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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Civil Legal Aid Eligibility Keycard

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Civil Legal Aid Eligibility Keycard

    A new keycard is available from Monday 7 April 2025.

    The keycard has been updated to reflect changes in dependants’ allowances. The deductions made within the legal aid means test for the partner and dependants of an applicant increased by 1.7 percent from Monday 7 April 2025.

    The dependants allowances are based on income support rates which will increased by 1.7 percent on Monday 7 April 2025.

    Further information

    Eligibility Keycard

    Civil legal aid: means testing – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Companies House starts to verify identities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Companies House starts to verify identities

    The voluntary period for identity verification is open for business. More than 6 million individuals will need to comply in the 12 months after identity verification becomes a legal requirement later this year. This phased approach reduces the burden on companies.

    Today (8 April 2025) sees the launch of a new service that allows individuals to verify their identity directly with Companies House through GOV.UK One Login. People can also verify their identity through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

    The introduction of identity verification is one of the key changes to UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. This landmark legislation gave Companies House new and enhanced powers to help disrupt economic crime and support economic growth. 

    Identity verification will provide more assurance about who is setting up, running, owning and controlling companies in the UK. There will be the same level of assurance whether individuals are verifying their identity directly with Companies House or through an ACSP.

    Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE said:

    Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register.

    To save time later, we encourage directors, people with significant control of companies (PSCs) and those filing information with Companies House to verify their identity during the voluntary window.

    We expect identity verification to become mandatory from autumn 2025.

    To reduce the burden on business, the identity verification requirement for existing directors will be integrated into the annual confirmation statement update process.

    Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets Justin Madders MP said:

    In a time where economic crime has become too common, it is imperative that we bring in measures to prevent identities being stolen online and today marks a significant milestone in our plans to require identity verification for those setting up and running companies on the Companies House register later this year.

    This is good for business, lenders and transparency and will give companies, consumers and lenders more certainty about who they are doing business with.

    AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark MP said:

    Ensuring trust and transparency in the digital age is vital and today marks an important step forward. Identity verification at Companies House through our GOV.UK One Login service will make it easier to do business with confidence – protecting entrepreneurs, consumers, and the UK economy from fraud and financial crime.

    By embracing digital identity checks, we’re reducing red tape while strengthening our defences against abuse of the system. This is a win for businesses, a win for transparency, and a win for economic growth – a key driver for our Plan for Change.

    Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

    The introduction of these new security measures will be welcomed by the thousands of genuine businesses who want to know that fraudsters and criminals cannot masquerade as legitimate concerns.

    Protecting the names of good firms and making it harder for those with dishonest motives to set up a business can only be a good thing.

     Thom Townsend, Executive Director, Open Ownership said:

    Open Ownership welcomes the introduction of identity verification for individuals listed on Companies House. This will make the information on Companies House more accurate, reliable, and ultimately more useful, and ensures the UK meets international standards.

    Ben Cowdock, Senior Investigations Lead, Transparency International said:

    We welcome the introduction of ID checks at Companies House, which should make it harder for criminals to hide behind false identities. Having greater assurance over who owns and controls companies is a vital step towards defending the UK against money laundering and building confidence in the business environment.

    Glenn Collins, Head of Technical and Strategic Engagement at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) said:

    At ACCA, we welcome the moves to improve and strengthen the integrity of the register, which includes the introduction of identity verification for anyone setting up, running, owning or controlling a company in the UK.

    We recognise that businesses, including agents will take some time to get used to the changes and extra requirement. We expect our members to be busy advising and helping companies of all sizes adapt to these new regulations and we look forward to continuing to work with Companies House to make sure of a good transition.

    Overall identify verification will help to reduce economic crime and improve corporate transparency. In doing so, it will contribute to the growth of the UK economy by helping businesses make better decisions.

    Patrick Walsh, Chair of the Business Informational Providers Association (BIPA) said:

    BIPA welcomes Companies House’s launch of the new identity verification measures, as set out in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. These are crucial steps towards realising the enhanced security and transparency that the Act aims to achieve.

    The implementation of these robust checks will deter fraud and bolster confidence in Companies House as the custodian of reliable business data.

    We believe these measures will strengthen the UK’s economy by fostering transparency and accountability across business sectors.

    BIPA remains committed to engaging with Companies House to ensure successful adoption and implementation of these important changes.

    The Law Society of England and Wales Company Law Committee said:

    The Law Society of England and Wales has been working closely with Companies House on the development of the new procedures for identity verification. We are pleased that Companies House is introducing the procedures on a staggered basis, which will give companies and LLPs the option to ensure their directors (or, in the case of LLPs, members) and PSCs complete the necessary checks ahead of time if they wish.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rwanda’s image abroad: how western countries are beginning to turn their backs

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David E Kiwuwa, Associate Professor of International Studies, University of Nottingham

    Rwanda enjoyed good relations with the western world for many years. This was due to systematic and intentional efforts to build its profile as a constructive regional actor, especially through the UN peacekeeping framework.

    It also set out to improve its national brand through sports sponsorships of some of the biggest football clubs in the world. These include Arsenal (England), PSG (France) and Bayern Munich (Germany).

    Since the end of the 1994 genocide, countries such as the UK, the US and France were willing to give Rwanda a less than critical pass when it was accused of destabilising its bigger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They averted their gaze from its domestic heavy handedness, particularly its constraining of democratic space and human rights.

    But there has been a sharp turn in sentiment. For the first time, the western powers, as well as China, have begun to call out Rwanda on its behaviour.

    Read more: Rwanda and Belgium are at odds over the DRC: what’s led to the latest low point

    Western actors have grown exasperated with Rwanda’s impunity and have been forced to change tack. Quiet shuttle diplomacy, notably by the Biden administration and the EU, has failed to achieve Rwandan restraint. And as a humanitarian crisis grew, they saw more forceful and overt actions as necessary.

    Concerned about the rising level of violence and humanitarian catastrophe in the DRC, western powers through the UN general assembly and security council called for restraint, dialogue and de-escalation. France, Belgium, Germany, the US, Canada and the EU also condemned the escalating violence and Rwanda’s role. The growing consensus culminated in firmer and direct sanctions against individual Rwandan actors and entities and suspension of economic and trade cooperation.

    I have been a long time scholar of and commentator on African regime types, political governance and conflict, with a focus on Rwanda. It’s my view that Rwanda’s escapades in eastern DRC have had a detrimental impact on the goodwill long extended to the Kigali regime. What happens next will depend on its response.

    Rwanda’s role in the DRC

    There is little doubt about Rwanda’s involvement in conflict and instability in the eastern DRC. The reports from the security council and UN bodies have provided sufficient evidence of this.

    Since 2012, Rwanda has been accused of being the patron behind the Movement of March 23 (M23) rebel group. The M23 and its associated alliances have been fighting the DRC government, purportedly to protect the rights of Congolese Tutsis.

    For its part, Rwanda has pointed to the danger posed by remnants of security forces involved in the 1994 genocide. The forces fled into the DRC and are still hell bent on causing instability in Rwanda, Kigali claims. The other grievance is that the forces are backed by the DRC regime and have been responsible for persecuting Congolese Tutsis.

    Between 2012 and 2018, the M23 group had a limited level of military success. In 2012 it captured the eastern DRC city of Goma but was forced to relinquish it after just 10 days.

    In the latest escalation of fighting the group has made significant gains, recapturing Goma and capturing the bigger Bukavu and other areas.

    M23’s success has been attributed to the sustained and systematic support Rwanda has given the group, according to the UN report and security council resolution 2773.

    Support has included sophisticated weaponry and boots on the ground, conservatively estimated at over 4,000 soldiers. Faced with demotivated, ill-trained and poorly coordinated DRC military capabilities, the M23 success was almost inevitable.

    Read more: DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions?

    The turnaround

    In August 2023 and again on 20 February 2025, the US slapped sanctions on key players in Rwanda and the M23 Alliance. The EU and the UK then paused some economic support for Rwanda. This was a strategic signal from the big powers.

    Germany then froze aid, Belgium’s rebuked the country and the EU called for stronger penalties, among them a ban on Rwanda’s mineral industry. This was to force Rwanda to rein in or rethink its activities in the DRC and be a constructive rather than disruptive partner.

    Belgium has had historical relations with both Rwanda and the DRC, having been the last colonial authority. Rwanda took specific exception to Belgium’s action by cutting diplomatic relations. It also took a more belligerent posture in the UN security council.

    Read more: M23: Four things you should know about the rebel group’s campaign in Rwanda-DRC conflict

    While this is seen as a non-compromising stance, it is against a lesser western power than the US or the UK. This could be taken as Rwanda saving face while working out an exit strategy to avoid escalating tensions with western powers or provoking far reaching coordinated action.

    It is notable that Qatar (and not a western or African power) has taken a lead in chaperoning talks between the conflict parties. This couldn’t have been without the blessing of the US, given the close relationship Qatar enjoys with the US as conflict resolution partners. Qatar is also an investor in Rwanda. This allows Rwanda to avoid being dragged to the negotiating table by critical western powers.

    Next steps

    The intensity of the conflict has slowed down somewhat, with the M23 rebel alliance having announced a ceasefire and unilateral action to “withdraw” from some of the areas they have recently captured.

    Whether this is a strategic compromise in response to the now forceful demand for Rwanda to cease its active support and intervention is unclear. It is notable that Qatar has now directly invited the rebels to the table.

    Once known as the darling of the west, most notable for clean and efficient government, a good business environment and unquestioned security and stability, Rwanda may have reached an inflection point with its flagrant DRC intervention. The change in western attitude may mark a more critical epoch in relations.

    – Rwanda’s image abroad: how western countries are beginning to turn their backs
    – https://theconversation.com/rwandas-image-abroad-how-western-countries-are-beginning-to-turn-their-backs-253663

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NT Labs Methylene Blue – Product defect recall alert

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    NT Labs Methylene Blue – Product defect recall alert

    Product recall for two batches of NT Labs Methylene Blue.

    We wish to advise you that NT Labs are initiating a Class II recall for two batches of the product Methylene Blue at the wholesaler/distributor level, in line with their GMP responsibility.

    The composition stated on the bottle label & carton is incorrect.

    The product contains 2.5 g/100 ml of Methylene Blue, however its label states concentration 2.5 mg/100 ml.

    This recall affects the below mentioned batches only:

    Product Batch Number Size Date of Manufacture Expiry date
    Methylene Blue 21474 100ml 11/2024 11/2027
    Methylene Blue 22055 100ml 02/2025 01/2028

    NT Labs is contacting wholesale dealers to examine inventory immediately and quarantine products subject to this recall.

    For further information regarding the recall, please contact Theo Thunder, Quality Control Manager at theo@ntlabs.co.uk or +44(0)1622 817692.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai receives credentials from new Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-03-28
    President Lai meets British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones
    On the afternoon of March 28, President Lai Ching-te met with British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones. In remarks, President Lai welcomed Representative Bradley-Jones as she takes up her post in Taiwan, and thanked the United Kingdom government and parliament for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. The president indicated that Taiwan and the UK enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well, with great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. He stated that he looks forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to meet Representative Bradley-Jones here at the Presidential Office for this exchange. I understand that she has proactively called at many government agencies since taking up her post last month. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome. Taiwan and the UK are partners that share the values of freedom and democracy. In recent years, our bilateral relations have continued to deepen. With the efforts of Representative Bradley-Jones and our respective governments, I look forward to the expansion of dialogue and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. This will further elevate our bilateral ties. Especially in the face of expanding authoritarianism, the UK is not only playing an important role in crafting a unified European response; it is also demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through various channels. For example, joint statements released after the Australia-UK ministerial consultations, as well as the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, underlined a high level of concern for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The UK government has publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s international participation on multiple occasions. And last November, the UK House of Commons passed a motion clearly asserting that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. These actions attest to the UK’s belief in supporting democracy and peace, and have further solidified our countries’ friendship. I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to the UK government and parliament.  Currently, the UK is Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner in Europe and second largest source of investment from Europe. We enjoy close economic and trade ties, and our industries complement each other well. There is also great potential for collaboration in such fields as semiconductors, AI, unmanned vehicles, and medium- and low-orbit satellites. We look forward to expanding exchanges with the UK across all domains so as to enhance democratic and economic resilience. We also hope the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership so that together, we can work with more like-minded partners, jointly advancing the prosperous development of the Indo-Pacific region and economic security around the world. Once again, I welcome Representative Bradley-Jones to Taiwan and wish her all the best with her work. I anticipate that Taiwan-UK relations will continue to steadily advance through our joint efforts. Representative Bradley-Jones then delivered remarks, first saying in Mandarin that she is honored to meet with President Lai to discuss topics of mutual concern and jointly deepen Taiwan-UK relations, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. She went on to say that she came to Taiwan last August to study Mandarin, and began her post as British Office Taipei representative in February this year, noting that every day she learns more about and gains a deeper understanding of Taiwan. Last year, she said, she visited Tainan and Wanli, and found Tainan’s wetlands and the scenery in Wanli very impressive. She added that she has also tried many different Taiwanese foods, and is looking forward to experiencing even more of Taiwan’s local culture and customs over the next four years. Continuing her remarks in English, Representative Bradley-Jones stated that since taking up her post, she has borne witness to the strength of the relationship between Taiwan and the UK and the potential for it to continue to grow. She said that on trade and investment, there is significant complementarity between Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s Industrial Strategy, particularly in areas such as digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. Both governments are also together supporting Taiwan and UK businesses through our Enhanced Trade Partnership and annual trade talks, she said. Representative Bradley-Jones went on to say that on science and technology, Taiwan and the UK can and should do more together. She noted that the UK has the third largest tech sector in the world and is valued at over US$1.1 trillion, while Taiwan is the center of the semiconductor and AI hardware world. Given our complementary strengths, especially in areas such as semiconductors, space, and communications technology, she said, the UK has stepped up its level of activity in Taiwan, including by regularly hosting a UK Pavilion at SEMICON and funding 18 joint R&D programs through our new collaborative R&D fund, and looks forward to doing more together in the future.  In support of Taiwan’s whole-of-society resilience, the representative said, the UK is supporting valuable exchanges, co-hosting GCTF (Global Cooperation and Training Framework) workshops, sharing lessons on financial sector resilience, and reaching out to mayors and community leaders across Taiwan. From financial resilience to cyber resilience, she said, the UK’s public sector and private industries have plenty to share and learn. Representative Bradley-Jones stated that on people-to-people links, parliamentarians, civil society, and academics are continuing to deepen contact, and that she is particularly excited by a new smart parliament partnership agreed upon by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the UK’s Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which aims to facilitate cross-party, cross-society, and cross-border exchanges on issues such as democratic governance, AI, inclusive policy-making, and public safety. The representative indicated that the examples she mentioned just scratch the surface of the full potential of the Taiwan-UK relationship. She said that the UK’s longstanding policy remains unchanged, and fundamentally, that is because we share a common set of values and interests. We are together focused on how to make our societies safer and more prosperous tomorrow than they are today, she said, and as like-minded democracies, innovative economies, and practical partners, the sincere and pragmatic cooperation between Taiwan and the UK is bringing material benefits to the prosperity and well-being of our people every day. 

    Details
    2025-03-21
    President Lai meets Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy
    On the morning of March 21, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. In remarks, President Lai said that Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan, and that we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Alaska will have more frequent engagement and exchanges so that our relations can continue to grow to create prosperous development for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to our guests. This is Governor Dunleavy’s first visit to Taiwan, and last night, we both attended the Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet with Governor Dunleavy today at the Presidential Office for further dialogue. Alaska has long been an important trading partner of Taiwan. Our sister-state relationship was established in 1988, and we have built a solid foundation for cooperation in such fields as energy, fisheries, and tourism. Currently, Taiwan is Alaska’s eighth largest export market and ninth largest source of imports. This goes to show just how close our trade and economic ties are and how much potential there is for further growth. As I said in my remarks at last night’s Hsieh Nien Fan banquet, Taiwan is interested in buying Alaskan natural gas. I am sure that Governor Dunleavy’s visit will help us explore even more opportunities for cooperation and continue to deepen Taiwan-United States relations. In the face of such challenges as expanding authoritarianism, climate change, and pandemics, we look forward to strengthening collaboration between Taiwan and the US. By drawing on our strengths, we can jointly build non-red supply chains to bolster our economic resilience and drive the advancement of global technology. I want to thank the US government for reiterating the importance it attaches to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. These statements backing Taiwan help in maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. Once again, I thank Governor Dunleavy for traveling such a long way to Taiwan. We hope to see more frequent engagement and exchanges between Taiwan and Alaska so that our relations can continue to grow, and we can create prosperous development for both sides. Governor Dunleavy then delivered remarks, saying that their trip to visit friends in Taiwan has been fantastic, thanking President Lai for the invitation to meet, and thanking all the staff. Governor Dunleavy said that as the pandemic was raging, the world went from “before COVID” to “after COVID.” Before COVID, he said, the world relied on a number of systems that were in place for decades after World War II involving supply chains, alliances, sources of energy, trading partners, and friends. He went on to say that as we go beyond COVID, we are reestablishing and reevaluating who our friends are, where we are going to get our energy, and who our trading partners are going to be. The governor said that we are creating a new world for the next 50 years with the new administration in Washington, and this is an opportunity for us to reevaluate and reinvest with our friends for the next 50 years in each other, our futures, and our security. Governor Dunleavy stated that one thing is for certain: that Taiwan is a friend of the US and a friend of Alaska, and has been for many, many decades. He said that it is their hope in this trip and subsequent trips to establish an even tighter bond among their friends in Taiwan, the US, and Alaska. The governor also said that we have much in common in that we are members of the Pacific family, are democracies, and believe in freedom, free speech, and capitalism. He indicated that he has much optimism for the future, and that as we reestablish relationships throughout the world, energy is going to be the key and the basis for our economic development, our national security, and our friendship. Governor Dunleavy said that he believes this trip is going to lay the groundwork for a fantastic future between Taiwan, Alaska, and the US, and that with President Lai’s support as well as the support of the US administration, we can work together to build even better relationships.

    Details
    2025-03-20
    President Lai attends AmCham Taiwan 2025 Hsieh Nien Fan
    On the evening of March 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the annual Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan). In remarks, President Lai pointed out that the United States is now a major source of investment in Taiwan, adding that last year US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. The president also pointed out that the US has become Taiwan’s largest investment destination, as Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of its total outbound investment last year. President Lai expressed hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. He also emphasized that one essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. The president expressed his belief that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: I’m delighted to be here tonight. I want to wish everyone and their families a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. For many years now, AmCham has acted as a bridge between Taiwan and the US. It not only advocates for Taiwan to various sectors in the US, but also offers advice for the development of Taiwan’s industries. So tonight, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our friends from the American business community. The 2025 Business Climate Survey, published by AmCham this January, demonstrates the confidence foreign businesses have in the Taiwan market. We are happy to see that over 80 percent of survey respondents reported stable or increased revenue last year, and around 80 percent expressed confidence in Taiwan’s economic prospects for the coming year. Moreover, 90 percent of businesses surveyed are planning to maintain or expand their investments in Taiwan. The positive developments in Taiwan made by our American friends here tonight, their outlook for the future, and their confidence in Taiwan, are further proof of Taiwan’s ideal environment for investment. The US is now a major source of investment in Taiwan. Last year, US investment accounted for 11.5 percent of total foreign investment in Taiwan. In 2023, Entegris opened a new manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung and Micron launched a new facility in Taichung. Last year, Google further solidified Taiwan as its biggest R&D hub outside of the US by opening a new office here. AMD, Nvidia, and major cloud computing companies from the US have also been choosing Taiwan to expand their presence. Over the past several years, the US has also become Taiwan’s largest investment destination. Taiwan’s direct and indirect investment in the US accounted for more than 40 percent of our total outbound investment last year. Four years ago, TSMC’s [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company] investment in facilities in Arizona became the biggest FDI [foreign direct investment] in a greenfield project in US history. And this month, TSMC announced it would expand that investment, breaking another record and highlighting the enduring prosperity shared by Taiwan and the US. In addition to TSMC, Taiwan’s GlobalWafers has built a 12-inch silicon wafer factory in Texas, the biggest in the US. This will be followed by many other industries. These companies are confidently expanding their global presence across the Pacific and eastward into the Americas. The US is moving to reindustrialize its manufacturing industry and consolidate high-tech leadership, as it moves to become a global AI hub. In these efforts, Taiwan is an indispensable partner for the US. While the US is a leader in chip design, Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing plays an irreplaceable part in the supply chain. Adapting to the changing geopolitical landscape and the coming era of smart technology, Taiwan will continue to promote its Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, AI, military, next-gen communications, and security and surveillance. This will drive the next stage in our economic development. A great time to invest in Taiwan is now. We will continue to better connect relevant government agencies and align with international standards to foster a friendlier investment environment. And I am confident that Taiwanese and American companies can leverage their respective high-tech expertise and invest in each other, boosting growth in industrial innovation and development for both our economies. At the same time, we hope to continue deepening Taiwan-US trade relations. Last year, Taiwan was the seventh largest trading partner of the US, up one spot from the previous year, and bilateral trade grew by 24.2 percent. Taiwan is going to expand procurement from the US of industrial and agricultural products, as well as natural gas. I am very happy to welcome Governor [Mike] Dunleavy of Alaska, who has specially come all the way to Taiwan. Alaska is a source of high-quality natural gas, and its relatively short distance from Taiwan facilitates transportation. So we are very interested in buying Alaskan natural gas because it can meet our needs and ensure our energy security. We hope that AmCham will continue to offer support in quickly resolving the issue of double taxation and removing tax barriers to bilateral investment and trade, further enhancing the mutually beneficial Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership. One essential element for our economic prosperity is maintaining security and stability, both regionally and globally. So we are grateful for the joint leaders’ statement issued by [US] President [Donald] Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, in which they expressed their solid support for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As we face growing authoritarianism, Taiwan will continue to uphold our values of freedom and democracy and will be a responsible actor in regional and global security. Currently, Taiwan’s defense budget stands at about 2.5 percent of GDP. Going forward, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. At the same time, we will continue to reform national defense, further enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. And we will advance our cooperation with the US and other democracies in upholding regional stability and prosperity. We also welcome continued Taiwan-US cooperation in the defense sector. I believe that, so long as we coordinate our efforts, we can achieve more in our respective defense industries and build non-red supply chains, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity. In closing, I look forward to seeing even greater achievements from Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Thank you. After remarks, President Lai, AmCham Chairperson Dan Silver, American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, and Governor Dunleavy raised their glasses in recognition of the strong Taiwan-US friendship.  

    Details
    2025-03-18
    President Lai meets Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs  
    On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Arizona enjoy close economic and trade relations, and expressed hope that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-United States high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. The president indicated that the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome for Taiwan-US relations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome you all to the Presidential Office. Governor Hobbs previously visited Taiwan after taking office in 2023. Her leading a delegation to Taiwan once again demonstrates Arizona’s continued friendship and the importance Arizona attaches to Taiwan. For this, I express my sincerest gratitude, and I welcome you again. In recent years, ties between Taiwan and Arizona have continued to expand and progress. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s investment in Arizona is the largest greenfield investment in US history. This month, TSMC announced that it would increase its investment in the US by US$100 billion. It plans to build more semiconductor fabrication and research and development facilities in greater Phoenix, transforming the area into a US semiconductor hub. Due to our close industrial engagement, we now have more than 30,000 Taiwanese living in Arizona. I would like to thank Governor Hobbs for taking care of Taiwanese businesses and people. I believe that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-US high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. Taiwan and Arizona also enjoy close economic and trade relations. Taiwan is Arizona’s eighth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports. Last December, the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade officially came into effect. I believe this will help further deepen our trade and economic ties. At present, the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation. I hope that we can work together to achieve this goal as soon as possible. This would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive local industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome. With Governor Hobbs’s support, we look forward to continuing to advance Taiwan-US relations and promoting further cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Arizona across all domains. I understand that during this visit, you have visited many important companies and exchanged opinions with government agencies on how to strengthen bilateral relations. These efforts all go toward building an even more solid foundation for future Taiwan-US cooperation. Once again, I thank you all for supporting Taiwan and welcome you to visit us often in the future. Governor Hobbs then delivered remarks, stating that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan continues to thrive as a global hub for technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. She said that she is proud to be back in Taiwan alongside her secretary of commerce, Sandra Watson, as part of a diplomatic and economic delegation from Arizona. Since arriving, she said, they’ve hit the ground running, meeting with key partners, businesses, and leaders, noting that the takeaway from their meetings has been incredibly positive, and that they underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Arizona and Taiwan. Adding that our partnership that is built on shared values, mutual cultural appreciation, and commitment to innovation and economic growth, Governor Hobbs indicated that Arizona and Taiwan’s partnership extends back decades, as Taiwanese fighter pilots have been training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix since 1996. She said that we have built a strong base of collaboration across many areas, including technology, workforce, and cultural exchange, and that Arizona is even slated to get its own Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), which she expressed she is very thrilled about. Governor Hobbs went on to say that Arizona’s relationship with Taiwan is anchored by its ongoing partnership with TSMC and many Taiwan-based companies in semiconductor and other industries, and that TSMC’s US$165 billion investment in Arizona will help power development of the world’s most advanced technology, such as AI, and promises to cement an unbreakable bond between our two economies.  She stated that as governor, she can say with confidence that her administration is fully committed to strengthening this relationship in every way possible, because when Arizona and Taiwan succeed, we all succeed. Lastly, Governor Hobbs once again expressed gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. She then invited President Lai to Arizona to continue their productive conversations and further strengthen ties between our people and our economies, adding that she knows there is no limit to what we can achieve together, and that she is looking forward to what is to come. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-03-18
    President Lai meets 2025 Yushan Forum participants
    On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2025 Yushan Forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the guests for gathering here in Taiwan and discussing ways to enhance regional cooperation, demonstrating that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. The president reiterated that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. He stated that Taiwan will continue to work with international partners to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, the president emphasized, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to begin by thanking Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former prime minister of Denmark and chairman of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, for inviting then-President Tsai Ing-wen to address the Copenhagen Democracy Summit via video over five consecutive years since 2020, and for inviting myself to give remarks via video last year. Those opportunities allowed Taiwan to share with the world our motivation for, and our work toward, safeguarding freedom and democracy. I would also like to thank Mr. Janez Janša, former prime minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who has visited Taiwan many times already, for actively elevating the cordial ties between Taiwan and Slovenia during his term as prime minister, helping expand friendship for Taiwan throughout Europe. Today’s guests have traveled a long way to show their strong backing for Taiwan. For this, I express my deepest gratitude. Yesterday was my first time attending the Yushan Forum as president. I saw political leaders and representatives gather here in Taiwan and discuss ways to enhance regional cooperation. The event demonstrated that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. It was truly moving. As I stated at the opening ceremony, Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. Our government will help guide Taiwanese small- and medium-sized enterprises as they expand into the international market and extend Taiwan’s economic power. I hope that during this visit, our guests will be able to explore more opportunities for cooperation in such fields as AI, smart healthcare, and advanced technologies, and join hands in contributing to the prosperity and development of our democratic allies and friends. Taiwan will continue to work with international partners, building upon the shared values of freedom and democracy, to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And I hope, with the assistance of our guests here today, that we can further strengthen the ties between Taiwan and Europe so that we can all take up the work of maintaining global peace and stability. Once again, I welcome our guests to Taiwan. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in a few moments. I also hope you will visit Taiwan often in the future and continue to experience our vibrant democratic society and culture. Chairman Rasmussen then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great pleasure to be back here in Taipei after meeting with President Lai in 2023. He then thanked President Lai for the Taiwanese hospitality on behalf of the Yushan Forum international visitors and participants, who represent four continents and very different political parties but who are united by one thing – the commitment to democracy. Chairman Rasmussen mentioned that over the past few days, they have met with members of the government, legislature, and civil society in Taiwan. He said that he is more convinced than ever that in a very uncertain world, Taiwan continues to stand as a beacon of democracy, from which people in Europe and in the rest of the world have a lot to learn. Over the past eight years, he has been proud to step up his engagement with Taiwan, he said, as he has always subscribed to the view that freedom must advance everywhere, or else it is in decline everywhere. Chairman Rasmussen noted that they have many interests in making sure Taiwan remains free and that we must always stand up for freedom when it is under assault by a dictator. This is why Ukraine’s fight is also everyone’s fight, he explained. He then praised Taiwan for all of the support it has given to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion and honored the two Taiwanese volunteer soldiers who gave their lives for freedom in Ukraine. Chairman Rasmussen remarked that Taiwan is a strong feature of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit that he convenes each year. His foundation, the Alliance of Democracies, has even been sanctioned by the Chinese government due to its support of Taiwan, he said, which is something he takes as a badge of honor. He added that this year’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit in May will be no different, as they plan to focus on the new world order, urgent measures to strengthen Europe’s military, and the situation in Ukraine. But as the United States pulls back from the transatlantic alliance and Europe focuses more on its own defense, he said, Europe should not retreat from the world. He added that to ensure European security, we need more Europe in the Indo-Pacific, and that is why he has been making the argument for more political and economic cooperation with Taiwan. Chairman Rasmussen praised President Lai’s recent decision to increase Taiwan’s national defense budget to more than 3 percent of GDP, adding that it is important that each nation does what it can for its own defense. The chairman once again thanked President Lai for meeting with them today and for the opportunity to visit Taiwan, a beacon of democracy and liberty in Asia. Also in attendance at the meeting were Chairman of the Czech Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Pavel Fischer; Member of the National Security Advisory Board to India’s National Security Council Anshuman Tripathi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Anna Fotyga; former Minister of Health of Canada Tony Clement; and former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and current Secretary General of the Polish-based Community of Democracies Mantas Adomėnas.

    Details
    2025-04-06
    President Lai delivers remarks on US tariff policy response
    On April 6, President Lai Ching-te delivered recorded remarks regarding the impact of the 32 percent tariff that the United States government recently imposed on imports from Taiwan in the name of reciprocity. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the government will adopt five response strategies, including making every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations, adopting a support plan for affected domestic industries, adopting medium- and long-term economic development plans, forming new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements, and launching industry listening tours. The president emphasized that as we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and expressed hope that all parties, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: My fellow citizens, good evening. The US government recently announced higher tariffs on countries around the world in the name of reciprocity, including imposing a 32 percent tariff on imports from Taiwan. This is bound to have a major impact on our nation. Various countries have already responded, and some have even adopted retaliatory measures. Tremendous changes in the global economy are expected. Taiwan is an export-led economy, and in facing future challenges there will inevitably be difficulties, so we must proceed carefully to turn danger into safety. During this time, I want to express gratitude to all sectors of society for providing valuable opinions, which the government regards highly, and will use as a reference to make policy decisions.  However, if we calmly and carefully analyze Taiwan’s trade with the US, we find that last year Taiwan’s exports to the US were valued at US$111.4 billion, accounting for 23.4 percent of total export value, with the other 75-plus percent of products sold worldwide to countries other than the US. Of products sold to the US, competitive ICT products and electronic components accounted for 65.4 percent. This shows that Taiwan’s economy does still have considerable resilience. As long as our response strategies are appropriate, and the public and private sectors join forces, we can reduce impacts. Please do not panic. To address the reciprocal tariffs by the US, Taiwan has no plans to adopt retaliatory tariffs. There will be no change in corporate investment commitments to the US, as long as they are consistent with national interests. But we must ensure the US clearly understands Taiwan’s contributions to US economic development. More importantly, we must actively seek to understand changes in the global economic situation, strengthen Taiwan-US industry cooperation, elevate the status of Taiwan industries in global supply chains, and with safeguarding the continued development of Taiwan’s economy as our goal, adopt the following five strategies to respond. Strategy one: Make every effort to improve reciprocal tariff rates through negotiations using the following five methods:  1. Taiwan has already formed a negotiation team led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君). The team includes members from the National Security Council, the Office of Trade Negotiations, and relevant Executive Yuan ministries and agencies, as well as academia and industry. Like the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, negotiations on tariffs can start from Taiwan-US bilateral zero-tariff treatment. 2. To expand purchases from the US and thereby reduce the trade deficit, the Executive Yuan has already completed an inventory regarding large-scale procurement plans for agricultural, industrial, petroleum, and natural gas products, and the Ministry of National Defense has also proposed a military procurement list. All procurement plans will be actively pursued. 3. Expand investments in the US. Taiwan’s cumulative investment in the US already exceeds US$100 billion, creating approximately 400,000 jobs. In the future, in addition to increased investment in the US by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, other industries such as electronics, ICT, petrochemicals, and natural gas can all increase their US investments, deepening Taiwan-US industry cooperation. Taiwan’s government has helped form a “Taiwan investment in the US” team, and hopes that the US will reciprocate by forming a “US investment in Taiwan” team to bring about closer Taiwan-US trade cooperation, jointly creating a future economic golden age.  4. We must eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade. Non-tariff barriers are an indicator by which the US assesses whether a trading partner is trading fairly with the US. Therefore, we will proactively resolve longstanding non-tariff barriers so that negotiations can proceed more smoothly. 5. We must resolve two issues that have been matters of longstanding concern to the US. One regards high-tech export controls, and the other regards illegal transshipment of dumped goods, otherwise referred to as “origin washing.” Strategy two: We must adopt a plan for supporting our industries. For industries that will be affected by the tariffs, and especially traditional industries as well as micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, we will provide timely and needed support and assistance. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and his administrative team recently announced a package of 20 specific measures designed to address nine areas. Moving forward, the support we provide to different industries will depend on how they are affected by the tariffs, will take into account the particular features of each industry, and will help each industry innovate, upgrade, and transform. Strategy three: We must adopt medium- and long-term economic development plans. At this point in time, our government must simultaneously adopt new strategies for economic and industrial development. This is also the fundamental path to solutions for future economic challenges. The government will proactively cooperate with friends and allies, develop a diverse range of markets, and achieve closer integration of entities in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of industrial supply chains. This course of action will make Taiwan’s industrial ecosystem more complete, and will help Taiwanese industries upgrade and transform. We must also make good use of the competitive advantages we possess in such areas as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated chip design, ICT, and smart manufacturing to build Taiwan into an AI island, and promote relevant applications for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, as well as military, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, and the medical and health and wellness industries as we advance toward a smarter, more sustainable, and more prosperous new Taiwan. Strategy four: “Taiwan plus one,” i.e., new “Taiwan plus the US” arrangements: While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. This has been our national economic development strategy, and the most important aspect is maintaining a solid base here in Taiwan. We absolutely must maintain a solid footing, and cannot allow the present strife to cause us to waver. Therefore, our government will incentivize investments, carry out deregulation, and continue to improve Taiwan’s investment climate by actively resolving problems involving access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent. This will enable corporations to stay in Taiwan and continue investing here. In addition, we must also help the overseas manufacturing facilities of offshore Taiwanese businesses to make necessary adjustments to support our “Taiwan plus one” policy, in that our national economic development strategy will be adjusted as follows: to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding our global presence, strengthening US ties, and marketing worldwide. We intend to make use of the new state of supply chains to strengthen cooperation between Taiwanese and US industries, and gain further access to US markets. Strategy five: Launch industry listening tours: All industrial firms, regardless of sector or size, will be affected to some degree once the US reciprocal tariffs go into effect. The administrative teams led by myself and Premier Cho will hear out industry concerns so that we can quickly resolve problems and make sure policies meet actual needs. My fellow citizens, over the past half-century and more, Taiwan has been through two energy crises, the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, and pandemics. We have been able to not only withstand one test after another, but even turn crises into opportunities. The Taiwanese economy has emerged from these crises stronger and more resilient than ever. As we face this latest challenge, the government and civil society will work hand in hand, and I hope that all parties in the legislature, both ruling and opposition, will support the measures that the Executive Yuan will take to open up a broader path for Taiwan’s economy. Let us join together and give it our all. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 3 counterfeiters arrested in Italy for forging banknotes worth EUR 180 000

    Source: Europol

    The operation took place on 7 April and resulted in:3 suspects arrested in Italy600 counterfeit euro banknotes seized in denominations of EUR 10, 20, 50, and 100 for a total value of around EUR 50,000Print shop producing counterfeit euro banknotes dismantledIllegal mint (stamping press) dismantledCryptocurrency payments and shipping through postal serviceThe investigation, which began in 2024, revealed that a criminal…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spanish PM to visit China

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

    BEIJING, April 8 — At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will visit China from April 10 to 11, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced here Tuesday.

    Noting this is Sanchez’s third visit to China in three years, spokesperson Lin Jian told a daily press briefing that during his visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with Sanchez, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang will hold talks with Sanchez.

    Spain is an important partner of China in the European Union (EU), Lin said, adding that the two countries uphold the spirit of mutual respect, mutual trust, and mutual benefit when developing bilateral relations, and that China-Spain relations are at the forefront of China’s relations with European countries.

    This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership. Lin said that it is hoped that the two sides, taking this visit as an opportunity, will deepen strategic mutual trust, expand opening-up and cooperation, join hands to meet global challenges and push for greater development of bilateral relations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dovecot Day of Dreams promises fun for all the family

    Source: City of Liverpool

    The fantastical dreams and magical memories of a Liverpool community are to be celebrated in unique fashion next month.

    A dreamkeeping HQ is to be set up as part of a free family-friendly day of celebration, art and performances in the heart of the city’s Dovecot area.  

    On Saturday 3 May, Dovecot Dreamkeeping Society – a fictional organisation dedicated to preserving memories and dreams – will transform Hope Wellbeing Hub into Dreamkeeping HQ.

    Dovecot Multi-Activity Centre will be supporting the day and there will be a few surprise pop-ups in local businesses and Dovecot Park.

    Visitors can pop along to Dovecot Parade any time from 2pm-5:30pm to enjoy walkabout performances or to book a free space on one of the performance trails, which start at Hope Wellbeing Hub at 3:30pm or 4:30pm, go to: https://dovecotdayofdreams.eventbrite.co.uk  

    Meet weird and wonderful characters and encounter artworks – including mural by local artist John Culshaw – created in collaboration with over 300 community members of all ages from the Dovecot and Knotty Ash area, inspired by the dreams and memories of local people, gathered over a six-month residency led by artist Izzie Major.

    Izzie and her team of Dreamkeepers have embedded themselves into the community, delivering creative workshops at The Drive, Hope Wellbeing Hub, Dovecot Multi-Activity Centre, Channy’s Youthy at Dovecot Primary Dovecot Primary, Knotty Ash Primary, Nex Gen Academy, Brookside Retirement Home, Deaf Active and Smarties YPAS North Hub. Watch a short film of the workshops here.

    They have also invited local residents to join the Dreamkeeping Society. Following a series of drama workshops, these residents will be in character on the day. But don’t worry if you missed out because the Dreamkeeping Society still need your help as all is not well in their office in the sky. One of their most forgetful Dreamkeepers left an important file open overnight and some of the dreams have gotten loose! Book a place to join the mission to catch the lost dreams of Dovecot.

    Dovecot Dreamkeeping Society has been commissioned by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team as part of its Creative Neighborhoods programme and supported by the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The public art commission delivered by John Culshaw was funded by UK Shared prosperity fund Local Neighbourhood Fund.

    In the run-up to the day, John Culshaw will be holding a mural workshop on 13 April from 11am outside Dovecot Multi-Activity Centre, alongside a family fun day that takes place at Dovecot’s Hope Wellbeing Hub from 11am-3pm.

    Artist Izzie Major said:

    “Our project uses the weird and wonderful world of dreams to spark playfulness and creativity. It brings people together of all ages and all walks of life with a simple message: we are all artists and dreamers, we just need time and space away from our busy lives to come together and create, that’s what the Dreamkeeping Society is about. We’ve reached over 300 local residents with our workshops and now we want to make 3 May a fantastic day of celebration that showcases all the creativity and brilliant community initiatives we’ve experienced in the local area, we hope this day will be a building block of things to come.”

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

    “Over the last six months, Izzie and her team have been visiting community hubs, schools and care homes to creatively capture past memories and future aspirations, which residents can look forward to seeing represented at the finale celebration event. Sharing experiences, hopes and dreams can foster connections with others, creating a sense of unity and belonging and hopefully creating new memories together.”

    Resident participant Susie Williams said:

    “Myself and my children wanted to do something together as a family. My aim was to see my daughter gain more confidence as she is very shy. For my son I wanted him to gain more acting skills in a place he feels comfortable as he is deaf, so being able to join in with him was very beneficial for him as the sessions were visual too and so much fun for all ages. We all mixed in well together.

    To do this as a family was a fun way for us all to bond and to watch each other develop and grow. I have seen my daughter confidently perform in front of a group which she would never do in the past. I have seen my son become more expressive and even perform this eagerly without needing encouragement to take part. This wouldn’t have been possible without Izzy’s support or her wonderful sessions. She is very patient, bubbly and welcoming and has many wonderful skills of making sure people of all ages, backgrounds and disabilities feel welcome and able to express themselves! We have learnt so much and look forward to more sessions.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Independent oversight at Liverpool City Council ends with praise for ‘significant and substantial improvement’

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council has made “significant and substantial improvement”, the Government has been told, following the end of the conclusion of the independently-led Improvement and Assurance Board.

    The Improvement and Assurance Board, which included two independent advisors as well as elected members and senior officers at Liverpool City Council, was set up to provide oversight of ongoing improvements in the local authority following the end of Government intervention and the withdrawal of Commissioners in June 2024. The Board was a “step down” from statutory intervention, which began with the Best Value Inspection and Commissioners being appointed in 2021. The improvement process at Liverpool City Council has now progressed far enough to allow these arrangements to also now be successfully concluded.

    Independent Chair, Mike Cunningham CBE QPM, has written to the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Jim McMahon MP, with their final report.

    Key points in the report include:

    • Leadership is “firmly focused on ensuring continuous improvement across the Council and delivery for the city’s residents” and the Board have “confidence in the stability of this leadership structure”.
    • Governance and decision-making are now subject to “clear, robust processes which ensure key decisions are rigorously considered before progressing”.
    • The Council “is managing its finances effectively and is making the difficult but necessary decisions to manage these challenges”. The Board also welcomes the approval of five years of accounts from 2019-24 within the last 12 months as “one of the most concrete examples of financial improvement”.
    • Staff confidence has grown and that “the workforce is clear of the need to continue to improve services to residents and has shown great commitment to want to achieve this”.
    • There have been improvements in Children’s Services since the service was judged inadequate by Ofsted in May 2023, and the leadership team is “stable, high calibre and focused on improving outcomes for children in the city”.
    • The City Development service has been “fundamentally transformed” and now has a “full cohort of experienced and well qualified staff” and is “starting to recover” its external reputation to “set a new, optimistic and growth-orientated future for the city”. It adds that there is “significant momentum for North Liverpool” including the new Bramley Moore stadium and plans for Central Docks within Liverpool Waters, as well as the Council’s ambitions for a new community in North Liverpool .
    • Progress in tackling housing and homelessness issue is described as “visible” and the pace of service improvement is “increasing”, with “clear plans to ensure that housing duties are delivered as effectively as possible and that budget sustainability issues are addressed”.
    • The report says the property service “remains focused on continuing to improve” in building capacity, implementing its improvement plan and the quality of decision making. It adds: “Although there remains much to be done, the Board has greater confidence in the plans in place to deliver an improved service and can see good evidence of a focus on delivery and impact for the residents of the city”.

    Securing Continuous Improvement

    The Board says the Council has a “deep commitment” to continuous improvement and is building “an organisational culture” focused around “challenging how it operates, adopting modern working practices and driving out waste and inefficiency”.

    An independent Corporate Peer Challenge held last year also highlighted the progress that has been made. A further review is being explored for 2027, with a full inspection in 2029.

    The Board has welcomed a proposal to establish a formal Improvement Committee to oversee whole Council improvement, made up of senior Cabinet members and officers. It will have the ability to commission independent assurance as required.

    In conclusion, the Board says it is “confident that the Council’s trajectory is well set, well led and understood across the whole organisation”.

    It adds: “With the new arrangements in place, and continued leadership, commitment and resources dedicated to improvement, there is confidence that the council’s ambitions for itself as an organisation and for the residents it serves will be achieved”.

    In a letter to the Minister accompanying the report, Mr Cunningham said: “Liverpool is now an organisation able to manage its own continuous improvement and we have confidence in the senior officer and political team’s ability to lead the Council and respond to future challenges”.

    Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, has also written to the Minister to give a commitment to the improvement journey and outline the steps being taken to improve services, including additional investment in tackling flytipping, street cleansing and blight, as well as co-location of services and the process of dealing with customer queries.

    The final report of the Improvement and Assurance Board will be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday 15 April.

    Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: “I very much welcome this report from the Improvement and Assurance Board which demonstrates how much progress we have made.

    “Politically and managerially we have been transformed, particularly over the last two years with a new Cabinet and senior leadership team. I would like to thank Councillors of all parties for their support with the significant changes that have been made, and staff for their hard work and commitment.

    “I believe there is an unstoppable momentum in the improvements that we are making, which are now starting to make a difference to the quality of frontline services, particularly when combined with the additional investment we are putting in.

    “Residents should have confidence that we are now an outward looking organisation that welcomes challenge and wants to work in partnership with our communities to deliver improvements for the city.”

    “I want to thank Mike Cunningham for his personal commitment to the improvement of Liverpool City Council, and the other independent members Stephen Hughes and Richard Ennis for their expert support.”

    Independent Chair of the Improvement and Assurance Board, Mike Cunningham CBE QPM said: “It is now almost four years since I first arrived in Liverpool to oversee the city’s improvement journey, initially as Lead Commissioner and latterly as independent Chair of the Improvement and Assurance Board.

    “The stability and commitment to improvement, as well as a clear understanding of the challenges that remain, provides a solid platform for the future.

    “The senior leadership team know and accept that there is much more to do, and are open to constructive challenge, which means that we are able to have confidence in the future.

    “I would like to thank councillors, officers and frontline staff for the transparent way in which they have engaged with us to enable us to form well-informed judgements, and I wish them well for the future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni chairs meeting at Palazzo Chigi on tariffs

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, chaired a meeting at Palazzo Chigi today to discuss in-depth the tariffs imposed by the United States and the possible implications for the Italian economy.

    The meeting was attended by the Vice-Presidents of the Council of Ministers, Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, the Minister for European Affairs, the NRRP and Cohesion Policy, Tommaso Foti, and Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano.

    During the meeting, the Ministers outlined to President Meloni the various proposals under consideration to support production chains and boost the competitiveness of businesses. Said proposals will be the focus of the discussions with production sectors to be held at Palazzo Chigi tomorrow, Tuesday 8 April.

    It was reaffirmed that a ‘trade war’ would not benefit anyone, neither the European Union nor the United States. The meeting highlighted the need to address this issue with determination and pragmatism, as any alarmism risks causing far more damage than that strictly linked to the tariffs.

    The meeting also discussed the necessary business support tools, addressing the Green Deal’s ideological rules that are difficult to agree with, and the need to simplify the regulatory framework.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four drug dealers convicted for importing nearly 500kg of cocaine

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A group of drug dealers involved in the supply of nearly half a ton of cocaine worth up to £17 million have been convicted, following a detailed investigation by specialist detectives.

    The trio, who brought in cocaine from the Netherlands to distribute throughout London, were caught in the act by officers who had launched a proactive operation.

    Bert De Jong, 59, (03.09.1965), of the Netherlands, Hussain Sakhi, 22, (13.03.2003), of Laughton Road, Northolt and Zaibaa Zahur, 21, (04.06.2003), of Harlington Road, Uxbridge were convicted on Monday, 7 April of conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine, following a four-week trial at Kingston Crown Court.

    Sakhi and Zahur were also found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

    A fourth drug dealer, Justyn Morris, 23, (21.07.2001), of Upper Lees Road, Slough, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 11 March to conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

    The court heard that millions of pounds of cocaine were distributed by lorries across London.

    Lorries would stop outside the capital, and the drugs would be collected and then be sent to ‘retail suppliers’ on a weekly basis.

    On Tuesday, 16 July 2024, a holiday let was booked in Marsham, near Norwich. The following day a van was seen outside the address.

    The van, driven by Morris, then drove to an industrial estate in Norwich, where he met De Jong in a lorry. De Jong gave Morris, who then drove back to the holiday let, three cardboard boxes.

    Morris was then intercepted by officers who had seen a suspected handover.

    Met officers then searched the van and the three boxes were found hidden behind black cladding.

    A total of 70kg worth of cocaine was found – worth between £1.75million and £2.45million.

    Sakhi and Zahur went to the holiday let later that day, to ‘view’ it. Raising suspicion, officers arrived and searched the pair.

    A phone showed messages between Sakhi and an unidentified contact, who Morris had also been in contact with.

    All three were arrested by the Met that day.

    They were charged on Thursday, 18 July 2024.

    What followed was an extensive investigation, which proved the defendants had all been involved in the supply of millions of pounds worth of cocaine.

    Drug ledgers they kept as a record of the movement and distribution of the cocaine were examined during the trial and established the group had moved nearly 500kg.

    De Jong would bring the drugs into the country from the Netherlands and Morris would pick them up and pass them to Sakhi and Zahur, who would then distribute them.

    On Wednesday, 23 July 2024 De Jong, when entering the country again, was arrested. He claimed he had no knowledge of what he was bringing into the country, but evidence suggested on his phone that he would send ‘tokens’ to his counterparts, implying the drugs had been delivered.

    He was charged on the same day.

    Detective Constable Leon Ure, of the Met’s Specialist Crime South team who led the investigation, said:

    “This has been a complex and lengthy investigation to dismantle a group supplying drugs across London. It has been part of a wider, proactive drug operation led by the Specialist Crime South team.

    “This investigation shows the breadth of work the specialist crime unit deals with and I’d like to thank every officer who was involved in the case.

    “Drug dealing has a huge impact on Londoners. It fuels further crime and impacts the heart of our communities. This group is an example of how we will investigate and hold offenders to account.”

    They are due to be sentenced on Friday, 11 April at Kingston Crown Court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rise in unlicensed wells and boreholes on West Country farms

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Rise in unlicensed wells and boreholes on West Country farms

    The Environment Agency is warning farmers with private springs, wells and boreholes to check they are taking water legally from the environment.

    A water meter is needed to show how much water is being abstracted

    Farm inspectors are finding a lot of unlicensed abstraction taking place in Devon and Cornwall during routine farm inspections.

    Many farms rely on their own private water supply from springs, wells and boreholes. How much water is being taken is unmonitored – meaning farmers could be unknowingly breaching the allowed limit for abstraction without a licence. 

    Lisa Best, agriculture team leader for the Environment Agency in Devon and Cornwall, said:

    All landowners should know how much water they are abstracting and ensure they have the relevant licence if needed.  

    Abstracting water without the necessary licence or in breach of your licence conditions is an offence and could lead to enforcement action.  

    Taking 20,000 litres of water a day is enough to wash over 100 cars. Taking more water than you are permitted could impact on other users and damage the environment.

    The Environment Agency controls how much, where and when water is abstracted through our licensing system. Anyone taking 20 m3 of water per day or over is required to have an abstraction licence. Environment Agency farm inspectors have issued 70 actions to farmers over the past 2 years to install a meter to monitor how much water is being taken and apply for a licence where it is clear one is needed. 

    Abstraction licences have conditions on them to ensure the environment and the rights of other abstractors are protected. Our powers and duties enable us to regulate the use of water under existing licences and to decide whether to grant new ones. Where abstraction is damaging the environment, we also have the power to amend or revoke existing licences.  

    Climate change and population growth means there will be less available water with a greater demand for it. By 2050, the amount of water available could be down by 10-15%, with some rivers seeing 50-80% less water during the summer months. We all need to protect the environment by reducing the amount of water we use and ensuring greater efficiency in its use and re-use. 

    Background 

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Historic Danish public-private partnership with WFP expands home-grown school meals in East Africa

    Source: World Food Programme

    The three-year initiative is backed by US$40 million in co-financing from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Grundfos Foundation.

    COPENHAGEN – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is extending its partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, through a historic private-public sector collaboration that brings in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Grundfos Foundation, to expand home-grown school meals programme in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

    This partnership builds on WFP’s leading work on school meals globally to co-create a programme to deliver safe, nutritious, and locally sourced school meals, while also strengthening the climate resilience of smallholder farmers and promoting clean cooking solutions in schools. The partnership includes a strong focus on research and learning, leveraging expertise of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Grundfos Foundation.

    Running from January 2025 for three years, the initiative is backed by a historic USD 40 million in co-financing from the Danish Government and the two foundations – the first of its kind to WFP.

    Over the next three years, the initiative will reach 321,400 students in 375 schools across East Africa with nutritious home-grown meals. Around these schools, the partnership will build an ecosystem of support that ensures the long-term sustainability of the initiative. This includes establishing 1,300 school gardens, training 61,500 smallholder farmers in climate-smart food production and equipping schools with fuel-efficient cooking infrastructure.

    The partnership builds on an initial phase that ran from November 2022 to December 2024 in Rwanda and Uganda with an initial USD 4.1 million investment from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This second phase expands on the effort to include schools in Kenya’s Turkana County and scale up coverage in Uganda and Rwanda.

    The home-grown school meals programme is a flagship WFP initiative that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing both people and the planet: food insecurity and sustainable agricultural practices. The linking of school meal programmes to local agriculture creates stable markets for smallholder farmers, helps to foster job creation—particularly for women—and supports the transition to climate-smart agricultural techniques.

    It also supports the local governments’ national development agenda, aligning with broader momentum around the school meals in the region and globally through the School Meals Coalition, which WFP serves as the Secretariat.  In addition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities will be constructed or rehabilitated, cooks and school staff will receive training and public information campaigns will inform and educate the local communities. Government staff will also be trained to strengthen national capacity.

    This initiative underscores the commitment of WFP and its partners to fostering resilient food systems and ensuring that school meals provide not only essential nutrition but also long-term economic and environmental benefits. By connecting school meal procurement to local agriculture, the programme enhances food security, supports smallholder farmers, and strengthens local economies.

     

    Notes to Editor

    Quote attributable to Cindy McCain, Executive Director, UN World Food Programme: “School meals are so much more than just a plate of food – they are transformational programs that help vulnerable children to learn, communities to make a sustainable living and economies to grow and prosper. This pioneering partnership demonstrates how we can bring together expertise from the private and public sectors to create and fund innovative programs that address the root causes of hunger and support long-term resilience against food insecurity.”

    Quote attributable to Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO, Novo Nordisk Foundation: “By supporting homegrown school meal programmes we are able to address both human and planetary health through the advancement of nutritious meals and clean cooking methods in schools coupled with climate-smart agriculture. Schools hold great potential to be catalytic platforms for food systems transformation while improving the health and learning outcomes of children.”

    Quote attributable to Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark: “More can be achieved when government, business and civil society join hands and find solutions together. It is a top priority for the Danish government to build stronger partnerships between public and private actors. This partnership is a great example of that aspiration. It will not only provide nutritious and healthy meals for school children and help improve food security, but also build resilience and generate employment in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.”

    Quote attributable to Kim Nøhr Skibsted, Executive Director, Grundfos Foundation: “This partnership offers a unique opportunity to create lasting, sustainable change with a long-term impact on both children, youth and adults by leveraging the combined strengths of the partners. With this partnership water solutions for climate-smart production will be strengthened by expanding water access and providing climate adaptation solutions.”

    About the School Meals Coalition: The School Meals Coalition is a government-led network of over 100 governments, 6 regional and sub-regional bodies and over 140 partners committed to school meals. It drives actions to urgently improve and scale up school meal programmes to ensure that every child can receive a healthy, nutritious meal in school by 2030. WFP serves as the Secretariat to the School Meals Coalition. For more information, visit : SchoolMealsCoalition.org

    #                    #                       #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_dk @wfp_africa

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Telenet launches cutting-edge entertainment marketplace, powered by the Digital Vending Machine(R) from Bango

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bango (AIM: BGO), the global leader in subscription bundling, announces that it is providing the technology behind Telenet’s next-generation entertainment marketplace. Through this collaboration, all Telenet customers – across TV, broadband, and mobile channels – can effortlessly access and manage their favorite entertainment subscriptions. Available via Telenet TV, online through My Telenet and in call centre and retail stores, this marketplace delivers the best entertainment subscription overview and bundles in one convenient location using the Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™) from Bango.

    With a customer base of nearly 2 million, Telenet’s innovative entertainment marketplace is designed to provide users with unparalleled control and flexibility over their subscriptions. Initially only launched to Telenet TV customers, this Super Bundling service is now available to all Telenet customers via “My Telenet” allowing any broadband and mobile customers to take full advantage of an ever-expanding array of entertainment subscriptions.

    “Our goal is to provide customers with the most seamless and engaging entertainment subscription experiences,” said Ivor Micallef, Director Product Entertainment at Telenet group. “In a highly competitive industry, the Bango DVM™ sets us apart, allowing us to deliver a sophisticated variety of bundled entertainment subscription offers. Customers can easily activate, deactivate, and access the best deals, putting them in complete control of their subscriptions via a single Telenet bill.”

    The Bango DVM™ simplifies subscription bundling, transforming a complex technical and operational process into a seamless business opportunity. With a single integration, Telenet gains access to a rapidly growing network of global subscription providers. This allows for the swift deployment of new subscriptions, ensuring customers always have access to the latest entertainment options. Additionally, valuable insights from the Bango DVM™ enable Telenet to tailor subscription offerings to suit different customer preferences.

    “We’re excited to be partners with Telenet in bringing their visionary entertainment marketplace to life. With so many subscription services enabled through the Bango DVM™ including leading streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, telcos can quickly bring to market sophisticated bundling offers. Telcos like Telenet group are leading the way by providing a simple, centralized platform that enhances the customer experience and makes access to and management of subscription services effortless,” said Anil Malhotra, CMO at Bango.

    About Bango

    Bango enables content providers to reach more paying customers through global partnerships. Bango revolutionized the monetization of digital content and services, by opening-up online payments to mobile phone users worldwide. Today, the Digital Vending Machine® is driving the rapid growth of the subscriptions economy, powering choice and control for subscribers.

    The world’s largest content providers, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft trust Bango technology to reach subscribers everywhere.

    Bango, where people subscribe. For more information, visit www.bango.com

    About Telenet group

    As a provider of entertainment and telecommunication services in Belgium, Telenet group is always looking for the perfect experience in the digital world for its customers. Under the brand name Telenet, the company focuses on offering digital television, high-speed Internet and fixed and mobile telephony services to residential customers in Flanders and Brussels.

    Under the brand name BASE, it supplies mobile telephony in Belgium. The Telenet Business department serves the business market in Belgium and Luxembourg with connectivity, hosting and security solutions. More than 3,000 employees have one aim in mind: making living and working easier and more pleasant.

    Telenet group is part of Telenet Group Holding NV and is a 100% owned subsidiary of Liberty Global. Liberty Global is one of the world’s leading converged video, broadband and communications companies, innovating and empowering people in six countries across Europe to make the most of the digital revolution. For more information, we refer to www.telenet.be

    Media contact: 

    Anil Malhotra, CMO, Bango
    anil@bango.com
    Tel: +44 7710 480 377 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos enhances the Selartag® cellar management application with generative artificial intelligence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Atos enhances the Selartag® cellar management application with generative artificial intelligence

    Generative AI reduces the time required to create wine records for inventories by 90%

    Paris, France – April 8, 2025 – Atos today announces the integration and deployment of a generative artificial intelligence (AI) feature to all users of the Selartag® cellar management solution, benefiting professionals and consumers, to streamline the creation of wine records for inventories. Designed in six months with Amazon Bedrock, this feature reduces the time required to create a listing by 90%. It also increases the average data completeness rate by 88%, compared to 53% before the introduction of AI. The new feature improves the quality of the Selartag® application database, available on PC or smartphone, by correcting spelling and writing variants that cause inventory errors and eliminating duplicate entries, allowing sommeliers to reduce administrative tasks in favor of their core business.

    This project won the ‘GenAI Challenge’, which was organized by AWS and Atos for their joint customers to drive innovation and real-world integration of generative AI use cases. Selartag® wanted to simplify the process of searching for and entering wine inventory information to improve the accuracy of the cellar catalogues and save time for sommeliers.

    Until now, manual intervention was required to cross-reference a bottle with a wine record in the Selartag® app database. If a wine had not yet been listed, it took users between three and five minutes to complete the mandatory fields of a form detailing the bottle’s characteristics. The optional fields, despite their interest, were almost always left blank.

    Today, thanks to the newly deployed AI feature in Selartag®, the process is fast and easy. With AI image recognition, users can simply take a photo of the bottle label and click to pre-fill the card. It takes seven seconds to list a bottle in the Selartag® app, with all its characteristics, such as: appellation, estate, vintage, color, type of wine, country and region, description, food and wine pairing recommendation, peak date, serving temperature, alcohol content and grape varieties. When needed, users can update the form information, but this now takes an average of just 30 seconds per bottle.

    The generative AI feature was implemented in just six months, from concept to deployment on the Selartag® app. Atos leveraged Amazon Bedrock, an AWS managed service, to build a secure and responsible generative AI solution based on a foundation model designed by leading AI innovators.

    Hervé Lemaire, Founder and Chairman of Selartag®, said: “Generative AI joined Selartag® thanks to the expertise of our partners Atos and AWS. This feature improves the quality and reliability of the data in the wine records, which, enriched and better informed, provide valuable assistance to sommeliers on the exact knowledge of their stock and improves the accuracy of recommendations given to customers. Acting as an exoskeleton, the AI further enhances the user experience of our cellar management application”.

    Sylvain Barthélemy, Chief Operating and Technology Officer France, Atos, said: “In 2024, we developed and implemented Selartag’s® cellar management application in partnership with AWS, which hosts the solution on its secure cloud. We continue to innovate by developing and integrating tailor-made AI solutions, adapted to the logistics and distribution needs of the wine industry and the specific requirements of Selartag®’s diverse customer base”.

    Selartag® is a wine cellar management system that consists of tamper-proof RFID bottle tagging and an application accessed via computer or smartphone. It allows users to identify, authenticate and track each bottle when it leaves the stock, using a portable reader or a control terminal at the cellar entrance. The label data is automatically communicated to the Selartag® app, which enables precise and real-time monitoring of bottle movements, drastically reducing inventory time and improving data entry reliability. As a member of WineTech, Selartag® serves a range of customers including winegrowers, logisticians, restaurateurs and private consumers.

    ***

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 78,000 employees and annual revenue of circa €10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 68 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Isabelle Grangé – France | isabelle.grange@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Rwanda’s image abroad: how western countries are beginning to turn their backs

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David E Kiwuwa, Associate Professor of International Studies, University of Nottingham

    Rwanda enjoyed good relations with the western world for many years. This was due to systematic and intentional efforts to build its profile as a constructive regional actor, especially through the UN peacekeeping framework.

    It also set out to improve its national brand through sports sponsorships of some of the biggest football clubs in the world. These include Arsenal (England), PSG (France) and Bayern Munich (Germany).

    Since the end of the 1994 genocide, countries such as the UK, the US and France were willing to give Rwanda a less than critical pass when it was accused of destabilising its bigger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They averted their gaze from its domestic heavy handedness, particularly its constraining of democratic space and human rights.

    But there has been a sharp turn in sentiment. For the first time, the western powers, as well as China, have begun to call out Rwanda on its behaviour.



    Read more:
    Rwanda and Belgium are at odds over the DRC: what’s led to the latest low point

    Western actors have grown exasperated with Rwanda’s impunity and have been forced to change tack. Quiet shuttle diplomacy, notably by the Biden administration and the EU, has failed to achieve Rwandan restraint. And as a humanitarian crisis grew, they saw more forceful and overt actions as necessary.

    Concerned about the rising level of violence and humanitarian catastrophe in the DRC, western powers through the UN general assembly and security council called for restraint, dialogue and de-escalation. France, Belgium, Germany, the US, Canada and the EU also condemned the escalating violence and Rwanda’s role. The growing consensus culminated in firmer and direct sanctions against individual Rwandan actors and entities and suspension of economic and trade cooperation.

    I have been a long time scholar of and commentator on African regime types, political governance and conflict, with a focus on Rwanda. It’s my view that Rwanda’s escapades in eastern DRC have had a detrimental impact on the goodwill long extended to the Kigali regime. What happens next will depend on its response.

    Rwanda’s role in the DRC

    There is little doubt about Rwanda’s involvement in conflict and instability in the eastern DRC. The reports from the security council and UN bodies have provided sufficient evidence of this.

    Since 2012, Rwanda has been accused of being the patron behind the Movement of March 23 (M23) rebel group. The M23 and its associated alliances have been fighting the DRC government, purportedly to protect the rights of Congolese Tutsis.

    For its part, Rwanda has pointed to the danger posed by remnants of security forces involved in the 1994 genocide. The forces fled into the DRC and are still hell bent on causing instability in Rwanda, Kigali claims. The other grievance is that the forces are backed by the DRC regime and have been responsible for persecuting Congolese Tutsis.

    Between 2012 and 2018, the M23 group had a limited level of military success. In 2012 it captured the eastern DRC city of Goma but was forced to relinquish it after just 10 days.

    In the latest escalation of fighting the group has made significant gains, recapturing Goma and capturing the bigger Bukavu and other areas.

    M23’s success has been attributed to the sustained and systematic support Rwanda has given the group, according to the UN report and security council resolution 2773.

    Support has included sophisticated weaponry and boots on the ground, conservatively estimated at over 4,000 soldiers. Faced with demotivated, ill-trained and poorly coordinated DRC military capabilities, the M23 success was almost inevitable.



    Read more:
    DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions?

    The turnaround

    In August 2023 and again on 20 February 2025, the US slapped sanctions on key players in Rwanda and the M23 Alliance. The EU and the UK then paused some economic support for Rwanda. This was a strategic signal from the big powers.

    Germany then froze aid, Belgium’s rebuked the country and the EU called for stronger penalties, among them a ban on Rwanda’s mineral industry. This was to force Rwanda to rein in or rethink its activities in the DRC and be a constructive rather than disruptive partner.

    Belgium has had historical relations with both Rwanda and the DRC, having been the last colonial authority. Rwanda took specific exception to Belgium’s action by cutting diplomatic relations. It also took a more belligerent posture in the UN security council.



    Read more:
    M23: Four things you should know about the rebel group’s campaign in Rwanda-DRC conflict

    While this is seen as a non-compromising stance, it is against a lesser western power than the US or the UK. This could be taken as Rwanda saving face while working out an exit strategy to avoid escalating tensions with western powers or provoking far reaching coordinated action.

    It is notable that Qatar (and not a western or African power) has taken a lead in chaperoning talks between the conflict parties. This couldn’t have been without the blessing of the US, given the close relationship Qatar enjoys with the US as conflict resolution partners. Qatar is also an investor in Rwanda. This allows Rwanda to avoid being dragged to the negotiating table by critical western powers.

    Next steps

    The intensity of the conflict has slowed down somewhat, with the M23 rebel alliance having announced a ceasefire and unilateral action to “withdraw” from some of the areas they have recently captured.

    Whether this is a strategic compromise in response to the now forceful demand for Rwanda to cease its active support and intervention is unclear. It is notable that Qatar has now directly invited the rebels to the table.

    Once known as the darling of the west, most notable for clean and efficient government, a good business environment and unquestioned security and stability, Rwanda may have reached an inflection point with its flagrant DRC intervention. The change in western attitude may mark a more critical epoch in relations.

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

    – ref. Rwanda’s image abroad: how western countries are beginning to turn their backs – https://theconversation.com/rwandas-image-abroad-how-western-countries-are-beginning-to-turn-their-backs-253663

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stormont spending £1,000 a week on photographers

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “Some weeks ago, I exposed the fact that Stormont departments were spending over £35,600 a week on hospitality.

    “Due to a more recent set of questions, I have established that since the restoration of the Executive £60,675.40  has been spent on photographers by government departments.

    “Importantly, this figure does not represent the entire spend as one Department particularly fond of photographs – that of the First and deputy First Minister – has failed to respond. The Executive Office was required by Assembly standing orders to respond a month ago. However, as so often happens with the Executive Office Ms O’Neill and Ms Pengelly have simply ignored their duty to respond to the question within the required time frame. This lack of response shows contempt for the people of North Antrim who I represent in the Assembly and it is a common occurrence when it comes to the Executive Office.

    “In terms of the departments which did reply it is noteworthy that while some of the figures spent by departments are relatively modest, there are other Ministers who appear to be very fond of photographers. Agriculture, for example, has spent just £5,211 with the majority of that (£2,903) going on “publicity material essential for the promotion and marketing of a variety of events including Careers Fairs and Open Days to encourage student enrolment and courses for the wider community and industries.”

    “Minister Mur’s party colleague Mrs Long, however, heads a department which spent £11,311 with no such explanation offered for a much larger sum.

    “The full breakdown of answers by Departments can be accessed here.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrations as two schools named Schools of Sanctuary

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Wodensfield Primary School and St Michael’s CE Primary School demonstrated to the City of Sanctuary UK movement that they celebrate their diverse communities, and that the School of Sanctuary ethos of welcome, inclusion and safety for all, runs through all aspects of both schools.

    St Michael’s headteacher Kathryn Jackson said: “At St Michael’s, we work to deepen our pupils’, staff, and wider community’s understanding of what it means to seek sanctuary. We strive to extend a warm welcome to all, fostering a culture where every individual is recognised as an equal and valued member of our school family.

    “We are proud to be a school that stands for safety, inclusion, and kindness – a place where everyone belongs.”

    A Year 6 pupil from Wodensfield added: “The award shows that we are kind and welcome people of all nationalities in our school without discrimination. Being a School of Sanctuary has empowered us to appreciate the richness that celebrating our diversity can bring.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are delighted that we now have 16 Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton, which are all demonstrating the lengths they go to ensure they provide a safe and welcoming place for their children and families.

    “I would like to congratulate the staff and pupils at both Wodensfield and St Michael’s on their achievements.”

    Schools can apply to become a School of Sanctuary by demonstrating to City of Sanctuary UK that they have implemented three key principles – learning and helping people understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary, embedding the concepts of safety, welcome and inclusive culture for everyone, and sharing their values and activities with their local communities.

    Other Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton include Bantock Primary, Dunstall Hill Primary, Goldthorn Park Primary, Graiseley Primary, Rakegate Primary, St Andrews CofE Primary, St Lukes CofE Primary, St Regis CofE Academy, Stowlawn Primary, St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy, Villiers Primary, West Park Primary, Merridale Primary and Colton Hills Community School.

    The Schools of Sanctuary programme is part of the City of Sanctuary UK movement, committed to building a culture of safety and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. For more information, please visit Schools of Sanctuary.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Portsmouth’s teaching assistant charter set to launch at jobs fair

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    An event to find Portsmouth’s top teaching assistants for schools and academies will launch a charter designed to retain them.

    The Teach Portsmouth Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair on Thursday 1 May from 10am – 2pm at Central Library will showcase employment and training opportunities in education.

    The teaching assistant charter has been created using feedback from a survey and focus group. Teaching assistants shared their views which helped shape the charter into themed areas.

    Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council said:

    “After the success of dedicated jobs fairs and taster sessions for recruiting staff in primary and secondary schools, we now need to tackle retention.

    “While there are national challenges around retaining staff in education, we must respond on a local level by working together with different partners. The charter is a first step and sets out a series of principles, developed in conjunction with school staff.”

    Teach Portsmouth has successfully recruited 18 school staff since launching these events. Others have started training with the Community Learning Service, completing functional skills in maths and English.

    Hannah Chalmers, recruitment adviser at Thinking Schools Academy Trust joined teaching assistants and a head teacher to develop the charter.

    Thinking Schools Academy Trust has six schools in the city and are exhibiting at the fair in May. Hannah said:

    “The teaching assistant charter is based on what staff want when it comes to working in education.

    “I was part of the focus group that developed the charter. It was clear that attendees wanted their voices heard. The charter allows schools the freedom to adopt initiatives that will improve staff retention, ensuring those affected by the charter feel valued.”

    An action plan has been developed alongside the charter, using seven different themes that came from the survey. These themes include access to accredited training, being recognised and career development opportunities.

    Using these themes, specific initiatives have been identified within the action plan to support retention.

    Examples include rewarding and recognising staff through the Teach Portsmouth Awards, developing an online training directory and sharing best practice with schools.

    Nisha Chacko, a teaching assistant at St Edmund’s Catholic School said:

    “I am proud to work as a teaching assistant in Portsmouth supporting pupils in my school. I was involved in the creation of the charter. This is a fantastic opportunity for schools who sign up to make a difference.

    “I love my job and believe this charter will help schools recruit and retain the very best professionals in the city.”

    Councillor Nick Dorrington will sign the charter in an official unveiling at the Teach Portsmouth Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair.

    For more information about the event and to get your ticket, visit www.teachportsmouth.co.uk/TA.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Dassault Systèmes: declaration of the number of outstanding shares and voting rights as of March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France — April 8, 2025
                    

    Declaration of the number of outstanding shares and
    voting rights as of March 31, 2025

    Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced below the total number of its outstanding shares and voting rights as of March 31, 2025, according to articles 223-16 and 221-3 of the General Regulation of the Autorité des marchés financiers.

    Number of outstanding shares: 1,340,757,440

    Number of voting rights*: 2,013,952,990

    *The total number of voting rights is calculated on the basis of the total number of outstanding shares, even if the voting rights attached thereto are suspended, pursuant to Article 223-11 of the General Regulation of the Autorité des marchés financiers relating to the method for calculating the percentages of holdings in shares and in voting rights. We invite our shareholders to refer to this article should they need to declare crossing of thresholds.

    Declarations related to crossing of threshold must be sent to:
    Dassault Systèmes, Investor Relations Service, 10, rue Marcel Dassault, CS 40501, 78946 Vélizy-Villacoublay Cedex (France). E-mail address: Investors@3ds.com  

    ###

    ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens. With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 370 000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact. For more information, visit www.3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Investor Relations Team                FTI Consulting
    Béatrix Martinez :                                        Arnaud de Cheffontaines: +33 1 47 03 69 48
    +33 1 61 62 40 73                                        Jamie Ricketts : +44 20 3727 1600
    investors@3ds.com                                        

    Dassault Systèmes Press Contacts
    Corporate / France        
    Arnaud Malherbe: +33 1 61 62 87 73
    arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com        

    © Dassault Systèmes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia and Fibrus announce five-year deal for Nokia Deepfield solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia and Fibrus announce five-year deal for Nokia Deepfield solution

    • 100,000 customers already connected to the network, with plans for further expansion.
    • The scalability of Nokia Deepfield applications will allow Fibrus to control and expand its network cost-effectively.

    8 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Fibrus, a leading provider of broadband services across Northern Ireland and Cumbria, have signed a five-year agreement to deploy the Nokia Deepfield solution across its growing network following a successful trial. This partnership will enhance Fibrus’ ability to protect its network from cyber threats like DDoS attacks and manage the increasing demand for high-quality broadband services.

    As Fibrus expands its network, which has already connected over 100,000 customers and delivered connectivity to almost 400,000 premises, the Nokia Deepfield solution will provide critical network analytics capabilities, giving Fibrus greater insight into the nature of the traffic flowing through its infrastructure. This will allow Fibrus to optimize network resources, ensuring that customers continue to receive reliable, high-performance broadband.

    “Our commitment to guarantee exceptional service for our customers means that we’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve our network. The Deepfield solution from Nokia gives us the tools to understand our traffic better, protect against potential threats, and reduce operational costs. This partnership allows us to futureproof the digital infrastructure in the areas we serve, maintaining the highest level of service and security for our 100,000-strong customer base,” said Shane Haslem, COO at Fibrus.

    Fibrus will proactively manage the rapid growth of its network, driven by a 50% take-up rate of FTTH services, including 2 Gbps products. Additionally, the scalability of the Nokia Deepfield solution will enable Fibrus to cost-effectively manage future service expansions, such as 25/50/100G PON technologies.

    “The Nokia Deepfield solution brings advanced network analytics, ensuring that Fibrus can maintain a secure and reliable network. As a full-solution provider for FTTH operators, Nokia delivers high-performance, purpose-built technologies that integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure, offering long-term support for smart, scalable operations. This successful rollout with Fibrus demonstrates the reliability and robustness of Nokia’s technology in supporting the company’s goal of delivering an enhanced customer experience,” added Paul Alexander, Vice President and Country General Manager of UK&I at Nokia.

    In 2020, Nokia was selected by Fibrus to support the delivery of high-speed broadband services to underserved rural and regional homes and businesses in some of the hardest to reach areas of Northern Ireland. The company has been a key provider of Access Technology and resources to deliver future-proofed and industry-leading connectivity, which underpins Fibrus’ service offering.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news 
    Product Page: Nokia Deepfield
    Product Page: Deepfield Cloud Intelligence
    Product Page: Deepfield Defender

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Fibrus
    https://fibrus.com/

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The decision of the management company of INVL Technology on the purchase of own shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Management company INVL Asset Management, UAB of INVL Technology (hereinafter – “the Company”), taking into account that the Company has formed and not realised the reserve for the purchase of own shares which is equal to EUR 9.8 million and considering the resolution of the General Shareholders Meeting of the Company held on 30 April 2024, initiates the purchase of the Company‘s own ordinary registered EUR 0.29 nominal value shares. The acquisition will be implemented through the market of official offer of Nasdaq Vilnius stock exchange.

    Share sale offers shall be accumulated during the entire purchase period. Should sale offers exceed quantity of shares to be acquired, all offers shall be reduced in proportion.
     
    Purchase conditions:
    Share purchase starts on 10 April 2025.
    Share purchase ends on 17 April 2025.
    Maximum number of shares to be acquired (units): 150,000 units.
    Total maximum purchase price (EUR): EUR 525,000.
    Maximum purchase price (EUR): EUR 3.50 per share.
    Share purchase price (EUR): the price shall be determined according to Dutch auction principles, i.e. transaction shall be executed at „single price“.

    Additional information:

    INVL Technology, a company that invests in IT businesses, intends to buy back some of its own shares using a reserve formed for that purpose. The buyback share price will be determined on a Dutch auction basis.

    The share buyback period begins on 10 April and ends on 17 April. A maximum of 150,000 of the company’s shares will be acquired. The maximum purchase price is EUR 3.50 per share. Before the announcement of the buyback, the price of INVL Technology’s shares on the stock exchange was EUR 3.32.

    “The purpose of the share repurchase is to meet obligations related to stock option programmes and other share allocations to employees of subsidiaries, and/or to reduce the company’s authorized capital by annulling acquired own shares,” says Kazimieras Tonkūnas, the Managing Partner of INVL Technology.

    An allocation of EUR 525,000 is envisaged for repurchasing shares, using part of a EUR 9.8 million reserve formed in 2015 for that purpose.

    Procedures for the acquisition of own shares were approved at a general meeting of the company’s shareholders held on 30 April, 2024. The company was given the right to acquire own shares for up to 10% of its authorized capital, with a time limit for such acquisitions of 18 months from the date of the decision of the shareholders’ meeting. The maximum purchase price per share is INVL Technology’s last published net asset value; the minimum is EUR 0.29.  Since the acquired shares will not be sold, no minimum selling price or sale procedure was stipulated.

    INVL Technology owns the cybersecurity company NRD Cyber Security, the GovTech and FinTech company NRD Companies, and the Baltic IT company Novian.

    In mid-March last year, the company announced that it had signed an agreement with the Zurich branch of M&A intermediation service provider Corum Group’s Luxembourg-based unit Corum Group International, to advise and serve as M&A intermediary on the sale of the company’s portfolio of businesses.

    INVL Technology, which is managed by INVL Asset Management, the leading alternative asset manager in the Baltics, is a closed-end investment company which must exit its investments no later than mid-July 2026 and distribute the money to shareholders.

    The person authorized to provide additional information:
    Kazimieras Tonkūnas
    INVL Technology Managing Partner
    E-mail k.tonkunas@invltechnology.lt

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Konsolidator’s quarterly update – Q1 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement no 8-2025

    Søborg, April 8, 2025

    Konsolidator’s quarterly update – Q1 2025

    Konsolidator’s contracted ARR (CARR) increased by 11% (YoY) in the first quarter of 2025 compared to Q1 2024, reaching DKK 21.6m. Konsolidator came off to a strong start in its new strategy period 2025-2027, focusing on resilient growth. The most notable aspect of Q1 2025 was that the transition towards partner-driven sales was better than expected, as 50% of sales were through the partner channel. Other key initiatives include a data warehouse collaboration with KPMG to enhance financial reporting and data analytics, new partnerships to expand market reach, and a capital raise of DKK 2.2m in February 2025 and DKK 1.8m in further funding at a later point in 2025.

    Q1 2025 Contracted ARR and key financial highlights

      Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Annual Change %
    Contracted ARR 21.6m 19.4m 11%

    During Q1 2025, the CARR increased by DKK 0.3m, signing 8 new customers but also saying goodbye to customers, mainly due to M&A and customers downsizing their activities. Churn remained at the same level as Q4 2024.

    Business update

    At the beginning of the year, Konsolidator launched its third strategy since the IPO, “Resilient Growth”. The strategy prioritizes CARR growth through the partner channel and profitability through reduced Customer Acquisition Costs and higher average income per customer. In line with the strategy, Konsolidator delivered, particularly in the following fields in this quarter:

    • Partner channel: Welcomed 5 new partners in Spain and held 11 new meetings with potential partners in the rest of the World. More notably, 50% of Konsolidator’s new customers in Q1 2025 came from the partner channel.
    • Broader product offering: Commenced a data warehouse collaboration with KPMG, which was launched on April 1st.
    • Operational strengthening: The transition to a partner-driven sales organization continues, and we saw a 50% reduction in CAC/CARR in Q1-25 compared to Q1-24

    “We’ve had a solid start in the beginning of 2025 and our strategy ‘Resilient Growth.’ The shift to partner-driven sales is progressing faster than expected, with already 50% of new sales coming through the partner channel. That’s a strong signal that we’re on a good track.”

    “We’ve also taken important steps to strengthen our financial reporting capabilities and expand our market reach. While we’ve seen a few customers leave, we are confident that the improvements we’re making will drive long-term value. With secured funding for 2025 and a clear focus on efficiency, we remain committed to sustainable growth and profitability.” – Claus Finderup Grove, CEO

    Looking ahead

    Konsolidator continues to expand its sales approach beyond direct sales leveraging strategic partnerships and ecosystems. Konsolidator’s software is now integrated with the Microsoft D365 systems – ERP, datawarehouse and PowerBI. Additionally, Konsolidator is exploring opportunities where its software plays a critical role in financial analysis, such as providing reliable data to financial institutions. Key priorities for the coming quarters continue to include:

    1. Expanding the partner channel, especially in Scandinavia and Iberia
    2. Enhancing the product offering to meet evolving CFO demands especially around a Data Warehouse solution, FP&A solution, and ESG
    3. Building a dedicated growth track for Konsolidator Banking®
    4. Strengthening operations to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction

    WEBINAR

    Sign up to the Q1 Business Update on April 24, where Konsolidator’s CEO will provide deeper insights into the company’s progress and future plans.

    Contacts

    Certified Adviser

    About Konsolidator
    Konsolidator A/S is a financial consolidation software company whose primary objective is to make Group CFOs around the world better through automated financial consolidation and reporting in the cloud. Created by CFOs and auditors and powered by innovative technology, Konsolidator removes the complexity of financial consolidation and enables the CFO to save time and gain actionable insights based on key performance data to become a vital part of strategic decision-making. Konsolidator was listed at Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark in 2019. Ticker Code: KONSOL

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh visits Dhaka to boost trade partnership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh visits Dhaka to boost trade partnership

    UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE, is visiting Dhaka to strengthen and expand the long-standing economic and trade partnership between the UK and Bangladesh.

    While in Dhaka, she will be meeting key officials from the Interim Government of Bangladesh, political parties and business leaders. She will also participate in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. She will be joined by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia. 

    On her first visit to Bangladesh as UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Winterton will meet Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh; Professor Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs; Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser, Ministry of Commerce; and Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Adviser, Ministry of Education. Her meetings will focus on how the two countries will deepen their trade and investment relationship and deliver mutually beneficial growth and job creation. With Harjinder Kang, she will also meet with key stakeholders from the business community and will deliver a keynote speech at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Bangladesh Investment Summit on 9 April 2025, to underscore the UK government’s growth mission. 

    Baroness Winterton’s discussions with key stakeholders will focus on the UK’s work with the Interim Government on vital economic reforms, the opportunities arising from the commitment to duty free, quota free access to the UK market until 2029 and identifying opportunities to strengthen trade and investment in sectors such as education, aviation, defence and renewable energy.   

    UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE said:  

    The UK is laser-focused on building an economic partnership with Bangladesh that will boost two-way trade and investment between our countries. 

    From being the third largest market for Bangladeshi ready-made garments to being one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh, the UK already has strong foundations to build on and I look forward to solidifying it even further through this visit.

    British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said:

    I am delighted to welcome UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE in her first visit to the country in her new role. 

    The UK is a major economic and trading partner of Bangladesh, and this visit reiterates the UK’s commitment to boosting two-way trade and investment and supporting Bangladesh’s work on vital economic reforms.

    The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh and this visit aims to deepen collaboration in key sectors including education, aviation, defence and renewable energy. The visit will also explore opportunities to increase the presence of UK education institutions. These projects signify major investment opportunities and reflect the UK’s commitment to Bangladesh. 

    Further information

    • the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE was appointed as the United Kingdom Trade Envoy to Bangladesh in January 2025. She plays a key role in strengthening trade and investment ties between the UK and Bangladesh
    • Harjinder Kang is His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. He was appointed in May 2023

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party to appeal to disillusioned voters as they head for “record breaking” local election results 

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    The Green Party of England and Wales will today (Tuesday 8th April) launch their local elections campaign for what they predict will be a “record-breaking” year for them. The launch will take place in Warwickshire, one of the places where Greens are expecting to make gains leaving them with a record number of local councillors.  

    Green Party co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, is expected to say: 

    “We know that politics in this country isn’t providing people with what they need – that disillusionment is high and morale is low. But up and down the country Greens are making a difference. We are smashing through records getting more and more hard-working councillors elected.  

    “We are taking votes from the old tired parties to offer something different – the positive change so desperately needed.  

    “Meanwhile, Reform is trying to make gains on the back of a weak and lacklustre political old guard. It’s a party that uses the politics of fear to divide our communities. And whose policies are explicitly designed to only benefit a small number of the very richest people. Importantly for these local elections, Reform has no track record of delivering at any level of government.” 

    The Green Party has been breaking records in recent years and has increased their councillors nearly fivefold over the last five elections to over 800 in 170 councils. Greens lead 14 councils, including Bristol, Warwick and Mid Suffolk and, in total, are part of running over 40. In the general election in 2024, almost two million people voted Green, electing four new MPs to Parliament. 

    Speaking alongside Ramsay, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer is expected to say: 

     “The over 800 Green councillors across England and Wales between them already represent millions of people in this country. They are working hard every day to make a difference for their communities, working all year round on practical solutions, not just turning up on the doorstep when it’s election time. 

    “Here in Warwick where we lead the council, we have invested millions into making council housing warmer and cheaper to run. In Mid Suffolk, another Green run council, in one year we have prevented hundreds of people from becoming homeless.  

    “Green councillors are embedded in their communities, listen to the needs and concerns of their residents – their neighbours! – and take action to improve their quality of life every day. Offering hope, not division; community not chaos.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Viridien awarded seismic data reimaging project in Algeria by Groupement Hassi Bir Rekaiz

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France – April 8, 2025

    Viridien, through its subsidiary*, has been awarded a contract by Groupement Hassi Bir Rekaiz, a Sonatrach and PTTEP joint operatorship, to reimage two legacy 3D seismic data sets totaling 2,400 sq km in the Hassi Bir Rekaiz concession in the Berkine Basin, Eastern Algeria.

    During the 13-month project, Viridien scientists are completely reimaging and merging the two legacy seismic datasets, originally acquired in 2011 and 2013. To meet the client’s challenging imaging objectives, Viridien is applying the latest technology to deliver more detailed seismic velocity modeling and improved reliability of seismic amplitude, phase and frequency attributes for quantitative interpretation and enhanced fault imaging.

    Peter Whiting, EVP, Geoscience, Viridien, said: “We are happy to receive another award from Algeria, showing client confidence in our experience and differentiation in this growing market. We continue to develop and refine our technology, allowing us to extract more and more useful information from seismic data. This generates value for our clients, allowing them to do much more with the survey data they already have. The ultimate value lies in improved reservoir insights, reduction of uncertainties and increased drilling success.”

    *CGG Services SAS

    About Viridien:

    Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,500 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).

    Contacts

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: We’re hardwired to laugh – this is why watching comedians try to be the ‘Last One Laughing’ is so funny

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fergus Edwards, Lecturer in English, University of Tasmania

    Amazon MGM Studios

    Last One Laughing is a battle royale for stand-ups. Ten comedians, one room, surrounded by cameras. Laugh once and they’re warned. Laugh again, and they’re out. Last comic left wins.

    It is an international TV phenomenon, in 29 countries from Australia to Iran.

    The latest season is from the United Kingdom, hosted by Jimmy Carr and featuring comedians like Bob Mortimer, Sara Pascoe and Joe Lycett.

    But why do we, whatever our linguistic or cultural background, love watching comedians trying desperately hard not to laugh at each other?

    It works because it’s funny – but it’s not about comedy. It’s about laughter. Philosophers and psychologists have spent hundreds of years thinking about what makes us laugh.

    Here’s what they’ve had to say about laughter – and what they, perhaps, would have to say about Last One Laughing.

    What makes us laugh?

    Comedy takes time, but laughter can take less than a moment. Last One Laughing shows us the three major theories of humour that try to explain moments of spontaneous laughter.

    The oldest is “superiority theory”. English philosopher Thomas Hobbes explained in is 1651 book Leviathan we “maketh those Grimaces called LAUGHTER” when we realise we’re better off than someone else. We “suddenly applaud” ourselves when we recognise our superiority.

    In the new Last One Laughing series, Richard Ayoade nearly catches out two players when, asked what his childhood hobbies were, he replies: “I don’t know. I cried a lot?”

    Irish philosopher Francis Hutcheson disagreed with Hobbes and suggested an alternative: “incongruity theory”.

    In Reflections Upon Laughter (1750) he maintains we laugh in surprise at “bringing resemblances from subjects of a quite different kind from the subject to which they are compared”.

    This happens when we meet one word with two meanings, like in every Christmas cracker joke, or Rob Beckett asking “What did one plate say to the other plate?” and answering “Dinner’s on me”.

    In Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious (1905), Austrian founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud suggests our subconscious works to stop us from consciously understanding something that might be socially unacceptable. If we allow ourselves to acknowledge what we think we’re seeing, the energy we had been using to repress ourselves is then “discharged by laughter”.

    Last One Laughing has many, mostly unprintable, moments that illustrate Freud’s relief theory of humour. No-one is at ease when Bob Mortimer’s magic act features a napkin rising into the air at groin height.

    The art of not laughing

    In Anatomy of the Gag (1963), the Czech playwright – and politician – Václav Havel suggests a gag has two phases. We see something and think we know what it is. Then, we see the same thing again – but we recognise it as something different. But the two interpretations can’t both be true! So we know we’ve made a mistake.

    We laugh because of a “surprising quality” that “stems not from the revelation of the unknown, but from the unexpected look at the known”. We laugh because now we know we’re properly seeing the world as it is.

    Comedians laugh at their own jokes because they experience this fresh look at the world before they’ve put it into words. This explains why Mortimer laughs at his own teeth, and Lou Sanders is laughing before she reaches her own punchline. Or, indeed, her own set-up.

    But Last One Laughing doubles our laughs. We watch the actual joke, we get it, we laugh. And then we see comedians desperately trying not to laugh – but we know that they get the joke too! And so we get an unexpected second look at the joke.

    Comedians not laughing when it’s expected is, in itself, a second gag. Our doubled laugh lets us express our understanding of this rather odd thing that’s happening. We’re reassuring ourselves, and anyone with us, that we know what’s going on.

    Understanding the world

    Douglas Robinson’s work in linguistics and Antonio Damasio’s work in neuropsychology suggests our brain and our body learn to respond to the world before our mind has kicked in. We’re physically laughing before we’ve mentally processed what’s funny. We see this response in babies, and it stays with us throughout our lives.

    The feedback that tells us that we’ve understood the world correctly comes from other human beings. So it’s unsurprising we are 30 times more likely to laugh in company. It’s unsurprising that laughter is infectious. And it should be unsurprising that the winning moment of Last One Laughing comes from a game we play with newborns: “peek-a-boo”.

    Last One Laughing helps us understand why we laugh at our own jokes, why we can’t always explain what’s funny, and why gags don’t need words. We’re watching professional comedians get the joke (as we do!) without laughing (as we expect?) but we know that it’s all OK. And, however briefly, we glimpse the world anew.

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

    – ref. We’re hardwired to laugh – this is why watching comedians try to be the ‘Last One Laughing’ is so funny – https://theconversation.com/were-hardwired-to-laugh-this-is-why-watching-comedians-try-to-be-the-last-one-laughing-is-so-funny-253935

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran seeks to negotiate only if US proves it wants to

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Iran seeks to negotiate only if the United States stops being “dishonorable” and proves that it also wants to negotiate, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said recently.

    Commenting on the possibility of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States on the nuclear issue, Pezeshkian said Sunday night that Iran believes in negotiations, but not with one that is as “dishonorable” as the United States, which has placed Iran “under all-out pressure” and is threatening Iran every day, according to a statement published by Pezeshkian’s office on Monday.

    “We will negotiate with the entire world and do not want to fight with anybody. However, we will not acquiesce to being dishonored and will not negotiate at any price,” he said. “They (the United States) should also prove they want to negotiate.”

    Iran does not want to make “unpeaceful” uses of its nuclear capabilities, he noted.

    Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said here Monday that Iran is ready for any event to unfold and is militarily capable enough to stand against any “aggression or attack.”

    Answering a question about Iran’s scenarios facing a potential U.S. attack, Baghaei said Iran will definitely give a “decisive, immediate, and all-out response” if threats against Iran were carried out.

    He also called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the constant threats uttered by the United States and Israel against Iran’s “peaceful” nuclear facilities.

    The issue will be discussed during an upcoming visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to Tehran, he added.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders via the United Arab Emirates, proposing direct negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear activities.

    Pezeshkian later confirmed that in response to the letter, Tehran rejected the proposed face-to-face talks but was open to possible indirect talks.

    Trump, in an interview with NBC News late last month, threatened to launch “unprecedented military strikes” on Iran if it refused to negotiate over its nuclear program.

    Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with six major countries — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States — in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

    However, the United States withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have not achieved substantial progress. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislator holds talks with Finnish parliament speaker

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Jussi Halla-aho, speaker of the Finnish parliament, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, held talks with Jussi Halla-aho, speaker of the Finnish parliament, in Beijing on Monday, calling for the joint creation of a favorable and stable legal environment for practical cooperation.

    Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Finland, Zhao said China stands ready to work with Finland to implement the important consensus reached between their heads of state to advance the future-oriented, new-type cooperative partnership between the two countries.

    China hopes that Finland will continue to uphold the one-China principle, understand and support China’s legitimate rights to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and consolidate the political foundation of mutual trust, he added.

    He said that China is deepening its comprehensive reforms and expanding its high-level opening-up, which will bring new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. He highlighted China’s willingness to deepen exchange between political parties, as well as exchange in the fields of culture and youth, to strengthen public support for bilateral relations.

    China hopes that Finland will continue to play a positive role in promoting the development of China-Finland relations and China-Europe relations, Zhao said. He added that the NPC of China is willing to maintain its traditional friendship with the Finnish parliament, and stands ready to strengthen exchange and cooperation among legislative bodies at high levels and among specialized committees, bilateral friendship groups, and NPC deputies and parliamentarians.

    He said that both China and Finland possess unique characteristics in areas such as national governance, development concepts and innovation systems. Their two legislative bodies can engage in mutual learning and exchange, fulfilling their legislative and supervisory functions to create a favorable, stable legal environment for practical cooperation, and enhancing coordination on multilateral platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

    Zhao spoke about China’s whole-process people’s democracy, and expressed a willingness to strengthen exchange with the Finnish parliament in developing democracy and improving the rule of law.

    Halla-aho said that as a historically significant country, China has achieved remarkable progress in areas such as science and technology, adding that Finland adheres to and will continue to implement the one-China policy, and recognizes the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China.

    He said that Finland is committed to advancing practical cooperation, maintaining free trade, and addressing shared challenges based on mutual respect and trust. The Finnish parliament, he added, looks forward to enhancing its engagement with the NPC of China to play a proactive role in deepening Finland-China relations. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qingming holiday spending mirrors China’s robust economic vitality

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Actors in traditional costumes perform for tourists at Zuidongfeng art village in Tancheng County, east China’s Shandong Province, April 6, 2025. China recorded 126 million domestic trips during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended Sunday, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In Liba Village, about 1.5 hours’ drive from downtown Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, dozens of steaming hot pot tables dotted the fields, where tourists dined amid a golden sea of yellow blossoms, soaking in the vibrant colors and fragrant spring air.

    “Eating hot pot in such a picturesque setting instantly lifted my mood and left me completely relaxed. Savoring spring with a hot pot feast surrounded by flowers was truly unforgettable,” posted a blogger with the username Doufugui on “RedNote” or Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform.

    The blogger is one of millions of Chinese who took advantage of the recent Qingming Festival holiday to revel in the joys of spring. With warmer weather and flowers in full bloom, the holiday sparked a wave of enthusiasm for domestic travel across the country.

    During the three-day holiday, China recorded 126 million domestic trips, a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday. Tourism revenue also rose, reaching 57.55 billion yuan (about 8 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase.

    Data from online travel platforms showed that searches related to flower viewing during the holiday surged by 2.2 times compared to the same period last year, while searches for camping on the e-commerce platform Meituan skyrocketed by 132 percent.

    Chinese train travel, meanwhile, shattered records as more people opted for outdoor getaways. On April 4 alone, China’s railway operator handled 20.09 million passenger trips, the highest single-day figure so far this year.

    The holiday also saw a rise in outbound travel, with many Chinese extending their time off by combining the break with annual leave or weekends.

    According to Tongcheng Travel, hotel bookings on the platform surged during the holiday period, with Japan seeing a 120 percent year-on-year increase in reservations. European destinations like Spain and Britain experienced an even greater spike, with bookings rising by over 300 percent.

    Experts have noted that this year’s Qingming holiday underscores the immense potential in China’s service consumption sector, a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

    “The Qingming holiday has traditionally not been a peak travel season, but the tourism market was notably more vibrant this year,” said Xiao Peng, a researcher at Qunar’s Big Data Research Institute.

    Xiao noted that silver-haired travelers were among those taking trips this holiday, adding a new dimension to the tourism boom.

    For those staying closer to home, the desire for springtime enjoyment was equally evident, with a growing willingness to spend on leisure and recreation.

    “All tables for the festival were booked a week in advance,” said the manager of a hotpot restaurant in Changzhou, located in east China’s Jiangsu Province. In the Ronghui old commercial area of Jinan, eastern Shandong Province, even the outdoor dining areas of cafés and bars were bustling as people enjoyed leisurely experiences.

    The surge in consumer activity, both in tourism and retail, is partly attributable to China’s focus on boosting domestic consumption. The government has placed significant emphasis on consumption as a primary engine for the country’s economy.

    China will “place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” according to the 2025 government work report. In mid-March, the country released a special action plan outlining key strategies to support consumption.

    During the Qingming holiday, various regions implemented measures such as distributing consumption vouchers and launching promotional activities to further stimulate spending, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting domestic demand.

    “China’s consumer market remains resilient, vast in potential, and full of vitality,” said Li Gang, an official with the Ministry of Commerce. “With sustained efforts to expand consumption policies, the domestic market will maintain stable growth.” 

    MIL OSI China News –