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Delays And Rising Costs: Central Asia Feels Fallout From Iran War

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:37:56 GMT

In Dubai, rows of cars bound for Kyrgyzstan are sitting idle. Aktilik Alipbay uulu, a Kyrgyz importer based in the city, isnt sure when they'll move.

We havent received clear information like load now, it will arrive in 3540 days, he says. So, we are keeping the cars in garages. These are entrusted goods. If something happens at the port, it would mean losses for us.

Previously, cars shipped by ferry across

UAE, Uzbekistan discuss strengthening partnerships in new economy sectors

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:21:01 GMT

DUBAI, 13th April, 2026 (WAM) -- Abdulla bin Touq Al Marry, Minister of Economy and Tourism, met today with a high-level Uzbek delegation to discuss expanding bilateral economic and investment ties.

The talks focused on fostering sustainable development partnerships across priority sectors including the new economy, tourism, aviation, fintech, transport, and renewable energy. Discussions also covered food securit

Russian gymnasts win four medals at World Cup

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:30:54 GMT

Maria Borisova topped reigning Olympic champion Darya Varfolomeeva in the all-around in her first outing in the event

Russian rhythmic gymnasts competing under a neutral flag have won four medals at the FIG World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Maria Borisova led with gold in the individual all-around - topping reigning Russian-born German Olympic champion Darya Varfolomeeva - and silver in the hoop

Over 9 lakh people evacuated from West Asia: MEA

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:32:13 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 13 (ANI): As the security situation evolves in West Asia and the Gulf region, a senior External Affairs Ministry official said on Monday that wide-scale efforts are underway to ensure the safety and movement of the Indian community in the region, with over 9 lakh people having been brought back to the country.

The details were provided by Aseem R. Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the M

India and Uzbekistan begin annual military drills

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:45:35 GMT

The seventh edition of the exercises focuses on special operations and counter-terror coordination

India and Uzbekistan have kicked off the seventh edition of their annual joint military exercises. Launched in 2019, the exercise is held alternately in India and Uzbekistan each year.

This year's drills, titled 'Dustlik 2026', started on Sunday at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namanga

Vance Says Ball In Tehran's Court After Progress In Islamabad

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:05:00 GMT

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"False claims cannot alter reality": India dismisses China's attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:05:37 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 12 (ANI): India on Sunday dismissed Beijing's recent attempts to assign 'fictitious names' to geographical locations, a move that coincides with reports of China establishing a new county in its Xinjiang province near the borders of Afghanistan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Addressing the development, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarif

UZBEKISTAN-MOYNAQ-THE ARAL SEA-SHIP CEMETERY

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:45:26 GMT

(260412) -- MOYNAQ, April 12, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A lizard stands beside the "ship cemetery" in Moynaq, Uzbekistan, April 10, 2026.

The "ship cemetery" displays the wrecks of ships abandoned as a result of the Aral Sea crisis. Situated between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea, once the world's fourth-largest lake, continues to shrink and has lost more than 90 percent of its original surface area since the 19

"Junior varsity" vs seasoned experts: US expert Christine Fair critiques Trump's negotiation team as Islamabad talks stall

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:32:09 GMT

Washington DC [US], April 12 (ANI): As US Vice President JD Vance departed Pakistan following a gruelling 21-hour marathon of negotiations, the diplomatic efforts to secure a peace deal with Iran have hit a significant stalemate.

While Vance characterised the lack of an agreement as 'bad news for Iran,' US expert Christine Fair raised alarms over the composition of the American delegation and the shifting levera

Indian Embassy provided great assistance to get us out: Indian fishermen after returning to India from Iran

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:31:35 GMT

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 12 (ANI): Indian fishermen who returned to the country from Iran have praised the Indian Embassy and the government for their assistance in facilitating their safe evacuation amid the tense regional situation.

Fisherman Rajesh Patel from Gujarat's Valsad, who had been working as a fisherman in the Kiru region of Iran for the past four years, said he and others were forced to le

China secures qualification for FIFA U20 Women's World Cup

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:19:05 GMT

BANGKOK, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China edged Uzbekistan 2-1 at the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup on Saturday at Thailand's Thammasat Stadium to advance to the semifinals, securing qualification for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup to be held in Poland.

Facing the third-placed team from Group B, China, the top finisher in Group A, dominated the first half. In the 29th minute, China's defender Zeng Yujia headed home fr

US Revisits Georgia's Black Sea Port as Strategic Corridors Rise

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:32:21 GMT

After nearly two years of suspended engagement under a multiyear strategic partnership, the United States has resumed high-level contact with Georgia. On March 30, US Secretary of State Marco Rubiohelda phone call with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

While Tbilisi has framed the outreach as a possible "reset," many analysts say it is too early to draw such conclusions. Still, Washington appears to have

(SP)THAILAND-PATHUM THANI-FOOTBALL-AFC U20 WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP-CHINA VS UZBEKISTAN

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:15:59 GMT

(260411) -- PATHUM THANI, April 11, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Zeng Yujia (Top) of China competes during the quarter-final between China and Uzbekistan at the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup in Pathum Thani, Thailand, April 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

51.5 lakh LPG cylinders delivered, 8.7 lakh Indians return amid West Asia crisis: Govt

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:04:22 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): India's fuel supplies and maritime operations remain stable despite the ongoing tensions in West Asia, with the government asserting that there is no need for panic as domestic LPG deliveries continue normally and Indian vessels are operating safely.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, 'domestic LPG cylinder deliveries remain normal,' with 'more than 51.5 lak

Shubman Gill is a "brilliant student of the game," says GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:01:01 GMT

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 11 (ANI): Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach Vijay Dahiya has heaped praise on skipper Shubman Gill, lauding his leadership qualities and cricketing intelligence ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Responding to a question on Gill's captaincy and his ability to instil confidence in the team, Dahiya said he did not see himself

312 stranded fishermen in Iran returned to India via Armenia: EAM

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:01:25 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday announced that 312 Indian fishermen were safely evacuated from Iran to India through Armenia.

Jaishankar thanked Armenian officials for making the safe evacuation possible.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, 'Another 312 Indian fishermen safely evacuated from Iran to India through Armenia. Thank the Government of Arme

AFGHANISTAN-KABUL-WOMEN-HANDICRAFTS-EVENT

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:45:41 GMT

(260411) -- AFGHANISTAN, April 11, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on April 9, 2026 shows women-made handicrafts at an event titled "Afghanistan's Economic Dawn" in Kabul, Afghanistan. TO GO WITH "Feature: Afghan women ignite hope for self-sufficiency" (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

In Tianjin eco-city, green development drives economic value

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:15:24 GMT

TIANJIN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- On a recent weekend morning, a resident surnamed Wang walked to a waist-high grey bin in her housing compound in the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, scanned a QR code and dropped in her sorted waste, which seconds later was sucked through underground pipes to a central collection station without any smell, spillage, or visible garbage trucks.

The bin is linked to China's largest ci

Earthquake of magnitude 4.3 strikes Tajikistan

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:32:19 GMT

Dushanbe [Tajikistan], April 11 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck Tajikistan on Saturday, a statement by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said.

The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, 'EQ of M: 4.3, On: 11/04/2026 06:19:19 IST, Lat: 36.932 N, Long: 71.515 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Tajikistan.'

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:30:56 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): Indian tennis player Zeel Desai admitted she felt both nervous and excited ahead of her singles debut in the Billie Jean King Cup during India's Asia/Oceania Group I round-robin tie against Mongolia on Friday at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Authority Complex, and said she was relieved to have come through her match successfully.

India had a commanding outing in their Billie Jean King C

Over 8.4 lakh Indians returned from Gulf since February 28, says MEA; Airspace disruptions continue across region

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:58:13 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that large-scale coordination efforts are underway to ensure the safety and movement of Indian nationals across the Gulf and West Asia region amid ongoing airspace restrictions and operational disruptions.

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan said that 'Since February 28, aroun

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner reach Monte Carlo semis

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:05:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images)

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner remained on a collision course with history-making victories in Friday's quarterfinals at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Alcaraz cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 victory over No. 8 seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in 63 minutes. It was the 300th career win for the top-seeded Spaniard, who is the defending champion of the clay-court event in Monac

KYRGYZSTAN-BISHKEK-TULIPS

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:15:54 GMT

(260410) -- BISHKEK, April 10, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on April 10, 2026, shows blooming tulips near the building of the Bishkek City Hall in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. (Photo by Roman/Xinhua)

China sees solid rise in cross-border travel in Q1, with foreign national trips surging

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:18:01 GMT

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China recorded steady growth in cross-border entries and exits in the first quarter of 2026, with trips by foreign nationals surging amid measures aimed at facilitating inbound travel.

Border authorities handled 185 million cross-border trips from January to March, up 13.5 percent year on year, the National Immigration Administration announced on Friday.

During this period, for

"I was able to give medals to India because of my coaches, Vaishno Devi Shrine Board": Para Archer Payal Nag

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:04:15 GMT

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 10 (ANI): Electrocuted at the age of eight, losing all four limbs, and born to a daily-wage mason in Odisha, the odds were stacked heavily against Payal Nag.

However, through sheer determination and resilience, she has written one of Indian sport's most inspiring stories, rising to the top of the global para archery stage.

Earlier this week, Payal clinched gold at th

Xinhua Commentary: China's mediation injects momentum for peace in South Asia

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:45:24 GMT

As a close neighbor maintaining constructive relations with both sides, China has offered a credible, neutral and trusted platform -- one that prioritizes de-escalation, encourages dialogue, and anchors fragile trust. This is not symbolic diplomacy, but concrete action aimed at stabilizing a volatile region.

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The recent informal talks among Pakistan, Afghanistan, and

From a Shenzhen car wash, China's push for dignified work reaches some of its most vulnerable

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:15:28 GMT

SHENZHEN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Every morning at eight, 15 workers arrive at a car wash on Meilin Road in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen and begin a routine that is part work and part performance.

To lively music, they spray water, lather each car and wipe it down in a carefully timed sequence they have turned into a game, drawing customers who pause to watch. Over the past decade, they have washed more tha

Jannik Sinner sees record set streak snapped, advances in Monte Carlo

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:05:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

No. 2 Jannik Sinner saw his record streak of consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events snapped at 37, but the Italian still managed to beat Czech competitor Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters on Thursday.

Sinner, whose streak was 13 sets longer than any other since the 1000 series began in 1990, overcame comm

China adds pilot FTZ in Inner Mongolia as opening-up drive accelerates

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:47:25 GMT

BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China has expanded its pilot free trade zones (FTZ) to 23 with the establishment of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the latest move in the country's sustained push for high-standard opening up, according to a plan made public by the State Council Thursday.

The plan grants the new pilot FTZ in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region greater reform autonomy and

Brazil's Laura Cardoso makes T20I history with nine-wicket haul against Lesotho

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:01:37 GMT

Gaborone [Botswana], April 9 (ANI): Brazil speedster Laura Cardoso scripted history as she became the first player in either men's or women's T20I cricket to pick up nine wickets in a single innings on Thursday, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Brazilian pacer achieved this historic feat against Lesotho during Match No. 14 of the ongoing BCA Kalahari Women's T20I Tournament 2026, which w

Update: China expands pilot FTZs to 23, adding Inner Mongolia

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:48:24 GMT

BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China has expanded its pilot free trade zones (FTZ) to 23 with the establishment of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, according to a plan made public by the State Council Thursday.

The plan grants the new pilot FTZ in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region greater reform autonomy and encourages pioneering, integrated and differentiated exploration across a wide

Why Pakistan has become go-to mediator in Middle East conflict

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:15:22 GMT

ISLAMABAD, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, is now a center of global attention. Here, long-awaited negotiations between the United States and Iran are set to take place, raising hopes of defusing the violent confrontations roiling the Middle East and beyond.

After more than one month of deadly clashes, the United States and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before the deadli

"Doctor told me to stay away from red-ball cricket": Rashid Khan's Test career in doubt amid injury concerns

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:03:42 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 9 (ANI): Afghanistan's premier spinner Rashid Khan revealed that red-ball cricket has been challenging for him due to medical advice to avoid it.

Despite this, he pushed himself to play, even bowling long spells after his back surgery, but doctors warned that continuing in the format could shorten his career and affect his longevity in the sport.

Rashid has been battling with a low

India resumes high-level talks with Trkiye

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:38:18 GMT

New Delhi and Ankara have held Foreign Office Consultations for the first time since 2022.

India has restarted high-level talks with Türkiye after a gap of four years, the Foreign Ministry in New Delhi has said.

The 12th round of India-Türkiye Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held in New Delhi on Wednesday, according to an official statement. The event was co-chaired by Sibi George, S

Hungary: New Government Needs to Restore Rule of Law

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:30:00 GMT

(Budapest, April 14, 2026) - Hungary's incoming government should take immediate steps to restore fundamental rights, dismantle abusive laws and institutions, and strengthen democratic institutions, after years of backsliding, Human Rights Watch said today.

The incoming government should in its first weeks in office demonstrate a clear commitment

Kazakhstan Jails Activists for Peaceful Xinjiang Protest

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:54:03 GMT

A Kazakh court convicted today 19 Kazakhstan citizens for participating in a peaceful protest against human rights abuses in Xinjiang, China.

During the protest, which took place in November 2025, activists from the Nagyz Atajurt Volunteers Group condemned Chinese government abuses, some of which amount to

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:58:05 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Azerbaijani side is highly interested in "what awaits Armenia in the upcoming parliamentary elections," said Areg Kochinyan, head of the "Armenian Council" analytical center, during a press conference.

Participants of the Armenian delegation in the Bridge of Peace initiative, held in Azerbaijan on April 10-12, presented the key topics discussed durin

Azerbaijan sends diesel fuel to Armenia

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:41:02 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijan has sent 887 tons of diesel fuel to Armenia, according to APA news agency.

The shipment, delivered on April 11, consists of 15 rail tank cars.

Earlier, on December 19, 2025, Azerbaijan sent 1,218 tons of A95-grade gasoline to Armenia via Georgia for the first time. On January 7, it was reported that Azerbaijan would supply a larger batc

Inner Mongolia pilot FTZ eyes cross-border trade, emerging industries

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:24:32 GMT

The China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone spans 119.74 square kilometers across three designated zones: 76.28 square kilometers in the regional capital Hohhot, 25.11 square kilometers in the inland port of Manzhouli, and 18.35 square kilometers in the inland port of Erenhot. /CMG

The ceremony for the establishment of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) was held on Saturday

Russia: Memorial Rights Group Declared 'Extremist'

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:57:44 GMT

(Berlin) - The Russian Supreme Court on April 9, 2026, designated "International Public Movement Memorial" as an "extremist" organization in a dramatic escalation of the Kremlin's efforts to suppress human rights work, Human Rights Watch said today. The sweeping "extremist" designation entails a ban on engaging in any of Memorial organizations' activitie

Kazakhstan supports Armenia connectivity projects

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:28:47 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Kazakhstan is interested in implementing the TRIPP initiative and Armenia's Crossroads of Peace project, Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev said during a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

He stressed the importance of unblocking regional transport routes and reaffirmed Kazakhstan's support for both the TRIPP initiative and the Armenian govern

Armenian civil delegation arrives in Azerbaijan

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:51:14 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - From April 10 to 12, another bilateral roundtable is being held in Azerbaijan within the framework of the Bridge of Peace initiative, with the participation of representatives of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil societies.

The initiative is aimed at developing dialogue and facilitating direct contacts between civil society representatives of Azerbaijan and

Kazakhstan breaks ground on China-backed gigawatt wind project

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:18:54 GMT

VCG

Kazakhstan on Thursday held a launch ceremony for its first gigawatt-scale wind power project under a long-term power purchase agreement, with a Chinese firm among the main contractors.

The 1-gigawatt Mirny wind power project will have Shanghai Electric Group as one of its lead contractors, providing core equipment and integrated solutions.

With Chinese, Kazakh and French companies

Kazakhstan extradites suspect to Armenia

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:50:24 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General's Office has granted a request from Armenia's Prosecutor General's Office, extraditing a wanted individual identified as A.Z. to Armenian authorities.

According to Armenia's Prosecutor's Office, the suspect is accused of participating in a criminal organization, committing computer-based embezzlement totaling 19 million dr

Georgia: Deported Azerbaijani Journalist at Risk

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

(Berlin, April 10, 2026) - Georgian authorities forcibly returned an exiled Azerbaijani journalist, Afgan Sadigov, to Azerbaijan, exposing him to a credible risk of politically motivated prosecution and ill-treatment, Human Rights Watch said today.

The authorities deporte

China expands pilot FTZs to 23, adding Inner Mongolia

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:05:33 GMT

A view of Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. /VCG

China has expanded its pilot free trade zones (FTZ) to 23 with the establishment of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, according to a plan made public by the State Council Thursday.

The plan grants the new pilot FTZ in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region greater reform autonomy and enco

Armenian, Kazakh foreign ministers hold talks

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:39:07 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A one-on-one meeting was held at Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kosherbayev.

Earlier, it was announced that Kazakhstan's foreign minister and transport minister would visit Armenia.

It was previously reported that Kazakhstan is not holding negotiations on acq

USCIRF report highlights abuses in Nagorno-Karabakh

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:16:41 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released its 2026 annual report on religious freedom, addressing developments in 2025.

The document states that Azerbaijan committed serious violations of religious freedom.

The report also addresses the destruction of Armenian religious and cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenia tops Economist regional democracy index

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:35:08 GMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia has taken a high position in the latest democracy assessment, surpassing other countries in the region.

According to the latest index published by The Economist, Armenia has secured a leading position in the region in terms of the level of democracy.

The magazine released its annual Democracy Index on April 7, Factor.am reports. In particu

Extreme weather kills 148 in Afghanistan

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:34:10 GMT

Residents survey homes affected by rains and flash floods in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, April 7, 2026. /VCG

Heavy rainfall and related disasters across Afghanistan have killed 148 people since March 25, the National Disaster Management Authority said on Wednesday, with 15 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.

The authority spokesperson Hafiz Mohammad Yusuf Hammad, in a video message posted on X,

China, Afghanistan, Pakistan hold meeting in Urumqi from April 1 to 7

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:02:58 GMT

Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Representatives from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting from April 1 to 7 in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wed

Review The National Interest: Politics After Globalization

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:50:12 GMT

Zachary Paikin

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Apr 13 2026

Image by Polity

The National Interest: Politics After Globalization

By Philip Cunliffe

Polity, 2025

For the bulk of the post-Cold War period, centrist liberals had been associated with economic globalization, multilateral institutions and cosmopolitanism. Liberals may have been aligned with nationalists against the conservative

Pakistans Illusion of Mediation in the Iran-USA Ceasefire!

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:59:47 GMT

by Staikou Dimitra

As Henry Kissinger once noted, diplomacy is, ultimately, the art of limiting power. In the case of Pakistan, however, the ceasefire in late March 2026 between the United States and Iran did not demonstrate diplomatic powerit revealed that Islamabad lacks both the ability to influence key actors and the capacity to determine the outcome of events.

Pakistan attempted to pre

Azerbaijan oil output falls, gas steady in Q1 2026

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:45:16 GMT

BAKU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan produced 6.6 million tonnes of oil, including condensate, in the first quarter of 2026, down 4.3 percent year on year, while gas output remained steady at 12.6 billion cubic meters, the country's Ministry of Energy said Monday.

The bulk of oil production came from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, which contributed 3.9 million tonnes, down 2.5 percent from a year earlie

World Bank approves financing for Caspian pollution, biodiversity project

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:16:40 GMT

BAKU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has approved a five-year project worth 8.24 million U.S. dollars to strengthen pollution monitoring and biodiversity protection in the Caspian Sea, Report news agency said on Monday.

The initiative, titled "Blueing the Caspian Sea: Building Capacities for Pollution Management and Biodiversity Conservation," is expected to benefit Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Cargo transportation in Kazakhstan up 8 pct in first quarter

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:15:44 GMT

ALMATY, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Cargo transportation in Kazakhstan increased by 8 percent year on year in the first three months of 2026, reaching 239.8 million tons, the country's Bureau of National Statistics reported on Monday.

The number of passengers rose by 9.3 percent to 483.7 million during the same period. At the same time, cargo turnover declined by 3.3 percent to 133 billion ton-km, while passenger turno

Chinese VP to visit Turkmenistan, attend ground-breaking of fourth phase of Galkynysh gas field as President Xi's special representative

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:16:00 GMT

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Turkmen side, from April 15 to 17, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan, and attend the ground-breaking of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field as Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Representative, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Monday.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Burea

Afghan authorities advance development projects in Farah province

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:45:11 GMT

KABUL, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have completed significant development projects, with investments exceeding 201 million afghanis (approximately 3.14 million U.S. dollars) over the past year in western Afghanistan's Farah province, the provincial government office said Monday.

According to a provincial government statement, the initiatives have focused on strengthening local infrastructure, includi

Afghanistan launches polio vaccination campaign

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:15:15 GMT

KABUL, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government launched the first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of the current year 2026 on Monday to cover around 12.6 million children under five in the post-war nation, the private media outlet Tolonews reported.

However, it reported that the campaign has been postponed in the central Bamiyan, Daykundi and Ghor provinces due to cold weather.

The Afghan Ministr

Over 73 mln USD allocated in Afghanistan for humanitarian aid in 2025: UN

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:45:08 GMT

KABUL, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has allocated 73.4 million U.S. dollars in critical humanitarian assistance to Afghans over the past year, with plans to reach an estimated 3.5 million individuals in need, according to a report by local media outlet TOLOnews on Monday.

The aid package prioritizes the most vulnerable communities, delivering

Afghanistan, Uzbekistan ink trade agreements worth 520 mln USD

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:15:13 GMT

KABUL, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have inked 38 trade agreements worth 520 million U.S. dollars to bolster economic relations between the two neighboring central Asian nations, reported a local media outlet, Ariana News, on Monday.

The agreements were recently signed in a meeting between the private sectors of both countries held in Kabul, the private media outlet said.

According to A

Azerbaijan resumes embassy operations in Iran amid easing tensions

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:45:41 GMT

BAKU, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan reopened its embassy in Tehran on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said.

The mission will initially operate with a limited number of diplomatic and administrative staff, including the ambassador, with activities to be expanded in phases in line with security and organizational considerations.

Baku said the swift reopening underscores the special importance Azerbaijan atta

1st foreign airline resumes flights to Israel following ceasefire

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:15:10 GMT

JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Greece's Blue Bird Airways became the first foreign airline to resume flights to Israel following the closure of Israeli airspace.

The airline relaunched service with a flight from Athens International Airport, which landed at Ben Gurion Airport southeast of Tel Aviv on Sunday.

Since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran, Israeli carriers have gradually restored operations

4,496 South Africans admitted to U.S. as refugees since October 2025: report

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:15:38 GMT

JOHANNESBURG, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 4,496 South Africans were admitted to the United States as refugees from Oct. 1, 2025, to March 31, accounting for nearly all refugee arrivals during the period, South African media outlet Independent Online reported on Saturday, citing data from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.

The figures showed that only three refugees f

China secures qualification for FIFA U20 Women's World Cup 2026

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:17:04 GMT

BANGKOK, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China edged Uzbekistan 2-1 at the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup on Saturday at Thailand's Thammasat Stadium to advance to the semifinals, securing qualification for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup to be held in Poland.

Facing the third-placed team from Group B, China, the top finisher in Group A, dominated the first half. In the 29th minute, China's defender Zeng Yujia headed home f

60"FlyOverChina | China expands pilot FTZs to 23, adding Inner Mongolia

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:46:23 GMT

HOHHOT, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China has expanded its pilot free trade zones (FTZ) to 23 with the establishment of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, according to a plan made public by the State Council Thursday.

The plan grants the new pilot FTZ in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region greater reform autonomy and encourages pioneering, integrated and differentiated exploration across a wide

Xinhua Headlines: Backup to backbone: how China's green power forges its new industries

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:46:27 GMT

HOHHOT, April 11 (Xinhua) -- After years of technological innovation and investment, China has become the world's leading driver of robust growth in the renewable energy industry, demonstrating strong resilience amid the recent global oil market turmoil.

Now, renewable energy is more than a substitute or backup for traditional energy in the country. From upgrading traditional industries to powering AI computing,

Death toll of W. Afghanistan shooting rises to 11

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:45:23 GMT

KABUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in the deadly shooting in Afghanistan's western Herat province has climbed to 11 as four more of the victims succumbed to their injuries, a provincial official said Saturday.

Unknown armed men opened fire on a group of people at a picnic site in Injil district of Herat on Friday, leaving seven dead and injuring 13 others, according to the Ministry of Interior Affairs.

Over 2 dozen assault rifles uncovered in E. Afghanistan

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:15:05 GMT

KABUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces discovered and seized over two dozen assault rifles in Paktia province, east of Afghanistan, provincial government spokesman Mohammad Rasoul Ahmadi said Saturday.

The weaponry, which included 26 assault rifles, was recovered on Friday night by personnel of the Border Forces, the official emphasized.

Without providing more details, the official warned that

8 killed as roof collapses in E. Afghanistan

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:15:09 GMT

KABUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Eight members of a family lost their lives and another was injured as the roof of their house caved in in eastern Afghanistan's Parwan province on Saturday, provincial police spokesman Fazal Rahim Muskinyar said.

The deadly incident took place in the wake of heavy rain in Syagird district early this morning, the official said.

Earlier, a similar incident claimed the lives of ei

Feature: Afghan women ignite hope for self-sufficiency

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:15:16 GMT

KABUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- "Exhibitions are a gateway to recognition, a space where we introduce ourselves, connect with others in our field, and build partnerships that can lead to real contracts," said Maryam Ahmadi, fatigue still etched across her face after a grueling 305-km journey from her home in northern Balkh province to the capital, Kabul.

Her words echo through the exhibition hall, where determinatio

Three killed as water engulfs gold mine in Afghanistan

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:01:55 GMT

KABUL, 11th April, 2026 (WAM) -- Three gold extraction workers, including a father and his son, were killed after water engulfed an artisanal gold mine in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, a police official said on Friday.

The incident occurred in the Shahri Buzurg district, when a sudden surge of water inundated the mine, according to provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar.

The victims we

ADB projects Uzbekistan's economic growth at 6.7 pct in 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:15:11 GMT

TASHKENT, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's economic growth is projected to remain robust at 6.7 percent in 2026, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Friday.

According to the Asian Development Outlook report, the country's services sector expanded by 14.7 percent in 2025, while the construction industry grew by 14.2 percent.

"Uzbekistan enters the next two years from a position of strength, supported by

ADB raises Kazakhstan GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 4.8 pct

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:15:18 GMT

ALMATY, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts Kazakhstan's gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 4.8 percent in 2026 and 4.5 percent in 2027, according to its latest economic outlook published Friday.

The 2026-2027 forecast is based on an early stabilization scenario of the Middle East conflict, as oil output approaches peak production capacity, with business activity gradually normali

Economic Watch: China launches new pilot FTZ in historic step toward northern opening up

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:15:37 GMT

HOHHOT, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday launched the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), a key strategic move to deepen reform, advance high-standard opening up, and foster high-quality development.

As China's 23rd pilot FTZ, the new zone is designed to leverage Inner Mongolia's role as a key bridgehead for the country's opening up to the north. It aims to be developed into a high-level FTZ

Shooting in NW Afghanistan leaves 7 dead, 13 injured

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:15:28 GMT

KABUL, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A shooting that occurred Friday afternoon in Herat Province in northwestern Afghanistan had resulted in seven deaths and 13 injuries, Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs, said in a social media post.

Qani said that several unidentified gunmen arrived on motorcycles at a picnic site near Qabrezona Kili village in Injil district of Herat Province

GLOBALink | China moves to build Inner Mongolia pilot FTZ into opening-up hub

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:15:29 GMT

China's commerce ministry and Inner Mongolia officials on Friday laid out details for developing the newly established China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), pledging efforts to turn it into a hub of opening up and a model of high-quality development. #GLOBALink

Economic Watch: In Tianjin eco-city, green development drives economic value

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:18:22 GMT

TIANJIN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- On a recent weekend morning, a resident surnamed Wang walked to a waist-high grey bin in her housing compound in the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, scanned a QR code and dropped in her sorted waste, which seconds later was sucked through underground pipes to a central collection station without any smell, spillage, or visible garbage trucks.

The bin is linked to China's largest c

1st LD-Writethru: China sees solid rise in cross-border travel in Q1, with foreign national trips surging

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:46:30 GMT

Border authorities handled 185 million cross-border trips from January to March, up 13.5 percent year on year, the National Immigration Administration announced on Friday.

During this period, f

China moves to build Inner Mongolia pilot FTZ into opening-up hub

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:17:17 GMT

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China's commerce ministry and Inner Mongolia officials on Friday laid out details for developing the newly established China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), pledging efforts to turn it into a hub of opening up and a model of high-quality development.

Speaking at a State Council policy briefing, Yuan Xiaoming, assistant minister of commerce, said efforts will focus on e

Smart tech empowers desertification control in Inner Mongolia

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:15:29 GMT

China's Inner Mongolia has recently pioneered an integrated "air-space-ground" monitoring system for desertification control in the Mu Us Desert. #InnerMongolia #China #SciTech

Rail freight between Kazakhstan, regional countries up 34 pct since start of year

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:45:30 GMT

ALMATY, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The volume of rail freight between Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries has increased by 34 percent since the beginning of 2026, the press service of national railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) reported on Friday.

The growth was driven by improved operational efficiency, shorter delivery times, and the development of railway infrastructure, the statement said.

Xinhua Headlines: People, authorities across China unite to forge new bond with wild neighbors

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:45:20 GMT

SHENYANG, April 10 (Xinhua) -- As spring arrives, tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds traveling all the way from Australia and New Zealand converge on the coastal mudflats of the Yalu River estuary in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province, while rising tides reshape the landscape.

There, dense flocks ripple like waves as they surge and dive across the sky, while birdsong mingles with the rapid click

Police seize over 10 tons of smuggled medicine in S. Afghanistan

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:45:12 GMT

KABUL, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have confiscated and destroyed more than 10,500 kg of smuggled medicines in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, the provincial police office said on Friday.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out by security teams in Garmsir district of the province. The seized medicines, collected over a six-week period, were destroyed in the presence of a superv

Kazakhstan breaks ground on China-backed gigawatt wind project

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:15:34 GMT

ASTANA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan on Thursday held a launch ceremony for its first gigawatt-scale wind power project under a long-term power purchase agreement, with a Chinese firm among the main contractors.

The 1-gigawatt Mirny wind power project will have Shanghai Electric Group as one of its lead contractors, providing core equipment and integrated solutions.

With Chinese, Kazakh and French comp

Macao's annual tourism expo opens, drawing global industry representatives

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:15:27 GMT

MACAO, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The 14th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) opened at the Special Administrative Region (SAR)'s Cotai Expo on Friday, together with destination presentations, industry forums, and workshops.

Organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), this year's expo is held under the theme "Global Convergence, Future Horizons" and attracts over 700 tourism-related enterpr

Floods affect tens of thousands across Afghanistan: UN

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:15:20 GMT

KABUL, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Severe seasonal flooding has caused extensive damage across Afghanistan over the past two weeks, Tolo news reported on Friday, citing the United Nations.

According to the report, the heavy rains and resulting floods, which affected the country from March 26 to April 6, struck communities in numerous provinces, inundating hundreds of villages. More than 73,000 people have been impacted

World Bank raises 2026 growth forecast for Algeria to 3.7 pct

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:15:16 GMT

ALGIERS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has raised its forecast for Algeria's economic growth in 2026 to 3.7 percent, according to its latest bulletin on the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region.

The new forecast for real GDP growth is 0.2 percentage points higher than the bank's January projection. Algeria is one of three countries in the MENAAP region whose growth forecasts

1 killed, 15 injured as vehicle crashes into house in Afghan province

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:45:23 GMT

KABUL, April 10 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and 15 others were injured when a vehicle crashed into a residential house in eastern Afghanistan's Logar province, a local police official said on Friday.

The accident occurred on the outskirts of Pul-e-Alam, the provincial capital, due to reckless driving, provincial police spokesman Mawlawi Ahmadullah Anas said.

The injured were taken to nearby health f

Armenia, Kazakhstan discuss rail connectivity, regional trade

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:45:25 GMT

YEREVAN, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Railway links and unblocking regional routes dominated talks Thursday between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and visiting Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, Armenpress reported.

Pashinyan pointed to the restored rail connection running through Azerbaijan, Russia and Georgia as a development giving fresh impetus to trade between Armenia and Kazakhstan.

Kosherb

WB raises 2026 GDP growth forecast for Kazakhstan

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:15:58 GMT

ALMATY, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank forecasts Kazakhstan's gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 4.6 percent in 2026 and 3.9 percent in 2027, according to its latest Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Economic Update published on Thursday.

The 2026 projection was revised up by 0.1 percentage point from the bank's January estimate of 4.5 percent, while the outlook for 2027 remains unchanged.

The budget

Azerbaijani FM hails Pakistan-mediated ceasefire during phone call

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:15:55 GMT

BAKU, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov praised Pakistan's mediation role in the recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire during a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Azeri foreign ministry said Thursday.

Bayramov described the ceasefire as an important step toward easing regional tensions, enhancing stability and improving the humanitaria

2nd LD-Writethru-China Focus: China adds pilot FTZ in Inner Mongolia as opening-up drive accelerates

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:18:01 GMT

The plan grants the new pilot FTZ in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region greater reform autonomy and

Trans-Caspian route of China Railway Express from Xi'an sees 150 pct trip surge in Q1

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:17:48 GMT

XI'AN, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The trans-Caspian route of the China Railway Express (Xi'an) saw robust growth in the first quarter of 2026, offering a faster and more resilient link between China and Europe, according to local authorities.

The route runs from Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, passing through Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea. The rail-sea corridor rep

1st LD: China expands pilot FTZs to 23, adding Inner Mongolia

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:21:05 GMT

The plan grants the new pilot FTZ in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region greater reform autonomy and encourages pioneering, integrated and differentiated exploration across a wid

Over 1,300 former Afghan gov't officials return home

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:15:27 GMT

KABUL, April 9 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,300 former government officials and prominent personalities have returned to Afghanistan over the past four years as part of a national initiative to encourage expatriates to contribute to the country's reconstruction, local media Tolo news reported on Thursday.

According to Tolo, the Commission of Liaison and Repatriation of Afghan Personalities has been providing logistic

13 stock pistols discovered in eastern Afghan province

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:15:17 GMT

KABUL, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces discovered and seized 13 pieces of pistols and narcotics in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on Thursday, a statement of the national army stationed in the region said.

The contraband, which included 13 stock pistols and some illegal drugs of opium type, was discovered and confiscated from different parts of the province, the statement said.

Withou

Ding Xuexiang to visit Turkmenistan as Xi's special representative

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:50:22 GMT

At the invitation of the Turkmen side, from April 15 to 17, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan, and attend the ground-breaking of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field as Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Representative, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Monday.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Ch

Exiled cartoonists give a voice to Iran's silenced millions

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:39:36 GMT

Two men hold a banner with the words "No to war". But one is in a balaclava and is also holding a gallows with a man hanging from it.

"It's difficult to work right now," said the Paris-based artist. "You either get labelled as a lover of the war or of the Islamic Republic."

Three exiled Iranian cartoonists who talked to AFP said they were walking the same thin line, with Sanaz Bagheri who has been working f