Latest news with #GazaCeasefire
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘If you're imitated, you must be doing something good,' PM Wong says after Prabowo eyes Singapore's housing, sovereign wealth fund model
SINGAPORE, June 16 – Singapore and Indonesia are entering a new era of cooperation, with both nations committed to deepening ties, the former's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said following a Leaders' Retreat with the latter's President Prabowo Subianto. At a joint press conference, Wong highlighted the successful implementation of three key bilateral agreements as proof of the strong relationship, built on mutual respect and trust, between the neighbouring countries. 'The retreat is a platform that we convene only with our two closest neighbours. It reflects the comfort and trust that we have with each other at the highest levels, and our shared commitment to work together in the spirit of mutual respect,' he was quoted saying by The Straits Times. Meanwhile, Prabowo said Indonesia is keen to deepen the partnership and adopt successful Singaporean policies, especially in public housing and sovereign wealth fund management, and saw room for cooperation in healthcare education and caregiving. 'That's the highest form of respect, right? If you are imitated, that means you must be doing something good,' Wong reportedly said, in response. Both leaders also addressed international issues, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging peaceful resolution to the Israel-Iran conflict. Prabowo described the retreat as 'very productive and successful', resulting in 19 deliverables across multiple sectors, and said work would begin immediately to implement them. The meeting marked the first Leaders' Retreat for both Wong and Prabowo since assuming office, and was followed by the signing of new agreements on renewable energy, sustainability, and food safety cooperation. Wong noted that bilateral defence ties were expanding, with both armed forces exploring new areas of military cooperation while continuing joint training. In legal cooperation, Singapore is handling the first extradition case under the new mutual treaty, involving Indonesian businessman Paulus Tannos, who was arrested in Singapore in February over a corruption case. They also welcomed new flights from Singapore to Padang and Kertajati in West Java, and agreed on improving connectivity to foster more exchanges between their citizens. Singapore's foreign direct investment into Indonesia reached US$20.1 billion in 2024, making up a third of Indonesia's realised FDI that year, according to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘If you're imitated, you must be doing something good,' PM Wong says after Prabowo eyes Singapore's housing, sovereign wealth fund model
SINGAPORE, June 16 – Singapore and Indonesia are entering a new era of cooperation, with both nations committed to deepening ties, the former's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said following a Leaders' Retreat with the latter's President Prabowo Subianto. At a joint press conference, Wong highlighted the successful implementation of three key bilateral agreements as proof of the strong relationship, built on mutual respect and trust, between the neighbouring countries. 'The retreat is a platform that we convene only with our two closest neighbours. It reflects the comfort and trust that we have with each other at the highest levels, and our shared commitment to work together in the spirit of mutual respect,' he was quoted saying by The Straits Times. Meanwhile, Prabowo said Indonesia is keen to deepen the partnership and adopt successful Singaporean policies, especially in public housing and sovereign wealth fund management, and saw room for cooperation in healthcare education and caregiving. 'That's the highest form of respect, right? If you are imitated, that means you must be doing something good,' Wong reportedly said, in response. Both leaders also addressed international issues, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging peaceful resolution to the Israel-Iran conflict. Prabowo described the retreat as 'very productive and successful', resulting in 19 deliverables across multiple sectors, and said work would begin immediately to implement them. The meeting marked the first Leaders' Retreat for both Wong and Prabowo since assuming office, and was followed by the signing of new agreements on renewable energy, sustainability, and food safety cooperation. Wong noted that bilateral defence ties were expanding, with both armed forces exploring new areas of military cooperation while continuing joint training. In legal cooperation, Singapore is handling the first extradition case under the new mutual treaty, involving Indonesian businessman Paulus Tannos, who was arrested in Singapore in February over a corruption case. They also welcomed new flights from Singapore to Padang and Kertajati in West Java, and agreed on improving connectivity to foster more exchanges between their citizens. Singapore's foreign direct investment into Indonesia reached US$20.1 billion in 2024, making up a third of Indonesia's realised FDI that year, according to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Zawya
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with German Chancellor
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi congratulated the German Chancellor on his well-deserved victory in the German elections, which reflected the confidence of the German people. The President wished the new government success in its ambitious plans to consolidate Germany's pivotal role on the European and international arenas. The President noted that the current situation is of paramount importance in light of the accelerating regional and international changes and the urgent need to respect established international rules and principles and international law, in alignment with Germany's efforts and expertise over recent decades. The German Chancellor expressed his appreciation for the kind gesture and emphasized his country's commitment to maintaining close relations with Egypt. Both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening and deepening bilateral relations in all fields, particularly economic, trade, and investment, as well as enhancing development cooperation, thus strengthening ties between the two friendly peoples. The call focused on the current regional and international developments. President El-Sisi reviewed ceasefire efforts in Gaza and stressed that it was important for the international community to exert pressure for an immediate cessation of military operations in the Strip and the provision of humanitarian aid, in addition to the complete rejection of plans to displace Palestinians from their land. The President noted the importance of expanding recognition of the Palestinian state in line with the two-state solution. The call also touched on the developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia, as well as ways to restore stability in the Middle East. The German Chancellor affirmed his country's commitment to continuing coordination and consultation with Egypt to restore regional calm and peace. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.


Arab News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
France's Macron praises Palestinian president's ‘genuine willingness' for peace
LONDON: France's President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday praised Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' 'concrete and unprecedented commitments' after receiving a letter from the latter ahead of the UN-backed Saudi-French conference on a two-state solution in Palestine. In his letter on Monday, which was addressed to Macron and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abbas outlined the main steps to be taken to end the war on Gaza. He called for the demilitarization of Hamas, the release of hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza and deployment of international forces to protect 'the Palestinian people,' while reaffirming his commitment to reforms and elections. Abbas also demanded an end to 'the occupation and conflict once and for all' and halting settler activities. In a post on X, Macron described the letter as 'a decisive moment, praising the Palestinian leader for charting 'a course toward a horizon of peace.' I received a letter of hope, courage, and clarity. The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, charts a course toward a horizon of peace. A condemnation of terrorism, the release of hostages, the demilitarization of Hamas, an end to the war in Gaza,… — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 12, 2025 'Concrete and unprecedented commitments that demonstrate a genuine willingness to move forward,' said Macron. France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York next week. The conference at the UN's headquarters aims to achieve concrete steps toward the two-state solution. In his letter, Abbas stressed the Palestinian Authority's commitment to presidential and general elections within a year across the Occupied Territories — including East Jerusalem — under international supervision. 'The Palestinian people are entitled to live in freedom and dignity in their homeland. Palestine and Israel are entitled to exist as states, in peace and security, in conformity with international law,' Abbas wrote in his letter. Reaffirming his commitment to the two-state solution, he said: 'We are ready to conclude within a clear and binding timeline, and with international support, supervision and guarantees, a peace agreement that ends the Israeli occupation and resolves all outstanding and final status issues.'


Arab News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Jordan pledges continued support for Lebanon's efforts to preserve security, stability, sovereignty
BEIRUT: During talks in Amman on Tuesday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, King Abdullah of Jordan reaffirmed his country's 'support to Lebanon in its efforts to preserve its security, stability, sovereignty and territorial unity.' The two leaders also emphasized 'the importance of preserving security and stability in Syria, which will help facilitate the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees' to their home country. Aoun praised Jordan for the role it has played, under the leadership of King Abdullah, 'in standing with Lebanon and its people, and providing support to the Lebanese army.' He also highlighted the importance of 'enhancing security and defense cooperation between both countries, particularly in the field of combating terrorism and smuggling.' In a joint statement, King Abdullah and Aoun stressed 'the need to immediately reinstate the ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches all areas' of the territory. They rejected any plans to displace Palestinians, and urged Arab states and the wider international community to step up efforts to reach a just and comprehensive resolution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, based on a two-state solution. The king also warned of 'the danger of the unprecedented escalations and violence targeting Palestinians in the West Bank, and Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.' More broadly, the two leaders said it was important to maintaining coordination and consultation on all issues of mutual interest.