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Czech army to receive German tanks in Ukraine aid compensation

Within the compensation package for Czech deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine, Germany has already gifted Prague 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and a recovery vehicle…reports Asian Lite News

The Czech Republic will receive 15 tanks from Germany to help replace those sent to war-torn Ukraine, its defense ministry said Wednesday.

The Czech government, a staunch supporter of Ukraine as it struggles to stave off the Russian invasion, has given at least 62 of its tanks to Kyiv since the war began.

Prague has also increased its defense spending and seeks to modernize its army, notably using the German tanks, the first of which are due to be delivered later this year.

“We are replacing structurally obsolete Soviet equipment with new, modern machines that can withstand in the current environment,” Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said in a statement.

The Czech army will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and one armored “Buffel” tank recovery vehicle, Cernochova said.

She thanked “the German side for being able to appreciate in this way our assistance to Ukraine, which is facing brutal Russian aggression.”

Within the compensation package for Czech deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine, Germany has already gifted Prague 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and a recovery vehicle.

The Czech government said in June it would also buy up to 77 German-made Leopard tanks in the next few years as part of a joint purchase deal with other European countries to help reduce prices.The Czech Republic will receive 15 tanks from Germany to help replace those sent to war-torn Ukraine, its defense ministry said Wednesday.

The Czech government, a staunch supporter of Ukraine as it struggles to stave off the Russian invasion, has given at least 62 of its tanks to Kyiv since the war began.

Prague has also increased its defense spending and seeks to modernize its army, notably using the German tanks, the first of which are due to be delivered later this year.

“We are replacing structurally obsolete Soviet equipment with new, modern machines that can withstand in the current environment,” Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said in a statement.

The Czech army will receive 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and one armored “Buffel” tank recovery vehicle, Cernochova said.

She thanked “the German side for being able to appreciate in this way our assistance to Ukraine, which is facing brutal Russian aggression.”

Within the compensation package for Czech deliveries of military equipment to Ukraine, Germany has already gifted Prague 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks and a recovery vehicle.

The Czech government said in June it would also buy up to 77 German-made Leopard tanks in the next few years as part of a joint purchase deal with other European countries to help reduce prices.

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EU News Europe

Czech President’s Minor Injuries from Motorcycle Ride

Czech Police later said that the injury did not occur on the road but on a closed sports circuit…reports Asian Lite News

Czech President Petr Pavel was injured while riding a motorcycle, the Presidential office said.

“The injuries are not serious, but they will require a short observation” at the Military University Hospital Prague (UVN), the office said on Thursday on social media X.

It is not yet clear under what circumstances it happened, Xinhua news agency reported.

The hospital confirmed on X that the President was admitted to the hospital “with an injury that is not serious”.

“He was treated and hospitalised for preventive observation,” it said.

Czech Police later said that the injury did not occur on the road but on a closed sports circuit.

“For this reason, we are not treating the matter as a traffic accident,” the police said.

Pavel, 62, is known for his love of riding a motorcycle.

Local newspaper Denik N said the President was injured on a closed circuit in the Central Bohemia region.

In a tweet, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala wished the President “a speedy recovery”.

In April, Pavel was injured in the face at a shooting range in Uhersky Brod during a visit to the Zlin Region, southeast Czech Republic.

He suffered a minor laceration near his eyebrows while shooting a long gun, but the injury did not require medical treatment, the Czech News Agency reported.

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UAE, Czech FMs discuss economic, investment ties

The two minister reviewed avenues of developing the UAE-Czech cooperation in a number of fields…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský in Prague.

During the meeting, which was held as part of Sheikh Abdullah’s working visit to Prague, the two sides discussed ways of boosting bilateral relations and joint cooperation.

The two minister reviewed avenues of developing the UAE-Czech cooperation in a number of fields, including economic, investment and development, in a way that serves the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed that the UAE attaches great importance to strengthening its ties with the Czech Republic across various domains, praising the continuous development in the levels of joint cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic welcomed the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and his accompanying delegation, expressing his country’s aspiration to develop cooperation relations with the UAE at various levels.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Jan Lipavský touched on recent developments in the Middle East region, especially in the Gaza Strip, and its humanitarian repercussions.

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the importance of consolidating all regional and international efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire, which contributes to protecting the security and safety of all civilians and enhances relief efforts made to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

He further highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation to end extremism, tension and violence in the region, in addition to the urgent need to protect the lives of all civilians and intensify humanitarian support for the people of Gaza in a way that contributes to alleviating their suffering.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Dr. Ghalia Ali Al Humaidan, Chargé d´Affaires at the UAE Embassy in the Czech Republic.

The meeting was also attended by Jiří Kozák, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

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Krystyna Pyszkova of Czech Republic Crowned 71st Miss World

India, meanwhile lost out on the title after Miss India Sini Shetty failed to make it to the Top 4. Krystyna was crowned by the winner of Miss World 2023, Karolina Bielawska of Poland…reports Asian Lite News

Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic has been crowned the 71st Miss World, here on Saturday. Krystyna edged out Yasmina Zaytoun of Lebanon, Ache Abrahams of Trinidad and Tobago, and Lesego Chombo of Botswana.

India, meanwhile lost out on the title after Miss India Sini Shetty failed to make it to the Top 4. Krystyna was crowned by the winner of Miss World 2023, Karolina Bielawska of Poland.

The event, hosted by Bollywood producer-director Karan Johar and the winner of Miss World 2013, Megan Young, was held at the Jio Convention Centre in the BKC area here.

India hosted the coveted beauty pageant after a gap of 28 years.

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EC president approves Czech national recovery plan

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.(Xinhua/IANS)

The updated plan, which the Czech government prepared in the summer, provides an additional 2.2 billion euros to support clean energy and industry transformation in the country…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union (EU) has approved a revised version of a €9.2 billion ($9.72 billion) National Recovery Plan proposed by the Czech Republic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement here Tuesday, after a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

The updated plan, which the Czech government prepared in the summer, provides an additional 2.2 billion euros to support clean energy and industry transformation in the country. Another 736 million euros will be allocated to investments in renewable energy sources, clean transport and power distribution networks.

The two leaders also discussed the current migration situation in the EU. Fiala said his country is ready to contribute to the protection of the EU’s external borders, and it is essential to reduce the number of economic refugees.

“Our goal must be that these people do not go to Europe at all, so that they do not support smugglers and traffickers in human misery,” he said.

He also underlined that the Czech Republic rejects any form of mandatory redistribution of illegal migrants within the EU, calling the practice “inhumane and dysfunctional.”

Before their talks, Fiala and von der Leyen opened the Green Deal Summit conference in Prague. Von der Leyen said that the Green Deal, a roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable, has delivered in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and economic growth. However, Fiala said he believes the deal has not directed the EU towards “significant progress” in innovation and economic transformation.

Before the opening of the conference, a group of environmental activists protested in front of the building where the meeting was held, against the participation of certain Czech companies that they do not consider as ecological ones.

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Europe

Czech President signs defence spending of 2% of GDP into law

The delivery of the first vehicles is anticipated in 2026, with completion by 2030…reports Asian Lite News

Czech President Petr Pavel has signed a law that raises the country’s annual defence spending to at least 2 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), his office said in a statement.

The legislation, which will come into force in July and apply to next year’s state budget, aims to provide stable funding for costly defence projects to modernize the military, Xinhua news agency reported citing the statement as saying.

This commitment aligns with a 2006 agreement among members of the NATO, which obligates them to allocate 2 percent of their GDP on defense to maintain the alliance’s military readiness. The Czech Republic has repeatedly pledged to increase its defence spending.

The government’s plans have so far included defence spending of 130 billion Czech crowns ($5 billion). To achieve the 2 per cent target, the Defence Ministry’s budget would increase by about 21.5 billion Czech crowns in 2024, the Czech News Agency reported.

Last month, the government approved a plan to purchase 246 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles from Sweden. The deal, valued at 59.7 billion Czech crowns, was described by local media as “the largest army purchase in the modern history of the Czech Republic and one of the largest state orders ever”.

The delivery of the first vehicles is anticipated in 2026, with completion by 2030.

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Czech FM arrives in India for 3-day visit

A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said that Lipavsky will during his India visit, attend the inaugural session of the India-EU Business and Sustainability Conclave on February 28…reports Asian Lite News

Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky on Sunday arrived in India for a three-day official visit which is supposed to provide further momentum to India- Czech Republic bilateral relations.

“Welcoming the Czech Foreign Minister @JanLipavsky as he arrives in India on a 3-day official visit. This visit will provide further momentum to India’s bilateral relations with the Czech Republic,” MEA official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted on Sunday. Jan Lipavsky is visiting India from February 26 to March 1.

A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said that Lipavsky will during his India visit, attend the inaugural session of the India-EU Business and Sustainability Conclave on February 28.

During his visit to India, Jan Lipavsky will be accompanied by Czech Republic’s Members of the Parliament, the Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation and a high-level official and business delegation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a recent release. Lipavsky will also hold a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues.

“During the visit, Foreign Minister Lipavsky will hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar where the two leaders are expected to discuss the entire range of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest,” read the MEA release.

It further read, “Foreign Minister Lipavsky will also be attending the inaugural session of the India-EU Business and Sustainability Conclave organized by CII on 28 February 2023. He will then travel to Mumbai on the same day and will depart on 01 March 2023 from Mumbai.”

The visit of Lipavsky to India follows EAM S Jaishankar’s visit to the Czech Republic in June 2022 where the two held delegation-level talks. In January this year, the two leaders held a meeting in Vienna during Jaishankar’s visit to Austria. (ANI)

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

MBZ, Czech leader discuss bilateral ties

The two leaders discussed the existing ties between the UAE and the Czech Republic, and explored opportunities for enhancing economic, development…reports Asian Lite News

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, during his working visit to the UAE. The meeting was held at Al Shati Palace.

The UAE President warmly welcomed Prime Minister Fiala and appreciated his visit. Fiala conveyed the greetings of Milos Zeman, President of the Czech Republic, and expressed his desire for the continued development and prosperity of the UAE-Czech Republic relations.

The two leaders discussed the existing ties between the UAE and the Czech Republic, and explored opportunities for enhancing economic, development, and investment cooperation in various fields to serve mutual interests and promote development efforts in both countries.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Fiala also exchanged views on various regional and global issues that are of mutual concern.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.

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-Top News Europe

Retired general Pavel wins Czech presidential election

In his victory speech, Pavel called on Czechs to work together to get through differences and solve the country’s various challenges…reports Asian Lite News

The second round of the Czech presidential election concluded on Saturday, with retired general Petr Pavel winning over former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, according to official results.

With 99.99 per cent of precincts counted, Pavel won with 58.32 per cent of the vote to Babis’ 41.67 per cent. Turnover for the election surpassed 70 per cent.

Voters cast their ballots on Friday and Saturday, with Czechs abroad heading to the polls on Thursday. The first round, which took place on January 13-14, featured eight candidates before going to a run-off between the two men after Pavel received 35.4 per cent of the vote and Babis received 34.99 per cent.

Pavel, 61, served as Head of the NATO Military Committee. He was endorsed by the current ruling government coalition. Babis, 68, the Head of the Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO) party, served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021.

In his victory speech, Pavel called on Czechs to work together to get through differences and solve the country’s various challenges.

“It is important that we are able to solve problems together, as one community,” Pavel said at an election watch party in Prague. He added that the Czech society was not only divided by the campaign but also by the hardships the country is currently facing.

The President of the Czech Republic is chosen in a direct election and serves a term of five years. The mandate can be held for a maximum of two consecutive terms. Incumbent President Milos Zeman’s term concludes in March.

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3 dead as trains crash near Czech-German border

The Czech Republic’s railway inspectorate has launched an investigation into the crash…reports Asian Lite News.

A high-speed Western Express Service train which connects the cities of Prague and Munich crashed near the Czech Republic-German border killing at least three people and injuring dozens.

According to the Czech transport minister, the express train from Munich heading to Prague went through a stop signal and hit a commuter train bound for the town of Domazlice.

Authorities, however, said it was unclear if this was due to driver error or a technical glitch.

Both drivers were killed, as well as one woman passenger, the BBC reported.

Rescue teams, helicopters and ambulances were sent to the scene near Milavce, close to the border with Germany, as the tragedy unfolded shortly after 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ztw3d5VNgas

Footage posted on social media showed crushed carriages and debris strewn across the tracks.

The Czech Republic’s railway inspectorate has launched an investigation into the crash.

Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlicek said one of the trains failed to stop at a signal and collided with the other train.

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