The 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum was held today, inviting renowned legal experts and academics to review the legislative intent and background of the security law, and discuss its fruitful achievements.
CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong officiated at the forum’s opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee also delivered a keynote speech at the event.
Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong SAR Zhou Ji, Vice-Chairperson of the Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhang Yong, Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Dong Jingwei, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR Cui Jianchun and Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Peng Jingtang also delivered speeches at the ceremony.
Mr Xia said the implementation of the security law over the past five years has proven the law to be a “guardian” in defending the “one country, two systems” principle and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
He added that Hong Kong must safeguard national security in the full process of implementing the “one country, two systems” principle, ensure that the governance of the Hong Kong SAR is firmly in the hands of the patriots, be steadfast in safeguarding security and promoting development as well as effectively protect the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people and maintain the city’s unique position and advantages.
Looking to the future, Mr Xia said the security law will surely safeguard the steady and far-reaching journey of the “one country, two systems” principle, enabling Hong Kong to achieve new and greater accomplishments in the grand endeavour of building a strong nation and realising national rejuvenation.
The Chief Executive thanked Mr Xia for his heartfelt review of the positive significance of the security law in restoring Hong Kong’s stability and implementing the “one country, two systems” principle in the past five years, and for providing direction for Hong Kong’s future security and development.
Mr Lee put forward several main points, stressing that Hong Kong must fully and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” principle and thoroughly adopt a holistic approach to national security; adhere to the solid foundation of the rule of law and leverage Hong Kong’s international advantages; cherish the stable situation and seize development opportunities; and enhance traditional advantages, focusing on reform and innovation.
He also noted that Hong Kong should continue to safeguard national security and make use of the stable situation to develop a vibrant economy, achieving prosperous development and improving people’s livelihoods.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said in his welcome remarks that the most important direction for safeguarding national security in the future is to balance the relation between security and development, strictly adhering to the principle of rule of law and the requirements of respecting and protecting human rights and freedoms set out in Articles 4 and 5 of the security law.
This would enable people to study, work and live with peace of mind and unite to seek breakthroughs and changes, overcoming various challenges to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international centre and encouraging people from abroad to come to Hong Kong for development, Mr Lam added.
There were two panel sessions in the forum, with the first session reviewing the legislative intent and background of the security law.
In the second session, Mr Lam engaged with young leaders from various sectors to explore the vital role of the youth in safeguarding national security, and envisage further joint endeavours between the Government and the community in enhancing legal literacy.
Concluding the forum, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said that today’s event aimed to provide an in-depth and broad discussion loaded with insights and humour.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — A freight train carrying auto components, LED monitors and other goods left Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province for Duisburg, Germany on Saturday, marking a milestone as the number of scheduled China-Europe freight trains for the entire route has exceeded 1,000 units.
The full schedule service, first launched in October 2022, allows China-Europe freight trains to operate according to a pre-arranged schedule, including assigned train numbers, lines, departure times and arrival times between countries along the respective route.
Today, the number of routes operating on a full schedule has increased to 11, with 17 trains running weekly. The increase in the number of trains with a set schedule is expected to ensure even greater reliability in the delivery of goods by the China-Europe express train.
The mode of transportation has also become the preferred option for high-value-added goods, including photovoltaic panels, solar modules and marine diesel engine parts. The average value of one container of cargo carried by these trains is about 41 percent higher than other services, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
As noted by the corporation, to date, China-Europe freight trains, operating on a full schedule, have transported more than 98 thousand twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).
China-Europe freight trains have become a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting trade and connectivity between Europe and Asia. At present, China-Europe freight train routes have been launched from 128 Chinese cities, reaching 229 cities in 26 European countries and more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries. –0–
Headline: Global Energy Balance: Heads of Major Energy Companies, Experts Discuss Future of Energy Sector at SPIEF
At the Energy Panel of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, leading industry experts, politicians, scientists, government officials and heads of major international energy companies discussed current trends in the global energy market.
Their assessments and forecasts largely coincided with the visionary concept of industry development presented by Igor Sechin, Head of Rosneft. In his report “Odyssey of the Global Economy in Search of the Golden Fleece. The New Landscape a of the Global Energy Industry”, he announced that the current state of the global energy industry is at the stage of formation of a new image due to the multiple growth of electricity consumption, the generation of which will be provided by both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. According to him, the optimal solution today is “synthesis of conventional and alternative energy sources”.
The event, organized with the support of Rosneft, was addressed by Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Chairman of the Rosneft Board of Directors, Delcy Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of the Republic of Venezuela, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, Chief Executive Officer of Pertamina, Zhang Daowei, Vice President of CNPC, Shiva Prasad Panda Madhusudana, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, Alexander Dynkin, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Nobuo Tanaka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Japanese government’s non-profit Low Carbon Technology Initiative, and David Gadzhimirzaev, President of TOFS.
ENERGY TRANSITION WITHOUT TRANSITION
Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada opened the discussion of Igor Sechin’s report, noting the depth of his analysis. “It was comprehensive – the way you showed that progress and energy are inseparable,” Al-Sada addressed Sechin.
The head of Rosneft’s Board of Directors drew the audience’s attention to the fact that despite the active promotion of the idea of transition to RES, the share of fossil energy sources in the energy mix has not changed in recent decades. He recalled that Igor Sechin mentioned in the report that fossil fuels account for 80% of the global energy mix. “And this statistic has not changed for the last 20 years! We are fluttering around these 80% fossil fuels and energy sources, and so not much has changed!” exclaimed Al-Sada, describing the situation in the global energy sector.
“In other words, we are essentially not making any transition away from hydrocarbons,” he concluded, emphasizing that the transition to renewables is being imposed on the industry and the public.
“I would also like to take as a baton from Mr. Sechin, and pass my comment to you. It’s like food for thought: are we actually transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable fuels?“,” Al-Sada addressed the audience.
The Rosneft Chairman also noted that energy demand does not always coincide with production growth for various reasons.
“I would like to express two small thoughts in order to further enhance the valuable things we heard in Mr. Sechin’s words. <...> Lack of investment is already a reality in the hydrocarbon and energy sectors. This is something that could really bring us to a serious energy shortage. “If this trend continues we could face an energy shortage. This is not only my personal opinion, but also what a large number of analysts, including the International Energy Agency, and other respected experts, who in their reviews have emphasized the importance of having sufficient investment in the hydrocarbon sector. Otherwise, we will face the risk of a primary energy shortage!”, emphasized Al-Sada.
FUTURE FOR SYNERGY
Zhang Daowei, Vice President of China’s CNPC, remarked on the interest in the report by Rosneft’s CEO. In his speech, the top manager of the Chinese company expressed similar assessments of the ways of development of the global energy sector – in particular, the need for synergy between traditional and new energy sources.
“We have always believed that in the context of the energy transition course, it is necessary to adhere to synergetic, integrated development of traditional and new energy sources, to take full account of the characteristics and degree of development of our countries’ markets, to properly link energy transition with energy security, and to promote a fair and sustainable model of energy transformation,” Daowei said.
According to the vice president, under this philosophy, CNPC, on the one hand, continues to increase the exploration and development of oil and gas fields domestically and import high-quality resources from abroad, including strengthening long-term cooperation with Russia in the field of hydrocarbon trade. On the other hand, CNPC is actively pursuing a green, low-carbon development strategy and realizing the development of a “three-step strategy” combining oil and gas projects with wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.
Simon Aloysius Mantiri, President and CEO of Pertamina Indonesia, said that the company is pursuing a dual growth strategy that is based on both conventional resources and low-carbon solutions. Meanwhile, natural gas plays an important role in the country’s energy mix.
“Natural gas is at the center of our strategy to transition to cleaner fuels. And today we are expanding our LNG capacity and capability for both domestic and export needs,” he said.
The Pertamina chief virtually reiterated the point made in Igor Sechin’s report and emphasized that by achieving a balance of energy sources and a comprehensive approach, the company is able to ensure high economic growth and carbon neutrality in parallel.
Reliance Industries CEO P.M.S. Prasad said India does not choose between energy access and innovation. “It is integrating both. By developing scalable, context-specific solutions, it is addressing local priorities while making a significant contribution to global sustainability. From rural microgrids to energy efficient data centers, India is turning its potential into a strategic asset,” Prasad said.
He emphasized that international partnerships play a vital role in this ambitious effort. “Energy remains a key cornerstone of the strategic relationship between India and Russia. India values this trusted partnership and appreciates the cooperation forged over decades. The leadership of both countries is committed to take this partnership to an even higher bar in the future,” summarized Reliance Industries’ CEO.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS ARE NOT BEING WRITTEN OFF
Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, in his keynote speech at the Energy Panel, noted the growing interest in nuclear power generation worldwide and, accordingly, the growth of investments in this area. According to him, this is happening against the backdrop of growing energy consumption and in future nuclear power will be in demand along with fossil sources and renewable energy sources.
Reliance Industries CEO Panda Madhusudana Shiva Prasad, in turn, speaking on India’s energy outlook, emphasized the significant role of nuclear power generation.
“Gas, renewables supported by energy storage systems and a robust transmission grid, and nuclear power will play a key role. India’s bold nuclear program, including small modular reactors, reflects its commitment to long-term energy security and decarbonization,” Prasad said.
The renewed interest in investments in NPP construction was noted in the speech of Uzbek Minister of Energy Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov. He spoke about joint plans with Russia to build two units of 55 megawatts each, and two units of VWR type reactors – water-water power reactor. The head of the ministry also said that gas-fired power plants are being installed in the country, hydropower is being developed, the share of renewable sources is increasing, and storage systems are being created at the same time.
The Minister noted the substantial nature of Igor Sechin’s report, which contains a detailed analysis and reflects all trends in the development of global energy, science and economy.
ENERGY SECURITY IN FIRST PLACE
Delcy Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of the Republic of Venezuela, in her speech supported the thesis expressed by the head of Rosneft that energy security issues should come first.
“We always advocate that the energy transition be carried out responsibly, taking into account reality, to avoid abrupt changes that could jeopardize energy security,” Rodriguez said.
Venezuela’s Executive Vice President named the main components of a stable energy system of the future: energy security, reliable supply, accessibility for all, while respecting nature – with minimal environmental impact.
Among the main threats to energy security, Rodriguez named illegal sanctions against producing countries and the hegemony of the dollar.
Nobuo Tanaka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Japanese government’s non-profit Low Carbon Technology Initiative, said the answer to energy security is always to diversify supply sources, improve energy efficiency and seek alternative energy sources, including renewable energy, nuclear energy and regulate the market with predictable policies.
AGAINST LOGIC
The panelists drew attention to the political events of recent decades and stated that geopolitics is now shaping the direction of economic cooperation. And often against the logic of market expediency and economic efficiency.
Tanaka recalled how he discussed Germany’s energy policy with Chancellor Merkel in 2009: “I asked her why Germany does not use nuclear power. She answered like this: Mr. Tanaka, I am a scientist, I know how important it is to use nuclear power, but in order to use it in Germany, she said, give me votes in exchange. Yes, she’s a good scientist, but she’s also a very smart politician.”
The professor is sure that despite her experience Merkel made a very serious mistake by changing the policy on the use of nuclear power plants under the pressure of public opinion. Another mistake was the refusal to use Russian energy carriers and Russian natural gas. “I think she was misled,” Tanaka said.
“Geopolitics is a factor of the 21st century global economy. It is geopolitical interests that brought the BRICS countries together. The criterion for membership is not to use sanctions against other members of the organization. But geopolitics has also become a kind of “trap” for Germany after Trump’s victory,” said Alexander Dynkin, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
He noted that the European bureaucrats are concerned about the complete refusal of energy supplies from Russia by 2027. “They are not stopped by the growth of costs, undermining the competitiveness of the EU,” – said Dynkin and recalled that if in 2014, the U.S. GDP was ahead of the EU GDP. US GDP was only 12% ahead of EU GDP, last year the US economy was already 50% larger than the European one.
“Although the German energy crisis is formally over, the country paid for it with three years of stagnation, deindustrialization, inflation, and migration crisis,” said the RAS academy member.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
The thesis in Igor Sechin’s report that the digital revolution opens a new era in the development of the oil and gas industry was warmly echoed by the audience. In particular, David Gadzhimirzaev, General Director of TOFS Oilfield Services Group, thanked Rosneft for supporting innovation and technology development. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the availability, stability and reliability of resources, which is exactly what new technologies can provide, which will reduce the cost of bringing barrels to the surface.
“We all know that just this year the Energy Strategy-2050 was approved, which includes the fact that by 2050 about 70% of the Russian Federation’s production will be from hard-to-recover reserves. Therefore, we are not only working on expertise, but also working on the production of new technologies,” Gadzhimirzaev said.
Department of Information and Advertising Rosneft Oil Company June 21, 2025
Headline: Global Energy Balance: Heads of Major Energy Companies, Experts Discuss Future of Energy Sector at SPIEF
At the Energy Panel of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, leading industry experts, politicians, scientists, government officials and heads of major international energy companies discussed current trends in the global energy market.
Their assessments and forecasts largely coincided with the visionary concept of industry development presented by Igor Sechin, Head of Rosneft. In his report “Odyssey of the Global Economy in Search of the Golden Fleece. The New Landscape a of the Global Energy Industry”, he announced that the current state of the global energy industry is at the stage of formation of a new image due to the multiple growth of electricity consumption, the generation of which will be provided by both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. According to him, the optimal solution today is “synthesis of conventional and alternative energy sources”.
The event, organized with the support of Rosneft, was addressed by Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Chairman of the Rosneft Board of Directors, Delcy Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of the Republic of Venezuela, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, Chief Executive Officer of Pertamina, Zhang Daowei, Vice President of CNPC, Shiva Prasad Panda Madhusudana, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, Alexander Dynkin, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Nobuo Tanaka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Japanese government’s non-profit Low Carbon Technology Initiative, and David Gadzhimirzaev, President of TOFS.
ENERGY TRANSITION WITHOUT TRANSITION
Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada opened the discussion of Igor Sechin’s report, noting the depth of his analysis. “It was comprehensive – the way you showed that progress and energy are inseparable,” Al-Sada addressed Sechin.
The head of Rosneft’s Board of Directors drew the audience’s attention to the fact that despite the active promotion of the idea of transition to RES, the share of fossil energy sources in the energy mix has not changed in recent decades. He recalled that Igor Sechin mentioned in the report that fossil fuels account for 80% of the global energy mix. “And this statistic has not changed for the last 20 years! We are fluttering around these 80% fossil fuels and energy sources, and so not much has changed!” exclaimed Al-Sada, describing the situation in the global energy sector.
“In other words, we are essentially not making any transition away from hydrocarbons,” he concluded, emphasizing that the transition to renewables is being imposed on the industry and the public.
“I would also like to take as a baton from Mr. Sechin, and pass my comment to you. It’s like food for thought: are we actually transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable fuels?“,” Al-Sada addressed the audience.
The Rosneft Chairman also noted that energy demand does not always coincide with production growth for various reasons.
“I would like to express two small thoughts in order to further enhance the valuable things we heard in Mr. Sechin’s words. <...> Lack of investment is already a reality in the hydrocarbon and energy sectors. This is something that could really bring us to a serious energy shortage. “If this trend continues we could face an energy shortage. This is not only my personal opinion, but also what a large number of analysts, including the International Energy Agency, and other respected experts, who in their reviews have emphasized the importance of having sufficient investment in the hydrocarbon sector. Otherwise, we will face the risk of a primary energy shortage!”, emphasized Al-Sada.
FUTURE FOR SYNERGY
Zhang Daowei, Vice President of China’s CNPC, remarked on the interest in the report by Rosneft’s CEO. In his speech, the top manager of the Chinese company expressed similar assessments of the ways of development of the global energy sector – in particular, the need for synergy between traditional and new energy sources.
“We have always believed that in the context of the energy transition course, it is necessary to adhere to synergetic, integrated development of traditional and new energy sources, to take full account of the characteristics and degree of development of our countries’ markets, to properly link energy transition with energy security, and to promote a fair and sustainable model of energy transformation,” Daowei said.
According to the vice president, under this philosophy, CNPC, on the one hand, continues to increase the exploration and development of oil and gas fields domestically and import high-quality resources from abroad, including strengthening long-term cooperation with Russia in the field of hydrocarbon trade. On the other hand, CNPC is actively pursuing a green, low-carbon development strategy and realizing the development of a “three-step strategy” combining oil and gas projects with wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.
Simon Aloysius Mantiri, President and CEO of Pertamina Indonesia, said that the company is pursuing a dual growth strategy that is based on both conventional resources and low-carbon solutions. Meanwhile, natural gas plays an important role in the country’s energy mix.
“Natural gas is at the center of our strategy to transition to cleaner fuels. And today we are expanding our LNG capacity and capability for both domestic and export needs,” he said.
The Pertamina chief virtually reiterated the point made in Igor Sechin’s report and emphasized that by achieving a balance of energy sources and a comprehensive approach, the company is able to ensure high economic growth and carbon neutrality in parallel.
Reliance Industries CEO P.M.S. Prasad said India does not choose between energy access and innovation. “It is integrating both. By developing scalable, context-specific solutions, it is addressing local priorities while making a significant contribution to global sustainability. From rural microgrids to energy efficient data centers, India is turning its potential into a strategic asset,” Prasad said.
He emphasized that international partnerships play a vital role in this ambitious effort. “Energy remains a key cornerstone of the strategic relationship between India and Russia. India values this trusted partnership and appreciates the cooperation forged over decades. The leadership of both countries is committed to take this partnership to an even higher bar in the future,” summarized Reliance Industries’ CEO.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS ARE NOT BEING WRITTEN OFF
Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, in his keynote speech at the Energy Panel, noted the growing interest in nuclear power generation worldwide and, accordingly, the growth of investments in this area. According to him, this is happening against the backdrop of growing energy consumption and in future nuclear power will be in demand along with fossil sources and renewable energy sources.
Reliance Industries CEO Panda Madhusudana Shiva Prasad, in turn, speaking on India’s energy outlook, emphasized the significant role of nuclear power generation.
“Gas, renewables supported by energy storage systems and a robust transmission grid, and nuclear power will play a key role. India’s bold nuclear program, including small modular reactors, reflects its commitment to long-term energy security and decarbonization,” Prasad said.
The renewed interest in investments in NPP construction was noted in the speech of Uzbek Minister of Energy Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov. He spoke about joint plans with Russia to build two units of 55 megawatts each, and two units of VWR type reactors – water-water power reactor. The head of the ministry also said that gas-fired power plants are being installed in the country, hydropower is being developed, the share of renewable sources is increasing, and storage systems are being created at the same time.
The Minister noted the substantial nature of Igor Sechin’s report, which contains a detailed analysis and reflects all trends in the development of global energy, science and economy.
ENERGY SECURITY IN FIRST PLACE
Delcy Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of the Republic of Venezuela, in her speech supported the thesis expressed by the head of Rosneft that energy security issues should come first.
“We always advocate that the energy transition be carried out responsibly, taking into account reality, to avoid abrupt changes that could jeopardize energy security,” Rodriguez said.
Venezuela’s Executive Vice President named the main components of a stable energy system of the future: energy security, reliable supply, accessibility for all, while respecting nature – with minimal environmental impact.
Among the main threats to energy security, Rodriguez named illegal sanctions against producing countries and the hegemony of the dollar.
Nobuo Tanaka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Japanese government’s non-profit Low Carbon Technology Initiative, said the answer to energy security is always to diversify supply sources, improve energy efficiency and seek alternative energy sources, including renewable energy, nuclear energy and regulate the market with predictable policies.
AGAINST LOGIC
The panelists drew attention to the political events of recent decades and stated that geopolitics is now shaping the direction of economic cooperation. And often against the logic of market expediency and economic efficiency.
Tanaka recalled how he discussed Germany’s energy policy with Chancellor Merkel in 2009: “I asked her why Germany does not use nuclear power. She answered like this: Mr. Tanaka, I am a scientist, I know how important it is to use nuclear power, but in order to use it in Germany, she said, give me votes in exchange. Yes, she’s a good scientist, but she’s also a very smart politician.”
The professor is sure that despite her experience Merkel made a very serious mistake by changing the policy on the use of nuclear power plants under the pressure of public opinion. Another mistake was the refusal to use Russian energy carriers and Russian natural gas. “I think she was misled,” Tanaka said.
“Geopolitics is a factor of the 21st century global economy. It is geopolitical interests that brought the BRICS countries together. The criterion for membership is not to use sanctions against other members of the organization. But geopolitics has also become a kind of “trap” for Germany after Trump’s victory,” said Alexander Dynkin, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
He noted that the European bureaucrats are concerned about the complete refusal of energy supplies from Russia by 2027. “They are not stopped by the growth of costs, undermining the competitiveness of the EU,” – said Dynkin and recalled that if in 2014, the U.S. GDP was ahead of the EU GDP. US GDP was only 12% ahead of EU GDP, last year the US economy was already 50% larger than the European one.
“Although the German energy crisis is formally over, the country paid for it with three years of stagnation, deindustrialization, inflation, and migration crisis,” said the RAS academy member.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
The thesis in Igor Sechin’s report that the digital revolution opens a new era in the development of the oil and gas industry was warmly echoed by the audience. In particular, David Gadzhimirzaev, General Director of TOFS Oilfield Services Group, thanked Rosneft for supporting innovation and technology development. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the availability, stability and reliability of resources, which is exactly what new technologies can provide, which will reduce the cost of bringing barrels to the surface.
“We all know that just this year the Energy Strategy-2050 was approved, which includes the fact that by 2050 about 70% of the Russian Federation’s production will be from hard-to-recover reserves. Therefore, we are not only working on expertise, but also working on the production of new technologies,” Gadzhimirzaev said.
Department of Information and Advertising Rosneft Oil Company June 21, 2025
Headline: Rosneft plans work based on oil price of $45 in 2025 and $42-43 in 2026 – Sechin
The energy panel organized by Rosneft at SPIEF ended with the traditional oil price forecast from its participants. This year, the Company’s CEO Igor Sechin and Nobuo Tanaka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Japanese government’s non-profit Low Carbon Technology Initiative, presented their vision of future developments.
Prof. Tanaka recalled that a year earlier the Energy Panel participants predicted an oil price of $60 per barrel. “This year I am afraid that the price may exceed 100 dollars due to the crisis that is currently taking place in the Middle East,” – said the Japanese expert, who headed the International Energy Agency in 2007-2011.
In turn, the CEO of Rosneft responded to this by saying: “Whatever it (oil price – ed.) is, it is difficult for us to guess what will happen. Nobody knows. As Machiavelli once said, “The power of authority lies in its secrecy”.
At the same time, Igor Sechin named the price that the Company has set in its business plan for 2025 and 2026: “We do not know what geopolitical factors will affect the market. But whatever they are, our company Rosneft puts 45 dollars in its business plan for this year and 42-43 dollars for the next year. We do not want to depend on this volatility,” he said.
Department of Information and Advertising Rosneft Oil Company June 21, 2025
Headline: Rosneft plans work based on oil price of $45 in 2025 and $42-43 in 2026 – Sechin
The energy panel organized by Rosneft at SPIEF ended with the traditional oil price forecast from its participants. This year, the Company’s CEO Igor Sechin and Nobuo Tanaka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Japanese government’s non-profit Low Carbon Technology Initiative, presented their vision of future developments.
Prof. Tanaka recalled that a year earlier the Energy Panel participants predicted an oil price of $60 per barrel. “This year I am afraid that the price may exceed 100 dollars due to the crisis that is currently taking place in the Middle East,” – said the Japanese expert, who headed the International Energy Agency in 2007-2011.
In turn, the CEO of Rosneft responded to this by saying: “Whatever it (oil price – ed.) is, it is difficult for us to guess what will happen. Nobody knows. As Machiavelli once said, “The power of authority lies in its secrecy”.
At the same time, Igor Sechin named the price that the Company has set in its business plan for 2025 and 2026: “We do not know what geopolitical factors will affect the market. But whatever they are, our company Rosneft puts 45 dollars in its business plan for this year and 42-43 dollars for the next year. We do not want to depend on this volatility,” he said.
Department of Information and Advertising Rosneft Oil Company June 21, 2025
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday led the celebrations of the 11th International Day of Yoga at the Parliament complex, where a large number of Members of Parliament, former MPs, and employees from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats participated in the Common Yoga Protocol session.
Addressing the gathering, Birla said that yoga is far more than a physical exercise—it is a profound way of life that enables harmony between the body, mind, and soul. “Yoga empowers individuals with strength, serenity, and spiritual energy,” he said, calling upon citizens to adopt yoga as a daily practice and to share their personal experiences of transformation. Such testimonies, he noted, can serve as an inspiration for others to discover the positive impact of yoga.
Birla urged the youth, in particular, to embrace yoga to develop inner resilience, build self-confidence, and find clarity of purpose in an increasingly demanding world. “Yoga enhances not just our health, but also our ability to live with purpose and peace,” he said.
Highlighting yoga’s growing global appeal, the Speaker noted that the International Day of Yoga is now marked by millions across continents. He said the scale of participation reflects the widespread recognition of yoga’s relevance in contemporary life, transcending cultural boundaries and national borders.
Birla also underlined the scientific validation of yoga, observing that research conducted across the world has acknowledged its positive effects on both physical and mental health. “Yoga helps manage stress, improves focus, and contributes to a more balanced lifestyle,” he said. He emphasised that in today’s modern, high-pressure environment, yoga offers a constructive and peaceful means of channelling energy and building inner strength.
Later in the day, the Lok Sabha Speaker led another yoga session organised by the Brahma Kumaris at the Red Fort premises. Commending the organisation for its role in promoting peace and well-being, Birla said that the Brahma Kumaris have made a lasting contribution to society through their teachings of Raj Yoga and Gyan Yoga.
Referring to his recent visit to Brazil, he said the global influence of the Brahma Kumaris is evident in the way they have strengthened international connections and created a positive impact on diverse communities. “It is a matter of pride that an organisation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions is inspiring people around the world and guiding them toward meaningful inner transformation,” he added.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday led the celebrations of the 11th International Day of Yoga at the Parliament complex, where a large number of Members of Parliament, former MPs, and employees from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats participated in the Common Yoga Protocol session.
Addressing the gathering, Birla said that yoga is far more than a physical exercise—it is a profound way of life that enables harmony between the body, mind, and soul. “Yoga empowers individuals with strength, serenity, and spiritual energy,” he said, calling upon citizens to adopt yoga as a daily practice and to share their personal experiences of transformation. Such testimonies, he noted, can serve as an inspiration for others to discover the positive impact of yoga.
Birla urged the youth, in particular, to embrace yoga to develop inner resilience, build self-confidence, and find clarity of purpose in an increasingly demanding world. “Yoga enhances not just our health, but also our ability to live with purpose and peace,” he said.
Highlighting yoga’s growing global appeal, the Speaker noted that the International Day of Yoga is now marked by millions across continents. He said the scale of participation reflects the widespread recognition of yoga’s relevance in contemporary life, transcending cultural boundaries and national borders.
Birla also underlined the scientific validation of yoga, observing that research conducted across the world has acknowledged its positive effects on both physical and mental health. “Yoga helps manage stress, improves focus, and contributes to a more balanced lifestyle,” he said. He emphasised that in today’s modern, high-pressure environment, yoga offers a constructive and peaceful means of channelling energy and building inner strength.
Later in the day, the Lok Sabha Speaker led another yoga session organised by the Brahma Kumaris at the Red Fort premises. Commending the organisation for its role in promoting peace and well-being, Birla said that the Brahma Kumaris have made a lasting contribution to society through their teachings of Raj Yoga and Gyan Yoga.
Referring to his recent visit to Brazil, he said the global influence of the Brahma Kumaris is evident in the way they have strengthened international connections and created a positive impact on diverse communities. “It is a matter of pride that an organisation rooted in Indian spiritual traditions is inspiring people around the world and guiding them toward meaningful inner transformation,” he added.
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday participated in a mass yoga demonstration at the Uttarakhand State Police Line Maidan in Dehradun to mark the 10th International Day of Yoga, joining thousands across the globe in celebrating the ancient Indian tradition.
Addressing participants after the session, the President extended her greetings to all those practising yoga worldwide. Reflecting on the global recognition of yoga since the United Nations designated June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2015, President Murmu described yoga as a shared heritage of humanity and an example of India’s growing soft power.
“Yoga is not just about physical fitness, it is the art of living a healthy and balanced life,” the President said, adding that its practice contributes to the well-being of not just individuals, but also families, societies, and nations. “When a person is healthy, the family tends to remain healthy. When the family and society remain healthy, the country remains healthy.”
President Murmu also underscored the deeper meaning of yoga, noting that the word itself means ‘to connect’. “The practice of yoga connects the body, mind, and soul of a person and promotes overall health. But it also fosters connection among individuals, communities, and even countries,” she said.
Emphasising the preventive benefits of yoga, the President referred to the commonly accepted notion that prevention is better than cure, and urged people to adopt yoga as a daily discipline. “Yoga is very useful in prevention. I urge all to make it an integral part of life and inspire others to do the same,” she said.
The mass demonstration in Dehradun was part of a nationwide celebration that saw citizens from all walks of life participating in yoga sessions at schools, public parks, and cultural institutions. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to promote holistic wellness at both the individual and collective levels.
CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong today attended the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum and visited the National Security Exhibition Gallery in Hong Kong.
In the morning, Mr Xia attended the forum held at the Convention & Exhibition Centre and delivered a keynote speech. Chief Executive John Lee also gave a keynote address at the forum.
Organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the forum aimed to review and preview the development of Hong Kong’s legal system in safeguarding national security, and enhance the understanding and awareness of various sectors of the community regarding the protection of national security.
Mr Xia, accompanied by Mr Lee, then visited the National Security Exhibition Gallery at the Museum of History to view the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Legal experts, academics and young leaders participate in afternoon session of 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum In the afternoon session of the Forum, Mr Lam said in his welcome remarks that the most important direction for safeguarding national security in the future is to balance the relation between security and development, strictly adhering to the principle of rule of law and the requirements of respecting and protecting human rights and freedoms set out in Articles 4 and 5 of the HKNSL. This, he said, would enable members of the public to study, work and live with peace of mind and unite to seek breakthroughs and changes, overcoming various challenges to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international centre in several areas and encouraging people from abroad to be willing and eager to come to Hong Kong for their development.
The Director of the Research Office of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee and Macao Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Yang Zhaoye, delivered a keynote speech in which he examined the significance and remarkable achievements of the implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years, as well as its key role in safeguarding Hong Kong’s prosperity, stability and people’s livelihood.
There were two panel sessions in the Forum. With the theme of “The legal great wall for refining and safeguarding national security”, legal experts and academics reviewed in the first session the legislative intent and background of the HKNSL. They also had an in-depth discussion on how national security is effectively safeguarded under the compatibility and complementary of the laws including the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and looked ahead to the future development of the HKSAR’s legal system for safeguarding national security.
In the second session, titled “An arduous and important journey – our youth sharing the mission to safeguard national security”, Mr Lam engaged with young leaders from various sectors to explore the vital role of young people in safeguarding national security, and envisage further joint endeavours between the Government and the community in enhancing legal literacy. This, he said, would better jointly promote the concepts of “security brings prosperity” and “respecting and observing the law”, and have them rooted in the community, enabling members of the public to identify themselves closely with the harmony and stability brought about by national security, making “being patriotic and loving Hong Kong” a mainstream value among the city’s younger generation.
Concluding the Forum, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, said that today’s Forum aimed to provide an in-depth and broad discussion loaded with insights and humour. He added that the number of young attendees of the Forum was believed to be the highest in the history of national security legal forums held by the Department of Justice. He said that safeguarding national security is the responsibility of every generation and must be passed from generation to generation. Dr Cheung also emphasised that Hong Kong has built legal protection measures for safeguarding national security, and that Hong Kong’s future will be bright as long as the city remains vigilant at all times, seizing the opportunity to integrate into the national development and deepening international exchanges and co-operation. Issued at HKT 22:40
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will pay an official visit to China from June 22 to 26 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Lawrence Wong was born in December 1972. He was elected to the Singapore Parliament in 2011 and has served successively as Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Minister for National Development, Minister for Education and Minister for Finance.
In 2022, the politician took up the post of Deputy Prime Minister, simultaneously serving as Minister of Finance. In May 2024, he became Prime Minister, retaining the post of head of the Ministry of Finance, and in May 2025, he began his second term in this post. –0–
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Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, held talks with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom yesterday in Geneva as Israel’s attacks on Iran entered a second week.
A US-based Iranian human rights group reports the Israeli attacks have killed at least 639 people. Israeli war planes have repeatedly pummeled Tehran and other parts of Iran. Iran is responded by continuing to launch missile strikes into Israel.
Hundreds of thousands of Iranians have protested in Iran against Israel. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to give mixed messages on whether the US will join Israel’s attack on Iran.
On Wednesday, Trump told reporters, “I may do it, I may not do it”. On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a new statement from the President.
KAROLINE LEAVITT: “Regarding the ongoing situation in Iran, I know there has been a lot of speculation among all of you in the media regarding the president’s decision-making and whether or not the United States will be directly involved.
“In light of that news, I have a message directly from the president. And I quote, ‘Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.’”
AMY GOODMAN, The War and Peace Report:President Trump has repeatedly used that term, “two weeks,” when being questioned about decisions in this term and his first term as president. Leavitt delivered the message shortly after President Trump met with his former adviser, Steve Bannon, who has publicly warned against war with Iran.
Bannon recently said, “We can’t do this again. We’ll tear the country apart. We can’t have another Iraq,” Bannon said.
This comes as Trump’s reportedly sidelined National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard from key discussions on Iran. In March, Gabbard told lawmakers the intelligence community, “Continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.”
But on Tuesday, Trump dismissed her statement, saying, “I don’t care what she said.”
Earlier Thursday, an Iranian missile hit the main hospital in Southern Israel in Beersheba. After the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei, saying Iran’s supreme leader, “Cannot continue to exist.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the hospital and likened Iran’s attack to the London Blitz. Netanyahu stunned many in Israel by saying, “Each of us bears a personal cost. My family has not been exempt. This is the second time my son Avner has cancelled a wedding due to missile threats.”
We’re joined now by William Hartung, senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. His new article for The National Interest is headlined, “Don’t Get Dragged Into a War with Iran.”
Can you talk about what’s going on right now, Bill, the whole question of whether the U.S. is going to use a bunker-buster bomb that has to be delivered by a B-2 bomber, which only the US has?
Another Iraq: Military expert warns US has no real plan Video: Democracy Now!
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Yeah. This is a case of undue trust in technology. The US is always getting in trouble when they think there’s this miracle solution. A lot of experts aren’t sure this would even work, or if it did, it would take multiple bombings.
And of course, Iran’s not going to sit on its hands. They’ll respond possibly by killing US troops in the region, then we’ll have escalation from there. It’s reminiscent of the beginning of the Iraq War, when they said, “It’s going to be a cakewalk. It’s not going to cost anything.”
Couple of trillion dollars, hundreds of thousands of casualties, many US veterans coming home with PTSD, a regime that was sectarian that paved the way for ISIS, it couldn’t have gone worse.
And so, this is a different beginning, but the end is uncertain, and I don’t think we want to go there.
AMY GOODMAN: So, can you talk about the GBU-57, the bunker-buster bomb, and how is it that this discussion going on within the White House about the use of the bomb — and of course, the US has gone back and forth — I should say President Trump has gone back and forth whether he’s fully involved with this war.
At first he was saying they knew about it, but Israel was doing it, then saying, “We have total control of the skies over Tehran,” saying we, not Israel, and what exactly it would mean if the US dropped this bomb and the fleet that the US is moving in?
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Yes, well, the notion is, it’s heavy steel, it’s more explosive power than any conventional bomb. But it only goes so deep, and they don’t actually know how deep this facility is buried. And if it’s going in a straight line, and it’s to one side, it’s just not clear that it’s going to work.
And of course, if it does, Iran is going to rebuild, they’re going to go straight for a nuclear weapon. They’re not going to trust negotiations anymore.
So, apparently, the two weeks is partly because Trump’s getting conflicting reports from his own people about this. Now, if he had actual independent military folks, like Mark Milley in the first term, I think we’d be less likely to go in.
But they made sure to have loyalists. Pete Hegseth is not a profile in courage. He’s not going to stand up to Trump on this. He might not even know the consequences. So, a lot of the press coverage is about this bomb, not about the consequences of an active war.
AMY GOODMAN: Right, about using it. In your recent piece, you wrote, “Israeli officials suggested their attacks may result in regime change in Iran, despite the devastating destabilising impact such efforts in the region would have.”
Can you talk about the significance of Israel putting forward and then Trump going back and forth on whether or not Ali Khamenei will be targeted?
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Yeah, I think my colleague Trita Parsi put it well. There’s been no example of regime change in the region that has come out with a better result. They don’t know what kind of regime would come in.
Could be to the right of the current one. Could just be chaos that would fuel terrorism, who knows what else.
So, they’re just talking — they’re winging it. They have no idea what they’re getting into. And I think Trump, he doesn’t want to seem like Netanyahu’s pulling him by the nose, so when he gets out in front of Trump, Trump says, “Oh, that was my idea.”
But it’s almost as if Benjamin Netanyahu is running US foreign policy, and Trump is kind of following along.
AMY GOODMAN: You have Netanyahu back in 2002 saying, “Iran is imminently going to have a nuclear bomb.” That was more than two decades ago.
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Exactly. That’s just a cover for wanting to take out the regime. And he spoke to the US Congress, he’s made presentations all over the world, and his intelligence has been proven wrong over, and over, and over.
And when we had the Iran deal, he had European allies, he had China, he had Russia. There hadn’t been a deal like that where all these countries were on the same page in living memory, and it was working.
And Trump trashed it and now has to start over.
AMY GOODMAN: So, talk about the War Powers Act. The Virginia Senator Kaine has said that — has just put forward a bill around saying it must be — Congress that must vote on this. Where is [Senator] Chuck Schumer [Senate minority leader]? Where is [Hakeem] Jeffries [Congress minoroity leader] on this, the Democratic House and Senate leaders?
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Well, a lot of the so-called leaders are not leading. When is the moment that you should step forward if we’re possibly going to get into another disastrous war? But I think they’re concerned about being viewed as critical of Israel.
They don’t want to go out on a limb. So, you’ve got a progressive group that’s saying, “This has to be authorised by Congress.” You’ve got Republicans who are doubtful, but they don’t want to stand up to Trump because they don’t want to lose their jobs.
“Risk your job. This is a huge thing. Don’t just sort of be a time-server.
AMY GOODMAN: So, according to a report from IAEA, the International Atomic Energy Agency, released in May, Iran has accumulated roughly 120 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, which is 30 percent away from weapons-grade level of 90 percent. You have Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, saying this week that they do not have evidence that Iran has the system for a nuclear bomb.
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Yes, well, a lot of the discussion points out — they don’t talk about, when you’ve got the uranium, you have to build the weapon, you have to make it work on a missile.
It’s not you get the uranium, you have a weapon overnight, so there’s time to deal with that should they go forward through negotiations. And we had a deal that was working, which Trump threw aside in his first term.
AMY GOODMAN: Talk about the foreign minister of Iran, Araghchi, in Geneva now speaking with his counterparts from Britain, France, the EU.
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Well, I don’t think US allies in Europe want to go along with this, and I think he’s looking for some leverage over Trump. And of course, Trump is very hard to read, but even his own base, the majority of Trump supporters, don’t want to go to war.
You’ve got people like Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon saying it would be a disaster. But ultimately, it comes down to Trump. He’s unpredictable, he’s transactional, he’ll calculate what he thinks it’ll mean for him.
AMY GOODMAN: And what impact does protests have around the country, as we wrap up?
WILLIAM HARTUNG: Well, I think taking the stand is infectious. So many institutions were caving in to Trump. And the more people stand up, 2000 demonstrations around the country, the more the folks sitting on the fence, the millions of people who, they’re against Trump, but they don’t know what to do, the more of us that get involved, the better chance we have of turning this thing around.
So, we should not let them discourage us. We need to build power to push back against all these horrible things.
AMY GOODMAN: Finally, if the US were to bomb the nuclear site that it would require the bunker-buster bomb to hit below ground, underground. Are we talking about nuclear fallout here?
WILLIAM HARTUNG: I think there would certainly be radiation that would of course affect the Iranian people. They’ve already had many civilian deaths. It’s not this kind of precise thing that’s only hitting military targets.
And that, too, has to affect Iran’s view of this. They were shortly away from another negotiation, and now their country’s being devastated, so can they trust us?
AMY GOODMAN: Bill Hartung is senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. His new piece for The National Interest is headlined, “Don’t Get Dragged Into a War with Iran.”
Republished from Democracy Now! under Creative Commons.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi hosted a large-scale celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga on Friday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Contrary to earlier mentions, the event was held exclusively at ADNEC and not at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Held under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event aligned with the UAE’s Year of the Community initiative and drew wide participation from yoga enthusiasts across the emirate.
The morning session was graced by UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahayan as chief guest, with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza joining as guest of honor. Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, also took part in the celebration. Yoga sessions were led by renowned international instructors, catering to participants of all levels, and aimed at promoting holistic wellness and intercultural harmony. The Embassy has been organizing such events annually since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal to designate June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014, with growing interest each year underscoring the universal relevance and appeal of yoga.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi hosted a large-scale celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga on Friday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Contrary to earlier mentions, the event was held exclusively at ADNEC and not at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Held under the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event aligned with the UAE’s Year of the Community initiative and drew wide participation from yoga enthusiasts across the emirate.
The morning session was graced by UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahayan as chief guest, with Indian tennis star Sania Mirza joining as guest of honor. Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, also took part in the celebration. Yoga sessions were led by renowned international instructors, catering to participants of all levels, and aimed at promoting holistic wellness and intercultural harmony. The Embassy has been organizing such events annually since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal to designate June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014, with growing interest each year underscoring the universal relevance and appeal of yoga.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong attends 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum and visits National Security Exhibition Gallery in Hong KongIssued at HKT 21:45
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga at a spectacular gathering along the picturesque coast of Visakhapatnam. Marking a historic milestone, the event witnessed the participation of over three lakh citizens, earning recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest-ever yoga gathering.
In his address, the Prime Minister extended greetings to people across the country and the world on this global occasion. Reflecting on the journey since the inception of International Yoga Day in 2015, he recalled India’s proposal at the United Nations that received support from 175 countries. He said this support reflected a rare global consensus for the welfare of humanity. “Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that yoga has the power to transcend boundaries, backgrounds, age, or ability. He noted how it is now practiced from the steps of the Sydney Opera House to the summit of Mount Everest, and even in space by scientists. He also mentioned how Divyang individuals are reading yogic texts in Braille, and students from rural areas are taking part in Yoga Olympiads, reaffirming that yoga truly belongs to everyone.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi lauded the city of Visakhapatnam for hosting the grand celebrations and praised its vibrant blend of natural beauty and progress. He appreciated the efforts of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan for their leadership in organising the event and launching the state-wide Yogandhra Abhiyan.
He gave special recognition to Nara Lokesh for his dedication in turning yoga into a social celebration that engaged communities across all sections of society. The Prime Minister said that the participation of over two crore people in the Yogandhra campaign reflects the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, which is the bedrock of a Viksit Bharat. He said that when citizens take ownership of national movements, even the most ambitious goals become achievable.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, in his address, credited the Prime Minister for initiating the historic resolution at the UN General Assembly, which laid the foundation for a global wellness movement celebrated in more than 180 countries today. He announced the launch of 10 signature events this year as part of the International Day of Yoga celebrations, including Harit Yoga, Yoga Connect, Yoga Parks, Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Mahakumbh, and Yoga Sangam. These events have seen participation from over 10 lakh organisations across India.
Jadhav also praised the Andhra Pradesh government for the successful launch of the Yogandhra Abhiyan on May 21. He noted that as part of the campaign, over 22,000 tribal students performed 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar in just 15 minutes, setting another Guinness World Record.
He further informed that the Ministry of Ayush, inspired by the Prime Minister, has launched an initiative to promote healthy eating habits. As part of this effort, Ayush Aahar based on moringa was distributed at 70 locations across Delhi during Yoga Day celebrations, offering a healthy and tasty alternative to the public.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, while expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for selecting Andhra Pradesh to host the main event, said that the state celebrated Yoga Day with unprecedented enthusiasm. He noted that the month-long Yogandhra campaign concluded with participation from 2.17 crore people across the state, setting several records in the process.
Joining the nationwide celebration, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the Yoga Day event in Udhampur. He said that yoga, a tradition passed down by India’s sages, is now being followed globally and is more than a practice—it is a way of life.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took part in the celebrations in Ahmedabad and shared on social media that yoga has become an essential daily habit, bringing unity to the mind, body, and brain.
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Jagat Prakash Nadda, participated in the celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. He said that yoga nurtures balance across physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions and praised the Prime Minister’s leadership for bringing global attention to yoga. He encouraged all citizens to continue practicing and promoting yoga as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
More than 100 events were organised across the national capital to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga, further reflecting the nationwide enthusiasm and deep cultural connection to the ancient practice.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
St. Petersburg, June 21 (Xinhua) — Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ding Xuexiang said on Friday that China is ready to cooperate with Russia to continuously strengthen political mutual trust and expand areas of common interest.
A senior Chinese official made the statement at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He recalled that in May, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia at the invitation and took part in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. According to him, Xi Jinping held in-depth strategic communication with V. Putin and developed new high-level projects for the development of Chinese-Russian relations at the next stage.
Ding Xuexiang noted that the leadership and strategic guidance of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin provide a reliable guarantee for deepening China-Russia cooperation and maintaining friendship for many generations, and also serve as confidence for the two countries to jointly overcome various uncertainties on the way forward.
China is ready to cooperate with Russia to further expand trade and investment, deepen practical cooperation in the energy sector, promote relevant projects and mutually support development and national revival, the Vice Premier added.
Against the backdrop of profound changes in the international situation, China and Russia should maintain comprehensive strategic coordination, uphold international fairness, support the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, jointly safeguard supply chain stability, and deepen multilateral cooperation through mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, so as to promote the building of an equitable and orderly multipolar world as well as win-win and inclusive economic globalization.
In turn, V. Putin noted that despite external difficulties and challenges, Russian-Chinese relations have received comprehensive development and reached an unprecedented high level.
He expressed Russia’s readiness to further strengthen practical cooperation with China and work together to create a better future for both countries and the entire world.
In conclusion, the Russian President stressed that he was looking forward to visiting China to participate in the SCO summit in Tianjin and the commemorative events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HAIKOU, June 21 (Xinhua) — Canadian tourist Stephanie Wing Xi Yao found the wellness treatments at a medical center in Boao Township, south China’s Hainan Province, more like a “resort.”
“Everything here is top-notch, the staff pays attention to all aspects of health – not only physical but also mental,” she told Xinhua at the Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Boao, which is home to more than 30 leading domestic and foreign medical institutions.
Through special policy measures, 485 advanced drugs and medical equipment licensed abroad but not yet available domestically were brought into the pilot zone, benefiting more than 130,000 patients, including Yao.
Her four-day experience at the medical centre, which combined cutting-edge medical examinations, traditional Chinese medicine treatments, tea ceremonies and cultural immersion, was much more than just a chance to relax. It demonstrates the concrete outcome of a key step in China’s opening-up strategy: turning Hainan into a free trade port (FTP).
As Hainan FCT prepares to launch a separate customs control regime by the end of the year, it plans to become not only a tourist mecca but also an important gateway for China’s high-level opening-up.
PLACE OF FREE MOVEMENT OF FACTORS
The central component of this transformation is the Lecheng Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. A total of 25 medical tourism routes have been launched, covering a wide range of needs, including traditional Chinese medicine, chronic disease treatment, premium diagnostics, and beauty rehabilitation, which have gained popularity among residents of Indonesia, Russia, Spain, and other countries.
In 2024, the medical special zone was visited more than 410,000 times, which is 36.76 percent more than the previous year.
Lecheng is just one part of Hainan’s broader efforts to open up. Beyond the medical sector, the province is accelerating foreign companies’ access to finance, education, communications and high-tech industries as China seeks to create a free trade zone with the highest global trading standards.
Backed by China’s huge domestic market and its strategic positioning, Hainan is an important hub linking the world’s second-largest economy to global markets.
The Hainan PCT is poised to become “a key gateway leading China into a new era of opening up,” said Chi Fulin, head of the China Institute of Reform and Development Studies.
With the approach of the launch of the separate customs control regime, the political system of the PST was formed, based on such features as zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system and facilitated movement of production factors.
For companies based in Lecheng, the zero-tariff policy on medical imports has saved nearly 8.2 million yuan (about $1.14 million) in duties since December 2024.
The launch of separate customs control will be a concrete step towards creating an important gateway for China’s high-level opening up, Chi Fulin noted.
INSTITUTIONAL OPENNESS ATTRACTS FOREIGN CAPITAL
Since the Hainan FCT has prioritized institutional integration and coordination in trade, financial and regulatory systems, experts believe that this will create a strong driving force for the development of the FCT and contribute to China’s high-level opening-up expansion strategy.
Official data show that Hainan Province has implemented a total of 158 institutional innovations to date. These reforms include technology-enhanced government tenders, a one-stop shop for business licenses, and the establishment of a dedicated IP zone to support the breeding industry.
The Hainan Free Trade Zone serves not only as a testing ground for the free movement of goods, services and data, but also as a front for innovation in regulation and mechanisms, said Zhou Xiaochuan, vice chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia (BOA).
With an optimized business environment, Hainan has become a leading destination for foreign investment, ranking among the best in the country in terms of its performance. In 2024, the number of foreign-invested enterprises in Hainan increased by 19.2 percent year-on-year, and the volume of foreign direct investment attracted allowed the region to rise to 10th place in the country.
To date, Hainan has attracted investment from 158 countries and regions, and its economic openness ratio – the ratio of total foreign trade to GRP – has more than doubled from 17.3 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2024.
The province’s landmark events such as BAF, a leading platform advocating for openness and multilateral cooperation, and the China International Consumer Goods Expo, the largest consumer expo in the Asia-Pacific region, offer dynamic opportunities for global investors to observe China’s evolving opening-up agenda.
LVMH’s luxury retail arm DFS made its largest single investment in 60 years in 2024, opening a landmark complex in Yalong Bay in Sanya, Hainan’s famous tropical resort city. The project will combine luxury retail, hotels and entertainment to create a premier luxury shopping and tourism destination.
“The Hainan FTA represents China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up,” said DFS China President Nancy Liu.
China’s special economic zones, such as the Hainan Free Trade Zone and the 21 pilot free trade zones, serve as key drivers of industrial transformation and opening-up, Chi Fulin stressed, noting their role as “growth accelerators for both regional and global economies.”
Once the separate customs control is put into effect, the Hainan FCP will create key opportunities for international enterprises to more effectively access China’s domestic market and play a greater role in strengthening market connectivity with global markets through regulatory harmonization focused on trade in services, he added. -0-
June 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Indigenous Peoples have a strong connection to the natural world, and their leadership is key in tackling climate change. That is why Canada is committed to working in true partnership with Indigenous Peoples for inclusive and collaborative climate action by supporting Indigenous-led projects and Indigenous leadership on climate resilience here at home and in the most vulnerable regions of the world.
Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), in collaboration with Indigenous partners, announced $5.1 million in federal funding over 2 years to support 3 new Indigenous-led initiatives that will help build climate resilience and support climate action by Indigenous Peoples in South America, Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives will be designed and implemented in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada and Indigenous Peoples abroad.
The new projects are as follows:
Our Collective Futures: Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Lands and Waters: The Assembly of First Nations will partner with Indigenous Peoples in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate resilience centering on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and their self-determined priorities for climate and biodiversity action. This will be done through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to develop and implement climate solutions and will increase access to these solutions for Indigenous Peoples, in particular women and youths, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. This project builds on local efforts led by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact.
The Indigenous Climate Action Partnership: The Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada) will aim to increase the climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries by fostering partnerships, shared learning and mutual support in climate adaptation work and advocacy skills. The project will highlight Indigenous-led nature-based solutions through learning experiences on the land and connect Indigenous leaders around the world.
A World of Wahkohtowin: The Métis National Council will collaborate with Indigenous Peoples in Colombia and Zambia to co-create culturally relevant climate adaptation strategies that are deeply connected to the identities of the Nations and Peoples involved. Rooted in the value of wahkohtowin— a Cree word meaning kinship and interconnectedness—this work emphasizes the importance of building respectful, reciprocal relationships across Nations. The initiative aims to reduce poverty by safeguarding the livelihoods and resources that Indigenous communities depend on while also supporting gender equality and on-site learning.
This announcement is being made during Canada’s National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and honour the rich histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as deepen our understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China ready to work with Russia to consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen bonds of shared interests: vice premier
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
ST. PETERSBURG, June 21 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said here on Friday that China stands ready to work with Russia to continuously consolidate their political mutual trust and strengthen the bonds of shared interests.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ding first conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Putin.
Not long ago, Xi was invited to visit Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, Ding said. Xi had in-depth strategic communication with Putin and made new top-level designs for the development of China-Russia relations for the next stage, he said.
The leadership and strategic guidance of Xi and Putin provide the strongest assurance for deepening China-Russia cooperation and sustaining their friendship for generations to come, and also serve as the biggest certainty for the two countries to jointly deal with various uncertainties on the way forward, Ding said.
He said China stands ready to work with Russia to further expand trade and investment, deepen practical cooperation in the energy sector, advance relevant projects, and support each other’s development and revitalization.
The vice premier said that in the face of profound changes in the global landscape, China and Russia should uphold comprehensive strategic coordination, defend international justice, support the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, jointly safeguard the stability of supply chains, and deepen multilateral cooperation through mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, so as to contribute to promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
For his part, Putin asked Ding to convey his sincere greetings to Xi and welcomed Ding’s attendance at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Putin said that despite external difficulties and challenges, Russia-China relations have achieved all-round development and reached an unprecedented level.
He expressed Russia’s readiness to further strengthen practical cooperation with China and work together to create a better future for both countries and the world.
Putin said he looks forward to visiting China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin and the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Glimpse of exhibition areas of South Asian countries at China-South Asia Expo
Updated: June 21, 2025 20:30Xinhua
People visit the South Asia Pavilion during the 9th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, June 21, 2025. The six-day event, opened on Thursday in Kunming, features 16 exhibition halls. Nearly 500 enterprises from eight South Asian countries are participating in the event. [Photo/Xinhua]This panoramic photo shows people visiting the exhibition area of Sri Lanka at the South Asia Pavilion during the 9th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, June 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The energy panel organized by Rosneft Oil Company as part of the SPIEF ended with the traditional oil price forecast from its participants. This year, the head of the Company Igor Sechin and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the non-profit initiative of the Japanese government to develop low-carbon technologies Nobuo Tanaka presented their vision of the development of events.
Professor Tanaka recalled that a year earlier, Energy Panel participants predicted the price of oil at $60 per barrel. “This year, I am afraid that the price may exceed $100 due to the crisis that is currently happening in the Middle East,” said the Japanese expert, who headed the International Energy Agency from 2007 to 2011.
In turn, the head of Rosneft responded to this: “Whatever it (the price of oil – ed.) may be, it is difficult for us to guess what will happen. Nobody knows. I will remind Machiavelli: “The power of power is in its secret.”
At the same time, Igor Sechin named the price that the Company included in the business plan for 2025 and 2026: “We do not know what geopolitical factors will affect the market. But whatever they are, our company Rosneft is setting its business plan for this year at 45 dollars, and for the next year at 42-43. We do not want to depend on this volatility,” he said.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared an article emphasising how the integration of yoga into women and child welfare policies is helping enhance grassroots health and overall well-being across India.
Responding to a post by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi on X, the Prime Minister said, “Union Minister @Annapurna4BJP Ji highlights how integrating yoga into women and child welfare policies is enhancing grassroots health and well-being across India… Have a read!”
The article sheds light on the efforts being made to promote yoga as a mass movement for building a healthier and more resilient India. As the birthplace of yoga, India continues to honour this ancient discipline not just as a form of physical exercise, but as a comprehensive approach to wellness that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita’s phrase yogah karmasu kaushalam, meaning “yoga is skill in action,” the article underscores yoga’s role in empowering women and fostering healthy growth in children.
With this year’s International Yoga Day celebrated under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the government is focused on mainstreaming yoga into the lives of women and children—groups that make up two-thirds of India’s population and are particularly vulnerable to health issues. The article outlines how yoga contributes to improving mental health, hormonal balance, and the musculoskeletal system among women of all ages.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
At the Energy Panel of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, leading industry experts, politicians, scientists, government officials and heads of major international energy companies discussed current trends in the global energy market.
Their assessments and forecasts largely coincided with the visionary concept of the industry development presented by Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin. In his report “The Odyssey of the World Economy in Search of the Golden Fleece. The New Image of World Energy,” he announced that the current state of world energy is at the stage of forming a new image, caused by the multiple growth of electricity consumption, the generation of which will be provided by both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. According to him, the optimal solution today is “the synthesis of traditional and alternative energy sources.”
The event, organized with the support of PJSC NK Rosneft, was attended by Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosneft Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Executive Vice President of the Republic of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of Pertamina Simon Aloysius Mantiri, Vice President of CNPC Zhang Daowei, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Panda Madhusudana Shiva Prasad, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Dynkin, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the non-profit initiative of the Japanese government for the development of low-carbon technologies Nobuo Tanaka, as well as President of TOFS Group David Gadzhimirzaev.
ENERGY TRANSITION WITHOUT TRANSITION
Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada opened the discussion of Igor Sechin’s report, noting the depth of his analysis. “It was comprehensive – the way you showed that progress and energy are inseparable,” Al-Sada addressed Sechin.
The head of the board of directors of Rosneft drew the audience’s attention to the fact that, despite the active promotion of the idea of switching to renewable energy sources, the share of fossil energy sources in the energy balance has not changed in recent decades. He recalled that Igor Sechin mentioned in his report that fossil fuels account for 80% of the world’s energy balance. “And these statistics have not changed in the last 20 years! We flutter around these 80% of fossil fuels and energy sources, and, therefore, little has changed!” exclaimed Al-Sada, describing the situation in the global energy sector.
“In other words, we are essentially not making any transition away from hydrocarbons,” he concluded, emphasizing that the transition to renewable energy sources is being imposed on the industry and the public.
“I would also like to take the baton from Mr. Sechin and pass on my comment to you. This is food for thought: are we really moving from fossil fuels to renewables?” Al-Sada addressed the audience.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosneft also noted that the demand for energy for various reasons does not always coincide with the growth of production. “I would like to express two small thoughts in order to further color the valuable things that we heard in the words of Mr. Sechin. The lack of investment is already a reality in the hydrocarbon and energy sectors. This is what can really lead us to a serious shortage of energy. “If this trend continues, we may face a shortage of energy resources. This is not only my personal opinion, but also what a large number of analysts say, including the International Energy Agency and other respected experts, who in their reviews emphasize the importance of having sufficient investment in the hydrocarbon sector. Otherwise, we will face the risk of a shortage of primary energy!” Al-Sada emphasized.
THE FUTURE IS SYNERGY
Vice President of China’s CNPC Zhang Daowei noted that he listened with interest to the report of Rosneft’s Chief Executive Officer. In his speech, the top manager of the Chinese company expressed similar assessments of the development paths of the global energy sector – in particular, the need for synergy between traditional and new energy sources.
“We have always believed that in the context of the energy transition course, it is necessary to adhere to the synergetic, comprehensive development of traditional and new energy sources, fully take into account the characteristics and level of development of our countries’ markets, properly link the energy transition with energy security, and promote a fair and sustainable model of energy transformation,” Daowei noted.
According to the vice president, within the framework of this philosophy, CNPC, on the one hand, continues to increase the exploration and development of oil and gas fields at home and import high-quality resources from abroad, including strengthening long-term cooperation with Russia in the field of hydrocarbon trade. On the other hand, CNPC actively adheres to the strategy of “green”, low-carbon development and implements the development of the “three-step strategy” combining oil and gas projects using wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.
Indonesia’s Pertamina President and CEO Simon Aloysius Mantiri said the company is pursuing a dual growth strategy that relies on both traditional resources and low-carbon solutions, with natural gas playing a major role in the country’s energy mix.
“Natural gas is at the center of our strategy to transition to cleaner fuels. And today we are expanding our capacity and ability to produce LNG for both domestic and export needs,” he said.
The head of Pertamina essentially repeated the thesis voiced in Igor Sechin’s report, and particularly emphasized that by achieving a balance of energy sources and a comprehensive approach, the company is capable of ensuring high rates of economic growth and, at the same time, carbon neutrality.
Reliance Industries CEO PMS Prasad said India does not choose between energy access and innovation. “It integrates both. By developing scalable, context-specific solutions, it addresses local priorities while making a significant contribution to global sustainability. From rural microgrids to energy-efficient data centres, India is turning its potential into a strategic asset,” Prasad said.
He stressed that international partnerships play a vital role in this ambitious endeavour. “Energy remains a key cornerstone of the strategic relationship between India and Russia. India values this trusting partnership and appreciates the cooperation built over decades. The leadership of both countries is committed to taking this partnership to even higher levels in the future,” the Reliance Industries CEO concluded.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS ARE NOT WRITTEN OFF THE ACCOUNTS
Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin noted in his keynote speech at the Energy Panel the growing interest in nuclear power generation worldwide and, accordingly, the growth of investments in this area. According to him, this is happening against the backdrop of growing energy consumption and in the future nuclear energy will be in demand along with fossil fuels and renewable energy sources.
Reliance Industries CEO Panda Madhusudana Shiva Prasad, speaking in turn about the prospects for the development of India’s energy sector, particularly emphasized the significant role of nuclear power generation.
“Gas, renewables supported by energy storage systems and a robust transmission grid, and nuclear power will play a key role. India’s ambitious nuclear programme, including small modular reactors, reflects its commitment to long-term energy security and decarbonisation,” Prasad said.
The revival of interest in investment in the construction of nuclear power plants was noted in the speech of the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov. He spoke about joint plans with Russia to build two units of 55 megawatts each, and two units of VVR-type reactors – water-cooled power reactors. The head of the ministry also reported that the country is installing power plants where gas is burned, hydropower is developing, the share of renewable sources is increasing, and storage systems are being created at the same time.
The Minister noted the content of Igor Sechin’s report, which provided a detailed analysis and reflected all the development trends in global energy, science and economics.
ENERGY SECURITY FIRST
In her speech, the Executive Vice President of the Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, supported the thesis expressed by the head of Rosneft that issues of ensuring energy security should be a top priority.
“We always advocate that the energy transition be carried out responsibly, taking into account reality, in order to avoid abrupt changes that could threaten energy security,” Rodriguez said.
The Executive Vice President of Venezuela named the main components of a stable energy system of the future: energy security, reliable supplies, accessibility for all, and at the same time respect for nature – with minimal impact on the environment.
Among the main threats to energy security, Rodriguez named illegal sanctions against producing countries and the hegemony of the dollar.
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Japanese government’s non-profit initiative to develop low-carbon technologies Nobuo Tanaka, in turn, noted that the answer to energy security issues is always associated with diversification of supply sources, increasing energy efficiency and searching for alternative energy sources, including renewable energy sources, nuclear energy and regulating the market through predictable policies.
CONTRARY TO LOGIC
The participants in the discussion drew attention to the political events of the last decades and stated that today geopolitics shapes the directions of economic cooperation. Moreover, often contrary to the logic of market expediency and economic efficiency.
Tanaka recalled in this regard how he discussed Germany’s energy policy with Chancellor Merkel in 2009: “I asked her why Germany does not use nuclear energy. She answered like this: Mr. Tanaka, I am a scientist, I know how important it is to use nuclear energy, but in order to use it in Germany, she said, give me the votes of the voters in exchange for it. Yes, she is a good scientist, but she is also a very smart politician.”
The professor is sure that despite her experience, Merkel made a very serious mistake by changing her policy on the use of nuclear power plants under pressure from public opinion. Another mistake was the refusal to use Russian energy resources and Russian natural gas. “I think she was misled,” Tanaka said.
“Geopolitics is a factor in the global economy of the 21st century. It is geopolitical interests that united the BRICS countries. The criterion for membership is not the application of sanctions against other members of the organization. But geopolitics has also become a kind of “trap” for Germany after Trump’s victory,” says academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Dynkin.
He noted that Eurocrats are concerned about the complete rejection of energy supplies from Russia by 2027. “They are not stopped by the growth of costs, which undermines the competitiveness of the EU,” Dynkin noted and recalled that if in 2014 the US GDP was ahead of the EU GDP by only 12%, then last year the American economy was already 50% larger than the European one.
“Although the German energy crisis is formally over, the country paid for it with three years of stagnation, deindustrialization, inflation, and a migration crisis,” said the member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
The thesis voiced in Igor Sechin’s report that the digital revolution is opening a new era in the development of the oil and gas industry received a warm response from the audience. In particular, David Gadzhimirzaev, CEO of the oilfield services company TOFS, thanked Rosneft for supporting innovation and developing technologies. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the availability, stability and reliability of resources, which can be provided by new technologies that will reduce the cost of lifting barrels to the surface.
“We all know that literally this year the energy strategy-2050 was approved, which includes the fact that by 2050 about 70% of the Russian Federation’s production will be from hard-to-recover reserves. Therefore, we, in turn, are not only working on the expertise, but also working on the production of new technologies,” Gadzhimirzaev said.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Headline: Rosneft CEO Calls Energy Sector One of Driving Forces of New Technological Revolution
The energy sector is one of the main drivers of the new technological revolution, said Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft, at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Delivering a keynote speech, he noted that the digital revolution with the application of artificial intelligence and work with big data should become the basis for labor productivity growth.
Investment bank Goldman Sachs estimates that large-scale implementation of high technologies will increase labor productivity by 1.5 p.p. for developed countries and by 1 p.p. for developing countries within 10 years. “However, the development of advanced technologies requires substantial natural resources, as well as large-scale investments in infrastructure and human capital. This, in turn, means a multiple increase in energy consumption,” Rosneft CEO noted.
“Undoubtedly, one of the main driving forces of the new technological revolution is the energy sector,” Sechin said. He recalled that the use of artificial intelligence on the basis of large data processing centers is a highly energy-intensive process. “According to the International Energy Agency, the electricity demand of a single 100 megawatt data center today is comparable to the consumption of 100,000 households. In the future, this demand could increase by several tens of times,” the Rosneft CEO added.
Such centers, according to Sechin, will contribute more to the growth of global electricity demand than heavy industry or heat supply. “According to forecasts , by 2030 their electricity consumption will more than double, reaching one thousand terawatt-hours, which is comparable to Japan’s current consumption,” said the CEO of Rosneft.
Igor Sechin also cited the development of the cryptocurrency market as an example of the impact of digitalization on the global energy system. According to him, in less than ten years they have turned into an independent industry, which today consumes resources on a par with entire countries. For example, the energy consumption of the entire bitcoin network as of May 2025 has already exceeded the level of electricity consumption in Poland.
Department of Information and Advertising Rosneft Oil Company June 21, 2025
On the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), several Sri Lankan ministers, parliamentarians, cricket legends, cultural icons, and local residents gathered at the iconic Independence Square in Colombo to practice yoga, highlighting its significance in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The event was organised by the Indian High Commission in Colombo, in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry. More than 100 yoga instructors from across the island nation demonstrated yoga to participants, including members of the tri-forces, police, students, and yoga enthusiasts.
Several senior ministers of the Sri Lankan government, including Anil Jayantha and Chrishantha Abeysena, as well as Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih and other prominent figures from industry, attended the event.
Meanwhile, several other IDY celebrations were also held in Galle, Kandy, and Jaffna, organised by diplomatic offices across the country.
The 2025 theme — ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ — emphasises the connection between personal well-being and planetary health, aligning with India’s broader vision of global harmony through traditional wisdom.
Earlier on Thursday, the Department of Ayurveda under the Ministry of Health of the Government of Sri Lanka, together with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, jointly organised IDY celebrations across the island.
In a historic first, this event was simultaneously held at 113 Ayurveda hospitals, including teaching and research institutions across all nine provinces of the South Asian nation, along with four universities.
This collaborative celebration with SVCC marks the first time that the entire network of Ayurveda institutions in Sri Lanka has participated in IDY in a unified manner.
The SVCC supported the initiative by providing yoga mats, instructional books, and curated video content to all participating centres.
This island-wide event underscored the growing global recognition of yoga as a powerful tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, while also strengthening traditional healthcare ties between Sri Lanka and India.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TOKYO, June 21 (Xinhua) — Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya called for a de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, he told his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in a telephone conversation on Friday.
The Japanese minister expressed deep concern over the ongoing exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran and the massive damage caused.
He said any action that could lead to further escalation should be avoided and that restoring calm was of paramount importance.
Takeshi Iwaya also asked the Israeli government for support in ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens in the country.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that a total of 87 Japanese citizens and their family members have been evacuated from Israel and Iran to neighboring countries. –0–
An unprecedented heatwave has gripped Kashmir, with temperatures exceeding 35°C for the past few days.
Srinagar city recorded a high of 35.2°C on Thursday — the highest June temperature in the past two decades. Jammu city, too, saw a maximum of 36.5°C, narrowing the temperature gap between the two cities to just 1.3°C.
The heat wave has caused a sharp drop in the water level of the Jhelum River, the Valley’s main water body. Originating at the Verinag Spring in Anantnag district and flowing into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) via Uri in Baramulla district, the Jhelum has been severely affected.
With perennial water reservoirs in the mountains already depleted due to reduced snowfall in winter, water levels in streams, rivers, lakes, springs, and wells across the Valley have alarmingly diminished.
Farmers in Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag districts are already reporting water shortages for their paddy fields and apple orchards. Paddy crops, especially in higher areas, have begun to suffer due to inadequate irrigation.
Paddy requires substantial water until the grains mature, and only during ripening and harvest can farmers allow their fields to dry. Apple orchards also require regular irrigation during the fruiting season; insufficient water leads to apples that lack color, succulence, and have a much shorter shelf life.
While occasional rainfall in April and May had temporarily compensated for reduced water discharge in local rivers and streams, the current heat wave is worsening the situation.
The Meteorological Department, however, offered some relief. A Met office forecast on Friday said, “Weather is likely to remain mainly dry in the Kashmir division with isolated light rain in the Jammu division during the next 24 hours. Scattered to fairly widespread light rain is likely to occur across J&K in the following two days.”
Meanwhile, the School Education Department has announced a 10-day summer break starting July 1.