Islamabad :Ramesh Kumar, Member National Assembly of Pakistan and Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Hindu Council called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today to discuss the “Jodhpur incident”. Eleven Pakistani Hindus, including children, were found dead under mysterious circumstances in village Lodta. Haridasot, district Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on 9 August 2019. Dr. Kumar apprised the Foreign Minister about the anxiety in the Pakistani Hindu community over the incident. He shared that the daughter of the deceased head of the family, Shrimati Mukhi had filed an FIR in Sanghar on the incident, nominating RSS and BJP for involvement in the murder of her family members. He also informed the Foreign Minister that, as per Ms. Mukhi, her father, mother and other family members were murdered after they refused to spy on Pakistan and issue anti-Pakistan statements at the behest of Indian intelligence Agency RAW. The Foreign Minister informed Dr. Kumar that Pakistan had taken up the issue forcefully with the Indian side through diplomatic channels both in Islamabad as well as in New Delhi. Immediately after the incident, the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi had asked the Government of India for provision of access to the surviving member of bereaved family, sharing of copies of the FIR and initial investigation report and facilitating the presence of the High Commission for Pakistan’s representatives during the post-mortem of the deceased persons. The Foreign Minister assured Dr. Kumar that safety and security of all its nationals was the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan. He added that since the victims of “Jodhpur incident” were Pakistan nationals, it was incumbent upon the Government of Pakistan to be fully aware of the circumstances under which its nationals died in India. Appreciating the efforts made by the Government of Pakistan in seeking justice for the victims of “Jodhpur incident”, Dr. Kumar informed that the Hindu community would take further necessary steps to register its strong protest against the highly condemnable incident and the continuing failure of the Indian Government to carry out a transparent and credible investigation to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice. The Foreign Minister assured Dr. Kumar that Pakistan will continue urging the Government of India to provide the requisite information without further delay and carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter and share its findings with the Government of Pakistan.
Ambassador of Turkmenistan Meet to Dr. Moeed
President of Pakistan conferred the Hilal-e-Pakistan to outgoing Ambassador of China.
In recognition of the services made by the outgoing Chinese Ambassador for improving Pakistan-China relations, President Dr. Arif Alvi conferred the Award of Hilal-e-Pakistan on Mr. Yao Jing at a special investiture ceremony, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. The ceremony was attended by Chairman Senate, Mr. Sadiq Sanjrani, Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser, Federal Ministers and senior officials of the Government of Pakistan. Later, the Ambassador called on the President and discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries. While talking to the Ambassador, the President said that China was a close friend, which has always supported Pakistan on all issues of national interest. Highlighting the economic and strategic significance of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the President stated that the Corridor would increase regional connectivity and countries of the region, particularly Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, would enormously benefit from it.
He emphasized the need for further strengthening defense cooperation between the two all-weather friends. He added that Pakistan was looking forward to the visit of President Xi Jinping which would further boost bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and defense. The President appreciated the efforts made by the outgoing Ambassador for further promoting and solidifying bilateral relations. He said that many infrastructure and development projects were completed during the tenure of Mr. Yao Jing. The Ambassador assured that China would continue its efforts to promote peace and connectivity in the region. He specially thanked the President for being the only Head of State to visit China during Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Govt. committed to impartial monitoring of the largest afforestation programme, Malik Amin Aslam
Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Malik Amin Aslam, said that while the implementation of the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme across the country is full swing, all-out efforts are being taken to ensure its effective monitoring, reporting and verification at all levels for attainment of desired outcome of enhanced environmental development and climate change resilience of the country.
Addressing the participants of the high-level event ‘Third Party Monitoring of Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme’, as a chief guest here on Monday at the local hotel Malik Amin said further that in management projects and programmes, information regarding its transparent implementation is not always readily accessible to everyone and is on a need-to-know basis for some.
The project or programme directors, managers and relevant key stakeholders are the ones with access to all the information. This lack of transparency can lead to public distrust and resentment and hamper publicity of the programme and project activities, Malik Amin added.
He said, “We hope that independent and impartial monitoring and evaluation by third party of the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami (TBTTP), would help systematically measure and assess programme activities across the country through various internationally-used tools and techniques and provide support to establish and maintain public trust about the activities.”
Meanwhile, recalling the pressing reasons behind success story of the Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (BTTP), upon philosophy of which the TBTTP is built, the special assistant Malik Amin said that tackling challenges of timber mafia, enhanced community participation, sustained focus on both regeneration of new forests and reignvigoratig the existing forests and lastly the enhanced transparency through the third party monitoring and evaluation of the BTTP’s activities across the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province were the key driving forces behind the successfulness of the afforestation project.
The TBTTP success story, under which 1.18 billion trees were planted across the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province against the target of one billion trees, mustered not only international support but also it was globally recognised by various international organisations including the World Economic Forum, United Nations Development Programme and UN-Food and Agriculture Organisation as the best replicable climate change mitigation and adaptation initiative in other countries.
Malik Amin Aslam said that thanks to heightened political support by the KPK provincial government, the TBTTP not only surpassed the target but also helped restore the province’s ailing forestry and wildlife sectors, creating thousands of green jobs for unemployed women and young people.
Malik Amin pointed out that every country is bound to meetreporting requirements to various multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) of different international organisations such as UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). However, the third-party monitoring and evaluation of the TBTTP would significantly help meet the country’s requirements for reporting on progress on environmental development, conservation and protection of forests and wildlife resources and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Minister of State for Climate Change, Zartaj Gul, said that setting up of the Third-Party Monitoring and Evaluation System for impartial assessment of the TBTTP activities across the country has present government’s strong backing.
“The third-party monitoring and evaluation would demonstrate to the global community and the peoples of Pakistan that the incumbent government of the Prime Minister Imran Khan is seriously committed to accountability for the spending of public money at all levels and in every form,” Zartaj Gul emphasized.
Highlighting the prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for clean and green Pakistan as a part of his green agenda, the state minister Ms. Gul said that under the overarching PM’s flagship Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, the country has gained global applause for adopting the green agenda.
“Because, adopting the ambitious green agenda is significantly helping to pull out the country from the soaring issues of environmental degradation, deforestation and illegal wildlife hunting and poaching.
Giving overall overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Third-Party Monitoring and Evaluation Consortium, the Secretary Climate Change Minister, Naheed Shah Durrani told the participants that the third party monitoring and evaluation would be conducted jointly by the UN-Food and Agriculture Organisation, International Union for Conservation of Nature – Pakistan (IUCN-P) and World Wide Fund for Nature – Pakistan (WWF-P), which will operate as a consortium, which would conduct the third-party monitoring and evaluation of TBTTP from 2020 to 2024 across the country.
She said further that the IUCN-Pakistan would be responsible for the coordination, logical framework development, proposal development and biodiversity assessment; FAO would be responsible for the database tools for regular field data collection and periodic forest cover change assessment through remote sensing using UN-FAO’s collect earth tool, and provide technical support on the integrated watershed management, forest landscape restoration including rangeland management; whereas, WWF – Pakistan would carry out field sampling and monitoring except in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
The Director-General of the WWF-Pakistan Hammad Khan Naqi said that the proposal for Third-Party Monitoring and Evaluation would be rolled out to evaluate maximum 30% of the plantation sites, 30% for Wildlife Conservation, 100% of the Protected Areas.
However, the actual achievement would depend on effective coordination and cooperation between all the members of third-party consortium and provincial and federal stakeholders involved in the implementation of TBTTP, said Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, the country representative IUCN-Pakistan.
He also highlighted that the Third-Party Monitoring and Evaluation Consortium would yield numerous benefits for the country such as enhanced credibility, public trust, meeting international reporting requirements on various multilateral environmental agreements and government’s heightened commitment in transparent utilisation of public funds allocated for the TBTTP, the country’s largest afforestation programme.
China firmly upholds the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on September 18, 2020
China Review News: US Assistant Secretary for East Asia David Stilwell said in congressional testimony on September 17 that China’s recent aggressive behavior illustrates why it poses a threat to the rules-based international order. What’s your comment on this?
Wang Wenbin: Before pointing the finger at others, the US should first ask itself the following questions. Why did it exit the WHO? Why did withdraw from the Paris Agreement and the JCPOA? Why did it declare it won’t abide by the WTO ruling? Why did it vote against a UN resolution supported by an overwhelming majority for a “comprehensive and coordinated response” to the COVID-19 pandemic? The world sees clearly who’s the quitter from international treaties and organizations, who’s the violator of international rules and who’s a threat to international order.
China firmly upholds the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law. We call on all countries to reject unilateral bullying and protectionism, stick to multilateralism, take multilateral actions, observe multilateral agreements and strengthen multilateral institutions, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.
CCTV: Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a recent interview that “very early on China alerted the World Health Organization to the emergence of a novel coronavirus and also shared the sequencing of the gene which allowed countries to be able to rapidly produce tests to be able to detect it in their own countries.” She also said, “The world needs to work together right now and we need to ensure we’re working in full partnership to defeat COVID-19.” What’s China’s response to this?
Wang Wenbin: We noticed relevant reports and applaud the Canadian health minister’s objective and fair remarks. Since COVID-19 broke out, China has been working in an open, transparent and responsible manner to fulfill the IHR obligations and participate in international anti-epidemic cooperation. At the earliest possible time, China reported to WHO on the epidemic, identified and published the genome sequence of the virus, made public our diagnosis, treatment and containment measures, and shared the epidemic information and containment experience with the relevant countries and regions. The Chinese government puts people and life first, engages in cooperation, and the results we achieved can withstand the test of time and history.
China and Canada have been cooperating and giving each other valuable support during the difficult fight against COVID-19. China is ready to continue working with Canada and other members of the international community so that the virus can be defeated as early as possible.
El Pais: Today some Spanish media say that Chinese hackers have stolen information from Spanish labs working on a vaccine for COVID-19. The Spanish head of intelligence services has mentioned that these attacks have happened on a number of occasions in a number of countries that work on vaccines. What is your comment?
Wang Wenbin: For some time, there have been multiple reports and rumors about China stealing other countries’ vaccines through hacker attacks, on which we made clear China’s position repeatedly in this room. Hacking is a common threat to all countries. We hope relevant parties will not jump to conclusions without solid evidence. We need to investigate, collect evidence about and combat such problems through dialogue, judicial assistance and other means. It is not advisable to stigmatize other countries in the absence of reliable evidence.
China firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks and crimes. This position is consistent and clear. At the same time, I want to tell you that China is a world leader in vaccine research and development, and we don’t need to and will not rely on any “stealing” to obtain data on vaccines.
The Global Times: On September 17, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad announced at a press conference that he will be leaving his post in early October. Do you have any reaction to this?
Wang Wenbin: On September 14, the US side officially informed the Chinese side that Ambassador Branstad will leave his post in early October.
During his tenure as governor of the State of Iowa and US Ambassador to China, Ambassador Branstad did a lot of work to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two peoples. We hope that he will continue to play a positive role in advancing the sound development of China-US relations.
EFE News Agency: Regarding the Chinese hackers. Is it possible that without the knowing of the Chinese government, Chinese hackers could steal this kind of secrets?
Wang Wenbin: I have just expounded on China’s position on relevant issue. If there is anything to be added, it is that the cyberspace is highly virtual and filled with multiple actors whose behaviors are difficult to trace. In the absence of solid evidence, one should not jump to conclusions. All countries should jointly combat all forms of cyber crimes through dialogue and cooperation.
I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know the Global Initiative on Data Security recently put forward by China, which proposes to maintain the openness, security and stability of global supply chains, oppose ICT activities that impair or steal important data of other states’ critical infrastructure, and prevent and put an end to activities that jeopardize personal information through the use of ICT. We call on all stakeholders, including governments and businesses, to support such an initiative, jointly assume global responsibility for the digital age, and foster an open, secure and cooperative cyberspace.
Beijing Media Network: This year marks the 15th anniversary of the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement of the Six Party Talks. How does China see this statement? Do you think it is still relevant given the current circumstances?
Wang Wenbin: The September 19, 2005 Joint Statement of the Six Party Talks is a major achievement made by all parties during the efforts for political settlement of the Peninsula issue, which stands as a milestone. Despite changes in the Peninsula situation in recent years, the objectives of this statement and its principled vision of a synchronized, reciprocal and balanced approach to address concerns of all parties is still important guidance in the current circumstances.
In light of the current situation, it is necessary for us to review and learn from the spirit of this joint statement, take a phased synchronized, and balanced approach to address concerns, and consistently advance the political settlement of the Peninsula issue. Following the “dual-track approach”, China is ready to work with all sides for the lasting peace and stability of the Peninsula and the Northeast Asia.
Reuters: Today is the deadline for China to join the WHO’s COVAX initiative. Has China decided to join it?
Wang Wenbin: At the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly, President Xi Jinping pledged that COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment in China, when available, will be made a global public good, which will be China’s contribution to ensuring vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. This is highly consistent with COVAX’s efforts to ensure that all countries have equal access to appropriate, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
China supports COVAX and has been in communication with the WHO and other sponsors of the plan. Recently, competent Chinese authorities and vaccine companies held a video conference with the WHO, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), the Vaccine Alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to further exchange views on relevant issues and agreed once again to jointly advance the global research, development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. China will remain in active consultations with the above-mentioned organizations.
China’s vaccine companies strictly follow scientific and regulatory rules, and they have been working tirelessly to advance research and achieved remarkable outcomes. In fact, China is leading the world in this field. Eleven of China’s vaccine candidates have entered clinical trials, and four of them got the approval to be subject to Phase III of clinical trials in foreign countries. During the R&D process, we attach great importance to safety and effectiveness, and we strictly observe international norms, laws and regulations.
China noted the expectations placed by some countries on China with regard to vaccine R&D, manufacturing and distribution. In fact, our cooperation with some countries already began. China always honors commitments. We will continue conducting international cooperation in vaccine R&D, manufacturing and distribution, and we hope other countries that have made progress in this area will join us in enhancing the accessibility and affordability of COVID-19 vaccines.
EFE News Agency: Do you have some figures about cooperation in the vaccines with Latin America?
Wang Wenbin: Like I said, China will work with the international community, including the international organizations to enhance cooperation in vaccine R&D, manufacturing and distribution. Our cooperation involves Latin-American countries too.
AFP: The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently warned leaders in Suriname and Guyana against partnerships with China. He said that they should pick US companies as partners instead. Do you have any comment on this?
Wang Wenbin: I haven’t heard of what Pompeo said, but I’d like to say that China never asks other countries to pick specific partners for cooperation, and we never threaten others to avoid cooperation with certain countries. Our cooperation with other countries is equal-footed and mutually beneficial.
CNR: A US State Department senior official in an online briefing talked about Pompeo’s upcoming visit to Suriname, Guyana, Brazil and Colombia. When answering a question of China’s building of a subway and 5G telecom in Colombia, the official said when people deal with China, they need to make the Chinese deal on transparent, 21st century, above-board terms, not on the sort of 19th century imperialist, mercantilist, opaque terms that Chinese Communist Party and Chinese businesses owned or controlled by the Communist Party seem to favor. What’s your comment?
Wang Wenbin: Just now the correspondent with AFP talked about Pompeo’s statements during his visit to Latin America, I wonder if they are the same as those you just mentioned. What this US official said is malicious, baseless and ideologically biased smear against China. It intends to sow discord between China and other countries and obstruct China’s normal cooperation with Latin American countries.
I’d like to reiterate that China always encourages Chinese companies to participate in cooperation projects overseas while observing laws, regulations and market principles. Recent years saw good development in China-Colombia relations with expanding practical cooperation. The Chinese companies’ participation in Colombia’s infrastructure projects is the result of fair competition, which will leverage each other’s complementary strength, help Colombia improve its infrastructure, grow its economy and bring benefits to the local people.
The Global Times: Ambassador Branstad also said at the press conference that China has made remarkable progress in development over the past decades. The Chinese people’s work ethic, emphasis on education and family, and entrepreneurship have driven the country’s development. What is China’s comment?
Wang Wenbin: We noted ambassador Branstad’s remarks and appreciate them. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, especially since the reform and opening up, China has achieved remarkable development. It has grown into the world’s second largest economy, largest manufacturer and trading nation in goods. These achievements have been earned by the Chinese people through their hard work, ingenuity and innovation.
For some time, some US politicians have claimed that China’s development achievements were attained by stealing other countries’ technology and taking advantage of them. I think such a claim has no common sense in it and is ill-intentioned. The international community and insightful US people have their own fair conclusion on this.
El Pais: Is the military exercise the Chinese defense ministry announced today in the Taiwan Strait has something to do with the visit of US Under Secretary Krach?
Wang Wenbin: I have already elaborated on China’s position on US Under Secretary Krach’s visit to Taiwan.
The Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense also responded to the relevant military exercise this morning. The exercise is a justifiable and necessary action taken in response to the current situation across the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair which allows no foreign interference. Any attempt to contain China with the Taiwan question or solicit foreign support will lead nowhere. China has the firm will, full confidence and sufficient capability to foil any interference by external forces and the secessionist acts of “Taiwan independence” forces and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China Daily: According to latest data from the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research of the Australian National University, Chinese investment in Australia has dropped in recent years. In particular, the figure almost halved in 2019 compared to 2018. The steep fall far outpaced a global decline in China’s overseas ventures. Some Australian scholars and media believe that tensions between China and Australia and new regulations set by the Australian government are the main reasons. How does China view this phenomenon?
Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant reports. I think these figures say everything about some real problems in China-Australia relations. The essence of China-Australia economic, trade and investment cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win. Over the years, Chinese enterprises’ investment in Australia has made great contributions to the local economic and social development, a vote of confidence to Australia’s economy and business environment.
Recently, the Australian side has repeatedly blocked Chinese-invested projects on the grounds of “national security”, and set unwarranted restrictions on normal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields. This is bound to seriously affect the confidence of Chinese enterprises in investing in Australia and detrimental to both sides. We hope that Australia will face up to the reality, seriously reflect on the situation, create a fair, open and non-discriminatory investment environment for foreign investors including Chinese enterprises, and create convenient conditions for practical cooperation between China and Australia, rather than put obstacles in their way.
Reuters: An Australian judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal has resigned. He said the decision has to do with the national security law for Hong Kong. What is the foreign ministry’s comment?
Wang Wenbin: I am not aware of what you said. What I can tell you is that the Hong Kong-related national security law targets the four types of crimes that seriously endanger national security. It targets a very small number of perpetrators and protects the vast majority. The legitimate rights and interests of the Hong Kong people will be safeguarded in accordance with law.
The following question was raised after the press conference: The House passed a resolution Thursday to condemn racism against Asian Americans tied to the coronavirus outbreak, noting that inflammatory terms including “Chinese Virus,” “Wuhan Virus,” and “Kung flu” have perpetuated an anti-Asian stigma. The resolution also asks public officials to denounce any coronavirus-related anti-Asian racism and requests federal law enforcement document the rise of hate crimes and hold perpetrators accountable. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blamed Trump for trying to divert attention from Russia’s meddling in elections to demonize China. What is China’s comment?
Wang Wenbin: We have noted relevant reports. Since the beginning of this year, the US Congressmen have proposed a number of similar resolutions, reflecting the just call in the US against stigmatization and racist remarks amid the epidemic. This is also what has been called for by the WHO and the international community.
COVID-19 is the common enemy of mankind. Blame-shifting can not drive away the virus, nor will it save any patient. To obstruct international cooperation for political gains will only harm others and oneself. All countries in the world should work together to cope with this disaster facing mankind. Some US politicians should stop their political manipulation and focus on domestic epidemic control and international cooperation.
Huawei Appoints New President for Cloud and AI Business Group in the Middle East
By:Naveed Ahmad Khan
With demand in the region increasing for cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, Huawei—a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices—has appointed a new regional president for its Cloud and AI Business Group as the company restructures its offerings in these fields.
Mr. Li Shi assumes the role of President of theHuawei Cloud and AI Business Group in the Middle East region effective immediately. Under his leadership, the group seeks to helpgovernments and local industries to tap into the power of digitalization while creating more intelligent and safer societies.
Based in Dubai, UAE, Shi will oversee the expansion of the group’s regional product and solution port folioalong with partner ecosystems that will create ultimate service experiences by utilizing Huawei’s global capabilities. The executive will further seek to deliver comprehensive terminal-edge-cloud solutions and services to more of Huawei’s customersand strategic partners,all with respect to data sovereignty that can support the digital economy and smart society of countries across the Middle East.
Shi has nearly 15 years of international experience with Huawei. He was most recently the CEO of Huawei UAE and had also previously held executive positions for Huawei in other Gulf and Levant countries.
Charles Yang, President of Huawei Middle East, said: “The innovations behind AI and cloud computing are advancing by leaps and bounds, and will soon pave the way to a digital Middle Eastin which all things are connected. Governments and enterprises are reinforcing their investments in these two fields. Under Li Shi’s leadership, I am confident that Huawei’s Cloud and AI Business Group will bring the value of ubiquitous computing to even more communities across the Middle East.”
Li Shi, President for the Cloud and AI Business Group in the Middle East, added: “Nearly every industry in the region has been re-booting for the digital age. Cloud and AI technologies will accelerate this transformation over the next decade. By offering new cloud services with our partners, enabling deeper AI research and development, and introducing new supercomputing capabilities to the region, our team will reinforce Huawei’s unrivalled end-to-end capabilities in the ICT domain while inspiring innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes.”
Established earlier this year, Huawei’s Cloud and AI Business Group in the Middle East is an evolution of the company’s Cloud Business Department. Under the slogan “Cloud Everywhere”, the restructuring enables a more focused approach to developing and deploying solutions that will form the bedrock of the digital world.
In particular, Huawei now offers customers an unparalleled machine vision and intelligent collaboration portfolio, leading to a smarter governance and office experience. Different types of general computing power provide organizations in the region with multiple choices for strengthening their computing capability. Moreover, Huawei’s flagship all-flash storage is helping organizations to redefine their data infrastructure, while the Huawei Atlas series of computing and cloud services with heterogeneous architecture delivers an open-stack platform for developers to build applications that can lead the region’s digital charge. The Group is also looking for partners, manufacturers, developers,and solution providers to join Huawei in building these new ecosystems together for a better digital world.
Nestlé Pakistan and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad commence tree plantation in the Capital
Nestlé Pakistan donated 5000 trees to Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad to initiate monsoon tree plantation drive in the capital.
The tree plantation drive by Nestlé is geared towards fostering a culture of environmental wellbeing, in line with the Prime Minister’s Clean Green Initiative. Planting trees not only captures carbon but also helps rebuild forests and communities, protect threatened and endangered biodiversity and conserve water.
Speaking on the occasion, Fatima Akhtar Ahmad, Manager Public Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan said, “The drive is focused towards Nestlé’s philosophy of creating shared value and sustainability that revolves around striving towards zero environmental impact of operations in a systematic manner.”
Shaikh Ansar Aziz, Mayor Islamabad, while expressing his views said, “I’m thankful to Nestlé Pakistan for supporting us continuously over the years in our efforts to promote tree plantation activities in Islamabad. Their generous donation of trees reflects their commitment towards a Clean Green Pakistan.”
Nestlé Pakistan earlier commenced monsoon tree plantation activity this year in Lahore, under Nestlé’s Cares initiative, the global employee volunteer program that will encompass similar drives across operational areas. This initiative is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Clean Water and Sanitation, and Life on Land.
Reforestation initiatives such as this builds on Nestlé’s existing actions complementing its commitment to halt deforestation to tackle climate change.
Uzbekistan and the UAE expand investment cooperation
Significant progress has been made in cooperation with Masdar – in January 2020, the main legal agreements were signed on the project for the construction of a 500 MW wind farm in Navoi region. Preparations for construction work have also been completed as part of a project to build a 100 MW solar power plant in the same region. Masdar won the tender for the construction of this power plant in October 2019, and in November an investment agreement and an agreement on the purchase of electricity were signed with the Emirati partners.
The practical aspects of ongoing investment projects were considered separately and further actions were outlined to accelerate their implementation.
Opportunities for expanding investment cooperation and industrial cooperation were also discussed by jointly working out new investment projects in the fields of petrochemistry, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, telecommunications, healthcare, tourism and the financial sector.
An agreement was reached on organizing a joint working group to determine the most promising areas of cooperation and to attract specialized consultants to analyze the investment attractiveness of specific projects and initiatives.
The parties also agreed to establish active cooperation in the field of healthcare, meaning the attraction of advanced Emirati experience and technologies in this area, as well as the implementation of joint measures aimed at countering the spread of coronavirus infection and protecting public health.
Uzbek President to take part in UN General Assembly’s 75th session
Tashkent, Uzbekistan President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will take part in the highest level general political debates at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
For the first time in the history of the UN, the central events of the General Assembly are to take place in videoconference format due to the epidemiological situation in the world.
In his address to the session, the head of our state is anticipated to present the international community with his vision of the pressing issues on regional and global agenda and outline priorities of the political, social and economic modernization of Uzbekistan.
As the principal topic of overall debates suggests, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is scheduled to speak about joint efforts to combat coronavirus pandemic and overcome its impact.
Uzbek leader is expected to put forward a range of important initiatives designed to bolster peace and stability, secure sustainable development, enhance constructive dialogue in the region and at the global level, promote human rights and freedoms, as well as address contemporary challenges and threats, including climate change, food security, poverty reduction.
It is worth reminding that in his speech at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in September 2017 in New York, Shavkat Mirziyoyev voiced a number of vital proposals.
As part of their implementation, consultative meetings of the heads of Central Asian states are held regularly.
In particular, the second such meeting took place in our country’s capital city last November.
In March 2018, Tashkent played host to a high-level international conference on Afghanistan, the declaration adopted whereby has come to be a “roadmap” for ensuing inter-Afghan peace talks.
In December that same year, UN General Assembly passed a special resolution entitled “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance”.
Currently, a draft UN Convention on the Rights of Youth is being worked out, whose relevance was emphasized once more by international participants of the Samarkand Forum “Youth 2020: Global Solidarity, Sustainable Development and Human Rights” in August this year.
Established two years ago, the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region is carrying out its practical activities.
In a word, all the initiatives voiced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have received extensive support in the world community and are finding practical implementation.
Alisher Navoi Uzbek Language Center opened at Peshawar University
The Embassy of Uzbekistan to Pakistan took part in the opening ceremony of «Alisher Navoi Uzbek Language Center» at Peshawar University.
At the event, a collection of books, Explanatory Dictionary of the Uzbek language» published in a new edition by the Department of State Language Development of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, as well as works by Alisher Navoi, various literatures and collections were solemnly handed over to the Center.
Under the initiative of the Embassy, Peshawar University hosted a scientific and literary conference dedicated to the works of Alisher Navoi, in which linguists, specialists and students spoke about the life, work, legacy and role of this great thinker in the history of Uzbekistan.
Views were expressed on the great contribution of Alisher Navoi to the development of the Uzbek language, literature and his scientific work.
