Latest news with #Marco Rubio
Arab News
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Deputy PM Dar reaffirms Pakistan's push for ‘composite dialogue' with India as ceasefire holds
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is open to a composite dialogue with India to address all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, according to state media on Tuesday, as a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbors continues to hold. Dar's comments came after an intense four-day military standoff between the two countries, triggered by a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists in April. India blamed Pakistan for the assault, a charge Islamabad denied while calling for an impartial international probe. The escalation ended on May 10 with a ceasefire brokered by the United States, which said at the time that both countries had agreed to engage at a neutral venue to resolve their differences. While Pakistan welcomed the prospect of such talks, offering to enter wide-ranging negotiations to defuse tensions and normalize ties, India publicly declined any political engagement. Dar was asked during a news conference in New York whether there had been any follow-up on that offer during his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, which he said had taken place in a cordial environment. 'Military-to-military communications are taking place [between Pakistan and India],' he told the media, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan, 'but there is no contact on the political side.' 'Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India,' he continued. 'We seek a composite dialogue that includes Kashmir as well as other issues, including the Indus Waters Treaty.' Dar reiterated Pakistan's concerns over India's unilateral suspension of the IWT, which governs water sharing between the two countries and has been considered a vital pillar of regional stability since its signing in 1960. India suspended the treaty on April 23, one day after the militant attack in Kashmir. Pakistan warned that disrupting access to rivers would be viewed as 'an act of war.' Dar told the media his country's defense preparedness was 'strong and vigilant.' He also spoke about Pakistan's bilateral ties with the US, saying he had invited Secretary Rubio to visit Islamabad. The deputy PM noted that his country's diplomatic efforts also extended to neighboring Afghanistan and Iran, with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity through trade and transport corridors.
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
South Korea Foreign Minister Cho visiting Japan, US for first meetings with allies
SEOUL, July 29 (Reuters) - South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Tuesday he would hold his first meeting in Tokyo with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya since taking up his post this month before travelling to the U.S. to support trade negotiations. Cho will also have his first meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 31, as Seoul makes a final push to secure a trade deal to limit the impact of punishing U.S. tariffs due to come in on August 1. "The tariff negotiations are nearing an end. I will provide much support for this as well," Cho told reporters in Seoul ahead of his departure to Japan. "But more importantly, we will discuss how to cooperate between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan as well as strengthen the U.S. alliance in a comprehensive way." As for his Japan visit, Cho said he would discuss important bilateral issues including historical disputes "in a future-oriented way" and agree to cooperate going forward. "The most important thing is how to achieve peace and stability in Northeast Asia through cooperation between Korea and Japan," Cho said.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar hails Asean diplomacy as Cambodia, Thailand agree to ceasefire after Malaysia meet
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today held up the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement as 'concrete evidence of Asean's diplomatic strength' founded on consensus-building, negotiations, and humanitarian principles. In remarks following the agreement reached yesterday in Putrajaya, Anwar also said the two countries' collective endorsement underscores a shared commitment to stability in Southeast Asia. The prime minister said Malaysia — currently the Asean chair — not only led, but also played a key role as facilitator, host, and witness to the success of this historic understanding. 'I extend my appreciation to regional partners and major powers who also supported this peace effort,' he said. 'Asean remains united and principled. Let us continue to pray for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region for our shared future.' Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire effective from midnight on July 28, ending a deadly border dispute that has claimed dozens of lives over five days of clashes. A meeting between military commanders from both nations is scheduled to take place on Tuesday as a vital first step toward de-escalation and restoration of peace. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked Anwar for hosting the negotiations that led to the 'brilliant result' of the ceasefire, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also applauded the Malaysian leader for driving the peace talks.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar hails Asean diplomacy as Cambodia, Thailand agree ceasefire after Malaysia meet
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today held up the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement as 'concrete evidence of Asean's diplomatic strength' founded on consensus-building, negotiations, and humanitarian principles. In remarks following the agreement reached yesterday in Putrajaya, Anwar also said the two countries' collective endorsement underscores a shared commitment to stability in Southeast Asia. The prime minister said Malaysia — currently the Asean chair — not only led, but also played a key role as facilitator, host, and witness to the success of this historic understanding. 'I extend my appreciation to regional partners and major powers who also supported this peace effort,' he said. 'Asean remains united and principled. Let us continue to pray for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region for our shared future.' Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate ceasefire effective from midnight on July 28, ending a deadly border dispute that has claimed dozens of lives over five days of clashes. A meeting between military commanders from both nations is scheduled to take place on Tuesday as a vital first step toward de-escalation and restoration of peace. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet thanked Anwar for hosting the negotiations that led to the 'brilliant result' of the ceasefire, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also applauded the Malaysian leader for driving the peace talks.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
UK recognition of Palestinian statehood carries risks – even with US approval
Any British prime minister considering the supremely sensitive question of whether to recognise Palestine as a state will have to weigh America's likely reaction. When Emmanuel Macron, the French president, announced that France would take this step, Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, instantly condemned a 'reckless decision' that 'serves Hamas propaganda' and 'sets back peace'. Sir Keir Starmer will want to avoid that kind of vitriol from his closest ally if he goes ahead. Later this week, he will summon the Cabinet for an emergency meeting to endorse what Downing Street describes as a British plan for 'sustainable peace' in the Middle East. This will include recognising Palestine as a state, although the timing remains unclear. Donald Trump's conciliatory words in Scotland on Monday will have given Sir Keir a measure of reassurance. Asked whether recognition could be a step towards peace, Mr Trump replied: 'I'm not going to take a position – I don't mind him [Sir Keir] taking a position.' Not minding whether Britain proceeds with recognition is a long way from denouncing a reckless move that would only serve Hamas. Mr Rubio would need to check with the White House before censuring Britain as fervently as he criticised France.
