks between Pakistan and India on critical issues. Talking to a group of TV anchors at the PM House, he said that Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism will be the key points during the dialogue with India. In response to a question if there was a possibility of a third venue for talks in light of the mediation offered by US President Donald Trump, the premier ruled out the possibility of China as a neutral venue, saying India would never agree to that. Click here to read...
Islamabad, Kabul agree to exchange ambassadors-The Express Tribune
Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to upgrade their diplomatic ties and in principle agreed to exchange full-time ambassadors, Beijing announced on Wednesday, in a major breakthrough in the bilateral relationship that remained strained since the Taliban took over Kabul nearly a four-year ago. The landmark development was announced by the Chinese foreign ministry in a statement issued after Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a trilateral meeting with the Pakistani and Afghan foreign ministers in Beijing. Click here to read...
