Latest news with #ShanghaiCooperationOrganization
Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait stresses green economy and carbon goals at SCO Energy Ministers' meeting
BEIJING, June 29: The State of Kuwait showcased its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and diversifying its national economy during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Energy Ministers' Conference held on June 26-27 in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. The event, themed 'Innovation and Integration... Dynamic Future,' brought together ministers, officials, and experts from SCO member states, observers, and dialogue partners. Counselor Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil, representing the Kuwaiti Embassy at the conference, reaffirmed Kuwait's full support for the SCO's objectives, especially under China's rotating presidency for 2024 and 2025, designated as the 'Year of Sustainable Development.' He noted that this initiative highlights a collective regional commitment to addressing climate change, ensuring energy security, and transitioning towards a green economy. Al-Dakhil emphasized Kuwait's active role as a dialogue partner within the SCO, strengthening cooperation in energy transition and environmental sustainability. He underscored the strategic Kuwaiti-Chinese partnership in the energy sector, marked notably by a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2024 between Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, China's SPIC Corporation, and the National Energy Administration. The agreement focuses on renewable energy, technical cooperation to meet peak demand, and clean energy infrastructure planning. Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Al-Dakhil mentioned the visit of a high-level Chinese delegation to Kuwait's Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex in May, reflecting mutual dedication to expanding collaborative efforts. He further explained that Kuwait's initiatives align with the SCO's energy strategy up to 2030, adopted at the 2024 energy ministers' meeting in Astana. Kuwait's advancements in clean energy serve as a valuable model for exchange among SCO members, particularly in renewable energy projects, capacity building, and smart city planning. Concluding his remarks, Al-Dakhil acknowledged the challenges on the path to carbon neutrality but highlighted the vast opportunities for cooperation and innovation. He affirmed Kuwait's ongoing commitment to building a sustainable, integrated future through its regional and international partnerships. Kuwait's participation at the SCO conference demonstrates its strategic focus on deepening international collaborations in clean energy and environmental innovation, reinforcing its role as a key dialogue partner within major regional organizations, and advancing its national carbon neutrality goals.
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Not afraid of US, India to purchase S-400, R-37M and..., govt set to give a tough reply to..., not Pakistan, China
New Delhi: India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has had a very important meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' meeting held in Qingdao, China. The clarity and frank language in which India's defense needs and technical cooperation with Russia have been talked about in India's official press release are an indication that India is now moving towards entering into a much-needed defense agreement with Russia to rapidly upgrade its air defense and air-to-air missile capabilities. What was the agenda? The official press release issued after the meeting between Rajnath Singh, and the Russian Defense Minister specifically talks about air defense systems, air-to-air missiles, modern capabilities and air platforms. Defense industry experts have already been indicating that India wants cooperation from Russia for indigenous production of air-to-air missiles and their integration in Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. A report this week said that India has seriously advanced the talks towards purchasing the S-500 air defense system from Russia. Production of long-range missiles in India At Aero India 2025, Russia officially proposed the sale of its long-range R-37M air-to-air missile, which is exported as RVV-BD, to India. In the Russian proposal, this missile was proposed to be locally produced in India under 'Make in India'. In March this year, the Russian state-owned arms company Rosoboronexport (ROE) confirmed that Russia and India are discussing joint development and production of modern guided aircraft missiles. The purpose of this partnership is not only to meet India's military needs, but also to export to friendly countries. That is, if this agreement is reached between India and Russia, India can make air-to-air missiles under Make in India and sell them to any third country, just like India sells BrahMos missiles. Increasing striking power of Su-30 MKI During Operation Sindoor, India fired BrahMos missiles on Pakistani military bases from Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. The block-upgrade plan for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force was already underway, but after Operation Sindoor, it has now gained momentum. Russia has made it clear that it will work with Indian defense companies in this upgrade. This upgrade will be carried out in India under the leadership of HAL, and it includes new AESA radar, electronic warfare system, infrared search and track (IRST) and modern cockpit interface. This upgrade will prepare the aircraft according to the needs of 5th generation warfare.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga premier forges ties in Longnan, China
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, and his entourage went on a high-level outbound investment mission to the People's Republic of China to visit the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. From June 14 to 23, Ndlovu led a delegation comprising the MEC for agriculture, Nompumelelo Hlophe; the director-general, Maggie Skhosana; the head of the Department of Agriculture, Cain Chunda; and other senior officials from the Departments of Agriculture and Treasury. During this high-level mission, Ndlovu signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Longnan Municipality in China. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga premier jets to China for a trade mission A statement released by the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier on Wednesday, June 18, stated that the MoU focuses on industrial collaboration, agricultural co-operation, infrastructure development, cultural and tourism promotion, as well as talent identification and development exchanges, among other areas. This partnership aligns with the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Co-operation Summit. A focus of agreements signed at a national level is bilateral trade and market access, which seeks to expand and diversify trade between the two countries – including the facilitation of market access for South African agricultural products into China. 'As Mpumalanga we are responding to the vision of our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, when he signed this agreement. Through the MoU we entered into, we are defining a series of action plans and interventions to bring to life the accelerated access of trade to and from Mpumalanga and Longnan Municipality. 'This will be realised through the operationalisation of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) which will benefit, among others, farmers from previously disadvantaged communities and our people,' said Ndlovu. The visit further focused on other economic activities aimed at improving the provincial economy and reducing the unemployment rate. Longnan Municipality's executive vice mayor, Li Rong, said that with the MoU signed, it is hoped this will not only be a beginning, but an expectation to set a new example for the in-depth and solid development of bilateral co-operation. 'Longnan will henceforth be your home in China. The relationship between China and South Africa is not just a win-win situation, but one of complementary advantages to create shared value together. It is hoped that this will be the beginning of a 'family + partner' relationship between the two sides,' said Rong. Among other sites, the delegation visited the one million hectare Oliver Orchard – a high-value crop farm that explores opportunities across the agricultural value chain. The farm focuses on research, training, production and the agro-processing of olives for consumption. These include dried and fresh olives, olive oils, olive whisky, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of conditions such as cancer and diabetes. According to Ndlovu, Mpumalanga stands to benefit from such an industry – not only through olive imports, but also by twinning local olive farmers with the Longnan market leader and implementing similar farming and agro-processing methods. 'This initiative has the potential to stimulate agro-entrepreneurship, which will in turn strengthen Mpumalanga's economy while helping to reduce the high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth,' said Ndlovu. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga seals five-year trade deal in China The delegation also visited the Zhejiang University's Integrated Industry-Academia-Research Institute in Tianjin. The institute conducts research across various industries and leads in the prevention, early detection and treatment of chronic illnesses and cancer. 'They use traditional medicine, some of which is plant-based, and also develop modern 'western' medicine. We are also continuing to engage with other businesses in China to explore partnership opportunities,' Ndlovu added. On January 14, Ndlovu undertook the first leg of the mission to China to establish co-operation with major players in the food and logistics industries for the MIFPM, which is not yet operational. Ndlovu announced an April soft launch of the MIFPM during the State of the Province Address in February. Although the launch date was missed, the provincial Department of Agriculture's spokesperson, Zanele Shabangu, said the MIFPM will be launched by the end of July. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Joins China and Russia in Security Talks After US Strikes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's defense minister has made his first overseas visit since a deadly 12-day conflict with Israel, traveling to China for a gathering of top military officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security bloc led by Beijing and Moscow. The visit, amid ongoing volatility in the Middle East, signals Tehran's determination to deepen ties with powers outside the Western alliance system. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department for comment. Why It Matters Iran's attendance at the security summit underscores its continued alignment with China and Russia amid ongoing tensions with the U.S., as President Donald Trump seeks to revive potential nuclear talks. Arriving just days after American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Israel's unprecedented attacks, Tehran's presence reaffirms its reliance on alternative global alliances in defiance of Western pressure. By hosting the meeting, China positions the SCO as a growing counterweight to NATO, offering Iran and other members a platform to challenge U.S.-led military and diplomatic dominance amid mounting global instability. Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh looks on during the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defence ministers. The SCO consists of ten states, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. It was originally... Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh looks on during the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defence ministers. The SCO consists of ten states, including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. It was originally founded in 2001 to combat terrorism and now also pursues goals such as security and economic cooperation, 26 June 2025, China, Qingdao. More Johannes Neudecker/AP Photo What to Know Iran's Aziz Nasirzadeh joined defense ministers from nine SCO member states—including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan—in Qingdao, a strategic Chinese naval base city. The two-day summit began soon after a fragile ceasefire paused deadly attacks between Iran and Israel that also involved the U.S. The meeting highlighted Tehran's push to deepen ties within the SCO as Western pressure intensifies, reinforcing its strategy of aligning with key regional powers. While Chinese officials have avoided direct involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict, they offered rhetorical backing for Iran's stance. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, without naming the crisis, denounced "hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts"—a common Beijing critique of U.S. influence. In remarks reported by Chinese state media, Nasirzadeh thanked China for its "understanding and support" and urged it to help stabilize the region and uphold the ceasefire. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Kazakhstan's Defence Minister Dauren Kossanov and China's Defence Minister Dong Jun gather for a group photo during the Defence Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation... India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Kazakhstan's Defence Minister Dauren Kossanov and China's Defence Minister Dong Jun gather for a group photo during the Defence Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Qingdao, in eastern China's Shandong province on June 26, 2025. MoreOil Flows to China Meanwhile, China significantly ramped up its imports of Iranian crude oil in June, driven by discounted prices and increased loadings from Iran. Independent Chinese refiners took advantage of lower global oil prices, contributing to the surge. According to data cited by Reuters, China imported a record 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of Iranian crude between June 1 and 20. Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, President Trump wrote on social media that "China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran," adding, "Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also." Although Trump's statement suggested a possible easing of sanctions enforcement, the White House clarified that no formal lifting of sanctions has occurred, reflecting a nuanced U.S. stance balancing pressure on Iran with geopolitical realities. Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.24.25 09:14 AM EST China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the U.S., also. It was my Great Honor to make this happen! — Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 24, 2025 What People Are Saying Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran's Defense Minister: "[We] hope that China will continue to uphold justice and play an even greater role in maintaining the current ceasefire and easing regional tensions." Dong Jun, Chinese Defense Minister: "Unilateralism and protectionism are surging, while hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts severely undermine the international order." What Happens Next Iran's growing oil exports to China are vital amid the recent Iran-Israel conflict. Despite persistent sanctions, Tehran relies heavily on China as its largest buyer to sustain its economy and fund its regional activities. This deepening partnership challenges U.S. efforts to isolate Iran and highlights China's crucial role in supporting Tehran's economic and strategic resilience during heightened tensions.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
China is a friend, brother, says Asif
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can help promote peace and serve as an important tool for safeguarding the development of countries in the region, said Defense Minister Khawaja Asif when attending the SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Asif on the same day. Asif praised China's efforts in preventing the escalation of regional tensions, noting that recent months have seen rising instability and conflict across the region. He said Pakistan highly values its ironclad friendship with China and is willing to work closely with Beijing to implement three major global initiatives.
