NewzIntel.com

Category: Central Asia

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE-supported seminar discusses the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE-supported seminar discusses the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia

    OSCE-supported seminar discusses the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia | OSCE
    Skip navigation

    Navigation

    Navigation

    Home Newsroom News and press releases OSCE-supported seminar discusses the role of youth and women in responding to climate change risks in Turkmenistan and Central Asia

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The “Chinese Language Bridge” competition was held in Tashkent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tashkent, May 12 /Xinhua/ — The “Chinese Language Bridge” competition for schoolchildren and students was held in Tashkent recently.

    The event is organized by the Embassy of China in Uzbekistan. The competition is divided into two categories – for university students and schoolchildren. The competition includes a thematic presentation, a quiz and a creative number, which allows for a comprehensive assessment of the level of proficiency in Chinese, cultural awareness and communication skills of the participants.–0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cultural Marathon at the Polytechnic: Foreign Students Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Preparatory Faculty

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    In honor of the 60th anniversary of the preparatory faculty of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, a series of events dedicated to the history and culture of our country were held for foreign students.

    20 best students from Angola, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Yemen, China, Myanmar, Palestine, Turkmenistan and Turkey went to a three-day cultural and educational intensive course “Polytechnic in History and Culture” at the Kholomki estate. The guys immersed themselves in the atmosphere of Russian estate life in a historical complex associated with the name of the first director of the Polytechnic – Prince Andrei Grigorievich Gagarin.

    The participants not only learned about the life of the prince and the fate of his estate, but also visited Gagarin’s grave in the village of Belskoye Ustye, paying tribute to the memory of the university’s founder.

    This brought us even closer together! Thank you for the opportunity to relax, find friends and celebrate the faculty anniversary, – shared Mustafa Rozyev from Turkmenistan.

    The educational program was prepared by teachers of the Higher School of International Educational Programs (HSIEEP). There were team-building trainings, quizzes on Russian history and modern culture, and a volleyball match, where international student teams competed with teachers. Indian student Gupta Purvi remembered volleyball the most: It was fun and adventurous, and the teachers were as passionate as we were.

    Jonathan Abel from Indonesia admitted that he especially enjoyed the night songs around the campfire under the starry sky: The teachers sang so beautifully that even those who did not know the words joined in with the melodies.

    Yemeni student Al-Falah Naif expressed his delight poetically: Nature whispered its secrets to us… These days will become a page in my future novel.

    Before returning to St. Petersburg, the group honored the memory of the victims of Nazism at the Dulag 100 memorial near Porkhov, where a transit camp was located during the war. The children were reminded that this year Russia solemnly celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    Another group of students from Mexico, China, Turkmenistan, France, Thailand and Slovakia visited the State Museum of the History of Religion. They began their journey with the halls of Christian symbols, where guides gave detailed information about ancient icons, church utensils and the history of Orthodoxy in Russia. Rare exhibits, such as a reconstruction of a 17th-century altar with preserved frescoes, attracted special attention. In the Catholicism department, the participants learned about the connection between European religious traditions and Russian culture.

    Students from Turkmenistan particularly noted the halls dedicated to Islam.

    It’s unexpected to see familiar religious symbols in Russia, it brings us even closer together,” shared Matyakub Yusupov.

    The events not only strengthened intercultural ties, but also became a bridge between the past and present of the Polytechnic University, reminding us of its rich heritage, and helped to form a sense of belonging to the cultural heritage. The organizers are confident that such projects help foreign students to understand Russia more deeply and feel part of a large university family.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran and Uzbekistan Sign Four Documents on Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TEHRAN, May 11 (Xinhua) — Iran and Uzbekistan signed four documents in Tehran on Sunday to expand bilateral cooperation, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported.

    According to the report, the signing took place during a meeting of delegations from the two countries, which included high-ranking officials, including Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who is visiting the Islamic Republic.

    According to IRNA, these four documents include an intergovernmental protocol on the implementation of a preferential trade agreement, a memorandum of understanding on quarantine and plant protection, a memorandum of understanding in the field of halal standardization, and an intergovernmental roadmap for bilateral cooperation for the period 2025-2027.

    During the meeting, M.R. Aref said that Iran is determined to improve relations with Uzbekistan in all areas, viewing “the numerous cultural and historical commonalities between the two countries as valuable assets” for developing bilateral ties in the economy, energy, tourism, culture, science and trade, as well as between representatives of the private sector.

    A. Aripov, for his part, pointed out that Iran is a “close friend and reliable partner” of Uzbekistan in the region. He noted that in 2024, the volume of bilateral trade reached 500 million US dollars.

    The Prime Minister of Uzbekistan stressed that the expansion of cooperation between the two countries should be future-oriented and based on long-term planning. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Let the Glory Shine Forever – Events Dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War Held in Belarus

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    MINSK, May 10 (Xinhua) — Belarus celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in a colorful manner. Traditionally, on May 9, the capital and all regions of the country host numerous entertainment and sports events. Citizens honor veterans, lay flowers at monuments, and participate in patriotic events. For Belarusians, this is a special day of remembrance for the heroes and victims of the war. In 1941, the country, being part of the USSR, was the first to bear the brunt of the Nazi invaders, suffering horrific losses – every third person died.

    The most striking event of this festive day in Belarus was the military parade in Minsk. As planned, it began at the stele “Minsk – Hero City” at 20:30 local time. The speech was given by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.

    “This is the victory of valiant warriors – Red Army soldiers, partisans, underground fighters and home front workers. This is the victory of the Soviet people, the people who liberated us from Nazism. On May 9, 1945, the sky was lit up by the first holiday fireworks. A peaceful life began, in which we tirelessly count the years and days of the events of the Great Patriotic War. For 80 years now, we have been celebrating the victory, remembering the heroes and bowing our heads before the fallen. We are holding a parade in honor of those who did not flinch and fought courageously,” the head of the Belarusian state emphasized.

    In his speech, A. Lukashenko also called on politicians, leaders and peoples of Western countries to remember the lessons of the Great Patriotic War and especially noted that Belarus’s peaceful rhetoric should not be misunderstood. “Yes, we call for peace. Yes, we want with all our hearts to stop all wars and conflicts on the planet. But we have done and will do everything necessary and even more to strengthen the country’s defense potential, maintain the combat readiness of the armed forces at a level that reliably ensures the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Belarusian state,” he said.

    After the President’s speech, the parade began, in which about 4 thousand servicemen took part. The parade units included Belarusian servicemen from the Ground Forces, the Air Force, the Special Operations Forces, the Border Service, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the country, the Investigative Committee, and military educational institutions. Units from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan took part in the foot parade.

    At the invitation of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus, a 54-member ceremonial unit of the Honor Guard of the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) took part in the parade in Minsk. Spectators greeted the Chinese military with thunderous applause as they marched in a clear and coordinated step in front of the stands. Ceremonial units of the PLA have already taken part in parades in Belarus three times by invitation (in 2018, 2019 and 2024).

    The parade in Minsk also featured over 220 units of military equipment. Among them were T-72B3 tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, BTR-82A and BTR-70 armored personnel carriers, and 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery units. The parade crews also included Polonez multiple launch rocket systems, Iskander operational-tactical systems, and S-400 Triumph long- and medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems.

    Combat helicopters and aircraft of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces of Belarus and the Aerospace Forces of Russia flew over the spectators in the sky in eight groups. Among them were Mi-8 and Mi-35 helicopters, Su-25, An-26, Yak-130 aircraft.

    A special element of the military parade was its historical part. The cavalry of the war years, ceremonial officers with rifles and battle flags marched in front of the stands. The audience also highly appreciated the bright performance of the honor guard company of Belarus. The finale of the military parade featured a theatrical episode “We Will Live”, dedicated to the events of the war years. 1,250 people danced the Victory Waltz at the parade. After the show, a festive salute thundered.

    Chinese student Li Tingwei, who is studying in Belarus, shared his impressions of the parade. “I am very glad that I had the opportunity to watch the military parade. Victory Day is a tribute to the history of the country and a demonstration of respect for it. The parade showed that the Belarusian people honor history and cherish peace. As a Chinese student, I was most shocked and inspired by the sight of my country’s honor guard, whose powerful steps made me feel proud and deeply impressed by the hard-won peace and strong friendship between China and Belarus,” he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Closes One Hundred and Fifteenth Session, Issues Concluding Observations on Reports of Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Republic of Korea and Ukraine

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination this afternoon closed its one hundred and fifteenth session, during which it reviewed the reports of Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Republic of Korea and Ukraine.

    Chinsung Chung, Committee Rapporteur, said that the Committee’s concluding observations for the five country reviews conducted during the session were available on the session’s webpage.  The Committee thanked the State party delegations that participated in dialogues; the national human rights institutions of Ukraine and the Republic of Korea for submitting written reports and providing updates during the session; and the various civil society representatives who contributed essential information to the reviews.

    Ms. Chung said that this year was the sixtieth anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.  During the yearlong campaign, the Committee would highlight the achievements made in the last 60 years and identify effective and concrete ways to overcome structural and emerging challenges in making the Convention’s goal – a world free of racial discrimination – a reality.  Information on the anniversary was available on the webpage for the campaign.

    At the opening meeting of the session, Ms. Chung reported, Antti Korkeakivi, Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, gave a speech highlighting the Committee’s important work and its contributions to promoting and protecting the human rights of all people without discrimination.  He underlined that the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention was an opportunity to explore avenues to generate greater political will and concrete action to fight against racial discrimination.

    Mr. Korkeakivi recognised the negative impact of the United Nations’ liquidity crisis on the planning and implementation of the work of all Committees, as the holding of the next sessions for this year was still uncertain.  He confirmed that the Office of the High Commissioner was doing its utmost to ensure that the treaty bodies could implement their mandates.  Nevertheless, all indications pointed to a continuation of the difficult liquidity situation for the foreseeable future. 

    During the one hundred and fifteenth session, Ms. Chung said, the Committee reviewed follow-up reports for Croatia, Germany, Morocco, Uruguay and Tajikistan.  The Committee thanked these States parties for their reports and invited them to duly consider its recommendations and include the steps taken to implement them in their next periodic reports.

    The Committee pursued its work toward the elaboration of its joint general recommendations 38 and 39 with the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families on eradicating xenophobia towards migrants and others perceived as such.

    Ms. Chung said the Committee also discussed the development of a general recommendation on reparations for the injustices of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, their treatment as chattel, and the ongoing harms to people of African descent, holding a half-day of general discussion on 25 April 2025 as part of this process.  Two expert panels examined legal frameworks for reparations and the lasting effects of slavery, including systemic racism and institutional responsibility. Drawing on these discussions and over 60 written submissions, the Committee would now begin drafting the general recommendation, which would be shared for public input before adoption. Further information was available on the Committee’s webpage.

    Further, Ms. Chung reported, the Committee considered 16 submissions under its early warning and urgent action procedure and endorsed 13 letters to States parties assessed in this procedure.  It also considered four cases under the individual complaints procedure. It declared admissible one case against Germany and discontinued three other cases.

    Ms. Chung also provided an update on the follow-up procedure to the Ad-Hoc Conciliation Commission report published in August 2024 on the inter-State communication submitted by the State of Palestine against Israel under article 11 of the Convention.  Today, 9 May, the Committee issued a statement on the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, acting under its follow-up and early warning and urgent action procedure.

    On 24 April, Ms. Chung said, the Committee held a meeting with States parties.  The Committee thanked all States parties’ representatives who contributed to this event and appreciated that it was well attended.  Earlier today, the Committee also held a meeting with civil society organizations.  In addition, during the session, the Committee heard a report on follow-up to article 13 of the Convention and adopted an updated version of its Rules of Procedure, which would be made available shortly.

    In closing remarks, Michal Balcerzak, Committee Chairperson, said this had been a very productive session.  He thanked the Committee Experts, who had all contributed significantly to the Committee’s work throughout the session, and to working towards the Committee’s mandate of the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination wherever it occurred.  He also thanked all other persons who had contributed to the smooth execution of the Committee’s work.

    Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.  Other documents related to the session can be found here.

    Due to the current financial situation, the dates of the second sessions of some treaty bodies are not yet confirmed. The next session of the Committee is scheduled take place between 11 and 29 August 2025, with the reports of Burundi, Guatemala, Maldives, New Zealand, Sweden and Tunisia scheduled for review. All information, including the proposed programme of work, will be available on the session webpage.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CERD25.009E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow hosts parade dedicated to 80th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 9 (Xinhua) — A grand military parade was held on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in his speech about the need to remember the lessons of World War II, not to allow history to be distorted, and to remember all those who gave their lives for the Victory.

    More than 11,500 servicemen and over 180 units of equipment took part in the Victory Parade. Leaders from over 20 countries were present. Representatives of all strata of Russian society and veterans from various countries who participated in the war against fascism were on the podium.

    “Today, we are all united by feelings of joy and sorrow, pride and gratitude, admiration for the generation that crushed Nazism and, at the cost of millions of lives, won freedom and peace for all of humanity,” said V. Putin.

    “We remember the lessons of World War II and will never agree with the distortion of its events, with attempts to justify the executioners and slander the true victors,” the Russian leader emphasized.

    In memory of the fallen, the Russian President declared a minute of silence.

    V. Putin noted that the complete defeat of Nazi Germany, militaristic Japan and their satellites was achieved through the joint efforts of the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition.

    “We will always remember that the opening of the second front in Europe – after the decisive battles on the territory of the Soviet Union – brought Victory closer. We highly value the contribution to our common struggle of the soldiers of the allied armies, the participants of the Resistance, the courageous people of China. All those who fought for a peaceful future,” added the head of the Russian state. “Glory to the victorious people!”

    Servicemen from the Ministry of Defense and other law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation – the Federal Security Service, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Russian National Guard, cadets from military schools and academies of the Russian army and navy, and members of the youth patriotic organization Yunarmiya marched in a ceremonial march across Red Square.

    This was followed by parade units from friendly states: China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Vietnam and other countries.

    The mechanized column consisted of 183 units of combat equipment from the Great Patriotic War and modern models in service with the Russian army: T-90M Proryv, T-72B3M and T-80BVM tanks, BMP-2M and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, BMD-4 airborne combat vehicles, BRM-1K combat reconnaissance vehicles, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, Tigr-M armored vehicles, transport vehicles, S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, Iskander-M missile systems, Yars strategic missile systems, Orlan-10, Orlan-30, Lancet-51, Lancet-52, and Geran unmanned aerial vehicles.

    For the first time, modern models of the Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems, the Tosochka heavy flamethrower systems, and the Malva and Giatsint-K artillery systems took part in the parade.

    The parade was completed by pilots of the aerobatic teams “Russian Knights” and “Swifts” on Su-30 and MiG-29 fighters. Six Su-25 attack aircraft closed the parade formation.

    After the parade, Russian and foreign leaders laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin Wall.

    In addition to Moscow, military parades dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory were held in 27 other Russian cities, including St. Petersburg, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk and Vladivostok. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE advances gender-sensitive law enforcement and border management in Central Asia

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE advances gender-sensitive law enforcement and border management in Central Asia

    Members of the Regional Network of Women in Law Enforcement and Border Agencies in Central Asia during the Network’s meeting, Vienna, 8 May 2025. (OSCE/Micky Kroell) Photo details

    As part of the OSCE’s efforts to empower women in the security sector and strengthen regional security, the OSCE Secretariat, with support from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the five OSCE field operations in Central Asia, held the first meeting of the Regional Network of Women in Law Enforcement and Border Agencies in Central Asia in Vienna, Austria, on 7 and 8 May.
    The meeting brought together the Network’s members, which comprises representatives of law enforcement and border agencies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and featured representatives from the OSCE Chairpersonship, Secretariat, and several participating States. It aimed to build on two preparatory events from 2023 and 2024 and kickstart the Network’s operation.
    The participants developed the Network’s strategic concept and discussed its next steps. They also took part in capacity-building activities to integrate gender-sensitive approaches for detecting human trafficking at borders, for increasing women’s participation in and good governance of the security sector, and for developing related projects. The event also served as a platform for participants to strengthen the Network’s connections with the representatives from the OSCE Secretariat, Chairpersonship and participating States.
    The meeting was held as part of several OSCE extrabudgetary projects, including “WIN for Women and Men”, “Support, capacity-building and awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform within the OSCE: Phase III” as well as the Transnational Threat Department’s programme and ODIHR’s Human Rights, Gender and Security programme.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: First special mail train departs from Xinjiang on China-Europe international rail freight route

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, May 9 (Xinhua) — A special train loaded with mail left the Horgos railway border crossing in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Thursday bound for Kazakhstan’s Burundai Railway Station, marking the first such freight train in the region to operate on the China-Europe international freight rail route.

    The train is carrying 1,038 parcels weighing a total of 17 tons, containing goods sold through cross-border e-commerce, such as clothing, electronics and everyday items. It will take 2-3 days to reach its destination. After arriving in Kazakhstan, the cargo will be distributed to more than 20 European countries.

    Before the new train, existing trains could only deliver a small amount of mail from Xinjiang to Central Asian countries. Now, it will be possible to deliver an average of 30 tons of mail per month.

    According to a representative of one of the local freight forwarding companies, the formation of this channel for the delivery of postal items will provide business opportunities for both domestic foreign trade enterprises and cross-border e-commerce platforms. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The volume of tea exports from China to Russia in 2024 increased by 13.72 percent.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    GUIYANG, May 9 (Xinhua) — China exported 16,800 tons of tea to Russia in 2024, up 13.72 percent year on year, according to the 6th Tea Industry Conference held in Jiangkou County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, from May 8 to 9.

    In monetary terms, the volume of tea exports from China to Russia last year amounted to approximately USD 58.68 million, which is 8.28 percent more year-on-year.

    According to the analytical report on the situation with tea import and export in China for 2024, published at the conference, green tea is the main type of tea exported from China to Russia, with a supply volume of 11.2 thousand tons or 79.88 percent of the total volume of tea exports to the Russian Federation.

    In addition, approximately 2.78 thousand tons of oolong tea and 2.11 thousand tons of black tea were exported from China to Russia, accounting for 19.85 percent and 15.09 percent of the total export volume, respectively.

    According to Wei Yu, Secretary General of the Tea Industry Committee, in 2024, Russia ranked fourth among China’s top five trading partners in tea exports after Morocco, Ghana and Uzbekistan.

    The document also said that in 2024, China’s total tea import and export volume reached 428.1 thousand tons, an increase of 5.3 percent year-on-year. At the same time, tea import was 54 thousand tons, an increase of 38.34 percent year-on-year, and export was 374.1 thousand tons, an increase of 1.79 percent. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Armenian government has approved a bill on the country’s accession to the Ashgabat Agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Yerevan, May 8 (Xinhua) — The Armenian government approved a bill at a meeting on Thursday on the country’s accession to the Ashgabat Agreement on the establishment of an international transport and transit corridor between Iran, Oman, Qatar, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

    The rationale for the decision states that Armenia’s accession to the Ashgabat Agreement will create new opportunities for integration into the transport corridor between the Central Asian countries, the ports of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. This step will contribute to the creation of reliable conditions for the transportation and transit of goods and passengers through the territories of the above-mentioned states, facilitating multimodal transportation, optimizing transportation costs, strengthening Armenia’s transit role and increasing transportation safety.

    It is noted that the agreement will ensure Armenia’s access to international markets, harmonization of transit documents required for international transportation, simplification of customs procedures and unimpeded use of the transport infrastructure of the respective countries.

    In addition, the agreement will promote the development of mutually beneficial economic and business ties and the expansion of cooperation.

    The Armenian government will send the draft law to the Constitutional Court for review and, after receiving a positive response, will submit it to the National Assembly /parliament/ for ratification. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Military parade held in Kyrgyzstan to mark 80th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BISHKEK, May 8 (Xinhua) — A ceremonial military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War was held in the central Ala-Too Square in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, on May 8.

    The parade was observed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, veterans and servicemen of the armed forces, representatives of other security agencies of the country, representatives of the diplomatic and military-diplomatic corps accredited in the republic, as well as the public, youth and guests of the capital.

    S. Japarov delivered a congratulatory speech in which he noted the historical significance of the Victory, the courage and heroism of the generations that defended peace. “So that future generations never forget the invaluable contribution of our fathers and the consequences of the devastating war that took tens of millions of innocent lives, we must teach young people to value peace and tranquility, to live with an awareness of their true value,” the head of state emphasized.

    As noted by the press service of the country’s Ministry of Defense, the military parade in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory was the largest in the history of independent Kyrgyzstan both in terms of the number of personnel and the quantity and quality of equipment involved in the parade. In total, about 3 thousand servicemen and more than 120 units of military and special equipment, including heavy armored vehicles, artillery, air defense systems and aviation, took part in the parade. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Young Professionals from Central Asia Complete Training Course on Strategic Planning

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Young Professionals from Central Asia Complete Training Course on Strategic Planning

    Participants engaged in discussion during the training session, Istanbul, May 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    An intensive training course on strategic planning for young advisers from Central Asian countries was held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, from 5 to 9 May 2025. The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Offices in Bishkek and Dushanbe, with support from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Mr. Santeri Leinonen, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Youth and Security, welcomed the participants via video message.
    The course aimed to enhance practical skills and deepen understanding of the role of strategic advisers in today’s dynamic environment. Participants — young professionals from government institutions, academia, and other relevant organizations — explored key aspects of strategic analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
    The training covered the following thematic areas:

    The role of political and strategic advisers in public administration;

    Strategy development and implementation in rapidly evolving political contexts;

    Engaging internal and external stakeholders, including inclusive approaches to various social groups;

    Developing communication strategies, including public speaking, working with the media, and tools for public diplomacy.

    The course was based on practical learning and active participation. Attendees improved their skills in drafting analytical materials, speeches, and briefings on key policy and development issues.
    Delivered in an interactive format, the training served as a platform for knowledge exchange and strengthened regional co-operation in the field of planning and advisory work.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: For the first time, more than 1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in a month

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tashkent, May 8 (Xinhua) — For the first time, more than 1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in a month, the country’s Tourism Committee reported on Wednesday.

    “In April 2025, more than 1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan. This figure is not only a historical result, but also the fruit of consistent reforms carried out in the tourism sector in our country, in particular, the policy of openness and strengthening of international cooperation,” the report says.

    It is reported that decrees and resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at developing tourism as a strategic industry, as well as attracting investment in the sector, expanding the visa-free regime, and active participation in international tourism fairs and forums further increase the attractiveness of the country.

    It is noted that in the future it is planned to continue developing the tourism sector, expand the range of services that meet international standards, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as a competitive and attractive tourist destination on a global scale by supporting ecological and sustainable tourism. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UN General Assembly holds special meeting to mark 80 years since end of WWII

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday convened a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II, as the international community marks the 80th anniversary of the war’s end.

    China, which won the war in the major Oriental theater of WWII, endured casualties exceeding 35 million, said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasizing China’s role in the global victory over fascism.

    “By holding back the main forces of Japanese militarism, China not only secured its own survival and national salvation, but also provided strong support to the resistant forces in Europe and the Pacific, making an indelible contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War,” said Fu.

    Fu said that 80 years later, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, with unilateralism on the rise and bullying running rampant.

    Fu called for jointly promoting “a correct understanding of the history of WWII.” “Any scheme or action seeking to downplay, deny, or distort the history of WWII and any rhetoric that glorifies wars of aggression and colonial rule tantamount to a mockery of history and an affront to human conscience, and will surely lose the trust of the global community,” he said.

    “We must firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the rules-based multilateral trading system, and unequivocally say no to all forms of power politics and bullying,” he said.

    He also called for jointly upholding the authority and status of the United Nations.

    “Certain countries treat the UN as something they can use when it suits them and discard when it doesn’t. They willfully withdraw from agreements and organizations, default on contribution payments, and cut funding in an attempt to place their narrow interests over the collective global good,” Fu said, adding that such practices are “deeply unpopular and are ultimately doomed to failure.”

    Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the victory came at the cost of millions of people.

    “China lost 35 million people. The United States, approximately half a million. Serbia organized the largest partisan movement in Europe. The struggle for the freedom of the peoples was carried out by heroes from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The cost for the Soviet Union was 27 million people. Twelve million of them were military losses,” Nebenzia said.

    “We will forever remember the great feat that was achieved by the Soviet people, the participants of these historic events. This was a time that was exceedingly difficult, but it was very sacred. A person who experiences significant trials and who vanquishes this will forever draw strength from this victory,” he said.

    Antje Leendertse, Germany’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the war, unleashed by Nazi Germany, caused immeasurable suffering, in Europe and beyond.

    “That legacy of pain, destruction, and loss will forever be tied to my country’s name. We carry this burden with humility and a moral responsibility, and we accept it without hesitation,” she said.

    “‘Never again’ is not only a commitment for Germany. It is a universal obligation — one that binds us all. An obligation to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. To protect civilian lives and defend the vulnerable. To uphold the dignity of every human being. And to safeguard the principles of the United Nations Charter for all, including future generations,” said Leendertse.

    Stavros Lambrinidis, head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations, said it is the occasion to “honor the sacrifices made and mourn the countless lives lost during and after the war.”

    “It is also an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to collaborating with all Member States of the United Nations to ensure a more peaceful, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come,” Lambrinidis said.

    He said that 80 years on from the end of the Second World War, “we are reminded of the solemn responsibility entrusted to us: to remain true to our collective commitment to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and to ensure that the horrors of war are never repeated.”

    Philemon Yang, president of the UNGA, said in his remarks: “On this 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the millions who fought and died to secure the freedoms we too often take for granted.”

    “As time passes, these commemorations take on a deeper meaning. Most surviving veterans are now centenarians… Preserving their stories is not only a tribute to them, it is a moral responsibility for us all. We must ensure that the lessons they leave behind do not fade but endure,” he said.

    Yang called on world leaders “to choose dialogue over conflict. Diplomacy over escalation. Cooperation over division. Peace over the absence of peace.”

    “We stand at a defining moment — not only for this institution, but for humanity,” said the UNGA president.

    In March, the UNGA passed a resolution to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The resolution calls for a special commemorative meeting to be held in the second week of May 2025, and every five years thereafter, to honor the victims of the war.

    It was introduced by Russia, China, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

    Fu Cong (on the screen), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a UN General Assembly’s special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Spring Flooding in Kazakhstan

    Source: NASA

    For the second consecutive year, rapid snowmelt and spring rains caused widespread flooding along rivers in northern Kazakhstan in 2025. Floodwater inundated homes and displaced hundreds of people from several riverside communities.
    The images above show flooding along the Esil River on April 24, 2025 (right), after floodwaters arrived, and on April 9, 2025 (left), when water levels were lower. The images were captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) and OLI-2 on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9.
    The image below is a false-color version (bands 6-5-4) of the April 24 image, showing a wider view and emphasizing the presence of water, which appears blue. Vegetation appears light green, and farmland has varying shades of brown. Several neighborhoods and villages near the river appear flooded, though many are communities with rustic cottages called dachas, which people use as summer homes.

    Heavy rains and warm temperatures early in the month quickly melted snow and ice, adding to the amount of runoff flowing into rivers. Precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Crop Explorer Tool show that parts of northern Kazakhstan received 2 to 4 times as much precipitation as usual in April, and temperatures that month were 3 to 8 degrees Celsius (5 to 14 Fahrenheit) higher than usual.
    To minimize the impact of the flooding, Kazakh authorities implemented several flood control measures, including pumping millions of cubic meters of floodwaters out of vulnerable areas, cleaning hundreds of thousands of kilometers of drainage ditches, and placing hundreds of thousands of sandbags to shore up dikes and levees.
    Hundreds of people and tens of thousands of farm animals were evacuated before floodwaters arrived. Among the evacuated villages was Teplichnoye, a suburb of Petropavl, where emergency responders worked around the clock to reinforce dams and other flood control structures.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Uzbekistan removal flight

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch this newly released video of our historic removal flight of Uzbekistan nationals, which was partially funded by their government.

    ICYMI, the press release about this flight is in our newsroom: www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-philadelphia-supports-large-effort-remove-more-130-illegal-aliens-central-asia

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9s32FvFgEc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: By VE Day in 1945, Stalin had got what he wanted in Poland – now Putin may get what he wants in Ukraine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Wendy Webster, Professor of Modern Cultural History, University of Huddersfield

    Sell out: most Polish people felt they had been abandoned by their allies in the US and Great Britain at the Yalta Conference. US government

    As Britain celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8 1945, the Polish airmen of RAF 305 Bomber Squadron captured a starkly different sentiment in their diary. “‘Victory!’ every Anglo-Saxon says in greeting instead of the traditional ‘Hello!’. The word ‘Victory!’ is devoid of meaning, power and any sense today only for the Poles.”

    Despite their critical contributions to the allied war effort, from the Battle of Britain to Monte Cassino, Polish forces felt isolated and betrayed, their hopes of a free Poland crushed by the Yalta agreement. On that first VE Day, many Poles who fought with the allied forces recorded feeling sad, isolated or bitter.

    Tadeusz Szumowski, who served in the RAF in Britain found it almost impossible to join in the celebrations. He wrote in his diary: “Our war is lost, the war which we fought so hard and so long to win … It is a very long time since I felt so alone.”

    A Polish soldier in Italy wrote: “The war is over – but not for us. The population of the greater part of the world are happy, in consequence; but we are sad. I am afraid that we have lost so many of our best men all for nothing.”

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

    What made “victory” devoid of meaning for Poles? In her study of Poland during the second world war, historian Halik Kochanski quotes the famed American journalist Martha Gellhorn, who reported from Italy: “All the Poles talk about Russia all the time. The soldiers gather several times a day around the car which houses the radio and listen to the news.”

    Many of these soldiers came from eastern Poland, which was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939. Along with their families, they had been deported to Siberia or Kazakhstan and came out only under a so-called “amnesty” after Russia entered the war on the allied side. Gellhorn reported: “They follow the Russian advance across Poland with agonized interest.”

    As I found when researching my book about the diverse nationalities fighting alongside Britain in the second world war, Polish soldiers wrote about Russia all the time as well as talking about it. Their letters were censored and quoted in censorship reports.

    As they watched the Russian advance and heard news of the Yalta agreement which consigned Poland to the Soviet sphere of influence, they express anger, fear, bitterness, desolation, a sense of loss and betrayal, shock, bewilderment.

    The letters are striking for the many words which take on meanings that demonstrate a gulf that opens up, separating Poles from other allied soldiers. Victory belongs to others while Poles have gone down to a catastrophic defeat.

    Russia, widely regarded as a valued ally, is the enemy of Poles. The Polish slogan “For our freedom and yours” is rewritten in one letter: “We are fighting for yours and our freedom, but now I think rather only for yours.” Another letter asks: “What are we fighting for if Poland is to be enslaved?”

    Polish pilots of RAF 303 (Polish) Fighter Squadron during the second world war.
    Imprial War Museum

    Poles find it unbearable to be told that Russia is liberating Poland, using heavy irony. “The ‘liberation’ of Poland by our so-called Allies is causing us great anxiety. Probably my own home will soon be ‘liberated’.”

    Another soldier cautions: “Never, never congratulate our people of Warsaw and Poland being ‘liberated’. This sounds like the most cruel irony and is deeply resented by every Pole. You could speak about a lamb being liberated from a bear by a tiger.”

    The concept of “home” also acquires new meanings that are devoid of any association with pleasure or belonging. As the war ends, allied soldiers’ thoughts are increasingly about the prospect of returning home – but censors reported in 1944: “Thousands of letters written by Polish soldiers in the last days repeat as a cardinal topic that to Poland governed by communists they won’t return.”

    One soldier writes: “It would be better to be killed here on the battlefield than to be alive in the new ‘Red Paradise’ in Poland.” Another writes: “There is no return for us to the Soviet republic of Poland which seems to be the newest invention of our Allies.”

    Echoes of Yalta

    The Yalta agreement of February 1945 between America, Britain and Russia, the “Big Three” powers, confirmed Poles’ worst fears. Censors report that in the soldiers’ letters, it “overshadows all other topics”, and has “evoked a terrible shock amongst the Polish troops … they find that they are lost and betrayed”.

    One soldier writes: “For the last few days I have been in a state of dumb bewilderment. Occasionally I ask myself, ‘Can it be true?’ … I cannot believe that it has really happened.”

    Another soldier writes to his “Britisher friend” about his feelings of betrayal: “When this morning we heard the news about the statements from the Big Three meeting we got deadly silent … We sacrificed most of all countries – more than you even. We trusted you so much, and what have we got. Our biger [sic] friend let us go down.”

    Yalta is in Crimea – part of the territory annexed by Russia before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has made it clear he will offer no concessions on Ukraine, which he has argued all along he sees as an inalienable part of Russia. This is a stark reminder of Yalta when Josef Stalin made concessions on other matters, but none on Poland.

    Trump’s administration has offered Ukraine no security guarantees. Its framework to end the war will allow Russia to retain the territory it has seized. There are now echoes of what one Polish soldier wrote in 1945 of the Yalta agreement: “This business smells and no high-sounding words can disguise the stench of a bad deed.”

    Wendy Webster receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council

    – ref. By VE Day in 1945, Stalin had got what he wanted in Poland – now Putin may get what he wants in Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/by-ve-day-in-1945-stalin-had-got-what-he-wanted-in-poland-now-putin-may-get-what-he-wants-in-ukraine-255982

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Becomes Uzbekistan’s Top Car Supplier in Q1 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tashkent, May 7 /Xinhua/ — China has become the main supplier of passenger cars to Uzbekistan in the first quarter of 2025, the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported on Tuesday.

    “In January-March 2025, 6,950 passenger cars worth a total of 115.1 million US dollars were imported to Uzbekistan from abroad,” the report says.

    It is noted that among partners, China took first place and delivered 5,235 units of cars to Uzbekistan. The Republic of Korea took second place /1,425 units/, and India took third place /144/.

    Let us recall that in 2024, 74.7 thousand passenger cars were imported to Uzbekistan, among the suppliers of approximately 61 thousand passenger cars were from China. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China main car supplier to Uzbekistan in Q1 2025: report

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China was the top supplier of passenger cars to Uzbekistan in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report released on Tuesday by the country’s National Statistics Committee.

    “In January-March 2025, Uzbekistan imported 6,950 passenger cars from abroad, with a total value of 115.1 million U.S. dollars,” said the report.

    It noted that among the partner countries, China ranked first with 5,235 vehicles delivered to Uzbekistan. South Korea was ranked second with 1,425 units, and India third with 144 units.

    In 2024, Uzbekistan imported 74,700 passenger cars, of which approximately 61,000 were supplied by China. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Further reforms needed in Kazakhstan to strengthen fair trial rights: ODIHR monitoring report

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Further reforms needed in Kazakhstan to strengthen fair trial rights: ODIHR monitoring report

    WARSAW, 6 May 2025 – In a report summarising its year-long monitoring of more than 400 court hearings related to the January 2022 protests in Kazakhstan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) documented court practices that fall short of international fair trial standards, while recognizing the challenges faced by the Kazakh authorities to complete a large number of criminal investigations and court cases.
    “The right to a fair trial is a cornerstone of democracy. With thanks to the Kazakh authorities for their openness and cooperation throughout the monitoring process and while acknowledging ongoing reforms and some positive trends, our findings underline the need for Kazakhstan to take effective measures that ensure the rights of the accused are fully protected and the principles of a fair trial are upheld,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “ODIHR is ready to assist Kazakhstan in implementing our tailored recommendations and introducing legal reforms in the country to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and addrssing the shortcomings identified.” 
    Following an invitation by the Kazakh authorities and in cooperation with the Supreme Court, ODIHR monitored 35 criminal cases related to the January 2022 protests in Kazakhstan between November 2022 and December 2023, as well as cases involving 139 defendants and more than 400 court hearings. The trial monitoring took place in courts in Almaty, Kyzylorda, Semey, Taldykorgan and Taraz. The cases were primarily against state officials as well as political and civil society activists, including organizers of the protests, and involved charges of torture and other serious human rights violations, as well as the use of evidence obtained through torture. 
    The monitoring was carried out in line with the ODIHR’s trial monitoring methodology, following well-established principles of impartiality and objectivity. ODIHR did not assess the merits of the cases, but focused on court procedures and their compliance with international democratic standards and evaluated the extent to which the right to a fair trial is respected.
    Today’s report includes the findings from the monitoring, as well as a set of recommendations to assist the Kazakh authorities in ensuring compliance with international standards. ODIHR has also developed a number of tools aimed at supporting justice sector reforms. All 57 participating states of the OSCE have committed to abide by the rule of law and to ensure the right to a fair and public trial by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strategic approaches to professional development on cybercrime and electronic evidence for law enforcement in Tajikistan discussed at OSCE workshop

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Strategic approaches to professional development on cybercrime and electronic evidence for law enforcement in Tajikistan discussed at OSCE workshop

    Strategic approaches to professional development on cybercrime and electronic evidence for law enforcement in Tajikistan discussed at OSCE workshop | OSCE
    Skip navigation

    Navigation

    Navigation

    Home Newsroom News and press releases Strategic approaches to professional development on cybercrime and electronic evidence for law enforcement in Tajikistan discussed at OSCE workshop

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Esports Chess: Online Battles, Dynamic Formats, and Hundreds of Thousands of Moves

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Online battles, dynamic formats, streams and hundreds of thousands of moves – this is how the INTER series of eSports chess tournaments, organized by students of the Polytechnic University, took place.

    The tournaments were organized by the INTER team. This project was founded at the Polytechnic University, but has already gone far beyond its borders and become part of the international student chess arena.

    From February to April, several large-scale online competitions in different formats were held under the auspices of INTER. These were the standard Interuniversity Team Battles game and the Hunger Games, where participants played new types of chess at each stage.

    More than a thousand people from 18 countries participated in the tournaments. Representatives from Russia, Bangladesh, Turkey, Fiji, Mexico, Peru, Kenya, Brazil, India, Algeria, the Republic of Congo, Kazakhstan, Ghana, the Republic of South Africa, Turkmenistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina fought for victory. The total number of moves made exceeded half a million. This was not just a game, but a real test of endurance, strategic thinking and psychological fortitude.

    Participants trained weekly, followed game analysis, learned from professionals, and found out what was happening in the world of chess and what helps them win.

    The winners and prize winners of the series were:

    8th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place – MTUCI chess club; 2nd place – Voenmekh chess club; 3rd place – TUSUR chess club.

    9th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place — VolSU Chess Club (SSC “Kogorta”); 2nd place — Voenmekh Chess Club; 3rd place — Polytechnic Chess Club (SPbPU).

    10th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place — VolSU Chess Club (SSC “Kogorta”); 2nd place — MTUCI Chess Club; 3rd place — BSU Chess Club.

    The INTER project is an example of how friendship and rivalry do not need borders. All that is needed are people who believe in the game and in each other, noted organizer Ruslan Barseghyan.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students and scientists discussed modern technologies and energy economics

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Students, postgraduates, young scientists and researchers from leading technical universities took part in the VIII annual international scientific and practical conference “Modern Technologies and Energy Economics” (STEE). The event was held remotely. The organizers were Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the Belarusian National Technical University and the Kazan State Power Engineering University.

    In order to develop import substitution and localization of technologies in the energy sector, it is extremely important to maintain professional contacts and exchange experience at various scientific sites in Russia and friendly countries, noted Viktor Barskov, Director of the Institute of Energy, in his welcoming speech.

    The event was attended by over 130 representatives from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and other countries. Along with traditional participants – SPbPU, BNTU and KSPEU – this year specialists from industrial enterprises and organizations of Russia and the Republic of Belarus spoke.

    The conference was devoted to five thematic areas: “Economics and Management in Energy”, “Modern Aspects of Thermal and Nuclear Energy”, “Energy-Efficient Technologies”, “IT Technologies in Energy” and “Hydrogen Energy”. The moderator was Olga Novikova, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of SPbPU.

    The scientists discussed key issues of increasing energy efficiency in mechanical engineering, implementing innovative solutions in renewable energy sources and power engineering. In addition, they considered the assessment of the environmental and economic efficiency of technologies, energy balance analysis, demand management and digitalization of energy data.

    Summing up the event, Olga Novikova suggested that the participants strengthen joint research in promising areas of energy, paying special attention to bioenergy.

    The joint work of KSPEU and SPbPU on modernization of engineering and economic education has proven its effectiveness, and we intend to intensify this cooperation, emphasized Irina Akhmetova, Vice-Rector for Development and Innovations at KSPEU.

    The Belarusian education system has preserved a unique experience in training engineers and economists, which we are ready to share. Of particular interest to us is cooperation in the field of resource-saving technologies and waste recycling, – shared the head of the BNTU department Tatyana Mantserova.

    Following the conference, about one hundred scientific articles were accepted for publication.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Seminar on China’s Economic Development and Cooperation with Central Asian Countries Held

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    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, May 6 (Xinhua) — A seminar on China’s (Sichuan Province’s) economic development and cooperation with Central Asian countries was held online late last month, the Sichuan Zaixian (Sichuan Online) news portal reported.

    More than 60 representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan took part in the event, dedicated to the analysis of the experience of developing county-level economy and new-type urbanization in Sichuan Province (Southwest China).

    At the seminar, Qi Yiming, spokesperson for the Sichuan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and Li Jiangbo, deputy mayor of Deyang City in the province, shared their views on urbanization, innovation in economic development and cooperation between China and Central Asia with their foreign counterparts, according to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government.

    According to Qi Yiming, in recent years, Sichuan Provincial Government has deeply implemented the new-type urbanization strategy, made great efforts to develop public services in a balanced manner, accelerated the construction of comfortable, sustainable and smart cities, and significantly improved the urbanization rate in the province, with the urbanization rate rising from 43.4 percent to 60 percent.

    The seminar was organized in accordance with the agreement reached at the 5th meeting of the foreign ministers of China and Central Asian countries, which took place from November 30 to December 1 last year in Chengdu, the capital of this province. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of this year, more than 2,000 freight trains have passed through Xi’an on China-Europe routes.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    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, May 6 (Xinhua) — Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, has received and dispatched more than 2,000 freight trains running on China-Europe/Central Asia routes since the beginning of this year.

    Train number X9043, loaded with cars, household appliances and other goods, left the Xi’an International Port station on the morning of April 29 and headed to the Tajik city of Danghara, becoming the 2,000th freight train to pass through the Shaanxi city on the China-Europe/Central Asia route since the beginning of this year, the provincial people’s government press service reported.

    In the first four months, the number of trains running on the above-mentioned routes and passing through Xi’an, as well as the volume of freight traffic, increased by more than 30 percent year-on-year, statistics show.

    The stable development of regular railway transportation between China and Europe and China and Central Asia brings benefits to both foreign and domestic consumers.

    According to the deputy general director of the Shaanxi company “Aiju”, last year the company implemented a number of projects in the field of processing agricultural products in the North Kazakhstan region of Kazakhstan. On the way back, these freight trains delivered more grain, oils and food products to the country.

    “We plan to gradually increase the range of agricultural products and supply more high-quality food products produced in Kazakhstan to the domestic market,” the entrepreneur summed up. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 100 Days of Secretary Noem: Making America Safe Again

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: 100 Days of Secretary Noem: Making America Safe Again

    lass=”text-align-center”>“I will continue fighting every day alongside President Donald Trump to secure our border and keep American communities safe

    This is just the beginning of the Golden Age of America

    ” – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem 
    WASHINGTON – In her first 100 days on the job, Secretary Kristi Noem returned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to its core mission of securing the homeland

     
    Under Secretary Noem’s strong leadership, DHS is hard at work securing our borders, arresting and removing criminal aliens, safeguarding the U

    S

    cyber infrastructure, protecting America’s leaders, deterring terrorism, and keeping America safe

      
    Below are just some of Secretary Noem’s accomplishments from her 100 Days:
    Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history

    Daily border encounters have plunged 95% since President Trump and Secretary Noem took office

    Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border— migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99

    99%

    Secretary Noem launched a multimillion-dollar nationwide and international ad campaign, urging illegal aliens to leave the U

    S

    voluntarily or face deportation with no chance of return and warning criminals to stay out

    The data shows the world is hearing our message

    Secretary Noem and Secretary Kennedy have reunited nearly 5,000 unaccompanied children with a safe relative or guardian

    Secretary Noem is finishing the border wall

    DHS already has 85 miles of new construction either planned or under construction

    United States (U

    S

    ) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U

    S

    Coast Guard (USCG) have seized nearly 232,000 pounds of fentanyl and other illicit drugs—stopping them from ever reaching American communities

    Secretary Noem is fulfilling President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations—starting with the worst of the worst

    Secretary Noem unleashed the U

    S

    Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to target the worst of the worst, 75% of their arrests are criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges

    Secretary Noem rode with ICE agents on an operation in New York City that resulted in the arrest of a Tren de Aragua ringleader

    The Secretary went on a successful operation in Northern Virginia that got MS-13 gang members, 18th Street gang members, and perpetrators of sexual crimes off our streets

    Additionally, Secretary Noem went on an ICE operation in Phoenix that resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, drug smugglers, and 18th Street gang members

    DHS has secured 598 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g)

    Last week, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcement—Operation Tidal Wave—resulted in 1,120 arrests across Florida

    Secretary Noem deputized the Texas National Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Prisons, U

    S

    Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, members of the State Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help with immigration operations

       
    Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS has arrested over 168,000 illegal aliens in 2025 alone, including more than 600 members of Tren de Aragua

    To fulfill President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations, DHS and Department of  Defense (DOD) are detaining some of the most dangerous illegal aliens, including violent criminals and members of terrorist gangs, at Guantanamo Bay

     Secretary Noem was the first Cabinet Secretary to visit Guantanamo Bay and see the facilities where the worst of the worst are being held

    At President Trump’s direction, DHS deported nearly 300 Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorists to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) Prison in El Salvador, where they no longer pose a threat to the American people

    While in El Salvador, Secretary Noem signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to update the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) between the U

    S

    and El Salvador

    This agreement ensures fugitives’ criminal records are shared between America and El Salvador, so that criminals are not inadvertently released into American communities

    While in Colombia, Secretary Noem signed a Statement of Intent for Biometric Cooperation

    This agreement facilitates the sharing of biometric data between our nations to better identify and prevent criminals and terrorists from our crossing borders

    Biometric data sharing has already led to over 1,700 deportations and 1,000 arrests

    President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U

    S

    Secretary Noem replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country

    So far, thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport

    The Trump Administration is enforcing the Alien Registration Act which requires aliens to register with the federal government

    If illegal aliens fail to comply, they face fines and imprisonment

     
    Deportations have already exceeded 152,000—this is just the beginning

    Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS partnered with the Government of Uzbekistan to successfully deport over 100 illegal aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan

    This operation, in which Uzbekistan fully funded the deportation of their own nationals, underscores the deep security cooperation between our nations and sets a standard for U

    S

    alliances

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are putting the safety of Americans first and delivering justice for victims of illegal aliens and drug cartels

    Under the Secretary’s leadership, DHS is enforcing President Trump’s first major piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act

    This law mandates the federal detention of illegal aliens who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury

    President Trump designated international drug cartels and other criminal gangs, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

    This enables a whole-of-government approach to dismantle their drug and human trafficking operations

    The days of unchecked cartel and gang violence are over

       
    Following the Secretary’s meeting with the Honduran Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Trump Administration extradited Eswin Mejia, an illegal alien arrested for killing 21-year-old Sarah Root in a drunk driving crash, from Honduras

    President Trump and Secretary Noem reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve

    Secretary Noem has met with Angel families—including Alexis Nungaray, Sabine Durden-Coulter, Tammy Nobles, Maureen Maloney, and Agnes Gibboney—to hear their tragic stories and offer support from the Trump Administration

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are restoring integrity and common sense to our legal immigration system

    DHS has returned the Temporary Protected Status immigration program to its original status: temporary

    No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens

     Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration’s extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, and Afghan TPS

         
    President Trump is returning common sense to our legal immigration system and national security by revoking visas of terrorist sympathizers

    Those who glorify and support terrorists who kill Americans are not welcome in the U

    S

    Some examples include:

    ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student who led activities aligned with Hamas and passed out pro-Hamas propaganda flyers

    Dr

    Rasha Alawieh was deported after she admitted to attending the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah and was responsible for killing hundreds of Americans

    ICE arrested Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown foreign exchange student whose father-in-law is a senior advisor to Hamas

    To keep America safe, DHS is now conducting enhanced vetting of visa applicants, including monitoring foreign aliens’ social media accounts to identify any support for terrorist organizations

    Under President Trump, Secretary Noem refocused DHS to its core mission of protecting the American homeland and eliminating government waste

    Secretary Noem has empowered our brave men and women in ICE, Border Patrol, and the Coast Guard to use common sense to do their jobs effectively

    DHS ensured a safe and secure Super Bowl for the more than 100,000 fans celebrating in New Orleans

    Secretary Noem is embracing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts to make sweeping cuts that eliminate government waste, return DHS to its core mission of protecting the homeland, and fulfill the Founders vision of returning power to the states

    The USCG eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million, and is now focusing resources where they’re most needed to protect our homeland

    The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits

    Secretary Noem stopped the construction of a new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency headquarters building that was going to cost American taxpayers more than half a billion dollars

    Secretary Noem ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) FEMA grant program that was wasteful and ineffective

    This resulted in nearly a billion dollars being directed to the Disaster Relief Fund

       
    To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U

    S

    Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens

    Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA’s chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems and keep Americans safe

    Bottom Line: Secretary Noem will continue fighting alongside President Trump every day to secure our border and keep American communities safe

    This is just the beginning of a new Golden Age of America

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Transparency remains a central focus at subsidies committee discussions

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Transparency remains a central focus at subsidies committee discussions

    The Chair referred to the most recent WTO Secretariat update, noting that 82 members have yet to submit their 2023 and 2021 subsidy notifications, and that  72 members have still not submitted their 2019 notifications. He reiterated his call for members to submit their notifications promptly, emphasizing that all members benefit from the collective effort of timely and complete notifications. Eight members echoed these calls and commended the Secretariat’s continued efforts to support members in preparing and submitting their notifications, including through targeted technical assistance.
    Review of members’ subsidy notifications
    During the special meeting, the Committee examined 2023 new and full subsidy notifications submitted by Albania, Bahrain, Ecuador, India, Kazakhstan and Montenegro. Additionally, it reviewed outstanding notifications from earlier cycles, notably from Madagascar (2019). The Committee also continued its review of 2023 subsidy notifications from Australia, Brazil, China, Eswatini, Nepal, Norway, Türkiye, the United States and Vanuatu. It also continued its review of a 2019 notification from the Russian Federation.
    National legislation
    The Committee reviewed legislative notifications submitted by Armenia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. It also continued its review of the legislative notifications of the European Union, Ghana, the Kyrgyz Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Solomon Islands.
    Reports of members on countervailing duty actions
    Members reviewed semi-annual reports on countervailing duty actions submitted by Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the European Union, India, Mexico, Peru, Chinese Taipei, Türkiye,  the United States and Viet Nam for the period July to December 2024.
    The Committee also considered notifications on preliminary and final countervailing duty actions from members including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
    The Chair emphasized the need for regular and timely submissions of these reports to ensure ongoing transparency and effective oversight by the Committee.
    Other matters
    The Chair recalled the 31 December 2015 deadline for the elimination of export subsidies by members that received “fast track” extensions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement. He noted that only 15 of the 19 members that had received extensions have provided the final required notifications. He called on the remaining members to comply without delay.
    The Committee reviewed the updated GNI per capita calculations for members listed in Annex VII(b) of the SCM Agreement. According to the latest figures, Senegal graduated from Annex VII(b) while the following members did not: Congo, Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. They therefore remain on the list until their GNP per capita exceeds US$ 1,000 (in constant 1990 dollars) for three consecutive years.
    The Committee also discussed, and members exchanged views on, a range of issues under the following separate agenda items: “discriminatory subsidies policies and measures of the United States” (item sponsored by China); “France’s electric vehicle subsidies programme” (sponsored by the Republic of Korea); and “subsidies and overcapacity” (sponsored by the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States).
    The Committee elected Mr Kazumochi Kometani from Japan as the new member of the Permanent Group of Experts replacing Ms Tomoko Ota, also from Japan. 
    The Committee conducted a scheduled review of its trial use of the e-Agenda platform, originally agreed in October 2023, to streamline meeting procedures by enabling the upload of delegations’ statements. The Committee agreed to extend the current trial arrangement for an additional two years. A formal review will take place at the Committee’s spring 2027 meeting.
    Next meeting
    The Chair reminded members that the autumn 2025 meetings of the SCM Committee are scheduled to take place in the week of 27 October 2025.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kazakhstan is developing production of strategically important petrochemical products

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ALMATY, May 5 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan is actively developing the petrochemical industry and entering industrial production of key types of products, the Kazinform news agency reported on Monday, citing Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov.

    According to him, in November 2022, the Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc /KPI/ plant for the production of polypropylene with a capacity of 500 thousand tons per year was launched. The KPI plant is the first integrated gas chemical complex in Kazakhstan.

    As E. Akkenzhenov said, by the end of 2024, the plant produced about 250 thousand tons of polypropylene. Today, the enterprise produces 12 grades of polypropylene for the production of various products, including sacks, consumer packaging, carpets, and disposable tableware. By the end of this year, it is planned to launch the production of 2 new grades of polypropylene.

    It was previously reported that on March 31, 2025, construction of a polyethylene production plant “Silleno” was launched in the special economic zone “National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark” in the Atyrau region. The construction of the plant with a capacity of 1.25 million tons of polyethylene per year is planned to be completed in 2028, and the launch of production is scheduled for 2029.

    According to the minister, 49.2 percent of early construction work to prepare the site has been completed to date, and excavation work has begun to develop pits for the pyrolysis plant. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the first quarter of 2025, 60.2 percent more fresh fruits and vegetables were exported through the Khorgos checkpoint

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, May 5 (Xinhua) — The volume of fruits and vegetables exported through the Horgos port on the China-Kazakhstan border in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has grown rapidly since the beginning of this year.

    According to Khorgos Customs, 179 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables were exported through the Khorgos checkpoint in the first three months of this year, which is 60.2 percent more year-on-year. The main importers of fruit and vegetable products were Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia.

    “This year, our company has exported a huge batch of potatoes, especially to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan,” said Yu Chengzhong, chairman of the board of Horgos Jinyi International Trade (Group) Co., Ltd.

    In order to reduce the time and costs of customs clearance of goods, the Khorgos checkpoint constantly optimizes the overall customs clearance process, closely coordinating its actions with the relevant authorities, ensuring the preservation of the freshness of exported fruits and vegetables.

    According to the representative of the Khorgos Customs, Yang Qiang, a special channel has been set up at the customs, thanks to which timely registration, inspection and dispatch of batches of fruits and vegetables as they arrive at the customs point is carried out, which in turn guarantees the preservation of maximum freshness of the products.

    Let us recall that Khorgos is located near the border with Kazakhstan and is the country’s first-class land port with the longest history and the largest total volume of transportation in the western region of China. Today, 87 international railway freight routes pass through Khorgos, connecting 18 countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –