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Canada News.Net
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- Business
- Canada News.Net
Abdullah bin Zayed meets Canadian Minister of Finance and National Revenue
OTTAWA, 20th June, 2025 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Finance and National Revenue, during his working visit to Ottawa. During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah and Champagne discussed the distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and Canada and explored ways to promote them to serve both countries' shared interests and developmental priorities. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah and Canada's Minister of Finance also reviewed avenues for developing joint cooperation in several areas, particularly economic and financial fields. Discussions included the development of cooperation mechanisms to support investment between the public and private sectors in both countries. Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the strength of ties between the UAE and Canada and reiterated the commitment to advancing cooperation, especially in economic sectors, in line with the aspirations of both countries and their peoples for comprehensive and sustainable development. The meeting was attended by Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Sultan Al Mansoori, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs; and Abdulrahman Ali Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Canada.
Canada News.Net
an hour ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
UAE President sends written message to Canadian Prime Minister
OTTAWA, 20th June, 2025 (WAM) -- President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a written message to Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, focusing on bilateral relations between the UAE and Canada. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered the message during his meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister at the outset of his working visit to the Canadian capital, Ottawa. The meeting explored avenues to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and Canada, with both sides discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties and expand prospects for joint collaboration across various sectors to serve mutual interests and enhance the prosperity and well-being of their peoples. Sheikh Abdullah and the Canadian Prime Minister also explored opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, including the economic and commercial fields, energy, artificial intelligence and education. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah stressed that the UAE and Canada share deep-rooted ties and a growing partnership founded on productive and constructive collaboration, aligned with the shared aspirations of both nations and their efforts to achieve sustainable development. Discussions also touched on regional and international developments, with an exchange of views on key topics. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of bolstering joint efforts to support global peace and security. The meeting was attended by Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Sultan Al Mansoori, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs; and Abdulrahman Ali Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Canada.
Canada News.Net
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- General
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AI 171 crash: 202 bodies handed over and 220 victims identified, says Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 20 (ANI): Almost a week after the deadly Air India crash that took place in Ahmedabad, DNA samples of 220 victims had been matched with their families and the mortal remains of 202 passengers have been released, announced Gujarat Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education Rushikesh Patel on Friday. In a post on X, Rushikesh Patel wrote, 'UPDATED UP TO :- 20/06/2025 , 11:45 A.M. NO. OF DNA MATCH - 220, NO. OF RELATIVES CONTACTED- 220, NO. OF MORTAL RELEASED- 202.' Of the 220 victims identified in the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, 151 were Indian nationals, 34 were British, 7 Portuguese, one was Canadian, and 9 were non-passengers. So far, 202 bodies have been handed over, 15 sent by air and 187 by ambulance, while the remaining mortal remains will be released soon. 'Indians 151, Portuguese 7, British 34, Canada 1, Non passengers AIR - 15, By road via ambulance - Mortal remains will be handed over soon,' the post further reads. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said that the flight AI-171, which crashed shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad on June 12, was 'well-maintained' and both the aircraft and its engines were regularly monitored, showing no issue before the flight. In a wordy statement for its customers, Air India's CEO informed that the plane had undergone its last major check in June 2023, while its right engine was overhauled in March of this year, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. 'The plane was well-maintained, with its last major check in June 2023 and the next scheduled for December 2025. Its right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. Both the aircraft and engines were regularly monitored, showing no issues before the flight,' Campbell Wilson said. Air India CEO assured that they are working with the aviation industry and waiting for the official investigation report to provide more information about the crash in which 241 out of the 242 passengers on board were killed after the plane crashed into the BJ Medical college's boys hostel building. Campbell Wilson further added that Air India has completed inspection on 26 Boeing 787 aircraft out of 33 of its aircraft as per the directions of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the tragedy. He added that following the review of Air India aircraft, the DGCA has confirmed that our Boeing 787 fleet and maintenance processes fully meet safety standards. On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. (ANI)
Canada News.Net
5 hours ago
- Business
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New Zealand aims to attract Chinese tourists and students
BEIJING/WELLINGTON: New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon commenced his visit to China on June 17, seeking to strengthen trade relations and attract tourists and students while also addressing sensitive topics related to security and defense in discussions with key leaders. This marks Luxon's first trip to China since taking office in November 2023. He began in Shanghai before traveling to Beijing, where, as his office announced, he is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on June 20. "It's all part of our strategy to boost our economy—creating more jobs, increasing wages, and ensuring more money is in your pocket," Luxon shared on Instagram as he departed. This visit occurs against the backdrop of rising Chinese influence in the Pacific, which has raised concerns among many Western countries, whose previous more substantial security presence is being tested. "There are numerous issues and challenges in the relationship," noted Jason Young, director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University, who mentioned that both nations recognize their significant mutual interests. In February, New Zealand expressed worries when the Cook Islands, under its constitutional umbrella, signed several agreements with China regarding cooperation in areas such as economy, infrastructure, and seabed mining without prior consultation. Additionally, Young added that the presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task force in the Tasman Sea and other Chinese activities in the Pacific present further obstacles to the relationship. Despite these challenges, trade and travel represent less contentious areas between the two nations. New Zealand was the first developed country to establish a free trade agreement with China in 2008, exporting significant amounts of dairy, meat, and wood products. The tourism and educational sectors are also substantial. According to the foreign ministry, New Zealand's exports to China in 2024 reached NZ$20.85 billion (US$12.64 billion), comprising NZ$17.75 billion in goods and NZ$3.1 billion in services. Chinese tourists make up the third-largest group of international visitors to New Zealand, although their numbers remain almost 20 percent lower than in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the weekend, New Zealand announced it would introduce a 12-month trial of visa waivers for Chinese passport holders arriving from Australia with valid visas starting in November. This move reciprocates China's policy of offering visa-free entry to New Zealanders implemented last year. Luxon has referred to China as "an essential part" of his country's economic narrative and indicated that discussions during his four-day visit will touch on security and defense matters. He has noted the importance of engaging with China on significant issues, given the challenging global landscape. Previously, leaders from both countries met during November's APEC summit in Peru, and Li visited New Zealand in June 2022. Historically, Wellington has adopted a more accommodating stance towards China compared to Australia and its fellow members of the Five Eyes security alliance. However, in recent years, it has become more assertive on topics such as human rights, international law, and potential militarization in the Pacific. In June 2023, former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited Beijing ahead of Luxon's trip.
Canada News.Net
9 hours ago
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Investigators analyze flight recorders in deadly Dreamliner crash
NEW DELHI, India: Indian investigators are examining the black boxes from a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to determine the cause of a catastrophic crash that killed at least 270 people last week. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered from the wreckage and are expected to provide crucial details about engine performance, control settings, cockpit conversations, and potential distress signals. The Air India flight, bound for London, crashed into a medical college hostel shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Only one person survived out of 242 on board, while 29 others were killed on the ground—making it one of India's worst aviation disasters in decades. The investigation is being led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with support from U.K. and U.S. authorities, including Boeing officials. Aviation expert and former pilot Amit Singh emphasized that black box data will be central to understanding the crash sequence. The cockpit voice recorder captures conversations and alarms in the cockpit, while the digital flight data recorder logs technical metrics such as engine thrust and control settings. "The data will reveal everything," Singh said, noting that communication with air traffic control and emergency warnings will also be analyzed. India's aviation regulator confirmed that a mayday call was made before the crash. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing eyewitnesses, and examining the pilots' training history, the aircraft's maintenance records, weight and balance, and any prior technical issues. Former AAIB director Aurobindo Handa explained that the investigation will follow international protocols set out in the UN's "DOC 9756" manual. Given the extensive fire damage to the wreckage, Handa warned that assessing the condition of the black boxes—especially their ability to withstand extreme heat—will be critical to the inquiry. The Indian government has also formed a high-level committee to investigate the cause of the crash and recommend future safety measures. A preliminary report is expected within three months. Meanwhile, Air India's entire fleet of 33 Dreamliners is undergoing additional inspections and maintenance checks. The aircraft involved in the crash was 12 years old. Despite a number of safety concerns across Boeing's product line, this marks the first fatal crash of a 787 Dreamliner since the model began operations 16 years ago. There are around 1,200 Dreamliners currently in service worldwide.
