Germany’s New Chancellor backs tougher EU sanctions on Russia
Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is signaling a tougher stance on Russia, backing stronger EU sanctions including bans on gas and uranium imports and the use of frozen Russian state assets.
Thorsten Frei, Merz’s chief of staff, said Europe must move beyond its “comfort zone” to increase pressure on Moscow. The EU is preparing a new round of sanctions following recent measures targeting Russia’s oil “shadow fleet” and financial networks, accoding to Reuters.
Merz has also supported the potential confiscation of frozen Russian assets, if legally feasible.
Foreign Minister Rana holds meeting with Japanese counterpart Takeshi
Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who is on an official visit to Japan, held a meeting today with her Japanese counterpart IWAYA Takeshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.
The meeting focused on various issues of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations, mutual interests and common concerns, marking the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan relations, which began in 1956, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Minister Rana expressed her appreciation for Japan's long standing cooperation in Nepal's economic, social and other sectors. She also urged Japan to continue its support, especially as Nepal is set to graduate from a least developed country to a developing nation by 2026.
Minister Rana extended an invitation to Minister Takeshi to visit Nepal next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Highlighting investment opportunities in Nepal, she requested Takeshi to encourage Japanese industrialists and businessmen to invest, ensuring investment security and assurance.
She also requested the Japanese government to consider launching direct flights to Nepal, a proposal to which Minister Takeshi agreed to facilitate.
Referring to the centuries-old relationship between Nepal and Japan, she said, “The two countries have had ancient socio-cultural relations inspired by the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is also a cultural bridge between Nepal and Japanese citizens.”
Acknowledging the inflow of thousands of Japanese tourists to Nepal every year particularly for study and observing the natural and cultural wonders of Nepal, including Lumbini, the two leaders discussed the possible cooperation in tourism in the coming days.
Additionally, the Foreign Minister expressed her gratitude for Japan's active engagement in the recently concluded "Sagarmatha Sambaad" organised by Nepal this week (May 15-18) , praising the role of the Japanese delegation led by Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko.
Pakistan PM Sharif hopes for talks with PM Modi, proposes Saudi Arabia as ‘neutral’ venue
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday suggested that Saudi Arabia could serve as a neutral venue for dialogue between Pakistan and India on key bilateral issues, according to the Firstpost.
Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about future conversations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While admitting China as a potential host, he stated that India will not accept it as a neutral party.
His statements came after US President Donald Trump offered to intervene between the two countries, saying that the US had helped engineer a cease-fire to decrease tensions, Firstpost reported.
In contrast, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a parliamentary panel that India and Pakistan decided to cease warfare bilaterally in response to opposition concerns over Trump's statements.
Work on Russia-Ukraine peace agreement memo progressing: Kremlin
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced ongoing work on a draft memorandum for a potential Russia-Ukraine peace agreement, with many details kept confidential. The location for future negotiations has yet to be decided, Xinhua reported.
Meanwhile, Russia is moving to implement a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 captives, following an agreement reached with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and United States President Donald Trump agreed that Russia would create a peace agreement outlining principles for resolving the conflict, a schedule, and conditions for a temporary ceasefire, according to Xinhua.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after speaking with Trump, reiterated that Ukraine will not concede territory and stressed that no decisions should be made without Kyiv’s consent.
