US, Ukraine officials to hold talks in Saudi Arabia on ending Ukraine war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ahead of diplomatic-level talks later in the week with US officials, Hindustan Times reported.
“Next week, on Monday, my visit to Saudi Arabia is planned to meet the crown prince. After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace,” Zelenskiy said.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said earlier on Thursday that a meeting with the Ukrainians was planned for next week in Saudi Arabia. He also said discussions were underway with Kyiv for a peace agreement framework and an initial ceasefire.
Witkoff said that Trump was pleased by Zelensky's letter after last Friday's disastrous meeting in the White House. “He felt that Zelensky's letter was a very positive first step. There was an apology. There was an acknowledgement that the United States has done so much for the country of Ukraine and a sense of gratitude,” he said, according to Hindustan Times.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others are expected to depart for Riyadh on Tuesday to attend the meeting, which will include Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski, Reuters reported.
Trump confirms Saudi visit
Donald Trump said he would visit the Kingdom probably over the next month and a half but did not mention a date.
“I'm going to Saudi Arabia. I said, I'll go if you pay a trillion dollars, $1 trillion to American companies, (spreading) the purchase over a four-year period, of a trillion dollars. They've agreed to do that, so I'm going to be going there,” Trump said, suggesting a major investment deal with Saudi Arabia.
Finance Minister Paudel asks officials to focus on projects of strategic importance
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has urged the stakeholders and officials to pay attention for the selection of projects of national importance, while submitting projects for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS.
During a discussion with the officials of the Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation held separately in the lead up to the development of upcoming fiscal year's budget, the Finance Minister asked to give emphasis on mega projects considering the role and responsibility of the province and local governments.
The Finance Minister said that the federal government was not necessary to implement projects that the province and local governments do adding that the federalism will be strengthened only if the rights and responsibilities were handed over to the province and local levels.
On the occasion, Minister Paudel said that the new budget will be drafted as per the needs and aspirations of the people by holding consultations with all sides concerned.
NA endorses five ordinances tabled by government
Five ordinances approved by National Assembly
National Assembly has endorsed the five ordinances tabled by the Government.
The NA follows suit of the House of Representatives that passed the Ordinance on Wednesday.
The Ordinance to amend some Nepal Acts relating to the promotion of good governance and public service delivery, 2081, the Economic Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2081, the Privatization (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2081, the Ordinance to amend some Nepal Acts relating to economic and business environment improvement and investment promotion, 2081, and the Ordinance to amend some Nepal Acts relating to cooperatives, 2081, were approved by the Upper House with a majority. Earlier, various MPs had tabled a motion to reject the ordinances but was rejected by a majority.
The National Assembly will meet again tomorrow.
Lawmakers demand issuance of white paper on foreign aid
Lawmakers demanded the government issue a white paper for the monetary aid it received from the United States of America.
Demanding time in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, Ramahari Khatiwada urged the government to make public the details of US aid expenditures amid the alleged misappropriation of the fund.
He urged the government to issue a white paper on it, providing details of funds obtained through non- government offices and international non- government offices.
He also drew the government's attention to the US deportations of Nepali citizens and the suspension of press pass of journalists for their questions to the Prime Minister.
Devendra Paudel apprised the House that so far the US has made deportations of 35 Nepali, urging the government to take initiatives for respectful return of Nepali citizens facing problems in various countries.
"Nepali continue to be deported from Dubai, Japan, Canada and Korea as well." Hari Dhakal expressed his dismay at the situation forcing the government to increase the price of cooking gas (liquefied petroleum gas) for the commission interest of suppliers.
Similarly, he said the Public Account Committee's direction to reduce the cost of cement has not been implemented yet.
"Prices of consumer goods have soared significantly," he complained. Madhav Sapkota urged the government to implement agreements it signed with school teachers last year. Amresh Kumar Singh accused the government of violating the Constitution in the appointment of secretary at the Ministry of Health. "
The exclusion of a senior employee in the appointment shows that the government is biased against indigenous community, Madheshi, and women," he accused, seeking the resignation of the Health Minister.
