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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 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 meets representatives of commercial and financial sectors in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, today (June 20) in Hong Kong, met with representatives of the commercial and financial sectors, and learned about Hong Kong’s major tourism development projects.

    At an engagement session, Mr Xia interacted with representatives of Hong Kong’s commercial and financial sectors, including those from major chambers of commerce and enterprises. The session was also attended by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; and the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan.

    In the afternoon, Mr Xia visited Ocean Park in the company of Mr Lee; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Chairman of the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation (OPC), Mr Paulo Pong; and the Chief Executive of the OPC, Mr Ivan Wong. 

    Afterwards Mr Xia took a boat trip to Lamma Island with Mr Lee, Mr Wong and the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, to gain an understanding of the ex-Lamma quarry site’s development plan. Mr Xia also received briefings en route on major tourism development projects.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – 2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro – P10_TA(2025)0130 – Wednesday, 18 June 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Montenegro, of the other part(1), which entered into force on 1 May 2010,

    –  having regard to Montenegro’s application for membership of the European Union of 15 December 2008,

    –  having regard to the Commission opinion of 9 November 2010 on Montenegro’s application for membership of the European Union (COM(2010)0670), the European Council’s decision of 16-17 December 2010 to grant Montenegro candidate status and the European Council’s decision of 29 June 2012 to open EU accession negotiations with Montenegro,

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III)(2),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans(3),

    –  having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council meeting of 19-20 June 2003,

    –  having regard to the Sofia Declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2018 and the Sofia Priority Agenda annexed thereto,

    –  having regard to the declarations of the EU-Western Balkans summits of 13 December 2023 in Brussels, and of 18 December 2024 in Brussels,

    –  having regard to the Berlin Process launched on 28 August 2014,

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 6 October 2020 entitled ‘An Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans’ (COM(2020)0641),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘Montenegro 2023 Report’ (SWD(2023)0694),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘New growth plan for the Western Balkans’ (COM(2023)0691),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 20 March 2024 on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews (COM(2024)0146),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 24 July 2024 entitled ‘2024 Rule of Law Report’ (COM(2024)0800), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘2024 Rule of Law Report – The rule of law situation in the European Union: Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Montenegro’ (SWD(2024)0829),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘2024 Communication on EU enlargement policy’ (COM(2024)0690), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘Montenegro 2024 Report’ (SWD(2024)0694),

    –  having regard to the Commission’s overview and country assessments of 31 May 2023 and of 13 June 2024 of the economic reform programme of Montenegro, and to the joint conclusions of the Economic and Financial Dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans and Türkiye adopted by the Council on 16 May 2023 and to the joint conclusions of the Economic and Financial Dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans Partners, Türkiye, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine adopted by the Council on 14 May 2024,

    –  having regard to the EU-Montenegro Intergovernmental Accession Conferences of 22 June 2021, 13 December 2021, 29 January 2024, 26 June 2024 and 16 December 2024,

    –  having regard to the 11th EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council on 14 July 2022,

    –  having regard to the declaration and recommendations adopted at the 22nd meeting of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, held on 31 October and 1 November 2024,

    –  having regard to Montenegro’s accession to NATO on 5 June 2017,

    –  having regard to Special Report 01/2022 of the European Court of Auditors of 10 January 2022 entitled ‘EU support for the rule of law in the Western Balkans: despite efforts, fundamental problems persist’,

    –  having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention), ratified by Montenegro in 2013, and to the recommendations of the Commission on gender equality and combating gender-based violence,

    –  having regard to the World Press Freedom Index report published annually by Reporters Without Borders,

    –  having regard to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) data on the Ukraine Refugee Situation as of April 2025,

    –  having regard to its recommendation of 23 November 2022 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the new EU strategy for enlargement(4),

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Montenegro,

    –  having regard to its resolution of 29 February 2024 on deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement(5),

    –  having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A10-0093/2025),

    A.  whereas enlargement is a key EU foreign policy tool and a strategic geopolitical investment in peace, stability, security and prosperity;

    B.  whereas the new enlargement momentum, sparked by the changing geopolitical reality and the EU membership applications by several Eastern Partnership countries, has prompted the EU to accelerate its efforts towards delivering on its long-overdue commitments to the Western Balkans; whereas the future of the Western Balkan countries lies within the EU;

    C.  whereas each country is judged on its own merits in fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria, including full respect for democracy, the rule of law, good governance, fundamental EU values and alignment with EU foreign and security policy; whereas the implementation of necessary reforms in the area of ‘fundamentals’ determines the timetable and progress in the accession process;

    D.  whereas Montenegro has gone furthest in the accession process, with all 33 chapters of the EU acquis open and six provisionally closed, and has significant public support therefor;

    E.  whereas the EU is Montenegro’s largest trading partner, investor and provider of financial assistance;

    F.  whereas Montenegro is exposed to malign foreign influence, disinformation campaigns and other forms of influence, including election meddling, hybrid warfare strategies and unfavourable investments from non-EU actors, particularly Russia and China, which are trying to influence Montenegro’s political, economic and strategic trajectory and threaten democratic processes and media integrity, jeopardising the country’s prospects for EU accession;

    G.  whereas on 8 June 2024, an ‘All-Serb Assembly’ took place in Belgrade with the participation of high-ranking parliamentarians under the slogan ‘One people, one Assembly’;

    Commitment to EU accession

    1.  Recognises Montenegro’s firm commitment to EU accession and reaffirms its full support for the country’s future EU membership; welcomes Montenegro’s leading regional position in the EU accession process as well as the overwhelming support of Montenegro’s citizens and the majority of political actors for joining the EU in 2028;

    2.  Welcomes Montenegro’s positive progress in enacting EU-related reforms and measures, underpinned by an ambitious timeline and calls for collective efforts of political actors, civil society and citizens; commends Montenegro for meeting the interim benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24, which continue to determine the overall pace of negotiations, and for receiving a positive Interim Benchmark Assessment Report; welcomes the closure of three more negotiating chapters, bringing the total to six;

    3.  Encourages all political actors to stay focused on EU integration and the required reforms; stresses the need for political stability, commitment and constructive engagement in consensus building across party lines in order to move swiftly and more effectively towards closing additional chapters in 2025, so as to achieve the country’s ambitious timeline; stresses that the reforms adopted must be implemented effectively and consistently to ensure genuine progress and full alignment with EU legislation; calls for a strengthening of the functioning of, and coordination between, state institutions in order to achieve political stability and advance the country’s substantial progress in implementing key EU-related reforms, in particular electoral and judicial reforms and the fight against organised crime and corruption;

    4.  Underlines that the credibility of the EU, including its enlargement policy as a whole, would be affected if tangible progress achieved by certain Western Balkan countries does not translate into clear advancements on the EU accession path;

    5.  Welcomes Montenegro’s sustained full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), including EU restrictive measures, inter alia, those related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and those targeted against cyberattacks, as well as its support for the international rules-based order at UN level; encourages Montenegro to strengthen the enforcement of restrictive measures and avoid their circumvention and to seize the assets of those sanctioned; calls on all government representatives to respect and promote CFSP alignment and EU values and refrain from any activities that may threaten Montenegro’s strategic path towards EU membership and its sovereignty; is highly concerned, in this context, by public high officials’ statements in support of the President of the Republika Srpska entity, Milorad Dodik, who is undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina; regrets the participation of high-ranking parliamentarians from Montenegro in the ‘All-Serbian Assembly’ in Belgrade as well as their support for the declaration adopted on that occasion undermining the sovereignty of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo;

    6.  Underlines the strategic importance of Montenegro’s NATO membership and welcomes its active involvement in EU common security and defence policy missions and operations, such as EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta, and in NATO and other international and multilateral missions; welcomes the decision of Montenegro’s Council for Defence and Security to approve the participation of its armed forces in the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine and NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine and calls on the Montenegrin Parliament to adopt these decisions, thereby reinforcing the country’s commitment to collective security;

    7.  Commends Montenegro for its humanitarian and material support to Ukraine and for extending the temporary protection mechanism that grants persons fleeing Ukraine the right to stay in Montenegro for one year; recalls that Montenegro is among the Western Balkan countries hosting the largest number of Ukrainian refugees, with over 18 800 refugees from Ukraine registered in Montenegro as of 31 January 2025, according to UNHCR statistics;

    8.  Remains seriously concerned by malign foreign interference, destabilisation efforts, cyberattacks, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, including attempts to influence political processes and public opinion, by third-country actors, which discredit the EU and undermine Montenegro’s progress on its accession path; urges Montenegro to adopt countermeasures in stronger cooperation with the EU and NATO and through increased regional cooperation among the Western Balkan countries; notes that religious institutions can be used as a tool for external influence and condemns any undue interference by the Serbian Orthodox Church in this regard; reiterates the importance of building resilience capacity against foreign information manipulation and interference, including through greater oversight of the media landscape, public awareness campaigns and media literacy programmes; recommends that Montenegro establish a dedicated hybrid threat task force;

    9.  Urges the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Delegation of the EU to Montenegro and the Montenegrin authorities to boost strategic communication to Montenegrin citizens on the benefits of the enlargement process and EU membership, as well as on the concrete accession criteria that Montenegro still needs to fulfil to align with EU requirements; urges them, furthermore, to improve the EU’s visibility in the country, including as regards EU-funded projects; calls for StratCom monitoring to be expanded in order to concentrate on cross-border disinformation threats in the Western Balkan countries and their neighbours; calls on the Commission to further support the efforts of the EEAS and the Western Balkans Task Force so as to expand outreach activities by increasing visibility in local media, fact-checking reports and partnering with civil society organisations to counter false narratives more effectively;

    10.  Welcomes the Montenegrin Parliament’s renewed engagement in the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee;

    Democracy and the rule of law

    11.  Recognises the Montenegrin Parliament’s key role in the accession process, notably as regards passing accession-related legislation, and underlines the importance of parliamentary cooperation in this regard; reiterates the European Parliament’s readiness to use its political and technical resources to advance the EU-related reform agenda, including through democracy support activities; notes, with concern, the re-emerging tensions and ethnic polarisation, which are slowing the reform process; calls for constructive dialogue and consensus building across the political spectrum, prioritising legislative quality, and strongly urges that solutions be found through parliamentary dialogue; calls for preventing identity politics from diverting attention from the EU agenda or straining relations with its neighbours, ensuring that Montenegro remains firmly on the EU path; welcomes the agreement between the Montenegrin Prime Minister and opposition leaders to request an opinion from the Venice Commission regarding the termination of the mandate of Constitutional Court judge Dragana Đuranović and for the opposition to return to the parliament;

    12.  Expresses its concern about attempts to amend the law on Montenegrin citizenship in the Montenegrin Parliament, which could have serious and long-term implications for the country’s decision-making processes and identity, while emphasising that any discussions on identity politics must be handled with the utmost sensitivity to avoid further polarisation and should aim for broad societal consensus; encourages the Montenegrin authorities to consult and coordinate with the EU on any possible changes to the law on citizenship and stresses the importance of achieving consensus on any matters relating to this subject of crucial importance for the identity and independence of Montenegro;

    13.  Strongly encourages the Montenegrin Parliament to hold inclusive and transparent public consultations and regular and meaningful engagement with civil society in decision-making from an early stage in the legislative process, notably for key legislation in the EU reform process; encourages a more active role for the Montenegrin Parliamentary Women’s Club;

    14.  Calls on Montenegro to fully align its electoral legal framework with EU standards, notably as regards harmonising electoral legislation, voting and candidacy rights restrictions, transparency, dispute resolution mechanisms, campaign and media oversight, and political party and election campaign financing, and to implement the recommendations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights(6); urges Montenegro to increase transparency and control of political party spending and prevent the abuse of state resources by bringing the relevant legislation into line with EU standards, as well as enhancing the enforcement of third-party financing rules and strengthening sanctions for violations; highlights the role of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption (APC) in this regard, and calls for increased cooperation between the APC and financial intelligence authorities to detect and prevent foreign influence in political campaigns; calls, furthermore, on Montenegro to implement the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on gender parity on electoral lists;

    15.  Reiterates its call on the Montenegrin authorities to establish a single nationwide municipal election day, as provided for in the Law on Local Self-Government, in order to enhance governance efficiency, reduce political tensions and strengthen the stability and effectiveness of municipal and state institutions; recalls that future disbursement of funds under the Reform and Growth Facility is contingent on the fulfilment of this reform, in line with Montenegro’s commitments in its reform agenda, and should be pursued as a matter of priority; welcomes the fact that, in 2022, elections in 14 municipalities were held on the same day; calls for a robust legislative framework in this regard; is concerned by the misconduct of the electoral process in the municipality of Šavnik;

    16.  Calls on the Montenegrin authorities to adopt the Law on Government that should enable an improved governance framework and the optimisation of public administration;

    17.  Underlines the importance of a professional, merit-based, transparent and depoliticised civil service; calls on Montenegro to amend and implement the relevant legislation to provide a framework for the professionalisation, optimisation and rationalisation of state administration, including procedural safeguards against politically motivated decisions on appointments and dismissals, as well as high standards for managerial positions; regrets the lack of significant progress in adopting and effectively implementing such legislation and highlights that this allows for public service recruitment to remain subject to political influence;

    18.  Welcomes Montenegro’s inclusion in the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report; notes, with concern, the identified deficiencies, including judicial appointments and the independence of the prosecutor’s office;

    19.  Welcomes the progress made in implementing key judicial reforms, adopting a new strategic framework and completing long-outstanding judicial appointments; calls on Montenegro to fill the remaining high-level judicial positions;

    20.  Urges Montenegro to further align its legal framework, including the constitution, in particular on the composition and decision-making process of the Judicial Council, with EU laws and standards on the independence, accountability, impartiality, integrity and professionalism of the judiciary, and to further depoliticise appointments to bolster independence, implement outstanding international recommendations, and determine criteria for the retirement of judges and prosecutors in line with European standards and in full compliance with the Constitution; regrets the pending case backlog and calls on Montenegro to take measures to reduce the duration of legal proceedings, particularly for serious and organised crime cases, notably on money laundering; recommends that Montenegro adopt the amendments to the Constitution in the final stage of the country’s EU accession negotiations;

    21.  Notes the steps taken in the fight against corruption, including new laws and provisions on the protection of whistleblowers, the creation of a new National Council for the fight against corruption and a new anti-corruption strategy for 2024-2028; encourages Montenegro to further align with the EU acquis and EU standards and address recommendations by the Commission, the Venice Commission and the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO); encourages the Montenegrin authorities to continue addressing existing deficiencies in the handling of organised crime cases and the seizure and confiscation of criminal assets;

    22.  Urges Montenegro to step up its criminal justice response to high-level corruption, including by strengthening the effective enforcement of existing criminal legislation and imposing effective and deterrent penalties, and to create conditions for judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption to function effectively, free from political influence;

    23.  Notes the work of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption and calls for it to be provided with sufficient funding and for it to be depoliticised; expects the Agency to deliver tangible results and act non-selectively to strengthen its integrity and enhance its authority in carrying out its competences effectively; calls for a stronger corruption prevention framework;

    24.  Urges Montenegro to align its weapons legislation with EU law and international standards, particularly as regards technical standards for firearm markings, deactivation procedures and regulations for alarm and signal weapons, as well as to establish a standardised and effective data collection and reporting system for firearms; is appalled by the tragic mass shooting in Cetinje and expresses its condolences to the victims’ families; expresses its concern over the exploitation of this tragedy for disinformation and ethnic polarisation; urges Montenegro to strengthen its crisis communication to counter disinformation and ensure responsible media reporting in the aftermath of violent incidents; calls for systematic actions in the areas of security, mental well-being and institutional transparency, as well as in civic education and public awareness, outreach and educational initiatives, on the dangers and risks of firearms, in line with citizens’ expectations and societal needs;

    25.  Calls on Montenegro to urgently fully align its visa policy with that of the EU, especially as regards countries posing irregular migration or security risks to the EU; expresses its concern that, contrary to expectations, two additional countries have been added to the visa-free regime and that Russian and Belarusian passport holders continue to benefit from a visa-free regime; notes that the harmonisation of the visa policy is also provided for in Montenegro’s reform agenda under the Reform and Growth Facility;

    26.  Welcomes the ongoing cooperation between Montenegro and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), Europol, Eurojust and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), and notes the importance of this cooperation in tackling cross-border crime, including the trafficking of weapons, drugs and human beings, and in combating terrorism and extremism; welcomes the entry into force of the upgraded agreement on operational cooperation in border management with Frontex on 1 July 2023 and encourages further cooperation between Montenegro and Frontex to strengthen border management, support asylum procedures, fight smuggling and enhance readmission;

    Fundamental freedoms and human rights

    27.  Regrets that the most vulnerable groups in society still face discrimination; calls on Montenegro to adopt a new anti-discrimination law and relevant strategies, through an inclusive, transparent and meaningful process that actively involves those most affected, to improve vulnerable groups’ access to rights; underlines that respect for the rights of all national minorities is an integral part of the EU acquis; calls for stronger implementation to ensure equal treatment of all ethnic, religious, national and social groups so that they are guaranteed equal rights and opportunities and can fully participate in social, political and economic life;

    28.  Welcomes Montenegro’s multi-ethnic identity and calls for the further promotion of and respect for the languages, cultural heritage and traditions of local communities and national minorities, as this is closely intertwined with Montenegro’s European perspective;

    29.  Underlines the multi-ethnic identity of the Bay of Kotor; stresses that Montenegro’s European perspective is closely intertwined with the protection of minorities and their cultural heritage; calls on the Montenegrin authorities to nurture the multi-ethnic nature of the state, including the traditions and cultural heritage of the Croatian community in the Bay of Kotor;

    30.  Expresses its grave concern over the endangered heritage sites in Montenegro such as the Bay of Kotor and Sveti Stefan; stresses that Sveti Stefan, along with Miločer Park, was listed among the ‘7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe’ for 2023;

    31.  Calls on the Montenegrin authorities to address the difficult living conditions of Roma people in Montenegro and the discrimination they face, and calls for more measures to promote intercultural understanding in schools; calls on the Montenegrin authorities to also take measures to improve the climate of societal inclusion for LGBTI persons;

    32.  Welcomes that Montenegro has aligned its legislative and institutional framework with the EU acquis and international human rights standards regarding compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols; urges the authorities to address shortcomings in implementation, namely related to accountability and monitoring;

    33.  Calls for the effective implementation of strategies to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities across all sectors and policies;

    34.  Condemns all hate speech, including online and gender-based hate speech, and hate crimes; welcomes the criminalisation of racism and hate speech;

    35.  Emphasises the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms for gender quality and calls on the Montenegrin authorities to address the gender pay gap, to improve women’s participation in decision-making – in both the public domain, particularly public administration, and judicial and security sectors, and in business – to ensure the increased political participation of women, to introduce gender responsive budgeting, and to combat gender stereotypes and strengthen efforts to combat discrimination against women, particularly in rural areas; welcomes recent efforts aimed at boosting women’s representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and encourages further efforts in technology sectors;

    36.  Is deeply concerned by the high rates of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and femicide; calls on Montenegro to fully align its definitions of gender-based violence and domestic violence with the Istanbul Convention, and with recommendations of international bodies, and to set up effective protection and prevention mechanisms and support centres, and ensure effective judicial follow-up for victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as a more robust penal policy towards perpetrators; calls for the collection of disaggregated data on gender-based violence and gender disparities to improve policy responses;

    37.  Regrets that the draft law on legal gender recognition was not adopted in 2024, despite it being a measure under Montenegro’s EU accession programme; urges Montenegro to adopt the law without delay;

    38.  Welcomes Montenegro’s new media laws and its strategy for media policy aimed at strengthening the legal framework to effectively protect journalists and other media workers; insists on a zero-tolerance policy with regard to pressure on, harassment of, or violence against journalists, particularly by public figures; underlines the need for effective investigations, the prosecution of all instances of hate speech, smear campaigns and strategic lawsuits against journalists, and follow-up of past cases; stresses the need to ensure journalists’ rights to access information and maintain a critical stance; notes a significant improvement in Montenegro’s press freedom, demonstrated by its progress on the World Press Freedom Index;

    39.  Expresses its concern over cases where journalists, academics and civil society organisations have faced pressure for exercising free speech, including instances where the police have initiated misdemeanour proceedings against them; is concerned by the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to target journalists;

    40.  Regrets the prevailing high level of polarisation in the media and its vulnerability to political interests and foreign influence as well as foreign and domestic disinformation campaigns that spread narratives that negatively impact democratic processes in the country and endanger Montenegro’s European perspective; calls on Montenegro to further develop improved media literacy programmes and include them as a core subject in education; calls on the Montenegrin authorities to ensure the editorial, institutional and financial independence of the public service broadcaster RTCG, as well as the legality of the appointment of its management and full respect for court rulings concerning RTCG; recalls that it needs to comply with the law and the highest standards of accountability and integrity; regrets that the independence of public media is being weakened and undermined; calls on all media entities to comply with legal requirements on public funding transparency;

    41.  Welcomes the publication of the 2023 population census results; calls on the authorities to avoid any politicisation of the process; encourages stakeholders to use these results in a non-discriminatory manner;

    42.  Welcomes Montenegro’s vibrant and constructive civil society and underlines its importance in fostering democracy and pluralism and in promoting good governance and social progress; expresses its concern over the shrinking space for civil society organisations with a critical stance, and condemns all smear campaigns, intimidation and attacks against civil society organisations, notably by political figures in the context of proposals for a ‘foreign agent law’; notes that such laws have the potential to undermine fundamental freedoms and the functioning of civil society and are inconsistent with EU values and standards; calls for a supportive legal framework and clear and fair selection criteria in relation to public funding; calls for the Council for Cooperation between the Government and non-governmental organisations to resume work; underlines the importance of building collaborative relationships and genuinely consulting civil society on draft legislation from an early stage onwards;

    Reconciliation, good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation

    43.  Recalls that good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are essential elements of the enlargement process; commends Montenegro’s active involvement in regional cooperation initiatives; recalls that good neighbourly relations are key for advancing in the accession process;

    44.  Regrets that Chapter 31 could not be closed in December 2024; calls on all engaged parties to find solutions to outstanding bilateral issues in a constructive and neighbourly manner and prioritise the future interests of citizens in the Western Balkans; recalls that using unresolved bilateral and regional disputes to block candidate countries’ accession processes should be avoided; welcomes bilateral consultations between the Republic of Croatia and Montenegro on the status of unresolved bilateral issues; encourages the authorities to continue pursuing confidence-building measures;

    45.  Notes Montenegro’s amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code to address legal and practical obstacles to the effective investigation, prosecution, trial and punishment of war crimes in line with relevant recommendations; calls on Montenegro to apply a proactive approach to handling war crimes cases, in line with international law and standards, to identify, prosecute and punish the perpetrators and the glorification of war crimes and ensure access to, and delivery of justice, redress and reparations for victims, and clarify the fate of missing persons; calls on Montenegro to allocate sufficient resources to specialised prosecutors and courts and proactively investigate all war crime allegations and raise issues of command responsibility, as well as to review past cases that were not prosecuted in line with international or domestic law; calls for regional cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of individuals indicted for war crimes; recognises that addressing these issues and safeguarding court-based facts are an important foundation for trust, democratic values, reconciliation and strengthening bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, and encourages Montenegro to step up these efforts;

    46.  Warns against the dangers of political revisionism, which distorts historical facts for political purposes, undermines accountability and deepens societal divisions; strongly condemns the glorification of war criminals and widespread public denial of international verdicts for war crimes, including by the Montenegrin authorities; considers that President Jakov Milatović’s statement expressing regret over the participation of Montenegrin forces in the bombardment of the city of Dubrovnik was a valuable contribution to regional peace and reconciliation;

    47.  Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional Commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other gross human rights violations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM);

    48.  Reiterates its call for the archives that concern the former republics of Yugoslavia to be opened and for access to be granted to the files of the former Yugoslav Secret Service and the Yugoslav People’s Army Secret Service in order to thoroughly research and address communist-era crimes;

    Socio-economic reforms

    49.  Welcomes Montenegro’s inclusion in SEPA payment schemes, lowering costs for citizens and businesses; underlines that this opens up opportunities for business expansion, increased competitiveness, innovation and improved access to foreign direct investments;

    50.  Welcomes the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to integrate the region into the EU’s single market, promote regional economic cooperation and deepen EU-related reforms, and which includes the EUR 6 billion Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans; welcomes Montenegro’s adoption of a reform agenda and encourages its full implementation; notes that the implementation of the defined reform measures under Montenegro’s reform agenda for the Growth Plan would provide access to over EUR 380 million in grants and favourable loans, subject to successful implementation; stresses the importance of inclusive stakeholder consultations, including local and regional authorities, social partners and civil society, in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation phases;

    51.  Encourages Montenegro to make best use of all EU funding available under the Pre-accession Assistance Instrument (IPA III), the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, the IPARD programme and the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, to accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU and further align its legislation with the EU on fraud prevention; recalls the conditionality of EU funding, which may be modulated or suspended in the event of significant regression or persistent lack of progress on fundamentals;

    52.  Calls for the EU and the Western Balkan countries to establish a framework for effective cooperation between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and the accession countries in order to facilitate close cooperation and the prosecution of the misuse of EU funds, including through the secondment of national liaison officers to the EPPO; encourages Montenegro to fully implement working arrangements with the EPPO; calls for the EU to make the necessary legal and political arrangements to extend the jurisdiction of the EPPO to EU funds devoted to Montenegro as a candidate country;

    53.  Positively notes Montenegro’s economic growth; calls for more steps to reduce the budget deficit and public debt, and to further remove indirect tax exemptions that do not align with the EU acquis; welcomes the efforts to reduce these fiscal vulnerabilities; reiterates the need for increased public investment in the education system for sustainable social and economic development;

    54.  Notes Montenegro’s public debt to foreign financial institutions and companies that can be used as a tool to influence its policy decisions, in particular those related to China and Russia; welcomes the efforts to reduce these vulnerabilities and calls on the authorities to further reduce economic dependence on China and to continue making use of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, the EU Global Gateway initiative and the Reform and Growth Facility, with a view to finding greener and more transparent alternatives for financing infrastructure projects; calls on Montenegro to increase transparency in future infrastructure projects, ensure competitive bidding and avoid excessive debt dependence on foreign creditors;

    55.  Calls on the Montenegrin authorities to take measures to counter depopulation and emigration, in particular through investments in education and healthcare, especially in the north of the country, as well as through decentralisation by investing in medium-sized cities;

    56.  Encourages the Montenegrin authorities to boost the digital transformation and pursue evidence-based labour market policies to address the persistently high unemployment rate, in particular among women and young people, while bolstering institutional capacity and enhancing the underlying digital policy framework, and to effectively implement the Youth Guarantee and the new Youth Strategy; urges the authorities to address brain drain as a matter of urgency; encourages the development of targeted preventive measures and incentives to legalise informal businesses and employees, as a large informal sector continues to hinder economic and social development in Montenegro;

    57.  Welcomes the calls for the prompt integration of all Western Balkan countries into the EU’s digital single market before actual EU membership, which would crucially enable the creation of a digitally safe environment;

    58.  Calls for more transparency in public procurement, notably for procedures via intergovernmental agreements, and for full compliance with EU rules and principles; calls on Montenegro to reduce the number of public procurement procedures without notices; expresses its concern over the financial burden and lack of transparency surrounding the construction of the Bar-Boljare motorway financed by a Chinese loan; stresses that the secrecy surrounding loan agreements and construction contracts raises accountability concerns;

    59.  Expresses its concern over any agreements or projects that circumvent public procurement rules, transparency obligations and public consultation requirements, as set out in national legislation and EU standards; calls on the Government of Montenegro to ensure full respect for the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusive decision-making and the rule of law in all public infrastructure and development initiatives;

    Energy, the environment, biodiversity and connectivity

    60.  Urges Montenegro to advance the green transition, with the support of EU funding, improve its institutional and regulatory framework and enhance energy resilience by finally adopting and implementing the long-overdue National Energy and Climate Plan, adopting energy efficiency laws and integrating further with EU energy markets; calls for all new green transition projects to be implemented in line with EU standards on the environment, State aid and concessions;

    61.  Regrets the lack of progress on key sector reforms in the area of transport policy; calls on the Montenegrin authorities to align the country’s transport development with the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy for the Western Balkans, focusing on railways, multimodality and reducing CO2 emissions and other environmental impacts, and to further implement its Transport Development Strategy and strengthen administrative capacities for the implementation of trans-European transport networks;

    62.  Welcomes the reduction of data roaming charges between the EU and the Western Balkan countries and calls on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to take all necessary steps towards the goal of bringing data roaming prices close to domestic prices by 2028; welcomes the entry into force of the first phase of the implementation of the roadmap for roaming between the Western Balkans and the EU;

    63.  Encourages the adoption of sectoral strategies for waste management, air and water quality, nature protection and climate change, ensuring strategic planning for investments; notes the lack of progress and associated rising costs in building essential waste water treatment plants to prevent sewage pollution in rivers and the sea in seven municipalities;

    o
    o   o

    64.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Commissioner for Enlargement, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the President, Government and Parliament of Montenegro, and to have it translated and published in Montenegrin.

    (1) OJ L 108, 29.4.2010, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2010/224/oj.
    (2) OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1529/oj.
    (3) OJ L, 2024/1449, 24.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1449/oj.
    (4) OJ C 167, 11.5.2023, p. 105.
    (5) OJ C, C/2024/6746, 26.11.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/6746/oj.
    (6) https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/montenegro.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Only joint actions within such associations as BRICS can ensure forward movement – V. Putin

    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

    St. Petersburg, June 20 (Xinhua) — Global challenges require a global response; they cannot be resolved alone. Only joint actions within an organization such as BRICS can ensure movement forward, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

    “The global challenges facing the modern world certainly require a global response. Solving problems alone, especially at someone else’s expense, is simply impossible – it’s an illusion. Only joint actions within the framework of such an organization as BRICS, for example, and some other formats, can ensure the movement of the entire civilization forward,” said V. Putin during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    According to the Russian President, the share of BRICS countries in the global economy has doubled since the beginning of the century and will inevitably grow.

    “If at the beginning of the 21st century, the BRICS countries, for example, made up a fifth of the global economy – only a fifth, today it is already 40 percent of the global economy. And it is obvious that this share will only grow. This is, as they say, a medical fact, this will happen inevitably,” V. Putin is confident.

    Ties within the BRICS group are strengthening and mutual trade is growing, the Russian president noted.

    “We pay special attention to strengthening ties within BRICS. The mutual trade turnover of our countries has already exceeded a trillion dollars and will continue to grow. All of this, in essence, is elements of a global growth platform, and they are built on the key principles of BRICS. And these are consensus, parity, and consideration of each other’s interests,” said V. Putin. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 3,000 people injured in Iran since Israeli attacks began – Health Ministry

    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, June 20 (Xinhua) — More than 3,000 Iranians have been injured since the start of Israeli attacks on Iran, the Iranian Health Ministry announced on Friday.

    According to a statement by the head of the Iranian Ministry of Health’s public relations department, Hossein Kermanpour, on the ministry’s website, 2,800 of the injured were hospitalized, of which 2,000 have already been discharged from medical institutions.

    According to the latest official figures from Iran, the death toll from the Israeli attacks has reached 224.

    On June 13, Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran, killing several senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against various targets in Israel, causing casualties and significant damage. As of June 20, the conflict continues. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Azerbaijan approves cooperation plan with China on Belt and Road initiative

    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

    Baku, June 20 /Xinhua/ — Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has approved a cooperation plan with China to jointly advance the Belt and Road initiative, the presidential press service said on Friday.

    According to the signed decree, the document has been officially adopted. The plan provides for the development of cooperation in the field of transport, trade and logistics, aimed at strengthening the interconnectedness and expanding economic ties between the two countries.

    According to the decree, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan will coordinate the implementation of the plan’s provisions, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to notify the Chinese government after completing all necessary internal procedures.

    The adoption of the plan was a continuation of the agreements reached during I. Aliyev’s state visit to China. On April 23, a signing ceremony of the document was held in Beijing with the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President I. Aliyev. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tanzanian President Inaugurates China-Built Bridge Across Lake Victoria

    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

    Mwanza, Tanzania, June 20 (Xinhua) — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday inaugurated the China-built Magufuli Bridge, which spans Lake Victoria and is the longest cable-stayed low-pylon bridge in Africa.

    S.S. Hasan called the bridge a transformative infrastructure project, saying it cuts travel time across the lake from two hours to five minutes.

    The Tanzanian leader added that it would also help expand trade with neighboring countries.

    The 4.66-km bridge was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Railway Construction Corporation 15 Bureaus Ltd., with Tanzanians accounting for about 95 percent of the workforce employed on the project, according to Qin Rong, deputy project manager. He said the project also provided them with skills and valuable experience to support future national infrastructure development.

    Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian, in turn, pointed out that the Magufuli Bridge has become a landmark project in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and a model of cooperation between China and Tanzania, emphasizing its broader significance for the development of China-Africa relations as a whole. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China remains committed to expanding market opening: Chinese Foreign Ministry

    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, June 20 (Xinhua) — China will continue to steadily expand the opening of its market to the world, accumulate new driving forces, provide new opportunities, and bring more benefits to the common development of all countries through its own stable development, giving it stronger momentum, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Friday.

    As a recent World Bank report shows, the Chinese economy is still growing at the beginning of 2025, and the Chinese government has taken appropriate monetary and fiscal measures to counteract the uncertainty in global trade. At the same time, international financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have also recently raised their growth forecasts for the Chinese economy.

    Answering a relevant question at a press briefing, Guo Jiakun noted that despite the complicated external environment, the Chinese economy has demonstrated sustainable development, maintained stability while moving forward, improved and renewed, and demonstrated strong resilience and development potential. China has become a “stabilizing foundation” for the world economy and a “center of attraction” for sharing development opportunities, the Chinese diplomat noted.

    According to Guo Jiakun, in the first five months of this year, China’s total import and export volumes of goods grew by 2.5 percent year-on-year, while retail sales of consumer goods increased by 5 percent. The growth in foreign consumption in China is particularly noticeable: in the first month of the new exit tax refund policy, the number of such refunds increased by 116 percent compared to the same period last year. In addition, visa-free travel to China is expected to be extremely popular during the summer tourist season, the diplomat added.

    “Facts have proven that the fundamental trend of the long-term sound development of the Chinese economy will not change, the advantages of a super-large domestic market and a complete industrial system will be maintained, and the focus on high-quality development and high-level opening up will remain unchanged,” Guo Jiakun said.

    This is the source of confidence of the international community in China, which encourages them to continue to bet on the Chinese market, to develop it and to take root in the country, the official representative concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Launches Zhongxing-9C Satellite

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    XICHANG, June 20 (Xinhua) — China successfully launched a new satellite into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Friday.

    The ChinaSat-9C satellite was launched at 20:37 Beijing time by a Long March-3B carrier rocket. The satellite successfully entered its designated orbit.

    The current launch was the 582nd flight mission for the Long March series of launch vehicles. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ilie Bolojan appointed Prime Minister of Romania

    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

    BUCHAREST, June 20 (Xinhua) — Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Friday appointed Senate (upper house of parliament) President Ilie Bolojan as the country’s new prime minister, following weeks of coalition talks among key political parties.

    “I appoint Mr. Ilie Bolojan as Prime Minister,” N. Dan announced at the Cotroceni Palace. “I want to thank the parties that make up the parliamentary majority for these weeks of discussions. It is in Romania’s interest for the government to enjoy the support of an overwhelming majority, and the parties understand this,” the president said.

    Describing I. Bolojan as “the most suitable person to carry out the necessary reforms in the state apparatus,” N. Dan noted his track record in public administration: “He knows how to reduce and optimize costs, and has a vision for development. He will have a partner in me,” said the head of the Romanian state.

    I. Bolojan, for his part, expressed gratitude for the appointment and acknowledged the full burden of responsibility on his shoulders in the context of economic tension.

    The prime minister stressed that his attention will be focused on restoring financial order, ensuring effective public administration and “showing due respect to the Romanian people” as he continues negotiations to finalize the cabinet and his government program.

    According to local media, the new government will be formed by a coalition of the National Liberal Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Save Romania Union and the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The idea of Russia’s economy as a raw materials economy is outdated – V. Putin

    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

    St. Petersburg, June 20 (Xinhua) — The idea of Russia’s economy as a raw materials economy is outdated. The contribution of raw materials is no longer decisive. Despite difficult conditions and external pressure, Russia’s GDP has grown at a rate higher than the world average in the past two years. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

    “The contribution of the raw materials component to the economic dynamics of our country is no longer decisive. Thanks to the work of tens of thousands of enterprises and companies, our economy is not just developing confidently, but is becoming more qualitative, complex and multifaceted,” said V. Putin during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “Despite the difficult external background, Russia’s GDP has increased by more than 4 percent annually over the past two years, meaning it has grown at a rate higher than the global average,” he added.

    In particular, according to the Russian President, the growth of non-oil and gas GDP in 2023 was 7.2 percent, in 2024 – 4.9 percent. Annual inflation in Russia fell to 9.6 percent. The situation with price growth is developing better than expected, which made it possible to soften monetary policy.

    Russia has achieved a record reduction in the poverty level: at the end of last year it was 7.2 percent, noted V. Putin.

    “I will repeat for our guests. In 2000, the poverty level was 29 percent in Russia. And in such, well, let’s say frankly, humiliating situation, we had 42.3 million people,” the Russian president recalled.

    V. Putin stressed that Russia should strive to further reduce poverty to 5 percent. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth Discussed at Open Dialogue within SPIEF-2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, based on the results of the Open Dialogue of the Russia National Centre, opened the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum business program on June 18.

    Recognised international experts from Russia, Cameroon, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada, as well as authors of the best essays from the Open Dialogue, participated in the discussion.

    Speakers discussed the changing world order, Africa’s potential, and trends in the future economy, including demographic changes and the implementation of breakthrough technologies.

    “This year, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place against turbulent world events. This includes the situation in the Middle East and trade wars. Much time will be devoted to this current agenda at the forum. We must not forget which long-term trends and challenges led to the current situation, which trends are basic and defining. It is important to conduct an open dialogue about how we build the world of the future and how to form a new platform for global growth. In which countries does this global growth occur, on which technologies will it be built, and on which principles and cultural code? Our task is to ensure that forward movement benefits people in all countries that, like Russia, are working on the future. It is through open dialogue that our future and its understanding are built,” emphasised Maxim Oreshkin.

    A speaker from Spain, Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, delivered a report on how the global majority of countries are changing reality.

    “Today, most countries are not just participating in global processes – they are changing reality. We see how an increasingly flexible and multipolar world order is forming. World trade is becoming fragmented, fast, and technological, while the international system is becoming a network of preferential agreements, which distorts the principles laid down in the foundation of GATT and WTO,” noted Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    One of the main discussion topics was: “Africa – driver of the future economic order.” Chairman of the African Advisory Council Francois Ndengwe noted that demographic growth is transforming Africa into the future cradle of the global workforce.

    “This is not just statistics – this is human capital that can become a new driver of global growth. Those who invest in education today and build universities in Africa will tomorrow shape markets and set the game’s rules together with Africa,” said Francois Ndengwe.

    Sergei Ivanov, Executive Director and Member of the EFKO Group board of Directors, spoke about the business’s new responsibility in the modern world. The expert emphasised that business today is not just a profit generator but an active participant in social transformations.

    “What projects and technologies should we invest in today? Investment criteria are three conditions: qualitatively improving human life, being produced in harmony with nature, and being accessible, at a minimum, having mass potential. But what’s more important is not only what you produce, but also in what culture you do it. In 2012, the president spoke words that I’ve been quoting often lately. He said that the great mission of Russians is to unite, to bind civilisation with culture, language, and universal responsiveness. And so we try to build our culture and our ethics around this very universal responsiveness. To build capitalism with a human face,” said Sergei Ivanov.

    Another session’s focus, “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, was on breakthrough technologies. As noted by Yuri Kozarenko, General Director of “Transport of the Future” LLC, today, automation has reached a level where robots create robots for the production of goods and services for humans.

    “This year has become significant, showing a leap in the technological development of artificial intelligence. Several centres, schools, and institutes have been opened in China to train robots in various specialities. We in Russia, in turn, are opening robot training centres based in the Samara region and Moscow, including the Institute of Unmanned Systems. We teach robots to bring social benefit in an economically efficient way,” emphasised Yuri Kozarenko.

    The expert added that technological innovations today directly affect social spheres, for example, helping to solve the demographic crisis.

    During the session, participants also discussed the report on the results of the Open Dialogue prepared by the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise “Third Rome.” The conclusions of the session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” became the foundation for the subsequent business program of SPIEF-2025. The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” recording can be viewed on the Russia National Centre website.

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    Contact for the media

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth Discussed at Open Dialogue within SPIEF-2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, based on the results of the Open Dialogue of the Russia National Centre, opened the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum business program on June 18.

    Recognised international experts from Russia, Cameroon, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada, as well as authors of the best essays from the Open Dialogue, participated in the discussion.

    Speakers discussed the changing world order, Africa’s potential, and trends in the future economy, including demographic changes and the implementation of breakthrough technologies.

    “This year, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place against turbulent world events. This includes the situation in the Middle East and trade wars. Much time will be devoted to this current agenda at the forum. We must not forget which long-term trends and challenges led to the current situation, which trends are basic and defining. It is important to conduct an open dialogue about how we build the world of the future and how to form a new platform for global growth. In which countries does this global growth occur, on which technologies will it be built, and on which principles and cultural code? Our task is to ensure that forward movement benefits people in all countries that, like Russia, are working on the future. It is through open dialogue that our future and its understanding are built,” emphasised Maxim Oreshkin.

    A speaker from Spain, Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, delivered a report on how the global majority of countries are changing reality.

    “Today, most countries are not just participating in global processes – they are changing reality. We see how an increasingly flexible and multipolar world order is forming. World trade is becoming fragmented, fast, and technological, while the international system is becoming a network of preferential agreements, which distorts the principles laid down in the foundation of GATT and WTO,” noted Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    One of the main discussion topics was: “Africa – driver of the future economic order.” Chairman of the African Advisory Council Francois Ndengwe noted that demographic growth is transforming Africa into the future cradle of the global workforce.

    “This is not just statistics – this is human capital that can become a new driver of global growth. Those who invest in education today and build universities in Africa will tomorrow shape markets and set the game’s rules together with Africa,” said Francois Ndengwe.

    Sergei Ivanov, Executive Director and Member of the EFKO Group board of Directors, spoke about the business’s new responsibility in the modern world. The expert emphasised that business today is not just a profit generator but an active participant in social transformations.

    “What projects and technologies should we invest in today? Investment criteria are three conditions: qualitatively improving human life, being produced in harmony with nature, and being accessible, at a minimum, having mass potential. But what’s more important is not only what you produce, but also in what culture you do it. In 2012, the president spoke words that I’ve been quoting often lately. He said that the great mission of Russians is to unite, to bind civilisation with culture, language, and universal responsiveness. And so we try to build our culture and our ethics around this very universal responsiveness. To build capitalism with a human face,” said Sergei Ivanov.

    Another session’s focus, “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth”, was on breakthrough technologies. As noted by Yuri Kozarenko, General Director of “Transport of the Future” LLC, today, automation has reached a level where robots create robots for the production of goods and services for humans.

    “This year has become significant, showing a leap in the technological development of artificial intelligence. Several centres, schools, and institutes have been opened in China to train robots in various specialities. We in Russia, in turn, are opening robot training centres based in the Samara region and Moscow, including the Institute of Unmanned Systems. We teach robots to bring social benefit in an economically efficient way,” emphasised Yuri Kozarenko.

    The expert added that technological innovations today directly affect social spheres, for example, helping to solve the demographic crisis.

    During the session, participants also discussed the report on the results of the Open Dialogue prepared by the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise “Third Rome.” The conclusions of the session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” became the foundation for the subsequent business program of SPIEF-2025. The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” recording can be viewed on the Russia National Centre website.

    Social Links

    Telegram: https://t.me/gowithrussia

    VK: https://vk.com/gowithrussia

    OK: https://ok.ru/gowithrussia

    DZen: https://dzen.ru/gowithrussia

    Contact for the media

    Brand: Russia National Centre

    Contact: Media team

    Email: Pressa@russia.ru

    Website: https://russia.ru

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African and Caribbean leaders to headline Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings in Abuja, Nigeria


    Download logo

    The 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) will bring together an influential coalition of global, African and CARICOM leaders in Abuja, Nigeria from 25–27 June 2025. This high-level forum will focus on advancing trade, investment, and innovation across the continent, with Heads of State, Prime Ministers, top business executives, academics and acclaimed academics confirmed to speak.

    H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; former Nigerian President H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry & Mining, are among the confirmed dignitaries.

    They will be joined by ministers, central bank governors, investors, and industry leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

    Held under the theme “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience”, AAM2025 will focus on accelerating trade opportunities, driving investment and fostering innovation.

    Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, remarked:

    “AAM2025 comes at a pivotal time for Africa. As the continent confronts global uncertainties, it is doing so with renewed resolve. Following the successful 31st edition of AAM held in The Bahamas last year, we are back on the African continent for this year’s meetings which are about catalysing practical action—building stronger institutions to strengthen trade integration and unlocking the full potential of African innovation. We thank H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his support.”

    The speaker lineup includes renowned economists and industry leaders including Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Centre for Sustainable Development, Columbia University and Dr. Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

    Africa’s foremost business innovation leaders such as Mr. Aliko Dangote, President & CEO of Dangote Group and Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, will also participate. The speaker lineup further includes Professor Ghulam Mufti of King’s College London, former Prime Minister of Jamaica P.J. Patterson, and other influential figures.

    Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja are expected to deliver strong economic benefits, both in the short and long term. The main anticipated impacts include the trade and investment mobilisation, policy and institutional advancement and strengthening South-South cooperation and trade flows.

    AAM2025 is expected to facilitate significant trade and investment deals, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and public-private partnerships. The meetings are expected to catalyse billions of dollars in funding over the next 5–10 years for key strategic sectors.

    By bringing together heads of state, ministers, leaders of trade institutions, policymakers and the private sector, the meetings will advance regional dialogue on several priorities: implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing cross-border payment systems to speed up regional transactions, strengthening Africa–Caribbean (CARICOM) economic ties through expanded trade, tourism, and joint ventures, and ensuring private sector participation in policy reforms. These discussions aim to reduce business costs, improve trade infrastructure, and deepen regional economic integration.

    With world-renowned economists, scholars, and entrepreneurs participating, AAM2025 will shape thought leadership on Africa’s development path.

    Platforms like this influence policy, shift narratives, and inspire reforms that foster innovation, inclusion, and competitiveness. This year’s meetings will also mark the launch of several new initiatives.

    AAM2025 is expected to welcome thousands of participants and media from more than 80 countries.

    A full programme of events and speakers is available on www.AAM2025.com

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Vincent Musumba
    Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations)
    Email: press@afreximbank.com  

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. 

    For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Trump’s first term lies at the heart of escalation between Iran and Israel

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christian Emery, Associate Professor in International Politics, UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, UCL

    The US president, Donald Trump, is weighing up whether to join Israel in attacking Iran. The fact he is even contemplating such a move is, in my opinion, a direct consequence of his 2018 decision to tear up the agreement negotiated during Barack Obama’s presidency that limited Iran’s nuclear capabilities in return for sanctions relief.

    Trump not only squandered the opportunity to constrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions severely. He also shut the door on showing Iran that diplomacy and economic development could offer a more promising path than proxy warfare.

    The Obama administration’s core strategic rationale behind the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, or joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA), was that amid several devastating regional wars and an American public weary of costly military interventions, a war with Iran would be disastrous. This was especially true given the growing US desire to pivot toward containing China.

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    Obama challenged opponents of the deal to propose a credible alternative. And Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, addressed US Congress to make the case against the JCPOA. He argued that it would not prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

    But Obama ultimately succeeded in persuading the American public that the only real alternative to a negotiated agreement with Iran was yet another war in the Middle East.

    Trump believed that exiting the JCPOA and crushing the Iranian economy would either force the regime to accept major restrictions on its nuclear programme and moderate its regional behaviour, or cause the entire theocratic system to collapse.

    What followed instead was a sharp escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf. Iran exercised greater reliance on its regional proxy network, with attacks on US personnel increasing. It simultaneously increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

    When Trump took office in 2017, the JCPOA had already eliminated 98% of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. It also capped enrichment at 3.7%, well below the level required for a nuclear bomb.

    The situation has changed since Trump’s withdrawal. Israel’s central justification for launching its attack against Iran on June 15 was the International Atomic Energy Agency’s determination that Iran had now amassed over 408kg of uranium enriched up to 60%. Netanyahu claimed that Iran could be “within a few months” of producing a nuclear weapon.

    However, even with these serious violations, US intelligence has consistently stated that Iran is not actively pursuing such a weapon. It recently assessed that, even if Iran decided to do so, it was up to three years away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon that it could deliver to a target of its choosing.

    Netanyahu may have wanted to attack Iran anyway. He has repeatedly claimed over the past 15 years that immediate military action was needed to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb.

    But it would have been harder to justify an attack on Iran if it possessed no highly enriched uranium and was verifiably complying with the JCPOA. Iran had stuck to the JCPOA for four years, including one year after the US withdrew, and there is no evidence to suggest it wouldn’t have kept to a deal that Iran clearly saw as being in its interests.

    Maximum pressure campaign

    Iran’s developing nuclear programme may be the immediate pretext for the current escalation. But Iran’s proxy warfare strategy, using regional militant groups to fight Israel and serve as pressure points it can activate when threatened, forms the other essential backdrop.

    This strategy pre-dates the Trump administration. But Trump’s so-called “maximum pressure” campaign clearly escalated tensions in the Middle East, making direct confrontation between Israel and Iran more likely.

    When Trump enacted sanctions aiming to eliminate Iran’s oil and gas exports, Tehran retaliated by using its strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz to harass Gulf shipping. In September 2019, an Iranian drone attack on a Saudi oil processing facility temporarily took out 50% of Saudi oil production.

    Iran would normally have zero interest in disrupting Gulf shipping. This is because its own gas and oil must travel through the Strait of Hormuz. But its strategy was to deter Trump’s economic warfare by showing that it would not be the only one to suffer.

    Tehran unsurprisingly viewed Trump’s policy as an attempt to deliver regime change and responded by doubling down on its “forward defence” strategy. Iran increased its military, financial and political backing of proxy groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. And it also continued development of its ballistic missile programme.

    Before 2018, the US estimated that Iran was sending about US$200 million (£148 million) annually to the Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah. By 2020, it was sending US$700 million.

    Trump’s repudiation of the JCPOA also critically damaged more moderate voices in Iran. In 2017, the success of the JCPOA helped propel reformist president Hassan Rouhani to a second term in office. However, in 2021, the regime prevented key moderate figures from standing.

    Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner who had lost against Rouhani in 2017 and was already under US sanctions, was elected as Iran’s president. Raisi and his faction demanded tougher terms for any future nuclear deal – more sanctions relief upfront and binding guarantees against another US withdrawal.

    This frustrated attempts to revive the agreement under Joe Biden’s presidency, as only Congress could offer such guarantees. This was an improbable prospect amid escalating tensions with a more hostile, nuclear-advanced Iran that was increasingly aligning with Russia.

    None of this absolves Iran of its own intransigence, support for terrorism or brutalisation of its own citizens. Nor does it free the Islamic Republic of criticism over its decision to abandon the nuclear limits agreed under the JCPOA – even if it was the US that first broke the deal.

    Ultimately, though, the conditions that led to this war would almost certainly not have arisen without Trump’s mishandling of Iran policy in his first administration. It was a precursor to the abysmal leadership he’s demonstrating in this war.

    Christian Emery does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump’s first term lies at the heart of escalation between Iran and Israel – https://theconversation.com/trumps-first-term-lies-at-the-heart-of-escalation-between-iran-and-israel-259199

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine and Russia again exchange prisoners within the framework of the Istanbul agreements

    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

    Kyiv, June 20 /Xinhua/ – Ukraine and Russia held a prisoner exchange on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram.

    According to him, during this procedure, Kyiv managed to secure the release of a group of Ukrainian servicemen, most of whom had been in Russian captivity for over two years. These are representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Border Service.

    The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, in turn, reported that this was the next stage of the exchange of prisoners within the framework of the agreements reached at the beginning of the month in Istanbul.

    On June 2, peace talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place in Istanbul. The parties agreed to exchange prisoners according to the formula “all for all” for two categories of servicemen – seriously ill and those aged 18 to 25.

    The exact number of released persons will be announced after all stages of the exchange are completed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinhua Director General Meets with Rossiyskaya Gazeta Director General

    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

    St. Petersburg, June 20 /Xinhua/ — Director General of China’s Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua, who is visiting Russia, met with Director General of Rossiyskaya Gazeta Pavel Negoitsa on Friday.

    Fu Hua said that Xinhua News Agency treasures the friendly relations with Rossiyskaya Gazeta and attaches great importance to exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. He hopes to further explore opportunities for personnel exchanges, joint reporting and photo exhibitions, strengthen cooperation in disseminating news content, so as to promote high-level development of China-Russia relations.

    P. Negoica highly appreciated the long-term friendly and cooperative relations between the two sides. He noted that Xinhua News Agency has rich experience in using new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to expand its editing and news gathering capabilities. Rossiyskaya Gazeta is willing to further deepen technical cooperation, increase personnel exchanges and enrich cooperation models with Xinhua News Agency to jointly promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Russia and China. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 20 killed in coltan mine collapse in eastern DRC

    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

    GOMA, June 20 (Xinhua) — More than 20 people were killed in a collapse at a coltan mine in the Rubaya region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday, local sources said on Friday.

    At least 21 bodies have so far been recovered from the mine, located in Masisi in North Kivu province, according to the Masisi Territory Administration Office.

    In addition, about 100 people were rescued during the ongoing operation.

    “The current death toll remains preliminary as rescue efforts have been ongoing since yesterday. Several people are still trapped under the rubble and emergency teams are working tirelessly at the scene to rescue those who show signs of life,” an official from Rubaya told Xinhua on Friday.

    “We plan to provide an update later this afternoon depending on how the situation develops,” the official said.

    The cause of the tragedy is still unknown. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to remain firmly committed to opening its market wider: FM spokesperson

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

    China will remain firmly committed to opening its market wider to the world, foster new driving forces, create new opportunities, and enable the world to benefit from China’s steady growth and draw impetus for common development, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

    A recent report released by the World Bank shows that China’s economy maintained growth momentum in early 2025, and in response to global trade uncertainty, the government has implemented accommodative monetary and fiscal policies. Recently international institutions, such as J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, have also revised up China’s growth prospects.

    In response to a related query, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a daily news briefing that China’s economy has forged steadily ahead, achieved high-quality growth and fostered new growth points amid a complex external environment, demonstrating strong resilience and potential. It is now a stabilizer for the world economy and a magnet for sharing development opportunities.

    In the first five months of this year, China’s total imports and exports of goods increased by 2.5 percent year on year, and the total retail sales of consumer goods went up 5 percent. Shopping in China has become a buzzing trend among foreign travelers. In the first month after the policy of departure tax refunds was rolled out, application for departure tax refunds across the country surged by 116 percent year on year. Traveling to China visa free is expected to be a popular choice during the summer holiday, Guo noted.

    “Facts have shown that the fundamentals of China’s long-term economic growth remain unchanged, the strengths of our mega-size market and complete industrial system remain unchanged, and our policy of pursuing high-quality development and high-standard opening up remains unchanged,” Guo said.

    This is the source of the world’s confidence in China’s growth forecast and their determination to invest in China and further explore China’s market, he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tanzanian president inaugurates Chinese-built bridge over Lake Victoria

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

    Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday inaugurated the Chinese-built Magufuli Bridge, which spans Lake Victoria and stands as the longest extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge in Africa.

    Hassan hailed the bridge as a transformative infrastructure project, saying it reduces the travel time across the lake from two hours to five minutes.

    She added that the bridge will also help boost trade with neighboring countries.

    The 4.66-kilometer bridge was constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the China Railway 15th Bureau. The project’s vice manager Qin Rong said that about 95 percent of the workforce was Tanzanian. The involvement resulted in skills development and valuable experience to support future national infrastructure development, Qin said.

    Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said the Magufuli Bridge is a landmark project under the Belt and Road Initiative and a model of China-Tanzania cooperation, highlighting its broader significance for China-Africa development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s fiscal revenue down 0.3 pct in first 5 months

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

    China’s fiscal revenue edged down 0.3 percent year on year to over 9.66 trillion yuan (about 1.35 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first five months of the year, according to data from the Ministry of Finance that was released on Friday.

    The central government collected nearly 4.15 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue, down 3 percent year on year, while local governments collected over 5.51 trillion yuan, up 1.9 percent year on year.

    China’s fiscal expenditure expanded 4.2 percent year on year to near 11.3 trillion yuan in the first five months. The central government’s fiscal expenditure rose 9.4 percent year on year, and there was a 3.4 percent increase in local government expenditure during the same period.

    Spending on education came in at approximately 1.75 trillion yuan, up 6.7 percent year on year. Science and technology expenditure exceeded 360.9 billion yuan, a 6.5 percent year-on-year increase. And spending on social security and employment topped 2 trillion yuan, up 9.2 percent year on year. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Horizons of Cooperation: Polytech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 20, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University continued its work at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    At the forum, the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the chairman PSB Petr Fradkov signed a partnership agreement aimed at developing and scaling digital twin technology for defense industry enterprises and civilian high-tech industries. The document sets out the creation of a joint ecosystem for technological development that meets the priorities of the Russian Federation in the field of digital transformation and technological leadership:

    Russia’s entry into the top 10 countries in terms of R&D volume; accelerated implementation of technological innovations; formation of long-term demand and supply for high-tech products.

    All joint initiatives of SPbPU and PSB will be focused on the implementation and financial support of “cross-cutting” projects: from technological innovations to the creation and technical support in the operation of promising military and military-technical equipment and dual-use products.

    Polytechnic has been building a world-class ecosystem around key scientific and technological direction— system digital engineering and digital twin technology. PSB support will give our projects strategic and financial acceleration and will allow us to transform our scientific and technological groundwork, created digital platforms, digital test benches and testing grounds not only into a tool for developing high-tech products and implementing R&D, but also into state standards. After all, our common goal is to increase business investment in R&D, to make digital twin technology not only a language of communication between science, production and business, but also a basis for effective cooperation in order to ensure a high level of defense capability and technological leadership of the country, — noted Andrey Rudskoy.

    For systematic work in this direction, PSB will create specialized structures within its framework by the end of the year – the Sovereign Technologies Development Agent and the Innovation Diffusion Accelerator, which will form cooperation chains of qualified customers and qualified performers, developers and manufacturers of high-tech products, and will also develop specialized financial instruments for the implementation of technological innovations using digital twin approaches.

    For PSB, the backbone bank of the military-industrial complex, the role of an agent for the development of sovereign technologies is a responsibility and a growth point. Based on the expertise of the Polytechnic University andCML-Bench® digital platform, we consolidate engineering and financial data in a single digital circuit so that bold scientific and technological ideas quickly become competitive products. Our goal is to create and test a convenient “short route” from development to serial production and ensure the country’s technological leadership, which today is measured, among other things, by the ability to create the future in digital form, said Pyotr Fradkov.

    The most important link that translates the country’s priorities from the highest level into an effective project format should be the Interdepartmental Comprehensive Target Program for the Implementation of Digital Twin Technology, which is being developed on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation by federal executive bodies under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia.

    Digital twin technology plays an important role in the development of industry and is aimed primarily at reducing the cost and development time of high-tech products, improving the characteristics of created and modernized models, which will lead to ensuring technological sovereignty and technological leadership. I would like to note that within the framework of the activities of TC 700, RFNC-VNIIEF and SPbPU were the first in the world to develop National standard “Digital twins of products”, which was officially recognized in the PRC and served as the basis for the creation of the standard “Digital Twins of Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines”. In this regard, the signed Agreement on Cooperation between PSB and SPbPU in the field of development and application of digital testing technologies and digital twins at defense industry enterprises will play a major role and will be of great importance in the implementation of the Interdepartmental Comprehensive Target Program for the Implementation of Digital Twin Technology, – commented Kirill Lysogorsky, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Chairman of TC 700 “Mathematical Modeling and High-Performance Computing Technologies”.

    Also at the forum, two agreements on joining the consortium “Russian-African Network University” were signed: with the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics and the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography. The documents were signed by the Chairman of the Presidium of RAFU, Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy, Rector of SPbGEU Igor Maksimtsev and Rector of MIIGAiK Nadezhda Kamynina.

    The Russian-African Network University is proud to welcome new members to its ranks. This event is of great importance. The main value lies in the professional activities of the University of Economics. The Ministry instructed us to conduct research to assess the economic and cultural damage inflicted on Africa by centuries of colonial rule. Our President rightly noted that Africa is the future of our planet and the most populated continent. Africa has enormous intellectual potential, which in the near future may occupy leading economic and intellectual positions. Our network university should contribute to this process, – noted Andrey Rudskoy.

    The Russian-African Network University consortium was created on the initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in 2021.

    Its goal is to develop partnerships between Russian and African universities in the field of higher education and research, and to create a unified educational space for training highly qualified personnel. RAFU includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 African countries.

    Andrey Rudskoy also became an expert in the session “Welcome, or No Trespassing: A Challenge for Science” with the participation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov. The conversation was devoted to the problem of communications in the field of science as an important part of international relations.

    At the forum, the rector of SPbPU held a series of productive meetings where they discussed current tasks for ensuring the country’s technological leadership, as well as the interaction of science, education and business.

    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 USA: Former JBLM soldier pleads guilty to attempting to share military secrets with China

    Source: US State of California

    A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal felonies, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, pleaded guilty to attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. He faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on September 9, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After his separation from the military, Schmidt reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later, the Chinese security services via email offering national defense information.

    In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service. He created multiple lengthy documents describing various “high level secrets” he was offering to the Chinese government. He retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks.

    Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until October 2023, when he flew to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport.

    Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.    

    The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former JBLM soldier pleads guilty to attempting to share military secrets with China

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal felonies, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, pleaded guilty to attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. He faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on September 9, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After his separation from the military, Schmidt reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later, the Chinese security services via email offering national defense information.

    In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service. He created multiple lengthy documents describing various “high level secrets” he was offering to the Chinese government. He retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks.

    Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until October 2023, when he flew to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport.

    Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.    

    The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s central bank says mainland-HK payment connect will begin operations soon

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

    BEIJING, June 20 — The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the country’s central bank, said on Friday that the cross-border payment connect linking users in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong will begin operations on June 22.

    By linking the mainland’s Internet Banking Payment System and Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System, the payment connect will support participating institutions to provide efficient, convenient and safe cross-border payment services for residents in both the mainland and Hong Kong, the PBOC said in a statement.

    The payment connect system is another important measure unveiled by the central government to support Hong Kong’s development, enhance people’s livelihoods, and promote cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong, according to the statement.

    Through the system, users will be able to initiate cross-border remittances in renminbi and Hong Kong dollars in both locations via mobile and online banking channels, improving the efficiency of cross-border money transfers.

    Additionally, the costs of cross-border money transfers will be lowered as relevant payment infrastructures are connected directly within the system.

    The introduction of the system is also expected to facilitate economic and trade activities on the mainland and in Hong Kong, and to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center, per the statement.

    A launch ceremony for the payment connect was held on Friday, attended by PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng and Eddie Yue, chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).

    In its next step, the PBOC will enhance regulatory cooperation with the HKMA to ensure the smooth, orderly operations of the system.

    Institutions participating in the payment connect should comply strictly with relevant anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, counter-proliferation financing and cross-border payment settlement laws and regulations, according to the PBOC statement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lurgan entrepreneur’s skincare brand thrives with help from Go Succeed programme

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Claire Geddis, pictured with Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray and Lady Mayoress Mrs Moutray, at the recent Lurgan Show.

    A Lurgan based entrepreneur is on a mission to bring the luxury spa experience directly into boutique hotel rooms as the artisan producer invests in a major expansion.

    Claire Geddis, founder of Wild Shore, has developed a unique organic spa collection designed to help people experience the healing power of nature, whether at home or while staying in a hotel that doesn’t have a spa.

    The business whose products have already been shipped as far afield as China, Australia, and the United States, is now targeting hotels and high-end B&Bs across Ireland and beyond, after receiving assistance from the government-backed enterprise support service, Go Succeed.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said:

    “Claire’s journey is a fantastic example of the innovation and ambition we see in our local business community. Go Succeed is proud to support entrepreneurs like Claire who are taking bold steps to grow their business and represent Northern Ireland on the global stage.”

    Claire selling her products at the Artisan Market in Dromore.

    A former biologist and beauty therapist with 15 years’ experience, Claire combines her scientific background and hands-on knowledge of skincare to handcraft a collection that includes artisan soap, soaking salts, hand and body cream, and a soy candle – all infused with a bespoke blend of five essential oils: lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress and thyme.

    “Every element is organic and made by hand using certified ingredients sourced from across the world,” said Claire. “At the heart of Wild Shore is a desire to let nature do what it does best. I’ve seen a rise in skin sensitivity, psoriasis and eczema, and I wanted to create something healing and luxurious, without the chemicals.”

    Now scaling up her business, Claire is focusing her efforts on the boutique hotel market, offering a bespoke in-room guest experience.

    “I’m working with boutique hotels to create a special welcome: a small gift box with a mini soap, soak and cream, and a booklet that shares the story behind the products. It instantly elevates the experience, giving guests that spa feeling from the moment they walk in the door – even if the hotel doesn’t have its own spa.”

    Since launching, Claire has showcased her products at events across the UK and Ireland including the Gifted Fair in Dublin’s RDS, the Belfast Holiday Show and will attend the European Horse Championships at Blenheim Palace later this year.

    To take the next step, Claire turned to Go Succeed – Northern Ireland’s free business support service delivered through all 11 councils – for mentoring and practical support.

    “I initially approached Go Succeed to explore financial advice, but the real value was in the mentoring,” she said. “They helped me refocus my business plan and dig deep into the numbers – what was really needed to scale for export. I wouldn’t be where I am now without that support.”

    Go Succeed offers free mentoring, peer networks, business planning support and access to funding opportunities, all designed to help entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

    Funded by the UK Government, Go Succeed is delivered via each of Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils and provides entrepreneurs with access to mentoring, events, grant funding, planning tools and business networks. Visit www.go-succeed.com to learn more.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Shenyang to host 2025 SCO People’s Diplomacy and Twin Cities Forum

    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, June 20 (Xinhua) — The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Public Diplomacy and Sister Cities Forum will be held from July 3 to 5 in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, local authorities said on social media on Friday.

    The event, titled “Deepening People’s Friendship and Promoting Sustainable Development,” will be attended by nearly 400 guests from more than 20 SCO countries, a press conference organized by the Shenyang City People’s Government Information Office was announced on Friday.

    The forum will include an exhibition of paintings by children from SCO countries, an exhibition of achievements of SCO countries in the field of people’s friendship and exchanges, as well as an exhibition of achievements in scientific and technical innovations and advanced manufacturing.

    The forum’s agenda will also include a sub-forum on exchanges between sister cities and trade and economic cooperation, a sub-forum on scientific and technological innovations and advanced manufacturing among young people, as well as a sub-forum dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

    The event is expected to see the publication of agreements on actions in the field of sustainable development of people-to-people exchanges between the SCO countries and the Shenyang Initiative following the forum. In addition, a number of agreements or protocols of intent on establishing sister city relations between relevant organizations and cities will be signed.

    The forum will be jointly organized by the SCO China Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the People’s Government of Liaoning Province. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Singapore Prime Minister to Pay Official Visit to China /detailed version-1/

    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, June 20 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will pay an official visit to China from June 22 to 26, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

    Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong chose China as the destination for his first visit outside ASEAN since taking office in May, fully demonstrating the importance he attaches to developing China-Singapore relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular ministry press conference.

    During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with Liu Wong. Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will hold talks with him, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji will meet with him. According to Guo Jiakun, the two sides will hold in-depth exchanges of views on China-Singapore relations as well as international and regional issues of common interest.

    Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Singapore relations have maintained a positive momentum, the Chinese diplomat said. He added that in 2023, the leaders of the two countries announced the establishment of China-Singapore relations as a comprehensive high-quality prospective partnership, which clearly outlined the direction of development of bilateral relations.

    This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, Guo Jiakun said. He noted that through this visit, China hopes to strengthen strategic communication with Singapore, deepen cooperation in various fields, jointly uphold the principles of multilateralism and free trade, and promote the further development of China-Singapore relations from a new starting point. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Seasonal flights Kashgar-Khujand to resume in July

    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, June 20 (Xinhua) — Passenger flights linking Kashgar Prefecture in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Tajikistan’s Khujand will resume on July 1 and will be operated regularly during the tourist peak season, the prefectural administration said, citing a statement from the Kashgar base of China’s Chengdu Airlines, which is headquartered in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

    The roundtrip flights on this route will be operated by the domestically developed C909 regional passenger airliner, formerly known as the ARJ21, once a week on Tuesdays.

    According to the Kashgar Prefectural Checkpoint Management Office, the restoration of this route will facilitate international trade and economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges, and will also increase the level of openness of Kashgar to the outside world, giving new impetus to the high-quality development of the regional economy.

    In June 2024, flight EU2977, operated by an ARJ21, departed from Laining International Airport, Kashgar County, to Khujand International Airport, Tajikistan, marking the launch of the route. This is the first route to Central Asia operated by the ARJ21, and the second international air service launched at Laining Airport that year.

    It should be recalled that Laining International Airport is the second largest air checkpoint in Xinjiang and one of the important hub airports of the Belt and Road Initiative. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Ready to Develop High-Level Energy Cooperation with Russia — Vice Premier of the State Council of China

    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

    ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with Russia to continue to make full use of mechanisms such as the China-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Energy Cooperation and promote high-level energy cooperation, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Thursday.

    A high-ranking Chinese official made this statement during a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

    Ding Xuexiang said that in recent years, Chinese-Russian relations have remained stable, healthy and developed at a high level. He recalled that in May, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia and attended the ceremonial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. During his visit, the heads of the two states reached a number of important agreements on the further development of Chinese-Russian relations and the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation at a high level, he added.

    China-Russia energy cooperation is an important cornerstone of practical cooperation between the two countries and a positive force in ensuring global energy security, Ding Xuexiang said, noting that China is willing to work with Russia to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen gas and oil cooperation, and enhance the role of mechanisms such as the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Commission to promote the formation of a high-level energy partnership.

    In turn, A. Novak stated that the creation of a Russian-Chinese energy community is a key area of their practical cooperation. According to him, Russia is ready to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to ensure the successful holding of the meeting of the intergovernmental Russian-Chinese commission on energy cooperation, which will be held in Beijing this year, and to give new impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

    On the same day, Ding Xuexiang also met with Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between China and Russia in the gas sector. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At least nine killed in car-truck collision in eastern India

    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

    NEW DELHI, June 20 (Xinhua) — At least nine people were killed on Friday when a car collided head-on with a truck in India’s eastern West Bengal state, local police said.

    The accident took place on National Highway 18 near Namshola in Balarampur police station area of Purulia district, about 284 km west of the state capital Kolkata.

    The car collided head-on with a truck traveling at high speed in the opposite direction. The incident killed all nine people in the car, a local police spokesman said. They were immediately taken to the nearest hospital, where doctors pronounced them dead.

    A preliminary investigation has revealed that the driver of the vehicle lost control, causing a collision with a truck. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –