Latest news with #militaryties
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Russian foreign minister Lavrov meets Kim Jong Un
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov (R) relayed the Kremlin's hopes with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY/AFP pic) MOSCOW : Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un today during his visit to the secretive country and key Moscow ally. Lavrov 'was received' by Kim Jong Un, Russia's foreign ministry said on Telegram, posting a video of two men shaking hands and greeting with a hug. Lavrov told Kim that Russia's President Vladimir Putin 'hopes for continued direct contacts in the very near future,' according to the Russian state agency TASS. Russian and North Korean state media announced the visit earlier, saying Lavrov would stay until Sunday. It is the latest in a series of high-profile trips by top Moscow officials as both countries deepen military and political ties over Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Pyongyang sent thousands of troops to Russia's Kursk region to oust Kyiv's forces and provided the Russian army with artillery shells and missiles. Earlier today, Lavrov met with his counterpart Choe Son Hui and said that North Korean officials had 'reaffirmed their full support for all objectives' of the offensive in Ukraine, TASS reported. He also thanked the 'heroic' North Korean soldiers. Both sides 'emphasised their determination to jointly counter the hegemonic aspirations of extra-regional players, which are leading to escalating tensions in Northeast Asia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region', Russia's foreign ministry said. Lavrov met with his counterpart in Wonsan, a city on the country's east coast where a massive resort was opened earlier this month. Ahead of the visit, Russia announced that it would begin twice-a-week flights between Moscow and Pyongyang. Lavrov lauded Wonsan as 'a good tourist attraction,' adding 'we hope it will be popular not only with local citizens, but also with Russians'. The two heavily sanctioned nations signed a military deal last year, including a mutual defence clause, during a rare visit by Vladimir Putin to North Korea.
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration
RIYADH: Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky's landmark visit to Saudi Arabia marks the first official defense dialogue between the two nations, signaling a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasized Saudi Arabia's growing influence as a regional stabilizer and commended its proactive approach to diplomacy. His discussions with Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman centered on strengthening military ties, launching joint training initiatives, and exploring areas of technological cooperation. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to advancing defense collaboration and formalizing their partnership through a strategic memorandum of understanding. Visit Objective This is a historic visit because it is the first time that our two countries' defense ministers meet. I came here upon the invitation of His Royal Highness. And this invitation came at a very important, and I also dare say, historic time. We are now in a situation where the world has substantially changed even compared to just a few years ago. And this place needs, I mean, the whole world needs, stable regions and strong governments with visions who hold events in their hands and are able to project that stability to the places and regions where it has been lost. And we look at Saudi Arabia, your king and your Kingdom as such a stabilizing factor. And then we all know, of course, that the peace talks in the Ukrainian-Russian war is taking place here. And these are very important to us. Saudi Arabia has shown significant leadership and a very wise, forward-looking neutrality and, the opening and, and constant using of communication channels to all concerned parties, which the Hungarian government and the Hungarian people have been long calling for in this war or in any other armed conflict in the world that instead of fighting wars … and in this particular case, Ukraine and Russia, should immediately stop fighting and start peace talks because there is no military solution of that war, but it can only be a diplomatic solution. Desired Outcome The defense-related relationship so far between our two countries has been limited. And we have now set the tone, made the personal acquaintance. And we started to build something together. We are now discussing a memorandum of understanding between our two teams, which will set the scene for future cooperation. We have offered training positions in our Hungarian defense, related training, quite sophisticated, where lots of foreign students attend. And, then we can go to exercise. And also a very important aspect of our, potential cooperation is the defense industry, including innovation. Now, defense-related innovation is something where your country, Saudi Arabia is a leading power again. And I have the honor to meet the leaders of SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries). And we've been introduced to the work that they are performing there, which is remarkable. And the defense innovation in the 21st century where we can look at all the wars that are happening around us, with new technology, unmanned and very sophisticated, sensors and striking capabilities, need a lot of studying and a lot of cooperation with advanced countries like Saudi Arabia. Saudi-Hungarian Defense Cooperations At this current moment, it is limited. And that's exactly (why) we have agreed that there will be a delegation coming to Hungary soon. An expert team is expected to come and see us in Hungary and we will show them everything that is relevant. And from then on we'll export them and expand the relationship. Saudi Arabia Regional Stabilizer Saudi Arabia is a leading power in the region, but also in the world. The stability that Saudi Arabia is performing with its firm and constant leadership with the vision until 2030, which has been, not only discussed and made public, but also is being implemented. And with that, strengths in diplomacy, with which both countries of the region, including Iran, which is a major concern for the Western world, but also farther away, with countries like Turkiye, the United States, Russia, and others, Saudi Arabia is a trusted partner for all of these, all of these countries whose voice is important in bringing parties to the table, which is necessary, because, for instance, the Ukrainian-Russian border, which concerns us very much because it is in our neighborhood and because it causes all the economic and soon political troubles in the European Union and in countries of Europe. To achieve peace is extremely important. And in this case, Saudi Arabia is providing a platform and not only a platform, but active leadership in those meetings between the Americans, the Russians, and the Ukrainians, which hopefully will lead to peace. Visit to Saudi Arabia It is my second time in this wonderful country — it was almost a decade ago when I was first here, as part of a delegation. And the difference is striking, the country has developed, an already very developed country developed hugely the vision that has been dreamed and, presented to, Vision 2030 is being very visibly worked on. The city has changed enormously architecturally. Also, feelingly, a lot more people. And this country, with its huge history, with huge economic power, with a huge international weight, is very visibly joining the league of the largest and most important countries in the world.
Al Arabiya
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Top Russia diplomat Lavrov to visit North Korea this weekend: State media
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit North Korea this weekend, state media reported, the latest in a series of high-profile visits by top Moscow officials as the two countries deepen military ties. Lavrov 'will visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from July 11 to 13 at the invitation of the DPRK Foreign Ministry,' the official Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday. For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app. Russia's security chief Sergei Shoigu has visited Pyongyang multiple times this year, including last month, when the two countries marked the one year anniversary of the signing of a sweeping military pact. The two heavily-sanctioned nations signed the military deal last year, including a mutual defence clause, during a rare visit by Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the nuclear-armed North. Pyongyang has become one of Moscow's main allies during its more than three-year-long Ukraine offensive, sending thousands of troops and container loads of weapons to help the Kremlin oust Ukrainian forces from Kursk region. Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia, Seoul has said, with Shoigu announcing in Pyongyang last month that the nuclear-armed North would send builders and deminers to Kursk. North Korea only confirmed it had deployed troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine in April, and admitted that its soldiers had been killed in combat. Leader Kim Jong Un has subsequently been shown in state media images honoring the flag-draped coffins of North Korean soldiers killed helping Russia fight Ukraine.
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Russian FM Lavrov to visit North Korea this weekend
SEOUL: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit North Korea this weekend, state media reported, the latest in a series of high-profile visits by top Moscow officials as the two countries deepen military "will visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from July 11 to 13 at the invitation of the DPRK Foreign Ministry," the official Korean Central News Agency reported security chief Sergei Shoigu has visited Pyongyang multiple times this year, including last month, when the two countries marked the one year anniversary of the signing of a sweeping military two heavily-sanctioned nations signed the military deal last year, including a mutual defence clause, during a rare visit by Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the nuclear-armed has become one of Moscow's main allies during its more than three-year-long Ukraine offensive, sending thousands of troops and container loads of weapons to help the Kremlin oust Ukrainian forces from Kursk 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia, Seoul has said, with Shoigu announcing in Pyongyang last month that the nuclear-armed North would send builders and deminers to Korea only confirmed it had deployed troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine in April, and admitted that its soldiers had been killed in Kim Jong Un has subsequently been shown in state media images honouring the flag-draped coffins of North Korean soldiers killed helping Russia fight Ukraine.
Arab News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan army chief lauds overseas Pakistanis' economic role during US visit
KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir appreciated the economic contributions of overseas Pakistanis during an interaction with the community members from his country in Washington DC, according to a statement from the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Tuesday. Munir is currently visiting the United States to strengthen bilateral military and strategic ties. This marks his second visit to the US since assuming charge as army chief in November 2022. His first visit was in December 2023, during which he met senior American civilian and military officials. Pakistan and the United States have shared a defense relationship dating back to the Cold War era. Over the decades, Washington has worked closely with Pakistan's military leadership and civilian governments on issues ranging from regional stability and counterterrorism to cooperation in Afghanistan. 'Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is on an official visit to United States,' the ISPR said. 'During the visit, the COAS interacted with the Overseas Pakistani community in Washington DC. The COAS received a warm reception and welcome from the overseas Pakistanis, who gathered in large numbers to meet with the Chief of Army Staff.' 'During the interaction,' the statement added, 'the COAS expressed his deep appreciation for the vital and most significant role being played by overseas Pakistanis for being ambassadors of Pakistan. He acknowledged their contributions to Pakistan's economy, and global reputation by contributing actively through remittances, investments and higher achievements in other domains.' The ISPR said members of the diaspora shared their experiences and suggestions during the engagement. Munir emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with overseas Pakistanis, calling for collaborative efforts to address common challenges and support Pakistan's development. The participants of the gathering applauded the armed forces of Pakistan for the 'outstanding performance' during the recent military standoff with India. The interaction concluded with a 'renewed sense of purpose and commitment,' the military said, adding that both sides pledged to work together toward a more secure and resilient Pakistan. According to media reports over the weekend, supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan held a protest outside the Pakistan Embassy in Washington on Saturday, citing Munir's presence in the US capital and calling for 'restoration of democracy' in their home country. Khan has been in prison since August 2023 following his arrest on corruption charges. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and claims the legal cases against him are politically motivated to keep him out of Pakistan's political arena. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has accused the military of orchestrating his government's ouster through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. PTI also alleged the move was carried out under pressure from the United States, a claim denied by all parties involved.
