Latest news with #bilateralmeeting
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar, Abang Johari and Hajiji hold breakfast meeting ahead of Prabowo talks in Jakarta
KUCHING, July 29 — Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg kicked off his official working visit in Jakarta, Indonesia today with a private discussion over breakfast with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. According to a post on Sarawakku, the premier's official Facebook page, the closed-door discussion, held at the prime minister's place of residence in the Indonesian capital, was in preparation for the yearly consultative meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Mohd Noor. Various matters of bilateral interest and importance with Indonesia including border issues and Asean cooperation on renewable power generation and distribution were believed to have been discussed and expected to be brought up for discussion with the Indonesian authorities. Later, the Malaysian delegation proceeded to the Istana Merdeka where Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to host the visiting delegation. The premier's entourage arrived in Jakarta yesterday morning ahead of the prime minister's delegation which landed later last night. — The Borneo Post
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Keir Starmer's Marine One ride is a rare honour
When Sir Keir Starmer climbed aboard Marine One he joined a small set of British leaders invited to ride on the presidential helicopter. The Prime Minister made the short hop from Turnberry to Prestwick airport alongside President Donald Trump on Monday aboard one of the US Navy's new Sikorsky VH-92a Patriots, which carry the famous 'Marine One' call-sign only when the president is aboard. The two world leaders made the journey after a bilateral meeting in Mr Trump's golf club, after which they spent an hour fielding questions from journalists on everything from immigration to Gaza. Dan Connor, a former Marine One pilot, said Sir Keir's inclusion on Marine One was a rare honour. 'Think about it. Air Force One can carry 60, 70 passengers,' he said of the presidential plane. 'Marine One has room for just 12.' It is a privilege reserved for popes, royalty and the occasional British prime minister. Tony Blair flew with Bill Clinton, the then US president, to the prime minister's country residence Checkers in 1998 after a G8 meeting in the UK. He also flew with Mr Clinton's successor George W Bush to Camp David, the presidential retreat. Margaret Thatcher was also ferried to Camp David to meet Ronald Reagan (who collected her in a golf cart) and later George HW Bush. And more recently David Cameron was offered a ride from Texas to Canada for the G20 summit in 2010 by Barack Obama, when the British prime minister's helicopter was grounded by a mechanical issue. American presidents have used helicopters to get around ever since 1957 when President Dwight D Eisenhower wanted a quicker way to get to his summer home in Pennsylvania. Since then they have become the usual mode of transport for short journeys, offering easier logistics and better security than motorcades. Marine Helicopter Squadron One has been updating its fleet with the VH-92 Patriots during the past year. The helicopters are nicknamed 'white tops' because of their distinctive livery and are kitted out with communications equipment and anti-missile defences. As a security measure, Marine One often flies in a group of three identical helicopters. One carries presidential aides, one is a decoy and one carries the president. On this trip, the helicopters are also accompanied by a handful of Osprey MV-22 tilt rotor aircraft, carrying journalists and other staff, including Secret Service agents. The introduction of the VH-92a helicopters was delayed by several years and they have yet to fully replace older models still flown by the squadron. Among the problems was the way its exhaust system scorched the manicured South Lawn of the White House as they took off and landed. Mr Connor, who flew the older VH-3D Sea King, said the aircraft were outfitted to be more comfortable than the usual 'It's very comfortable, but you'll be on corporate jets that will be a lot more well appointed,' he said. 'It's still a Navy aircraft, and there's all sorts of requirements and restrictions placed on us.' So although the helicopters were outfitted with carpets, the seats still had to be cloth rather than leather. But he added there were all sorts of tips and tricks to providing a smooth experience. Air crew, he explained, would take their boots off before climbing into the cockpit to ensure they did not disturb the interior carpets that were swept with horsehair brushes before VIPs arrived. 'They actually deflate the tyre pressure in some of the wheels so as not to bounce and give it a little softer cushion,' he said. 'So you definitely learn how to land it differently to the way you would in a combat environment.'
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
India to extend $565 mln line of credit to Maldives, PM Modi says
July 25 (Reuters) - India has decided to extend a $565 million line of credit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday after bilateral meetings between the two countries.
Arab News
23-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
US says Pakistan to attend bilateral talks in Washington but gives no details
ISLAMABAD: A senior US State Department official said Tuesday Pakistan will participate in a bilateral meeting in Washington, but declined to say whether the United States would play any role in mediating longstanding tensions between Pakistan and India, particularly over Kashmir. The comment came in response to a question at a news briefing about whether Washington's push for direct communication between India and Pakistan — such as on the Indus Waters Treaty — would also apply to more contentious issues like Kashmir. Pakistan and India had a four-day military standoff in May that ended with a US-brokered ceasefire. Washington later announced that both countries had agreed to meet at a neutral venue to discuss outstanding issues. Pakistan welcomed the proposal, but India, which has long opposed third-party involvement, rejected it. 'We have Pakistan who is going to be here for a bilat, and I'll be participating in that,' State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during the briefing, without elaborating on the schedule or the agenda. 'I'm looking forward to that as well.' Bruce did not directly answer the question on Kashmir, instead offering a general comment about addressing difficult issues. The briefing came weeks after a rare one-on-one lunch hosted by former President Donald Trump for Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, at the White House on June 18. No civilian Pakistani officials were present at the meeting. Trump later credited both Munir and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'acting responsibly' and preventing a potential regional catastrophe. India has denied any US role in the ceasefire, calling it a bilateral decision between New Delhi and Islamabad, though Trump has continued to claim credit for stopping the conflict. On Tuesday, he reiterated separately that he 'stopped the recent war' between the two countries and claimed five planes were shot down during the fighting. While political channels between Washington and Islamabad have reactivated in recent weeks, the two sides are also engaged in trade talks after Trump imposed 29 percent 'reciprocal tariffs' on Pakistan in April. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who is currently in Washington, said both countries are working to shift their relationship from one focused on trade to one anchored in long-term investment. Speaking after meetings with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Aurangzeb said the two sides had identified priority sectors including minerals, mining, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency regulation. He also hinted at forthcoming 'leadership-level' announcements in the coming days.
The Independent
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Starmer to meet Trump during Scotland trip ahead of state visit
Sir Keir Starmer will meet Donald Trump when the US president visits Scotland ahead of his second state visit to the UK. Mr Trump is expected to travel to Scotland in July before the state visit in September. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The White House has confirmed that President Trump will be making a private visit to Scotland later this month. 'Given he is visiting a private capacity, there will not be a formal bilateral but the Prime Minister is pleased to take up the president's invite to meet during his stay.' Police Scotland have said they will seek Government help with the 'considerable' costs of the Trump visit, after it emerged last week that the force was in the early stages of planning for a visit. The US president's state visit will follow from September 17 to 19, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. He will be hosted by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle and accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump. There had been speculation about whether Mr Trump would be able to address Parliament, as French President Emmanuel Macron did during his state visit last week. MPs will not be around during the confirmed dates, which fall just after they start a break for party conference season. Nigel Farage told GB News Parliament should be recalled to allow the president to speak to MPs and peers. The Liberal Democrats meanwhile did not urge for MPs to be called back, but said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney should be invited for a state visit and to address Parliament. 'The Prime Minister should invite Mark Carney for an official visit to the UK just ahead of Trump's visit, including the opportunity to address Parliament. 'This would send an important signal that Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Canada against Trump's chaotic trade war,' Sir Ed Davey said. Asked for Sir Keir's view on the president addressing Parliament, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister is focused on welcoming President Trump to the UK for an historic second state visit and building on the excellent relationship they've had that's been delivering for working people. 'The dates of the visit are for President Trump and the Palace (…) details around the programme will be announced in due course.'
