Neighborhood News Digest - 31 March 2025

Afghanistan

US Military equipment left in Afghanistan will not be returned: Abdul Qahar Balkhi-The Khaama Press

Abdul Qahar Balkhi stated that the military equipment left by the US in Afghanistan will not be returned under any circumstances. The spokesperson of the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, responded to recent comments by US President Donald Trump regarding military equipment left behind in Afghanistan. Balkhi stated that the remaining US weapons in Afghanistan now belong to the Taliban and will not be returned. He also emphasized that the Taliban would be open to American companies investing in Afghanistan’s mineral wealth. Click here to read… [2]

Balkhi: No Objection to Reopening of US Embassy-Tolo News

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, said that the best path forward in US-Afghan relations is diplomatic engagement and addressing shared concerns and interests. This comes amid speculation about a possible deal with the Trump administration regarding leftover US weapons in Afghanistan. Click here to read… [3]

Afghanistan Imports 275,000 Tons of Russian Gas-Tolo News

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said that Afghanistan imported over 275,000 tons of liquefied gas from Russia last solar year (1403). The spokesperson mentioned that the value of the imported gas from Russia amounted to $132 million. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh

Chief adviser greets countrymen on Eid-ul-Fitr – The Daily Star

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has greeted the countrymen on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. "I wish everyone a joyful Eid Mubarak. During Eid, may you travel to your homes peacefully and joyfully with your family," the chief adviser said in a video message shared by his press wing today. Click here to read… [5]

Govt: Yunus’s China visit has paved way for stronger ties – Dhaka Tribune

The interim government said that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ just-concluded visit to China, marked by a high honour from President Xi Jinping, would foster mutual benefits through joint efforts on key issues. This statement was made during a media brief by the High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday. Click here to read… [6]

Fakhrul urges Dr Yunus to remove advisers compromising govt’s neutrality – Prothom Alo

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus should remove the advisers who are compromising the neutrality of his government. Speaking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office, he also warned that their party would not accept a government that loses its neutrality ahead of the election. Click here to read… [7]

Bhutan

Thousands join Arunachal festival to celebrate India-Bhutan friendship – Hindustan Times

Tawang, Thousands of people, including a significant number of Bhutanese nationals, gathered to celebrate the annual Gorsam Kora festival in Arunachal Pradesh, which celebrates the shared Himalayan Buddhist cultural heritage and honours the India-Bhutan friendship. The Gorsam Kora festival takes place every year in Zemithang Valley in Tawang district. This year's festival, held from March 26 to 29, reflected vibrant cultural celebrations. The festival, organised by the local community of Zemithang in collaboration with civil authorities and with active support from local Indian Army units, commenced with an invocation led by Thengtse Rinpoche, followed by solemn prayers at the revered Khinzemane Holy Tree, believed to be planted by the 14th Dalai Lama, said a statement released here. Click here to read… [8]

Israel to expand cooperation in agriculture, cybersecurity, and tourism: Ambassador Reuven Azar – Kuensel

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has announced plans to enhance collaboration between Israel and India in agriculture, cybersecurity, and tourism. In agriculture, Israel aims to share advanced technologies to boost productivity and quality. Ambassador Azar's recent visit to the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence for Fruits in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district underscores this commitment, where he engaged with local farmers and distributed farming kits. Additionally, discussions with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath focused on cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, defense industries, and the security sector, with Israel expressing interest in increasing investments in the region. These initiatives reflect Israel's dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to India's economic growth. Click here to read… [9]

Maldives

Foreign Ministry working to locate any Maldivians in Myanmar – Adhadhu

The Foreign Ministry on Friday said Maldivians did not sustain any injuries in the earthquake that struck Myanmar. The Foreign Ministry said they were looking into the condition of the Maldivians in Thailand and Myanmar. "So far, the condition of Maldivians living in Thailand is good and we are working through diplomatic channels to see if there are any Maldivians in Myanmar at the moment," the Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said a state of emergency has been declared in Thailand and Myanmar and urged Maldivians to pay attention to the instructions issued by authorities. Click here to read… [10]

Confident that the support between Maldives and Bangladesh will grow: President Muizzu – Adhadhu

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed confidence that the support and collaboration between Maldives and Bangladesh across various sectors will continue to grow in the years ahead. Muizzu made the remarks on the occasion of Bangladesh's 54th Independence Day. He conveyed greetings to President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser of the interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Click here to read… [11]

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Airstrikes Leave 100 Dead This Month – The Irrawaddy

More than 100 civilians were killed by junta airstrikes this month in territories lost by the regime during March, according to The Irrawaddy’s estimates. The Irrawaddy recorded 40 fatalities in Letpanhla village, Singu Township, Mandalay Region, eight in Myaung and Kani townships in Sagaing Region, 55 in Myaing, Pauk, Htilin and Gangaw townships in Magwe Region, and 10 in Nawnghkio Township in northern Shan State. A military observer said: “The regime has been targeting civilians as it can’t win land battles. The reasoning is that they have lost territory because people support anti-regime groups, so they attack to scare people. Airstrikes regularly target areas with no fighting.” Click here to read… [12]

Myanmar Earthquake: Trump’s aid delay, airstrikes by rebel group – What is hampering relief efforts? – Financial Express

The death toll in Myanmar has risen to at least 1700 after a massive 7.7 earthquake hit the country on Friday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) gave an estimation of the final death toll which could reach 10,000 people, according to CNN. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the central Sagaing region, which is near the historic Mandalay city. Many videos of buildings, bridges collapsing have been doing the rounds of social media, showing that the impact was truly devastating. A high-rise building which under construction had come crashing down within a matter of minutes. According to a New York Times report, while most of the countries have been sending aid to the earthquake-hit Myanmar, Trump, who had promised the same two days ago, is yet to send any help. The report said that a 3-person USAID team is not expected to reach in Myanmar until Wednesday. The overall response has been slower from the US as compared to other countries like China, Russia and India, who have already sent their teams and supplies. Click here to read… [13]

Pakistan

Dar to embark on landmark Bangladesh visit on 22nd- The Express Tribune

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Bangladesh in the third week of April, a ground-breaking development that shows warming of ties between the two countries after the ouster of the pro-Indian government in Dhaka in August last year. This is going to be the first visit by any Pakistani foreign minister since 2012 and comes amid growing ties between the two countries after nearly two decades of strained relationship. Ahead of the visit, a Pakistani delegation, compromising senior Foreign Office officials, visited Dhaka to prepare agenda. Click here to read… [14]

Azerbaijan offers over $1b cash deposit loan-The Express Tribune

Azerbaijan has offered over $1 billion loan in cash deposit in response to Pakistan's request for funding the $1.2 billion Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway amid a disagreement among various government departments over the mode of lending. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had requested the Azerbaijani government to fund two infrastructure projects totaling $1.8 billion during his recent visit to the Central Asian state. These include $1.2 billion Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway (M-6), and a new Hyderabad-Karachi motorway (M-9), to be constructed on a new route at a minimum cost of $600 million. Click here to read… [15]

Sri Lanka

President hints at significant breakthrough in Easter attack probe – Daily Mirror

The investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings are progressing rapidly with several responsible individuals set to be exposed before Easter this year, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said. Speaking at a meeting in Deiyandara today, the President assured that justice would be served and emphasized his government’s commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the attacks. Click here to read… [16]

Jaffna–Trichy flight service commences after 47 years - Daily Mirror

A direct flight service between Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu and Jaffna in Sri Lanka commenced today after 47 years. Due to the war situation, flight services at the Palaly International Airport, Jaffna were suspended, but in 2019, the airport resumed its services. Passenger flights between Chennai and Jaffna started after the reopening of the airport. Click here to read… [17]