Month: June 2024

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-Top News India News

RAKEZ, Indian Chamber of Commerce ink MoU

ICC is a key player in promoting trade, industry, and commerce within India, particularly in the Eastern and North-Eastern regions. It has also established a cooperative framework with the UAE-India CEPA Council, further solidifying its role in bilateral trade facilitation…reports Asian Lite News

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to enhance business opportunities and foster economic growth between the UAE and India.

The MoU was signed by RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad and ICC Regional Director Ratheesh Nair. The partnership facilitates mutual access and opportunities, connecting RAKEZ to the expansive Indian business community through the ICC’s network, while also providing ICC members with valuable opportunities to engage with and grow in the UAE market.

Commenting on the partnership Jallad said, “This collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce represents a strategic milestone for RAKEZ as we continue to support and facilitate the growth of Indian businesses in the UAE. Our active efforts in promoting the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India through roadshows, investor meets, and regular exchanges, have laid a strong and reliable foundation for developing and maintaining partnerships with more Indian business groups.”

ICC is a key player in promoting trade, industry, and commerce within India, particularly in the Eastern and North-Eastern regions. It has also established a cooperative framework with the UAE-India CEPA Council, further solidifying its role in bilateral trade facilitation.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, ICC Director-General Dr. Rajeev Singh said, “The UAE and India have long enjoyed a dynamic trade relationship. This MoU with RAKEZ opens new doors for our members and Indian entrepreneurs to explore and establish their presence in one of the fastest-growing economic zones in the region. We are excited about the prospects this partnership holds for Indian enterprises.”

Significantly, the UAE is ranked as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. Within RAKEZ, approximately 6,000 Indian companies are thriving, contributing to a diverse industrial landscape that includes leading firms like Ashok Leyland, Dabur, Mahindra, Royal Gulf Industries, Sejal Glass, Motherson, and Bosco Aluminium.

As part of its continuous mission to support the economic partnership with India, RAKEZ recently hosted a business delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ras Al Khaimah. The delegation, which included representatives from various sectors such as healthcare, agri-food processing, leather, information technology, and AI, explored business opportunities and toured significant locations in the emirate, including Marjan and the facilities of some key businesses in the economic zone.

ALSO READ-Indian businesses top list of Dubai Chamber joins

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-Top News World

5 new members elected to UNSC for 2025-2026 term

India’s First Secretary at United Nations for the Second Committee of UNGA, Petal Gahlot on Tuesday (local time), emphasised that UNDP was a knowledge partner on Digital Public Infrastructure during India’s G20 Presidency…reports Asian Lite News

The UN General Assembly on Thursday elected Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia as non-permanent members of the Security Council for two-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2025.

The Security Council consists of 15 members. Five of them — China, France, Russia, the UK and the US — are permanent. Known as the P5, they have the power to veto any resolution, including those on the admission to the UN of new member states, and nominees for the position of secretary-general.

The remaining 10 members are elected for a term of two years, with five replaced each year. To be elected, candidates must receive at least two-thirds of all votes cast for the seat. This can result in deadlocks if there are two evenly matched candidates.

However the newly elected members all ran unopposed. Denmark received 184 votes, Panama 183, Pakistan 182, Greece 182 and Somalia 179. Pakistan has previously served seven times on the council, Panama five, Denmark four, Greece twice and Somalia once. They will replace Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Switzerland and Mozambique

The Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the UN. It is charged with maintaining international peace and security, recommending the admission of new members, and approving any changes to the UN Charter. Its powers also include the authority to establish peacekeeping operations, impose international sanctions and authorize military action.

It is the only UN body whose resolutions carry the force of international law and are therefore binding on all member states.

The seats for the 10 nonpermanent members are allocated on the basis of regional groups: the African group is represented by three members; Latin America and the Caribbean by two; Asia-Pacific by two; the Western European and Others group by two; and the Eastern European group by one.

Traditionally, one of the seats assigned to either the Asia-Pacific Group or the African Group is filled by a nation from the Arab world, alternating between the two.

Meanwhile, India has highlighted its significant contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resources during an interactive dialogue at the world body.

India’s First Secretary at United Nations for the Second Committee of UNGA, Petal Gahlot on Tuesday (local time), emphasised that UNDP was a knowledge partner on Digital Public Infrastructure during India’s G20 Presidency.

She also pointed out the joint work by India and UNDP on SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) localisation and the multidimensional poverty index in India.

“Participated in an interactive dialogue today with the Administrator of @UNDP @ASteiner and highlighted India’s partnership with the organisation through:- India’s significant contribution to UNDP resources- UNDP as a knowledge partner on DPI during India’s G20 Presidency- joint work on SDG localisation and the multidimensional poverty index in India,” the Indian diplomat posted on social media platform X.

In April, United Nation’s First International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure was held under India’s leadership.

India’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ruchira Kamboj, said that the conference was aimed to harness the technology to propel Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster inclusivity.

The conference prominently featured India’s pioneering Citizen Stack initiative, inspired by the transformative India Stack, showcasing the nation’s successful integration of technology into citizen services. This event marked a significant step in promoting international cooperation for the development of digital infrastructure globally.

The session hosted by the Permanent Mission of India and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with iSPIRT, the inaugural United Nations conference on Digital Public Infrastructure: Citizen Stack brought together global leaders, technology innovators, and policy experts to explore the global implementation of digital public infrastructure, said the Permanent of India to the UN said in a statement.

ALSO READ-Lanka Applauds Modi, Backs India’s UNSC Bid

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-Top News UK News

Prince Harry wins bid to appeal security ruling

Harry, 39, the younger son of King Charles III, has bucked royal family convention to challenge the government in court and sue the tabloid press…reports Asian Lite News

Prince Harry has been given permission to appeal the British government’s rejection to provide him with publicly funded police protection in the UK.

The Court of Appeal gave the Duke of Sussex the go-ahead to challenge a ruling earlier this year in the High Court. The permission was granted in May but only reported Thursday.

Judge Peter Lane ruled in February that a government panel’s decision to provide “bespoke” security on an as-needed basis after Harry quit as a working member of the royal family was not unlawful, irrational or unjustified.

“Insofar as the case-by-case approach may otherwise have caused difficulties, they have not been shown to be such as to overcome the high hurdle so as to render the decision-making irrational,” Lane wrote.

The long-running fight began more than four years ago when Harry first challenged the panel’s decision, arguing that he and his family need an armed security detail because of hostility directed toward him and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on social media and relentless hounding by the news media.

Harry, 39, the younger son of King Charles III, has bucked royal family convention to challenge the government in court and sue the tabloid press.

He won a big victory in December after a judge found phone hacking at Mirror Group Newspapers was “widespread and habitual.” He has two similar cases remaining against the publishers of The Sun and Daily Mail.

The security case appeared to be dead after the High Court in April rejected his first request to appeal Lane’s decision. But Justice David Bean on the Court of Appeal said on May 23 that he could challenge the lower court decision.

ALSO READ-Israeli Bombing Kills 35 at Gaza School

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-Top News Arab News

Department of State urges unrestricted access for journalists in Gaza

There have been few exceptions to this rule, although some journalists have been permitted entry under the direct supervision of the Israeli military…reports Asian Lite News

The Department of State has called on Israeli authorities to grant unrestricted access in Gaza to international journalists seeking to cover the conflict.

The appeal marks the strongest rebuke yet from the Biden administration regarding media access in the region.

Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters: “We think journalists ought to be able to cover the war in Gaza; that includes journalists from outside Gaza.

“A lot of what the world knows is happening in Gaza is precisely, as you point out, it’s because of the work that journalists do, sometimes with incredibly tragic consequences.

“We support that work and we want to see it continue and we think that ought to be allowed in Gaza.”

Israel has been imposing a near-total ban on international journalists entering Gaza since the conflict began in October, forcing news agencies to rely on local media workers.

There have been few exceptions to this rule, although some journalists have been permitted entry under the direct supervision of the Israeli military.

Several media organizations and advocacy groups have consistently called for the ban to be lifted.

Nine media advocacy groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, and ARTICLE 19, appealed to the International Court of Justice in May for unimpeded media access to Gaza.

Israel has been conducting a repressive campaign against media workers and organizations since Oct. 7, while resisting international criticism.

At least 108 journalists and media workers have been killed in the conflict, the vast majority of them Palestinians.

Some 49 journalists remain in Israeli custody, including four female reporters, according to the Palestinian Prisoner Society.

Israel has been accused of deliberately targeting journalists during the conflict in some cases, which experts suggest could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

ALSO READ-Israeli Bombing Kills 35 at Gaza School

Categories
-Top News UAE News

UAE tops global air transport quality rankings

In the Middle East and North Africa region, the UAE leads in both the “Number of Operating Airlines” and “Air Transport Agreements” indicators…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE emerged as a leader in various global competitiveness indicators within the civil aviation sector. According to the recently launched World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, the country ranked 1st worldwide in the “Quality of Air Transport Infrastructure” indicator, and the 3rd globally in both the “Efficiency of Air Transport Services” and “Available Airline Seat Kilometres – millions/week” indicators.

UAE ranks 1st globally for Air Transport Infrastructure Quality in WEF’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

In the Middle East and North Africa region, the UAE leads in both the “Number of Operating Airlines” and “Air Transport Agreements” indicators.

Moreover, the UAE achieved the global top ranking in the “Quality of Air Transport” category in the “Global Competitiveness Report 2023” released by the International Institute for Management Development.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), stated, “The outstanding performance of the civil aviation sector in global competitiveness indicators showcases the forward-thinking vision and strategic directives of our wise leadership. This progress underlines our commitment to fostering growth and enhancing the competitiveness of this crucial sector both regionally and globally. As a fundamental pillar of our national economy, the civil aviation sector’s success affirms the quality and effectiveness of our government plans, which focus on continuous investment and reinforcing our leadership across various key development areas.”

He noted that every stakeholder in the UAE’s civil aviation community played a part in this achievement.

It inspires us to push boundaries and embrace emerging technologies to further develop air transport infrastructure and services, setting new benchmarks for the industry worldwide, Bin Touq explained, noting that it aligns with national goals to build a future where the UAE continues to lead, innovate, and connect the world through a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable aviation system, leveraging its vital strategic location.

ALSO READ-9 Key Biodiversity Areas identified in UAE

Categories
-Top News USA

First joint drill by Japan, US, S. Korean coast guards

Indian Navy participates in maritime drill along East Coast of Africa

The exercise included patrol vessels and two helicopters performing search and rescue operations off Maizuru’s northern coast in Kyoto prefecture…reports Asian Lite News

Japanese, US, and South Korean coast guard vessels conducted their first joint drill on Thursday off Japan’s coast, strengthening maritime ties amid China’s increasing territorial assertiveness.

Tensions have risen in the South China Sea, with skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels, raising fears of potential conflict involving the US, a key Philippine ally.

The drill followed an August agreement by the three nations’ leaders to enhance security cooperation for Indo-Pacific stability.

The exercise included patrol vessels and two helicopters performing search and rescue operations off Maizuru’s northern coast in Kyoto prefecture.

The scenario involved rescuing crew members from a South Korean ship that caught fire after a collision.

Japan has bolstered its defenses in southwestern regions, including Okinawa and nearby islands, in response to China’s assertiveness and tensions around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

Last month, the coast guards of Japan, the US, and South Korea signed an agreement to collaborate on preserving maritime resources, countering illegal fishing, conducting search and rescue operations, and improving maritime law enforcement.

China frequently sends coast guard vessels into waters surrounding disputed islands controlled by Japan.

ALSO READ-EU, India, US, Japan launch biopharmaceutical alliance

Categories
-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi launches ‘Unified Economic Licence’

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, said, “Free zones play a significant role in our economic diversification and attraction of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in key targeted sectors…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council launched the Unified Economic Licence in Abu Dhabi, spearheaded by Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), Masdar City Free Zone, and Creative Media Authority (CMA) to bolster the Emirate’s competitiveness as a business-friendly destination for investors and entrepreneurs.

The new initiative unifies procedures for registering economic licences across the Emirate and its free zones, in a move to streamline business setup and reinforce governance and transparency. This will introduce a standardised reference number for all licences and ensure company data remains current within a newly integrated Abu Dhabi registry, simplifying data management and fostering collaboration between free zones and mainland authorities.

Investors will benefit from a seamless and faster digital setup process, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to continuously improve the business ecosystem and solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a global business hub. To ensure a smooth transition, representatives from entities responsible for economic licence registration have formed a task force.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, said, “Free zones play a significant role in our economic diversification and attraction of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in key targeted sectors. Unifying the licensing process of economic establishments in the Emirate is a pivotal step, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing a business ecosystem that aligns with global standards, empowers investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents to capitalise on the extensive and promising opportunities offered by the Emirate’s dynamic and thriving economy. This is achieved through the revision and enhancement of legislative and regulatory frameworks, and accelerated efforts in digital transformation.”

“We are working alongside our strategic partners and all other stakeholders to create the necessary framework and activate an efficient system that unifies all registration activities. We will continue to develop this partnership to meet investors’ needs and to ensure that Abu Dhabi has the best conditions for ease of establishing and doing business, while increasing its global competitiveness and achieving our strategic goals,” H.E. Al Zaabi added.

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group,  said, “AD Ports Group and its subsidiary KEZAD Group welcome the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council’s initiative to unify the licensing process of economic establishments in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to creating a streamlined and efficient business environment that aligns with global standards. By enhancing our legislative and regulatory frameworks and accelerating our digital transformation efforts, we are empowering investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents to fully leverage the extensive opportunities within our thriving economy.

“This unified system will facilitate easier business establishment and significantly boost Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness. We look forward to continuing our partnership with ADDED, ADAFZ, Masdar City Free Zone, and Creative Media Authority to achieve our shared strategic goals and ensure Abu Dhabi remains a premier destination for business and investment,” he added.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “At Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone, our strategic vision is to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier global business hub catering to a diverse investor base. Central to our mission is facilitating seamless business operations, and we wholeheartedly support initiatives that aim to create a conducive business environment that attracts investors across target sectors. Our collaborative efforts to unify licensing for economic establishments will significantly streamline and enhance Abu Dhabi’s business landscape. This alignment with the emirate’s ambition fosters sustainable economic growth through increased diversification, ultimately advancing Abu Dhabi’s economic development aspirations.”

ALSO READ-Ballet Hispánico comes to Abu Dhabi

Categories
-Top News USA

Trump ex-aide Bannon ordered to prison by July 1

Steve Bannon.(photo:twitter)

The full appeals court could potentially delay the sentencing if it decides to review the case and issues a ruling to stop the enforcement…reports Asian Lite News

A US federal judge has ordered Steve Bannon, former strategist for Donald Trump, to begin serving his four-month prison sentence by 1 July.

This decision follows a lengthy legal battle, with an appeals court last month upholding Bannon’s 2022 conviction for contempt of Congress.

Bannon, 70, was convicted for refusing to testify before the committee investigating the 6 January 2021 Capitol riot.

Despite the ruling, Bannon and his lawyer, David Schoen, have both expressed their intent to appeal.

Bannon, denying any criminal wrongdoing, called the ruling a “horrible decision” and vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary.

Outside the courthouse, Bannon defiantly stated, “There’s not a prison built or a jail built that will ever shut me up,” claiming that the legal actions against him were attempts to “shut down the Maga movement,” referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Schoen argued that Bannon was following legal advice by refusing to testify, asserting that doing so would have violated Trump’s invocation of executive privilege, which protects some presidential communications from being disclosed.

However, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals panel unanimously dismissed this defense, stating that Bannon’s claim “runs headlong into settled law.”

Justice Bradley Garcia wrote that the “advice of counsel” defense was not valid in this context.

The full appeals court could potentially delay the sentencing if it decides to review the case and issues a ruling to stop the enforcement.

Bannon, a key figure in Trump’s 2016 campaign and a former White House chief strategist, left the administration after the violent far-right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 but remains a prominent ally of Trump.

Similarly, another Trump aide, Peter Navarro, reported to prison in March following his own conviction for contempt of Congress.

Meanwhile recently, an appeals court in Georgia halted criminal trial proceedings in Trump’s 2020 election subversion case while it reviews appeals.

Trump and 18 others were indicted in August over alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the southeastern US state.

Trump has pleaded not guilty and criticised the cases against him as part of a politically motivated attempt to keep him from recapturing the White House.

The order from the Georgia Court of Appeals was issued on Wednesday after the court earlier this week set a tentative October hearing date for the appeal, Xinhua news agency reported.

Trump and several co-defendants in the case have argued that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ relationship with then-special prosecutor Nathan Wade caused a conflict of interest.

Trump and some of his co-defendants in the sprawling racketeering case have been trying to get Willis disqualified from the case because of a romantic relationship she had with Wade, the special prosecutor she hired to help handle the case, reported CNN, adding that the defendants argued that Willis financially benefited from the relationship with Wade, who defence attorneys say covered several vacations for the pair.

ALSO READ-Georgia appeals court pauses Trump’s election meddling case

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-Top News UAE News

9 Key Biodiversity Areas identified in UAE

This milestone also underscores the active participation of competent authorities from the UAE’s government and private sectors, along with the dedicated efforts of a team comprising 75 male and female national and resident personnel…reports Asian Lite News

In a significant milestone that underscores the UAE’s dedication to sustainability during the Year of Sustainability and its ongoing commitment to preserving nature and protecting endangered species, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the designation of nine globally significant key biodiversity areas (KBA) in the UAE. Approved by the ‘Key Biodiversity Areas Secretariat’ these areas are of strategic biological importance globally and are home to numerous endangered plants and animals.

The project identifying the nine KBAs in the UAE was reviewed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, yesterday during a meeting on the occasion of World Environment Day. His Highness met with a group of young people, entrepreneurs and leaders in the field of environment who presented pioneering initiatives and ideas aligned with the UAE’s approach to supporting sustainability through innovation.

The nine newly appointed KBAs include the Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Abu Dhabi; the Marawah Marine Area in Abu Dhabi; Al Yasat Marine Area in Abu Dhabi; Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai; the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve; Wadi Al-Helo in Sharjah; Khor Fakan and Shark Island in Sharjah; Wadi Al-Bih in Ras Al Khaimah; and Siniyah Island and Khor Al Beidah in Umm Al Qaiwain.

This achievement highlights the UAE’s global position in identifying practical solutions to enhance biodiversity by implementing nature-based solutions, thus effectively addressing a range of environmental and climatic challenges. It is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This milestone also underscores the active participation of competent authorities from the UAE’s government and private sectors, along with the dedicated efforts of a team comprising 75 male and female national and resident personnel. The teams attended training sessions conducted by international experts and were guided by the Ministry to execute the project effectively.

The designation of the nine KBAs was completed last year, following the global standard for identifying such areas. These sites have been officially published on the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said, “The designation of nine globally significant key biodiversity areas in the UAE is the result of the nation’s initiatives during the Year of Sustainability and its commitment to biodiversity conservation and nature protection. The UAE has demonstrated exceptional endeavours in protecting living creatures from extinction, both locally and globally.”

Global and Regional Excellence

The nine KBAs have several features that have positioned them among some of the most significant biodiversity sites regionally and globally. Two of these biodiversity sites have been identified for the Arabian Gazelle, the Arabian Sand Gazelle, and the Arabian Oryx. These are the first KBAs for these mammals in the world.

The UAE is home to the largest number of Arabian oryx in the world, after being on the brink of extinction in the 1970s. The Arabian Oryx is found in both Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai and the Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, two globally significant KBAs have been identified for the Dugong (sea cows). These sites are the first globally significant KBAs for sea cows in the Middle East. The UAE hosts the second-largest gathering of sea cows in the world, found in both Al Yasat Marine and Marawah Marine areas.

Furthermore, three KBAs for three endemic species of Geckos (Asaccus caudivolvulus, Asaccus margaritae and Ptyodactylus Ruusaljibalicus) were identified and these are the first KBAs for Reptiles in the UAE.

ALSO READ-UAE leaders congratulate Modi

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-Top News EU News Europe

NATO chief rules out troop deployment to Ukraine

Seoul : This photo, taken Jan. 29, 2023, shows North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaking in a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin at Seoul's foreign ministry. (Yonhap/IANS)

NATO has the strongest alliance in the world and the purpose of standing together is “one for all, all for one,” Stoltenberg added, emphasizing that the aim is to “prevent an attack.”…reports Asian Lite News

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced Thursday that the military alliance has no plans to send troops to Ukraine and that Moscow is not an “imminent” threat to Western countries. 

“NATO has no plans to deploy forces to Ukraine,” said Stoltenberg during his visit to Finland where he held a joint press conference with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb.

“We don’t see any imminent military threat against any NATO ally. And now, of course, Russia is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine,” he reassured while at the same time suggesting that “when the fighting ends in Ukraine, they can rebuild those forces.”

NATO has the strongest alliance in the world and the purpose of standing together is “one for all, all for one,” Stoltenberg added, emphasizing that the aim is to “prevent an attack.”

“So, this idea that there is a kind of countdown to the next war is wrong. We are there to prevent that from happening. We have done so for 75 years,” he told reporters at the Helsinki conference.

Stubb also confirmed that Finland has no plans to deploy troops in Ukraine, and instead, it is exploring various other options, including “financial, military or ammunition” support.

Stubb agreed with the secretary-general and said that it is unlikely that Moscow will “deviate” from its current attack on Ukraine.

“The whole idea that a country like Russia will somehow attack the biggest military alliance in the world, I simply find rather implausible,” Stubb reassured.

The president also emphasized that the best way to “prevent” the war is “to prepare for it.”

“We look at different scenarios every day, every week, every month. We have our operational planning, which is based on realities, which are based on knowledge of what the Russians are doing what they could do.”

Stubb ended by saying that right now there is no military threat by Moscow against Finland, Sweden, Norway, or the Baltic states.

In May, Stoltenberg urged the US and the NATO countries in the EU to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles for strikes inside Russia.

While European Union High Representative Josep Borrell thinks that Western leaders should avoid “risking escalation” by allowing Ukraine forces to use weapons on Russian territory.

However, he also pointed out during a meeting in Brussels held last month that self-defense strikes against military targets on Russian territory “are a legitimate act under international law when done in a proportionate manner.”

Borrell stressed that each EU member state should decide on an individual basis when it comes to the issue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in May threatened the West with “serious consequences” if Ukraine is allowed to use Western long-range weapons on Russian territory, according to national newspaper The Moscow Times.

The president warned that Kyiv striking inside Russia could trigger a global conflict.

ALSO READ-France to supply Mirage warplanes to Ukraine, says Macron