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China-made trains enter service in Istanbul’s new metro line

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1 year ago

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ISTANBUL, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) — A new metro line connecting central Istanbul and the city’s new international airport officially opened to the public on Sunday, featuring China-made automated driverless trains that could run up to 120 kilometers per hour.

“This 800,000 daily capacity metro line will allow travel from Kagithane Station to the Istanbul Airport in 24 minutes,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the opening ceremony.

The fully-automated, driverless trains were built by Chinese company CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. (CRRC ZELC), which signed a purchase and commissioning contract with Türkiye’s Directorate-General of Infrastructure Investments back in January 2020.

The 34-kilometer metro line between the Kagithane Station in central Istanbul and the city’s new international airport boasts Türkiye’s fastest trains, and the vehicles running the line are China’s first 120km/h automated driverless metro project for the overseas market, according to CRRC ZELC.

The contract was for 176 subway cars and required a 60 percent localization rate in Türkiye.

Haluk Oguz, a management specialist at CRRC ZELC’s subsidiary in Türkiye, told Xinhua that they have delivered 40 vehicles. “Work on the other 136 is ongoing,” he said, adding “they will be manufactured at our factory in Ankara.”

Faruk Bostanci, administrative affairs chief at CRRC Türkiye, said that “new additions (to the line), which will be made as manufacturing continues, will increase the train frequency and provide a faster, more convenient transportation network for Istanbul residents.”

After trying out the train, Istanbul resident Emirhan Ersoy praised the new vehicles. “Both the heating system and the visual screens are very nice, and the sound system works very well,” he said, adding that the high capacity of the cabins was another point of distinction.

The vehicles operate in a 4-car formation with a maximum capacity of 1,100 passengers. The exterior of the trains is decorated with Turkish cultural elements such as tulip motifs.

Yalcin Eyigun, general manager of the Directorate-General of Infrastructure Investments at Turkish Transportation and Infrastructure Ministry, praised the Chinese partner for overcoming all kinds of difficulties during the project despite the COVID-19 pandemic-related setbacks.

Over the past decade, CRRC ZELC has supplied more than 400 metro vehicles to Türkiye, which are now operating in its three largest cities, namely Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

Zhou Qinghe, chairman of the board of the CRRC ZELC, said that his company is willing to strengthen cooperation with Türkiye and write new chapters of “shared growth through discussion and collaboration.”

Source(s): sun.mv

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Freedom of journalism must be practiced within the responsibilities

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04/05/2024

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Minister at the President’s Office for Strategic Communications Ibrahim Khaleel has underscored the importance of exercising the freedom of press within the responsibilities. He made the remarks while speaking at a programme aired on PSM News.

Commemorating the 7th anniversary of PSM News, Minister Khaleel was invited to the programme, as he played a pivotal role in founding the PSM News Channel during his tenure as the Former Managing Director of the Public Service Media (PSM). The minister worked in the field of journalism and broadcasting for several years, actively engaging in various media positions, including reading and writing news articles.

Highlighted the convenience within the field following the advancements of technology, Minister Khaleel revealed articulated his vision for PSM News to serve as the primary national channel, delivering reliable and timely news coverage across the entirety of the country. In observance of World Press Freedom Day, the minister noted the continuous expansion of press freedom over the years. On this stance, he stressed the significance of media outlets to execute obligations in disseminating news, urging the spread of credible information.

Furthermore, Minister Khaleel revealed the government’s plan to expand and promote journalism. As such, efforts are underway to provide educational opportunities and to strengthen the financial stability of media organisations.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Fourth meeting of High-Level Core Group on withdrawal of Indian troops held in Delhi

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1 day ago

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04/05/2024

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The fourth meeting of the High-level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place in Indian capital New Delhi on Friday.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation between nations during Friday’s meeting while discussions were also held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defense cooperation.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry said it was reiterated that the Indian government will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10th, adding both sides expressed satisfaction with the fact that all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule.

Both sides also agreed that the fifth meeting of the High-Level core Group will be held in Male’ on a mutually agreeable date in June or July.

The High-Level Core Group was formed following a meeting between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Minister of Islamic Affairs to attend the OIC Summit as the President’s Special Envoy

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2 days ago

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03/05/2024

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The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, will attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which begins tomorrow, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Envoy.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs is scheduled to address the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the President’s Special Envoy, which begins tomorrow, at Banjul, The Gambia. His address will be broadcast on television.

The Islamic Summit of the OIC, held once every three years, brings the leaders of the Islamic nations together to deliberate, take policy decisions, and provide guidance on issues pertaining to the Ummah as outlined in the OIC Charter.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Source(s): Presidents Office

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