Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience

    Source: ASEAN

    The ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 10 October 2024. The Summit was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Summit was attended by the ASEAN Member States, the Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, as well as Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as Observer. The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance.We reiterated our support for the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” which aims to enhance ASEAN connectivity and resilience through intensifying ASEAN cooperation under the three Community pillars; promoting infrastructure connectivity, narrowing development gaps, promoting greater economic integration and people-to-people exchanges; and further strengthening ASEAN’s relations with external partners, while maintaining ASEAN’s relevance and ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture. In this regard, we adopted the ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience. We congratulated the Lao PDR on the successful convening of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, from 24 to 27 July 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rio Tinto class action begins over ‘toxic’ Bougainville mine disaster

    By Harry Pearl of BenarNews

    An initial hearing of a class action against mining giant Rio Tinto over the toxic legacy of the Panguna copper mine on the autonomous island of Bougainville has been held in Papua New Guinea.

    The lawsuit against Rio Tinto and its subsidiary Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) is seeking compensation, expected to be in the billions of dollars, for what plaintiffs allege is historic mismanagement of the massive open copper-and-gold mine between 1972 and 1989.

    More than 5000 claimants backed by anonymous investors are seeking damages for the destruction that sparked a 10-year-long civil war.

    The Panguna mine closed in 1989 after anger about pollution and the unequal distribution of profits sparked a landowner rebellion. As many as 20,000 people — or 10 percent of Bougainville’s population — are estimated to have died in the violence that followed between pro-inependence rebels and PNG.

    Although a peace process was brokered in 2001 with New Zealand support, deep political divisions remain and there has never been remediation for Panguna’s environmental and psychological scars.

    The initial hearing for the lawsuit took place on Wednesday, a day ahead of schedule, at the National Court in Port Moresby, said Matthew Mennilli, a partner at Sydney-based Morris Mennilli.

    Mennilli, who is from one of two law firms acting on behalf of the plaintiffs, said he was unable to provide further details as court orders had not yet been formally entered.

    A defence submitted
    Rio Tinto did not respond to specific questions regarding this week’s hearing, but said in a statement on September 23 it had submitted a defence and would strongly defend its position in the case.

    The lawsuit is made up by the majority of villagers in the affected area of Bougainville, an autonomous province within PNG, situated some 800km east of the capital Port Moresby.

    Martin Miriori, the primary litigant in the class action lawsuit, photographed in Bougainville, June 2024. Image: Aubrey Belford/OCCRP

    At least 71 local clan leaders support the claim, with the lead claimant named as former senior Bougainville political leader and chief of the Basking Taingku clan Martin Miriori.

    The lawsuit is being bankrolled by Panguna Mine Action, a limited liability company that stands to reap between 20-40 percent of any payout depending on how long the case takes, according to litigation funding documents cited by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

    While the lawsuit has support from a large number of local villagers, some observers fear it could upset social cohesion on Bougainville and potentially derail another long-standing remediation effort.

    The class action is running in parallel with an independent assessment of the mine’s legacy, supported by human rights groups and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), and funded by Rio Tinto.

    Locals walk by buildings left abandoned by a subsidiary of Rio Tinto at the Panguna mine site, Bougainville taken June 2024. Image: Aubrey Belford/OCCRP

    Rio Tinto agreed in 2021 to take part in the Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment after the Melbourne-based Human Rights Law Centre filed a complaint with the Australian government, on behalf of Bougainville residents.

    Legacy of destruction
    The group said the Anglo-Australian mining giant has failed to address Panguna’s legacy of destruction, including the alleged dumping of more than a billion tonnes of mine waste into rivers that continues to affect health, the environment and livelihoods.

    The assessment, which is being done by environmental consulting firm Tetra Tech Coffey, includes extensive consultation with local communities and the first phase of the evaluation is expected to be delivered next month.

    ABG President Ishmael Toroama has called the Rio Tinto class action the highest form of treason and an obstacle to the government’s economic independence agenda.

    “This class action is an attack on Bougainville’s hard-fought unity to date,” he said in May.

    In February, the autonomous government granted Australian-listed Bougainville Copper a five-year exploration licence to revive the Panguna mine site.

    The Bougainville government is hoping its reopening will fund independence. In a non-binding 2019 referendum — which was part of the 2001 peace agreement — 97.7 percent of the island’s inhabitants voted for independence.

    PNG leaders resist independence
    But PNG leaders have resisted the result, fearful that by granting independence it could encourage breakaway movements in other regions of the volatile Pacific island country.

    Former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae was appointed last month as an independent moderator to help the two parties agree on terms of a parliamentary vote needed to ratify the referendum.

    In response to the class action, Rio Tinto said last month its focus remained on “constructive engagement and meaningful action with local stakeholders” through the legacy assessment.

    The company said it was “seeking to partner with key stakeholders, such as the ABG and BCL, to design and implement a remedy framework.”

    Copyright ©2015-2024, BenarNews. Republished with the permission of BenarNews.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: SOUTH TERRACE, DUBLIN (Assist Agency)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Advice – Reduced Threat

    We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.

    All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: MOUNT ALMA ROAD, HINDMARSH VALLEY (Vehicle Accident)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Advice – Reduced Threat

    We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.

    All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ALDINGA ROAD, WHITES VALLEY (Assist Agency)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Advice – Reduced Threat

    We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.

    All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of The 21st ASEAN-India Summit

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    The 21st ASEAN-India Summit was held on 10 October 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Summit was attended by ASEAN Member States, Hon. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, as well as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as Observer. The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance.We reiterated our support for the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” which reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Community through intensifying ASEAN cooperation across the three Community pillars, promoting infrastructure connectivity, narrowing development gaps, enhancing economic integration, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and strengthening capacity and institutional effectiveness. We congratulated the Lao PDR for the successful convening of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, from 21 to 27 July 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of The 21st ASEAN-India Summit appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, Fox Glacier Highway, Westland National Park

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Fox Glacier Highway is blocked following a single vehicle crash where a van has rolled at the Westland National Park.

    The crash was reported around 2pm.

    There were no reported injuries.

    The road is blocked between Docherty Creek Road and Main Road.

    Police advise motorists to be alert and drive to the conditions with reports of snow and hail in the area. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: EYRE HIGHWAY, NULLARBOR (Hazmat)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    NULLARBOR

    Eyre Highway HazMat

    Issued for NULLARBOR near 88 km east of the Western Australia border .

    The CFS is responding to a HazMat incident 88 km east of the Western Australia border in the Nullarbor, South Australia.

    CFS volunteers, with one truck and one bulk-water carrier, are on the scene, supported by SA Police, WA Police, and Western Australia Fire. Personnel are maintaining an exclusion zone to protect the public from toxic smoke.

    The cause of the smoke is a semi-trailer fire carrying household insecticides, which will continue to produce smoke for at least 10 to 24 hours.

    Road closures due to this incident, include:

    Eyre Highway between Eucla to Yalata

    It is unknown when the roads will be reopened. Visit traffic.sa.gov.au for more information on road closures.

    Smoke and toxic fumes are impacting the surrounding area, and visibility may be reduced. To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel working in the area, please do not enter the incident area unless necessary.

    As a precaution, the public should remain indoors and in vehicles with windows and doors closed and any air conditioning set to recirculation to not draw any fumes or smoke into enclosed spaces.

    Message ID 0007773

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of The 12th ASEAN-United States Summit

    Source: ASEAN

    The 12th ASEAN-United States (U.S.) Summit was held on 11 October 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Summit was attended by ASEAN Member States, the Honourable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America, as well as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as Observer The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance.We reiterated our support for the Lao PDR’s priorities for its ASEAN Chairmanship 2024 under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” which reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN Community through intensifying ASEAN cooperation under the three Community pillars, promoting infrastructure connectivity, narrowing development gaps, enhancing economic integration and people-to-people exchanges, and further strengthening ASEAN’s relations with external partners, while maintaining ASEAN’s relevance and ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture. We congratulated the Lao PDR on the successful convening of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, from 21 to 27 July 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of The 12th ASEAN-United States Summit appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of The 19th East Asia Summit (EAS)

    Source: ASEAN

    The 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) was held on 11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Summit was attended by ASEAN Member States, Australia, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Russian Federation, and the United States of America (U.S.), as well as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as Observer. The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance. The President of the European Council and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as Guests of the Chair, briefed the 19 EAS on enhancing connectivity and economic integration.Review and Future Direction of the EAS
    We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening the EAS as a premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia in line with the EAS fundamental documents and based on the established principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of The 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked following incident on Northern Motorway, Dairy Flat, Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    The Northern Motorway is blocked following a multi-vehicle crash, northbound around 2:50pm.

    Police responded to Point Chevalier after a vehicle was stolen from a member of the public, before continuing to the Northern Motorway where they have been involved in a multi-vehicle crash.

    The road is blocked from Oteha Valley and enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Straterra – Overseas investment changes welcome

    Source: Straterra Inc

    Straterra welcomes the Coalition Government’s proposed changes to the Overseas Investment Act, says chief executive Josie Vidal.
    “Mining is very capital intensive so overseas investment is particularly important to the New Zealand mining sector as a provider of capital that just isn’t available here, as well as in providing access to new expertise, technology, and links to global distribution chains,” Vidal says.
    “We agree with the Government that New Zealand needs to attract more overseas investment.
    “Reducing the regulatory burden to investment in mining and mineral processing will help New Zealand unlock our endowment of critical minerals.
    “We support fast-tracking the assessment process and introducing a government policy statement (GPS) mechanism.
    “We are certainly seeing renewed interest internationally in investing in New Zealand mining and New Zealand was viewed more favourably than in recent years in the Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies, which ranks jurisdictions worldwide based on their overall investment attractiveness, the attractiveness of their mining policy, and their geological attractiveness.
    “Enabling governments to signal their policy stance using a GPS has a lot of merit. Because of the long lead time required for mining investments, a cross-party approach for attracting investment is needed – at least as much as is possible. A GPS is preferable to successive government’s making disruptive changes to overseas investment settings.
    “We will scrutinise the proposals and provide feedback to the Government and may have more recommendations to make.”
    Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Balhannah

    Source: South Australia Police

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Balhannah.

    The single motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Kerr Road and Beaumont Road, Balhannah, at 1pm on Sunday 13 October.

    Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Across the UAE, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia: Diverse Adoption Rates, Consistent Outcomes

    Source: Center of Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

    The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is transforming medical practices worldwide by significantly reducing patient care wait times and reducing physician’s workload. This was a key topic at the international session of the Russian Diagnostic Summit, where representatives from the UAE, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia shared insights into their AI initiatives in radiology. Despite the differing speed of AI adoption, the outcomes in each country have been strikingly similar.

     During the session, experts from these nations discussed their experiences with AI in medical imaging. China is prioritizing the standardization and regulation of AI technologies in healthcare, while the UAE is advancing the use of AI in ultrasound. Saudi Arabia is leveraging remote CT and MRI scanning to address healthcare access challenges in rural areas. Russia, meanwhile, has developed the Unified Radiology Information Service, which centralizes patient records, providing physicians with real-time access to diagnostic data.

    This innovative system drew the attention of international delegates, who expressed interest in adopting similar solutions in their countries. As Yuri Vasilev, Senior Consultant for Radiology and Instrumental Diagnostics of the Moscow Healthcare Department, stated, AI’s implementation across all participating countries has led to faster patient care and reduced physician workload.

     In his presentation on musculoskeletal diagnostics, Dr. Abdulla Alremaithi, President of the Radiology Society of Emirates, highlighted that AI has reduced scanning times by 88% and improved image quality in the UAE.

     Peijun Wang, Professor and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Society of Radiology, outlined China’s comprehensive efforts to regulate and validate AI-enabled medical devices. As of 2022, China had issued 22 regulatory documents, and by 2023, 62 companies were involved in developing AI-driven medical imaging tools, with 45 products supporting the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, chest illnesses, and fractures.

     In Saudi Arabia, Dr.Mashael Alrujaiba, a board member of the Radiological Society of Saudi Arabia, discussed how remote diagnostic technologies, such as CT and MRI scans, are improving access to healthcare for patients in rural regions.

     Shazia Khan, Professor of Radiology from Pakistan, emphasized the impact of AI on workflow efficiency, citing the automation of measurements as a key advantage.

     The Russian Diagnostic Summit saw participation from over 13,000 attendees, including representatives from all regions of Russia and delegations from 28 countries, such as Abkhazia, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, India, and Syria. The event featured 236 scientific and educational sessions, held across 21 conference halls, including forums, seminars, roundtable discussions, and masterclasses. More than 800 leading professionals presented, and over 230 companies exhibited their latest technological innovations at the Diagnopolis exhibition.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of The 14th ASEAN-United Nations Summit

    Source: ASEAN

    The 14th ASEAN-United Nations (UN) Summit was held on 11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and attended by the ASEAN Member States, H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, as well as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as Observer. The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance.We reiterated our support for the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” which aims to ensure ASEAN collective efforts in the strengthening of the ASEAN Community to seize opportunities as well as address present and emerging challenges effectively.
    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of The 14th ASEAN-United Nations Summit appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 12/10/2024 Statement by the UNIFIL participating states following the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    At the initiative of Poland, a group of 34 countries participating in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, including three permanent members of the UN Security Council, issued a joint statement in New York on 12 October condemning the recent attacks on the mission’s force base. The countries called for an immediate cessation of attacks and for ensuring adequate protection for UN personnel in accordance with international law. The countries reaffirmed their full support for the UNIFIL mission and activities, the main objective of which is to ensure stability and lasting peace in southern Lebanon, as well as in the Middle East, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. They stressed that the role of UNIFIL is particularly important in light of the escalating situation in the region. The statement was addressed to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the members of the Security Council. The UNIFIL mission is staffed by 10,000 personnel. peacekeeping troops, including over 200 Poles. Below is a list of countries that have joined the Polish initiative:

    1. Armenia2. Austria3. Bangladesh4. Brasilia5. Cambodia6. Chino7. Chipre8. Salvador9. Estonia10. Fiji11. Finland12. France13. Ghana14. Guatemala15. Hungary16. Indonesia17. Ireland18. Italy19. Kazakhstan20. Republic of Korea21. Latvia22. Malaysia23. Malta24. Mongolia25. Nepal26. Netherlands27. Poland28. Qatar29. Sierra Leone30. Spain31. Sri Lanka32. Tanzania33. Turkey34. Great Britain35. Germany36. Peru37. Uruguay Content of the statement:Statement by the States participating in the UNIFIL mission following the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.As States participating in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), we reaffirm our full support for the UNIFIL mission and activities, the primary objective of which is to ensure stability and lasting peace in South Lebanon, as well as in the Middle East, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.We consider the role of UNIFIL to be particularly important in light of the escalating situation in the region.In this regard, we strongly condemn the recent attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers. Such actions must be immediately stopped and properly investigated.We call on the parties to the conflict to respect the presence of UNIFIL, which entails the obligation to guarantee the safety of its personnel at all times, so that they can continue to implement their mandate and continue their work of mediation and support for peace and stability in Lebanon and the wider region.We reaffirm our commitment to multilateral cooperation with the UN at its core. We call for respect for international law, in particular the UN Charter and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 12/10/2024 Varsovia Regain control, ensure safety

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    At the heart of our country’s migration policy is caring for the security of Poland – millions of Poles. El primer ministro Donald Tusk announced the adoption of the government strategy “Regain control, ensure security”, the aim of which will be to regain full control over migration and to limit as much as possible the illegal crossing of Polish borders. The Prime Minister also referred to other government obligations implemented in recent months. One of the most important challenges in Poland, Europe and the world is to develop a strong response to the challenges and fears caused by mass migration and migratory pressure driven by hostile states. “Poland is supposed to be safe. Poles should feel free. Safe and free in their country. That’s why our migration policy is so important,” admitted the Prime Minister. The foundations of freedom are the state of law, the rule of law and true democratic rules, which have been consistently destroyed over the last eight years. MIGRATION WAS A TOOL OF FIGHT. Lack of real control and chaos in the previous migration policy. government caused hundreds of thousands of people from Asia and Africa to come to Poland, towards whom an atmosphere of hatred and contempt was created. “They built a partly corrupt system, and now no one has any doubts about it, which allowed for an absolutely uncontrolled influx, partly privatized, hundreds of thousands of formally legal migrants or hundreds of thousands of illegal ones. Was it the Belarusian border, was it the visa system, was it pseudo-studies, was it a completely privatized policy when it comes to the labor market versus migrants,” explained Donald Tusk. Thanks to the actions of the current government, in the first half of 2024 a total of 31 percent fewer visas of all categories compared to the same period in 2023. Their predecessors created the most pro-migration government in Europe, in the context of illegal migration, which had no regard for the security of its nation and EU borders. “One of the elements of the migration strategy will be the temporary territorial suspension of the law for asylum and I will demand that it be recognized in Europe. We know well how it is used by Lukashenko, Putin, by smugglers, smugglers and human traffickers, how this right to asylum is used exactly contrary to its essence,” the prime minister admitted. The current government is making a kind of turn in this matter, distancing itself from the disastrous practices of its predecessors and proposes coherent actions in this area. Migration will not threaten the security of either borders or citizens. MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION Over the last eight years, the Polish state has lost control over the wave of illegal migration, and the influx of immigrants has become a weapon in the political struggle. In the years 2018-2023, Poland issued over 6 million euros of visas, most of which were 3.8 million euros for work visas.  “The state is responsible for ensuring that people who want to work honestly in Poland, pay taxes, integrate with Polish society and study at a real university come to Poland. And these are people who deserve respect, respect. This also means integration activities. If someone wants to come to Poland permanently, work longer, study longer, they must want to respect Polish standards and Polish customs, they must want to integrate. After adopting this strategy, which has also happened in recent months, we will reduce illegal migration in Poland to a minimum. We will eliminate these practices in order to fully regain control over who comes, why they come, and how useful they can be,” said the head of government. A negative example of omitting integration processes is the Germans, who put private interests ahead of the good of society. The government’s tough attitude in line with the national interest will protect Polish women and men from fear and provide them with a sense of security. ACTIONS OF THE MFA In the fight against the huge influx of people from Asia and Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not only increased the prices of Polish visas, but also introduced new guidelines for Polish consulates, which previous governments used for their own purposes. “What I am saying can be achieved, but on one condition: that Donald Tusk’s government will not have someone constantly putting a stick in its spokes, vetoing it maliciously, sending it to the so-called Tribunal, that it will not block even appointment of Polish ambassadors.” – Radosław Sikorski added to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In its report, the Supreme Audit Office found a number of irregularities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding, among others: consular activities, visa process or favoring companies, people and agencies. The previous Ministry of Foreign Affairs was indifferent to the threat posed by Russia and from the beginning of aggression against Ukraine until December 2023, it issued over 1.8 thousand to Russian citizens. fenómeno.GREAT RETURN TO THE HOMELANDPolonia, like many European countries, is struggling with the challenge of demographic decline. One of the ways to fight it will be the return of Poles and people with Polish roots to their homeland. “We are planning a policy of accelerated returns of Poles and people of Polish origin from the Polish diaspora and abroad. By building the image of a safe country, Poland is also becoming an attractive place for Poles who can come back here. Why wouldn’t an 18-year-old Polish woman, a 20-year-old Pole living in England, France or the United States want to come back here, study here. Soon he will be earning as much as in England, and the place is nicer. And perhaps also thanks to our migration strategy, it will really be not only the coolest, but also objectively the safest place in Europe,” announced Donald Tusk. Citizenship, repatriation and contact with the diaspora are one of the important elements of the migration strategy developed since December 2023. Poland did not have such a document in 2016. THE BORDER IS MORE AND MORE CLEAR Over recent months, our country has rebuilt its credibility in the international arena and has become the country on which the security of the eastern wall of the entire European Union rests, both in terms of defense against foreign countries and illegal immigrants. This year, Poland will allocate 4.3% of GDP to defense, and next year 4.7%. This is the most in the entire North Atlantic Alliance. “The fact that today we invest so much in our defense, in our security, and we do it in a well-thought-out way, also builds the image of Poland as a country that really knows what it is about and that really cares about security. ”- Prime Minister said. The construction of one of the strongest armies in the EU, the ruthless attitude of the Polish government and the services operating on the border with Belarus do not go unnoticed among those involved in the process of illegal border crossing. UNCROSSABLE BORDER Since December 2023, the Polish government has been consistently sealing the border with Belarus , which is attacked every day as part of the so-called hybrid war. The inviolability of Polish borders is guarded by thousands of policemen, soldiers and the Border Guard. If it turns out to be impassable for illegal migrants, no one will die on this border. Anyone who has such a need and is persecuted will be able to come to Poland. On one condition that it complies with all procedures, laws and rules in force in Poland. There is no way that someone would illegally enter Poland and we would turn a blind eye to it,” declared Donald Tusk. In less than a year of government, only two people lost their lives at the border. As many as 18 people died in 2023. TIME FOR ACTION Years of neglect are visible not only in the aspect of defense or migration policy. The actions of the previous government blocked the transfer of billions of zlotys that could have been spent on important investments. “Europe, both institutions and heads of state, all accepted that Poland regained access to European funds and became the center of Europe and the heart of Europe again. In a sense, it was these millions of Polish women and men who decided, and not only our actions, that Poland regained Europe and Europe regained Poland, including these billions,” said Primer Ministro. From the first days of this term, the government also cares about the safety of citizens in other dimensions, which can be seen in social benefits for families and the most needy, facilities for those running agricultural activities and health care. Poles can use, among others: from the “grandmother’s program”, the 800+ program or leave for entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister emphasized that no change could take place without the will of voters. He thanked all those who trusted the current government. “We are aware of how much we owe to those millions who, sometimes despite the circumstances, went and took power from the hands of these people who had been spoiling the Polish state for 8 years, destroying our hopes and dreams. The bromear pair is a real guarantee. Para bromear, the real foundation of these good, positive changes. For us, we are just workers. It is our job to transform these hopes, dreams, our obligations, the expectations of our voters into facts every day, every month. The most important thing is that we maintain and greatly accelerate the course of changes that we started at the end of last year,” explained Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister emphasized that Poles want a completely different Poland than it was under the previous government – they expect the highest standards. Voters’ demands towards the government motivate it to act. It is to them that the government pledged to continue working for the country and its inhabitants.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Cambodians invited to explore unique winter landscapes in China’s Heilongjiang

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People visit the Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Exposition in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, Jan. 2, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

    An overseas promotional event for ice and snow tourism in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province was held in the capital of Cambodia on Saturday, inviting local visitors to experience the province’s picturesque wintry wonderland.

    Heilongjiang province has abundant ice-and-snow resources, making it a popular destination for winter tourism in China, attracting numerous tourists from home and abroad during Chinese New Year holidays.

    Speaking at the event, Ny Phaly, secretary of state of Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, said the event was vital to further enhance cultural ties, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Cambodia and China.

    He added that tourism resources of Heilongjiang province and Cambodia are quite different but complementary, and the event was a good opportunity for both sides to boost cooperation.

    “I would like to encourage Cambodian people to spend their holidays in Heilongjiang province, and also wish to invite tourists from Heilongjiang province to explore Cambodia,” Phaly said.

    The official also urged tour operators of the two sides to work together closely to arrange tour packages for both tourism destinations.

    Hosted by the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and co-organized by the Cambodia-China Journalists Association and Tour Around (Global) Co., Ltd., the event drew more than 200 participants.

    He Jing, director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said the event was aimed at promoting cultural exchanges and Heilongjiang’s enchanting ice and snow tourism resources to Cambodian tourists.

    At the event, promotional videos and presentations were introduced, vividly showcasing the province’s breathtaking natural landscapes, inspiring ice and snow wonders and rich cultural heritage.

    The immersive experience took attendees on a virtual journey through Heilongjiang’s winter magic.

    Highlights included the dazzling Harbin Ice and Snow World, the vast Greater Khingan Mountains, the towering ice waterfalls of Jingpo Lake, the mystical auroras of Mohe, and the first rays of sunlight at Fuyuan, all of which impressed the audience most.

    Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said that as 2024 marked the Cambodia-China people-to-people exchange year, the event was crucial to boost mutual exchanges in areas like tourism and culture.

    She added that the event unfolded the beauty of Heilongjiang’s ice and snow culture and tourism to Cambodian people, inspiring them to travel to the province to experience the unique winter landscapes in person.

    “This event is vital to introduce Cambodian tourists to a new tourism destination, where they can play with ice and snow,” she told Xinhua.

    “Cambodian tourists should spend their holidays in Heilongjiang for ice and snow play because in Cambodia, the weather is hot most of the time, and we don’t have snow,” she added.

    Sivlin said as Heilongjiang is not very far away from Cambodia, visiting the province will save tourists both time and money.

    “They don’t need to spend much money for expensive places. In China, the expense is still cheaper than that of European countries, and we can enjoy authentic ice and snow as those in Europe,” she said.

    On Friday, Heilongjiang province launched its first overseas tourism cooperation and promotion center in Phnom Penh, aiming to showcase Heilongjiang’s tourism profile in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Laos to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China and Laos agreed to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality in a joint statement issued in Vientiane, Laos on Saturday during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic from Oct. 11 to 12 at the invitation of its Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

    In the statement, China and Laos agreed to continue to strengthen practical cooperation under the framework of strategic alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Laos’ strategy to “convert the landlocked country into a land-linked hub” and to implement the outline of the cooperation plan for jointly building the Belt and Road between the two countries.

    The two sides agreed to promote the operation, maintenance and development along the China-Laos Railway with high quality, actively push for the “juxtaposed border control” of the China-Laos Railway to achieve substantial progress as soon as possible, and strive for the standard gauge connection of China-Laos Railway and Thailand railway at an early date to promote the implementation of the China-Laos-Thailand Connectivity Development Corridor Outlook, said the statement.

    China appreciates Laos’ interest in and intention to cooperate on Chinese commercial aircraft and welcomes Laos’ aviation enterprises to introduce these aircraft, it said.

    The two countries will further strengthen trade exchange and increase the scale and level of trade. To this end, China and Laos will work together to implement the zero-tariff arrangement for 100 percent of Lao products exported to China, and push for more high-quality Lao agricultural and food exports to China, it added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Tentative Agreement Reached on UH Faculty Contract Months Ahead of Deadline

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    Tentative Agreement Reached on UH Faculty Contract Months Ahead of Deadline

    University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly to Hold Ratification Vote for an Early Settlement

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2024

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., University of Hawai’i President David Lassner, and the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement for UH faculty represented by the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly (UHPA). The tentative agreement comes more than eight months before the current contract expires.

    The current contract for the UH faculty expires June 30, 2025. The new two-year contract will begin July 1, 2025, to coincide with the start of a new state fiscal year.

    Faculty will vote electronically on the tentative agreement from Tuesday, October 15, through 5:00 p.m, Thursday, October 17, 2024.

    The collective bargaining agreement is a multi-party contract involving the Governor, UH president, the Board of Regents and UHPA. All must agree to the terms and conditions of the contract.

    The new contract mirrors the last two years (2025-2027) of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA) agreement with the state that extends through June 2027. The agreement includes a 3.5% wage increase in the first year and a 3.79% increase in the second year.

    “The role of the University of Hawaiʻi is absolutely critical to ensuring a thriving and healthy future for our state. UH is an economic driver for everyone in Hawai‘i,” said Governor Green. “This agreement will allow us to attract and retain the great faculty we need who can develop our future leaders and citizens as they work to address the greatest challenges and opportunities we face.”

    “We are deeply grateful to Governor Green, UHPA and their teams for this positive collaborative outcome that will provide well-deserved increases for our hard-working faculty members,” said UH President David Lassner. “This will ensure stability in our relationship as a new president takes the helm of the UH system and enable our faculty to focus on the incredible work they do each and every day across instruction, research and service with and for our students and communities throughout our islands.”

    “Reaching a tentative agreement more than half a year before the expiration of the current contract is a testament to the power of collaboration,“ said Christian Fern, executive director of UHPA, the exclusive bargaining agent for 3,300 faculty across all 10 UH campuses statewide. “With the uncertainties ahead, we appreciate Governor Green, President Lassner, and the Board of Regents for offering this package to the faculty early to provide a fair and equitable proposal for our members to vote on so that we can focus our collective efforts on making Hawai’i a better place to live and work, now and for future generations.”

    # # #

    About the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly
    The University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly (UHPA) has been the exclusive bargaining agent for all UH faculty since 1974 and currently represents about 3,300 faculty members at 10 campuses in the University of Hawai‘i system statewide. UHPA affiliated with AFT in April, 2024.

    About AFT 
    AFT is part of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Labor Organizations (AFL-CIO), which comprises 60 national and international labor unions with a combined membership of 12.5 million members. It is the largest higher education union in the country, representing 70 percent of all unionized faculty. AFT is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities.

    About the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi System
    The 10 campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi System is Hawaiʻi’s sole provider of public higher education and is currently serving more than 50,000 students. It fulfills its mission through seven community colleges, two regional universities and a globally-acclaimed research university with education and nine research centers throughout the state. Striving to be grounded in traditional Hawaiian values, UH offers unique opportunities to meet the needs of the people and islands it serves from workforce training to preeminent academic programs, while also serving as a forward-looking economic engine driving hubs of innovation and research.

    Media Contacts:   

    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – DLNR TRANSFERS 34 HAWAI‘I ISLAND LEASES AND REVOCABLE PERMITS TO DOA, Oct. 11, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – DLNR TRANSFERS 34 HAWAI‘I ISLAND LEASES AND REVOCABLE PERMITS TO DOA, Oct. 11, 2024

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR 

     

    DAWN CHANG 
    CHAIRPERSON 

     

    NEWS RELEASE 

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    Oct. 11, 2024

     

    DLNR TRANSFERS 34 HAWAI‘I ISLAND LEASES AND REVOCABLE PERMITS TO DOA

    Continuance of Act 90 Requirements

     

    (HONOLULU) – At its meeting today, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) approved transferring more than 7,000 acres of land on Hawai‘i Island from DLNR jurisdiction to the Hawai‘i Dept. of Agriculture (DOA).

    The nine leases and 25 revocable permits represent a continuation of the transfers under Act 90. Passed by the legislature in 2003, the act is to “ensure the long-term productive use of public lands available to be leased by the DLNR for agricultural purposes by allowing those lands to be transferred to and managed by DOA.”   

    This process under Act 90, ensures that both BLNR and Board of Agriculture agree on which parcels of parcels of land are appropriate to be transferred from DLNR  to DOA. 

    “We have appreciated the collaborative process of Act 90 to ensure that there is a balanced approach between supporting sustainable ag and protection and preservation of important public lands for forestry management, watershed protection, recreational trail access, and hunting,” stated Chair Dawn Chang.

     Previously, DLNR had processed executive orders setting aside approximately 24,528 acres to DOA. Last year, the BLNR and the state Board of Agriculture approved an additional 24,767 acres in Kau under lease and revocable permit to Kapapala Ranch for transfer to DOA, but surveys and subdivision are needed before an executive order can be completed for the transfer. In addition, late last year, the Board of Agriculture approved acceptance of 21,672 acres. Under the terms of Act 90, more than 70,000 acres of ag land has been transferred, or approved for transfer, so far. 

    In the latest transfer, most of the land is in pasture, with two parcels described as being utilized for “intensive agriculture.” Five acres will be under a revocable permit to Volcano Island Honey Co. for an apiary. The largest transfer, this time around, is to Parker Ranch, with approximately 4,529 acres of pastureland.

    The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) indicates it needs to establish public or management access over nine additional leases and permits before those lands are transferred to DOA. Those leases and permits will require further coordination with DOFAW on the location of access points before staff can make a recommendation to the BLNR. 

    Comments on the land transfers were solicited from state, county, and federal agencies and no objections or responses were received. In the event the lands are no longer needed for agricultural purposes, the set-asides will be cancelled or amended as appropriate, and those lands will be returned to the DLNR inventory.

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    HD video – Parker Ranch, Hawai‘i Island (Sept. 14, 2022):

    [embedded content]

    Photographs – Parker Ranch, Hawai‘i Island (Sept. 14, 2022):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6jk0gq3dc1rpt8s6a2muq/AM_0jqJOv-B6zlXtP4inN7c?rlkey=q9ouic7uhpgte4v6jph85gd1g&e=1&st=3h53pi0e&dl=0

     

    Media Contact: 

    Dan Dennison 

    Communications Director 

    808-587-0396 

    [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – WAIMĀNALO HOMELESS SHELTER GETS NEW LEASE ON LIFE, Oct. 11, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – WAIMĀNALO HOMELESS SHELTER GETS NEW LEASE ON LIFE, Oct. 11, 2024

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR 

     

    DAWN CHANG 
    CHAIRPERSON 

     

    NEWS RELEASE 

     

    WAIMĀNALO HOMELESS SHELTER GETS NEW LEASE ON LIFE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    Oct. 11, 2024

     

    (HONOLULU) – Today, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) agreed to set aside nearly 11 acres of DLNR land in Waimānalo for a kauhale housing project.

     

    A community homeless shelter known as Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina has been operating at the site since 2020 without BLNR approval. However, the DLNR expressed a willingness to have nonprofit entities engage in helping occupants obtain proper authorization to be on the land.

     

    The department’s primary concern was that the current collection of small single-, double- and family shelters lie in a flood zone. After a topographical study, discussions with Aunty Blanche McMillan who currently provides housing for 80 people, the aio Foundation which will build out the new location, as well as state and county authorities, it was determined that another portion of the same property is elevated enough to allow for the residential development and the remainder of the property would be used for agricultural uses to support the community village.

     

    “The department is in full support of this project. Under the collaboration with aio Foundation, DLNR was reassured that our concerns were addressed. More importantly, when I visited Aunty Blanche’s Hui Mahi‘ai ‘Āina in Waimānalo, I was moved by the sense of community the residents felt for each other, for the place and for themselves,” stated DLNR Chair Dawn Chang.

     

    With the set-aside, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (SOHHS), along with the nonprofit aio Foundation is planning to build a community village for homeless individuals off ʻOluʻolu and Hilu Streets.

     

    The proposed project will have 32 single units, 18 double rooms, six family units, and two units for cancer patients. The 58 units will have shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, a laundry room, and classrooms.

     

    In its BLNR submittal, the DLNR Land Division noted, “aio Foundation has experience in this type of development involving public and private partnership with its development and operation of Kahauiki Village near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. It is a 144-unit community, housing nearly 700 adults and children.

     

    That property is under a set-aside to the City and County of Honolulu, which in turn issues a lease to the aio Foundation. The same approach is planned for the Waimānalo parcel in which the aio Foundation plans to obtain a lease from SOHSS. The BLNR will have to consent to the lease at a future meeting when more specific terms and conditions are available.

     

    Chapter 343 Environmental Assessment of the project was suspended by a Governor’s Proclamation, dated Jan. 23, 2023, to the extent necessary to expedite the provision of housing for homeless persons.

     

    Aunty Blanche, as she is affectionately known as by the dozens of people she’s helped over the past five years, is excited about the future. The land which currently has structures will be fully converted to food production for the community. She expects construction of new tiny homes on the parcel approved by the BLNR will take about a year.

     

    “Sharing and how to give back and how to love our people,” she said, is the most important thing. “Taking care of the houseless, our kūpuna, and even sick folks with stage 4 cancer is my style. I love it and I love teaching other people how to care. I believe that everything is going to fall in place,” McMillen added.

     

    # # #

     

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    HD video – Waimānalo homeless shelter site and SOTs (Oct. 10, 2024):

    [embedded content]

    (Shot sheet/transcription attached)

     

    Photographs – Waimānalo homeless shelter site (Oct. 10, 2024):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/inmw75uniqmfnfni7wofl/AM6sz9PKFe3I0H8PXvQIPeQ?rlkey=9enouz1hw9b07t3f3htvkiw0b&st=aeeik7fk&dl=0

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Dan Dennison 

    Communications Director 

    808-587-0396 

    [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – NEW VIDEOS EXPLORE CULTURAL PRACTICE WITH NATURAL RESOURCES

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – NEW VIDEOS EXPLORE CULTURAL PRACTICE WITH NATURAL RESOURCES

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    NEWS RELEASE 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 11, 2024 

    NEW VIDEOS EXPLORE CULTURAL PRACTICE WITH NATURAL RESOURCES

    DLNR’s ʻIke Kaiāulu series interviews local experts to share their knowledge

    (HONOLULU) – Our natural resources in Hawaiʻi are inextricably connected to the communities that rely upon and care for those resources. The “ʻIke Kaiāulu,” or “Community Knowledge,” video series, produced by education teams within the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), seeks to tap into an understanding of this rich history of caring for ‘āina and kai.

    The series premiered in 2023 with four videos sharing community knowledge related to limu, wood carving, lāʻau lapaʻau (medicinal plant use), and caring for special places like Kaʻena Point.

    Four new videos were recently added to the series, featuring experts with knowledge to share across a variety of practices: 

    • Kumu Hulu Mele Kahalepuna Chun explores her family’s history with Hawaiian featherwork and its relationship to the health of forest birds in Hawaiʻi
    • Paepae o Heʻeia Executive Director Hiʻilei Kawelo shares her experiences with loko iʻa (fishponds) and their connection to mauka and makai ecosystem health
    • ʻŌpelu fisherman Chuck Kealoha Leslie discusses his knowledge of net making and his hopes for the future of fishing in Hawaiʻi
    • Dr. Kawika Winter, Director of the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve, discusses biocultural restoration and the importance of centering indigenous ways of thinking in ecosystem management.

    While sharing knowledge from different fields, the interviewees expressed common themes. Each of the four experts talked about their knowledge coming from parents, grandparents, or other kūpuna and the importance of passing on that knowledge to younger generations.

    Mele Kahalepuna Chun said that passing along the knowledge provided by her tūtū and her mother was not a job, but a kuleana. “What I want to say to our keiki is to make sure it lives. Just holomua: keep it going.” 

    Another common theme was the endurance of cultural practices in communities. “The relationships we have within the ahupuaʻa, that’s what makes the magic happen,” said Hiʻilei Kawelo. On the topic of featherwork, Kahalepuna Chun added that her tūtū was often asked, “‘Isn’t this a dying art?’ She’d say no, not as long as I can help it.”

    Interviewees also shared hope for the future of their particular areas of expertise. Chuck Kealoha Leslie shared that he wanted keiki to know how we did things in the old ways, and then they can make it their own. He added, “If they want to do fishing, make fishing their life and make it joyful.”

    Dr. Kawika Winter articulated his views of cultural practice as part of management and life in Hawaiʻi, saying, “We’ve been here a long time, we’re going to continue being here a long time.” On the importance of sharing experience and knowledge, he added, “So many of the elders who came before me have said that Hawaiʻi has the answers that will help heal the world.”

    All videos are available on the DLNR website.

    # # # 

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

    ʻIke Kaiāulu videos: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/education/videos

    Photographs of Community Experts on DOFAW website: https://hidofaw.canto.com/b/LF93O

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Reports Additional Mpox Cases

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Reports Additional Mpox Cases

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH REPORTS ADDITIONAL MPOX CASES

    Mpox vaccination encouraged for anyone at risk

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 11, 2024                                                                                                    24-135

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is reporting two additional cases of mpox diagnosed in Hawaiʻi. One case was associated with out-of-state exposure. In the other case, no out-of-state exposure or link to other prior cases was identified, suggesting the mpox infection was locally acquired.

    There have been seven mpox cases diagnosed in Hawai‘i in 2024. These additional cases bring the total number of cases reported to the Hawaiʻi DOH since June 3, 2022 to 53. Those at higher risk of mpox infection should consider being vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. JYNNEOS vaccination will be offered at this year’s Honolulu Pride Festival, Saturday Oct. 19 at the Waikīkī Shell.

    Health care providers in each county continue to vaccinate high-risk individuals. Additionally, retail pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens now offer JYNNEOS vaccinations. Find a provider offering the vaccine here: https://health.hawaii.gov/mpox.

    Transmission

    The risk of mpox infection remains low for most Hawai‘i residents. Mpox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material or items used by someone with mpox. The infection may be spread through large respiratory droplets, which generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged contact is required.

    The current cases of clade II mpox, both nationally and in Hawai‘i, are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. However, anyone who has close contact with someone with mpox is at risk of infection, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Ask new partners about their health, including recent rashes or sores. If you or your partner feel sick or have new or unexplained rashes or sores, avoid close contact with others until getting checked out by a health care provider. Don’t share bedding, clothing, or toothbrushes with people outside your household. If attending events with lots of direct, skin-to-skin contact, minimizing physical contact and partners can reduce risk.

    Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

    Individuals with mpox symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or new or unexplained rashes or sores, should immediately contact their health care provider. Testing and treatment are available. Persons without a health care provider can seek care at the STI/HIV Clinic at the Diamond Head Health Center.

    Public Health Monitoring for Clade I Mpox Virus

    On Aug. 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an ongoing clade I mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The clade I mpox has not been detected in the U.S. or Hawaiʻi and only few travel-associated cases have been identified to date outside the currently affected countries in central Africa.

    The Hawaiʻi Department of Health will continue to monitor for clade I mpox through investigation of all suspected mpox cases. Hawaiʻi residents traveling internationally are encouraged to review updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mpox vaccination recommendations and travel health notices.

    The JYNNEOS vaccine, which protects against clade II mpox, is also expected to protect against clade I mpox.

    Vaccination Recommendations

    The JYNNEOS vaccine is available statewide. For full protection, you should get two doses of JYNNEOS four weeks apart. Those at higher risk for mpox and who should consider being vaccinated include:

    • Individuals who meet both the following criteria:
      • Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men; and
      • Have multiple or casual sex partners (such as through dating apps) or expect to have this mpox risk in the future.
    • People who have a sex partner in any of the categories described above;
    • Anyone with close contact in the last 14 days to a person with known or suspected mpox infection;
    • Travelers to a country with a clade I mpox outbreak who anticipate any of the following activities during travel, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation:
      • Sex with a new partner
      • Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., a sex club or bathhouse)
      • Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or other trade
      • Sex in association with a large public event (e.g., a rave, party, or festival)
    • Anyone in any of these categories who has received only one mpox vaccine dose.

    Vaccine Sites 

    Pharmacies 

    Vaccine Clinics 

    Oʻahu residents can contact:

    • Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center (in Honolulu) at 808-521-2437
    • Kaiser Permanente, Māpunapuna Medical Office (in Honolulu) at 808-432-2000
    • Waikīkī Health at 808-922-4787

    Kauaʻi residents can contact:

    • Malama Pono Health Services (in Līhuʻe) at 808-246-9577

    Maui residents can contact:

    • Malama I Ke Ola Health Center (in Wailuku) at 808-871-7772

    Hawaiʻi Island residents can contact:

    • Hāmākua-Kohala Health Centers (in Honokaʻa) at 808-930-2751
    • Kumukahi Health + Wellness (in Hilo and Kona) at 808-982-8800

    On April 1, 2024, Bavarian Nordic commercially launched its JYNNEOS vaccine and opened ordering of the vaccine through commercial wholesalers. As a result, the JYNNEOS vaccine may potentially be accessed at other clinics and pharmacies. Those interested in getting mpox vaccination at other locations can call ahead to determine availability.

    Further information and updates can be found at health.hawaii.gov/mpox.

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    808-586-4407

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: News release on new Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle interim rule on movement of host material

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News release on new Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle interim rule on movement of host material

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

        

         

     

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KIAʻĀINA
                                                                           

    SHARON HURD
    CHAIRPERSON

    HAWAI`I BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

    NR24-29

    October 11, 2024

     

    NEW INTERIM RULE CONTINUES RESTRICTIONS ON THE MOVEMENT OF PALM PLANTS AND ORGANIC MATERIAL THAT MAY CONTAIN COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLES

     

    HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) today established a new interim rule to help stop the movement of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) from designated CRB-infested areas to non-infested areas in the state. Today, the Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals recommended approval of a new interim rule that restricts the movement of palm plants; decomposing plant material, such as compost, wood or tree chips; mulch; potting soil; and other landscaping products that may harbor CRB, from infested areas to non-infested areas. In addition, the interim rule restricts the movement of palm plants higher than four feet in height, which will enable closer inspection of palm crowns where CRB are most likely to bore into a tree. The interim rule designates the island of O‘ahu as a CRB-infested area and is subsequent to other interim rules that were issued in June 2022 and October 2023.

     

    The interim rule was signed today by HDOA Chairperson Sharon Hurd and is effective immediately. It is valid for one year, while HDOA finalizes a permanent rule which is slated to be considered by the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture later this month.

     

    Any individual, company, or organization that violates the rule will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined not less than $100 and up to $10,000. Penalties for a second offense committed within five years will require the violator to pay for the cost of clean-up and decontamination fees to remove contaminated materials, as well as the cost to fully eradicate any CRB infestations caused by the violation. Repeat violators will be fined not less than $500 and up to $25,000.

    HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch inspectors at all island ports are concentrating efforts on inspections of potential CRB host material transported between islands.

    Residents on all islands are asked to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. An adult beetle is about two inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head. CRB grubs live in decomposing plant and animal waste. Adult CRB prefer to feed on coconut and other larger palms and are a major threat to the health of these plants.

     

    Residents may go to the CRB Response website at:  https://www.crbhawaii.org/ to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

     

    Surveillance for CRB has been ongoing on all neighbor islands, including pheromone traps at airports, harbors and other strategic locations. The traps are used for early detection of CRB infestations and are being monitored by HDOA, island Invasive Species Committees and the University of Hawai‘i.

     

    The CRB is a large scarab beetle that was first detected on O‘ahu in 2013. The beetle has since been detected in many neighborhoods on O‘ahu, In May 2023, CRB was detected on Kaua‘i and collaborative eradication efforts continue on the island. On Hawai‘i Island, CRB was detected in a palm tree stump Waikoloa in October 2023 and a single CRB was found dead in a trap last month in that same area. CRB grubs were found in Kīhei, Maui, in November 2023, but have not been detected on the island since.

     

    CRB is a serious pest of palm trees, primarily coconut palms, as the adult beetles bore into the crowns of the palms to feed on the trees’ sap. New unopened fronds are damaged in this way and when fully opened, may break and fall unexpectedly. If CRB kill or damage the growing point of the palm, the tree may die. Secondary fungal or bacterial pathogens may also attack the wounds caused by CRB, thereby killing the tree as well. Tree mortality after CRB attack has been reported to be anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent. Dead trees then become a safety hazard as they may fall unexpectedly after the trunk rots, potentially resulting in bodily injury or property damage.

    CRB is a major pest of palms in India, the Philippines, Palau, Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, Nukunono, American and Western Samoa and Guam. It is still not known exactly how the beetles arrived in Hawai‘i.

    ###

    Media Contact:
    Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
    Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
    Phone: 808-973-9560
    Cell: 808-341-5528
    [email protected]
    http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

    Aloha,

    Janelle Saneishi

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture
    ph: (808) 973-9560
    email: [email protected]

    Website: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/

     

     

    Confidentiality Notice:  This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information.  Any review, use, disclosure, or distribution by unintended recipients is prohibited.  If you are not the intended recipient(s), please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.

     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Interim Rule Continues Restrictions on the Movement of Palm Plants and Organic Material That May Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    New Interim Rule Continues Restrictions on the Movement of Palm Plants and Organic Material That May Contain Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Main

    October 11, 2024
    NR24-29

    HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) today established a new interim rule to help stop the movement of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) from designated CRB-infested areas to non-infested areas in the state. Today, the Advisory Committee on Plants and Animals recommended approval of a new interim rule that restricts the movement of palm plants; decomposing plant material, such as compost, wood or tree chips; mulch; potting soil; and other landscaping products that may harbor CRB, from infested areas to non-infested areas. In addition, the interim rule restricts the movement of palm plants higher than four feet in height, which will enable closer inspection of palm crowns where CRB are most likely to bore into a tree. The interim rule designates the island of O‘ahu as a CRB-infested area and is subsequent to other interim rules that were issued in June 2022 and October 2023.

    The interim rule was signed today by HDOA Chairperson Sharon Hurd and is effective immediately. It is valid for one year, while HDOA finalizes a permanent rule which is slated to be considered by the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture later this month.

    Any individual, company, or organization that violates the rule will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined not less than $100 and up to $10,000. Penalties for a second offense committed within five years will require the violator to pay for the cost of clean-up and decontamination fees to remove contaminated materials, as well as the cost to fully eradicate any CRB infestations caused by the violation. Repeat violators will be fined not less than $500 and up to $25,000.

    HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch inspectors at all island ports are concentrating efforts on inspections of potential CRB host material transported between islands.

    Residents on all islands are asked to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. An adult beetle is about two inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head. CRB grubs live in decomposing plant and animal waste. Adult CRB prefer to feed on coconut and other larger palms and are a major threat to the health of these plants.

    Residents may go to the CRB Response website at:  https://www.crbhawaii.org/ to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

    Surveillance for CRB has been ongoing on all neighbor islands, including pheromone traps at airports, harbors and other strategic locations. The traps are used for early detection of CRB infestations and are being monitored by HDOA, island Invasive Species Committees and the University of Hawai‘i.

    The CRB is a large scarab beetle that was first detected on O‘ahu in 2013. The beetle has since been detected in many neighborhoods on O‘ahu, In May 2023, CRB was detected on Kaua‘i and collaborative eradication efforts continue on the island. On Hawai‘i Island, CRB was detected in a palm tree stump Waikoloa in October 2023 and a single CRB was found dead in a trap last month in that same area. CRB grubs were found in Kīhei, Maui, in November 2023, but have not been detected on the island since.

    CRB is a serious pest of palm trees, primarily coconut palms, as the adult beetles bore into the crowns of the palms to feed on the trees’ sap. New unopened fronds are damaged in this way and when fully opened, may break and fall unexpectedly. If CRB kill or damage the growing point of the palm, the tree may die. Secondary fungal or bacterial pathogens may also attack the wounds caused by CRB, thereby killing the tree as well. Tree mortality after CRB attack has been reported to be anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent. Dead trees then become a safety hazard as they may fall unexpectedly after the trunk rots, potentially resulting in bodily injury or property damage.

    CRB is a major pest of palms in India, the Philippines, Palau, Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, Nukunono, American and Western Samoa and Guam. It is still not known exactly how the beetles arrived in Hawai‘i.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Government Releases XV Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Government Releases XV Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan

    Major Boost for Rural Development: Over Rs.1267 crores for Rajasthan and over Rs.988 crores for Andhra Pradesh released as the first instalment.

    Posted On: 12 OCT 2024 11:16AM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Government has released the first instalment of the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) grants for the financial year 2024–25 to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Andhra Pradesh has received untied grants amounting to ₹395.5091 crores and tied grants totalling ₹593.2639 crores. These funds are for duly elected 9 eligible District Panchayats, 615 eligible Block Panchayats, and 12,853 eligible Gram Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh. While in Rajasthan, untied grants of ₹507.1177 crores and tied grants of ₹760.6769 crores have been released for the duly elected 22 eligible District Panchayats, 287 eligible Block Panchayats and 9,068 eligible Gram Panchayats in the state.

    Utilizing Untied and Tied Grants for Empowering Local Governance

    The untied grants will enable Panchayats to address specific local needs across 29 subjects under the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, ranging from agriculture and rural housing to education and sanitation. These funds, however, cannot be used for salaries or establishment costs. The tied grants will focus on core services such as sanitation, maintenance of open-defecation free (ODF) status and water management, including rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and treatment of household waste.

    Strengthening Grassroots Democracy for Inclusive Growth

    In line with Article 243G of the Indian Constitution, these funds empower Panchayats to manage essential services and infrastructure. The provision of tied grants has presented a significant opportunity for Gram Panchayats to redefine local self-governance in alignment with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of ‘Gram Swaraj’, fostering the development of responsible and responsive leadership at the grassroots level. This empowerment process resonates with the Government’s guiding principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Viswas, Sabka Prayas’ as articulated by  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing a firm commitment towards achieving the goal of “Viksit Bharat”. By enhancing local governance, these funds contribute to the inclusive growth and sustainable rural development, reinforcing India’s commitment to participatory democracy and village-level progress.

    Government of India through Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommends release of XV-FC Grants to States for Rural Local Bodies which are then released by Ministry of Finance. The allocated Grants are recommended and released in 2 instalments in a financial year.

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    AA

    (Release ID: 2064317) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Jackson County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>RALEIGH, N.C. –  A Disaster Recovery Center is opening Sunday, Oct. 13 in Sylva (Jackson County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Helene. 

    The Jackson County DRC is located at:  
    Jackson County Annex Building  
    198 WBI Drive 
    Sylva, N.C. 28779 
    Open: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday. 

    A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.  

    FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses. 

    Centers are already open in Asheville, Lenoir and Marion. To find those center locations go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a zip code to 43362. Additional recovery centers will be opening soon. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.   

    Homeowners and renters in 27 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  

    It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA app. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 

    For the latest information about North Carolina recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh performs Shastra Pooja with troops at Sukna Military Station on the occasion of Dussehra

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh performs Shastra Pooja with troops at Sukna Military Station on the occasion of Dussehra

    Lauds soldiers for their vigilance & critical role in maintaining peace & stability along the borders

    “India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt, but if our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take a big step”

    Posted On: 12 OCT 2024 12:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh performed the traditional Shastra Pooja at the Sukna Military Station in West Bengal on October 12, 2024 on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra. This significant ceremony in the Indian Army symbolises the respect for weapons as the protectors of the nation’s sovereignty.

    Raksha Mantri initiated the rituals with Kalash Pooja, followed by the Shastra Pooja and Vahan Pooja. He also offered prayers to a range of modern military equipment, including state-of-the-art infantry, artillery and communication systems, mobility platforms, and drone systems. The event concluded with Raksha Mantri’s interaction with the troops.

    In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the vigilance and critical role of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace & stability along the borders. He stated that Dussehra symbolises the victory of good over evil, and the soldiers possess the same respect for human values.

    “India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt. We fight only when someone insults or tries to harm our integrity and sovereignty; when war is waged against religion, truth & human values. This is what we have inherited. We will continue to preserve this heritage. However, if our interests are threatened, we will not hesitate to take a big step. Shastra Pooja is a clear indication that if need be, the weapons/equipment will be used with full force,” Raksha Mantri said.

    The rituals, performed to seek blessings for strength, success & safety reaffirm the cultural and spiritual depth of Dussehra, underscoring the pivotal role of weapon systems in safeguarding the country. They symbolise the preparedness, resolve, and unwavering dedication of the Armed Forces to protect the nation. The ceremony highlighted the Indian Army’s blend of tradition and modernisation, with a focus on preserving India’s sovereignty and promoting indigenous defence systems & platforms.

    The event was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary-designate Shri RK Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, DG Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps Lt Gen Zubin A Minwalla and other senior officers.

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    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2064334) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HARBOUR ACTIVITIES OF MALABAR- 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 12 OCT 2024 2:30PM by PIB Delhi

    As part of the ongoing harbour activities during the Multilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024, participating navies – India, Australia, Japan, and the United States – have been actively engaged in various collaborative events since 09 Oct 24, at Visakhapatnam, coordinated by the Eastern Naval Command. These activities include Key Leadership Engagement (KLE), Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sailing discussions, all aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation, building camaraderie, and fostering operational synergy.

    Key leadership engagement of the senior naval hierarchy has been a special feature of the exercise, with Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander US Pacific Fleet, Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi, Commander-in-Chief, Self-Defense Fleet, Japan, and Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander Australian Fleet, meeting to discuss ways to strengthen mutual naval interoperability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the future of Malabar exercises.

    Further reinforcing this bond, the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and cross-deck visits have provided valuable opportunities for the participating nations to exchange knowledge and best practices towards promoting deeper engagement and understanding. These interactions have highlighted the importance of collaboration to enhance maritime security and achieve shared goals in maritime operations.

    The crews from Australia, India, Japan and the United States participated in friendly sports fixtures, further reinforcing the camaraderie and bonhomie among the teams. From the seas to the fields, the spirit of teamwork and friendship embodied the theme of Stronger Together, exemplifying the spirit of Malabar 2024 beyond naval operations. The crews also enjoyed a memorable Indian dinner, with the rich flavors of Indian cuisine setting the stage for enhancing cultural familiarity between the navies.

    As the harbour phase of Malabar 2024 draws to a close, pre-sailing discussions have taken center stage, focusing on strategies to ensure maximum operational synergy during the upcoming sea phase in the Bay of Bengal, scheduled from 14 Oct 24. The multifaceted interactions at various levels have all been instrumental in cementing cooperation, sharing expertise, and enhancing maritime security.

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    VM/SKY                                                                                                          204/24

    (Release ID: 2064361) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News