Saudi firm signs $200 million Afghanistan energy deal
Saudi Arabia’s Delta Energy International has signed a 25-year, $200 million oil and gas contract with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines ...
The European Union has praised Armenia’s recent steps towards fostering stability in the South Caucasus, particularly its efforts to normalise relations with Türkiye and reach an historic peace agreement with Azerbaijan.
On Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Brussels to discuss regional developments and deepen EU-Armenia relations.
Von der Leyen described the draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan as “a seismic moment” in the region’s history, expressing hope that the agreement would be signed soon to bring decades of hostility to an end.
Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to democratic reforms and closer integration with the EU.
“We are working to establish a deeper and broader partnership with Armenia, and we aim to strengthen our relationship,” said Council President Costa.
In a joint statement, the EU leaders reiterated their strong support for Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic path.
They welcomed progress on visa liberalisation and acknowledged Armenia’s newly adopted legislation aimed at launching the country’s European integration process.
The EU also voiced support for Armenia’s inclusion in regional infrastructure and economic projects, particularly those linked to the Black Sea.
Brussels reaffirmed its commitment to Armenia’s long-term development, pledging increased financial and technical assistance. Under the Global Gateway strategy, EU investments in Armenia are expected to reach €2.5 billion.
Additionally, the €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, announced in April, will boost funding by 50% to support reforms and investments in key sectors.
Regional connectivity featured prominently in the discussions. The EU reaffirmed its support for Armenia’s "Crossroads of Peace" initiative — a proposed infrastructure network to reopen trade routes across the region, including with Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
Security cooperation is also set to expand, with new EU-Armenia Security and Defence consultations signalling Brussels’ increasing role in the South Caucasus, amid the decline of traditional Russian influence.
EU leaders described the meeting as “an important step” in advancing ties and expressed optimism for further progress at the upcoming EU-Armenia Partnership Council this autumn.
Pashinyan’s visit follows a recent trip to Yerevan by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation and lasting peace in the region.
At least five people were killed and five others injured when an Amazon Prime Air cargo plane overran a runway and crashed while landing at Miami International Airport on Sunday, 6 September, local officials said.
U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A TV channel was struck during a live broadcast on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least three people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Meanwhile, drones hit civilian infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Saratov region.
Indonesia has reopened Jakarta's main airport and four others after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced widespread flight cancellations, though fresh eruptions have kept authorities on alert.
Operations at several energy facilities in Saudi Arabia were suspended on Tuesday after attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces injured more than 70 people and sparked fires, Saudi authorities said.
Saudi Arabia’s Delta Energy International has signed a 25-year, $200 million oil and gas contract with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, launching exploration and extraction work in the country’s western Kushk-Tirpul basin.
Asian countries are seeking to unlock investment and ease cross-border financing as digital technologies transform financial markets, a key focus of the first CICA Finance Summit in Astana, attended by representatives from 16 member states.
Several state-owned infrastructure companies in Central Asia are preparing for potential listings in Hong Kong, as the financial hub steps up efforts to connect the region’s businesses with international investors.
Pakistan has ordered Afghan medical and dental students to return to Afghanistan, widening its repatriation drive as tensions with Kabul persist over militant attacks and cross-border security.
Türkiye could become an increasingly important outlet for Iraqi crude as Baghdad develops new export routes to reduce its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and targets capacity of five million barrels per day.
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