U.S. President Joe Biden emphasised strengthening democracy in Africa and beyond during Kenyan President William Ruto's formal visit to the White House. This was the first African president to visit the White House since 2008, and it highlighted new security, technology, and debt reduction collaborations between the two countries. In honour of Kenya's 60th anniversary of independence, Biden reflected on his early travels there and underlined the country's significance as a democratic ally in Africa. The two presidents unveiled several initiatives, including steps to lessen Kenya's heavy
On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Germany for a three-day state visit, the first by a French president in 24 years, ahead of next month's European Parliamentary elections. Macron's visits to Berlin, Dresden, and Muenster highlight the importance of the German-French alliance in the face of concerns such as the Ukraine conflict and Donald Trump's probable re-election. Macron emphasised the importance of strengthening Franco-German relations. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reiterated this sentiment, emphasising the necessity of collaboration on geopolitical con
The Indian and French armies are sharpening critical jungle survival and mountain operation skills during the 7th edition of Joint Exercise Shakti. This biennial event, which is being held in Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 13 to 26, aims to improve multi-domain operating capabilities in semi-conventional circumstances. The soldiers of both countries are diligently honing the survival skills necessary for self-preservation in hostile settings. These exercises simulate tactical actions in the real world. An Indian military spokeswoman stated, "Exercise Shakti enables both sides to share best pra
On Tuesday, the Philippines and the United States agreed to train Filipinos in building and operating nuclear power plants to enhance the country's electricity supply. This accord comes after a nuclear cooperation pact signed in November that opened the door for US funding in the Philippines' atomic energy industry. The Philippine Department of Energy and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation must offer scholarships and exchange programmes focused on renewable energy and civil nuclear power, according to the new agreement. US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Paci
The UAE wants to lead the world in AI and is using large investments to diversify its economy away from oil. The government-backed company G42 is in charge of this effort. With this endeavour, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global centre for artificial intelligence. Al Olama highlighted the strategic cooperation that the US and the UAE share, implying that new cooperative agreements are bound to occur. Microsoft recently revealed a $1.5 billion investment in G42, acquiring a board seat and a minority share, allowing the two to further expand their partnership. G42 will use Microso
On Monday, the 4th vote of confidence in Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' was passed by Parliament in the 18 months since he took office. The primary opposition party, the Nepali Congress, chose not to participate in the ballot in a show of protest against Home Minister and Deputy PM Rabi Lamichhane, who is charged with embezzling cooperative funds. In the 275-member House of Representatives (HoR), Prachanda, 69, a veteran guerilla leader from the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), garnered 157 votes. 158 legislators took part in all, with one sitting in neutral
India will participate in key summits promoting global peace, security, and development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed, referring to invitations to attend the G-7 meeting and the Ukraine peace summit. In an interview with PTI, PM Modi highlighted India's dedication to advocating for human-centred development for a prosperous and peaceful world and raising the issues of the Global South. Modi stated that his availability would be contingent on schedule, arrangements, and other obligations. June 13–15 will see the G-7 summit in Italy, while June 15–16 will see the Ukraine pe
On Sunday, the meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan focused on finalising a strategic agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. According to a statement, the semi-final version of the draft strategic agreements between the two countries, which are almost finished, was examined at the meeting in the Saudi city of Dhahran. The United States' security guarantees and potential civilian nuclear aid to Saudi Arabia were among the main topics of discussion. The leaders also spoke about the Israeli-Palestinian confli
Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic of the conservative, pro-European HDZ party was sworn in for a third term last month when the Croatian parliament accepted his cabinet. The far-right Homeland Movement (DF) and the HDZ forged an alliance, which allowed the DF to win three ministerial places in the 18-member cabinet. This coalition was crucial to Croatia's entry into the EU's Schengen area and the euro zone. One goal that Plenkovic emphasised was a "successful, vital, just, sustainable, and sovereign Croatia." 79 of the 141 MPs voted in favour of the government, 61 against, and one did not vo
An Indian delegation visited the UAE to discuss the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), reflecting the importance both governments place on this project. The IMEEC will provide substitute supply lines to reduce expenses and increase efficiency. The two countries decided to continue discussing early implementation. The Indian delegation held meetings with important UAE organisations, including UAE Customs, AD Ports Group, and DP World UAE. The two routes that make up IMEEC are the northern corridor that connects Europe to the Gulf and the east corridor that connects India