Indian doctor arrested over toxic cough syrup deaths of 14 children
Indian authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation after at least 14 children died from a toxic cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh, raising fres...
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
The summit brings together the leaders of all five Central Asian nations alongside EU officials, including the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission. Discussions will center on strengthening connectivity, trade, and environmental cooperation while addressing regional security challenges.
EU Special Representative Eduards Stiprais emphasized the significance of the summit, stating, "We see this as a partnership in areas of common interest to both regions because we see Central Asia as an important partner in economic development and in political dialogue." He also noted Central Asia's geographic importance, saying, "It is at the very heart of Eurasia, providing both East-West and North-South connectivity."
The EU has committed €550 million through the Global Gateway program to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother trade routes. Stiprais highlighted the EU’s investment role, explaining, "The EU is overall the second most important trading partner of Central Asia. If I am not mistaken, about 40% of all foreign direct investment in the region comes from Europe."
Key economic sectors of interest include critical raw materials, renewable energy, and technology. Speaking on the importance of critical raw materials, Stiprais remarked, "In the 21st century, what we call critical raw materials are the new critical area. We need them to make the green transition."
The EU also supports the certification of Kazakhstani products, such as honey and grain, for export to European markets. "Any producer can access the European market if they comply with, sometimes very strict, health and safety regulations," Stiprais explained, adding that the EU provides technical assistance to ensure compliance with these standards.
Regarding energy cooperation, nuclear power remains a debated topic within the EU, with member states holding differing positions. "We are not against nuclear energy. Many of our countries use it successfully and even build new reactors," Stiprais noted. However, he stressed that "nuclear safety, the safe handling of nuclear fuel, and the technological processes used are of paramount importance."
Looking ahead, EU-Central Asia cooperation is expected to deepen, with a strong focus on trade, investment, and regional integration. Stiprais expressed optimism, stating, "I see a very bright future. Our cooperation is not something artificial... We have a huge mutual interest in working together." Drawing from its own experience, the EU believes that closer economic ties will bring long-term benefits, positioning Central Asia as a key partner in global economic and political affairs
Video from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) showed on Friday (19 September) the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupting and spewing lava.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on 13 September with no tsunami threat, coming just weeks after the region endured a devastating 8.8-magnitude quake — the strongest since 1952.
Authorities in California have identified the dismembered body discovered in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been missing from Lake Elsinore since April 2024.
Georgian prosecutors have charged five opposition figures with attempting to overthrow the government, following weekend protests that turned violent in the capital Tbilisi.
The Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani is currently in Russia to participate in the meeting of the Caspian Sea Naval Chiefs taking place in St Petersburg.
Uzbekistan is strengthening international partnerships in the energy sector, signing several new deals with Gulf and U.S. companies to expand its renewable capacity, modernise production, and attract billions in investment.
Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nuruddin Azizi, met with Turkish envoy, Ambassador Cenk Ünal in Kabul on Sunday 5th October to discuss matters of mutual economic importance.
Azerbaijan is hosting high-level discussions with the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala, where officials are reviewing preparations for the upcoming summit and discussing ways to enhance cooperation on peace, regional connectivity, and sustainable development.
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