live Iran urges end to war and blockade in Lebanon in response to U.S. proposal - Middle East conflict on 11 May
U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” a...
Kazakhstan and the European Union are bolstering their economic partnership, with a recent high-level meeting paving the way for expanded collaboration in trade, investment, and sustainable development.
A Kazakhstan-EU Cooperation Committee meeting held in Astana, reaffirmed the EU's position as Kazakhstan's foremost economic ally and set the stage for deeper integration on green initiatives.
The EU remains the largest single market for Kazakhstan's exports and a primary source of foreign investment. In 2024, the trade turnover between the two partners reached nearly $50 billion. More recent reports from April 2025 have indicated this figure could be as high as $49.7 billion, with Kazakh exports to the EU accounting for approximately $38.6 billion of that total. This robust trade relationship is further underscored by the immense flow of capital, with the EU having invested over $200 billion into the Kazakh economy since 2005. The footprint of European business in the Central Asian nation is substantial, with over 3,000 companies with European capital, including industry giants like Shell, Total, and Airbus, actively operating in the country.
A key focus of the ongoing dialogue is the comprehensive implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). A recent visit by a delegation from the Council of the European Union's Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia (COEST) in early June 2025 emphasized the practical steps being taken to realize the full potential of this agreement. Discussions are centered on enhancing technical regulations, streamlining digital trade, and significantly boosting the export of non-resource goods from Kazakhstan. The nation's e-commerce market is already showing significant promise, having surpassed 3.2 trillion tenge (approximately $6.3 billion).
A cornerstone of the evolving partnership is the joint commitment to a green transition. Both sides have agreed to intensify their collaboration on the implementation of the European Green Deal's principles. This includes strengthening cooperation in standardization, accreditation, and the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices. In April 2025, a partnership roadmap for 2025-2026 was endorsed, specifically targeting strategic cooperation in the fields of critical raw materials, batteries, and renewable hydrogen. This aligns with the EU's broader "Global Gateway" strategy, which aims to mobilize significant investment in sustainable infrastructure and energy projects across Central Asia. As part of this, a €12 billion investment package has been announced for the region, signaling a strong European commitment to fostering a green and resilient economy in partnership with nations like Kazakhstan.
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” amid talks over ending the war and securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A cargo vessel near Qatar was hit by a projectile as Kuwait reported hostile drones in its airspace.
President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to a US war proposal “totally unacceptable” after Tehran sent its reply through mediator Pakistan, according to IRNA. Qatar’s al-Thani also warned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as “a pressure tool”.
A Turkish Airlines plane caught fire in its landing gear tyres after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday (11 May) morning, temporarily disrupting airport operations, officials said.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.
Around 100 boys in Georgia are living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy - a disease that has never allowed a child to grow old. Their parents have spent weeks protesting outside government offices, saying their sons cannot wait any longer for treatment.
Iran warned of an “immediate, intense, and powerful” response to any renewed Israeli or U.S. attack, as efforts to secure an interim peace deal appeared to stall despite fresh diplomatic contacts.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for talks on trade, infrastructure and preparations for Putin’s state visit to Kazakhstan later this month.
Afghanistan has signed a five-year gold mining contract with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies in a deal worth more than $20m, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has said.
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