Tag: EMBASSY

Categories
Health Nepal UAE News

Nepal Embassy in Oman organizes free Health Checkup camp

Speaking on the occasion the Ambassador, emphasized the community members to go for regular checkup as this will lead to a  healthy lifestyle…reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT : As part of regular community services, Nepal Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman organized free Helath Check-up Camp alongwith Oman Cancer Association (OCA) and Badr Al Sama Hospital at the Embassy presmises here on a Friday weekly holiday.

Around 200 persons from the Nepal community members alongwith other expats attended the free Health Checkup camp and got thoroughly checkup of their blood sugar test, BMI measurement and also Mammography test.

Inspite of the weekly off, the medical and para medical staff of OCA and Badr Al Sama attended the people about their issues and also counselled them with related to their ailment.

Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional Panas lamp by the Nepal Ambassador Dornath Aryal.

Speaking on the occasion the Ambassador, emphasized the community members to go for regular checkup as this will lead to a  healthy lifestyle.

He also thanked the medical and paramedical staff of OCA and Badr Al Sama hospital for their support and provide free health checkup services. He also thanked the sponsors E6 Holidays Travel Agency and Hamdan Exchange.

The participants also had fun and refreshments provided by Hamdan Exchange and some of them won lucky draw of free one-way Air ticket from Muscat to Kathmandu and some got Dolphin View ticket and gift hampers.

Members of Nepali Social Club and Nepal based Nepali organization participated and volunteered at the camp.

 With the opening up of the economy in the Sultanate of Oman, Westline Group of companies are spreading their wings in the Automobile spare parts market by opening their sixth showroom in the industrial township of Ghala in the Muscat governorate.

 After the inaugural ceremony, speaking to media personnel, Manikandan Kothot, Director, revealed that their sister concern – Empire Parts World, has been operating for the last 15 years dealing in spare parts of vehicles and are dealing in genuine and original spare parts of any vehicle either cars or trucks made in Japan or Korea.

He said, they are the dealers for Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, Hino, Kia and also Indian companies Tata and Ashok Leyland.

He, further said that the company has big plans for the coming next two years, as they are planning to open 4 more showrooms in Salalah and Nizwa by 2025. With these showrooms coming up, they will be providing around 150 direct jobs to expats and nationals.

He was full of praise for the Oman authorities for the last one year, Oman has open up for entrepreneurs with simplifying rules and regulations in favour of investors.

ALSO READ-Nepal Deports Chinese NGO Head

Categories
-Top News Europe India News

Indian embassy staffer in Moscow spying for ISI held

An FIR was registered in the matter under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)…reports Asian Lite News

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested an Indian Embassy staff in Moscow for allegedly providing ‘confidential’ information to Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.

Satendra Siwal, a resident of the Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested by the ATS for his alleged involvement in anti-India activities.

Siwal provided them with important confidential information, especially with regard to strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian military establishment in lieu of money, the statement read.

He had been working in the Ministry of External Affairs and was posted as the IBSA (India-Based Security Assistant) in the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia since 2021, the statement added.

It stated further that Siwal was called to the ATS field unit in Meerut and confessed to his crime in the face of questioning.

An FIR was registered in the matter under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Meerut, Feb 04 (ANI): The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Indian Embassy staff in Moscow for allegedly providing ‘confidential’ information to Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, according to an official statement issued, on Sunday. (ANI Photo)

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs is aware of the arrest of embassy staffer, Satendra Siwal, who was arrested in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh on spying charges, sources said on Sunday.

“MEA continues to work with the investigative authorities in the matter,” sources added.

Satendra Siwal was posted as the IBSA (India-Based Security Assistant) at the Indian Embassy in Moscow and was arrested for allegedly providing ‘confidential’ information to Pakistani intelligence agency ISI.

Satendra Siwal, a resident of the Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested by the ATS for his alleged involvement in “anti-India activities,” according to an official statement by UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) issued on Sunday.

Siwal provided ISI with important confidential information, especially with regard to strategic activities of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian military establishment, in lieu of money.

He had been working in the Ministry of External Affairs and was posted as the IBSA (India-Based Security Assistant) in the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, since 2021, the statement added.

As per the statement, Siwal was called to the ATS field unit in Meerut and confessed to his crime in the face of questioning.

ALSO READ-Proposed US Immigration Reform Benefits Indians

Categories
-Top News Africa News India News

‘MEA in touch with Indian nationals and embassy in Niger’

The French Government evacuated over 990 of its citizens including Indian nationals over the past two days…reports Asian Lite News

India is in touch with Indian nationals and embassy in Niger. There has not been any issue or complaint from them and all of them seem to be safe, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi Bagchi while speaking about the Niger coup, said, “There are around 250-odd (Indian) people there, but we could be a little off.”

“Most of them are staying there and there were some who were temporarily living there and they have utilized the opportunity of the French evacuation special flights. But, only 10 or 15 have left, including some of the businessmen who were there on temporary visas.”

Some other countries have also run evacuation flights such as European Union nations. “I don’t have the exact number because this was an offer made directly to the citizens,” he added.

Moreover, flights to five neighbouring countries have also resumed including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya, and Chad. “So some Indian nationals are now planning to leave for those routes,” Bagchi said.

Bagchi said that the overall situation seems to be normal and stable. “We are in close contact with the Indian community there,” he added.

The French Government evacuated over 990 of its citizens including Indian nationals over the past two days.

Taking to Twitter, the French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain said that the French government had evacuated around 992 people, out of which 560 are its citizens while the rest of them includes nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens.

ALSO READ-US orders partial evacuation of Niger embassy  

Categories
India News USA

Threat to Indian embassy in US

Hundreds of Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Indian Embassy in the United States…reports Asian Lite News

Pro-Khalistan supporters in the US threatened the Indian embassy and Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu during their protest on Saturday. They issued threats and made announcements that the “hypocrisy” will come to an end and the people at the embassy would have nowhere to run to.

The protesters made vague claims that the “Indian government is killing citizens from all communities all over the country.” “This hypocrisy comes to an end now…… There will come a day when the windows of your cars will break and you will have nowhere to run to,” they threatened the Indian embassy with slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad”.

Hundreds of Khalistan supporters gathered outside the Indian Embassy in the United States.

The protesters included turbaned men of all ages who raised pro-Khalistan slogans. They came in from different parts of the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area. The organisers used mics to make anti-India speeches both in English and Punjabi and targeted the Punjab Police for alleged human rights violations.

Multiple events of protests by supporters of Khalistan have been staged outside the Indian embassy and the San Francisco Consulate. Earlier this week the Indian Consulate in San Francisco was also attacked on March 20.

Visuals shared online show a huge mob brandishing Khalistan flags mounted on wooden poles, using them to smash glass doors and windows of the consulate building. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans as they broke through makeshift security barriers raised by the city police and installed two Khalistani flags inside the premises.

The United States strongly condemned the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco by a group of separatist Sikhs, terming it absolutely unacceptable.

The United States has condemned the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and any attack against diplomatic facilities within the US. The US has pledged to defend the safety and security of these facilities as well as the diplomats who work within them.

“The United States condemns the attack against the Indian Consulate and any attack against diplomatic facilities within the United States. We pledge to defend the safety and security of these facilities as well as the diplomats who work within them,” the US State Department spokesperson told ANI.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said via Twitter that the US condemns the acts of violence against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. He further said that the US is committed to the safety and security of Indian diplomats.

He confirmed that the US State Department is in touch with the local law enforcement authorities. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Support march at Indian embassy after protest  

Categories
-Top News Bangladesh Europe

Argentina reopens embassy in Dhaka

Argentina,flag.(photo:pixabay.com)

The Argentine Embassy in Dhaka was previously closed down in 1978…reports Asian Lite News

Argentina has reopened its embassy in Bangladesh capital Dhaka.

Argentina’s Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero arrived in Dhaka on a three-day visit on Monday morning to inaugurate the embassy of the South American country, which is the first one by an Argentine foreign minister to Bangladesh, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Argentine Embassy in Dhaka was previously closed down in 1978.

Last December, Argentina announced a plan to reopen its embassy in Dhaka in 2023 to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Bangladesh’s exports

Bangladesh is ready to topple China as the top clothing exporter to the EU amid Beijing’s decreasing share in the ready-made garment (RMG) market, reported Nikkei Asia.

Notably, in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine and other global geopolitical tensions, the supply chains are shifting and driving up orders to the densely populated South Asian nation. “A lot of work orders were shifted to Bangladesh from China because of the recent trade war between China and the US,” Shahidullah Azim, vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told Nikkei Asia.

Mounting tensions between Washington and Beijing have driven many brands to seek out non-Chinese suppliers in sectors ranging from clothing and textiles to consumer electronics and smartphones.

Bangladesh’s exports of clothing to the EU surged nearly 42 per cent in the first nine months of 2022 from the same period the year before to USD 19.4 billion, while Chinese shipments grew about 22 per cent to USD 25.5 billion, according to the latest data from the EU’s statistical office, Eurostat.

Major EU buyers of clothes made in Bangladesh include fashion chains H&M, Primark, Zara, G-Star Raw and Marks & Spencer, reported Nikkei Asia.

With a population of nearly 170 million people, Bangladesh has a sizable potential workforce and is one of around 45 developing countries that currently enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to all EU markets, except arms and ammunition. In contrast, Chinese exporters must pay duty.

“Buyers prefer Bangladesh due to its zero-tariff export facilities to EU markets,” said Ashikur Rahman Tuhin, managing director of TAD Group, which manufactures a range of products including clothing. All the garments it makes go to Europe.

Producers in Bangladesh have also been moving away from so-called fast fashion — disposable attire churned out to suit rapidly shifting consumer tastes — to higher quality and more profitable clothing.

“Bangladesh is shifting its production base to high-end, value-added garment items from basic products, which are also helping the country to increase its share in the EU market (where such items are increasingly in demand),” said Azim from the BGMEA.

Meanwhile, Paul Marchant, chief executive of Britain’s Primark, said on a visit last month to Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, that his company plans to ramp up its sourcing from the country.

Producers and others in the country are confident it will be the top exporter to Europe soon, reported Nikkei Asia.

“In the EU market, Bangladesh is close to China, so within four to five years we can overtake it,” said Ahsan H Mansur, executive director of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh.

“China’s RMG market share is decreasing worldwide. I think China has no strategic interest to protect this share as the country is now focusing on developing and producing higher-valued goods like electric cars. So they are not concentrating on the apparel industry as before.”

Boosting shipments to Europe will bolster a crucial part of Bangladesh’s economy, with RMG manufacturers already contributing around a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product and more than 80 per cent of its export earnings, reported Nikkei Asia. (IANS/ANI)

ALSO READ-Argentina seeks India’s cooperation on currency swap issues

Categories
-Top News UK News

UK govt says it has no plans to shift embassy to Jerusalem

The UK has for decades housed its embassy in Tel Aviv, where most other countries have their diplomatic outposts, despite Israel designating Jerusalem as its capital…reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom has “no plans” to relocate its Israel embassy to Jerusalem, Al Jazeera reported citing a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Responding to a question about the consideration of relocation of the embassy, on Thursday, a spokeswoman said that the government had “no [such] plans”.

She also said that the relocation idea has been looked into under the previous government, reported Al Jazeera.

The UK has for decades housed its embassy in Tel Aviv, where most other countries have their diplomatic outposts, despite Israel designating Jerusalem as its capital.

In September, UK former Prime Minister Liz Truss made an announcement that she was considering relocating the embassy to Jerusalem. This statement was welcomed by then Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Still, it provoked a backlash from the Palestinian government, pro-Palestinian groups, British church leaders and European foreign ministers, among others.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the Palestinian Authority (PA) insisting that East Jerusalem – illegally occupied by Israel since 1967 – should serve as the capital of a Palestinian state, according to Al Jazeera.

There is a global consensus against recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital until the Palestinian conflict is resolved.

Meanwhile, the US, breaking its decade-long policy, recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by opening its embassy in 2018 under former President Donald Trump.

The move was welcomed by Israel and criticised by the Arab world and Western allies.

At the time, the UK, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Theresa May, said it had no plans to move its embassy and publicly disagreed with the US move.

Only the US, Kosovo, Honduras, and Guatemala have their embassies in Jerusalem, as per Al Jazeera report.

Earlier, in the second week of October, Australia denied that it had reversed a decision, made under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison to recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and said there had been no change in policy.

The denial came from Foreign Minister Penny Wong hours after the UK’s publication The Guardian reported that Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs dropping its stance recognising West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reported The Times of Israel.

Wong denied the reversal of the decision made by the previous government. A spokesperson for Wong told Australia’s ABC News that the government “continues to consider the final status of Jerusalem as a matter to be resolved as part of any peace negotiations.”

But “the former government made the decision to recognize West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel” and “no decision to change that has been made by the government,” Wong said via the spokesperson.

The Labor Party had vowed to reverse Canberra’s move in 2018 under then-prime minister Scott Morrison of the Liberal Party of Australia to recognize the western part of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital if elected.

ALSO READ-UK govt to supply AMRAAM rockets to Ukraine

Categories
-Top News UK News

British Embassy donates PPE to Honduras

The British Ambassador to Honduras, Nick Whittingham, said, “We are glad we are able to support Honduras’ efforts to continue fighting the Covid-19 pandemic…reports Asian Lite News

The government has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to Honduras to support frontline staff and ensure they have the protection they need to do their vital work. The 123,000 PPE items will help thousands of frontline workers by supporting infection prevention control measures to reduce the risk of transmission and control the spread of Covid-19.

The donation arrived to Puerto Cortés on 25th September and will be distributed by the Secretary of Health.

The UK and Honduras have been working together to face global issues such as Covid-19. The global pandemic has challenged health systems around the world and the best way to overcome Covid-19 is to stand side by side with international partners.

The British Ambassador to Honduras, Nick Whittingham, said, “We are glad we are able to support Honduras’ efforts to continue fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. We know that PPE, as high volume consumption items, are crucial for health systems to work properly. This donation is a great example on how Honduras and the UK can partner and work together to prepare for existing and future global health threats.”

The Honduran Secretary of Health, José Manuel Matheu, thanked the United Kingdom for this significant donation that contributes to the protection of frontline personnel, since the support of cooperation from partner countries is essential to strengthen the institutional response, emphasising that “the Government of President Xiomara Castro is focused on humanising health in Honduras by providing quality health care services”.

The Sub Secretary for International Cooperation and Promotion, Ambassador Cindy Larissa Rodriguez, on behalf of the solidarity government of President Xiomara Castro, thanked the United Kingdom for supporting the efforts of the People’s Government of Honduras, “As a Democratic Government we value the cooperation provided by the British Government by donating medical protection equipment to continue fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we reiterate our commitment to continue working in coordination with partner countries that are our greatest allies.”

ALSO READ-Will Truss be the shortest-serving British PM?

Categories
India News UAE News

Indian Embassy in Kuwait marks 73rd Republic Day

Highlighting that the fight against Covid 19 pandemic is far from over, Ambassador urged the community to work together with the Embassy to ensure the welfare of the Indians in Kuwait and to help them face the challenges of the new variant…reports Asian Lite News

The embassy of India in Kuwait celebrated the 73rd Republic Day of India on Wednesday, 26th January 2022.  Keeping in view the prevailing circumstances on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebrations were held in consonance with the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines issued by the Government of the State of Kuwait. The official programme was held from 0900 hrs at the Embassy of India premises. Ambassador Shri Sibi George paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi followed by unfurling of the National Tricolour and singing of the Indian National Anthem and patriotic songs.

On the occasion, Hon’ble President of India’s Address to the Nation was read out by the Ambassador who also addressed the participants, including the ones who joined the event on the virtual platform. Ambassador said that this year’s Republic Day is of special significance as it comes during the 75th anniversary of India’s independence which is celebrated as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. He said that for every Indian it is an occasion to remember and pay home to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to win India’s freedom. He recalled that the Constitution of India is not just a basic law of the land, but it also serves as a scripture for the social and economic transformation of India.

And today after seven decades India not only continues to be a thriving democratic country but also the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Ambassador highlighted the efforts of the Embassy to work with the community in promoting India-Kuwait relations and addressing the issues of concern to the community.  He thanked the community associations and groups in Kuwait for joining hands with the Embassy in supporting the community to face the challenges posed by Covid 19 pandemic.

Highlighting that the fight against Covid 19 pandemic is far from over, Ambassador urged the community to work together with the Embassy to ensure the welfare of the Indians in Kuwait and to help them face the challenges of the new variant. Ambassador also thanked all Indian associations and groups in Kuwait for participating in various events organized by the Embassy to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait and also the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. The whole event was live-streamed on Mission’s social media handles.

ALSO READ-Expo hosts colourful celebrations on India’s R-Day

Categories
Arab News News Saudi Arabia

Iran ready to reopen embassy in Saudi

Iran is ready to reopen its embassy in Saudi Arabia, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said…reports Asian Lite News

Addressing reporters here on Monday, the spokesman, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said the decision still depends on the Saudi side and the practical measures it takes, Xinhua news agency reported.

Khatibzadeh added that Iran is now focusing on the resumption of activities by its mission to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian had said earlier that Iran has held four rounds of positive and constructive talks with Saudi officials in Iraq.

ALSO READ: Russia, Iran Foreign Ministers discuss JCPOA in telephone call

“What we have stated as our official position is that relations between the two countries would return to normal whenever the Saudi side wishes. Iran is ready and welcomes the reopening of the embassies and consulates,” Abdollahian said.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in protest against the attacks on diplomatic missions in Tehran following the execution of a Shia cleric by Riyadh.

Categories
Arab News News World

Tehran, Riyadh preparing to reopen embassies

Iran's Foreign Minister

An Iranian lawmaker has said that Tehran and Riyadh are reviving their relations and preparing the ground for the reopening of their embassies…reports Asian Lite News

Jalil Rahimi Jahan-Abadi, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, made the remarks on Saturday in a Twitter post adding the move will have important impact on reducing regional tensions and fostering solidarity among Muslim states.

Earlier, in an interview with Al Jazeera English-language news channel, Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Iran has so far held four rounds of positive and constructive talks with the relevant Saudi officials in Iraq, Xinhua news agency reported.

ALSO READ: Iran works to end UN voting rights suspension

“What we have stated as our official position is that relations between the two countries would return to normal whenever the Saudi side wishes. Iran is ready and welcomes the reopening of the embassies and consulates,” Abdollahian added.

On May 10, 2021, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Tehran and Riyadh had been holding talks in Iraq to defuse tensions between the two countries.