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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Conclusion of the second China-Central Asia summit

    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

    The second Central Asia-China summit concluded in Astana on June 17, 2025. This event became an important milestone in strengthening friendship and strategic partnership between the countries of the region. The leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and China discussed key issues of economic development, security and cultural exchange.

    A joint statement was adopted, which set out the main areas of further cooperation. The leaders expressed confidence that their combined efforts would guarantee prosperity and stability in the region.

    The second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana was a turning point, marked by summing up the results and setting ambitious plans for the future based on the aspiration for friendship and common prosperity. The importance of the “China-Central Asia spirit” based on mutual respect, trust, benefit and support was emphasized.

    Xi Jinping noted the historical roots of cooperation between China and Central Asia, based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. He stressed the importance of strengthening mutual trust and upholding sovereignty and national interests. China reaffirmed its intention to develop cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on trade, investment, transport, environmentally responsible mining and agriculture.

    The leaders of the Central Asian countries highly appreciated China’s contribution to the development of the region and expressed their readiness to further deepen cooperation. They noted that the China-Central Asia format has become an important platform for dialogue and cooperation, promoting socio-economic development. The Astana summit reaffirmed the desire to build a strong and mutually beneficial partnership based on the principles of friendship, trust and mutual support.

    Central Asia plays a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic gateway to Europe.

    The Belt and Road Initiative took centre stage at the summit, with an emphasis on cooperation in energy and sustainable development.

    The meeting of leaders of China and Central Asian countries marked an important step in deepening regional cooperation and building a closer community with a shared future. The summit demonstrated the commitment to joint development, prosperity, and maintaining peace and stability in the region.

    Particular attention was paid to China’s constructive role in international and regional affairs. The heads of state of Central Asia expressed support for the concept of building a community of shared destiny for mankind, as well as the global initiatives proposed by Xi Jinping.

    The summit participants stressed their readiness to work with China to protect free trade and the multilateral trading system, as well as to uphold the principles of international equality and justice.

    The parties agreed to hold the third China-Central Asia summit in 2027 in China, which demonstrates a long-term commitment to developing partnership relations.

    The China-Central Asia Summit was an important step towards strengthening regional cooperation, joint development and building a common future. The signed agreements and new initiatives create a basis for further deepening partnerships and achieving common goals.

    China’s cooperation with Central Asian countries within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative is steadily increasing, trade turnover has increased by 35%, cooperation in the field of industry and investment, environmentally responsible subsoil use and scientific and technological innovations is gaining momentum. The parties are implementing a number of projects. Chinese electric vehicles and photovoltaic products are appearing in Central Asia, from where honey, fruits, wheat and poultry end up on the Chinese table.

    Trade between China and Central Asian countries reached a record high of 674.15 billion yuan in 2024, an increase of 116 percent compared with 2013. All parties have found a new model of win-win cooperation through the China-Kazakhstan oil pipeline project and the China-Central Asia gas pipeline project. The China-Tajikistan Highway, China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Highway and China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway have brought regional connectivity to a new level, and practical cooperation has expanded to the digital economy and green transition. Container trains are connecting more Chinese cities with Central Asian countries. The quality and capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor are improving. Green industry, digital economy, artificial intelligence, aerospace and aviation industries are becoming new growth points for cooperation. Cooperation in new areas such as cross-border e-commerce and online education brings benefits to the people of our six countries.

    Xi Jinping stressed that the cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has its roots in more than two thousand years of friendly relations, has been cemented by solidarity and mutual trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and has made great progress through mutually beneficial cooperation in the new era. Many years of experience and practice have helped to formulate and shape the “China-Central Asia spirit” characterized by mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual assistance, and promoting joint modernization through high-quality development.

    Xi Jinping noted that no matter how the international situation changes, China has been and remains committed to the policy of external openness, is ready to jointly carry out higher-quality cooperation with its Central Asian partners, deepen the integration of interests for the sake of common development, and achieve greater success in developing cooperation between China and Central Asia.

    The leaders of the Central Asian countries unanimously noted the successes in China’s development under the leadership of Xi Jinping, expressed gratitude to China for its comprehensive cooperation with the Central Asian countries, which provides them with opportunities for national development. The China-Central Asia format has already established itself as a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation between the parties, as well as the socio-economic development of the Central Asian countries. In a turbulent world, the China-Central Asia format is acquiring strategic importance. China’s prosperity brings benefits to neighboring states. China is a trusting strategic partner and friend for the Central Asian countries, which attach importance to the model of cooperation with China based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and expect to intensify cooperation with China in all areas, including expanding the scale of trade and investment.

    An important outcome of the summit was the signing of the Astana Declaration of the Second China-Central Asia Summit and the Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. In addition, 12 cooperation agreements were concluded within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, covering a wide range of areas, including personnel exchange, environmentally responsible subsoil use, trade, transport connectivity, industry and customs.

    Author: Tolon Turganbaev

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The CNB ranks among the top employers in the Czech Republic

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The Czech National Bank ranks among the best employers in the Czech Republic, according to the results of the prestigious Pluxee Employer of the Year 2025 competition, which recognises companies with an excellent approach to their employees. In the national round of the contest, the central bank placed third in the category for organisations with up to 5,000 employees, based on an assessment of a whole range of objective indicators in the human resources area.

    The award was accepted on behalf of the CNB by Helena Dybová, Director of the Human Resources Division. “We greatly appreciate being ranked among the top employers in the Czech Republic. This is confirmation for us that we offer an attractive, fair and motivating work environment to both job applicants and current employees,” Helena Dybová said.

    The CNB creates conditions that allow employees to grow professionally and personally, while simultaneously emphasising work-life balance. For example, it offers a broad range of training programmes both in the Czech Republic and abroad, and flexible working arrangements, including the option of working from home. Five weeks of annual leave, sick days, health care, a canteen, CNB-operated banking services, pension scheme contributions and the Cafeteria benefits system offering contributions for sport, culture, travel and health come as standard. Various social and cultural events and club-based activities (such as sports) help to build a stronger employee community.

    Every year, the Pluxee Employer of the Year competition evaluates employers using the globally recognised Saratoga methodology, overseen by PricewaterhouseCoopers Czech Republic. It assesses 14 objective indicators in areas such as training, employee benefits, staff turnover, corporate social responsibility, and financials.;

    Pluxee Employer of the Year – 2025 Results

    Category: up to 5,000 employees

    1. SAZKA a.s.
    2. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech s.r.o.
    3. Czech National Bank

    Petra Vlčková
    CNB spokesperson

    Related links

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hlabisa to lead discussions with business on review of White Paper on Local Government

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Hlabisa to lead discussions with business on review of White Paper on Local Government

    The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will this week lead a roundtable discussion with the National Business Initiative (NBI) to review the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. 

    The CoGTA-NBI roundtable will be held on Friday, 20 June 2025, in Durban under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work – A Call for Collective Action”.

    According to the department, the upcoming discussion with the NBI is part of the ongoing inclusive and participatory policy reform process to design a modern and fit-for-purpose local government system. 

    The NBI is an independent coalition of nearly 100 South African and multinational companies dedicated to creating a prosperous country and society. 

    Founded in 1995 by former President Nelson Mandela, the NBI is a voluntary alliance of businesses committed to this vision.

    “Through this engagement, everyone will have an opportunity to have their say and make an input into the type of local government they envisage,” the department said. 

    The discussions will focus on evaluating the legacy and shortcomings of the 1998 White Paper. 

    They will explore key policy priorities for a renewed local government framework and provide practical recommendations from both business and provincial perspectives. 

    In addition, the talks aim to strengthen partnerships to improve local governance and infrastructure delivery.

    Attendees will include business leaders and key economic institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, such as the KZN Provincial Economic Working Group (PeWG), Invest Durban, the KZN Growth Coalition, local Chambers of Commerce, and senior government officials.

    The CoGTA Deputy Minister, Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, is also expected to join the Minister.

    In April, Hlabisa officially published a discussion document on the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. 

    This document, published under Notice No. 6118 (Gazette: 52498), initiated a national discussion aimed at producing a revised White Paper on Local Government by March 2026.

    According to the department, the review launched last month aims to inspire fresh thinking, facilitate honest reflection, and promote decisive action toward establishing a local government system that effectively serves the people of South Africa.

    “The review is an open call to action for communities and stakeholders to collectively build a new and ideal system of local government characterised by responsiveness, efficiency, and accountability. The responsibility to ensure viable and sustainable municipalities is a shared national duty in advancing democracy,” the department said. 

    Adopted in 1998, the White Paper served as a foundational blueprint for building democratic local governance in South Africa.

    However, the department believes there is growing recognition that the current model is no longer adequate to meet the evolving developmental and service delivery needs of communities.

    It said the persistent governance, financial, structural, and administrative challenges have undermined the ability of municipalities to deliver effectively on their mandates. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Steering SA’s environmental legislation to better prospects  

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Steering SA’s environmental legislation to better prospects  

    With the climate change challenge gaining momentum around the world, South Africa, like other countries is taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution.

    This as President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law in January. The bill ushers in stronger measures to better protect South Africa’s oceans from ship-related pollution.

    “The signing of the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill is a significant step for South Africa in addressing the effects of marine pollution, aligned to the Sustainable Seas Trust’s [SST] mission and vision. This bill presents a positive shift in enhancing the country’s capacity to address marine pollution while aligning with international standards under MARPOL,” SST Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Janine Osborne told SAnews.

    According to the International Marine Organization (IMO), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.

    The MARPOL convention was adopted in November 1973 at the IMO, which is the United Nations specialised agency tasked with the responsibility “for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.”

    The signing of the amendment bill is vital to safeguarding the country’s environmental and economic security, given that South Africa is endowed with a coastline stretching over 3 000 kilometres from Namibia on the Atlantic Ocean to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. 

    The Presidency said the legislation is also a contribution to global efforts to protect the marine environment and sustainable economic exploitation. 

    The law amends the Marine Pollution Act to incorporate Annex IV and Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. 

    Annex IV regulates the activities for treatment and safe disposal of sewage from ships while Annex VI is the main global instrument that addresses ship energy-efficiency management and greenhouse gas emissions.

    “By including Annex IV (sewage management) and Annex VI (air pollution and energy efficiency), the bill strengthens environmental protection and supports the sustainability of South Africa’s marine economy, which is vital for both biodiversity and job creation,” Osborne said in the interview with SAnews.

    The amended legislation further broadens the powers of the Minister of Transport to make regulations relating to, among others, the prevention of air pollution from ships and the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships.

    It also increases fines for any person convicted of serious offences under the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act or the international Convention which forms part of South African law. The legislation also improves prison sentences from five to ten years.

    The legislation is also born out of the recognition that ships can pollute the oceans in various ways, from oil spills to harmful chemical sewage and garbage.

    Osborne welcomed the increase in fines for violations and expanded regulatory powers saying it reflects “the government’s commitment to safeguarding marine resources”.

    “Raising fines from R500 000 to R10 million and imprisonment from five to ten years, are a significant step towards deterring marine pollution. These penalties are financially and legally substantial enough to make non-compliance a serious risk for offenders, potentially changing behaviour in the sector. 

    “However, SST believes that their effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement, monitoring, and judicial follow-through. Without these mechanisms, there is a risk that the penalties may not achieve the desired deterrent effect,” she said.
    Osborne added that while stricter penalties are essential, they cannot fully compensate for irreversible environmental damage caused by pollution.

    “That is why SST encourages immediate action to combat waste pollution both on land and at sea.”

    As a non-profit organisation (NPO) working to protect Africa’s seas and communities, the SST was one of the organisations that submitted comments into the bill.

    South Africa has a large exclusive economic zone at sea and a marine economy which, in 2022, supported about 400 000 jobs in areas across the existing marine economic sectors of shipping, associated construction, tourism and fisheries.

    Bordered by three oceans (South Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean), South Africa faces significant marine pollution challenges due to plastic waste and inadequate waste management among others, which impact marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

    “Accurately assessing the full extent of this issue is challenging due to limited data. Recent estimates suggest that 15,000 to 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste enter South Africa’s oceans annually, a notable decrease from earlier projections of 90,000 to 250,000 tonnes, highlighting the need for improved research and monitoring,” said Osborne in response to how much of the country’s oceanic territory is affected by pollution.

    The organisation also added that education on various levels is crucial in addressing marine pollution. 

    This as the SST has several educational activities such as its Munch programme which encourages and enables the integration of environmental education into the school curricula and the African Waste Academy where free courses are available to the public to share critical information about pollution and proper waste management.

    Environment Month

    In June of every year, the country commemorates Environment Month where government and captains of industry place the awareness of environmental issues under the spotlight while also challenging all to become agents for change.
    Recently, government launched the National Clean Cities and Towns Campaign in Kliptown, Soweto.

    Launched by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban spaces, while advancing sustainability, equality, and solidarity among citizens. 

    The Deputy President who also engaged in clean-up activities at the launch, said the campaign goes beyond mere cleaning but addresses broader service delivery issues and creates opportunities for community employment. 

    “However, the idea is not really to employ people. It is a voluntary programme. People must clean where they live. There may be instances where the city may employ people here and there, but we want to create a culture of cleaning where people don’t have to be paid to clean where they live,” the Deputy President said at the launch in Soweto.

    Also recently, the country joined other countries in marking World Environment Day and World Oceans Day on 5 and 8 June 2025 respectively.

    Asked about the general status of the country’s marine sector and whether the Act will have a positive impact on the economy, Osborne said the country’s marine sector has “tremendous” potential while also facing challenges.

    “Despite its 3,000 km coastline and vast exclusive economic zone, the sector remains underutilised, with limited ship repair facilities, oil rig servicing, and no registered merchant fleet. Challenges such as skills shortages, port inefficiencies, and underinvestment in infrastructure hinder growth. 

    “However, initiatives like Operation Phakisa aim to unlock the oceans economy’s potential, targeting contributions of R177 billion to GDP [Gross Domestic Product] and up to one million jobs by 2033.”

    Earlier this month, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) launched the Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Response Plan which aims to effectively manage South Africa’s coastal assets. DFFE Minister, Dr Dion George, said having the plan is essential to supporting Operation Phakisa efforts to achieve a sustainable oceans economy.

    Operation Phakisa aims to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s ocean economy -spanning sectors such as marine transport, aquaculture, tourism, and offshore resources.

    “SST believes that the Marine Pollution Amendment Act can positively impact South Africa’s economy by promoting sustainable marine resource management. By safeguarding vital industries such as fisheries and tourism and aligning with international environmental standards, the Act supports economic growth while protecting marine biodiversity,” she explained.

    Collaboration 

    Additionally, the SST said it recognises that policies and legislation alone are not enough to drive meaningful change and that collaboration across all sectors of society is essential.

    “Every stakeholder has a role to play in the waste management value chain. By understanding and embracing these roles, each step of the chain can contribute positively to sustainable development.”

    Implementation 

    Osborne said the key to the success of the Act is implementation.

    “However, SST believes the key to the success of the bill lies in effective implementation and enforcement. To achieve its objectives, robust monitoring systems, sufficient resources, and transparent enforcement processes are essential. It will also be important to address any potential loopholes or exemptions in emissions regulations to ensure meaningful environmental outcomes.”
    Osborne cautioned that without strong enforcement mechanisms, the bill’s impact may not fully meet its intended goals.
    “We remain committed to working with stakeholders to support effective implementation and protect South Africa’s marine environment.”

    Protecting the environment

    On whether government is doing enough to protect the environment, Osborne is of the view that progress has been made.
    “The South African government has made valuable strides in environmental protection through initiatives such as advancing renewable energy projects, enacting the Climate Change Act, and promoting a circular economy. These actions reflect a commitment to sustainability and economic growth,” she said.

    The Climate Change Act is intended to enable the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society in the context of sustainable development; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

    However, she added that significant challenges remain, including continued reliance on coal, slow renewable energy deployment, and enforcement gaps at local levels. 

    “To strengthen environmental protection, we believe there is a need to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, improve coordination among government entities, and invest in infrastructure for waste management and renewable energy. 
    “SST believes that increased public participation and transparency in environmental decision-making can strengthen efforts to achieve long-term sustainability.”

    She added that her organisation is committed to supporting these efforts through awareness campaigns and education, as well as “collaborative initiatives that protect the environment and marine heritage for future generations.”

    While government is not missing the boat in putting in place legislation to protect the environment, responsible human behaviour is also needed if future generations are to enjoy South Africa’s scenic natural endowments. –SAnews.gov.za

    Neo

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Convicted security boss loses hidden assets in court confiscation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Convicted security boss loses hidden assets in court confiscation

    The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has used the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize over £44,500 after financial investigation revealed previously unknown assets.

    A Lincolnshire security boss who got away with paying less than one percent of a confiscation order made in November 2021 must now pay the rest, or face jail, after the Security Industry Authority (SIA) tracked down his hidden assets. 

    Trevor Frater was ordered to pay a total of £44,518.78 across 2 confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act on 25 April 2025 at Lincoln Crown Court. The matter was listed for further hearing on 13 June 2025 to ensure that Mr Frater’s available wealth was correctly recorded in the confiscation orders. The orders were granted in relation to multiple convictions under the Private Security Industry Act in 2023 and 2021. 

    When the confiscation order was made for the 2021 convictions Mr Frater’s available assets were declared to be £391.93. This was despite a determination from the court that he had received almost £34,000 in financial benefit from his crimes. 

    The SIA financial investigator was able to discover that over £100,000 was now available to Mr Frater, which meant that the 2021 confiscation order could be revisited to ensure he has to pay back £33,979.51 of his criminal benefit from the previous offending. Alongside this, a new confiscation order was granted in relation to the 2023 conviction that came to a sum of £10,539.27. 

    Mr Frater has until 25 July 2025 to pay both sums in full or face 8 months imprisonment, at which point the confiscation order would still be owed, plus accrued interest. 

    Pete Easterbrook, SIA Director of Inspections & Enforcement, said: 

    On multiple occasions across the last 5 years, Trevor Frater has put the public’s safety at risk by both acting as an unlicensed security operative and deploying unlicensed security operatives. Not only did he put innocent people at risk, but he also profited substantially from these actions. 

    These confiscation orders, and especially the reassessment of the 2021 order, make clear to all bad actors within this industry: you will not profit from your crime. We will find your assets, no matter how they are hidden, and recover them. 

    Background 

    By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on GOV.UK/SIA.  

    The offences relating to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 mentioned above are:  

    • section 3 – engaging in licensable conduct without a licence
    • section 5 – supply of unlicensed operatives
    • section 19 – obstructing SIA officials or those with delegated authority, or failing to respond to a request for information

    The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). 

    Media enquiries 

    For media enquiries only, please contact:

    SIA press office

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends 2025 Lujiazui Forum (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the 2025 Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai today (June 18) and witnessed the signing of the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres.
     
         The Lujiazui Forum is an international high-level dialogue platform that discusses major issues in the financial sector. This year, the forum was jointly organised by the Shanghai Municipal Government, the People’s Bank of China, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, and the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Themed “Financial Opening-Up and Cooperation for High-Quality Development in a Changing Global Economy”, the forum has brought together government officials, financial regulators, industry leaders, renowned think tanks and scholars from multiple countries to discuss topics such as global monetary policy, capital market development, financial technology and innovation, and inclusive finance. The plenary session this afternoon will include a session on deepening the co-operation and development of Shanghai and Hong Kong as international financial centres. 
     
         Mr Chan, as one of the key guests, attended the forum’s opening ceremony and morning plenary session. 
     
         Before the opening ceremony, Mr Chan and the Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Mr Wu Wei, jointly witnessed the signing of the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres, by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, and the Director-General of the Shanghai Office for Advancing International Financial Center Development and Director of the Shanghai Municipal Financial Regulatory Bureau, Mr Zhou Xiaoquan.
     
         The Action Plan covers six areas with a total of 38 measures, including deepening the interconnectivity between Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, enhancing the linkage and co-operation of the two places’ capital markets, supporting eligible Shanghai enterprises to list and raise funds in Hong Kong, and strengthening collaboration in areas such as commodity trading, reinsurance, green finance and fintech. The aim is to further leverage the financial opening up, development and risk management advantages of the two cities, enhance cross-boundary and offshore financial co-operation, and promote the co-ordinated development of the two international financial centres. 
     
         In his speech at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the Action Plan further specifies the directions of co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai, thereby injecting new and richer content into multi-level and multi-field financial collaboration. It includes, first, new measures to deepen financial interconnectivity; second, highlighting support for Mainland enterprises to go global; and third, promoting standard alignment and financial innovation. With strong support from the country, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as two international financial centres, will join forces to create greater synergy and collaborative benefits, thus making greater contributions to the country’s development as a financial powerhouse while also injecting Chinese wisdom and strength into the development of the global financial market. 
     
         Yesterday (June 17), upon arriving in Shanghai, Mr Chan attended an international exchange dinner hosted by the China Finance 40 Forum. Attendees included leaders from domestic and international financial institutions, regulatory bodies, think tanks and academia. At the dinner, Mr Chan shared how Hong Kong is striving to promote high-quality financial development amid global political and economic changes. This includes advancing financial market reforms to better attract global capital to support the development of the real economy, supporting the prudent advancement of Renminbi internationalisation, embracing financial innovation including digital assets, and providing comprehensive, high value-added services for Mainland enterprises’ international development. The goal is to better contribute to the country’s financial reform and high-level opening up while creating opportunities for global investors and businesses. 
     
         Mr Chan departed for Hong Kong around noon today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Liquid C2 achieves Sophos Platinum Partner status, elevating cloud and cyber managed services across Africa

    Liquid C2 (https://Liquidc2.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, is proud to announce that it has attained Platinum Partner status with global cyber security leader Sophos, the highest level in Sophos’ partner programme. As a Managed Service Provider Partner across Africa, we can deliver flexible, subscription-based solutions and services across the continent.

    This milestone, which applies to all its operations across the continent, highlights Liquid C2’s proven capabilities in delivering cutting-edge cyber security services. Additionally, our customers will now be able to access cutting-edge protection through a monthly billing model—eliminating the need for large upfront investments and making enterprise-grade security more accessible and scalable.  

    “As African businesses grow and evolve, they are exposed to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Being awarded Sophos Platinum Partner status reflects our determination to protect and empower these organisations as they navigate Africa’s digital future, through world-class technology and an experienced team of cyber security professionals. Together, we’re empowering organisations to build secure, resilient digital operations as they scale in the digital economy,” said Oswald Jumira, Chief Executive Officer of Liquid C2. 

    With losses attributed to cybercrime (http://apo-opa.co/3HKc4nL) in Africa exceeding $4 billion annually​, it also reaffirms Liquid C2’s commitment to protecting African businesses with world-class solutions and services tailored to the continent’s evolving threat landscape. 

    “Platinum Partner status recognises an organisation’s deep expertise and commitment to cyber security solutions and services tailored to African enterprises. We are pleased to partner with Liquid as they empower organisations to flourish in a digital era,” said Pieter Nel, Sales Director for SADC & IOC at Sophos. 

    As a Sophos Platinum Partner, Liquid C2 delivers exceptional value through a robust suite of cyber security solutions and services. These include 24x7x365 managed detection and response (MDR) via our Security Operation Centre’s (SOCs); expert consulting and implementation aligned with international standards; and ongoing support and/or managed security services.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

    About Liquid C2:
    Liquid C2, a subsidiary of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, delivers cutting-edge cloud and cybersecurity services and solutions. Committed to facilitating digital transformation, Liquid C2 is positioned to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the digital era by empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape securely. The company’s offerings span cloud solutions that enhance accessibility and scalability, and robust cybersecurity services to safeguard sensitive data and elevate security and compliance posture to ensure businesses remain seamlessly connected and protected. https://Liquidc2.com/

    About Sophos:

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Making it easier for Chinese travellers to transit via New Zealand

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is boosting tourism and trade by making it simpler, faster and cheaper for Chinese nationals to transit via New Zealand.
    From November, Chinese passport holders will no longer need to obtain a Transit Visa before transiting through New Zealand airports. Instead, they will be able to get a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
    “International connections are a crucial part of our plan to drive economic growth. We rely on robust and affordable air connectivity to bring people to our beautiful country, and to get our high-quality products out to the world. Alongside the announcement of a new route from China to South America via Auckland, we expect this will significantly boost the number of passengers that choose to transit through New Zealand.
    “Instead of spending $235 and waiting four days, individuals can pay as little as $17 and can be processed in 24 hours,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.
    An NZeTA is also valid for up to 2 years, meaning that someone can travel multiple times without needing to apply again.
    “Our Government has taken action to enable another route to be opened from China via New Zealand. This will allow Auckland Airport to be a hub for further airline connections. Removing the cost and time barriers of a transit visa makes this route a more attractive option for both tourists and airlines,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
    “Every additional passenger transiting New Zealand on their way to South America or back to China will help to lower the cost of a plane ticket, which makes it cheaper for other waves of tourists to come and see what our country has to offer.
    “More capacity from airlines will make it easier to visit New Zealand and adds cargo capacity, driving economic growth and supporting the Government’s goal to double the value of tourism exports by 2034.”
    “This Government is focused on delivering smart, flexible responsive nuanced immigration solutions such as this to support New Zealand’s growing economy,” Ms Stanford says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB Governor Participates in HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    Published on 18 June 2025

    Manama, Bahrain – 18 June 2025:  H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), recently participated in the opening session at the HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference in a fireside chat titled “Bahrain’s Financial Sector: Reform Momentum, Market Confidence and Talent-Led Growth”. Held from 16th to 19th June in London, United Kingdom, the event brings together representatives from GCC exchanges, alongside a number of international officials and investors.

    Moderated by Mr. Joseph Ghorayeb, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bahrain, the fireside chat with H.E. the Governor underscored the CBB’s pivotal role in developing a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and advances financial services in the Kingdom. Leading the conversation, H.E. the Governor highlighted CBB’s efforts to attract foreign investments, enhance market competitiveness, and support national economic growth through sound regulatory reforms. He also emphasized the importance of human capital development aligned with global standards as a pillar of long-term sectoral advancement.

    The Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation includes H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the CBB; Mr. Yousif Al Yousif, Chairman of Bahrain Bourse; Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bourse; Mrs. Hesa Al Sada, Executive Director of Central Banking and Macro-Prudential Oversight at the CBB; and Mr. Mubarak Nabeel Matar, Assistant Undersecretary of Financial Operation at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

    During the event, the Bahraini delegation attended a meeting with senior global fund and asset managers to strengthen cross-border investment relations and highlight Bahrain’s capital market offerings. The conference serves as a platform for GCC exchanges to convene and reaffirm their commitment to enhancing cooperation, fostering productive partnerships, and driving the growth of capital markets across the region. These engagements aim to contribute to opening broader investment horizons at the regional level.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB Governor Participates in HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    Published on 18 June 2025

    Manama, Bahrain – 18 June 2025:  H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), recently participated in the opening session at the HSBC GCC Exchanges 2025 Conference in a fireside chat titled “Bahrain’s Financial Sector: Reform Momentum, Market Confidence and Talent-Led Growth”. Held from 16th to 19th June in London, United Kingdom, the event brings together representatives from GCC exchanges, alongside a number of international officials and investors.

    Moderated by Mr. Joseph Ghorayeb, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bahrain, the fireside chat with H.E. the Governor underscored the CBB’s pivotal role in developing a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and advances financial services in the Kingdom. Leading the conversation, H.E. the Governor highlighted CBB’s efforts to attract foreign investments, enhance market competitiveness, and support national economic growth through sound regulatory reforms. He also emphasized the importance of human capital development aligned with global standards as a pillar of long-term sectoral advancement.

    The Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation includes H.E. Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the CBB; Mr. Yousif Al Yousif, Chairman of Bahrain Bourse; Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bourse; Mrs. Hesa Al Sada, Executive Director of Central Banking and Macro-Prudential Oversight at the CBB; and Mr. Mubarak Nabeel Matar, Assistant Undersecretary of Financial Operation at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.

    During the event, the Bahraini delegation attended a meeting with senior global fund and asset managers to strengthen cross-border investment relations and highlight Bahrain’s capital market offerings. The conference serves as a platform for GCC exchanges to convene and reaffirm their commitment to enhancing cooperation, fostering productive partnerships, and driving the growth of capital markets across the region. These engagements aim to contribute to opening broader investment horizons at the regional level.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic graduate from Gabon: “St. Petersburg has become my second home”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Atonfak Donfak Etienne Gaetan graduated from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU. As a student, he wanted to “just finish his studies.” Now Etienne works as an engineer and services one of the most complex subways in the world. In an interview, he talked about how perseverance and respect for other cultures break stereotypes.

    — Etienne, tell us how your studies at the Polytechnic went?

    — I entered the IMMiT bachelor’s program in 2015, majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and before that I studied for a year at the preparatory faculty to learn Russian. This is my first higher education. Before going to Russia, I studied economics at a university in Gabon for two years, but because of constant teacher strikes, my studies were going poorly. Then I decided to try to enroll abroad.

    — Why did you choose Russia?

    — At school I was interested in history, and I was surprised by how often Western media criticized Russia. I wanted to understand for myself what it was really like. Although my family was shocked — all my relatives studied in Europe or the USA. But I insisted: I said that I wanted to see Russia with my own eyes.

    — Was it difficult to adapt?

    — Very much! When I arrived, I saw almost no foreigners. I was surprised that students are not allowed to work part-time here — in Gabon, it’s the norm. The first few months, I even wanted to go home, but I decided not to give up.

    — Share your impressions of what Polytechnic has become for you?

    — The university is strong, but demanding. If you don’t pass the exams, you can be expelled, even if you are a fee-paying student. The teachers were understanding: if something was unclear because of the language, we stayed after classes to have it explained to us in English. My most vivid memories are defending my diploma. There were only three of us in the department, but the committee highly appreciated the work we had done.

    — Was it difficult to master the Russian language?

    – Yes, I studied poetry at the preparatory department to pass the exams. But now I speak fluently, albeit with an accent.

    — What cities did you manage to visit in Russia?

    — Only in St. Petersburg. This is my comfort zone: my son was born here, my friends live here, I got a job in this city. I consider St. Petersburg my second home. My family still doesn’t believe that I stayed in Russia. But I love this country: everything is honest here. If you work, you are respected.

    — What advice would you give to foreign students?

    — Prepare yourself for serious study. Polytechnic is not an easy option. But if you endure, all doors will open for you. And don’t be afraid to dream. I, a guy from Gabon, became an engineer in the metro. So, everything is possible!

    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: Bitget Launches “PRO” Mode with Customized Services for Institutional Clients and VIP Traders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the launch of Bitget PRO, a new program designed to support institutional and VIP trading needs. Built to meet the operational requirements of high-volume market participants, the program delivers an optimized trading environment with access to lower fees, better interests, custody and loan services along with higher API frequency limits, and increased withdrawal limits.

    These enhancements aim to facilitate efficient capital deployment and support complex trading strategies across various market conditions. As for the eligibility criteria, Bitget PRO requirements are automated, making qualifying traders gain easy access to its benefits. The cutoff for qualification occurs automatically at 9:00AM (UTC+8) daily, with varying benefits and fees according to the different PRO levels. PRO 1 requires 20% of users’ trading volume from the past 30-days to come from API trades. Conversely, users who do not meet these criteria will revert to VIP status. Bitget also offers market-making and broker programs, providing additional opportunities for users to engage with the platform’s ecosystem.

    “Institutional traders are increasingly driving the momentum of crypto’s adoption, shaping its narrative through scale, precision, and strategy. Bitget PRO is built to serve as the home base for crypto’s top-tier participants—offering advanced security and a playground to experiment with products that match the evolving demands of high frequency traders,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    Bitget PRO is an extension of VIP offerings. While the VIP tier is structured for manual and retail traders, the PRO program is engineered for institutional-grade trading via APIs. PRO users benefit from technical advantages including increased rate limits, priority access to technical operations support, and direct engagements with Bitget’s API team for ongoing optimization. Besides higher API rate limits, Bitget PRO users will also unlock institutional loan programs, higher withdrawal limits, a secure private link connection as well as more sub accounts, further adding The new program will unlock a more efficient trading experience for high volume trading, aligning with Bitget’s goal of serving institutional clients and VIP traders at scale.

    Earlier this year, Bitget introduced an Institutional Lending service with up to 5x leverage on spot trading and plans to extend it to derivatives. The platform also upgraded its OTC services and partnered with custodians like Cobo and Fireblocks to enhance security and support. Additionally, Bitget improved its Unified Accounts feature, enabling live trading across multiple pairs within a single account for advanced traders. These steps show Bitget’s strategic plans in providing a comprehensive, institution-ready trading ecosystem.

    Bitget PRO marks the latest development in Bitget’s efforts to provide infrastructure suited for the next era of digital asset trading. As institutional participation in crypto markets deepens, Bitget remains focused on delivering tools and services that align with the requirements of programmatic, high-frequency, and high-volume traders.

    For more information about Bitget PRO, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ebdbcc63-2ca1-42cc-a119-ca6e51437ee0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GTreasury Launches GSmart AI, Setting the Standard for Secure, Adaptable, and Agentic AI in Treasury Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GTreasury, the global leader in Adaptable Treasury Solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced the launch of GSmart AI, a comprehensive and purpose-built AI platform uniquely designed for treasury and finance operations. Leveraging best-in-class AI enterprise infrastructure, governance, and agent-driven workflows, GSmart AI empowers CFOs and treasurers to confidently navigate the increasingly complex treasury landscape by providing secure, actionable insights and agentic actions to amplify the value of GTreasury’s solutions, spanning connectivity, liquidity management, cash forecasting, payments, risk, netting, and other core treasury functions.

    CFOs and treasury teams face an evolving mix of complex data, unpredictable market conditions, and increasing regulatory pressure. Reliable AI support is a strategic necessity, and GTreasury’s GSmart AI addresses these demands with powerful capabilities, built-in compliance, and full transparency into every action it takes.

    “For AI to create real value for CFOs, it has to be based on clear design principles of security, removing inefficiencies, fast problem solving, and quick delivery,” said Renaat Ver Eecke, Chief Executive Officer, GTreasury. “GSmart AI, born from our recent investment in our Development Hub in Dublin, Ireland, amplifies our solutions, empowering CFOs and treasury teams to confidently take advantage of powerful insights and value without sacrificing compliance or oversight. We’re proud of our recent investment and expansion in development, which advances our vision of adaptable solutions that provide financial leaders with the clarity to act.”

    The value of GSmart AI lies in its adaptable and scalable capabilities, where AI actively reduces manual effort by performing routine-but-time-consuming treasury tasks, proactively identifying risks and variances, and recommending strategic actions to support more informed decision-making. Its flexible architecture empowers treasury teams to deploy and schedule AI agents tailored to specific operational needs, ensuring maximum adaptability and relevance.

    “With GSmart AI, we’ve built an enterprise-class AI platform that not only analyzes data but actively infers, reasons, and acts on behalf of treasury professionals, amplifying the value of our solutions,” said Mark Johnson, Chief Product Officer, GTreasury. “GSmart AI provides CFOs and treasurers full visibility and control, with clear traceability of every AI-generated output back to its source data. The depth of governance and explainability embedded into GSmart AI distinctly set our platform apart from generalized AI solutions or any other treasury technology.”

    GSmart AI’s differentiated value includes full alignment with ISO/IEC 42001 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, readiness for the upcoming EU AI Act, and stringent data sovereignty practices. The platform strictly isolates client data, ensures no client data is used in AI model training, and maintains complete transparency through comprehensive audit logs and observability tools.

    Among the key features and benefits of GSmart AI:

    • Enterprise-class infrastructure: A scalable, API-driven agentic platform designed specifically for the complex needs of treasury and finance.
    • Security and compliance: Comprehensive encryption, zero-trust architecture, data residency controls, and rigorous global regulatory compliance including GDPR and CCPA.
    • Complete transparency and auditability: Full visibility into AI operations with explainable outputs linked directly to source documentation, backed by automated security monitoring and audit logging.
    • Client control and data sovereignty: Full user control over AI features through feature flags, explicit opt-in workflows, and strict client-specific data isolation.

    GSmart AI integrates seamlessly within GTreasury’s adaptable treasury management platform, providing flexible and intuitive interaction with existing solutions and workflows.

    To learn more about GSmart AI and request a demo, visit https://www.gtreasury.com/solutions/ai/treasury-ai-platform.

    About GTreasury

    GTreasury provides CFOs and Treasurers with The Clarity to Act on strategic financial decisions with the world’s most adaptable treasury platform, empowering them to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Because each company faces different points of complexity and needs, our industry-leading solutions are purposefully designed, and amplified by GSmart AI, to support every stage of treasury complexity, from Liquidity Management and Cash Forecasting to Payments, Risk, and Netting. With GTreasury, financial leaders gain comprehensive connectivity across all banks and ERPs to build an orchestrated data environment, enabling rapid value realization with implementations up and running in weeks. Plus, our unmatched industry expertise ensures clients’ continued success through dedicated guidance and top-tier support. Trusted by over 1,000 customers across 160 countries, GTreasury provides treasury and finance teams with the ability to connect, compile, and manage mission-critical data to optimize cash flows and capital structures. To learn more, visit GTreasury.com.

    GTreasury is headquartered in Chicago, with locations serving EMEA (Dublin and London) and APAC (Sydney, Singapore, and Manila).

    Contact
    Kyle Peterson
    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5d13173-97cc-4049-bb43-ab390988e8d0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Companjon is a top AI innovator, an AIFintech100 company for the second consecutive year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The market leader in Cancel for Any Reason in the EEA region is a top 100 insurtech innovator for the second year running.
    • AI-powered Dynamic Product & Pricing Engine delivers hyper-personalised protection and unlocks 25% M-o-M growth.
    • Newly launched Companjon One API gives partners access to all insurance products and developments through a single connection.

    DUBLIN, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Companjon, the market-leading Insurtech+, is an AIFintech100 company for the second year in a row. The award acknowledges Companjon’s pioneering work in building AI-powered insurance solutions that scale across industries and geographies.

    The core of Companjon’s innovation is the company’s Dynamic Product & Pricing Engine, which uses AI and machine learning to analyse up to a billion data points per quote to offer hyper-personalised products to customers. By leveraging AI/ML technologies, Companjon is able to unlock a sustainable, 25% growth month over month. It also uses sophisticated AI models and automation for fast and precise claim handling.

    This year’s recognition also highlights “Companjon One API”, a recent innovation that delivers all Companjon insurance products, updates, and testing capabilities through a single, simplified connection. By reducing integration complexity and cost, One API allows partners to embed insurance into their international products more easily than ever before.

    With these technologies, Companjon became a market leader in Cancel for Any Reason insurance in the EEA region and delivered over 400 million transactions year-to-date.

    Companjon CEO, Matthias Naumann, said: “Being an AIFintech100 again is a strong signal that our approach is working. From our Dynamic Product & Pricing Engine to the newly launched Companjon One API, everything we build is designed to make the lives of our partners easier. That’s how we stay ahead in embedded insurance, and why our partners see measurable gains in revenue and customer experience. These innovations also enable us to unlock outstanding growth and stay market leaders in CFAR in the EEA.”

    FinTech Global CEO, Richard Sachar, said: “We applaud Companjon for being an AIFinTech100 company for a second year in a row. Their continued leadership in AI-powered, embedded insurance is redefining how financial services deliver value. Companjon continues to push boundaries with scalable, dynamic products that create real value for businesses and customers at the same time. We look forward to seeing what they achieve next, and how they will transform the insurtech space even further with the introduction of the Companjon One API.”

    About Companjon

    Companjon is a leading B2B2C Insurtech start-up specialising in fully digital, AI-driven embedded insurance. Its modern, end-to-end insurance solutions enable companies to delight their customers and drive more business value from stronger brand loyalty and new ancillary revenue opportunities. Companjon designs, builds, and underwrites its dynamic solutions on a 100% cloud-based platform capable of issuing 32,000 policies per second. They also introduced “Companjon One API”, which can deliver all their products and AI capabilities through a simplified connection. It has been recognised as one of the World’s Top Insurtech Companies 2024 by CNBC and one of the world’s most innovative insurtechs by FinTech Global for four consecutive years (2021-2024).

    Companjon seeks to change the way people think about insurance by creating seamless and positive experiences when things don’t go as planned: being right there when ‘life’ happens. The company is registered in Ireland and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

    www.companjon.com

    Media Contact:
    Simone Vottari
    +353 86 032 4630
    press@companjon.com

    The MIL Network –

  • Israel-Iran Conflict Enters Sixth Day with Escalating Military Action

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its sixth day, with sustained missile strikes, air raids, and cyber warfare raising fears of a broader regional conflagration. Diplomatic channels remain frozen as hostilities intensify across multiple fronts.
     
    On Wednesday morning, the Israeli military reported intercepting three drones launched from Iranian territory, triggering air raid sirens in the Golan Heights. No casualties or material damage were reported.
     
    Overnight, Iran launched a fresh barrage of ballistic and hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles targeting Israel. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv, with sirens sounding across northern Israel. In retaliation, Israeli forces conducted a series of high-intensity airstrikes on military installations in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. The targets reportedly included facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a university campus believed to be housing sensitive research.
     
    The conflict has also expanded into cyberspace. Iranian banking systems reportedly experienced widespread disruptions, attributed to cyberattacks believed to originate from Israel or its allies. Satellite imagery released by intelligence sources indicates substantial damage to Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure following five days of sustained Israeli bombardment.
     
    Iran has framed its strikes as retaliation for what it calls acts of terrorism by the ‘Zionist regime’. Israel issued evacuation warnings to residents of Tehran’s District 18, ahead of targeted strikes. Israeli officials claim they now have, ‘very good control over the skies of Tehran’.
     
    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warning that “American patience is wearing thin.” While stopping short of announcing direct military action, Trump confirmed phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and proposed sending Vice President JD Vance, along with a special envoy, for exploratory talks with Iran. Global financial markets have responded nervously, with U.S. stock indices falling amid fears of wider regional escalation. Regional airspace remains restricted, disrupting commercial aviation and heightening security alerts across much of West Asia.
     

  • Israel-Iran Conflict Enters Sixth Day with Escalating Military Action

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its sixth day, with sustained missile strikes, air raids, and cyber warfare raising fears of a broader regional conflagration. Diplomatic channels remain frozen as hostilities intensify across multiple fronts.
     
    On Wednesday morning, the Israeli military reported intercepting three drones launched from Iranian territory, triggering air raid sirens in the Golan Heights. No casualties or material damage were reported.
     
    Overnight, Iran launched a fresh barrage of ballistic and hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles targeting Israel. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv, with sirens sounding across northern Israel. In retaliation, Israeli forces conducted a series of high-intensity airstrikes on military installations in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. The targets reportedly included facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a university campus believed to be housing sensitive research.
     
    The conflict has also expanded into cyberspace. Iranian banking systems reportedly experienced widespread disruptions, attributed to cyberattacks believed to originate from Israel or its allies. Satellite imagery released by intelligence sources indicates substantial damage to Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure following five days of sustained Israeli bombardment.
     
    Iran has framed its strikes as retaliation for what it calls acts of terrorism by the ‘Zionist regime’. Israel issued evacuation warnings to residents of Tehran’s District 18, ahead of targeted strikes. Israeli officials claim they now have, ‘very good control over the skies of Tehran’.
     
    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and warning that “American patience is wearing thin.” While stopping short of announcing direct military action, Trump confirmed phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and proposed sending Vice President JD Vance, along with a special envoy, for exploratory talks with Iran. Global financial markets have responded nervously, with U.S. stock indices falling amid fears of wider regional escalation. Regional airspace remains restricted, disrupting commercial aviation and heightening security alerts across much of West Asia.
     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK House Price Index for April 2025

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    1000 Words/Shutterstock.com

    The April data shows:

    • on average, house prices have fallen 2.8% since March 2025
    • there has been an annual price rise of 3.5% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £265,000

    England

    In England the April data shows, on average, house prices fell by 3.7% since March 2025. The annual price rise of 3% takes the average property value to £286,000.

    • London experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.6%
    • The North East saw the biggest monthly price fall, with a reduction of -8.1%
    • The North East experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 6.4%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.9%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price April 2025 Annual change % since April 2024 Monthly change % since March 2025
    East Midlands £237,000 3.8 -3.6
    East of England £332,000 2 -3.8
    London £567,000 3.3 2.6
    North East £156,000 6.4 -8.1
    North West £205,000 3.1 -6.4
    South East £380,000 3 -2
    South West £301,000 0.9 -3.8
    West Midlands £240,000 2.6 -4.6
    Yorkshire and the Humber £200,000 4 -6.1

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in February 2025 was in the South West.

    The highest number of repossession sales in February  2025 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales February 2025
    East Midlands 5
    East of England 2
    London 10
    North East 22
    North West 9
    South East 10
    South West 1
    West Midlands 11
    Yorkshire and the Humber 9
    England 79

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type April 2025 April  2024 Difference %
    Detached £467,000 £447,000 4.5
    Semi-detached £283,000 £270,000 4.7
    Terraced £234,000 £229,000 2.2
    Flat/maisonette £222,000 £223,000 -0.4
    All £286,000 £278,000 3

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price
    April 2025 Annual price change % since April 2024 Monthly price change % since March 2025
    Cash £272,000 2.2 -4
    Mortgage £292,000 3.4 -3.5
    First-time buyer £239,000 2.7 -4.7
    Former owner occupier £350,000 3.5 -2.4

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price February 2025 Annual price change % since February 2024 Monthly price change % since January 2025
    New build £446,000 26.5 12.1
    Existing resold property £286,000 4.3 0.5

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.6% since March 2025. House prices have shown an annual price increase of 3.3% meaning the average price of a property is £567,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type April 2025 April 2024 Difference %
    Detached £1,189,000 £1,108,000 7.3
    Semi-detached £729,000 £680,000 7.2
    Terraced £638,000 £609,000 4.8
    Flat/maisonette £449,000 £445,000 0.9
    All £567,000 £548,000 3.3

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price
    Apr 2025 Annual price change % since April 2024 Monthly price change % since March 2025
    Cash £617,000 3.5 5.4
    Mortgage £556,000 3.3 1.8
    First-time buyer £481,000 2.2 0.9
    Former owner occupier £716,000 1.2 5.4

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price February 2025 Annual price change % since February 2024 Monthly price change % since January 2025
    New build £596,000 19.1 10.3
    Existing resold property £555,000 1.2 -1.3

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

     Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 0.3% since March 2025. An annual price increase of 5.3% takes the average property value to £210,000.

    There were 5 repossession sales for Wales in February 2025.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type April 2025 April 2024 Difference %
    Detached £330,000 £313,000 5.5
    Semi-detached £211,000 £197,000 7.1
    Terraced £166,000 £159,000 4.9
    Flat/maisonette £128,000 £128,000 -0.1
    All £210,000 £200,000 5.3

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price April 2025% Annual price change % since April 2024 Monthly price change % since March 2025
    Cash £208,000 4 -0.4
    Mortgage £211,000 5.9 0.6
    First-time buyer £180,000 5.5 -0.3
    Former owner occupier £251,000 5.1 1

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price
    February 2025 Annual price change % since February 2024 Monthly price change % since January 2025
    New build £377,000 25.6 10.8
    Existing resold property £204,000 3.4 -0.6

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 3.5% in the year to April 2025, down from the revised estimate of 7% in the 12 months to March 2025. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK decreased by 2.7% between March 2025 and April 2025, compared with a increase of 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (March 2024 and April 2024).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in April 2025, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 65,000. This is 28% lower than a year ago (April 2024). Between March 2025 and April 2025, UK transactions decreased by 63.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    The highest house price monthly increase was in London, where prices rose by 2.6% since March 2025. The highest annual growth was in the the North East, where prices increased by 6.4% in the year to April 2025.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI.

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the May 2025 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 16 July 2025. See the calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The municipal fleet has collected over 100 tons of garbage from the waters of Moscow since the start of navigation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The municipal fleet has collected more than 100 tons of garbage from the capital’s waters since the start of navigation in 2025. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “Communal vessels collect garbage from the water surface of the Moscow River and the navigable part of the Yauza on a daily basis, eliminate pollution, and remove silt sediment. In total, they have already collected over 100 tons of various garbage, most of which is sediment from the spring flood, including the remains of fallen trees and dead wood,” said Pyotr Biryukov.

    Since the opening of river navigation, the bulk of garbage collection vessels have been on duty in the upper reaches of the Moscow River near the locks to promptly remove the garbage that had accumulated over the winter. This has prevented it from getting into the central part of the city with intensive shipping.

    Thanks to the competent deployment of the fleet, the entire water area of the Moscow River and the navigable section of the Yauza within the Moscow Ring Road are under 24-hour control. Garbage collection vessels are engaged in cleaning, and small vessels are working in shallow waters. Floating cranes and non-self-propelled barges with tugs are engaged in extracting bottom sediments of sand and soil.

    The head of the city economy complex emphasized that the capital’s municipal fleet operates all year round, and includes 30 vessels: 18 self-propelled and 12 non-self-propelled. Last year, they collected about 600 tons of various garbage, eliminated almost 140 different types of pollution, and removed about 6.5 thousand tons of sand and soil from the seabed.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155409073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches second round of applications for 2025-26 HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches second round of applications for 2025-26 HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland 
    Through the HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission (YDC) provide funding for NGOs to organise youth exchange projects on the Mainland for Hong Kong young people to enhance their awareness and understanding of the country’s development, foster exchanges with Mainland people and strengthen their sense of national identity. Launched last year, the Pilot Scheme on Subsidy to Grassroots Youth for Participating in Exchange Activities Outside Hong Kong will also continue to provide additional subsidies to grassroots youth with financial needs to participate in exchange projects under the 2025-26 funding scheme.
     
    Details of the second round and application forms are available on the YDC website (www.ydc.gov.hk/en/programmes/ep/ep_fundingscheme.htmlIssued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape revives agricultural shows to boost smallholder farmers market

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, June 18, 2025

    The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has revived its famous agricultural shows that have long served as a platform for celebrating excellence in farming, with a renewed focus on promoting market access for smallholder farmers.

    While traditionally the shows centred on product quality and category-based judging, the department announced that the agricultural model is being reimagined with a renewed focus of enabling market access and fostering commercial opportunities.

    Starting this year, four agricultural shows will be hosted annually – one per quarter across key regions.

    “These events will provide a platform for smallholder farmers to exhibit their produce, network with industry players, and gain critical insights into market trends, financial products, and modern agricultural technologies,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.

    To achieve this goal, the department has partnered with the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) Fresh Produce Market, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), and Amathole District Municipality.

    The department’s Amathole District, which encompasses BCM, will support 150 smallholder farmers representing diverse commodities to exhibit their produce at the agricultural show, scheduled to be held in the Bhisho Showgrounds.

    Major buyers from the BCM Fresh Produce Market have been invited to engage with participating smallholder farmers who will exhibiting in the agricultural show, to foster stronger commercial linkages and better understand the market needs.

    Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe is expected to officiate the celebration of farmers excellence in an event that will be held at Bhisho Showgrounds on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full text of Xi’s keynote speech at second China-Central Asia Summit 2025-06-18 15:11:20 Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech Tuesday at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The following is the full text of the speech:

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    ASTANA, June 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech Tuesday at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.

    The following is the full text of the speech:

    Championing the China-Central Asia Spirit For High-Quality Cooperation in the Region

    Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping

    President of the People’s Republic of China

    At the Second China-Central Asia Summit

    Astana, June 17, 2025

    Your Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,

    Distinguished Colleagues,

    Friends,

    I am delighted to join you at the second China-Central Asia Summit in the beautiful city of Astana. I’d like to thank President Tokayev and the government of Kazakhstan for the gracious hospitality and thoughtful arrangement.

    During our meeting in Xi’an two years ago, we jointly outlined the Xi’an Vision for China-Central Asia cooperation. The six pomegranate trees we planted together are in full bloom today, auguring the vitality of the cooperation among the six nations.

    Two years on, China and Central Asian countries have further deepened and substantiated Belt and Road cooperation. Our trade has grown by 35 percent, and we have made important progress in industrial investment, green mining, technological innovation, and other fields of cooperation. The package of projects with Chinese financial support are well underway. While more and more Chinese new energy vehicles and photovoltaic products are entering Central Asian markets, Central Asian agricultural products, including honey, fruits, wheat and poultry, are diversifying the dinner tables of Chinese families.

    Two years on, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project has been officially launched. We are making steady progress in planning for the third railway link between China and Kazakhstan, in phase-II restoration of the China-Tajikistan highway, and in China-Turkmenistan energy cooperation. Freight train services are connecting more and more Chinese cities to Central Asia. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route has been upgraded and expanded. Green industries, digital economy, artificial intelligence, aviation and space are becoming new drivers of our cooperation. Cross-border e-commerce, online education, and other new business models are benefiting more and more people in China and Central Asia.

    Two years on, China and Central Asian countries have made progress in establishing cultural centers in each other as well as in opening branches of Chinese universities and Luban Workshops. China has made mutual visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, facilitating more than 1.2 million travels between China and Kazakhstan alone in 2024. Tourism and culture years and art festivals of Central Asian countries are very popular in China. Chinese films and TV dramas, such as Min-Ning Town and To the Wonder, have become great hits in Central Asia. The China-Central Asia train services for cultural tourism have been successfully inaugurated. And today, we will witness the number of sister cities between China and Central Asia reach the milestone of 100 pairs.

    Two years on, we have launched 13 ministerial cooperation platforms under the China-Central Asia mechanism. The Secretariat is fully functioning, and the core framework of the mechanism is largely in place.

    I am pleased to see that our consensus at the first Summit has been implemented across the board — from the millennium-old Xi’an to Astana “the pearl of the steppe,” from the coast of the Yellow Sea to the shores of the Caspian Sea, from the Tianshan Mountain Range to the Pamir Plateau. The path of our cooperation is steadily widening, and our friendship is blooming ever more brightly.

    Distinguished Colleagues,

    Friends,

    Our cooperation is rooted in more than 2,000 years of friendly exchanges, cemented by solidarity and mutual trust cultivated through more than three decades of diplomatic ties, and taken forward via openness and win-win cooperation of the new era. Building on our collective efforts over the years, we have forged a China-Central Asia Spirit of “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual assistance for the joint pursuit of modernization through high-quality development.”

    — We practice mutual respect and treat each other as equals. All countries, big or small, are equal. We handle issues through consultation and make decisions by consensus.

    — We seek to deepen mutual trust and enhance mutual support. We firmly support each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. We do not do anything harmful to the core interests of any party.

    — We pursue mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and strive for common development. We view each other as priority partners, and share development opportunities together. We accommodate each other’s interests, and work to build a win-win and symbiotic relationship.

    — We help each other in time of need and stand together through thick and thin. We support each other in choosing development paths suitable to our respective national conditions and in taking domestic matters into our own hands. We work together to address various risks and challenges, and uphold regional security and stability.

    This China-Central Asia Spirit is an important guideline for our endeavor to carry forward friendship and cooperation from generation to generation. We should always uphold it and let it shine forever.

    Distinguished Colleagues,

    Friends,

    Today, unprecedented changes are unfolding at a faster pace across the globe, thrusting the world into a new state of heightened turbulence and volatility. A strong belief in fairness and justice and an unyielding commitment to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are the only way to maintain world peace and achieve common development. There is no winner in tariff wars or trade wars. Unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism will surely backfire while hurting others.

    I always maintain that history should move forward, not backward; and the world should be united, not divided. Humanity must not regress to the law of the jungle. Instead, we should build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Three years ago, we announced together that we would build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future, setting out the goal and direction of our six nations in building consensus, overcoming challenges and pursuing development. We should act on the China-Central Asia Spirit, enhance cooperation with renewed vigor and more practical measures, promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and forge ahead toward our goal of a community with a shared future for the region.

    First, we should stay committed to our fundamental goal of unity, and always trust and support each other. China consistently takes Central Asia as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. With a firm belief in an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood as well as a strong dedication to amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, China interacts with Central Asian countries on the basis of equality and sincerity. We always wish our neighbors well.

    Today, we will sign together a treaty on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation to enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship in the form of law. This is a new landmark in the history of the relations between our six countries and a pioneering initiative in China’s diplomatic engagement with its neighbors. It is a milestone for today and a foundation for tomorrow.

    Second, we should optimize our cooperation framework to make it more results-oriented, more efficient, and more deeply integrated. We have agreed to designate 2025 and 2026 as the Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation. We should focus our cooperation on smooth trade, industrial investment, connectivity, green mining, agricultural modernization and personnel exchanges, and roll out more projects on the ground. We should do our best to get early harvests as soon as possible.

    China is ready to share with Central Asian countries development experience and latest technological advances, promote connectivity in digital infrastructure, enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence, and foster new quality productive forces.

    In order to promote relevant cooperation, China has decided to establish three cooperation centers, i.e. on poverty reduction, on education exchange, and on desertification prevention and control, as well as a cooperation platform on smooth trade under the China-Central Asia cooperation framework. China will provide a grant of RMB 1.5 billion yuan to Central Asian countries this year to be used in livelihood and development projects high on their agenda. China will also provide 3,000 training opportunities to Central Asian countries in the next two years.

    Third, we should develop a security framework for peace, tranquility and solidarity. We should step up regional security governance, deepen law enforcement and security cooperation, jointly prevent and thwart extreme ideologies, and resolutely fight terrorism, separatism and extremism, so as to maintain peace and stability in our region.

    China supports Central Asian countries in modernizing their national defense, law enforcement and security capacities. We will do our best to help Central Asian countries combat terrorism and transnational organized crime and safeguard cybersecurity and biosecurity. We will launch more Safe City projects, and conduct more joint exercises and joint training cooperation.

    Afghanistan is our close neighbor. We should strengthen coordination to help the country boost its development capacity and achieve peace, stability, reconstruction and development at an early date.

    Fourth, we should cement the bonds of shared vision, mutual understanding and mutual affection between our peoples. China will enhance cooperation between legislatures, political parties, women, youth, media and think tanks with Central Asian countries, conduct in-depth exchange of governance experience, and share experience in green development, poverty reduction and anti-corruption.

    China is ready to set up more cultural centers, university branches and Luban Workshops in Central Asia, and launch new majors in Central Asian languages in Chinese universities. We will continue to carry out effectively the “China-Central Asia technology and skills improvement scheme” to train more high-caliber talent for Central Asian countries.

    China supports deepening subnational cooperation with Central Asia. We will make good use of sister-city relations and people-to-people exchanges to nurture heart-to-heart connections at central and subnational levels, between official and non-governmental actors, and from adjacent to broader areas.

    I hope that the travel-facilitation measures we adopt today will be implemented as soon as possible to help our people visit each other more conveniently, efficiently and frequently like relatives, and in the course help them become ever closer to each other.

    Fifth, we should uphold a fair and equitable international order and an equal and orderly world structure. China supports Central Asian countries in playing a bigger role in international affairs. We stand ready to work with all parties to defend international fairness and justice, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In the strenuous times of war, Chinese and Central Asian peoples supported each other through adversity, and jointly made important contributions to the cause of justice of humanity. We should promote the correct view of history, defend the fruits of the victory of World War II, uphold the UN-centered international system, and provide more stability and certainty for world peace and development.

    Distinguished Colleagues,

    Friends,

    China is building a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. No matter how the international situation changes, China will remain unwavering in opening up to the outside world, and embrace higher-quality cooperation with Central Asian countries to deepen the integration of interests and achieve common development.

    Distinguished Colleagues,

    Friends,

    Ancient Chinese philosophy advocates “mutual care and mutual benefit.” Similarly, a Central Asian proverb compares harmony and unity to happiness and wealth. China is ready to work with all parties to carry forward the China-Central Asia Spirit, pursue the goal of a community with a shared future, and strive for new progress in China-Central Asia cooperation.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Zelenskiy leaves G7 with no Trump meeting or fresh arms support from US

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy left the Group of Seven summit on Tuesday with new aid from host Canada for its war against Russia but said diplomacy is in “crisis” having missed the chance to press U.S. President Donald Trump for more weapons.

    The G7 wealthy nations struggled to find unity over the conflict in Ukraine after Trump expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and left a day early to address the Israel-Iran conflict from Washington.

    A Canadian official initially said Ottawa had dropped plans for the G7 to issue a strong statement on the war in Ukraine after resistance from the United States.

    Emily Williams, director of media relations for Prime Minister Mark Carney, later said no proposed statement on Ukraine had ever been planned.

    Carney had started the day by announcing Ottawa would provide C$2 billion ($1.47 billion) in new military assistance for Kyiv as well as impose new financial sanctions.

    Zelenskiy said he had told the G7 leaders that “diplomacy is now in a state of crisis” and said they need to continue calling on Trump “to use his real influence” to force an end to the war, in a post on his Telegram account.

    Although Canada is one of Ukraine’s most vocal defenders, its ability to help it is far outweighed by the United States, the largest arms supplier to Kyiv. Zelenskiy had said he hoped to talk to Trump about acquiring more weapons.

    After the summit in the Rocky Mountain resort area of Kananaskis concluded, Carney issued a chair statement summarizing deliberations.

    “G7 leaders expressed support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” it said.

    “They recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same. G7 leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions.”

    Canada holds the rotating G7 presidency this year. Other leaders do not need to sign off on G7 chair statements.

    Trump did agree to a group statement published on Monday calling for a resolution of the Israel-Iran conflict.

    “We had a declaration given the exceptional, fast moving situation in Iran,” Carney told a closing news conference.

    A European official said leaders had stressed to Trump their plans to be hard on Russia and Trump seemed impressed, though he does not like sanctions in principle.

    Three European diplomats said they had heard signals from Trump that he wanted to raise pressure on Putin and consider a U.S. Senate bill drafted by Senator Lindsey Graham, but that he had not committed to anything.

    “I am returning to Germany with cautious optimism that decisions will also be made in America in the coming days to impose further sanctions against Russia,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

    G7 leaders agreed on six other statements, about migrant smuggling, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, wildfires, transnational repression and quantum computing.

    KREMLIN SAYS G7 LOOKS ‘RATHER USELESS’

    Trump said on Monday he needed to be back in Washington as soon as possible due to the situation in the Middle East, where escalating attacks between Iran and Israel have raised risks of a broader regional conflict.

    A White House official on Tuesday said Trump explained that he returned to the U.S. because it is better to hold high-level National Security Council meetings in person, rather than over the phone.

    Upon arriving at the summit, Trump said that the then-Group of Eight had been wrong to expel Russia after Putin ordered the occupation of Crimea in 2014.

    The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Trump was right and said the G7 was no longer significant for Russia and looked “rather useless.”

    Many leaders had hoped to negotiate trade deals with Trump, but the only deal signed was the finalization of the U.S.-UK deal announced last month. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained at the summit after Trump left.

    Carney also invited non-G7 members Mexico, India, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Brazil, as he tries to shore up alliances elsewhere and diversify Canada’s exports away from the United States.

    Carney warmly welcomed Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday, after two years of tense relations between Canada and India.

    (Reuters)

  • Zelenskiy leaves G7 with no Trump meeting or fresh arms support from US

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy left the Group of Seven summit on Tuesday with new aid from host Canada for its war against Russia but said diplomacy is in “crisis” having missed the chance to press U.S. President Donald Trump for more weapons.

    The G7 wealthy nations struggled to find unity over the conflict in Ukraine after Trump expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and left a day early to address the Israel-Iran conflict from Washington.

    A Canadian official initially said Ottawa had dropped plans for the G7 to issue a strong statement on the war in Ukraine after resistance from the United States.

    Emily Williams, director of media relations for Prime Minister Mark Carney, later said no proposed statement on Ukraine had ever been planned.

    Carney had started the day by announcing Ottawa would provide C$2 billion ($1.47 billion) in new military assistance for Kyiv as well as impose new financial sanctions.

    Zelenskiy said he had told the G7 leaders that “diplomacy is now in a state of crisis” and said they need to continue calling on Trump “to use his real influence” to force an end to the war, in a post on his Telegram account.

    Although Canada is one of Ukraine’s most vocal defenders, its ability to help it is far outweighed by the United States, the largest arms supplier to Kyiv. Zelenskiy had said he hoped to talk to Trump about acquiring more weapons.

    After the summit in the Rocky Mountain resort area of Kananaskis concluded, Carney issued a chair statement summarizing deliberations.

    “G7 leaders expressed support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” it said.

    “They recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same. G7 leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions.”

    Canada holds the rotating G7 presidency this year. Other leaders do not need to sign off on G7 chair statements.

    Trump did agree to a group statement published on Monday calling for a resolution of the Israel-Iran conflict.

    “We had a declaration given the exceptional, fast moving situation in Iran,” Carney told a closing news conference.

    A European official said leaders had stressed to Trump their plans to be hard on Russia and Trump seemed impressed, though he does not like sanctions in principle.

    Three European diplomats said they had heard signals from Trump that he wanted to raise pressure on Putin and consider a U.S. Senate bill drafted by Senator Lindsey Graham, but that he had not committed to anything.

    “I am returning to Germany with cautious optimism that decisions will also be made in America in the coming days to impose further sanctions against Russia,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

    G7 leaders agreed on six other statements, about migrant smuggling, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, wildfires, transnational repression and quantum computing.

    KREMLIN SAYS G7 LOOKS ‘RATHER USELESS’

    Trump said on Monday he needed to be back in Washington as soon as possible due to the situation in the Middle East, where escalating attacks between Iran and Israel have raised risks of a broader regional conflict.

    A White House official on Tuesday said Trump explained that he returned to the U.S. because it is better to hold high-level National Security Council meetings in person, rather than over the phone.

    Upon arriving at the summit, Trump said that the then-Group of Eight had been wrong to expel Russia after Putin ordered the occupation of Crimea in 2014.

    The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Trump was right and said the G7 was no longer significant for Russia and looked “rather useless.”

    Many leaders had hoped to negotiate trade deals with Trump, but the only deal signed was the finalization of the U.S.-UK deal announced last month. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained at the summit after Trump left.

    Carney also invited non-G7 members Mexico, India, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Brazil, as he tries to shore up alliances elsewhere and diversify Canada’s exports away from the United States.

    Carney warmly welcomed Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday, after two years of tense relations between Canada and India.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Resumption of public rental housing units and Well-off Tenants Policies

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Quat and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (June 18):
     
    Question:
     
         According to government information, 15 000-odd public rental housing (PRH) units were recovered by the Housing Department for various reasons in 2023, which was 55 per cent more than the annual number of about 10 000 units in the past. Regarding the recovery of PRH units and the Well-off Tenants Policies, will the Government inform this Council of the following information in the past five financial years:
     
    (1) the number of PRH units recovered each year for the following reasons:
    (i) death of principal tenants or principal tenants being admitted to residential care homes;
    (ii) principal tenants having purchased subsidised sale flats;
    (iii) tenants moving out due to breach of tenancy agreements (e.g. ‍accruing 16 points within two years under the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement or defaulting on rent payment);
    (iv) tenants moving out due to failure or refusal to return the declaration form on income and assets as required;
    (v) tenants moving out as their family income/total household net asset value exceeded the limits prescribed under the Well-off Tenants Policies;
    (vi) tenants were asked to move out as their household members owned domestic properties in Hong Kong;
    (vii) voluntary surrender of units by tenants (including moving to other regions/countries, moving to other residences, or for unknown reasons);
    (viii) tenants moving out upon application for transfer; and
    (ix) other reasons;
     
    (2) the number of recovered PRH units used for allocation to applicants on the PRH Waiting List each year;
     
    (3) the number of Notices-to-quit (NTQs) issued by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) to PRH tenants each year and, among them, the number of tenants who lodged appeals in this regard, together with a breakdown by the outcome of the appeals (e.g. ‍cancellation of NTQs, amendment of NTQs and setting of conditions for the tenants lodging appeals to rectify the violations, as well as unsuccessful appeals);
     
    (4) the number of cases received by the HA in which applications for granting of new tenancy agreements were made by authorised members of the units due to the death or moving out of the original principle tenants and, among such cases, the number of those which were approved and rejected; among the approved cases, the number of those in which the PRH units involved were granted approval for addition of household members to the tenancy in the past three years;
     
    (5) the number of PRH tenants who had successfully applied for deletion of household members from the tenancy each year and, among them, the number of those who were well-off tenants; and
     
    (6) the respective numbers of PRH tenants who were required under the Well-off Tenants Policies to pay (i) 1.5 times net rent plus rates and (ii) double net rent plus rates each year?
     
    Reply:

    President,
     
         In response to the questions raised by the Hon Elizabeth Quat, our reply is as follows:

    (1) In the past five financial years (i.e. 2020/21 to 2024/25), the numbers of public rental housing (PRH) units recovered by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), categorised by reasons for recovery, are listed in Annex 1.
     
    (2) Based on the established allocation policies and programmes, the HA allocates newly completed and refurbished recovered PRH units to meet the needs of applicants under various categories. We will allocate most of the units to PRH applicants and closely monitor the actual allocation figures of other categories (e.g. Compassionate Rehousing) to ensure that any units in excess of the estimated demand under other categories would be allocated to PRH applicants by the end of the year. In the past five financial years, the actual numbers of recovered PRH units allocated to PRH applicants and applicants under other categories are tabulated in Annex 2.
     
    (3) In the past five financial years, the numbers of Notices-to-quit issued by the HA, the numbers of appeal cases received by the Appeal Panel (Housing), and the numbers of appeal cases heard by the Appeal Panel (Housing) as well as the rulings are set out by category in Annex 3.
     
    (4) According to the HA’s existing Policy on Grant of New Tenancy (GNT), upon the death or moving out of the principal tenant of a PRH unit, the tenancy can be granted to his/her spouse who has been listed in the tenancy. If there is no surviving spouse listed in the tenancy, one of the authorised family members currently living in the unit can be granted a new tenancy, provided that the Comprehensive Means Test and Domestic Property Test set at the level of Well-off Tenants Policies are passed. In the past five financial years, there were approximately 32 000 GNT cases approved upon the death or moving out of the original principal tenant. The Housing Department (HD) does not keep statistics on the number of rejected applications for GNT and the number of approved GNT cases which involved addition of household members.
     
    (5) In the past five financial years, the HA approved an average of about 44 000 cases per year on the deletion of family members from PRH tenancies. Among these cases, around 16 700 cases arose from death or admission to elderly homes, while the remaining of about 27 300 cases resulted from moving out or other reasons. The HD does not keep statistics on the number of aforesaid cases which involved “well-off tenants”.
     
    (6) In the past five financial years, the numbers of PRH tenants under the HA required to pay 1.5 or double net rent plus rates are listed in Annex 4.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sciences Po and Its CIVICA Partners Stand for Academic Freedom & University Autonomy

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    In times of global uncertainty, CIVICA – a European alliance of ten leading universities in the social sciences – reaffirms its stance against political or financial interference in science and education. The alliance is concerned by attempts across the globe to restrict academic inquiry or reshape institutions for ideological ends. Such actions erode the autonomy of higher education institutions and undermine the quality of academic research and teaching.

    During a Presidents’ meeting at SGH Warsaw last week, the CIVICA partners decided on a joint statement to reaffirm the importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy, as essential pillars of democratic and open societies.

    In keeping with the core values of their mission, CIVICA partners express their solidarity with institutions, scholars, and students facing pressure or discrimination. CIVICA remains committed to fostering free and open spaces for academic inquiry and critical debate, encouraging diversity of views and pluralism.

    CIVICA partners’ presidents and team at SGH Warsaw, June 2025. (credits: Piotr Potapowicz / SGH Warsaw)

    The joint statement is endorsed by:

    • Sciences Po,
    • Bocconi University,
    • Central European University,
    • European University Institute,
    • Hertie School,
    • National University of Political Studies and Public Administration,
    • SGH Warsaw School of Economics,
    • Stockholm School of Economics.

    Read the statement

     

    Following a report co-authored by Florence Haegel, Marie Mawad, and Jeremy Perelman, submitted to the President of Sciences Po, Sciences Po adopted its own doctrine on the same topics in March 2025.

    Sciences Po applies a general principle of institutional restraint. This refocusing ensures the pluralism of opinions within the human, intellectual, and academic community that is Sciences Po.

    This principle is distinct from that of “neutrality” and does not imply the institution’s disengagement from all public debate. Positions taken by Sciences Po are indeed considered legitimate if they are linked to the primary missions of the institution.

    Read the doctrine

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Euro area monthly balance of payments: April 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    18 June 2025

    • Current account recorded €20 billion surplus in April 2025, down from €51 billion in previous month
    • Current account surplus amounted to €419 billion (2.8% of euro area GDP) in the 12 months to April 2025, up from €339 billion (2.3%) one year earlier
    • In financial account, euro area residents’ net acquisitions of non-euro area portfolio investment securities totalled €690 billion and non-residents’ net acquisitions of euro area portfolio investment securities also totalled €690 billion in the 12 months to April 2025

    Chart 1

    Euro area current account balance

    (EUR billions unless otherwise indicated; working day and seasonally adjusted data)

    Source: ECB.

    The current account of the euro area recorded a surplus of €20 billion in April 2025, a decrease of €31 billion from the previous month (Chart 1 and Table 1). Surpluses were recorded for goods (€30 billion) and services (€ 7 billion), while the primary income account was balanced (€0 billion). A deficit was recorded for secondary income (€16 billion).

    Table 1

    Current account of the euro area

    Source: ECB.

    Note: Discrepancies between totals and their components may be due to rounding.

    Data for the current account of the euro area

    In the 12 months to April 2025, the current account surplus widened to €419 billion (2.8% of euro area GDP), up from a surplus of €339 billion (2.3% of euro area GDP) one year earlier. This increase was mainly driven by larger surpluses for goods (up from €342 billion to €384 billion), services (up from €140 billion to €164 billion) and primary income (up from €25 billion to €48 billion). These developments were partly offset by a larger deficit for secondary income (up from €168 billion to €176 billion).

    Chart 2

    Selected items of the euro area financial account

    (EUR billions; 12-month cumulated data)

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: For assets, a positive (negative) number indicates net purchases (sales) of non-euro area instruments by euro area investors. For liabilities, a positive (negative) number indicates net sales (purchases) of euro area instruments by non-euro area investors.

    In direct investment, euro area residents made net investments of €134 billion in non-euro area assets in the 12 months to April 2025, following net disinvestments of €192 billion one year earlier (Chart 2 and Table 2). Non-residents disinvested €20 billion in net terms from euro area assets in the 12 months to April 2025, following net disinvestments of €334 billion one year earlier.

    In portfolio investment, euro area residents’ net purchases of non-euro area equity increased to €135 billion in the 12 months to April 2025, up from €69 billion one year earlier. Over the same period, net purchases of non-euro area debt securities by euro-area residents increased to €555 billion, up from €459 billion one year earlier. Non-residents’ net purchases of euro area equity increased to €365 billion in the 12 months to April 2025, up from €207 billion one year earlier. Over the same period, non-residents made net purchases of euro area debt securities amounting to €325 billion, declining from net purchases of €412 billion one year earlier.

    Table 2

    Financial account of the euro area

    (EUR billions unless otherwise indicated; transactions; non-working day and non-seasonally adjusted data)

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: Decreases in assets and liabilities are shown with a minus sign. Net financial derivatives are reported under assets. “MFIs” stands for monetary financial institutions. Discrepancies between totals and their components may be due to rounding.

    Data for the financial account of the euro area

    In other investment, euro area residents recorded net acquisitions of non-euro area assets amounting to €403 billion in the 12 months to April 2025 (following net acquisitions of €163 billion one year earlier), while they recorded net incurrences of liabilities of €122 billion (following net disposals of €142 billion one year earlier).

    Chart 3

    Monetary presentation of the balance of payments

    (EUR billions; 12-month cumulated data)

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: “MFI net external assets (enhanced)” incorporates an adjustment to the MFI net external assets (as reported in the consolidated MFI balance sheet items statistics) based on information on MFI long-term liabilities held by non-residents, available in b.o.p. statistics. B.o.p. transactions refer only to transactions of non-MFI residents of the euro area. Financial transactions are shown as liabilities net of assets. “Other” includes financial derivatives and statistical discrepancies.

    The monetary presentation of the balance of payments (Chart 3) shows that the net external assets (enhanced) of euro area MFIs increased by €452 billion in the 12 months to April 2025. This increase was driven by the current and capital accounts surplus and, to a lesser extent, by euro area non-MFIs’ net inflows in portfolio investment equity and debt and in other investment. These developments were partly offset by euro area non-MFIs’ net outflows in direct investment.

    In April 2025 the Eurosystem’s stock of reserve assets decreased to €1,496.9 billion from €1,511 billion in the previous month (Table 3). This decrease was driven by negative exchange rate changes (€18.0 billion) and, to a lesser extent, by negative price changes (€ 1.2 billion). These were partly offset by net acquisitions of assets (€ 5.2 billion).

    Table 3

    Reserve assets of the euro area

    (EUR billions; amounts outstanding at the end of the period, flows during the period; non-working day and non-seasonally adjusted data)

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: “Other reserve assets” comprises currency and deposits, securities, financial derivatives (net) and other claims. Discrepancies between totals and their components may be due to rounding.

    Data for the reserve assets of the euro area

    Data revisions

    This press release does not incorporate revisions to previous periods.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hilton to Triple its Presence in Africa to More Than 160 Hotels

    • Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels in the coming years in markets including Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Angola and Madagascar
    • Most recent hotel openings include Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston and DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport
    • Hilton to make its Ghana debut later this year with the opening of Hilton Accra Cantonments
    • Hilton is currently hiring for 600 new hospitality jobs in Africa and expects to create 18,000 new positions as it expands its portfolio.

    Coinciding with Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced plans to almost triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels trading in the coming years. Across its portfolio of market-leading brands, Hilton expects to open more than 100 hotels on the continent, supporting Africa’s burgeoning hospitality sector and creating approximately 18,000 jobs for local people.

    Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to announce several new hotel agreements which significantly expand our footprint in Africa, a continent brimming with potential and opportunity. Our development strategy underscores our commitment to supporting Africa’s hospitality sector as we partner with owners to grow our footprint, deliver exceptional stays for our customers and create jobs for local people. Africa offers incredible opportunity, from thriving business hubs to vibrant cultures, wildlife, and natural landscapes. We are excited to unveil a host of new destinations building on Hilton’s legacy of hospitality across Africa for over 65 years.”  

    Hilton Debuts in Angola

    Hilton has made its Angolan debut with the signing of three properties – two in the capital city of Luanda under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and affordable and upscale Hilton Garden Inn brand, as well as one in Cabinda with a property under its award-winning DoubleTree by Hilton brand.

    Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho

    Hilton has signed Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho in partnership with Servicab S.A. The hotel is expected to open in 2027 and will feature 220 guest rooms and suites. Stretched along an 11,250-square-metre beachfront with unobstructed views of the ocean, the property will feature multiple dining options and over 1,000 square metres of event space.

    Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport

    Hilton has signed Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport in partnership with Crestigo. Set to open in 2028, Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport will feature 200 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and terrace, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, a pool, and a rooftop bar. The hotel’s proximity to Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport and corporate business hubs makes it an ideal choice for business travellers.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Cabinda Futila Residences

    Hilton has also signed an agreement with Prodoil S.A. to debut its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Angola. The property is expected to open in 2026 and will provide 290 contemporary apartments, including studio rooms, two and three-bedroom suites, as well as 10 three-bedroom oceanfront villas. It will also feature a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a natural lake.

    Additional Hilton Market Debuts

    Hilton Cotonou

    In Benin, Hilton has signed an agreement to open Hilton Cotonou in partnership with the Republic of Benin, through the Société de Développement Hôtelier du Bénin (SDHB). This landmark project marks Hilton’s official entry into the Beninese market.

    Scheduled to open in 2028, Hilton Cotonou will be strategically located on the Boulevard de la Marina, next to the Congress Palace, key government offices, and several international embassies. The hotel will feature 233 contemporary guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a signature destination bar and terrace, a pool bar, a spa, an outdoor pool, and flexible meeting spaces designed for both business and social events.

    The project is expected to generate several hundred direct and indirect jobs across hospitality and related sectors. It will also enhance Benin’s capacity to host international conferences and events, reinforcing the country’s ambition to become an African hub for business and high-end tourism.

    Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo 

    Hilton has signed agreements to open two properties in Madagascar, marking Hilton’s re-entry into the country. Located in the heart of Madagascar’s capital and expected to open in 2028, Hilton Antananarivo will feature 170 guest rooms, multiple dining options, a ballroom, six meeting rooms, a fitness centre, spa and outdoor pool. Further South, Hilton Garden Inn Antananarivo will be part of a mixed-use development with retail and office spaces, making it ideal for business and leisure travellers. Set to open in 2027, the 120-guest room hotel will offer a restaurant, bar, flexible meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool.

    Hilton’s Nigeria Expansion

    The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton

    Located in Jabi, one of the capital’s most popular districts, The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, will feature 93 stylishly appointed guest rooms, upscale dining venues, an outdoor pool, and a wellness centre. Developed in partnership with The Wave Hotel Limited (OpCo), the hotel is set to open in 2026 and benefits from being a short 10-minute drive from Abuja’s Commercial Business District. Each hotel in Curio Collection is hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations, evoking a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and beverage, and curated experiences. 

    Hilton Lagos Ikeja

    Hilton has signed Hilton Lagos Ikeja in partnership with Cornfield Group. Located in Ikeja’s government and residential hub, the hotel is strategically situated near corporate and governmental offices and in proximity to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Slated to open in 2029, the hotel will feature 200 modern guest rooms and suites – and offers elevated dining options such as an all-day dining restaurant, a signature restaurant, a lobby bar, a pool bar & grill, and a destination bar. The hotel will also include a spacious ballroom, four meeting rooms, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

    Hilton Garden Inn in Kano

    Marking Kano’s first internationally branded hotel, Hilton Garden Inn in Kano is being developed in partnership with Akhim Plus Limited. The hotel will offer 100 guest rooms, flexible meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. Expected to open in 2029, the hotel’s location near key sites including the Government House, Emir’s Palace, National Museum, Kano Race Course, Kano Golf Club, and Meena Event Centre makes it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

    West Africa and East Africa

    Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport

    Hilton has signed Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport with Amani International Hospitality Limited – bringing Hampton by Hilton’s award-winning hospitality to Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport. Opening in 2026, Hampton by Hilton Accra Airport will include 170 guest rooms, a fully equipped fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and meeting spaces. The hotel will also offer a dynamic open-concept social space and a round-the-clock snacks shop. It will be a part of Airport Area Accra, a mixed-use development featuring malls and corporate offices.

    In Ethiopia, Hilton recently announced agreements with Brighton Hotels and Business Plc. to open two properties – DoubleTree by Hilton Adama and DoubleTree by Hilton Dire Dawa (http://apo-opa.co/4lbtHv2) – marking the first internationally branded hotels in the cities. Opening in 2028, these hotels further reaffirm Hilton’s commitment to expanding its presence in Ethiopia, with plans to reach eight trading properties across the country in the coming years.

    Hilton has also announced its Tanzanian re-entry with the signing of Canopy by Hilton Zanzibar The Burj (http://apo-opa.co/3ST8aeB), in partnership with CPS Live Limited. Expected to open in 2027, the lifestyle hotel will feature 162 inviting and sophisticated guest rooms and suites, elevated dining spaces, and a wide array of facilities. Located in the heart of Fumba Town and part of a mixed-use development, ‘BURJ Zanzibar,’ the property will offer unique experiences tailored to guests seeking authentic local experiences.

    North Africa

    Hilton continues to grow across North Africa, with plans to triple its portfolio in Egypt (http://apo-opa.co/4l58VNw) to more than 40 trading hotels across the country in the coming years. In Morocco, Hilton is set to more than double its portfolio (http://apo-opa.co/3G2a75u), with plans to bolster its luxury presence and introduce new brands. Hilton also recently signed a new DoubleTree by Hilton property in Fes, an ancient city whose medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf

    In partnership with Le Clos de l’Atlas, Hilton is set to open DoubleTree by Hilton Fes Golf in 2028. The 109-guest room property will be located next to a golf course and will offer easy access to Fes’s many cultural attractions. The hotel will also be in close proximity to Fes’s industrial quarter and an upcoming convention centre, making it ideal for business travellers as well.

    Recent & Upcoming Openings

    In South Africa, Hilton recently opened Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof (http://apo-opa.co/4l4zrXe) in partnership with Growthpoint Properties, marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in South Africa. Located in the vibrant Longkloof precinct, the hotel features 154 spacious and modern guest rooms. Each hotel room reflects the country’s cultural richness through bold local art and design and colourful prints throughout its interiors. Ideally situated in Cape Town’s City Bowl, the property offers easy access to Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the V&A Waterfront. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ongetem, led by renowned chef Bertus Basson, celebrating South African culinary heritage with bold, contemporary flair.

    Hilton also recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Addis Ababa Airport (http://apo-opa.co/44lFtgD) in Ethiopia. Located just minutes from Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, the property offers a complimentary airport shuttle, a rooftop restaurant, and proximity to the various events at Millenium Hall. Last year, Hilton opened the first Hampton by Hilton in Africa in South Africa with Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston (http://apo-opa.co/4lfuafR), bringing the brand’s friendly and authentic service to Johannesburg’s financial and shopping district.

    Later this year, Hilton expects to open its first hotel in Ghana with Hilton Accra Cantonments in partnership with High Street Development Company. Located in Cantonments, an upscale suburb which is home to multiple embassies and high commissions, the hotel will feature 145 guest rooms and a range of dining options including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and pool bar. The hotel will offer a gym, spa, and outdoor swimming pool, as well as more than 900 square metres of event space including a ballroom, seven meeting rooms and an executive boardroom.

    Hilton currently operates 63 hotels in Africa, with more than 100 under development. All hotels will be part of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning loyalty programme with over 218 million members globally. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.

    Contact:
    Maya Chacko
    Hilton
    maya.chacko@hilton.com

    Connect with Hilton on: 
    Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4lhOgGl
    X: http://apo-opa.co/40b5fSe
    LinkedIn: http://apo-opa.co/4lbh2Ij
    Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/40bQpeh  
    YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/3Ti1Uxf

    About Hilton:
    Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio (http://apo-opa.co/3G4U0nJ) of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms, in 139 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 218 million Hilton Honors (http://apo-opa.co/3Ti1Q0t) members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app (http://apo-opa.co/4lf8yjz), guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit http://stories.Hilton.com for more information.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Centre approves ₹2,006 crore for Himachal’s post-disaster recovery

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre has approved over ₹2,000 crore in financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh for recovery and reconstruction work after landslides and cloudbursts caused widespread damage across the state during the 2023 monsoon.

    The decision was taken by a high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The committee, which includes the finance minister, agriculture minister and vice chairperson of NITI Aayog, cleared the proposal under the Recovery and Reconstruction funding window of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

    Out of the total assistance, ₹1,504.80 crore will be provided as the central share from the NDRF. This is in addition to the ₹633.73 crore that was approved earlier by the Ministry of Home Affairs on December 12, 2023, as part of the initial response to the disaster.

    “The Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, remains committed to supporting states in times of natural disasters,” the Home Ministry said in a statement.

    Besides Himachal Pradesh, the Centre has also cleared recovery packages for other states. Uttarakhand received ₹1,658.17 crore in the wake of the Joshimath land subsidence, while ₹555.27 crore was sanctioned for Sikkim after a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) last year.

    In addition to recovery funds, the Centre has approved mitigation projects worth ₹7,253.51 crore aimed at tackling a range of hazards. These include ₹3,075.65 crore for urban flood management, ₹1,000 crore for landslides, ₹150 crore for GLOFs, ₹818.92 crore for forest fires, ₹186.78 crore for lightning, and ₹2,022.16 crore for drought mitigation.

    According to government data, in the current financial year (2024–25), ₹20,264.40 crore has been released to 28 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), and ₹5,160.76 crore has been disbursed to 19 states under the NDRF.

    Additionally, ₹4,984.25 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) and ₹719.72 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) have been released to various states.

  • Centre approves ₹2,006 crore for Himachal’s post-disaster recovery

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre has approved over ₹2,000 crore in financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh for recovery and reconstruction work after landslides and cloudbursts caused widespread damage across the state during the 2023 monsoon.

    The decision was taken by a high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The committee, which includes the finance minister, agriculture minister and vice chairperson of NITI Aayog, cleared the proposal under the Recovery and Reconstruction funding window of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

    Out of the total assistance, ₹1,504.80 crore will be provided as the central share from the NDRF. This is in addition to the ₹633.73 crore that was approved earlier by the Ministry of Home Affairs on December 12, 2023, as part of the initial response to the disaster.

    “The Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, remains committed to supporting states in times of natural disasters,” the Home Ministry said in a statement.

    Besides Himachal Pradesh, the Centre has also cleared recovery packages for other states. Uttarakhand received ₹1,658.17 crore in the wake of the Joshimath land subsidence, while ₹555.27 crore was sanctioned for Sikkim after a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) last year.

    In addition to recovery funds, the Centre has approved mitigation projects worth ₹7,253.51 crore aimed at tackling a range of hazards. These include ₹3,075.65 crore for urban flood management, ₹1,000 crore for landslides, ₹150 crore for GLOFs, ₹818.92 crore for forest fires, ₹186.78 crore for lightning, and ₹2,022.16 crore for drought mitigation.

    According to government data, in the current financial year (2024–25), ₹20,264.40 crore has been released to 28 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), and ₹5,160.76 crore has been disbursed to 19 states under the NDRF.

    Additionally, ₹4,984.25 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) and ₹719.72 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) have been released to various states.

  • Piyush Goyal visits UK to boost economic ties, fast-track India–UK FTA implementation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is on a two-day official visit to the United Kingdom from June 18 to 19, aimed at strengthening India–UK economic relations and expediting the implementation of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

    The visit follows the announcement of the successful conclusion of the India–UK FTA by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on May 6.

    “Goyal’s visit aims to accelerate bilateral engagements, harness emerging opportunities, and lay a robust foundation for a forward-looking, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic relationship,” the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

    During the visit, Goyal will hold key meetings with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds to review ongoing FTA negotiations and outline a time-bound roadmap for its conclusion. He will also meet UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to discuss financial cooperation and investment promotion.

    Additionally, the Minister will engage with UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to explore partnerships in creative and innovation-driven sectors.

    Goyal is scheduled to participate in several high-level sessions at the India Global Forum (IGF), including a roundtable titled ‘From Agreement to Action: UK–India FTA’, which will bring together global business leaders and investors to discuss the strategic direction of bilateral trade ties.

    As part of his business outreach, Goyal will interact with top CEOs and industry leaders from key sectors such as fintech, logistics, shipping, and advanced manufacturing to promote cross-border investment and collaboration.

    The visit reinforces India’s strategic focus on transforming its trade relationship with the UK into a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic partnership.