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Putin flies into Pyongyang to waiting Kim and red carpet welcome
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un aim to further deepen ties between their nuclear-armed countries as the two men began talks soon after Putin arrived at Pyongyang international airport to a lavish red carpet welcome.
Putin landed in the North Korean capital before dawn on Wednesday morning where Kim was waiting to greet him. The two men shook hands and hugged while a woman in a traditional Korean hanbok presented Putin with a bouquet of red roses. The North Korean leader then joined Putin in his limousine as they travelled together in a motorcade, along streets decorated with the Russian flag and portraits of the Russian leader, to the Kumsusan State Guest House.
State news agency KCNA said the the meeting between the two leaders was a historic event that showed the “invincibility and durability” of the friendship and unity between North Korea and Russia. The two countries’ relations had “emerged as a strong strategic fortress for preserving international justice, peace and security and an engine for accelerating the building of a new multi-polar world”, it added.
Putin is on his first visit to North Korea in 24 years, with relations between the two countries growing closer since Moscow began its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 amid concerns that Pyongyang is providing Moscow with weaponry in return for Russian technological expertise.
Moscow and Pyongyang have denied arms transfers but have promised to boost military ties.
Putin and Kim last met in eastern Russia in September 2023.
North Korea has been under strict United Nations Security Council sanctions for years over its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. Russia is also grappling with sanctions by the United States and its Western partners over its invasion of Ukraine.
Putin is being accompanied by several top officials, including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Mantrurov. His foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said several documents would be signed during the visit, possibly including an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.
[Aljazeera]
The Export Development Board (EDB) successfully conducted a networking and knowledge sharing session for the women entrepreneurs registered under the “Women Entrepreneurship Development Program” recently at the EDB-NDB Tower, Colombo 02. The event addressed one of the key barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, lack of networking opportunities with industry leaders.
This exclusive session brought together 50 women entrepreneurs registered with EDB, including SME direct exporters and indirect exporters, along with leading exporters and academics. Designed to inspire and educate, the event fostered connections, facilitated knowledge sharing, and encouraged collaboration to help women entrepreneurs navigate international markets. The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers who shared their expertise on various topics critical to succeeding in the global marketplace:
Mrs. Mano Sheriff, Managing Director of Ceylon Natural Rubber (Pvt) Ltd, discussed the importance of sustainable exporting practices. She highlighted strategies to incorporate sustainability into export operations.
Mr. Adrian Gabriel, General Manager (Tea) at Akbar Brothers (Pvt) Ltd, shared real-life examples of thriving in competitive international markets. As a Senior Tea Taster managing markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Australasia, he provided insights into overcoming market entry challenges.
Prof. Arosha Adikaram, Chair Professor of Human Resource Management at the University of Colombo, emphasized the importance of understanding and mitigating legal risks in labor management. Drawing on her extensive research and consultancy experience, she underscored strategies for creating safe and compliant workplaces.
Mrs. Priyanka Perera, Head of Operations at Orel Academy, explored the nuances of cultural differences and their impact on international negotiations. Her diverse industry experience provided attendees with actionable tips for successful cross-border collaborations.
Mrs. Priyadarshinie Karunarathne, a Business Consultant and Sustainability Practitioner, illuminated the growing global demand for sustainable practices and the opportunities it presents for export businesses.
Mrs. Nirosha Jagoda, Managing Director of British Cosmetics (Pvt) Ltd and Mr. Christopher Fernando, Executive Director of Malwatta Valley Plantations PLC captivated the audience with their journey of entering and excelling in challenging markets, offering valuable lessons for aspiring exporters.
The session was a resounding success, enabling women entrepreneurs to expand their networks and gain insights from industry leaders. By addressing barriers and fostering an environment for shared learning, the EDB continues to empower women entrepreneurs to achieve greater heights in the export sector.
This event is part of EDB’s ongoing commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs under its “Women Entrepreneurship Development Program”. Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, Mrs. C. D. Dharmasena, Director General of the EDB, along with EDB Directors and officials, also participated in the event.
India has mourned one of its longest-serving prime ministers, Manmohan Singh, with a state funeral in Delhi.
Singh led the country from 2004 to 2014 and was considered the architect of India’s economic liberalisation. He died on Thursday aged 92.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present at the ceremony on Saturday. He has called Singh one of the country’s “most distinguished leaders”.
Mourners turned out across the capital to pay their respects as Singh’s coffin, flanked by an honour guard, was taken through the city to the cremation grounds.
His eldest daughter lit his funeral pyre at the crematorium in front of Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and senior members of Singh’s Congress Party.
Foreign dignitaries such as the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful were also in attendance.
Singh received full state honours in a ceremony that included a 21-gun salute.
Following his death on Thursday night, the government declared seven days of national mourning.
Paying tribute shortly after his death, Modi said Singh’s “wisdom and humility were always visible” during their interactions and that he had “made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives” as prime minister.
Opposition congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was also present at the funeral, said he had lost “a mentor and a guide”.
Among foreign tributes, US President Joe Biden said his country’s “unprecedented level of cooperation” with India would not have been possible without Singh’s “strategic vision and political courage.”
“He was a true statesman. A dedicated public servant. And above all, he was a kind and humble person”, Biden said in a statement.
Singh changed India’s economic growth trajectory during his time as prime minister and as the country’s finance minister in 1991.
He is remembered for saying in his first budget speech: “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come”.
He continued to build on his economic reform measures as prime minister, lifting millions out of poverty and contributing to India’s rise as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
[BBC]
It was a heist for the ages in Mount Maunganui as New Zealand secured an eight-run win in the first T20I, and with it took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. But more importantly it was a lesson in fight from the hosts, one the visitors would do well to take note of.
For much of the game it had looked Sri Lanka’s to lose. The first instance was when New Zealand were reeling on 65 for 5 midway through their innings, and the second when Sri Lanka were cruising after a 121-run opening stand needing just 52 off 40 deliveries.
On both occasions New Zealand fought back, and hard – initially through a 105-run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell to post a competitive 172 for 8, and then finally through a late strangle that saw Sri Lanka lose eight wickets for 38 runs after being in total control of proceedings.
Jacob Duffy was at the heart of the collapse with a three-wicket 14th over, as he set the wheels in motion for a sterling New Zealand comeback – which also earned him the player of the match award. Sri Lanka though will be at a loss for words in attempting to explain how they let this game slip.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 172 for 8 in 20 overs (Daryl Mitchell 62, Michael Bracewell 59; Binura Fernando 2-22, Maheesh Theekshana 2-29, Matheesha Pathirana 1-60, Wanidu Hasaanga 2-33) beat Sri Lanka 164 for 8 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 90, Kusal Mendis 46; Matt Henry 2-28, Jacob Duffy 3-21, Zakary Foulkes 2-41) by 8 runs
[Cricinfo]
EDB hosts networking session for women entrepreneurs
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