Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
On 12 June, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Panama’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from Julio Moltó, Minister of Commerce and Industry. Just nine more acceptances are needed for the Agreement to enter into force.
Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Google sued Chile-based LATAM Airlines in U.S. federal court on Thursday, seeking a declaration that Brazilian courts cannot force the tech giant to take down a YouTube video in the U.S. that accused a LATAM employee of sexually abusing a child.
Alphabet’s Google, which owns YouTube, said in the lawsuit that LATAM was attempting to “make an end-run” around protections for free speech under the U.S. Constitution by suing in Brazil to force the video’s removal worldwide.
“LATAM has not received any official communication about the court case,” the company told Reuters.
Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement that the company has “long supported the legal principle that courts in a country have jurisdiction over content available in that country, but not over what content should be available in other countries.”
Right-wing social media companies Trump Media and Rumble filed a similar lawsuit in Florida in February against a Brazilian judge who had ordered them to remove the U.S.-based accounts of a leading supporter of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. A federal judge decided in the case that the companies were not required to comply with the order in the United States.
According to Google’s lawsuit filed in San Jose, California, U.S. citizen and Florida resident Raymond Moreira posted two YouTube videos in 2018 of his 6-year-old son outlining allegations of sexual abuse that the child said he experienced from a LATAM employee while traveling as an unaccompanied minor.
Moreira sued LATAM in Florida in 2020 over the alleged abuse, which led to a confidential settlement.
LATAM sued Google in Brazil in 2018 seeking an order to remove the video from YouTube. A Brazilian appeals court is set to consider next week whether it has the authority to order Google to take down the video worldwide.
Google asked the court in California on Thursday to declare that LATAM cannot force the tech giant to remove the video in the United States.
Canada’s Supreme Court upheld an order for Google to remove some search results worldwide in a separate case in 2018. A California judge halted that order’s U.S. enforcement in 2017.
(Reuters)
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Combined statements of the UK, Australia, and the US from the NPT PrepCom AUKUS Side Event on 1 May 2025
Australian statement as delivered by Vanessa Wood, Ambassador for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation
Thank you all for joining us today. And thanks to my colleague Ambassador Larsen for his introduction.
As many of you may recall, and as Ambassador Larsen noted in his introductory remarks, the AUKUS partners held a side event on naval nuclear propulsion at the 2023 and 2024 NPT PrepCom meetings. Following on from the updates provided at last year’s side event, I would like to further update you on progress with Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion (NNP) programme.
First, an overview of the Optimal Pathway.
What we call the ‘Optimal Pathway’ is a phased approach for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Phase 1 of the Optimal Pathway is currently underway, focused on building capacity and familiarity for Australia to safely operate and steward nuclear-powered submarines. This phase is supported by increased port visits to Australia by UK and US nuclear-powered submarines – which are already occurring.
Under Phase 2, from the early 2030s Australia plans to acquire three Virginia-class submarines from the US – with an option to seek approval for a further two boats, if needed. Our objective is to ensure there is no capability gap during the retirement of Australia’s existing fleet of diesel-electric submarines.
We will simultaneously progress Phase 3 to develop next generation submarines known as SSN-AUKUS, a UK design incorporating technology from all three AUKUS partners. The United Kingdom will deliver its first British-built SSN-AUKUS in the late 2030s, and the first Australian-built SSN-AUKUS will be completed in the early 2040s.
It is important to highlight two points. First, this is a replacement capability for our existing submarines. Australia is transitioning from six diesel-electric submarines to eight conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. It is a sovereign decision Australia has taken in response to more challenging strategic circumstances in our region.
Second, this is about acquiring a naval nuclear propulsion capability. The submarines will be conventionally armed. The only nuclear element is the propulsion system.
Now to briefly address naval nuclear propulsion in the context of Australia’s obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Australia’s NNP programme is fully consistent with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations and commitments, including under the NPT, the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga) and our safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
NNP was foreseen by the drafters of the NPT. Indeed, a mechanism was provided for this in Article 14 of the IAEA’s model Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA). As IAEA Director General Grossi has stated, Article 14 was developed with the specific intent to address the use of nuclear material for NNP – whether produced domestically or imported.
The model CSA – which contains this Article – was approved by the IAEA Board of Governors in 1971. This is the basis for CSAs agreed with Member States over more than 50 years, including Australia’s CSA.
The NPT, the IAEA Statute, the CSA and, in Australia’s case also the Additional Protocol (AP), provide a firm legal basis and obligation for the IAEA Director General and Secretariat to engage directly with Member States – and confidentially to protect sensitive information – in the development and implementation of safeguards.
Australia’s non-proliferation approach for NNP is being developed on this basis and it will operate within the framework of Australia’s CSA and AP.
As part of developing a non-proliferation approach for Australia’s NNP programme, we commenced formal technical consultations with the IAEA Secretariat in May 2023. These consultations are ongoing. Topics being discussed in the consultations include:
Legal and technical aspects of an Article 14 arrangement for Australia, including the arrangement’s structure and content;
Provisions for advance notification, reporting and verification prior to the entry of nuclear material into an Article 14 arrangement;
The circumstances under which the Article 14 arrangement applies, its duration and the point at which safeguards under Australia’s CSA and AP re-apply;
Ways to facilitate verification and monitoring activities, as well as additional voluntary transparency measures;
And discussions regarding the structure of material balance areas, facilities and sites at relevant locations in Australia, within the framework of Australia’s CSA and AP.
Our consultations follow the longstanding practice of the IAEA engaging bilaterally with Member States on their own safeguards and verification arrangements, in accordance with the Agency’s statutory mandate and authority, which I touched upon earlier. All IAEA Member States share a strong interest in protecting their fundamental right to engage bilaterally, and in-confidence, with the IAEA on the establishment and implementation of their safeguards and verification arrangements.
Turning to Australia’s approach to non-proliferation.
We are working to make sure Australia’s Article 14 arrangement sets the highest non-proliferation standard. But to be clear, this does not mean we intend to create or impose a model arrangement on others.
The objective is to develop a robust approach that ensures that the IAEA continues to meet its technical safeguards verification objectives for Australia throughout the submarines’ lifecycle. That is, for the IAEA to have confidence that there has been no diversion of declared nuclear material; no misuse of nuclear facilities; and no undeclared nuclear material or activities.
This is what we see as fundamental to our non-proliferation approach.
In developing an Article 14 arrangement, the IAEA will need to account for factors that are specific to Australia’s NNP program. In Australia’s case, a number of these program-specific factors also offer important non-proliferation advantages. For example:
Australia will not undertake enrichment, reprocessing or fuel fabrication for NNP;
Australia will receive the nuclear fuel for propulsion in complete, welded power units: and;
The nuclear fuel Australia will receive cannot be used in nuclear weapons without further chemical processing – requiring facilities that Australia does not have and will not seek.
Our commitment to the non-proliferation regime is reflected in the trilateral AUKUS Agreement for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion (ANNPA), which entered into force on 17 January this year. ANNPA stipulates the transfer of nuclear material and equipment from the UK and the US to Australia can occur only after Australia has an Article 14 arrangement in place with the IAEA. My American colleague, Paul, will address this topic in more detail.
We support the IAEA Director General’s commitment that, once Australia’s Article 14 arrangement is developed, it will be transmitted to the IAEA Board for appropriate action, guided by the Director General’s technical assessment of the arrangement’s non-proliferation provisions.
In November last year, IAEA Director General Grossi issued his third report on Australia’s NNP programme (the previous reports were issued in 2022 and 2023). At our request, this report, and the previous two reports, have been published on the IAEA website. I commend the reports to all who are interested in how the IAEA and Australia have been working together to support the non-proliferation element of Australia’s NNP program.
The Director General’s report confirms we have kept the Secretariat informed of all relevant developments and have continued to fulfil all reporting requirements under Australia’s CSA, AP and subsidiary arrangements, in keeping with our impeccable non-proliferation record. The report outlines relevant developments since 2023 including:
That the Agency has continued to conduct its independent verification activities in relation to Australia’s NNP programme within the framework of Australia’s safeguards agreements, and
How Australia has been supporting this work, including by facilitating the IAEA’s collection of environmental samples, and enabling a transparency visit to a naval base that will be used for the maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines.
To recap other key developments since our last side event at the 2024 PrepCom:
In October 2024, we announced a plan to establish a naval shipbuilding and sustainment precinct at Henderson in Western Australia. In due course, this will be the home of depot-level maintenance and contingency docking of Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
In late August-early September 2024, a maintenance activity was conducted on a US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarine at HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia. Australian personnel participated in planned maintenance and repairs on the non-nuclear components of the submarine. This marked a significant step forward in supporting Australia’s development of necessary workforce skills. Australia engaged with the IAEA to ensure transparency ahead of this activity.
In conclusion, I want to express my thanks for your attendance at this event, and your interest in this matter. This is the third side event we have convened in the context of the NPT PrepCom process, as part of our continued commitment to engage regularly and transparently on Australia’s NNP program.
AUKUS partners will keep providing updates on relevant developments at the IAEA Board of Governors and General Conference – as we have done consistently since AUKUS was announced in September 2021.
We fully support the Director General’s commitment to continue to report to the IAEA Board of Governors on Australia’s NNP program, as he judges appropriate. We welcome constructive discussions in the Board based on his reports.
An important recent development is the entry into force of the ANNPA, which my American colleague Paul will discuss next.
Thank you.
US statement as delivered by Paul Watzlavick, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of International Security and Non-Proliferation
Thank you, Ambassador Wood.
As you just heard from my Australian colleague, the entry into force of the AUKUS Naval Nuclear Propulsion Agreement (ANNPA) in January was an important step toward Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarine capability. Specifically, ANNPA permits the continued communication and exchange of information related to naval nuclear propulsion, as well as the transfer of naval nuclear propulsion plants, related equipment, and material to Australia for a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability. ANNPA cements AUKUS partners’ non-proliferation commitments in accordance with the NPT by making them legally binding on Australia, the United Kingdom, and United States. As we have prioritised since the start of the AUKUS partnership in 2021, this is yet another way that we are demonstrating our commitment to setting the highest standard of non-proliferation in an open and transparent manner.
Significantly, ANNPA reaffirms partners’ respective commitments under the NPT: those of the US and UK as Nuclear Weapon States, and those of Australia as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State. ANNPA allows the US and UK to provide information, material, and equipment to Australia solely for a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability, not for nuclear weapons. Additionally, ANNPA reaffirms Australia’s commitment as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State to not receive the transfer of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices or control of nuclear weapons. Under the Agreement, Australia is prohibited from enriching uranium, producing nuclear fuel, or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel for naval nuclear propulsion. ANNPA also makes clear that the United Kingdom and United States will only provide Australia with nuclear fuel in complete, welded power units. Ambassador Kitsell will go into further detail on this point later.
I would now like to cover some of the major provisions of ANNPA, which provides a legal framework to enable the parties to continue sharing naval nuclear propulsion information and for the United States and United Kingdom to transfer nuclear material and equipment to Australia. Most importantly, ANNPA requires that a satisfactory arrangement meeting the highest non-proliferation standard under Article 14 of Australia’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement be in place between Australia and the IAEA before any transfer of nuclear material under the Agreement. The safeguards arrangement must not only be satisfactory to Australia and the IAEA in this regard, but the AUKUS partners must have a shared view that safeguards arrangement meets the highest non-proliferation standard. The AUKUS partners have affirmed that they understand that this means that the Article 14 arrangement must allow the IAEA to fulfil its core technical objectives at all stages of the lifecycle of Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine programme.
Despite the AUKUS partners’ continued dedication to non-proliferation, ANNPA has been the subject of deliberate disinformation. To be clear:
First, ANNPA requires Australia and the IAEA to reach an agreement on safeguards. ANNPA authorizes the transfer of nuclear material only when a satisfactory safeguards and verification arrangement is in place between Australia and the IAEA.
Second, neither ANNPA – nor any provisions within it – constitute a substitute or alternative for IAEA safeguards. Indeed, claims that the Agreement allows the Parties applying our own verification mechanisms instead are incorrect. The Article (VII.E) in question is commonly contained in agreements for civil nuclear cooperation – including in most from the US, UK, and Australia – and provides a mechanism to ensure that safeguards measures, obligations, principles, procedures and assurances will continue to be applied in all circumstances. We believe that not having such a mechanism would be irresponsible.
Third, ANNPA’s requirements are consistent with Australia’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. ANNPA obligates the partners to protect naval nuclear propulsion information and related classified information from disclosure, including disclosure to the IAEA, but the partners are committed to developing a safeguards and verification arrangement that protects such information from disclosure while allowing the IAEA to complete its technical objectives. As noted, this is consistent with Article 14 of Australia’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, which specifically provides that such arrangements with the IAEA “shall not involve any approval or classified knowledge of the military activity or relate to the use of the nuclear material therein.” Importantly, the ANNPA specifically obliges the UK and US to ensure that Australia provides the IAEA with other information and access necessary to fulfil Australia’s safeguards obligations to the IAEA.
We value sessions such as this one to openly offer clarity on how we are developing our approach consistent with our respective international obligations. I have spoken to you about an important step in our partnership, the ANNPA, and will now turn to Ambassador Kitsell to cover wider areas of misinformation that have unfortunately persisted about the AUKUS partnership.
UK statement as delivered by Corinne Kitsell, Ambassador and UK Permanent Representative to IAEA and CTBTO
Thank you, Paul.
It is excellent to see so many delegates in the room for this discussion, and a pleasure to join my US and Australian colleagues on this panel. You’ve already heard from Ambassador Wood and Mr Watzlavick about the AUKUS programme, our non-proliferation approach, and how the entry into force of the ANNPA bolsters our non-proliferation commitments.
My aim today is to address some common misconceptions about the AUKUS endeavour. I hope to offer clarity and reassurance on some of the issues we are asked most frequently.
AUKUS is still a relatively new partnership, and it is natural and expected that there are questions about the work we are undertaking. That is why, since AUKUS began in September 2021, all three partners have engaged openly and transparently with the international community.
My aim today is to ensure you are equipped with the facts about the work we are undertaking in relation to nuclear non-proliferation and to ensure our dialogue, at this meeting and others, remains grounded in truth. This includes underlining four important points, that:
First, AUKUS is fully in line with our respective international obligations;
Second, the transfer of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) between Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) and Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS) does not contravene the NPT;
Third, Australia’s Article 14 arrangement will not remove nuclear material from IAEA oversight, and;
Fourth, why attempts to legitimise a parallel intergovernmental discussion on AUKUS should be rejected.
First, AUKUS is fully in line with all three partners’ respective international obligations. Including the NPT and Australia’s obligations under the Treaty of Rarotonga. Some have made claims to the contrary, often based on conjecture or disregard for our commitment to our international obligations. Accordingly, it is worth reiterating again that our cooperation under AUKUS has nothing to do with nuclear weapons.
Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines will use nuclear material solely as a power source for propulsion. All three AUKUS partners take our obligations under the NPT extremely seriously. As per Article 2 of the Treaty, Australia does not have and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons. Consistent with their obligations under Article 1, neither the UK nor the US will provide any assistance, encouragement or inducement for Australia to do so.
Relatedly, we recognise that there is interest in the safety of nuclear-powered vessels. Some have also inquired about the management of spent fuel from Australia’s submarine programme. I can reassure you that nuclear safety and stewardship are fundamental to our cooperation under AUKUS. For over 60 years, the UK and the US have operated more than 500 naval nuclear reactors. Collectively, they have travelled over 240 million kilometres without a reactor accident or release of radioactive material that adversely affected human health or the environment. Our approach to AUKUS is underpinned by this unmatched safety record, as well as Australia’s experience operating nuclear research reactors and conducting nuclear science activities.
Claims that AUKUS will undermine the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone – either in terms of the presence of nuclear weapons or the dumping of radioactive waste at sea – are incorrect. Naval nuclear propulsion is not prohibited by the Treaty of Rarotonga, and Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability is entirely consistent with the Treaty. As a responsible nuclear steward, Australia will be responsible for the management, disposition, storage, and disposal of any spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste from their programme. The Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 also reaffirms that Australia will not manage, store, or dispose of spent nuclear fuel or reactors from decommissioned UK or US submarines.
Second, Australia’s submarine fuel will be subject to a robust package of safeguards and verification measures. We know that much has been made of the fact that Australia’s submarines will be powered by Highly Enriched Uranium. Let me be clear – the HEU fuel that will power Australia’s submarines will be subject to a robust package of safeguards and verification measures developed in consultation with the IAEA. The fuel for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines will be provided to Australia by the UK and US in complete, welded power units that will not require refuelling in their lifetime. This has several advantages, including:
Eliminating the need for Australia to enrich uranium;
Reducing the production of spent fuel, and;
Avoiding the need to maintain a stockpile of fresh nuclear fuel.
Removing nuclear material from these sealed units is a complex and highly visible process. This would also render the power unit, and hence the submarine, inoperable. There is no incentive for Australia to pursue such a course of action.
Additionally, the nuclear fuel Australia will receive cannot be used in nuclear weapons without further chemical processing. This would require facilities that Australia does not have and will not seek. The IAEA will be able to verify the absence of these facilities, including by use of Australia’s Additional Protocol.
Separately, you may have heard that the transfer of HEU from a NWS to a NNWS is unprecedented or contravenes the NPT. Both claims are incorrect. The transfer of nuclear material at any enrichment level among States Parties is not prohibited by the NPT, provided the transfer is carried out in accordance with relevant safeguards obligations. Such transfers can and do take place between Nuclear Weapon States and Non-Nuclear Weapon States. Like many Member States here, AUKUS partners remain fully committed to HEU minimisation for civilian nuclear applications.
Third, naval nuclear propulsion was foreseen by the drafters of the NPT and will not remove nuclear material from IAEA oversight. As Ambassador Wood has already made clear, naval nuclear propulsion was foreseen by the drafters of the NPT and discussed during the negotiations to develop the model CSA. This has been repeatedly confirmed by the IAEA Secretariat, including by Director General Grossi in September 2022 and March 2023. Article 14 is the specific provision included in the IAEA’s model CSA to provide a mechanism for activities including naval nuclear propulsion.
The development and use of this technology, and the application of Article 14, is therefore not a ‘loophole’ – and calling it such is often a deliberate attempt to mislead. As DG Grossi noted in May 2023, and I quote, “the Agency’s role in this process is foreseen in the existing legal framework and falls strictly within its statutory competences”.
And let me be clear, Australia’s Article 14 arrangement will not remove nuclear material from IAEA oversight. The Agency will be enabled to continue meeting its technical objectives throughout the lifecycle of Australia’s submarines. Verifying that there has been no diversion of nuclear material; no misuse of nuclear facilities; and no undeclared nuclear material or activities in Australia.
Fourth, the IAEA has the authority to negotiate directly and in-confidence with Member States. The IAEA has the clear authority under its Statute, and extensive precedent, to negotiate directly and in-confidence with individual Member States on the establishment and application of safeguards and verification arrangements.
You may encounter attempts to legitimise a so-called intergovernmental discussion on AUKUS. If you do, we urge you to remember the following: Australia’s current engagement with the IAEA is not a new phenomenon. As DG Grossi has stated, the IAEA already conducted bilateral discussions with another Member State on an Article 14 arrangement in the past. Many will be aware that the IAEA is also engaging with Brazil on an arrangement for the use of nuclear material under safeguards in naval nuclear propulsion under Article 13 of the Quadripartite Safeguards Agreement.
The international safeguards system relies on the IAEA’s ability to carry out its verification mission independently and impartially – free from political deliberations. Interference would politicise the IAEA’s independence, mandate, and technical authority, and establish a deeply harmful precedent.
Any suggestion that the IAEA Board of Governors, or the opportunity for proper deliberation, will somehow be bypassed in the case of AUKUS is also false. DG Grossi has committed to report, as appropriate, on naval nuclear propulsion programmes to the Board, as he last did last in November 2024. AUKUS partners welcome discussion of such programmes at the Board, under apolitical agenda items put forward by the DG and informed by his reporting. Once Australia and the IAEA Secretariat have agreed an Article 14 arrangement, it will be transmitted to the Board for appropriate action. AUKUS partners fully support this.
To summarise, Australia, the UK, and US strongly support the NPT as the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime. We remain committed to setting the highest non-proliferation standard for naval nuclear propulsion under an Article 14 arrangement. I hope you will leave here today clear in the knowledge that AUKUS is fully in line with our international obligations, including those in the NPT, and confident in the principles and legitimacy of our approach and our engagement with the IAEA. We will continue to engage openly and transparently with the international community on good faith queries. In that spirit, I will pass back to Ambassador Larsen for any questions from the audience.
Source: Universities – Science Po in English
Daniela Espinal Fondeur and Gabrijela Papec have been selected to be part of the 150 students from 38 countries of the 10th cohort of Schwarzman Scholars, one of the most competitive scholarship programmes in the world – with an acceptance rate of below 3%. With its first anniversary coming up in 2026, this programme has reached this year the biggest number of applications and has admitted its 100th country represented, thanks to Sciences Po student Gabrijela Papec, from Croatia.
This scholarship offers the equivalent of €150,000 to each recipient, with automatic acceptance to the best university in Asia (Times Higher Education World University Rankings), Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, for a one-year master’s degree on a campus reserved exclusive to the 150 graduates, the Schwarzman College. The core purpose of this programme can be summed up in this quote from its founding trustee, Stephen A. Schwarzman, “Those who will lead the future must understand China today”.
Meet this year’s two Sciences Po recipients, Daniela Espinal Fondeur, a graduate from the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) and Gabrijela Papec, a master’s student from the Law School.
Who are you?
Daniela E. F.: I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, where I studied economics as an undergraduate student. In 2022, I joined the Master in International Governance and Diplomacy at Sciences Po, and graduated in June 2024. My interest lies in international cooperation. I undertook internships in embassies, UNESCO, and the Dominican Republic Consulate in Paris. I wish to become a diplomat in the near future.
Gabrijela P.: I am from Croatia. I began my journey at Sciences Po as an undergraduate student on the Reims campus, and its North America minor – just like Felipe Chertouh (2024 Schwarzman Scholar, article in French). I have a strong interest in the way advocacy work can be intertwined with human rights and international law, which grew even stronger after a summer internship at Genocide Watch. After a year as a master’s student in Economic Law, I decided to take a gap year and applied to the Schwarzman Scholar programme.
What are you expecting from this programme?
Daniela: I am really excited to benefit from this unique opportunity. China is so remote from the Dominican Republic, it is priceless to learn about a country while living there. I aim to build a bridge between China and my country through an internship at the Dominican Embassy in Beijing. Considering all the turmoil that’s happening in our world, it is incredible to go through that experience.
Gabrijela: Getting a deep cultural understanding of the way international law is applied in China – a gigantic country which holds much power over other countries – is very important. I feel that China needs to be included in the very making of international law and policies, or they will never work out. I already experienced working in Asia, for a South Korean company, and I can’t wait to further enrich my skill set.
How was your experience at Sciences Po ?
Daniela: It was my first time away from home! I met remarkable colleagues, professors, and had a unique experience as a Paris Peace Forum volunteer, assigned to the Montenegro delegation. You can access many academic opportunities, such as the European Forum Alpbach in Austria. One of my favourite courses was about great strategies in diplomacy, past and present, taught by Bruno Stagno Ugarte, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica. I made the most out of my Sciences Po experience by joining different clubs as well, in the fields of diplomacy and debate.
Gabrijela: Reims being quite a small city, I found it easy to meet people, who came from everywhere. The course that made a lasting impression on me was about conflict-related sexual violence, taught by David Eichert. This excellent course focused on the way international criminal law evolved to include sexual violence. I do believe that I, too, can change the course of history. I used to complain about the way Sciences Po gave me so much work, but I can see now that it prepared me to think for myself, to be responsible. It enabled me to apply to this programme, filling in a comprehensive file.
What advice would you give to sciences po students applying to the Schwarzman Scholars programme?
Daniela: Be open to getting out of your comfort zone, to consider living in other places that can challenge you, mentally and culturally. It can turn into the greatest opportunity for growth at all level.
A Schwarzman recipient must meet three main criteria :
Gabrijela: Be open to yourself and who you want to be, but also, try to be the best student you can be.
Both: Reach out to previous scholars, ask for help. Sciences Po has an alumni base for this programme now, rely on it, on its sense of community. We can’t wait to meet the 1,300+ programme graduates in 2026 for its 10th anniversary.
Source: City of Canterbury
Hosted by Canterbury BID, the third annual Best Bar None awards took place on Wednesday 11 June, recognising the efforts of 33 venues in Canterbury.
Best Bar None is a national accreditation scheme that recognises excellence in the hospitality industry, promoting safer and more welcoming nights out. Canterbury remains the leading location for accredited venues in Kent.
The scheme was introduced by Kent Police, Canterbury City Council and Canterbury BID in 2022 and provides businesses with an official, independent, accreditation that shows customers how hard they work to provide a safe and welcoming place to visit while they are out socialising.
This year’s ceremony took place at The Lounge Bar & Kitchen, with 33 businesses receiving their awards, along with 14 Special Achievements awards for those venues and individuals that have gone above and beyond in keeping our community safe.
The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Keji Moses, District Commander CI Paul Stoner and BID CEO Lisa Carlson.
Awards for top scoring assessments were given to The Venue, Woody’s, Tokyo Tearoom and The Cricketers, while staff from Club Chemistry, McDonald’s, Boom Battle Bar, The Shakespeare and The Foundry BrewPub also received individual and special awards.
Awards based on the highest scores achieved in the Best Bar None accreditation process:
Individual and special awards based on the stories submitted by management about their staff and project work:
Lisa Carlson, CEO Canterbury BID said: “Canterbury has been the proud receiver of the Purple Flag for 13 years, thanks to the existing partnership working between agencies, police and businesses and we are delighted to see that Best Bar None continues to grow in popularity.
“When we started three years ago, 19 venues were accredited and we’re now up to 33. The scheme was so successful in its first year that we were part of the Kent-wide team that won the national Best Newcomer award because of the number of venues accredited in the first year (actually, within four months!).
“Our licensed venues drive economic growth, support jobs and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. They provide the vibrant cultural atmosphere that well and truly make Canterbury the best night out in Kent – and beyond!”
PC Danielle Rolfe, Canterbury Licensing Officer, said: “Through the Best Bar None scheme, Kent Police is able to build stronger relationships with local venues. By working closely with businesses, officers are creating a safer local environment, helping to prevent crime and will gain the ability to identify suspects faster.
“It is a pleasure to work alongside the venues and individuals that are being recognised at the event, and I congratulate them for their contribution to the community.”
Cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Connie Nolan, said: “Our licensed premises play a vital role in the economic and social fabric of the city and residents and visitors need to know that when they are heading for a night out, they are doing so in well run, responsible and safe businesses.
“It’s great to see such a range of pubs, clubs and restaurants being recognised in this year’s awards and I congratulate them all.
“Managing the night-time economy is one big collaborative effort between the businesses and all the authorities and it’s by taking such an approach that Canterbury retains its reputation as a great and safe city to socialise in and spend time in.”
The 33 venues to receive Best Bar None accreditation were:
The Ballroom, The Bishops Finger, The Black Griffin, Boom Battle Bar, Canterbury Cathedral, Club Chemistry, The Cherry Tree, Citi Terrace, The Cosy Club, The Cricketers, The Cuban, Curzon Riverside, The Dolphin, The Lady Luck, Las Iguanas, Matches Sports Bar, McDonalds, The Miller’s Arms, Old City Bar, The Foundry BrewPub, The Lounge (Canterbury Christ Church University), The Parrot, The Penny Theatre, The Pound, The Seven Stars, The Shakespeare, Thomas Ingoldsby, Tokyo Tea Rooms, The Unicorn, The Venue (University of Kent), The Westgate Inn, Woody’s (University of Kent), Ye Olde Beverlie.
Published: 13 June 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
~ Building on a Strong Foundation through Operational Progress and Strategic Initiatives ~
NEW YORK, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nuvini Group Limited (Nasdaq: NVNI) (“Nuvini” or the “Company”), a leading acquirer of private B2B SaaS companies in Latin America, today issued a letter to shareholders from Nuvini Founder and CEO Pierre Schurmann.
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
As we quickly approach the end of the second quarter, I wanted to provide an update on Nuvini’s continued success, detailing developments from my last letter in May and discussing what lies ahead in the near future and beyond for the Company. As mentioned in my last letter, Nuvini is amid its next phase of growth driven by leverage and execution as we continue to execute our strategic acquisitions, highlighted by our successful acquisition of Munddi, an online platform that connects brands with consumers, suppliers, and retail chains in Brazil. I am pleased to also provide updates on our recent operational highlights, NuviniAI and our initiatives to strengthen our operating muscle by welcoming Gustavo Usero as our new Group Operating Director.
Munddi Acquisition
The successful acquisition of Munddi was one of four planned acquisitions this year and a significant value add to our ecosystem of Latin America based B2B SaaS solutions, creating new synergies to drive revenue growth. Further, Munddi allows us to unlock cross-selling opportunities across our portfolio, specifically for Onclick, Leadlovers and Mercos, our retail and supply chain solutions. With a strong M&A pipeline, I am excited to continue to provide developments regarding additional accretive acquisitions in the near future and throughout the remainder of the year.
Operational Highlights
We are encouraged to see continued strength in recurring revenues and execution of disciplined cost management across our portfolio of B2B SaaS solutions. As our AI and shared services platforms scale, we expect further margin enhancement and are already seeing early indicators tracking ahead of plan. To that point, our AI implementation is already showing measurable impact on our numbers, reducing overhead by 8%.
NuviniAI: From Ideation to Implementation
Delving deeper into Nuvini’s AI initiatives, I would like to touch on the NuviniAI challenge, our internal innovation initiative, which has garnered ten high-potential finalist projects. The final selection event is scheduled for July 15, 2025, to be held at Oracle’s office in São Paulo, and the top three projects will enter the implementation phase in the third quarter. Accordingly, we plan to launch three new AI-first products to our current client base by the end of the year.
Strengthening Our Operating Muscle
At Nuvini we are always looking for ways to increase our operational efficiency and we are thrilled to welcome Gustavo Usero, formerly of Vela Software (a Constellation Software company) effective as of April 1st, 2025, as our new non executive Group Operating Director. Gustavo brings deep experience in value creation and integration strategies across SaaS portfolios to Nuvini. His mandate will be to elevate our playbook for operational excellence and accelerate our AI-driven efficiency programs and his primary focus includes strengthening budgeting discipline, expanding EBITDA margins, and implementing robust performance management frameworks.
I look forward to providing future updates and thank you for your continued trust.
Sincerely,
Pierre Schurmann
Founder & CEO, Nuvini
About Nuvini
Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Nuvini is Latin America’s leading private serial acquirer of B2B SaaS companies. The company focuses on acquiring profitable, high-growth SaaS businesses with strong recurring revenue and cash flow generation. By fostering an entrepreneurial environment, Nuvini enables its portfolio companies to scale and maintain leadership within their respective industries. The company’s long-term vision is to buy, retain, and create value through strategic partnerships and operational expertise.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation: the Company’s ability to complete the potential acquisitions on the anticipated timeline or at all; general market conditions that could affect the consummation of the potential acquisition; if definitive documents with respect to a potential acquisition are executed, whether the parties will achieve any of the anticipated benefits of any such transactions; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Ǫuarterly and Annual Reports filed with the SEC, and the risks described in other filings that the Company may make with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Investor Relations Contact
Sofia Toledo
ir@nuvini.co
MZ North America
NVNI@mzgroup.us
Source: Greenpeace Statement –
Some of the UK’s best-loved stars have joined a call on the UK government to stop failing the ocean and sign the Global Ocean Treaty into law, as the pivotal UN Ocean Conference is taking place in Nice this week. 18 more states ratified the Treaty yesterday, bringing the total so far to 49, but embarrassingly there is no sign of action from the UK government.
Household names and longtime ocean, climate and nature ambassadors Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Bonnie Wright (who was in Nice for the summit), Dan Smith, Cel Spellman, Meera Sodha and Mya-Rose Craig are together appealing to the Foreign Secretary David Lammy to urgently sign the Global Ocean Treaty (also known as the High Seas Treaty) into UK law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer must support the legislation being brought to parliament before the summit ends on Friday.
Their joint statement said:
“All life on earth depends on healthy oceans, yet they are under threat like never before. I urge the Foreign Secretary David Lammy to protect the oceans by rapidly passing the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law. It’s high time the UK got onboard. The Treaty is our best chance to achieve protection of 30% of the ocean by 2030, which scientists agree is essential for marine life to survive and thrive. The UK has turned up empty handed to a pivotal UN Ocean Conference where countries are committing to ocean protection right now. The UK must stop failing the ocean and swiftly join the 49 states that have already ratified. David Lammy has to ensure the Treaty legislation is tabled by the end of this vital conference.”
After a flurry of ratifications on day one of the UN Global Ocean Conference, 49 states (plus the European Union) have now signed the Treaty into law, including 14 EU countries, but the UK is notably absent from this list[1][2]. A total of at least 60 states is required to bring the Treaty into force, and this threshold could be reached as soon as this week, but so far there’s no sign the UK will be included in the leading pack of countries.
The UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June) is the most significant political moment about the ocean since the agreement of the Global Ocean Treaty by the UN in 2023. Dozens of Heads of State are attending, according to the organisers. This level of attendance, and the diplomatic efforts of the organisers, provide an opportunity to set a high level of ambition for global ocean protection for the coming years. Ahead of the conference the UK government announced a package of domestic ocean protection measures but international action is also urgently needed to deliver on the commitment to protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030.
Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior oceans campaigner, said:
“The UK government wants to be a leader on climate and nature, but 49 countries have beaten them to it on ocean protection. This vital international agreement could soon enter into force and begin delivering protection at sea on a scale we’ve never seen before. We’re tantalisingly close to a huge moment for the planet and the UK government could have pushed us closer. Embarrassingly, despite having had 20 months to do it, it hasn’t even begun the parliamentary process to sign the Treaty into UK law.
“All life on Earth depends on the ocean. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy must stop failing it, and bring legislation to parliament before the summit concludes on Friday. The government must also loudly support calls for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Global ocean protection cannot wait, and Starmer’s government shouldn’t either. This historic Treaty can help to protect a third of our blue planet from threats like industrial fishing, which devastates marine life. The UK needs to get onboard.”
Mya-Rose Craig, ornithologist, writer, environmentalist and activist, said:
“We stand at a crossroads. In my lifetime, I’ll either witness the devastation of marine life and the decimation of coastal communities – or I’ll see a world where the oceans are properly protected, with thriving ecosystems, wildlife and people. Healthy oceans are also fundamental to tackling the climate crisis. I sailed to the Arctic with Greenpeace a few years ago, where I saw the Arctic sea ice shrinking. Each year, the sea ice retreats even further. But this is just one threat – destructive fishing, shipping, oil drilling and deep sea mining all pose a risk. Time is fast running out for governments to protect the oceans and the UK needs to deliver on its promises right now. Foreign Secretary David Lammy must ratify the Global Ocean Treaty immediately. It is the only tool that can help protect 30% of the oceans by 2030.”
Cel Spellman, actor, writer and presenter, said:
“The health and balance of our bountiful oceans are at a critical tipping point. What happens at the UN Ocean Conference will define the future of our oceans; for the plant & wildlife species that call them home, for the communities that rely on them, and for the future of our precious planet. There is no other option than ensuring 30% of our oceans are protected, it’s as simple as that. Nothing less will suffice. The warning signs are there, the science is clear. If you want to understand why this is the case and how we’ve got in this mess, I implore you to watch or read Ocean with David Attenborough.”
Greenpeace UK is calling on the UK government to:
ENDS
Photos of some of the signatories are available in the Greenpeace Media Library here
Contact: Alex Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, alexandra.sedgwick@greenpeace.org, 07739 963301.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002250/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Maria Zacharia (NI)
The massive concentration of capital in offshore structures is not just a tax problem but a structural threat to democracy and the national sovereignty of Member States. The Panama and Pandora Papers revealed that most of the world’s wealth is located in invisible offshore schemes, with complete opacity and zero accountability. Shell companies, based in tax havens, operate in the EU without any substantial disclosure of the real shareholders and without any additional tax liability. Their operation, often with the involvement of political figures, financial intermediaries and criminal networks, undermines the rule of law, expropriates valuable public resources and turns Member States into blackmailable administrators.
The European Union has adopted a series of measures to ensure the transparency of corporate structures, such as Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of money laundering, Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 on capital transfers and Recommendation 2022/590 on shell companies. However, the reality is that thousands of offshore companies continue to operate within the EU, without full disclosure of the natural persons who control them and without tax registration in Member States.
In view of the above:
Submitted: 4.6.2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has launched two new testnet campaigns in collaboration with blockchain infrastructure projects Pharos and CESS. The initiatives will distribute a total of 200,000 testnet tokens to participants, part of the company’s broader push to support early-stage ecosystem engagement through simplified onchain access.
Pharos is a revolutionary Layer 1 blockchain platform that sets new benchmarks in decentralized technology with its extreme performance and scalability. CESS is a data value infrastructure, offering secure, scalable, and programmable storage and delivery for AI, DePIN, and Web3 applications. Both projects are currently in public testing and are using token incentives to drive user activity and network feedback.
The Pharos campaign runs from June 13 to July 13 and offers 100,000 PHRS test tokens. CESS is conducting two campaigns: one distributing 100,000 tCESS test tokens from June 13 to July 13, and a separate task-based campaign running from June 13 to June 20 with an additional $50,000 worth of CESS tokens allocated to a reward pool. The reward pool, offered exclusively through Bitget Wallet, is expected to be distributed after the project’s token launch (TGE). All campaigns are accessible directly within Bitget Wallet, with no external forms or social logins required.
Launched earlier this year, Bitget Wallet’s Testnet Faucet Center serves as a dedicated interface for accessing testnet campaigns across multiple blockchain networks. Designed to reduce friction in user onboarding, it allows participants to claim tokens, complete tasks, and track progress in real time—without needing third-party integrations. The platform is part of Bitget Wallet’s broader strategy to position itself as a gateway for users exploring new protocols and participating in early-stage blockchain ecosystems.
Find out more on Bitget Wallet’s official channels.
About Bitget Wallet
Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets. Its vision is Crypto for Everyone — to make crypto simpler, safer, and part of everyday life for a billion people.
For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2717b203-c62b-4215-89e2-331561f7f0bb
Source: South Africa News Agency
Government works to boost the agricultural sector
Government is implementing comprehensive measures to support small-scale farmers, especially in rural and underdeveloped provinces like the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile who outlined key strategies during a parliamentary question-and-answer session. At Thursday’s session, the Deputy President emphasised the importance of enhancing agricultural productivity and improving access to funding.
Addressing the National Assembly, he stated that the government is improving agricultural productivity through the Agriculture Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAPP) and various support programmes, including the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) and the Blended Finance Scheme.
WATCH | Deputy President addresses the National Assembly
He explained that the Master Plan aims to enhance agricultural products, promote agro-processing, and improve market access by building capacity, accelerating land reform, and providing financial assistance to farmers.
“We need to support it to promote economic growth, ensure food security and employment creation, particularly in rural areas.
“Government is playing a crucial role in ensuring that small farmers become sustainable and thriving enterprises aligned to the country’s land reform and rural development objectives,” he said.
He announced that government is assisting farmers by offering grants and loans through partnerships with financial institutions like the Land Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
According to the Deputy President, the state is providing blended finance schemes targeting black-owned agricultural enterprises.
“We are enhancing collaboration between government and private entities to boost productivity, service delivery and sustainability growth. Infrastructure and technology adoption depend on these collaborations,” he said.
He told Members of Parliament that efforts are being made to address the challenge of accessing funding from commercial banks by de-risking investments and mobilising Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
Meanwhile, the Deputy President said government is also leveraging trade agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to boost regional trade.
“If we effectively utilise regional structures like the African Continental Free Trade Area, our smallholder farmers will have a platform to access larger regional markets and potentially benefit from increased demand for their products.
“In this regard, continuous industry consultation and reporting are taking place through the agricultural trade forum.”
Export opportunities
He announced that South Africa is exploring export opportunities in strategic markets like Japan and focusing on products such as citrus fruits and avocados.
In the meantime, arrangements are currently in place with the European Union and the country’s BRICS partners to fast-track export protocols, enhance biosecurity to meet international standards and ensure international outreach is professional, responsive and strategic.
BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 10 countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Funding and market access
The country’s second-in-command also took the time to acknowledge the challenges, including commercial banks’ reluctance to fund small farmers due to a lack of collateral.
However, he stated that the government is intervening to reduce investment risks and encourage bank participation.
According to Deputy President Mashatile, government aims to transform small-scale farming into sustainable enterprises, which will promote economic growth, food security, and job creation in rural areas.
“We are actively seeking to expand agricultural market access to countries like Japan, particularly for our citrus fruits and avocados.”
The Deputy President also took the time to extend his condolences to the families of the people affected by the severe weather conditions in the Eastern Cape.
“Our hearts are with you. Government will do everything in its power to assist you. The President will be visiting the Eastern Cape tomorrow,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
China warned the Group of Seven advanced economies on Friday against “manipulating” issues related to the world’s second-largest economy for their own agenda, after they accused Beijing of unfair business practices a year earlier.
Beijing’s criticism of the G7 and what it represents comes amid a surge in global trade tension between the United States and China this year, as well as within the bloc’s membership.
In remarks ahead of a three-day G7 summit in Canada set to start from Sunday, Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, accused the group of having always upheld a Cold War mentality.
The bloc should “stop interfering in other countries’ internal affairs, stop undermining other countries’ development, (and) stop manipulating issues related to China,” Lin told a regular news conference.
The G7 provokes conflicts and confrontations, said Lin, adding that such practices were “doomed to fail”.
In the communique after its 2024 summit in Italy that mentioned China more than 20 times, the G7 said its companies needed to be protected from China’s unfair business practices.
It also warned of action against Chinese financial institutions that helped Russia obtain weapons for its war in Ukraine.
The participation of countries beyond the grouping, such as India and Brazil, in last year’s event also irked China, which viewed the move as a bid to sow discord among countries of the Global South.
New leaders will represent five of the G7’s members – Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan and the United States – at next week’s summit.
(Reuters)
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
‘The US is just so obsessed about being big, it doesn’t understand that by others becoming bigger, the US can become wealthier.’
Jim O’Neill, Lord O’Neill of Gatley, is an ex-Treasury Minister, former Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs and Crossbench member of the House of Lords.
In this latest episode of Lord Speaker’s Corner, Lord O’Neill shares his perspectives with Lord McFall of Alcluith on a range of topics, from China and the USA to AI, the risks of rising antimicrobial resistance and why Manchester should be prioritised as Britain’s second city.
At Goldman Sachs, Lord O’Neill coined the term BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) to describe the group of emerging economies. In this episode he shares his thoughts on how that has progressed, as well as President Donald Trump’s current tariffs approach by the US. He explains ‘the path which Trump seems to have embarked on, of aggressive confrontation, is not likely to be sustained because it is in America’s interests for China to continue to do well economically.’
He also shares his thoughts on the current approach to AI, warning against letting tech sectors self-regulate: ‘this idea that just let the financial sector regulate itself and there’d be no problem…that didn’t turn out too well, did it? And there’s a lot of these AI guys wanting to do the same.’
Lord O’Neill also calls for greater devolution, with powers for regions to raise local taxes, suggesting ‘people here (in Westminster) need to have excitement about giving responsibility to local people in these places to make a national difference.’ He also calls for devolution on welfare-spending with health-linked budgets for local authorities: ‘There’s a serious case for exploring devolving aspects of the welfare support budget as it links to critical health illness’
See more from the series https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/
#HouseOfLords #UKParliament #LordSpeakersCorner #LordsMembers
In a critical step toward addressing food insecurity in West Africa, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have launched their first joint Atoms4Food Initiative Assessment Mission in Burkina Faso.
This mission aims to identify key gaps and opportunities for delivering targeted technical support to Burkina Faso for food and agriculture in a country where an estimated 3.5 million people—nearly 20% of the population—are facing food insecurity. By leveraging nuclear science and technology, Atoms4Food seeks to bolster agricultural resilience and agrifood systems in one of the region’s most vulnerable nations.
The mission, conducted from 26 May to 1 June, assessed how nuclear and related technologies are being used in Burkina Faso to address challenges in enhancing crop production, improving soil quality and in animal production and health, as well as human nutrition.
The Atoms4Food Initiative was launched jointly by IAEA and FAO in 2023 to help boost food security and tackle growing hunger around the world. Atoms4Food will support countries to use innovative nuclear techniques such as sterile insect technique and plant mutation breeding to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food safety, improve nutrition and adapt agrifood systems to the challenges of climate change. Almost €9 million has been pledged by IAEA donor countries and private companies to the initiative so far.
As part of the Atoms4Food initiative, Assessment Missions are used to evaluate the specific needs and priorities of participating countries and identify critical gaps and opportunities where nuclear science and technology can offer impactful solutions. Based on the findings, tailored and country-specific solutions will be offered.
Burkina Faso is one of 29 countries who have so far requested to receive support under Atoms4Food, with more expected this year. Alongside Benin, Pakistan, Peru and Türkiye, Burkina Faso was among the first countries to request an Atoms4Food Assessment Mission in 2025.
A large proportion of Burkina Faso’s population still live in poverty and inequality. Food insecurity has been compounded by rapid population growth, gender inequality and low levels of educational attainment. In addition, currently, 50% of rice consumed in Burkina Faso is imported. The government aims to achieve food sovereignty by producing sufficient rice domestically to reduce reliance on imports.
“Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise globally, and Burkina Faso is particularly vulnerable to this growing challenge,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “This first Atoms4Food assessment mission marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the power of nuclear science to enhance food security. As the Atoms4Food Initiative expands worldwide, we are committed to delivering tangible, sustainable solutions to reduce hunger and malnutrition.”
The mission was conducted by a team of ten international experts in the areas of crop production, soil and water management, animal production and health and human nutrition. During the mission, the team held high-level meetings with the Burkina Faso Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment and conducted site visits to laboratories including the animal health laboratory and crop breeding facility at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, the crop genetics and nutrition laboratories at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, and the bull station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Loumbila.
“The Government of Burkina Faso is striving to achieve food security and sovereignty, to supply the country’s population with sufficient, affordable, nutritious and safe food, while strengthening the sustainability of the agrifood systems value-chain,” said Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and head of the mission to Burkina Faso. “Though much needs to be done, our mission found strong dedication and commitment from the Government in developing climate-resilient strategies for crops, such as rice, potato, sorghum and mango, strengthening sustainable livestock production of cattle, small ruminants and local poultry, as well as reducing malnutrition among infants and children, while considering the linkages with food safety.”
The Assessment Mission will deliver an integrated Assessment Report with concrete recommendations on areas for intervention under the Atoms4Food Initiative. This will help develop a National Action Plan in order to scale up the joint efforts made by the two organizations in the past decades, which will include expanding partnership and resource mobilization. “Our priority now is to deliver a concrete mission report with actionable recommendations that will support the development of the National Action Plan aimed at improving the country’s long term food security,” Feng added.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
UNECE joined forces with 17 other UN entities during the 2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day to urge governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to harness the transformative potential of AI-powered virtual worlds to drive development that works for all.
The call-to-action outlines 12 priorities—from expanding connectivity to promoting responsible use of emerging technologies—in order to ensure that no one is left behind in the fast-evolving digital era.
“Harnessing virtual worlds through common frameworks and standards can drive regional cooperation and smart, sustainable development. This initiative speaks to the heart of UNECE’s work to digitize its normative and capacity building instruments and enable communities to deal with the most pressing economic, environmental and social challenges in a data-driven and forward-looking manner,” said UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean.
Held under the theme “From Innovation to Impact: Delivering on the Pact for the Future”, the second edition of UN Virtual Worlds Day highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation and demonstrated the growing momentum across the UN system to foster shared innovation, global standards, and inclusive digital ecosystems.
UNECE presented its policies and frameworks for digital energy transformation, and how they can enable more efficient, sustainable and clean energy systems. The energy sector is responsible for 70% of global GHG emissions, whereas its net useful energy output is estimated at only 5-30% due to conversion, transmission, distribution, and end-use losses. Harnessing digital innovations, such as AI-powered virtual plants and smart grids, can lead to systemic energy efficiency improvements and optimization, reducing energy costs by 80% by optimizing the efficiency of buildings and industrial facilities through retrofitting and electrification.
With its policies that support flexible, secure and interoperable energy systems, regulatory innovation that fosters open collaboration, as well as inclusive capacity-building strategies, UNECE is helping UN Member States to achieve system-wide efficiency and resilience in the energy sector. Above all, UNECE promotes a human-centered approach to digitalization that balances innovation with ethical considerations and prioritizes equity, social considerations, and long-term sustainability for a just transition.
Twelve priorities for a digital future for all
The call-to-action emphasizes the importance of expanding access to meaningful connectivity; empowering people through digital public infrastructure; promoting responsible and transparent use of AI; protecting environmental sustainability and cultural heritage; fostering youth digital skills and innovation; and advancing global standards and multistakeholder collaboration.
The priorities in the call directly respond to the Pact for the Future, adopted at the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, and support the implementation of its Global Digital Compact and Declaration for Future Generations, as well as the World Summit on the Information Society+20 (WSIS+20) process beyond 2025.
They also offer concrete proposals to inform the 2025 Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), which aims to accelerate action on poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, and social inclusion.
From vision to action: Partnering to deliver the digital future
The second edition of UN Virtual Worlds Day was co-organized by a broad coalition of UN entities, including: ITU, ITCILO, FAO, UNECA, UNECE, UNECLAC, UNESCWA, UNFCCC, UN Guatemala, UN-Habitat, UNICC, UNICEF, UNRISD, UN Tourism, UNU, UN Futures Lab, World Bank, and WIPO.
The collaboration illustrates the UN system’s capacity to co-create global solutions and work across sectors and regions to catalyze innovation that serves the public good, promoting open, rights-based digital transformation.
The event reaffirmed the need for practical, scalable partnerships to ensure that the benefits of virtual worlds and AI reach rural, remote, and underserved communities worldwide, leaving no one behind.
UN Virtual Worlds Day also unveiled the Citiverse Use Case Taxonomy Overview, the first flagship deliverable of the Global Initiative on AI and Virtual Worlds—a UN-led platform for promoting open, interoperable, and trustworthy AI-powered virtual worlds for people, businesses, and public services.
The interactive catalogue showcases real-world applications of AI-powered virtual environments transforming education, climate action, urban governance, public services, and economic resilience.
Read the full text of the Call-to-Action and explore the Citiverse Use Case Taxonomy: www.itu.int/un-virtual-worlds-day/2025
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Details
2025-06-05
President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala
At noon on June 5, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process, and therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, must join hands in brotherhood and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. President Lai also expressed hope that both countries will work together and continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Once again, I would like to offer a warm welcome to President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. President Arévalo’s previous visit to Taiwan was 31 years ago. Back then, Taiwan did not have direct presidential elections, and the nation was continuing to make progress toward democratization. Today, 31 years later, Taiwan has conducted direct presidential elections eight times, with three transfers of power between political parties. On this visit, I am sure that President Arévalo will gain a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s free and democratic atmosphere. Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process. A little over 200 years ago, the people of Guatemala took a stand against colonial oppression, seeking national dignity and the freedom of its people. Eighty-one years ago, President Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, became Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, establishing an important foundation for subsequent democratic development. Our two peoples have democracy in their blood. Both know the value of freedom and democracy and are willing to take a stand for those values. Therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, our two countries must join hands in brotherhood to respond to threats and challenges, and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. I hope that both countries will work together to continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. I hope that on this visit, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development, President Arévalo can also reacquaint himself with the democratic vitality and cultural diversity of Taiwan by sampling various gourmet delicacies and once again experiencing the beauty of our scenery and warmth of our people. Guatemala is a very beautiful country. In the future, I hope to have a chance to personally experience that beauty, explore Mayan civilization, and savor local Guatemalan coffee. In closing, I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. May President Arévalo enjoy the best of health, and may the diplomatic friendship between our two countries endure. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, stating that at different times and by different means, the people of Taiwan and Guatemala have relentlessly sought to defend freedom and democracy. We share the same expectations, he said, and are walking the right path amid today’s complex international circumstances. President Arévalo stated that Taiwan and Guatemala are true democratic nations, where the government’s goal is to serve all the people. He noted that this is far from easy under current circumstances, as many authoritarian regimes use their long-term hold on power to safeguard the interests of select groups and neglect the wellbeing of the population as a whole. President Arévalo said that last week Guatemala commemorated the 40th anniversary of its constitution, which was enacted in 1985 and is Guatemala’s ultimate guide, setting the foundation for democracy and clearly outlining the path ahead. He said that over the past 40 years, Guatemala has continued to follow the democratic blueprint established by the constitution and end the civil war so that the nation could make the transition to real democracy. Although more than a few ambitious people have attempted to destroy that process from within, he noted, the people of Guatemala have never given up the pursuit of democracy as an ideal. President Arévalo stated that our two sides’ coming together here is due to such shared values as freedom and democracy as well as the idea of serving all the people. He underlined that the governments of both countries will continue to work hard and provide mutual support to smooth out each other’s path of democracy, freedom, and justice. President Arévalo emphasized that the government of Guatemala will always be Taiwan’s ally, and that he firmly believes Taiwan is Guatemala’s most reliable partner on the path of democracy and economic prosperity and development. The president said he hopes this visit will be the first step towards setting a new course for the governments and peoples of both countries. Also in attendance at the banquet were Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of the Economy Gabriela García, and Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.
Details
2025-06-05
President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors
On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.
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2025-06-03
President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet
At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows: The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands. In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture. President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise. President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
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2025-06-03
President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
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2025-06-03
President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors
President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip. A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples. For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.
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2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined Senator Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Representatives Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., and Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral effort to address the syphilis epidemic and ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and infants are as healthy as possible.
The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance to states on the best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Indian Health Service (IHS). Syphilis is a highly treatable and preventable disease that was nearly eradicated in the 1990s. However, in recent years, we have seen an increase in syphilis cases, with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that infections are at the highest levels since the 1950s. The CDC reported that in Mississippi, infant hospitalization with congenital syphilis spiked by 1,000 percent, from 10 cases in 2016 to 110 cases in 2022.
“The syphilis epidemic has impacted many Mississippians, and I am working to protect mothers and children from this disease,” said Senator Wicker. “The Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will expand access to life-saving screening and treatment for congenital syphilis.”
“We must do more to help stop the increase of babies born in New Mexico with congenital syphilis,” said Senator Heinrich. “My Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act will help us improve screening and treatment to protect pregnant mothers and babies in New Mexico from this fully treatable condition.”
“As rates of congenital syphilis continue to rise in Arizona’s newborns, we must ensure that our mothers, families, and healthcare professionals have access to information, treatment, and solutions they need to address this highly preventable disease,” said Representative Ciscomani. “Information saves lives and I am proud to co-lead the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act to promote and expand access to screenings and treatment for syphilis to ensure that mothers, pregnant women, and babies are as healthy as possible.”
“We must do everything we can to protect mothers and their infants,” said Representative Stansbury. “Congenital Syphilis is treatable, and it is critical HHS provides treatment, support, and education. I am proud to sign on to the Maternal and Infant Syphilis Prevention Act so women and babies in New Mexico get the care and treatment they deserve.”
This legislation is supported by March of Dimes, the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), and Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SCIO briefs media on promoting green development in Zhejiang
China SCIO | June 13, 2025
The State Council Information Office (SCIO) organized a media trip to eastern China’s Zhejiang province from June 11 to 13, bringing together over 40 journalists – including foreign correspondents from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Singapore, Indonesia, Turkey, South Korea, Japan and Brazil – to observe the progress of green development in the province.
A press briefing was held Thursday in Zhejiang’s capital city Hangzhou, where Xu Wenguang, executive vice governor of Zhejiang province, briefed the media and answered questions.
On June 12, 2025, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press briefing in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Luan Haijun/China SCIO]
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
As a gleaming clock began ticking towards the 2026 World Cup, Miami officials launched the city’s one-year countdown seeking to allay fears that America’s stricter immigration stance could deter the overseas fans that it hopes to attract.
The celebratory unveiling on Wednesday, featuring singer Marc Anthony, came just days after unrest in Los Angeles and amid the implementation of stricter border controls under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“I don’t think anybody has anything to be afraid of. Miami is an incredibly welcoming place, and we’re very excited to welcome the world,” Alina T. Hudak, president of the 2026 Miami Host Committee, said at the countdown event.
The digital clock, soon to greet travellers at Miami International Airport, marks 365 days until the start of the biggest World Cup in history — 48 teams playing 104 matches across three North American nations.
However, security arrangements have drawn particular scrutiny, especially regarding the involvement of immigration enforcement agencies.
Marcio Carvalho Da Silva Correia, a Brazilian visitor to Miami, told Reuters he had heard people talking about concerns they had about the World Cup.
“They’re scared they’ll show up and get deported,” he said.
“But I think, given how beautiful the party is going to be, nothing like that is going to happen.”
Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the Miami Host Committee, confirmed that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be involved in security operations.
“They will be there to support us with security, but not to capture people,” he said.
At Fiorito, an Argentine restaurant in Miami’s Little Haiti neighbourhood, fans of the South American nation’s defending champions expressed confidence that their countrymen would travel regardless.
“Wherever the World Cup is, it’s great … we’re excited about being world champions and we can do much more,” Argentina supporter Nicolas Lomazzi.
For Miami, a city shaped by successive waves of immigration, hosting the tournament represents a delicate balancing act — showcasing its multicultural identity while navigating an increasingly complex immigration landscape.
Brazilian-born Miami resident Pedro Lub said the city’s Latino population was really excited about soccer’s biggest tournament coming to town and he hoped the immigration authorities did not use it as an excuse for a crackdown.
“I have a lot of friends that are in weird situations without status or something like that and yeah, everybody’s worried,” he told Reuters.
“People are just trying to watch a soccer match. It’d be pretty bad if they got caught just trying to have fun.
“I think people are expecting it to be a great tournament.”
-Reuters
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) are introducing new legislation in a continuation of their efforts to hold El Salvador accountable for its human rights abuses and its collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. The senators’ legislation would apply sanctions on Salvadoran officials and others who have engaged in international human rights violations or worked to deprive individuals residing in the United States of their rights under the U.S. Constitution. The legislation would additionally explicitly sanction President Bukele and Vice President Ulloa, as well as El Salvador’s Ministers of Foreign Relations, Defense, and Justice and Public Security, among others. In addition to its actions alongside the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States, Bukele and his government have continued to jail and persecute innocent Salvadoran citizens, including journalists and human rights advocates such as Ruth López.
The text of the legislation is available here.
“Under President Bukele, tens of thousands of Salvadorans and even U.S. residents remain jammed in megaprisons without due process. President Bukele may think he has a friend in President Trump, but he should know that Americans will not tolerate his efforts to undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions—whether in El Salvador or here in the United States,” said Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this legislation with my colleagues to sanction foreign nationals complicit in Bukele’s behavior and the Trump Administration’s illegal actions to deny due process to people living in the United States.”
“President Bukele and the Government of El Salvador are colluding with the Trump Administration, taking American taxpayer dollars to imprison people as part of a scheme to violate their constitutional rights. We must hold Bukele and his cronies accountable for these wrongful actions as well as for the gross violations of human rights they are committing in El Salvador. This legislation would do just that by placing sanctions on Bukele and those in his government who are responsible for these abuses. We must send a clear signal that these injustices are unacceptable and must end,” said Van Hollen.
“President Bukele and his regime are continuing to commit abhorrent human rights atrocities and eradicate due process,” said Padilla. “We must hold Bukele and all responsible parties accountable for the suspension of constitutional rights and continued collusion with the Trump Administration to imprison people from the United States without due process. Imposing economic sanctions and visa restrictions on Bukele and his corrupt government is a necessary step to push El Salvador to finally uphold international human rights law and respect fundamental civil liberties.”
The senators’ legislation is supported by the Latin America Working Group, the Washington Office on Latin America, Human Rights Watch, and Immigration Hub.
“Senators Van Hollen, Kaine, and Padilla’s bill to impose sanctions on the regime of President Nayib Bukele is timely and importantly puts a spotlight on the gross violation of human rights that have occurred under President Bukele’s state of exception. Since March 2022, 85,000 people have been detained, constitutional guarantees have been suspended, and over 350 people have died while under state custody. Systemic torture and persecution are state policies. Significantly, the bill also addresses the pervasive corruption that has occurred since President Bukele took office and prevents the IMF and other international financial institutions not to lend support. Not one penny of our tax dollars should support this regime until there is an end to the human rights violations, and the rule of law, judicial independence, and government transparency are restored. All Members of Congress should get behind this bill,” said Vicki Gass, Executive Director, Latin America Working Group.
“Targeted individual sanctions for gross human rights violations are a critical diplomatic tool the U.S. can use to push for change and hold authoritarian actors accountable; as El Salvador’s political and human rights crisis deepens, strong international action like this becomes essential,” said Ana María Méndez-Dardón, Director for Central America at the Washington Office on Latin America.
“We are heartened to see Senators confronting the human rights abuses of government officials in El Salvador. This bill an important reminder that uncritical US government support to President Bukele will not last forever and a recognition that nobody should be deported to Salvadoran prisons,” said Juan Pappier, Deputy Director of the Americas division, Human Rights Watch.
Additional Background:
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) questions U.S. Forest Chief Tom Schultz at an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on June 11, 2025.
WASHINGTON — At an Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) pressed U.S. Forest Chief Tom Schultz on visiting the Pecos Watershed in Northern New Mexico, DOGE procedures causing trash to pile up on public lands, and Trump’s budget eliminating funding for the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute at New Mexico Highlands University.
Heinrich’s questioning follows a letter he sent yesterday, in his capacity as the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins on the harmful impacts of the “Department of Government Efficiency’s” (DOGE) actions on the United States Forest Service (USFS). Heinrich’s letter stressed that operational failures that are now occurring at the USFS, such as accumulating garbage at recreational sites and a lack of firefighting equipment ahead of fire season, are due to new layers of red tape required by DOGE.
On Forest Chief Schultz visiting the Pecos Watershed in Northern New Mexico:
Heinrich began, “The Santa Fe National Forest manages the vast majority of the headwaters of the Pecos watershed, which is one of the most important watersheds in the state of New Mexico. And for decades, this is a community that has really worked very hard with very few resources to try to recover from historic pollution and protect that resource from future pollution. This is a river that supports traditional farming, recreation, fishing, fisheries and many other uses that are economically critical to that that community. But we still have legacy pollution from a pretty disastrous mines spill some 30 years ago.”
Heinrich continued, asking, “I know I communicated with you recently, I sent you a letter, inviting you to visit this community and meet with my constituents. Is that something that you can commit to doing?”
Schultz responded, “Senator, thank you for the question. So, my staff is looking at that request, and we’re trying to figure out if we can make that work. So that’s something we’re actively working on right now.”
Heinrich underscored the importance of visiting the Pecos Watershed, “I hope you can make that a priority. I think it’s really helpful to get that community perspective. . . And so, I would very much welcome you to join us in New Mexico for that and I will make any logistics that you need help with a priority.”
On the DOGE contract approvals process causing trash to pile up on public lands:
Heinrich stated, “I’m all for making government more efficient, but one of the things I’m concerned about is that there are some things that DOGE seems to be making less efficient. And one of those has been contract approvals and that seems to be having real consequences in the [Forest] Service: trash piling up at recreation sites, bathroom challenges, equipment not getting replaced in a timely way.”
Heinrich highlighted his efforts to keep our public lands safe and accessible, asking, “I sent you and Secretary Rollins a letter on this yesterday. But can you give me a sense, why is it taking so long to get simple things like a contract extension for custodial services authorized?”
Schultz responded, “So what I will tell you is initially, when we first started looking at some of the existing contracts that we had for prior obligations, there was a process we had to get in place — and I think we’ve worked through all of the existing obligations. There should not be anything that’s hung up there. When it comes to new obligations, we, as the Forest Service, instituted our own policies and procedures in addition to review from the Department and from the Efficiency folks. So, we have put a process in place to make sure that it’s thorough and responsive when it comes to certain things like toilets and cleaning up toilets, which has been a huge issue that I’ve weighed in on in numerous cases.”
“We have figured out that process and some of that is on the Forest Service, for the process that we put in place it is going to slow somethings down, but it’s something that we have addressed. And there should not be toilets that are not being cleaned at this point in time. So, if you’re hearing about that, please let me know, because we’ve really jumped on this issue,” Schultz continued.
Schultz then turned to contracting in general, stating, “I think there is a review in place for contracts, grants, and agreements. It’s not just contracts; it’s all three of those. And that’s something we are looking at, how we make that process more efficient, but there is a very thorough review. You’re absolutely right, and is it different than it has been historically? Yes, it is, because there’s more attention to detail in those contracts, but we’re looking to make that process more effective and more timely than it has been over the last month. But it is something that — we have a new process we just instituted about a month ago, and we’re working on making that better.”
Heinrich responded, “I understand the need for analysis and review. I just want to make sure that we’re not, you know, adding layers of bureaucracy in the name of efficiency.”
On Trump’s FY26 budget eliminating funding for the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes (SWERI) and the Forest Service decreasing FY25 funding, which includes the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute at New Mexico Highlands University:
Heinrich highlighted that, “The Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes — in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona — these are institutes that offer unique opportunities for dedicated research in forest science and watershed health. They represent the future of science for our forest management. Yet, this plan cuts the institutes’ budget by more than 50% and that’s just not a number that they could swallow in a single year.”
“Why did you decide to reduce the funding for the institutes this year, and what is your plan for them in FY26?” Heinrich asked.
Schultz responded, “Okay, so I think first of all, the FY25 budget is what your question is. I think on the first one, so we did cut $3 million in FY25. So, for this budget, they currently have $23 million on hand in prior appropriation dollars. So, that was part of the consideration. So, we’re trying to align the FY25 budget as we move toward the FY26 president’s budget. So, we’re moving in that direction. So, the ‘why’ is: We’re trying to align this year’s FY25 budget with where we’re going in FY26. In FY26, it does not include resources to provide funding for SWERI. So, there are resources this year, they are reduced, but next year — in the FY26 budget — there are none. That’s correct. And that’s tied to R&D’s overall look. And the reason that R&D is treated differently in the FY26 budget: There’s going to be a greater reliance on the states and the universities. So, a lot of the land grant universities — and I’m a — was a member of the advisory board.”
Heinrich asked, “That institute is at Highlands University?”
Schultz responded, “Yes, sir, I understand. Yes, sir. My point is, though, that the funding in the future is going to have to come more from those universities themselves and other grant opportunities. The Forest Service is going to be shifting its funding away from R&D in general in the budget.”
Heinrich pressed Schultz on the Forest Service eliminating funding for the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes by emphasizing, “I think that’s a mistake. And I think these institutes have really provided the Forest Service an enormous amount of science at a time when management has needed to change because conditions have been changing. And so, I hope that as we approach the appropriations process that we consider this President’s budget as it should be considered: Advisory.”
Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 12, 2025
SPEAKER: Ms. Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department, IMF
MS. KOZACK: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to this IMF Press Briefing. My name is Julie Kozak. I’m the Director of Communications at the IMF. As usual, this press briefing will be embargoed until 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States. And as usual, I will start with a few announcements, and then I’ll take your questions in person on WebEx and via the Press Center. And I have quite a few announcements today, so please do bear with me.
On June 18th, the Managing Director will travel to Brussels, where she will hold bilateral meetings with officials. On June 19th, she will travel to Luxembourg to present the Euro Area Annual Consultation at the Eurogroup meeting. On June 20th, the Managing Director will be in Rome to speak at the Mattei Plan for Africa and the Global Gateway event, a joint effort with the African Continent. This event is co-chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. And from there, the Managing Director will travel to Japan from June 22nd to 24th. During her visit, she will hold meetings with Japanese officials, members of the private sector, and other stakeholders.
Turning to other management travel. First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath will travel to Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Indonesia. On June 16th, she will participate in the Sri Lanka Road to Recovery Conference, where she will deliver opening remarks. And in all three countries, our FDMD will meet with officials and various stakeholders during this trip.
From June 24th through 26th, our Deputy Managing Director Bo Li will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China. DMD Li will participate in sessions on safeguarding growth engines and the role of digital assets in Global payment systems.
On June 30th, Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke will participate in the Finance for Development Conference and in Sevilla, Spain.
And with that, I will now open the floor to your questions. For those of you who are connecting virtually, please do turn on both your camera and microphone when speaking. All right, let’s open the floor.
QUESTIONER: I have two questions on Ukraine. After meetings in Kyiv last month, the IMF mission emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s upcoming budget declaration for 2026-2028, which will determine the course of the fiscal framework and policies. What are the Fund’s expectations, and does the IMF have any specific requirements or policy guidelines for this document? And secondly, if I may, do you have data of the IMF Board — IMF support meetings to approve the aides review for Ukraine?
MS. KOZACK: Any other questions on Ukraine?
QUESTIONER: So, Ukraine has recently defaulted on its GDP-linked securities and, before that, failed to reach an agreement with creditors to restructure its part of its sovereign debt. How concerned is IMF with these developments, and do you see any risks for the EFF repayments from Ukraine? Thank you.
QUESTIONER: Some follow-up to your question. IMF sources indicate that Ukraine transferred $171 million repayment to the Fund on June 9th, the first repayment on loans received post-February 2022. Can you confirm this payment was received? And how does the IMF view Ukraine’s emerging shift towards repayment on wartime financing? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: Let me take these questions for a moment, and I’ll remind you where we are on Ukraine.
On May 28th, IMF staff and the Ukrainian authorities reached Staff–Level Agreement. And this was for the Eighth Review of the EFF program. Subject to approval by our Executive Board, Ukraine will have access to about U.S. $500 million, and that would bring total disbursements under the program to U.S. $10.6 billion. The Board is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, and we’ll provide more details as they become available. I can also add that Ukraine’s economy has remained resilient. Performance under the EFF has continued to be strong despite very challenging circumstances. The authorities met all of their quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets, and progress does continue on the structural agenda in Ukraine.
Now, with respect to the specific questions on the budget declaration, what I can provide there is that our view is that the 2026-2028 budget declaration will provide a strategic framework for fiscal policy for the remainder of the program over that period of time. It will help focus the debate on key expenditure priorities, including recovery, reconstruction, defense, and social spending. And it will also form the basis for discussion of the 2026 budget, which, of course, will also be an important milestone for Ukraine.
On the question regarding the debt, what I can say there is that we encourage the Ukrainian authorities and their creditors to continue to make progress toward reaching an agreement in line with the debt sustainability targets under the IMF’s program and the authority’s announced strategy. So that’s sort of our broad view on the debt. On the implications for completion of the review, as in all cases where a member country may have arrears to private creditors, staff will assess whether the requirements under the Fund’s lending into arrears policy are met. In light of this, again, we encourage the authorities to continue to make good-faith efforts toward reaching an agreement in light of the debt sustainability targets.
And on your question about Ukraine’s payment to the Fund, what I can say is that, in general, we don’t comment on specific transactions of individual members. What I can guide you to is that we do provide on our website detailed information on members’ repayments. And this is made available on a monthly basis. So, at the end of each month, if you look at the Ukraine page, you can see the transactions that were made. And on a daily basis, we provide detail on member countries outstanding obligations to the IMF. So that can give you a sense of how the overall obligations of Ukraine have evolved on a daily basis.
QUESTIONER: Can you give us an update on the relationship between the IMF and Senegal? Where do things currently stand with misreporting and a new program? This is my first question. And the second one I have is the Fifth Review under the Policy Coordination concerning Rwanda. The IMF stated that “Rwanda continues to demonstrate leadership in integrating climate consideration into macroeconomic policy and leveraging institutional reforms to mobilize climate finance.” Now my question is, can you please tell us concretely what kind of institutional reforms have been implemented by Rwanda?
MS. KOZACK: So, before I answer this, are there any other questions on Senegal or Rwanda? I see none in the room. Anyone online want to come in on Senegal? Okay, I don’t see anyone coming in, so let’s start with Senegal, and then we’ll move to Rwanda.
What I can say on Senegal is that we, the IMF and our team in particular, remained actively engaged with the Senegalese authorities, including during a visit to Dakar over March and April and further discussions during the Spring Meetings, which were held here in Washington in April. We do continue to work with the authorities to address the complex misreporting case that is ongoing. And addressing this complex case does require a rigorous and time-intensive process.
I also want to take the opportunity to add that the IMF supports our member countries in a variety of ways, and it goes beyond just providing financing. So, for example, in the case of Senegal, we are continuing to provide the authorities with technical assistance, including, for example, on our debt sustainability analysis that is tailored to low-income countries. We’re working closely with the authorities on compiling government financial statistics. This is being led by our Statistics Department. We’re providing technical assistance on energy sector reform, public investment management, and revenue mobilization, and that, of course, is with support from our fiscal experts.
With respect to a new program. We don’t have currently a fixed timeline for a new program, and we are awaiting the final audit outcome.
Now, turning to your question on Rwanda here. What I can say, and maybe just to step back and remind everyone of where we are in Rwanda. On June 4th, so just a few days ago, our Executive Board concluded the Fifth Review of Rwanda’s policy Coordination Instrument. Rwanda’s economic growth remains among the strongest in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that’s despite rising pressures both on the fiscal side and the external side. Rwanda, of course, we’re encouraging Rwanda to continue with a credible fiscal consolidation, strong domestic revenue mobilization, and a strong monetary policy.
With respect to your specific question, Rwanda successfully completed its Resilience and Sustainability Fund program, the RSF program, in December of 2024, six months ahead of the initial timetable. And under this RSF, Rwanda did carry out a number of institutional reforms that were focused on green public financial management, climate public investment management, climate-related risk management for financial institutions, and disaster risk reduction. So, these are some of the institutional reforms that Rwanda completed, which led us to make that statement about their leadership in this area.
I can also add that these reforms, along with some of the other reforms they’re having, they’re undertaking, such as a green taxonomy and the adoption of best practices in climate risk reporting by financial institutions. The idea is that this together will help to close information gaps, improve transparency, and that hopefully will allow for a boost to private sector engagement in advancing Rwanda’s ambitious climate goals and its broader goals toward economic development and strong and sustainable growth.
QUESTIONER: Two questions on Syria. The Fund said this week that Syria needs substantial international assistance for its recovery efforts. Firstly, can you give us an estimation of how much economic assistance Syria will need? And secondly, could you just let us know if there were any discussions around if a potential Article IV was discussed?
MS. KOZACK: Thank you. Any other questions on Syria?
QUESTIONER: Just to know if there was any demand from the Syrian government for any kind of technical assistance from the IMF to help them recover, economically speaking?
MS. KOZACK: Does anyone online want to come in on Syria? I don’t see anyone coming in. So let me step back again and give a sense of where we are on Syria.
I think, as many of you know, an IMF staff team visited Syria from June 1st through 5th. This was the first IMF visit to Syria since 2009. The goal of the visit was to assess the economic and financial conditions in Syria, as well as to discuss with the authorities their economic policy, and also to ascertain the authorities ‘ capacity-building priorities, ultimately to support the recovery of the Syrian economy. I think, as we’ve discussed here before, Syria faces enormous challenges following years of conflict that have caused immense human suffering, and it’s reduced the Syrian economy to a fraction of its former size.
At the IMF, we’re committed to supporting Syria in its efforts. Based on the findings of the mission, IMF staff, in coordination with other partners, are developing a detailed roadmap for policy and capacity development priorities for key economic institutions. And within the IMF’s mandate, this covers the Finance Ministry, the Central Bank, and the Statistics Agency. So those would be the areas where we will be focusing in terms of the detailed roadmap on priorities, economic and capacity building priorities.
Syria, as noted, will need substantial international assistance. We don’t yet have a precise estimate of that assistance. But what I can say is this will also — it will not only require concessional financial support, but also substantial capacity development support for the country. And that’s basically where we have left it with the Syrian authorities. And, of course, we will continue to engage closely with them, and we are committed to helping them, supporting them on their recovery journey.
QUESTIONER: Is the date of the IMF mission to Argentina already said? And based on that definition, when would the First Review of the agreement could take place? And another one, in the last few days, the Argentina government has launched different mechanisms to try to increase the level of foreign exchange reserves. Is the IMF worried that Argentina will not reach the target set in the agreement? And could the IMF give Argentina a waiver on this? Thank you very much.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, any other questions in the room on Argentina? I know we have several online.
QUESTIONER: Thanks for taking my questions. I would like to know how does the IMF evaluate the listed economy measures, particularly the issue of the measure to use undeclared dollars. Thank you.
QUESTIONER: My first question is about the reserve target for the new program with Argentina. Central Bank is about $4 billion below the target set for June. Also, some operations are expected that could increase their reserve stock. Officials said on Monday evening that local currency bonds can now be purchased with U.S. dollar and that the minimum time requirement for foreign investors to hold onto some Argentina bonds will be eliminated. The IMF is concerned that the Central Bank is not accumulating reserves touch foreign trade and is only receiving income touch debt. Is the consensus with the authorities to postpone the Frist Review and allow time for Argentina to activate credit operation in order to close — to get closer to the target set for June, or Argentina should resort to a waiver? And what is your view on the recent measures?
And that second question is about the possibility of an IMF mission arriving in Argentina in the coming weeks. Is that possible? Would it be a technical staff mission, or could the Managing Director or Deputy Executive Director also come? Thank you very much.
QUESTIONER: So, the question is the same as (connection issue) First Review of the agreement signed in April (connection issue)
QUESTIONER: -Is the IMF considering granting a waiver and also if they build up.
MS. KOZACK: You’ve broken up quite a bit, and now we’re not able to hear you, so we’ll try to get you back, or I think what I understood from your question is it’s broadly along the same lines as some of the other questions. What we can do is if you want to connect via the Press Center, I can read the question out loud. But what I’m going to do is move on.
QUESTIONER: Basically, echoing my colleague’s questions on the timing of the mission and whether an extension was granted to meet the reserve’s target, well, for the First Review generally. And separately, Argentina has July 9th dollar debt payments, which will obviously affect reserves. How will that payment and timing affect your calculus of the reserves target within the First Review? Thank you.
QUESTIONER: Well, yes, also echoing my colleague’s question regarding whether the timeline for the First Review, the end date remains this Friday, which was what it said on the Staff Report. And also, there was a ruling lately, these past few days, against former President Cristina Kirchner. I was wondering if that raises any concerns in the IMF regarding any political conflict or any subsequent economic impact.
MS. KOZACK: I think we’ve covered all the questions on Argentina. Anyone else on Argentina? Okay, very good. So, let me try to give a response that tries to cover as many of these questions as I can. So again, I’m just going to step back and provide where we are with Argentina.
So, on April 11th, the IMF’s Executive Board approved a new four-year EFF arrangement worth $20 billion for Argentina. The initial disbursement was $12 billion, and the goal of the program was to support is to support Argentina’s transition to the next phase of state stabilization and reform. The Milei administration’s policies continue to evolve and to deliver impressive results, as we have previously noted.
In this regard, we welcome the recent measures announced this week by the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance as they represent another important step in efforts to consolidate disinflation, support the government’s financing strategy and to rebuild reserves and, more specifically, steps to strengthen the monetary framework and to improve liquidity management. These are important to further reduce inflation and inflation expectations. The Treasury’s successful reentry into capital markets and other actions to mobilize financing for Argentina are also expected to boost reserves, and stability overall for the country continues to be supported by the implementation of strong fiscal anchor in the country.
Our team continues to engage frequently and constructively with the Argentine authorities as part of the program’s First Review. I can add that a technical mission will visit Buenos Aires in late June to assess progress on program targets and objectives and to also discuss the authority’s forward-looking reform agenda. More broadly and despite the more challenging environment, the authorities, as I said, have continued to make very notable and impressive progress. So, I will leave it at that.
Let’s go online for a bit, and then we’ll come — no, let’s go right here in the back. You haven’t had a question, and you’re in the room.
QUESTIONER: Given the recent escalation in global trade tensions and the effect of the tariffs, what is the IMF’s assessment of how these developments are affecting emerging economies? And what policy recommendation does the IMF have for countries facing increased external pressures?
MS. KOZACK: Okay, let me answer — let me turn to this question on emerging markets, a very important constituency and part of our membership here at the IMF. So, let me start with where we were and what our assessment was as of April.
In April, when we launched our World Economic Outlook, we projected growth in emerging and developing countries to slow from 4.3 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2025 and then to come back a little bit to 3.9 percent in 2026. We did have at that time also significant downgrades for countries most affected by the trade measures, and that includes China, for example. We have seen since then that there have been some positive surprises to growth in the first quarter for this group of countries, including China. We have also seen recent reductions in some tariffs, and that represents kind of an upside risk to our forecast. And, of course, we will be updating our forecast, including for this group of emerging and developing countries, as part of our July WEO update, and that will be released toward the end of July.
In terms of our recommendations, we recommend what we would call a multi-pronged policy response. So first, to carefully calibrate monetary policy and also macroprudential or prudential policies to maintain stability in countries. We also recommend for this group of countries, but for all of our members, to rebuild fiscal buffers to restore policy space to respond to, of course, future shocks that may occur. For countries that may face particular disruptive pressures in the foreign currency, foreign exchange market, we would say that they could pursue targeted interventions if those instances are disruptive. We also are encouraging again all of our countries to undertake the necessary reforms to no longer delay reforms associated with boosting productivity and longer-term growth.
I think maybe stepping back, we’ve been talking for quite some time in the IMF about a low growth, high debt environment. And this, of course, applies to this group of countries as well. So, dealing with the debt side, of course, is important through fiscal consolidation, but also, very importantly, boosting growth and productivity growth. So, countries can also have a more prosperous society and also deal with some of their debt issues through stronger growth is also very important.
All right, let me go online, and then I’ll come back to the room. Let’s see. Online, I see a few hands up.
QUESTIONER: My question is on Japanese tour conducted by Managing Director. Could you give more details on how Japanese tour played this month? For example, is there any chance for giving speeches or press conference and so on?
MS. KOZACK: So, as I said, the Managing Director will visit Japan later this month. Her visit will mostly entail meetings with government officials and also the business community as well as other stakeholders. She will have an opportunity to also do some outreach, and we can provide further details to you as her agenda becomes more concrete. But she is very much looking forward to the visit. Japan, as I think we’ve said before, is an important partner for the IMF. And the Managing Director is very much looking forward to meeting with Japanese officials and talking more broadly to other stakeholders in Japan about the important partnership that the IMF has with Japan.
I see some other hands up online. Unfortunately, I can’t see. So, I think if you’re online and you have your hand up, just jump in.
QUESTIONER: You already referred to your own economic outlooks when you talked about emerging markets. But I was — I wanted to ask you, does the IMF anticipate a similar growth downgrade as we’ve just seen for the World Bank this week and its economic assessment? Because, of course, back in April, the cutoff point for your last report was just as Donald Trump was announcing the Liberation Day tariffs.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, so thank you for that. Any other questions on the global outlook? Okay, so let me take this one, and then we’ll come back to some other questions.
So, what I can say in terms of the forward-looking, I mean, first, I want to start by reiterating that we will release a revised set of projections in July as part of our regular WEO update. What I can add is that since we released our World Economic Outlook, what we call the WEO, in April, we have seen some, you know, some data come in and some other developments. So first, we have seen some trade deals that have lowered tariffs, notably between the U.S. and China, but also the U.S. and the UK, and at the same time, the U.S. has raised further tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. So taken together, such announcements, combined with the April 9th pause on the high level of tariffs, these could support activity relative to the forecast that we had in April. But nonetheless, we do have an outlook for the global economy that remains subject to heightened uncertainty, especially as trade negotiations continue.
I can also add that recent activity indicators reflect a complex economic landscape. So, this is recent high-frequency data. We have some outturns in the first quarter, which indicated a front-loading of activity ahead of the tariff announcements that took place in April. And some high-frequency indicators also show some trade diversion and unwinding of that earlier front loading. So, this is kind of the more recent indicators. So, all of this creates kind of a complicated picture for us with some upside risk, some other developments, and we’ll take all of these developments together into account as we update our forecast toward the end of July in our WEO.
QUESTIONER: When you say support activity, do you mean there’s a chance it could be an improved outlook?
MS. KOZACK: So yes, by support activity, what we mean is that it’s kind of positive, it’s a little bit of a positive sign for economic activity. So that’s related, though, I would say, to the specific announcements. So, so just going back to say, the announcements of the trade deals that have lowered tariffs, particularly the ones between the U.S. and China and the U.S. and the UK, those could be supportive or a bit more positive for economic activity going forward. But the overall picture is both complicated for the reasons that I mentioned.
We have some front loading in the first quarter. Some of that seems perhaps to be unwinding in more recent indicators. And we also, of course, have to remember that we are in an environment of very high uncertainty, and uncertainty, in general, tends to dampen economic activity.
So, the overall picture is quite complex. And so, we will take all of these factors into account as we move forward with our forecast in July. And, of course, between now and when we release our forecast later in July, we would expect that there will be further data releases. And also, there is the possibility that there can be further announcements that we would have to take into account or further developments that we would have to take into account as well.
Let me just stay online for another minute. I think I have one more hand up online or two hands online.
QUESTIONER: My question is about Egypt. I was hoping to ask you if the Egyptian authorities have requested a waiver from the Fund for any of the requirements related to the Fifth Review of the country’s ongoing loan program and specifically if a waiver has been requested related to targets for divestment from state-owned assets. And if you have any update on the timing of the Fifth Review, that would also be very helpful. I know there were some suggestions that the Fifth Review could be combined with the Sixth Review, in which case we wouldn’t see it until September rather than the June date that had previously been talked about. Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: Anyone else on Egypt?
QUESTIONER: My question is related to the previous one by my colleague. She asked about the state-owned companies to be listed for IPOs or for private sectors to be having a bigger stake in the economy. How the IMF evaluate the progress achieved by the Egyptian authorities during that? And also, when the Fifth Review to be finished after the physical meetings happened in past May? And what are the most recent progress achieved until now during this? And also, I’d like to ask about how IMF evaluated the latest step by Egyptian government to give the Minister of Finance the right to issue sukuk in the guarantee of place in Red Sea as published in the last two days.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, thank you. Anyone else have questions on Egypt? So, on Egypt, as I think many of you know, an IMF team visited Cairo. From May 6th to May 18th, the team held productive discussions with the Egyptian authorities on their economic and financial policies. Discussions are continuing virtually to finalize agreement on remaining policies and reforms that could support the completion of the Fifth Review under the EFF. So again, discussions around the Fifth Review are continuing virtually.
As we have said here before, Egypt has made clear progress on its macroeconomic reform program with notable improvements in inflation and in the level of international reserves. As Egypt’s macroeconomic stabilization is taking hold, it’s now the time for efforts to focus on accelerating and deepening reforms, including reducing the footprint of the state, leveling the playing field, and improving the business environment in Egypt.
What I can add is that in order to deliver on these objectives, particularly with respect to reducing the footprint of the state, leveling the playing field, et cetera, it’s important to decisively reduce the role of the public sector in the economy. The implementation of the state ownership policy, as well as the asset divestment program in sectors where the state has committed to reduce its footprint, will be playing a critical role in strengthening the ability of Egypt’s private sector to contribute to growth and activity in the Egyptian economy, which will ultimately support improvements in livelihoods of the Egyptian people. We remain committed to supporting Egypt in building economic resilience and fostering stronger private sector-led growth.
On some of the more specific questions related to Sukuk, I don’t have a response here, but we’ll come back to you bilaterally.
QUESTIONER: It’s a quick overall question. Could you remind us the condition for a country to come under IMF supervision? Does it require specifically a program, or can it come from the IMF itself? Thank you very much.
MS. KOZACK: Can you clarify what you mean by IMF supervision? Just so I understand.
QUESTIONER: To be perfectly honest, in the past few days, we had comments from the French government about the fact that it could become under IMF supervision. I’m not very interested in specifically about France, but just in general overall how IMF comes to work with governments. What are the conditions for the IMF to step in and come to help the government? Thank you very much.
MS. KOZACK: Very good. So, let me maybe take this opportunity to step back and explain kind of the three big pillars of the work of the IMF.
So, the first is policy advice, and this is done mainly through the Article IV consultation process. The reason it’s called Article IV is because it’s in Article IV of our Articles of Agreement, and every member country of the IMF — so, we have 191 member countries — every member country commits when they join the IMF to participate in the Article IV consultation process. So that applies to every member. And that is a process that I know you here are very familiar with, where the IMF sends a team, and we conduct an assessment of the economy, and we provide policy advice to the country. That’s done for all members.
Another leg or another pillar of what we do at the IMF is capacity development. And for capacity development, this is at the request of the member. So, this could be, you know, very specific advice on a specific area where our technical expert would go and do sort of a deep dive analysis and provide detailed policy recommendations. But it’s really meant at building state capacity. So often, this is done in areas such as revenue mobilization or public financial management, statistics, monetary policy frameworks, and debt management. These are some of the areas where we would provide technical assistance to countries. That’s at the request of the member.
And the same is true for our financial support. So, for financial support, this is done again at the request of the member country. The member would request financial support from the Fund, and then the Fund would then send a team and ultimately develop a program that reflects the commitments of the authorities. But that program would need to be aimed at getting the country back on its feet. In our technical language, it’s restoring medium-term viability for the country. And that financing program has a balance between financial resources that the Fund provides and also policy measures taken by the part of the authorities. But that, again, is at the request of the member country.
QUESTIONER: So, my question is about cryptocurrency and digital assets. What is the IMF’s view right now on the daily use transactions by people, by governments, in paying and accumulating Bitcoin and other digital currencies? What risks and opportunities do you see on behalf of the IMF and what shall be done on the governmental level to implement any additional safeguards requirements to make this like a daily routine operations? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, so I think on the broad topic of kind of crypto assets, what we can say is that they have gained popularity as an asset class. And also, what we see is that the underlying technology, which is a digital ledger that is shared, trusted, and programmable, is broadly viewed as highly valuable. And that technology may have broader societal benefits. So, we do see crypto assets as a speculative asset as an asset class. At the IMF, we generally don’t recommend crypto assets as legal or cryptocurrencies as legal tender. We also do see that there are some potential risks that could arise from crypto assets. These include risks to financial stability, to consumer and investor protection, and also to market integrity.
So, in order to balance, in a sense, the opportunities based on the technology and a new asset class with some of these risks, what we advise countries to do is to establish a robust policy framework to effectively mitigate some of the risks while allowing society to take advantage of the benefits or the opportunities that arise from this new technology.
QUESTIONER: The Bank of Russia recently cut its key interest rate from 21 percent to 20 percent, marking its first easing move since September 2022. From the IMF perspective, what are the implications of this monetary policy shift? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: So, on Russia, let me just step back a minute, and I’ll provide our overall assessment of the economy, and then I’ll get to your specific question.
So, what we see in Russia is that last year, we saw the economy overheating, and now what we observe in Russia is a, is sharp slowdown of the economy, with growth slowing but inflation still relatively elevated. Growth in 2025 is expected to slow to 1.5 percent based on our forecast from April, and this was compared to 4.3 percent in 2024. And this reflects policy tightening, cyclical factors, and also lower oil prices.
Now, with respect to the action by the Central Bank, as you noted, the Central Bank indeed reduced the key policy rate from 21 percent to 20 percent for the first time. This was the first reduction since September of 2022. And the action taken by the Central Bank was in response to slowing growth, which I just mentioned, and also some easing of inflation pressures.
So, as I noted, inflation still remains high. It was just under 10 percent in May. But our forecast has inflation declining going forward. So, we expect inflation to ease to 8.2 percent by the end of this year. And we anticipate that inflation will turn to the target of 4 percent in the first half of 2027. So that’s the IMF forecast. So, the inflation challenge for Russia remains, and it’s appropriate. Therefore, that monetary policy remains tight, and even with this cut, monetary policy is still tight.
I am going to now take the opportunity to read one question or some questions on Ghana and some questions on Sri Lanka, and then we’ll bring the Press Briefing to a close. So, on Ghana, I have three questions. The first one is about an update on when Ghana’s program will be presented to the Board following Staff–Level Agreement.
The second question is about the amended Energy Sector Levy Act to add GH₵1 per liter on petroleum products to defray the cost of fuel purchases for thermal plants. Has the IMF taken note of this, and what’s its position on using taxes versus passing these costs through tariffs?
The third question on Ghana is whether the IMF is looking at the possibility of revising Ghana’s IMF program targets as the cedi’s sharp appreciation against the dollar has affected many variables that influence these targets set by the Fund?
So let me take a moment to just respond on Ghana. So again, stepping back to where we are on Ghana. On April 15th, the IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities reached Staff–Level Agreement on the Fourth Review of Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility. Upon approval by our Executive Board, Ghana would be scheduled to receive about U.S. $370 million, bringing total support under the ECF to $2.4 billion since May of 2023. We anticipate bringing the review to our Board in early July, so in just a few weeks.
What I can add about the question about the cedi’s sharp appreciation is that you know, of course, as we look at a program, we look at all of these developments, including, of course, developments in the exchange rate. And so, future program reviews will provide an opportunity for the team to carefully assess all of the evolving macroeconomic and financial conditions, including exchange rate movements, and to ensure that the program’s targets and objectives remain appropriate and achievable.
And on the fuel levy, what I can say is that this is a new measure that will help generate additional resources to tackle the challenges in Ghana’s energy sector, and it’s also going to bolster Ghana’s ability to deliver on the fiscal objectives under the program.
And I’m going to read one last set of questions on Sri Lanka, and then we will bring the Press briefing to a close. So, we have a number of journalists asking about Sri Lanka. So there’s — we’re consolidating the questions here. So, these journalists are asking for updates on the IMF’s view on Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing cost recovery, electricity prices, and the automatic price adjustment system. They’re asking about the date for the Executive Board’s consideration of the Fourth Review under the program.
And another question, has the government raised the issue of recent global shocks and possible further pressure on the economy and its ability to meet its reform program targets? How do we rate the new government’s approach to corruption?
QUESTIONER: My question is, recently Sri Lankan president announced that the existing IMF program is likely (inaudible) that it will be the final program for the country as it tries to achieve financial independence. What is the IMF’s view on this? Is it achievable given the current situation in Sri Lanka? And what is the progress on the IMF Board approval for the next review? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: All right, so again, just stepping back and reminding where we are on Sri Lanka.
So, on April 25th, IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities reached Staff–Level Agreement on their fourth review of Sri Lanka’s economic reform program. The program and Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda continue to deliver commendable outcomes. Performance under the program remains strong overall, and the government remains committed to program objectives. Completion of the review is pending approval of the IMF’s Executive Board, and it is contingent on the completion of prior actions.
What I can add is that our IMF team, of course, is closely engaged with the authorities to assess the measures that were recently announced by the regulator on June 11th. And these include a 15 percent increase in in electricity tariffs and the publication of a revised bulk supply transaction account guidelines for this. So, these were two prior actions. Once the review is completed by our Executive Board, Sri Lanka would have access to about $344 million in financing, and we will announce the Board date for Sri Lanka in due course.
With respect to some of the more specific questions on governance, what I can add is that in end-February, the government published an updated government action plan on governance reforms. And this action plan included important commitments such as enacting a public procurement law, an asset recovery law, and other actions that are aligned with the recommendations that were included in the IMF’s Governance Diagnostic Report.
On the question about kind of the global situation and the impact on Sri Lanka, what I can say there is that, like for all countries in an environment of high uncertainty around policy and in general, high global uncertainty, this poses, of course, risks to an economy like Sri Lanka’s, as it does to many others. If some of the risks associated with high global uncertainty were to materialize, the way we will approach this will be to work very closely with the authorities first to assess the impact of any downside risk that materializes, and then we will also work with the authorities to consider what are the appropriate policy responses within the contours of the program. And more broadly, for all countries, including Sri Lanka, it’s really critical for each country to sustain its own reform momentum. Sustaining reform momentum, both with macroeconomic policy reforms and, importantly, some of the growth-enhancing reforms that we were talking about earlier, is critical for all countries in our membership, including Sri Lanka.
And on the question regarding the president’s remarks, I think there, what I can simply say is to repeat that, you know, Sri Lanka has made commendable progress, you know, in implementing some very difficult but much-needed reforms. The effects — these efforts are really starting to bear fruit. We see a remarkable rebound in growth following Sri Lanka’s crisis. Inflation is low, international reserves are continuing to grow, revenue collection on the fiscal side is improving, and the debt restructuring process is nearly complete. So, I think it’s really important to recognize, you know, the significant efforts that Sri Lanka has taken and also the tremendous progress that has been made. Right now, of course, we are very much focused on the current EFF, and therefore, as I mentioned, it’s going to be critical for Sri Lanka to sustain the reform momentum through the remainder of this EFF program.
And with that, I am going to bring this Press Briefing to a close. Let me thank you all for your participation today. As a reminder, as usual, this briefing is embargoed until 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time in the United States. A transcript will be made available later on IMF.org, and should you have any clarifications or additional queries, please reach out to my colleagues media@imf.org. This concludes our Press Briefing for today. I wish everyone a wonderful day, and I do look forward to seeing you all next time. Thank you very much.
* * * * *
PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/12/tr-061225-com-regular-press-briefing-june-12-2025
Source: International Monetary Fund
June 12, 2025
SPEAKER: Ms. Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department, IMF
MS. KOZACK: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to this IMF Press Briefing. My name is Julie Kozak. I’m the Director of Communications at the IMF. As usual, this press briefing will be embargoed until 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States. And as usual, I will start with a few announcements, and then I’ll take your questions in person on WebEx and via the Press Center. And I have quite a few announcements today, so please do bear with me.
On June 18th, the Managing Director will travel to Brussels, where she will hold bilateral meetings with officials. On June 19th, she will travel to Luxembourg to present the Euro Area Annual Consultation at the Eurogroup meeting. On June 20th, the Managing Director will be in Rome to speak at the Mattei Plan for Africa and the Global Gateway event, a joint effort with the African Continent. This event is co-chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. And from there, the Managing Director will travel to Japan from June 22nd to 24th. During her visit, she will hold meetings with Japanese officials, members of the private sector, and other stakeholders.
Turning to other management travel. First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath will travel to Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Indonesia. On June 16th, she will participate in the Sri Lanka Road to Recovery Conference, where she will deliver opening remarks. And in all three countries, our FDMD will meet with officials and various stakeholders during this trip.
From June 24th through 26th, our Deputy Managing Director Bo Li will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China. DMD Li will participate in sessions on safeguarding growth engines and the role of digital assets in Global payment systems.
On June 30th, Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke will participate in the Finance for Development Conference and in Sevilla, Spain.
And with that, I will now open the floor to your questions. For those of you who are connecting virtually, please do turn on both your camera and microphone when speaking. All right, let’s open the floor.
QUESTIONER: I have two questions on Ukraine. After meetings in Kyiv last month, the IMF mission emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s upcoming budget declaration for 2026-2028, which will determine the course of the fiscal framework and policies. What are the Fund’s expectations, and does the IMF have any specific requirements or policy guidelines for this document? And secondly, if I may, do you have data of the IMF Board — IMF support meetings to approve the aides review for Ukraine?
MS. KOZACK: Any other questions on Ukraine?
QUESTIONER: So, Ukraine has recently defaulted on its GDP-linked securities and, before that, failed to reach an agreement with creditors to restructure its part of its sovereign debt. How concerned is IMF with these developments, and do you see any risks for the EFF repayments from Ukraine? Thank you.
QUESTIONER: Some follow-up to your question. IMF sources indicate that Ukraine transferred $171 million repayment to the Fund on June 9th, the first repayment on loans received post-February 2022. Can you confirm this payment was received? And how does the IMF view Ukraine’s emerging shift towards repayment on wartime financing? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: Let me take these questions for a moment, and I’ll remind you where we are on Ukraine.
On May 28th, IMF staff and the Ukrainian authorities reached Staff–Level Agreement. And this was for the Eighth Review of the EFF program. Subject to approval by our Executive Board, Ukraine will have access to about U.S. $500 million, and that would bring total disbursements under the program to U.S. $10.6 billion. The Board is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, and we’ll provide more details as they become available. I can also add that Ukraine’s economy has remained resilient. Performance under the EFF has continued to be strong despite very challenging circumstances. The authorities met all of their quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets, and progress does continue on the structural agenda in Ukraine.
Now, with respect to the specific questions on the budget declaration, what I can provide there is that our view is that the 2026-2028 budget declaration will provide a strategic framework for fiscal policy for the remainder of the program over that period of time. It will help focus the debate on key expenditure priorities, including recovery, reconstruction, defense, and social spending. And it will also form the basis for discussion of the 2026 budget, which, of course, will also be an important milestone for Ukraine.
On the question regarding the debt, what I can say there is that we encourage the Ukrainian authorities and their creditors to continue to make progress toward reaching an agreement in line with the debt sustainability targets under the IMF’s program and the authority’s announced strategy. So that’s sort of our broad view on the debt. On the implications for completion of the review, as in all cases where a member country may have arrears to private creditors, staff will assess whether the requirements under the Fund’s lending into arrears policy are met. In light of this, again, we encourage the authorities to continue to make good-faith efforts toward reaching an agreement in light of the debt sustainability targets.
And on your question about Ukraine’s payment to the Fund, what I can say is that, in general, we don’t comment on specific transactions of individual members. What I can guide you to is that we do provide on our website detailed information on members’ repayments. And this is made available on a monthly basis. So, at the end of each month, if you look at the Ukraine page, you can see the transactions that were made. And on a daily basis, we provide detail on member countries outstanding obligations to the IMF. So that can give you a sense of how the overall obligations of Ukraine have evolved on a daily basis.
QUESTIONER: Can you give us an update on the relationship between the IMF and Senegal? Where do things currently stand with misreporting and a new program? This is my first question. And the second one I have is the Fifth Review under the Policy Coordination concerning Rwanda. The IMF stated that “Rwanda continues to demonstrate leadership in integrating climate consideration into macroeconomic policy and leveraging institutional reforms to mobilize climate finance.” Now my question is, can you please tell us concretely what kind of institutional reforms have been implemented by Rwanda?
MS. KOZACK: So, before I answer this, are there any other questions on Senegal or Rwanda? I see none in the room. Anyone online want to come in on Senegal? Okay, I don’t see anyone coming in, so let’s start with Senegal, and then we’ll move to Rwanda.
What I can say on Senegal is that we, the IMF and our team in particular, remained actively engaged with the Senegalese authorities, including during a visit to Dakar over March and April and further discussions during the Spring Meetings, which were held here in Washington in April. We do continue to work with the authorities to address the complex misreporting case that is ongoing. And addressing this complex case does require a rigorous and time-intensive process.
I also want to take the opportunity to add that the IMF supports our member countries in a variety of ways, and it goes beyond just providing financing. So, for example, in the case of Senegal, we are continuing to provide the authorities with technical assistance, including, for example, on our debt sustainability analysis that is tailored to low-income countries. We’re working closely with the authorities on compiling government financial statistics. This is being led by our Statistics Department. We’re providing technical assistance on energy sector reform, public investment management, and revenue mobilization, and that, of course, is with support from our fiscal experts.
With respect to a new program. We don’t have currently a fixed timeline for a new program, and we are awaiting the final audit outcome.
Now, turning to your question on Rwanda here. What I can say, and maybe just to step back and remind everyone of where we are in Rwanda. On June 4th, so just a few days ago, our Executive Board concluded the Fifth Review of Rwanda’s policy Coordination Instrument. Rwanda’s economic growth remains among the strongest in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that’s despite rising pressures both on the fiscal side and the external side. Rwanda, of course, we’re encouraging Rwanda to continue with a credible fiscal consolidation, strong domestic revenue mobilization, and a strong monetary policy.
With respect to your specific question, Rwanda successfully completed its Resilience and Sustainability Fund program, the RSF program, in December of 2024, six months ahead of the initial timetable. And under this RSF, Rwanda did carry out a number of institutional reforms that were focused on green public financial management, climate public investment management, climate-related risk management for financial institutions, and disaster risk reduction. So, these are some of the institutional reforms that Rwanda completed, which led us to make that statement about their leadership in this area.
I can also add that these reforms, along with some of the other reforms they’re having, they’re undertaking, such as a green taxonomy and the adoption of best practices in climate risk reporting by financial institutions. The idea is that this together will help to close information gaps, improve transparency, and that hopefully will allow for a boost to private sector engagement in advancing Rwanda’s ambitious climate goals and its broader goals toward economic development and strong and sustainable growth.
QUESTIONER: Two questions on Syria. The Fund said this week that Syria needs substantial international assistance for its recovery efforts. Firstly, can you give us an estimation of how much economic assistance Syria will need? And secondly, could you just let us know if there were any discussions around if a potential Article IV was discussed?
MS. KOZACK: Thank you. Any other questions on Syria?
QUESTIONER: Just to know if there was any demand from the Syrian government for any kind of technical assistance from the IMF to help them recover, economically speaking?
MS. KOZACK: Does anyone online want to come in on Syria? I don’t see anyone coming in. So let me step back again and give a sense of where we are on Syria.
I think, as many of you know, an IMF staff team visited Syria from June 1st through 5th. This was the first IMF visit to Syria since 2009. The goal of the visit was to assess the economic and financial conditions in Syria, as well as to discuss with the authorities their economic policy, and also to ascertain the authorities ‘ capacity-building priorities, ultimately to support the recovery of the Syrian economy. I think, as we’ve discussed here before, Syria faces enormous challenges following years of conflict that have caused immense human suffering, and it’s reduced the Syrian economy to a fraction of its former size.
At the IMF, we’re committed to supporting Syria in its efforts. Based on the findings of the mission, IMF staff, in coordination with other partners, are developing a detailed roadmap for policy and capacity development priorities for key economic institutions. And within the IMF’s mandate, this covers the Finance Ministry, the Central Bank, and the Statistics Agency. So those would be the areas where we will be focusing in terms of the detailed roadmap on priorities, economic and capacity building priorities.
Syria, as noted, will need substantial international assistance. We don’t yet have a precise estimate of that assistance. But what I can say is this will also — it will not only require concessional financial support, but also substantial capacity development support for the country. And that’s basically where we have left it with the Syrian authorities. And, of course, we will continue to engage closely with them, and we are committed to helping them, supporting them on their recovery journey.
QUESTIONER: Is the date of the IMF mission to Argentina already said? And based on that definition, when would the First Review of the agreement could take place? And another one, in the last few days, the Argentina government has launched different mechanisms to try to increase the level of foreign exchange reserves. Is the IMF worried that Argentina will not reach the target set in the agreement? And could the IMF give Argentina a waiver on this? Thank you very much.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, any other questions in the room on Argentina? I know we have several online.
QUESTIONER: Thanks for taking my questions. I would like to know how does the IMF evaluate the listed economy measures, particularly the issue of the measure to use undeclared dollars. Thank you.
QUESTIONER: My first question is about the reserve target for the new program with Argentina. Central Bank is about $4 billion below the target set for June. Also, some operations are expected that could increase their reserve stock. Officials said on Monday evening that local currency bonds can now be purchased with U.S. dollar and that the minimum time requirement for foreign investors to hold onto some Argentina bonds will be eliminated. The IMF is concerned that the Central Bank is not accumulating reserves touch foreign trade and is only receiving income touch debt. Is the consensus with the authorities to postpone the Frist Review and allow time for Argentina to activate credit operation in order to close — to get closer to the target set for June, or Argentina should resort to a waiver? And what is your view on the recent measures?
And that second question is about the possibility of an IMF mission arriving in Argentina in the coming weeks. Is that possible? Would it be a technical staff mission, or could the Managing Director or Deputy Executive Director also come? Thank you very much.
QUESTIONER: So, the question is the same as (connection issue) First Review of the agreement signed in April (connection issue)
QUESTIONER: -Is the IMF considering granting a waiver and also if they build up.
MS. KOZACK: You’ve broken up quite a bit, and now we’re not able to hear you, so we’ll try to get you back, or I think what I understood from your question is it’s broadly along the same lines as some of the other questions. What we can do is if you want to connect via the Press Center, I can read the question out loud. But what I’m going to do is move on.
QUESTIONER: Basically, echoing my colleague’s questions on the timing of the mission and whether an extension was granted to meet the reserve’s target, well, for the First Review generally. And separately, Argentina has July 9th dollar debt payments, which will obviously affect reserves. How will that payment and timing affect your calculus of the reserves target within the First Review? Thank you.
QUESTIONER: Well, yes, also echoing my colleague’s question regarding whether the timeline for the First Review, the end date remains this Friday, which was what it said on the Staff Report. And also, there was a ruling lately, these past few days, against former President Cristina Kirchner. I was wondering if that raises any concerns in the IMF regarding any political conflict or any subsequent economic impact.
MS. KOZACK: I think we’ve covered all the questions on Argentina. Anyone else on Argentina? Okay, very good. So, let me try to give a response that tries to cover as many of these questions as I can. So again, I’m just going to step back and provide where we are with Argentina.
So, on April 11th, the IMF’s Executive Board approved a new four-year EFF arrangement worth $20 billion for Argentina. The initial disbursement was $12 billion, and the goal of the program was to support is to support Argentina’s transition to the next phase of state stabilization and reform. The Milei administration’s policies continue to evolve and to deliver impressive results, as we have previously noted.
In this regard, we welcome the recent measures announced this week by the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance as they represent another important step in efforts to consolidate disinflation, support the government’s financing strategy and to rebuild reserves and, more specifically, steps to strengthen the monetary framework and to improve liquidity management. These are important to further reduce inflation and inflation expectations. The Treasury’s successful reentry into capital markets and other actions to mobilize financing for Argentina are also expected to boost reserves, and stability overall for the country continues to be supported by the implementation of strong fiscal anchor in the country.
Our team continues to engage frequently and constructively with the Argentine authorities as part of the program’s First Review. I can add that a technical mission will visit Buenos Aires in late June to assess progress on program targets and objectives and to also discuss the authority’s forward-looking reform agenda. More broadly and despite the more challenging environment, the authorities, as I said, have continued to make very notable and impressive progress. So, I will leave it at that.
Let’s go online for a bit, and then we’ll come — no, let’s go right here in the back. You haven’t had a question, and you’re in the room.
QUESTIONER: Given the recent escalation in global trade tensions and the effect of the tariffs, what is the IMF’s assessment of how these developments are affecting emerging economies? And what policy recommendation does the IMF have for countries facing increased external pressures?
MS. KOZACK: Okay, let me answer — let me turn to this question on emerging markets, a very important constituency and part of our membership here at the IMF. So, let me start with where we were and what our assessment was as of April.
In April, when we launched our World Economic Outlook, we projected growth in emerging and developing countries to slow from 4.3 percent in 2024 to 3.7 percent in 2025 and then to come back a little bit to 3.9 percent in 2026. We did have at that time also significant downgrades for countries most affected by the trade measures, and that includes China, for example. We have seen since then that there have been some positive surprises to growth in the first quarter for this group of countries, including China. We have also seen recent reductions in some tariffs, and that represents kind of an upside risk to our forecast. And, of course, we will be updating our forecast, including for this group of emerging and developing countries, as part of our July WEO update, and that will be released toward the end of July.
In terms of our recommendations, we recommend what we would call a multi-pronged policy response. So first, to carefully calibrate monetary policy and also macroprudential or prudential policies to maintain stability in countries. We also recommend for this group of countries, but for all of our members, to rebuild fiscal buffers to restore policy space to respond to, of course, future shocks that may occur. For countries that may face particular disruptive pressures in the foreign currency, foreign exchange market, we would say that they could pursue targeted interventions if those instances are disruptive. We also are encouraging again all of our countries to undertake the necessary reforms to no longer delay reforms associated with boosting productivity and longer-term growth.
I think maybe stepping back, we’ve been talking for quite some time in the IMF about a low growth, high debt environment. And this, of course, applies to this group of countries as well. So, dealing with the debt side, of course, is important through fiscal consolidation, but also, very importantly, boosting growth and productivity growth. So, countries can also have a more prosperous society and also deal with some of their debt issues through stronger growth is also very important.
All right, let me go online, and then I’ll come back to the room. Let’s see. Online, I see a few hands up.
QUESTIONER: My question is on Japanese tour conducted by Managing Director. Could you give more details on how Japanese tour played this month? For example, is there any chance for giving speeches or press conference and so on?
MS. KOZACK: So, as I said, the Managing Director will visit Japan later this month. Her visit will mostly entail meetings with government officials and also the business community as well as other stakeholders. She will have an opportunity to also do some outreach, and we can provide further details to you as her agenda becomes more concrete. But she is very much looking forward to the visit. Japan, as I think we’ve said before, is an important partner for the IMF. And the Managing Director is very much looking forward to meeting with Japanese officials and talking more broadly to other stakeholders in Japan about the important partnership that the IMF has with Japan.
I see some other hands up online. Unfortunately, I can’t see. So, I think if you’re online and you have your hand up, just jump in.
QUESTIONER: You already referred to your own economic outlooks when you talked about emerging markets. But I was — I wanted to ask you, does the IMF anticipate a similar growth downgrade as we’ve just seen for the World Bank this week and its economic assessment? Because, of course, back in April, the cutoff point for your last report was just as Donald Trump was announcing the Liberation Day tariffs.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, so thank you for that. Any other questions on the global outlook? Okay, so let me take this one, and then we’ll come back to some other questions.
So, what I can say in terms of the forward-looking, I mean, first, I want to start by reiterating that we will release a revised set of projections in July as part of our regular WEO update. What I can add is that since we released our World Economic Outlook, what we call the WEO, in April, we have seen some, you know, some data come in and some other developments. So first, we have seen some trade deals that have lowered tariffs, notably between the U.S. and China, but also the U.S. and the UK, and at the same time, the U.S. has raised further tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. So taken together, such announcements, combined with the April 9th pause on the high level of tariffs, these could support activity relative to the forecast that we had in April. But nonetheless, we do have an outlook for the global economy that remains subject to heightened uncertainty, especially as trade negotiations continue.
I can also add that recent activity indicators reflect a complex economic landscape. So, this is recent high-frequency data. We have some outturns in the first quarter, which indicated a front-loading of activity ahead of the tariff announcements that took place in April. And some high-frequency indicators also show some trade diversion and unwinding of that earlier front loading. So, this is kind of the more recent indicators. So, all of this creates kind of a complicated picture for us with some upside risk, some other developments, and we’ll take all of these developments together into account as we update our forecast toward the end of July in our WEO.
QUESTIONER: When you say support activity, do you mean there’s a chance it could be an improved outlook?
MS. KOZACK: So yes, by support activity, what we mean is that it’s kind of positive, it’s a little bit of a positive sign for economic activity. So that’s related, though, I would say, to the specific announcements. So, so just going back to say, the announcements of the trade deals that have lowered tariffs, particularly the ones between the U.S. and China and the U.S. and the UK, those could be supportive or a bit more positive for economic activity going forward. But the overall picture is both complicated for the reasons that I mentioned.
We have some front loading in the first quarter. Some of that seems perhaps to be unwinding in more recent indicators. And we also, of course, have to remember that we are in an environment of very high uncertainty, and uncertainty, in general, tends to dampen economic activity.
So, the overall picture is quite complex. And so, we will take all of these factors into account as we move forward with our forecast in July. And, of course, between now and when we release our forecast later in July, we would expect that there will be further data releases. And also, there is the possibility that there can be further announcements that we would have to take into account or further developments that we would have to take into account as well.
Let me just stay online for another minute. I think I have one more hand up online or two hands online.
QUESTIONER: My question is about Egypt. I was hoping to ask you if the Egyptian authorities have requested a waiver from the Fund for any of the requirements related to the Fifth Review of the country’s ongoing loan program and specifically if a waiver has been requested related to targets for divestment from state-owned assets. And if you have any update on the timing of the Fifth Review, that would also be very helpful. I know there were some suggestions that the Fifth Review could be combined with the Sixth Review, in which case we wouldn’t see it until September rather than the June date that had previously been talked about. Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: Anyone else on Egypt?
QUESTIONER: My question is related to the previous one by my colleague. She asked about the state-owned companies to be listed for IPOs or for private sectors to be having a bigger stake in the economy. How the IMF evaluate the progress achieved by the Egyptian authorities during that? And also, when the Fifth Review to be finished after the physical meetings happened in past May? And what are the most recent progress achieved until now during this? And also, I’d like to ask about how IMF evaluated the latest step by Egyptian government to give the Minister of Finance the right to issue sukuk in the guarantee of place in Red Sea as published in the last two days.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, thank you. Anyone else have questions on Egypt? So, on Egypt, as I think many of you know, an IMF team visited Cairo. From May 6th to May 18th, the team held productive discussions with the Egyptian authorities on their economic and financial policies. Discussions are continuing virtually to finalize agreement on remaining policies and reforms that could support the completion of the Fifth Review under the EFF. So again, discussions around the Fifth Review are continuing virtually.
As we have said here before, Egypt has made clear progress on its macroeconomic reform program with notable improvements in inflation and in the level of international reserves. As Egypt’s macroeconomic stabilization is taking hold, it’s now the time for efforts to focus on accelerating and deepening reforms, including reducing the footprint of the state, leveling the playing field, and improving the business environment in Egypt.
What I can add is that in order to deliver on these objectives, particularly with respect to reducing the footprint of the state, leveling the playing field, et cetera, it’s important to decisively reduce the role of the public sector in the economy. The implementation of the state ownership policy, as well as the asset divestment program in sectors where the state has committed to reduce its footprint, will be playing a critical role in strengthening the ability of Egypt’s private sector to contribute to growth and activity in the Egyptian economy, which will ultimately support improvements in livelihoods of the Egyptian people. We remain committed to supporting Egypt in building economic resilience and fostering stronger private sector-led growth.
On some of the more specific questions related to Sukuk, I don’t have a response here, but we’ll come back to you bilaterally.
QUESTIONER: It’s a quick overall question. Could you remind us the condition for a country to come under IMF supervision? Does it require specifically a program, or can it come from the IMF itself? Thank you very much.
MS. KOZACK: Can you clarify what you mean by IMF supervision? Just so I understand.
QUESTIONER: To be perfectly honest, in the past few days, we had comments from the French government about the fact that it could become under IMF supervision. I’m not very interested in specifically about France, but just in general overall how IMF comes to work with governments. What are the conditions for the IMF to step in and come to help the government? Thank you very much.
MS. KOZACK: Very good. So, let me maybe take this opportunity to step back and explain kind of the three big pillars of the work of the IMF.
So, the first is policy advice, and this is done mainly through the Article IV consultation process. The reason it’s called Article IV is because it’s in Article IV of our Articles of Agreement, and every member country of the IMF — so, we have 191 member countries — every member country commits when they join the IMF to participate in the Article IV consultation process. So that applies to every member. And that is a process that I know you here are very familiar with, where the IMF sends a team, and we conduct an assessment of the economy, and we provide policy advice to the country. That’s done for all members.
Another leg or another pillar of what we do at the IMF is capacity development. And for capacity development, this is at the request of the member. So, this could be, you know, very specific advice on a specific area where our technical expert would go and do sort of a deep dive analysis and provide detailed policy recommendations. But it’s really meant at building state capacity. So often, this is done in areas such as revenue mobilization or public financial management, statistics, monetary policy frameworks, and debt management. These are some of the areas where we would provide technical assistance to countries. That’s at the request of the member.
And the same is true for our financial support. So, for financial support, this is done again at the request of the member country. The member would request financial support from the Fund, and then the Fund would then send a team and ultimately develop a program that reflects the commitments of the authorities. But that program would need to be aimed at getting the country back on its feet. In our technical language, it’s restoring medium-term viability for the country. And that financing program has a balance between financial resources that the Fund provides and also policy measures taken by the part of the authorities. But that, again, is at the request of the member country.
QUESTIONER: So, my question is about cryptocurrency and digital assets. What is the IMF’s view right now on the daily use transactions by people, by governments, in paying and accumulating Bitcoin and other digital currencies? What risks and opportunities do you see on behalf of the IMF and what shall be done on the governmental level to implement any additional safeguards requirements to make this like a daily routine operations? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: Okay, so I think on the broad topic of kind of crypto assets, what we can say is that they have gained popularity as an asset class. And also, what we see is that the underlying technology, which is a digital ledger that is shared, trusted, and programmable, is broadly viewed as highly valuable. And that technology may have broader societal benefits. So, we do see crypto assets as a speculative asset as an asset class. At the IMF, we generally don’t recommend crypto assets as legal or cryptocurrencies as legal tender. We also do see that there are some potential risks that could arise from crypto assets. These include risks to financial stability, to consumer and investor protection, and also to market integrity.
So, in order to balance, in a sense, the opportunities based on the technology and a new asset class with some of these risks, what we advise countries to do is to establish a robust policy framework to effectively mitigate some of the risks while allowing society to take advantage of the benefits or the opportunities that arise from this new technology.
QUESTIONER: The Bank of Russia recently cut its key interest rate from 21 percent to 20 percent, marking its first easing move since September 2022. From the IMF perspective, what are the implications of this monetary policy shift? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: So, on Russia, let me just step back a minute, and I’ll provide our overall assessment of the economy, and then I’ll get to your specific question.
So, what we see in Russia is that last year, we saw the economy overheating, and now what we observe in Russia is a, is sharp slowdown of the economy, with growth slowing but inflation still relatively elevated. Growth in 2025 is expected to slow to 1.5 percent based on our forecast from April, and this was compared to 4.3 percent in 2024. And this reflects policy tightening, cyclical factors, and also lower oil prices.
Now, with respect to the action by the Central Bank, as you noted, the Central Bank indeed reduced the key policy rate from 21 percent to 20 percent for the first time. This was the first reduction since September of 2022. And the action taken by the Central Bank was in response to slowing growth, which I just mentioned, and also some easing of inflation pressures.
So, as I noted, inflation still remains high. It was just under 10 percent in May. But our forecast has inflation declining going forward. So, we expect inflation to ease to 8.2 percent by the end of this year. And we anticipate that inflation will turn to the target of 4 percent in the first half of 2027. So that’s the IMF forecast. So, the inflation challenge for Russia remains, and it’s appropriate. Therefore, that monetary policy remains tight, and even with this cut, monetary policy is still tight.
I am going to now take the opportunity to read one question or some questions on Ghana and some questions on Sri Lanka, and then we’ll bring the Press Briefing to a close. So, on Ghana, I have three questions. The first one is about an update on when Ghana’s program will be presented to the Board following Staff–Level Agreement.
The second question is about the amended Energy Sector Levy Act to add GH₵1 per liter on petroleum products to defray the cost of fuel purchases for thermal plants. Has the IMF taken note of this, and what’s its position on using taxes versus passing these costs through tariffs?
The third question on Ghana is whether the IMF is looking at the possibility of revising Ghana’s IMF program targets as the cedi’s sharp appreciation against the dollar has affected many variables that influence these targets set by the Fund?
So let me take a moment to just respond on Ghana. So again, stepping back to where we are on Ghana. On April 15th, the IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities reached Staff–Level Agreement on the Fourth Review of Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility. Upon approval by our Executive Board, Ghana would be scheduled to receive about U.S. $370 million, bringing total support under the ECF to $2.4 billion since May of 2023. We anticipate bringing the review to our Board in early July, so in just a few weeks.
What I can add about the question about the cedi’s sharp appreciation is that you know, of course, as we look at a program, we look at all of these developments, including, of course, developments in the exchange rate. And so, future program reviews will provide an opportunity for the team to carefully assess all of the evolving macroeconomic and financial conditions, including exchange rate movements, and to ensure that the program’s targets and objectives remain appropriate and achievable.
And on the fuel levy, what I can say is that this is a new measure that will help generate additional resources to tackle the challenges in Ghana’s energy sector, and it’s also going to bolster Ghana’s ability to deliver on the fiscal objectives under the program.
And I’m going to read one last set of questions on Sri Lanka, and then we will bring the Press briefing to a close. So, we have a number of journalists asking about Sri Lanka. So there’s — we’re consolidating the questions here. So, these journalists are asking for updates on the IMF’s view on Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing cost recovery, electricity prices, and the automatic price adjustment system. They’re asking about the date for the Executive Board’s consideration of the Fourth Review under the program.
And another question, has the government raised the issue of recent global shocks and possible further pressure on the economy and its ability to meet its reform program targets? How do we rate the new government’s approach to corruption?
QUESTIONER: My question is, recently Sri Lankan president announced that the existing IMF program is likely (inaudible) that it will be the final program for the country as it tries to achieve financial independence. What is the IMF’s view on this? Is it achievable given the current situation in Sri Lanka? And what is the progress on the IMF Board approval for the next review? Thank you.
MS. KOZACK: All right, so again, just stepping back and reminding where we are on Sri Lanka.
So, on April 25th, IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities reached Staff–Level Agreement on their fourth review of Sri Lanka’s economic reform program. The program and Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda continue to deliver commendable outcomes. Performance under the program remains strong overall, and the government remains committed to program objectives. Completion of the review is pending approval of the IMF’s Executive Board, and it is contingent on the completion of prior actions.
What I can add is that our IMF team, of course, is closely engaged with the authorities to assess the measures that were recently announced by the regulator on June 11th. And these include a 15 percent increase in in electricity tariffs and the publication of a revised bulk supply transaction account guidelines for this. So, these were two prior actions. Once the review is completed by our Executive Board, Sri Lanka would have access to about $344 million in financing, and we will announce the Board date for Sri Lanka in due course.
With respect to some of the more specific questions on governance, what I can add is that in end-February, the government published an updated government action plan on governance reforms. And this action plan included important commitments such as enacting a public procurement law, an asset recovery law, and other actions that are aligned with the recommendations that were included in the IMF’s Governance Diagnostic Report.
On the question about kind of the global situation and the impact on Sri Lanka, what I can say there is that, like for all countries in an environment of high uncertainty around policy and in general, high global uncertainty, this poses, of course, risks to an economy like Sri Lanka’s, as it does to many others. If some of the risks associated with high global uncertainty were to materialize, the way we will approach this will be to work very closely with the authorities first to assess the impact of any downside risk that materializes, and then we will also work with the authorities to consider what are the appropriate policy responses within the contours of the program. And more broadly, for all countries, including Sri Lanka, it’s really critical for each country to sustain its own reform momentum. Sustaining reform momentum, both with macroeconomic policy reforms and, importantly, some of the growth-enhancing reforms that we were talking about earlier, is critical for all countries in our membership, including Sri Lanka.
And on the question regarding the president’s remarks, I think there, what I can simply say is to repeat that, you know, Sri Lanka has made commendable progress, you know, in implementing some very difficult but much-needed reforms. The effects — these efforts are really starting to bear fruit. We see a remarkable rebound in growth following Sri Lanka’s crisis. Inflation is low, international reserves are continuing to grow, revenue collection on the fiscal side is improving, and the debt restructuring process is nearly complete. So, I think it’s really important to recognize, you know, the significant efforts that Sri Lanka has taken and also the tremendous progress that has been made. Right now, of course, we are very much focused on the current EFF, and therefore, as I mentioned, it’s going to be critical for Sri Lanka to sustain the reform momentum through the remainder of this EFF program.
And with that, I am going to bring this Press Briefing to a close. Let me thank you all for your participation today. As a reminder, as usual, this briefing is embargoed until 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time in the United States. A transcript will be made available later on IMF.org, and should you have any clarifications or additional queries, please reach out to my colleagues media@imf.org. This concludes our Press Briefing for today. I wish everyone a wonderful day, and I do look forward to seeing you all next time. Thank you very much.
* * * * *
PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
[embedded content]
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today celebrated as the U.S. House of Representatives passed his Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which permanently schedules fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The fentanyl-related substances have been temporarily scheduled since 2018. The U.S. Senate passed Cassidy’s bill in March. It will now head to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
“Everybody watching this knows someone who has been harmed by fentanyl,” said Dr. Cassidy. “My HALT Fentanyl Act is about giving law enforcement one more tool to stop fentanyl dealers.”
Click here to watch and here to download Cassidy’s video statement.
The bill has 30 U.S. Senate cosponsors, including U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), chairman of the U.S. Committee on the Judiciary, and Democratic lead Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
The bill has been endorsed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and is supported by 40 advocacy groups, including 25 State Attorneys General, 11 major law enforcement organizations, nine major medical associations and Facing Fentanyl, a coalition of over 200 impacted family groups.
The HALT Fentanyl Act built on the momentum of the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues (SOFA) Act introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI).
Background
In February, Cassidy spoke on the U.S. Senate floor amid Senate Democrat’s attempt to undermine his HALT Fentanyl Act.
Drug overdoses, largely driven by fentanyl, are the leading cause of death among young adults 18 to 45 years old. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl account for 68 percent of the total U.S. overdose deaths. In the last two fiscal years, U.S. Customs and Border Protect (CBP) seized record amounts of fentanyl—nearly 50,000 pounds—enough to produce more than 2 billion lethal doses. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023 there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths—74,702 of which were attributed to fentanyl. This was primarily fueled by synthetic opioids, including illegal fentanyl, which are largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China. In 2022, there were over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more than doubling the amount seized in 2021.
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Mesoscale Discussion 1265
Mesoscale Discussion 1265
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0514 PM CDT Thu Jun 12 2025
Areas affected…portions of southeast Colorado and eastern New
Mexico
Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely
Valid 122214Z – 130015Z
Probability of Watch Issuance…5 percent
SUMMARY…Occasional severe gusts and large hail may occur this
afternoon across portions of southeast Colorado and eastern New
Mexico. A watch is not anticipated.
DISCUSSION…Convection has developed in weak upslope surface flow
along the lee of the higher terrain across portions of central
Colorado and New Mexico. Strong mixing on the High Plains has
resulted in inverted-V thermodynamic profiles with approximately
1000 J/kg MLCAPE per mesoanalysis and short-term RAP forecast
profiles. Generally, low-level and deep-layer shear are marginal for
supercells, particularly across northeast New Mexico and southeast
Colorado, and some transient mid-level mesocyclones are apparent on
WSR-88D radar. Some clustering of storms may occur with time given
strong cold pools, and this may result in a risk for severe gusts.
Additionally, given the weak low-level shear and low freezing
levels, some marginally severe hail may be possible. Due to the
expected sparse coverage of severe weather, a watch is not
anticipated.
..Supinie/Smith.. 06/12/2025
…Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…
ATTN…WFO…MAF…PUB…BOU…ABQ…EPZ…
LAT…LON 37570523 38560477 38590381 38110350 36160348 34310369
33160418 32870473 32990530 33860555 35790556 37570523
MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…55-70 MPH
MOST PROBABLE PEAK HAIL SIZE…UP TO 1.25 IN
Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SHERMAN, Texas –A Mexican national living in Plano has been sentenced for immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Ana Maria Villa-Flores, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport aliens into the United States and conspiracy to conceal or harbor aliens. Villa-Flores was sentenced to the maximum term of 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on June 12, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in January of 2022, twenty-four illegal aliens were located at one of Villa-Flores’ homes. During the investigation, it was determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for recruiting drivers as well as coordinating the smuggling of the undocumented individuals from Mexico to the United States, bringing them to Plano to stay until they could be transported along other routes throughout the United States. The male individuals were instructed to remove their pants to keep them from escaping. Federal agents determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for smuggling approximately 254 illegal aliens.
In 2023, Villa-Flores was prosecuted in the Western District of Texas in connection with her alien smuggling activities. She was sentenced to four years in federal prison for smuggling approximately 124 illegal aliens.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Dallas and El Paso Homeland Security Investigations and the Plano Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson.
###
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Foreign Secretary delivers his 2025 Mansion House Speech.
My Lord Mayor, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen…
thank you for hosting me.
My thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad this morning.
I have been in touch with Minister Jaishankar to offer my condolences…
and the Foreign Office has stood up a crisis team to support British nationals and their families.
Tonight, I want to speak about power.
This is an audience which will understand that…
because the City’s financial power scales up every innovation…
and powers up the world economy.
Thank you for what you do.
I became MP for Tottenham 25 years ago.
I’ll be honest with you…
I didn’t feel that powerful for many of those years.
It was a long wait to become Foreign Secretary…
though not nearly as long as the wait for Tottenham to win a European trophy.
Politics and supporting Spurs…
if you stick at them…
pay off in the end.
I also want to thank the tens of thousands of diplomats, intelligence officers and development specialists…
that stand up for Britain in the world.
Together…
we’ve tackled wars, evacuations, hurricanes, …
and thanks to your work…
much of it classified…
we are all safer…
even if your Foreign Secretary is now a little greyer…
a little thinner…
and, I hope, a little wiser.
We do our work in the shadow of history.
Coming here tonight, I think of Anthony Eden, one of the first Foreign Secretaries to speak in this tradition.
But I do not think this is the new 1930s.
The more compelling reference point is 1925.
A century ago, our world was experiencing what the great historian Adam Tooze called a deluge of modernity.
New technologies…
new industries…
…shifted the balance of power.
There is a cheap reading of the 1920s…
that a Second World War was inevitable.
However, I’m not sure it was.
With the Locarno Treaties in 1925…
we almost got there.
Ultimately though, democracy failed to keep the peace.
I look back at 1925 today…
because 2025 is also a molten moment…
when the earth moves.
What we are living through is in fact a Great Remaking…
as modernity leaps forward and reshapes geopolitics.
In 2025, technology is power.
Nowhere do we see this more clearly than with China…
a great civilisation with a long history…
but today defined as much by their technological cutting edge as anything else.
Take DeepSeek…
revealing Chinese AI power.
BYD’s export boom…
revealing Chinese battery power.
And the Chang’e-6 moon landing…
revealing Chinese space power.
We cannot ignore how the West and Russia are no longer alone on the technological frontier.
Nor can we ignore the fact that China has installed more renewables capacity than the US, EU and India combined.
Britain will be dealing with the threats and opportunities Chinese technology poses for generations to come.
But it is the United States…
Britain’s closest ally….
that is the world’s leading technological power…
number one when it comes to biotech, AI and quantum.
But facing such a vast challenge, it is natural the Americans will focus more on the Indo-Pacific.
And they’ve repeatedly told us, facing Russia, we in Europe need to rely more on ourselves.
But to quote my friend Vice-President Vance:
“It’s completely ridiculous to think you’re ever going to be able to drive a wedge between the US and Europe.”
I agree with J.D. Vance…
though maybe not when it comes to his love for Diet Mountain Dew…
I prefer a full fat Coke.
The United States and China are doing remarkable things with new technology.
But this is the truth about power today…
technology is making it more diffuse.
Power is not just in the hands of the superstates…
nor the super-spoiler, Putin’s Russia.
Many powers are shaping this multipolar age.
Since 2000, Britain has more Nobel laureates for science than China, India and Russia combined.
South Korea makes more advanced semiconductors than China.
The UAE has reached Mars…
whilst Russia hasn’t been since the collapse of the USSR.
In 1997, when my party last came to power…
the US held the majority of the world’s top supercomputers.
Today, barely a third.
The cast-list of players is growing.
When the US talks to Russia, they both head to Riyadh…
when they talk to China, they both come to London.
This large group of states, together, are the new great powers.
This is also our age.
Your Excellencies, that’s why I want to work even more closely with even more of you…
some as allies, some as partners…
some of you on everything, some of you on single issues.
We are not all the same.
We do not agree on everything.
But together, we can build new constellations and coalitions which give us all a seat at the table.
This is at the heart of our offer to the Global South and our new Approach to the continent Africa.
It is the core of what I mean by progressive realism.
Cooperation, not condescension.
Listening, not lectures.
A realpolitik of progress.
For Britain, progressive realism means listening…
deepening…
and toughening up.
For years…
friends from Africa to Eastern Europe have been saying Britain needs to do more to tackle dirty money.
Kleptocrats and money launderers rob all our citizens of wealth and security.
We don’t need to wait for superpowers…
we can clamp down on blatant theft ourselves.
And so I can announce today that London will host a Countering Illicit Finance Summit…
…bringing together a broad coalition for action.
I will never allow London mansions to be the bitcoin of kleptocrats.
We will expose them.
We will punish them.
And drive them out of our city.
In the Middle East, I personally find the horrific suffering of civilians in Gaza intolerable.
We all want to see an immediate ceasefire…
the release of all the hostages…
the end of Hamas’ reign of terror.
That’s why Britain is leading efforts to break the deadlock through new coalitions.
I can hear others’ desire for peace.
With France and Canada…
we sent a clear warning in May that Israel must stop its assault on Gaza.
With Australia, Canada, Norway and New Zealand…
we’ve sanctioned those inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank…
the territory that must form the heart of a future Palestinian state.
We support the Gulf’s indispensable work on mediation and a plan for the day after.
Because the two-state solution is the only path to a lasting peace.
But progressive realism is not only about this…
but deepening Britain’s alliances and partnerships.
We actually delivered three deals in two weeks with three of the world’s greatest economies.
And that’s not all we’ve achieved – we are injecting real momentum into so many of Britain’s partnerships.
We’re delivering deals for climate…
launching the Global Clean Power Alliance in Brazil…
partnering with my friend Mia Mottley’s Bridgetown Initiative…
securing a climate tech partnership with Qatar.
Jobs in Cambridge, jobs in Southampton.
We’re delivering deals for defence…
the ITAR breakthrough with our AUKUS partners…
progress in our new fighter jet programme with Italy and Japan.
Jobs in Glasgow, jobs in Reading.
We’re delivering deals for growth…
massive investments from America’s Universal…
Japan’s car giants…
German manufacturers…
and Saudi investors.
Jobs in Bedford, jobs in north Wales, jobs in Northern Ireland.
Crucially, we’re also delivering deals on irregular migration.
Better cooperation with the Balkans…
new returns agreements with Iraq and Moldova…
the world’s first sanctions regime targeting smuggling gangs and their enablers.
This is now a priority for the Foreign Office in a way it never was before.
This is us playing our bit ensuring those with no right to be here piling pressure on our public services.
When partners step up on irregular migration…
this is transforming our wider relationship.
But if they are unwilling to do so…
then that has to have consequences for what we can offer them in return.
And finally, progressive realism is about toughening up.
I came into politics inspired by the generation who were tested by war in Bosnia and Kosovo.
My generation here in Europe is the Kyiv generation…
one that has toughened up.
The view from that night train to visit President Zelenskyy is not simply out into darkness…
…but into history in the making.
You feel what a journey Europe has been on since 2022.
Britain has toughened up.
As Secretary of State for GCHQ and SIS…
I am proud that we are investing £600 million in the UK intelligence community…
so our spies can defend our way of life.
As a result, I can confirm today that Britain will spend two point six per cent of GDP on defence from 2027.
This is a generational uplift…
keeping working people safe.
Our soldiers and our intelligence staff are ready to compete with our adversaries.
And with the new counter-hybrid taskforce I am announcing today…
our diplomats too will be ready for this murky new age of sabotage and subterfuge…
where technology is power.
And I know…
Europe has toughened up too…
switching to Putin-free energy…
as the EU goes further than ever before with common borrowing for military spending.
Putin believes that we, as Europeans, are unable to stick it out for years to come.
But just as Ukraine’s heroes have surprised the Kremlin with their endurance…
so too has Europe been astounding the Kremlin with our dogged persistence in standing with Zelenskyy.
Today, we had confirmation that Russian casualties in this senseless war have reached one million.
Every one a reminder that this war is not only a crime against the Ukrainian people…
but a waste of young Russian lives…
yet more blood on the Kremlin’s hands.
With grit, we will prove Putin wrong.
Europe is not afraid to stand up and fight.
Our Plan for Change…
our international strategy…
is delivering for working people.
I can see Britain in the years to come…
safer…
greener…
richer…
happier…
if we stick to the Plan.
For me, patriotism has always been about realism…
And, of course, football!
Taking the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.
Taking ourselves as we are, and being proud of it.
Taking actions that are both astute and bold.
This is our realpolitik.
A realpolitik of progress.
A realpolitik for Britain.
Thank you.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 12 — The upcoming 31st Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) will gather over 1,700 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions to display approximately 220,000 Chinese and international books, the fair’s organizers said at a press conference on Thursday.
The book fair will open on June 18 and run through June 22, with Malaysia as this year’s guest country of honor.
It will have an exhibition space of 60,000 square meters. Nine countries are participating for the first time, including Chile, Cyprus and Belarus, and they will join leading publishers such as Elsevier, Penguin Random House and Springer Nature.
The event will introduce specialized sections such as world cultural heritage and books marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
It will also include activities such as an awards ceremony, forums on international publishing and children’s books, and a copyright trade fair.
First held in 1986, the BIBF has evolved into a premier global platform for book exhibition and copyright trade.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Hartford, along with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, conducted a random worksite enforcement outreach at the D-Hand Car Wash in Southington, Connecticut, June 9. Agents administratively arrested four illegal alien employees from Guatemala who were in the United States without authorization.
“Ensuring compliance with federal employment laws is crucial to maintaining a fair and competitive business environment,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “Businesses, such as D-Hand, that employ unauthorized workers not only undermine the integrity of our immigration system but also gain an unfair advantage over law-abiding companies. HSI is committed to identifying and addressing these violations to protect both the legal workforce and honest businesses.”
ICE is tasked with enforcing the business community’s compliance with federal employment eligibility requirements and has the responsibility to conduct comprehensive worksite enforcement initiatives targeting employers who violate employment laws. During these operations, any alien determined to be in violation of U.S. Immigration laws may be subject to arrest, detention, and, if removal by final order, removal from the United States.
Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.
Source: Washington State News
SEATTLE – Attorney General Nick Brown today joined coalition of 11 attorneys general in challenging the federal government’s unprecedented and unlawful use of the Congressional Review Act to disapprove California’s waivers for its various clean vehicle standards, which Washington subsequently adopted.
Waivers have never been subject to the Congressional Review Act nor have any other agency orders that adjudicate requests for permission —such as oil and gas leases or mining permits. The actions taken here contradict the non-partisan Government Accountability Office and Senate parliamentarian, who both determined that the law’s process to disapprove federal regulations does not apply to these waivers.
“Transportation is the single greatest contributor to greenhouse gas pollution in Washington, and our residents understand the transition to zero-emission vehicles is critical in the fight against climate change,” Brown said. “This is the Trump administration’s latest unlawful attempt to derail Washington’s and the nation’s transition to a clean future.”
Motor vehicle emissions contribute to the formation of smog, as well as fine particle pollution and toxic air pollution, all of which are linked to premature death, respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and cancer, among other serious health impacts. Transportation is also the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, and cars and trucks account for 80% of those transportation emissions.
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set federal emission standards for air pollutants from new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines that cause or contribute to air pollution that endangers public health or welfare. The Clean Air Act allows only California to adopt more stringent emission requirements independent from EPA’s regulations, because only California had vehicle emissions standards before the passage of the federal Clean Air Act. California can enforce these standards with an EPA preemption waiver. The act requires EPA to approve waivers for California’s rules absent certain, limited circumstances not present here.
Once EPA grants California a waiver, Washington may adopt California’s standards and does not need a waiver of its own. Since 2023, the EPA granted California three waivers, allowing it to enforce the most recent standards for passenger vehicles, Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II), as well as standards for heavier duty vehicles under the Omnibus and Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) standards. Historically, EPA, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, has granted California more than seventy-five preemption waivers for updates to the State’s new motor vehicle emissions control program. As Congress intended, these waivers have allowed California, and those states that adopted California’s standards, to improve on their vehicle emissions programs.
Under ACCII, which Washington adopted in 2022, automakers must continue to sell an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles—as they have been for decades. By model year 2035, 80% of the passenger vehicles sold in Washington must be zero-emission, while the remaining 20% may be plug-in hybrids. The Advanced Clean Truck regulations aim to accelerate the widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles in the medium and heavy-duty truck sector, and are similarly critical for Washington’s efforts to meet air quality standards and protect public health. The Omnibus regulation requires internal combustion heavy-duty trucks sold in Washington to meet strict standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, which are major contributors to smog formation.
Under the direction of President Trump, the EPA transmitted these California waivers to Congress as “rules” in an attempt to invoke CRA procedures, even though all three waivers state EPA’s consistent and longstanding position, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, that waiver decisions are not “rules.” The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate illegally used the CRA to target California’s Clean Air Act waivers.
The complaint filed today alleges that the attempt to invalidate California’s waivers violated constitutional principles of federalism and separation of powers, the Take Care Clause, and multiple federal statutes including the Congressional Review Act and Administrative Procedure Act. The complaint asks the court to declare the resolutions to be unlawful and to require the Administration to implement the Clean Air Act consistent with the granted waivers.
Attorney General Brown joins California Attorney General Bonta and the attorneys general of Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont in filing the lawsuit.
A copy of the complaint is available here.
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US Senate News:
Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) led a group of 19 Senate colleagues in condemning U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s decision to gut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appoint several members to the committee with a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. In the letter, the lawmakers raise the alarm on the dangers of gutting the ACIP and urge Secretary Kennedy to immediately reappoint the members of the committee he fired.
“We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations — the complete opposite of ‘radical transparency’ and ‘good science,’” wrote the senators.
The senators raised the alarm on the recent appointment of several members to the committee, “We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science-based, and data-driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired.”
“ACIP is a longstanding, trusted national source of science- and data-backed advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Members that serve on this committee must undergo extensive vetting and disclose any conflicts of interest. Firing every member of the committee just before their next meeting scheduled for June 25-27 eliminates the advisory board’s ability to debate and make well-informed recommendations, putting American lives at risk,” continued the senators.
“We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence,” the senators concluded.
In addition to Senators Luján, Warnock, and Blunt Rochester, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
Read the full letter here or below:
Dear Secretary Kennedy,
We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations — the complete opposite of “radical transparency” and “good science”. We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science-based, and data-driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired.
ACIP is a longstanding, trusted national source of science- and data-backed advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Members that serve on this committee must undergo extensive vetting and disclose any conflicts of interest. Firing every member of the committee just before their next meeting scheduled for June 25-27 eliminates the advisory board’s ability to debate and make well-informed recommendations, putting American lives at risk. This reckless move is also happening as our nation faces the largest measles outbreak in over 30 years.
This decision appears to be a deliberate effort to repopulate the committee with anti-vaccine demagogues and continue pushing vaccine misinformation to the American people. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 80 percent of parents with children under age 18 report that their children receive routine immunizations; however, a divide based on political ideology is growing. The reality is that most Americans trust the science behind vaccines — but through inaccurate information and politicization, you are eroding the trust in vaccines.
This is just one action of many that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently taken to undermine vaccine confidence in the United States. Just over two weeks ago, HHS reversed the CDC recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination. This decision was made without the consultation of ACIP or CDC, narrowing recommendations to exclude healthy pregnant people despite pregnancy increasing the risk for severe infection. Just a day later, HHS announced the termination of a contract with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine despite warnings of a future pandemic from infectious disease doctors and public health professionals. These deliberate efforts to sow doubt in the safety and efficacy of vaccines have real consequences — people will die.
In addition to advising everyday Americans on their health decisions, ACIP recommendations also influence whether insurance will cover certain vaccines, making them accessible to insured Americans. Furthermore, ACIP determines the vaccine recommendations for the Vaccines for
Children program, which ensures underinsured and uninsured children across the nation can access vaccines at no cost. Without these recommendations, vaccines will become out of reach for far too many Americans. These actions contradict your written responses to questions for the record from the Senate Finance Committee, in which you said “yes” in response to a question about your commitment to ensure there are no financial barriers to accessing safe and effective vaccines.
Vaccines are safe and effective and have significantly reduced, and in some cases entirely eliminated, disease. With recent scientific advances in mRNA technology, vaccines are becoming easier and faster to produce in addressing today’s public health crises. It is critical that ACIP maintains its ability to develop science- and data-driven recommendations on vaccination without interference from anti-vaccine ideology.
Patient safety and transparency is at the heart of ACIP — Americans deserve the ability to make informed decisions about their health. You are stripping Americans of the freedom to choose by your recent appointments to the committee by centering anti-vaccine ideology. Therefore, we demand that you recuse your personal views on vaccines and restore the ACIP. We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence.
Sincerely,