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Joint Statement for the visit of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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On the kind invitation, extended by His Royal Highness, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Imran Khan paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 7-9 May 2021, corresponding to 25-27 Ramadan 1442/AH. His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, warmly welcomed the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

2.The two leaders reaffirmed the historical and fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, reviewed all facets of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen relations of the two brotherly countries in all fields, and agreed to intensify contacts and cooperation between government officials and the private sector in the two countries with the aim of promoting bilateral relations to the benefit of both countries.

3.His Excellency Prime Minister Imran Khan praised the leadership role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in promoting Islamic unity, and the positive role of the Kingdom in resolving the issues facing the Islamic world, as well as its endeavours for regional and international peace and security.

4.The Prime Minister recalled his visits to the Kingdom in 2018 and 2019, as well as the historic visit of His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence to Pakistan in February 2019, during which the two leaders jointly announced the launch of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council, to further enhance bilateral cooperation based on mutual trust, benefits and common interests of the two countries. The Crown Prince assured the Prime Minister of the Kingdom’s continued support to Prime Minister’s vision to transform Pakistan into a modern developed and welfare state.

5.The two sides discussed ways to strengthen and enhance economic and trade relations by exploring areas of investment and opportunities available in light of the Kingdom’s 2030 vision and Pakistan’s development priorities emanating from a shift from geo-politics to geo-economics. The discussions also focused on increasing cooperation in other fields, including energy, science, technology, agriculture and culture. Both sides expressed satisfaction at existing cooperation in bilateral military and security relations, and agreed to further augment collaboration and cooperation to achieve mutually agreed goals.

6.The two leaders also discussed issues pertaining to the Islamic world. They stressed the need for concerted efforts by the Muslim countries to confront extremism and violence, reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They also stressed the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. They reaffirmed that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group.

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7.In the constructive spirit of discussions, the two sides reaffirmed their full support for all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, especially, their right to self determination and establishment of their independent state with pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions. They also expressed their support for political solutions in Syria and Libya, as well as the efforts of the United Nations and its envoys in this regard.

8.The two sides also stressed the importance of supporting efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the conflict in Yemen based on the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue, and the relevant Security Council resolutions, including Resolution (2216). They condemned the attacks of terrorist groups and militias, including Houthi militias, by ballistic missiles and drones on the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against vital installations and civilian objects. They expressed serious concern at the threats posed to the security of oil exports and the stability of energy supplies, which was vital for the progress and development of the region and its peoples. The Prime Minister praised the role of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the resolution of crisis in Yemen which aims at achieving peace and security in Yemen which will result in prosperity and development of the region and its people.

9.Discussing the situation in Afghanistan, the Crown Prince acknowledged Pakistan’s facilitative role in the Afghan peace process. The two sides, underlining that an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement is the only way forward, urged the Afghan parties to realize the historic opportunity for achieving a political settlement in Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed to continue mutual consultations on the Afghan peace process.

10.Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to continue supporting each other at multilateral fora. They agreed to further deepen coordination and cooperation to safeguard mutual interests and uphold the principles of fairness and justice. The two sides also stressed the importance of the commitment by all States to the United Nations Charter, the principles and decisions of international legitimacy, as well as adherence to the principles of good neighbourly relations, respect for the unity and sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the endeavour to resolve disputes by peaceful means.

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11.His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, welcomed the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India regarding ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding between Pakistan and India. The two sides emphasized the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to ensure peace and stability in the region.

12.The Prime Minister congratulated the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for successfully organizing and holding the G20 summit meetings and the positive decisions that resulted from it in economic, developmental, environmental, health, energy and other fields.

13.Acknowledging the leading role of the Kingdom in addressing international issues, in particular the challenge posed by climate change, the Prime Minister welcomed “the Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives” launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and hoped that the initiatives will have a positive impact on the region, its inhabitants and beyond. The Crown Prince appreciated the Prime Minister’s “Clean and Green Pakistan” initiative, as well as the successful “10 Billion Tree Tsunami” initiative.

14.The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the Kingdom and its leadership in serving the Two Holy Mosques, their pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors, especially in organizing the Hajj season for the past year 1441 AH, despite the challenges posed by the Corona pandemic.

15.In order to further strengthen and diversify bilateral relations, the following agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were signed; i. Agreement on Establishment of Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC); ii. MoU in Combating Illicit Traffic in Narcotics, Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Presursor Chemicals; iii. Framework MoU between SFD and Islamic Republic of Pakistan for financing projects in Energy, Hydropower Generation, Infrastructure, Transport & Communication and Water Resource Development; iiii. Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Combating Crimes; and v. Agreement on Transfer of Convicted Prisoners.

16.The Prime Minister expressed gratitude and offered his best wishes to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince warmly reciprocated with best wishes for the health and wellbeing of the Prime Minister, and prayers for the progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

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Analysis

The Global Impact of Vladimir Putin’s 2024 Election Victory: A Deep Dive into Russia’s Future Role on the World Stage

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Introduction

The recent 2024 Russian elections saw Vladimir Putin secure another term as President, marking his fourth consecutive term in office. This victory has sparked a wave of speculation and analysis about what it means for both Russia and the international community. Putin’s win is likely to have significant implications, particularly on a global scale.

Some analysts believe that Putin’s continued leadership will result in an even more assertive foreign policy, while others argue that it could lead to increased tensions with the West. It remains to be seen how Putin’s victory will shape the political landscape in Russia and beyond, but it will have far-reaching consequences.

Putin’s Continued Leadership

With Vladimir Putin’s re-election as the President of Russia, the country is set to maintain its current trajectory under his leadership. This continuity brings both stability and predictability to Russian domestic and foreign policies, influencing how the country engages with the world. Putin’s re-election also signals the continuation of his assertive foreign policy, which has been marked by increased tensions with the West. However, this predictability could also provide opportunities for international cooperation with Russia on issues such as regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.

Geopolitical Dynamics

The victory of Vladimir Putin in the presidential elections has far-reaching implications for global geopolitics. Russia’s assertive foreign policy, especially in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East, is likely to persist. This could lead to potential changes in existing power dynamics and international relations, leading to shifts in alliances and conflicts. It remains to be seen how other countries will respond to this shift, and whether it will have a significant impact on the balance of power in the world.

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Economic Considerations

The Russian economy is known for its close ties to political stability. With Putin’s recent win, many investors and businesses operating in or with Russia may feel a sense of continuity. However, it’s important to keep an eye on certain factors such as economic diversification, sanctions, and energy dependence. These concerns will likely continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of the Russian economy in the coming years.

International Relations

The recent re-election of Vladimir Putin as the President of Russia is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s relationships with other nations. The West, in particular, will need to carefully navigate its interactions with Russia led by Putin for an extended period. This could have implications for several important issues, including arms control, cybersecurity, and regional conflicts. As such, we will likely continue to see a great deal of attention paid to Russia and its foreign policy decisions in the years ahead.

Human Rights and Democracy

Critics have raised concerns about human rights abuses and democratic backsliding under Putin’s rule. His victory may further embolden authoritarian tendencies within Russia and set a precedent for similar actions in other parts of the world.

Global Security

Russia plays a crucial role in global security issues such as nuclear proliferation, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity. Putin’s continued leadership will influence how these challenges are addressed on the international stage.

Conclusion

The victory of Vladimir Putin in the 2024 Russian elections carries far-reaching implications for global politics, economics, and security. As we look ahead, understanding these implications will be crucial for policymakers, analysts, and citizens around the world to navigate the evolving landscape shaped by Russia’s continued presence under Putin’s leadership.

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Foodies

Delightful Easter Feasts: Exploring McDonald’s Exciting New Menu for 2024!

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Introduction

McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, has recently unveiled its highly anticipated new food menu for Easter 2024. This move comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and cater to changing consumer preferences. Let’s delve into the details of this exciting development and explore what customers can expect from McDonald’s this Easter.

The Significance of Easter for McDonald’s

Easter is a significant holiday for many around the world, symbolizing renewal and celebration. For McDonald’s, it presents a unique opportunity to connect with customers through special menu offerings that capture the spirit of the season. By introducing new items tailored to Easter themes, McDonald’s aims to engage with its audience in a meaningful way.

Unveiling the New Food Menu

McDonald’s new food menu for Easter 2024 promises a delightful array of seasonal treats that blend traditional flavours with a modern twist. From festive desserts to savoury delights, each item is crafted to appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights:

1. Easter Egg McFlurry

Indulge in the creamy goodness of McDonald’s signature McFlurry infused with colourful Easter egg-shaped candies. This sweet treat is sure to delight customers of all ages and add a touch of whimsy to their dining experience.

2. Hot Cross Bun Burger

Experience a fusion of flavours with McDonald’s innovative Hot Cross Bun Burger, featuring a juicy patty sandwiched between two spiced buns traditionally associated with Easter. This unique offering showcases McDonald’s commitment to culinary creativity.

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3. Carrot Cake Shake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Carrot Cake Shake, a decadent blend of creamy milkshake infused with hints of carrot cake spices. This refreshing beverage is perfect for those looking for a delightful twist on a classic dessert.

Customer Experience and Feedback

As customers eagerly sample McDonald’s new Easter menu, their feedback will play a crucial role in shaping future offerings. By listening to customer preferences and adapting to changing trends, McDonald’s can continue to stay relevant and innovative in the competitive fast-food industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, McDonald’s new food menu for Easter 2024 represents a bold step towards engaging customers through seasonal offerings that capture the essence of the holiday. With a diverse range of treats designed to appeal to various tastes, McDonald’s continues to demonstrate its commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction.

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China

The Battle Over TikTok: Can the Company Fight Back?

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pexels-photo-5081920.jpeg

The battle over TikTok has raged for months as the United States government has grown increasingly concerned about the potential security risks posed by the popular social media app’s Chinese ownership. In August 2020, President Trump signed an executive order that would have banned TikTok in the US unless its ownership was transferred to an American company. A federal judge later blocked the order, but the threat of a ban has loomed over the app ever since.

A tense standoff in Congress as lawmakers debate the fate of TikTok, with the app's Chinese owner at the center of the controversy

Recently, the US Congress took a first step towards forcing TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app. The move came in the form of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which was signed into law in December 2020. The law requires foreign companies listed on US stock exchanges to comply with US auditing regulations or face delisting. ByteDance is currently in the process of exploring options to comply with the law, including a possible sale of TikTok to a US buyer.

Key Takeaways

  • The US government has been concerned about the security risks posed by TikTok’s Chinese ownership, and the threat of a ban has loomed over the app for months.
  • The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act requires foreign companies listed on US stock exchanges to comply with US auditing regulations or face delisting, which could force ByteDance to sell TikTok to a US buyer.
  • The battle over TikTok highlights the economic and political stakes of technology ownership and raises important questions about legislative actions and corporate responses to national security concerns.

Legislative Actions

US Congress passed a bill targeting TikTok's Chinese owner. The scene shows lawmakers debating and voting on the legislation

The battle over TikTok has led to a series of legislative actions by the US Congress. In August 2020, Congress took the first step towards forcing the app’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest TikTok’s US operations to a US-based company. This was in response to concerns over national security and the potential for user data to be accessed by the Chinese government.

Congressional Steps Toward Divestment

The divestment order was issued by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a government agency responsible for reviewing foreign investment in US companies. This order required ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations within 90 days, or face a ban on the app in the US.

In response, ByteDance filed a lawsuit challenging the divestment order, arguing that it was not given due process and that the order was politically motivated. However, the lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge in December 2020.

Legal Implications

The battle over TikTok has raised important legal questions about the relationship between national security and foreign investment in the US. The divestment order issued by CFIUS was based on concerns over national security, but it is unclear whether such concerns can be used to justify forcing a foreign company to sell its US operations.

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Moreover, the battle over TikTok has highlighted the challenges of regulating social media platforms that are owned by foreign companies. TikTok’s Chinese ownership has raised concerns over the potential for user data to be accessed by the Chinese government, leading to calls for greater regulation of social media platforms.

Overall, the battle over TikTok has demonstrated the complex legal and regulatory challenges posed by foreign investment in the US, particularly in the technology sector. While Congress has taken steps towards divesting TikTok’s US operations, the legal implications of such actions remain unclear.

Corporate Response

US Congress confronts TikTok's Chinese owner in a corporate showdown

Company’s Defense Strategy

TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, has vowed to fight back against the US Congress’s decision to force it to sell off the app’s US operations. The company is reportedly considering several options to defend itself, including legal action, lobbying efforts, and potential partnerships with US companies.

ByteDance has argued that the move by Congress is politically motivated and violates the company’s rights. The company has also emphasized that TikTok’s US user data is stored in the US and is not subject to Chinese government control.

To bolster its defence, ByteDance has hired a team of high-profile lawyers, including former US Solicitor General Theodore Olson. The company is also reportedly exploring potential partnerships with US companies, such as Microsoft, to help address concerns about data security.

Public Relations Efforts

In addition to its legal and lobbying efforts, ByteDance has launched a public relations campaign to defend the app and its Chinese ownership. The company has emphasized TikTok’s popularity and cultural impact, highlighting its role in promoting diversity and creativity.

ByteDance has also sought to distance itself from the Chinese government, emphasizing that it operates independently and is not subject to Chinese censorship laws. The company has also emphasized its commitment to data privacy and security, noting that it stores user data in the US and other countries outside of China.

Despite these efforts, ByteDance faces an uphill battle to defend TikTok’s US operations. The company will need to address concerns about data security and potential Chinese government influence, while also convincing US lawmakers and regulators that it can operate independently and in the best interests of US users.

Economic and Political Stakes

US Congress debates TikTok's fate, symbolized by a scale weighing economic and political stakes

The battle over TikTok has major economic and political implications for both the United States and China. With more than 91 million users in the US alone, TikTok has become a significant player in the social media landscape, and its popularity has made it a target of concern for US lawmakers. The recent moves by the US Congress to force the app’s Chinese owner to sell it off have raised questions about the future of the app and its impact on US-China relations.

Impact on US-China Relations

The battle over TikTok has the potential to further strain already tense relations between the US and China. The Trump administration has been vocal in its criticism of China, and the move to force the sale of TikTok is just the latest in a series of actions taken against Chinese companies. The Chinese government has responded with its own set of measures, including new restrictions on US tech companies operating in China.

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The ongoing battle over TikTok has also highlighted concerns about data privacy and security. US lawmakers have raised concerns about the app’s data collection practices and the potential for the Chinese government to access user data. China has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the US of using national security concerns as a pretext for protectionism.

Consequences for Global Markets

The battle over TikTok has wider implications for global markets. The app’s popularity has made it a significant player in the social media landscape, and its forced sale could have ripple effects on the tech industry as a whole. The move could also have implications for other Chinese companies operating in the US, and could lead to a wider crackdown on Chinese investment in the US.

The battle over TikTok is likely to continue for some time, and the outcome is far from certain. However, the economic and political stakes are high, and the impact of the battle could be felt for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

US Congress confronts TikTok's Chinese owner in a battle

What is the rationale behind the US Congress’s move to force a sale of TikTok?

The US Congress has expressed concerns about the potential national security risks posed by TikTok’s ownership by Chinese company ByteDance. Lawmakers have cited fears that TikTok’s data collection practices may be used by the Chinese government to gather sensitive information on US citizens. The move to force a sale of TikTok is seen as a way to mitigate these risks.

What is the status of the legislation aimed at banning TikTok?

As of the current date, no legislation has been passed to ban TikTok in the US. However, the US Department of Commerce has taken steps to restrict the app’s use in the country. In September 2020, the Department announced that it would ban TikTok from US app stores, though this decision was later temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

How might TikTok’s ownership respond to the US legislative actions?

TikTok’s ownership has previously pushed back against US legislative actions aimed at restricting the app’s use. The company has argued that it operates independently of the Chinese government and has taken steps to distance itself from its Chinese roots, including hiring US-based executives and establishing a US-based subsidiary. However, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to the latest legislative actions aimed at forcing a sale of the app.

What are the potential consequences for users if TikTok is banned in the US?

If TikTok is banned in the US, users may lose access to the app’s social media features, including the ability to create and share short-form videos. However, it is worth noting that TikTok’s popularity has led to the emergence of several alternative social media apps that offer similar features, such as Instagram’s Reels and Byte, which was created by the co-founder of Vine.

Has any legislation been passed to date regarding the prohibition of TikTok?

As of the current date, no legislation has been passed to prohibit the use of TikTok in the US. However, the US government has taken steps to restrict the app’s use, including the aforementioned ban on TikTok in US app stores.

Which other countries have taken steps to ban or restrict TikTok?

Several other countries, including India and Pakistan, have taken steps to ban or restrict TikTok over concerns about national security and user privacy. In India, TikTok was banned in June 2020, along with several other Chinese-owned apps. In Pakistan, the government has announced plans to ban TikTok unless the app takes steps to address concerns about “obscenity and immorality.”

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