News

Xi meets Putin in Moscow

Published

1 year ago

20/03/2023

MOSCOW, March 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, at the Kremlin on his arrival in Moscow on Monday.

When Xi reached the Kremlin, he was greeted by the Kremlin Commandant at the alighting point. Putin warmly shook hands and took photos with Xi. The two presidents had an in-depth and candid exchange on China-Russia relations and issues of mutual interest.

Xi noted that he was pleased to pay another state visit to Russia at the invitation of Putin, adding that Russia was the first country he visited after he was elected president 10 years ago and memories from that visit remain fresh today.

Xi said that over the past 10 years, he and Putin have stayed in close touch, and expressed his appreciation to Putin for immediately sending him congratulatory messages on his reelection as general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) by the 20th CPC National Congress and on his reelection not long ago as Chinese president.

He noted that Russia will hold the presidential election next year, and under Putin’s strong leadership, Russia has made good progress in development and rejuvenation. Xi said he is confident that the Russian people will continue to give firm support to Putin.

Xi stressed that there is a profound historical logic for China-Russia relationship to reach where it is today. China and Russia are each other’s biggest neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination. Both countries see their relationship as a high priority in their overall diplomacy and policy on external affairs.

China always upholds an independent foreign policy. To consolidate and develop well China-Russia relations is a strategic choice China has made on the basis of its own fundamental interests and the prevailing trends of the world, said Xi.

China is firm in keeping to the general direction of strengthening strategic coordination with Russia, Xi said, adding that both China and Russia are committed to realizing national development and rejuvenation, support world multi-polarity and work for greater democracy in international relations.

Xi said the two countries should further deepen practical cooperation in various fields and strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the UN to boost their respective national development and rejuvenation, and be a bulwark for world peace and stability.

Putin extended a warm welcome to Xi for his state visit to Russia and once again warmly congratulated him on his reelection as Chinese president.

Putin said that in the past 10 years China has made impressive and great achievements in all areas of development. This is attributable to the outstanding leadership of Xi and proves the strength of China’s national political system and governance system.

Putin said he is confident that under Xi’s strong leadership, China will definitely continue to develop and prosper and successfully realize all the great goals that have been set.

With concerted efforts by both sides, Russia-China relations in recent years have delivered fruitful results in various areas, Putin said, adding that Russia stands ready to continue to deepen bilateral practical cooperation, step up communication and collaboration in international affairs, and promote world multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations.

The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine issue.

Xi stressed that, on the Ukraine issue, voices for peace and rationality are building. Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire. A review of history shows that conflicts in the end have to be settled through dialogue and negotiation.

China released a document on its position on the Ukraine crisis, advocating the political settlement of the crisis and rejecting the Cold War mentality and unilateral sanctions, said Xi.

China believes that the more difficulties there are, the greater the need to keep space for peace. The more acute the problem is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for dialogue. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, said Xi.

For his part, Putin said that Russia appreciates China for consistently upholding an impartial, objective, and balanced position and standing for fairness and justice on major international issues. Russia has carefully studied China’s position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine issue and is open to talks for peace. Russia welcomes China to play a constructive role in this regard.

The two presidents said that they look forward to formal talks on the next day to draw up a new blueprint for China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the years to come.

Source(s): Xinhua

News

Modern innovations bring solutions to environmental issues: Minister Shiyam

Published

2 hours ago

25/04/2024

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has highlighted the transformative potential of today’s innovations in addressing climate challenges through modern technology, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in seeking sustainable solutions

Minister Shiyam made the remarks during the inauguration of the Space for Island Nation Conference (SINC 2024), hosted by the Maldives Space Research Organisation. The conference’s focal point this year revolves around bolstering marine security through scientific endeavors.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Shiyam underscored the intertwined relationship between environmental preservation and governmental policies. He emphasised the indispensable role of oceans in people’s lives and cautioned against neglecting environmental concerns. Highlighting the pressing issues of climate change, rising sea levels, and coral bleaching impacting the Maldives, he expressed optimism in leveraging modern technology and innovative approaches to tackle these challenges.

Additionally, Minister Shiyam advocated for harnessing the power of science and technology to drive sustainable transformations. He emphasised the importance of accurately identifying the root causes of environmental issues and implementing monitoring mechanisms to effect positive change. He also underscored the significance of such efforts not only for the Maldives but also for the global safeguarding of oceanic ecosystems.

Furthermore, Minister Shiyam commended President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s dedication to advancing research initiatives and seeking sustainable solutions. He highlighted the pivotal role of space research in gathering crucial data about oceans and the environment, including information on sea temperature, sea level rise, and marine ecosystems. In addition, he emphasised the role of spatial data in enforcing fisheries policies, such as detecting illegal border crossings and unauthorised fishing activities. He, however, stressed that while technological advancements are crucial, collective action is imperative to effectively address shared challenges.

The SINC 2024 conference was attended by 18 researchers from the Maldives and renowned international organisations specialising in space exploration. The conference was held at Crossroads Maldives over three days, and facilitated discussions and knowledge exchange on space science and oceanic exploration. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to visit an island within the country’s atolls, further enhancing insights into marine ecosystems and their significance.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Air Service World Congress 2024 to be held in Kurumbaa Maldives

Published

6 hours ago

25/04/2024

The Air Service World Congress serves as a significant platform for international representatives from the route development community to discuss the future of global air service growth and development. The annual forum is scheduled to be held from July 9 to July 11 in Kurumbaa Maldives.

Speaking regarding the event to PSM News, Corporate Communication Manager of Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), Shamaan Shakir disclosed that efforts are underway to register airports and airlines, market the congress and ensure maximum number of airports and airlines participate in the forum. Shamaan additionally revealed that decisions have been made such that Velana International Airport (VIA) is set to be the official host of the Air Service World Congress 2024, marking the first time the Maldives welcomes this significant global event.

With 55 airlines attending, the prestigious event will feature insightful industry discussions, individual meetings, and ample networking opportunities. Several discussions are to take place during the event as this forum will serve to connect airlines and airports.

Moreover, Shamaan stated that this presents a unique prospect for VIA to showcase its advancements and establish alliances with prominent airlines. He further emphasised that the congress will assist to acquiring additional airlines to operate flights within other international airports within the nation. Hence, he expressed confidence that the opportunity of hosting the global event will benefit all the airports operating in the country.

VIA was announced as the official host of the event, following the successful conclusion of the Air Service World Congress 2023 in Oakland, San Francisco Bay Area.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

First SEZ approval for floating solar project

Published

6 hours ago

25/04/2024

The first permission under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, has been extended to establish a floating solar system in the Greater Male’ region.

The project was greenlit at the third meeting of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade’s Board of Investment, held on Wednesday.

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade reported it had extended the project approval to Canada’s Abraxas Power Corp, which it is set to run in partnership with Sungrow Power Supply Co Limited.

Under the project, a 150-megawatt floating photovoltaic (PV) power plant and supporting infrastructure would be established, while additional fund injection would required to connect the project to the main electrical grid in the Greater Male’ region.

The initiative is aligned with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of expanding renewable energy share in the national power supply network to 33% by 2028.

While the renewable plan will pave way towards expanding the alternative utility footprint in the Maldives, President Muizzu announced receipt of a large-scale proposal under the SEZ on December 24th, 2023 – days after the government decided to reduce the lowest project value for an SEZ initiative.

Earlier on December 17 last year, President Muizzu reduced the lowest project value of an SEZ projects to USD 100 million, which previously stood at USD 150 million.

The SEZ Act was first introduced in 2015 under which special economic zones focused towards developing various economic initiatives were set.

President Muizzu pledged to inroduce special economic zones across the Maldives and open up foreign investment prospects.

Source(s): sun.mv