Latest news with #Cassis

Barnama
6 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Switzerland Deepens Asean Ties Ahead Of 10th Anniversary Of Sectoral Dialogue Partnership
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 -- Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis speaks during the Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland, and the ASEAN Secretariat in conjunction with the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) By Maizatul Jamny Muhammad Rosli KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- As ASEAN and Switzerland mark a decade of their sectoral dialogue partnership next year, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas where Switzerland offers distinct value and expertise. Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, said that the country is strengthening its strategic engagement with Southeast Asia through enhanced economic partnerships, multilateral cooperation, and sustained support for peace and development in the region. bootstrap slideshow Switzerland became an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2016. Building on this foundation, Switzerland has recently been taking a more strategic approach by releasing its first-ever Southeast Asia strategy in 2023 and, most recently, the Asia G20 strategy. In both, ASEAN is considered a key regional actor. 'We are pleased with this partnership and the achievements we have accomplished together. Looking ahead, we remain committed to nurturing this valuable partnership in those areas where Switzerland can bring added value,' Cassis told Bernama. At the same time, Cassis said Switzerland has reaffirmed its global role as a neutral mediator in promoting peace and stability, including in Southeast Asia, by leveraging its long-standing tradition of dialogue and diplomacy to become a trusted bridge-builder in complex geopolitical situations. He said the country's commitment was further underscored by its first-ever term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023-2024. Switzerland made meaningful contributions during this time of significant global tensions. 'We focused on key priorities: protecting civilians, building sustainable peace, addressing climate-related security risks, and enhancing the Council's effectiveness,' he said, adding that the outcomes are expected to have an impact beyond this tenure.


The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Switzerland deepens Asean ties ahead of 10th anniversary of sectoral dialogue partnership
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): As Asean and Switzerland mark a decade of their sectoral dialogue partnership next year, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas where Switzerland offers distinct value and expertise. Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, said that the country is strengthening its strategic engagement with Southeast Asia through enhanced economic partnerships, multilateral cooperation, and sustained support for peace and development in the region. Switzerland became an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2016. Building on this foundation, Switzerland has recently been taking a more strategic approach by releasing its first-ever South-East Asia strategy in 2023 and, most recently, the Asia G20 strategy. In both, Asean is considered a key regional actor. "We are pleased with this partnership and the achievements we have accomplished together. "Looking ahead, we remain committed to nurturing this valuable partnership in those areas where Switzerland can bring added value,' Cassis told Bernama. At the same time, Cassis said Switzerland has reaffirmed its global role as a neutral mediator in promoting peace and stability, including in Southeast Asia, by leveraging its long-standing tradition of dialogue and diplomacy to become a trusted bridge-builder in complex geopolitical situations. He said the country's commitment was further underscored by its first-ever term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023-2024. Switzerland made meaningful contributions during this time of significant global tensions. "We focused on key priorities: protecting civilians, building sustainable peace, addressing climate-related security risks, and enhancing the Council's effectiveness,' he said, adding that the outcomes are expected to have an impact beyond this tenure. Cassis noted that Switzerland has always prioritised sustainable development in its cooperation with Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on climate resilience and environmental protection through its partnership with Asean. He said since 2009, the country has supported community-led forest management and the sustainable use of natural resources. This enables local communities to play an active role in environmental conservation. "This collaboration continues to thrive today. We work closely with Asean member states, the Asean Secretariat, and various Asean centres. In the near future, we will launch a new project focused on improving air quality,' he added. Cassis said Switzerland has a long-standing relationship with Southeast Asia, underpinned by more than 60 years of development cooperation and a solid economic presence across ASEAN member states, which contributes to the economic growth of the host countries. "In the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprised of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, we have concluded free trade agreements with several countries in the region, namely Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and most recently with Malaysia In June this year, EFTA and Malaysia signed an Economic Partnership Agreement. Cassis said that in times of trade disruptions, it is essential for an open economy like Switzerland to remain engaged in constructive cooperation with international partners. Last year, EFTA and Asean adopted a Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation. "It's an important step forward in strengthening our economic ties. The declaration lays the groundwork for more in-depth dialogue and increased trade and investment between our two regions,' he said. "We're now working closely with Asean to develop a new concrete work plan. We hope to finalise it soon so we can move quickly into implementation,' Cassis said, adding that the modern and comprehensive free trade agreement will further boost sustainable trade and investment. - Bernama


Fox News
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Denise Austin shows off bikini body while vacationing in the south of France
Denise Austin is putting her bikini body on display as she soaks up the sun on her Mediterranean vacation. Last week, Austin took to Instagram to share photos of herself vacationing in Cassis, France, and feeling "strong, healthy, and SO HAPPY." "Feeling strong, healthy, and SO HAPPY here in gorgeous Bay Cassis!!! There's nothing like a little sunshine, fresh sea air, and a swim in the Mediterranean to lift your spirits and keep you feeling GOOD!!" the professional fitness coach wrote. "Vacation is the perfect time to stay active and take care of YOU. Whether it's a quick swim, a walk by the water, or just soaking in nature's beauty… it all adds up to a healthy body and a happy mind!! Let's keep moving, smiling, and enjoying every moment together!! xoxoxo." In the pictures, Denise was wearing a blue bikini with white trim as she posed on steps leading into the water. She paired her look with gold, dangling earrings and tortoise shell glasses as she smiled for the camera. "Vacation is the perfect time to stay active and take care of YOU." A few days before she shared the post, she uploaded two other bikini photos from her recent vacation. In these shots, Austin wore a bright red bikini as she was about to climb down steps leading to the ocean. In the second picture, Austin was holding a life ring that had the words "Les Roches Blanches" printed along the side. "We're soaking up the SUNSHINE in beautiful Cassis, France!!! WOW, the water is the most stunning shade of BLUE I've ever seen!!!" Austin captioned this post. "There's just something so magical about the Mediterranean Sea… a quick dip is all it takes to feel totally refreshed, recharged and alive! I'm savoring every second of this special trip… the salty sea air, the warm sunshine on my skin, and the joy of being surrounded by such breathtaking beauty!!! Taking time to relax, unwind, and be present - it's SO GOOD for the soul!! Sending you all a big HUG from the South of France!! xoxoxo." In January 2024, Austin gave Fox News Digital her tips for weight loss in her 60s. "Just do something that makes you feel good," Austin told Fox News Digital. "I love to walk for fitness. I love to do light weights to get strong and stay strong. I like to stretch and do yoga. Mixing it up is really fabulous. That way, you're surprising different muscle groups, and you kind of keep everything going and not plateau. "I really think anybody that enjoys what they're doing — maybe it's pickleball, tennis, any form of fitness — just move. Move as often as you can. Standing up burns more calories than sitting down." Austin, who has sold more than 24 million exercise videos and DVDs throughout her career, authored a dozen books and starred in a fitness television show, said there's one simple trick anyone could do to stay fit and lose weight. "My favorite tip, I tell everybody, is good posture. Posture tells a lot about somebody," Austin said. "If you're slouched over, first of all, your tummy has nowhere else to go but out. But if you sit up nice and tall, put your shoulders down and back and zip up those abs. "Keeping your spine healthy is so important. And then when you're standing up nice and tall, you can kind of tighten up your tummy for five seconds. That's equal to one situp. So, you could be doing these isometric exercises throughout the day that really work your muscles."


The Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Scottish Colourist paintings reunited after more than 70 years ahead of auction
Paintings by two Scottish Colourists are to go under the hammer in a 'friends reunited' moment this week after more than 70 years apart. Samuel John Peploe's Firs At The Massif des Calanques, Cassis was displayed alongside Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell's Interior – Santa Maria della Salute, Venice at an exhibition in Edinburgh in 1949. They will feature in Lyon & Turnbull's Scottish paintings and sculpture auction on Thursday, with each estimated to fetch between £80,000 and £120,000. Firs At The Massif des Calanques, Cassis was painted in 1928 during the third of four trips Peploe made to the French port during a period of more than 25 years. Cadell painted the interior of Santa Maria della Salute, a church which stands at the entrance to the Grand Canal, following a visit he made to Venice in 1910. Both paintings featured in the Scottish Colourists exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy's Festival Exhibition in 1949, where work by their friend Leslie Hunter was also on show. Alice Strang, senior specialist with Lyon & Turnbull and an expert in the work of the Scottish Colourists, said: 'This is a 'friends reunited' moment. 'It is thrilling to think that the last time these two beautiful paintings, by artists who were such good friends, were in the same room was in 1949, when they were exhibited together in the Royal Scottish Academy, down the road from our saleroom. 'The Peploe transports us to the heat of Cassis, whilst the Cadell takes us to the beauty of Venice. 'Their remarkable reunion will last until the sale day this Thursday.'