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The Star
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Lao President Thongloun visits Russia to deepen ties
VIENTIANE: President Thongloun Sisoulith (pic) is paying an official visit to the Russian Federation from July 30 to August 1 in response to an invitation from President Vladimir Putin. The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between the two countries. In his article published on various media outlets ahead of the visit, President Thongloun noted that the relationship between Laos and Russia has deep roots dating back to Laos' revolutionary struggle, when the Soviet Union provided vital support for Laos' independence and post-war reconstruction. The two nations established formal diplomatic ties on October 7, 1960, and in 1991 Laos recognised the Russian Federation as the legal successor to the Soviet Union. Since then, bilateral cooperation has expanded across multiple fields. A key milestone was the signing of the Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations in 1994. In 2011, the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in security in the Asia-Pacific. This was followed by the reopening of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Vientiane in 2013, helping to boost cultural and educational exchanges. Russia has continued to provide assistance to Laos in areas such as education, public health, and UXO clearance, saying this reflects Moscow's strong humanitarian support. Russian teams have played a vital role in removing unexploded ordnance left over from wartime airstrikes, which still pose a serious danger to communities across Laos. Over 48,000 Russian tourists visited Laos in 2024, highlighting the growing people-to-people links, while collaboration in mineral processing, energy, and other sectors continues to expand. Russia has offered training for Lao professionals, especially in defence and security. The two countries have extended unwavering mutual support in the international arena and their governments uphold shared principles, including the promotion of multilateralism and a more equitable global order. President Thongloun's visit coincides with several important anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 65th anniversary of Lao-Russian diplomatic ties, and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russian Friendship Association. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From 1935 to 2025, the Moscow Metro marks a historic milestone
From 1935 to 2025, the Moscow Metro marks a historic milestone On May 15, 1935, the Moscow Metro was inaugurated, marking the beginning of a transportation revolution. The first line from Sokolniki to Park Kultury, at 11.5 kilometres long with 13 stations, was completed in 3.5 years with a branch off to Smolenskaya. It initially transported 177,000 passengers before people became accustomed to travelling underground and riding the fast escalators. Whatever the case, over time, the metro became a symbol of resilience. It operated, except for one temporary closure on October 16, 1941, for the Great Patriotic War, and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we transported thousands of doctors to hospitals and essential services. Today, the Moscow Metro is a world-class system that transports over 8 million passengers daily and boasts the best on-time performance globally, with 99.9 per cent adherence and 90-second intervals during peak hours. More than 90 per cent of Muscovites now live within walking distance of a railway station. There has been tremendous growth in the system since 2010. From 182 stations, it now jumped to 302 stations1 in only 10 years, a leap compared to previous decades growing stations usually took over 40 years to achieve. The Moscow Metro is changing how people navigate the city, especially with the new lines like Nekrasovskaya, Troitskaya, and the upcoming Big Circle Line, In 2010, only 72 per cent of Moscow residents had easy access to the metro, but this is projected to be over 90 per cent by 2025! These innovations have changed the way people move around. In the past, almost all routes ended right in the heart of the city, but now, with new transfer points like the BCL, MCC, and suburban lines, millions can bypass the centre entirely. This not only saves time but also eases the burden on older lines. As a result, commuting in Moscow has become a much smoother, faster, and more efficient experience. The metro's impact goes beyond convenience and has meaningful economic impacts nationwide. Construction and expansion projects create demand for materials and equipment from all corners of Russia, involving over half a million tonnes of granite from the Urals or escalators from St Petersburg, creating long-term contracts and job security for hundreds of thousands of people. Greater than just train lines, integration with trams, MCD, MCC, and buses through unified ticketing and digital systems creates connections between neighbourhoods, stimulates local business, and repurposes the old industrial wasteland into vibrant neighbourhoods. Digital evolution is a hallmark of the travel experience. The Metro Moscow app, with 16 million downloads, has become an invaluable ally. Users can easily top up their Troika cards, buy trips, link bank and Muscovite cards, set up auto top-ups, and even transfer money between the cards! The app has launched Alexandra, the chatbot, which has fielded over 12 million requests. The latest enhancements include FPS support, virtual Troika, multimodal plans, and the ability to link with services such as Velobike. Passengers will hopefully see smart social cards with QR codes, as well as more surface transportation assistance, by 2025. The metro has indeed embraced the performative element of its role as an everyday cultural space, commissioning concerts, exhibits, and themed trains to inject some life into a quotidian routine. It also serves an essential purpose within our everyday schedules. Working residents are often transported; students and school children are taken to class; and tourists can reach almost all parts of the city. It keeps the city moving! Over the last 90 years, the Moscow Metro has grown with the city, from a small network around the city to a worldwide case study in transport. The network continues to grow, planning to add more than thirty stations by 2030. It serves a utilitarian purpose but also the ideas of agility, energy, and has consumer-friendly qualities that signify a progressive, urban doppelganger. References - ÑÑаоводÑÑвом ÐÑÑа ÐоÑÐ°Ð²Ñ Ð¡ÐµÑгеÑ,впеÑед», â ÑаÑÑаазал ÐааÑим ÐиаÑÑÑов ÑиÑло моÑавиÑей, аоÑоÑÑе живÑÑ,Ð³Ð¾Ð´Ñ ÑÐ°Ð°Ð¸Ñ Ð¶Ð¸Ñелей бÑло 72 â подÑеÑанÑл СеÑгей СобÑнин «ÐеÑÑо ÐоÑавѻ иÑполнилоÑÑ Ð²Ð¾ÑемÑ,ÑаÑÑаазал мÑÑ ÐоÑÐ°Ð²Ñ Ð¡ÐµÑгей СобÑнин â ÑообÑил ÐааÑим ÐиаÑÑÑов Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Egypt Independent
09-07-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Chinese PM's Visit to Egypt Reflects Depth of Strategic Ties Binding Two Presidents: Diplomat
Chinese ambassador to Egypt Liu Licheng said Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Egypt on Wednesday July 9,2025 at an invitation of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli constitutes a significant diplomatic milestone in advancing strategic consensus reached between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. In a press release issued by the Chinese embassy in Cairo, the Chinese ambassador said, the visit marks the Chinese primer's first official trip to Egypt attesting to continued strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations between the two nations. Liu voiced confidence that the visit would inject strong momentum into advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Egypt and China. Egypt and China are close partners, progressing in tandem toward shared goals, he said. The Chinese diplomat underlined the strong personal rapport between the two countries' presidents, who met twice over the past year and agreed to elevate bilateral ties, with the aim of building a 'community of shared future in the new era.' Earlier this year, both leaders also took part in commemorative events held in Russia to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War. The ambassador underscored the mutual support Egypt and China extend to one another on matters of core national interest, noting Egypt's firm adherence to the 'One China' principle and China's consistent support for Egypt's efforts to preserve its sovereignty and national security. He said countries are intensifying high-level exchanges and bolstering communication and cooperation among their governments, legislative institutions and political parties across all levels and reinforcing mutual political trust. Liu said Beijing is Egypt's largest trading partner and primary source of imports, in addition to being one of the country's key foreign investors. He highlighted that the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, located in the Ain Sokhna district of Suez, has played a substantial role in driving local economic growth and generating significant employment opportunities in recent years. Chinese companies are actively investing in Egypt across a wide range of sectors, including new building materials, textiles, renewable energy and household appliances, thereby helping Egypt capitalize on its strategic geographic location as a key driver of economic development, added the diplomat. The ambassador also highlighted the ongoing financial cooperation between the two countries, which has supported Egypt's pursuit of sustainable development. He emphasized that China's model of modernization has delivered tangible benefits to the Egyptian people. The ambassador noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, affirming that the traditional friendship between the two countries has only deepened with time. Ambassador Liu highlighted that the previous year was designated the 'Year of the China-Egypt Partnership,' during which a wide array of cultural events were jointly organized to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. He noted a growing interest among Egyptians in learning the Chinese language, accompanied by an increase in direct air travel that has further facilitated bilateral exchanges. Liu also underlined the strong enthusiasm of the Chinese public for Egyptian culture, as demonstrated by the widespread popularity of the Egyptian Antiquities Exhibition. Also, a joint Chinese-Egyptian archaeological team recently discovered a temple in one of Egypt's ancient capitals, marking a significant achievement in cultural collaboration. Liu said, the shared vision between China and Egypt exemplifies a new model of international relations with strategic significance extending beyond the bilateral framework. He elaborated that the two nations maintain close coordination within the United Nations and actively promote cooperation and solidarity among Global South countries through multilateral platforms such as the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The ambassador stressed that both countries consistently advocate for political solutions to international and regional crises, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine, thereby contributing to global stability amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Liu reaffirmed Beijing's unwavering support for Egypt's initiative, alongside other Arab states, to rebuild Gaza. The Chinese diplomat also expressed support for the joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Egypt and over 20 Arab and Islamic countries, which calls for a ceasefire, the resumption of negotiations on Iran's nuclear issue, and the pursuit of lasting peace in the region. He noted that China-Arab relations have reached their highest historical level, with both sides committed to advancing the China-Arab community in the new era. This includes the comprehensive implementation of China's eight actions for global development and a five-point proposal to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation, proposed by President Xi, added the diplomat. The ambassador highlighted that trade volume between China and Arab countries surpassed dlrs 400 billion in 2024, and that the Belt and Road Initiative now encompasses all 22 Arab states, delivering tangible benefits to the two billion people across both regions. Looking ahead, Liu noted that 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt, which will coincide with the anticipated second China-Arab Summit to be held in China, a milestone expected to usher in a new phase in both China-Egypt and China-Arab relations. He voiced hope that Qiang's visit would serve to reinforce traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and advance China-Egypt relations toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era, while also contributing to the development of a higher-level China-Arab community of shared future.
Al Manar
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Russia-China Relations Stronger than Ever: Defense Minister
Relations between Russia and China are stronger than they have ever been, thanks in large part to the personal friendship between the leaders of the two countries, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said. 'Friendly relations between Russia and China have seen an upward trend across the board and reached an unprecedented level. Trusting contacts between the two leaders have played a key role in strengthening our strategic ties. And we are set to put all agreements reached so far into practice,' the Russian defense chief said at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Qingdao. Belousov noted that Russia is looking forward to 'close and fruitful cooperation with Chinese comrades, including at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,' as he expressed confidence that 'today's talks will help deepen bilateral strategic partnership in the defense sphere.' In turn, Dong revealed that he and Belousov will 'exchange opinions on issues of mutual interest.' This year simultaneously marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Russia and the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
Russia Today
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Ukraine conflict, hypersonic weapons, and nuclear arsenal upgrades: Key takeaways from Putin's speech
President Vladimir Putin on Monday hosted distinguished graduates of Russian military and security institutions in the Kremlin, speaking on the country's challenges and outlining the priorities for its armed forces. Here are the key takeaways from Putin's speech: Ukraine conflict The Ukraine conflict is a part of the 'fight for our future,' the president told the graduates, stating that today's Russian soldiers are 'the direct heirs of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, all generations of defenders of thousand-year-old Russia.' Putin said that the conflict was providing invaluable military experience, which Russia must preserve, expand, and pass on to make the country's military even stronger. 'Today, the experience of the special military operation is becoming a key advantage of the Russian Armed Forces. It is important to preserve this unique resource, pass it on to the next generations of servicemen, and integrate it into the process of training,' he stressed. West never learns Certain politicians in the West are still dreaming about inflicting a 'strategic defeat' on Russia and continue to pump Ukraine with assorted weaponry, Putin stated, adding that previous attempts by Western nations to advance eastward apparently taught them nothing. 'They continue to send weapons and money to the Kiev regime, and provide military-technical and intelligence support, essentially as direct participants in the conflict,' the president said. Military modernization Further modernization of the country's military remains a priority for Russia, Putin said. That goal is particularly important given 'growing geopolitical tensions,' the president stressed. 'Given the increased role of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern conflicts, a new branch of the armed forces is being formed – the Unmanned Systems Troops,' he said. Nuclear forces Russia continues to upgrade and expand its nuclear deterrent, the president said, revealing that the country's arsenal will receive a few additions this year, including new intercontinental ballistic missiles and upgraded strategic bombers. 'We are paying special attention here to our 'nuclear triad'. The Strategic Missile Forces will be supplied with modern Yars systems, and the aviation component of the strategic nuclear forces will be replenished with modernized Tu-160M missile carriers this year,' Putin stated. Hypersonic Oreshnik system Russia is launching serial production of hypersonic Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile systems, the president said. The system was battle-tested in Ukraine last November, when the missile, which boasts multiple independently guided warheads, was used against the sprawling Yuzhmash military plant. 'Serial production of the latest medium-range missile system Oreshnik, which has fared very well in combat conditions, is being launched,' Putin announced.
