S Korean FM summons Chinese Diplomat after remarks on foreign influence

Seoul: The South Korean Foreign Ministry said on Friday it had summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Seoul Xing Haiming over his remarks that relations between the two countries should not be influenced from outside.

China, Bangladesh hold 12th Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka

Dhaka: Bangladesh and China held the 12th Foreign Office Consultations at the State Guest House ‘Padma’ in Dhaka on Saturday.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court orders release of former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, declares his arrest 'illegal'

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday ruled that the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law was “illegal” and ordered his release.

South Asia to grow by 7.2 percent: World Bank

The economy of the South Asian region is expected to grow by 7.2 percent in 2021 and 4.4 percent in 2022, the World Bank said in a report, adding the countries in the region are recovering but it remains “fragile.” Significantly, the World Bank revised its growth upward for Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan given the good remittance flow in these countries. The GDP of Bangladesh is likely to increase by 3.6 percent in the year 2021-22, it says. India, on the other hand, is expected to grow by 10.1 percent, Nepal 2.7 percent, Pakistan 1.3 percent. However, Bhutan is projected to record a negative growth rate of 1.3 in 21-22.

Secretary-General underscores value of UN partnerships in Southeast Asia

New York: At a time of global challenge and uncertainty, partnership between the United Nations and regional bodies remains indispensable, the UN Secretary-General told foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a virtual meeting on Wednesday.

COVID-19: UN chief outlines path to sustainable, inclusive recovery in Southeast Asia

New York: Tackling inequality, bridging the digital divide, greening the economy, and upholding human rights and good governance will be critical for Southeast Asia to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN Secretary-General said on Thursday.

Monsoon rains turn millions of children’s lives ‘upside down’ across South Asia

New York, July 19 (IBNS): Heavy rainfall, severe flooding and landslides across Nepal, India and Bangladesh have killed at least 93 children, and put the lives of millions more at risk, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which is “responding urgently”.

Canada wants free trade agreement with Asian nations: PM Trudeau

Singapore, Nov 14 (IBNS): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said his country wants free trade deal with a bloc of 10 Asian nations, media reports said.

Afghanistan: At least 18 killed in Kabul blast

Kabul, Nov 16 (IBNS): At least 18 people have been killed and 10 others injured after a blast rocked Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, local Tolo News reported.

Afghanistan: At least five policemen killed in Kabul blast

Kabul, Nov 16 (IBNS): At least five policemen have been killed and dozens others injured after a blast rocked Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, local Tolo News reported.

Afghanistan: At least two killed, eight injured as blast rocks Kabul

Kabul, Nov 16 (IBNS): At least two people have been killed and eight others  injured after a blast rocked Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, reports said.