Ukranian drones hit Russian oil facilities
Oil transportation from Kazakhstan to global markets through the Tengiz–Novorossiysk pipeline has been reduced on Monday as a drone strike hit a pumping station in southern Russia.
Kazakhstan and Bulgaria expand trade and investment ties as bilateral trade surges, with KazMunayGas eyeing a Bulgarian refinery acquisition.
Kazakhstan and Bulgaria are taking steps to enhance their trade and economic cooperation, with both countries expressing a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Bulgaria Viktor Temirbayev met with newly appointed Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Bulgaria Peter Dilov.
During the meeting the interlocutors reviewed the current state and prospects for further development of bilateral trade, investment relations.
According to the Kazakh diplomat, such areas as transport and logistics, agriculture, digitalization, tourism, and critical raw materials open up new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses to expand cooperation with Kazakhstan.
In turn, Minister Dilov noted the important role of Kazakhstan in Central Asia and its transit potential in trade between Europe and Asia, and also confirmed his readiness to increase practical cooperation in trade, economic and investment spheres.
The meeting comes at a time when trade between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria is experiencing significant growth. According to the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan, trade turnover between the two countries reached $349.8 million in the first 11 months of 2024 — an impressive 3.9-fold increase compared to the previous year. Kazakhstan’s exports to Bulgaria totaled $284.8 million, while imports from Bulgaria amounted to $65 million.
In terms of investments, Bulgaria has also been actively engaging with Kazakhstan, with $6.2 million in direct Bulgarian investments recorded in Kazakhstan during the first nine months of 2024.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that KazMunayGas (KMG) the national oil and gas company of Kazakhstan is looking to acquire an oil refinery in Bulgaria that is currently owned by Russian Lukoil. According to Bloomberg, KMG is seeking approval from the Bulgarian government for the sale. The company asserts that the refinery was designed to process Russian oil, which has similar quality to Kazakh oil. If KMG’s application is approved, the company promises to supply the refinery with Kazakh oil on more favorable terms, emphasizing that no other companies would be able to provide such stable and consistent supplies.
In 2024, Bulgaria halted oil imports from Russia as part of the European Union's embargo in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This move has led to a significant increase in the processing of Kazakh oil in the country. According to Kazakh customs statistics, exports of Kazakh crude oil and gas condensate to Bulgaria from January to November 2024 totaled 417.9 thousand tons, valued at $244.2 million. This marks a dramatic increase compared to just 9 thousand tons worth $5.2 million during the same period in 2023—representing a 45.3-fold increase in volume and a 46.2-fold increase in value.
The iconic Dubai Fountain will close for five months starting in May for a major upgrade, enhancing its technology, choreography, and sound system. Visitors can expect a more spectacular show when it returns in October.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
Public sector strikes are causing major disruptions across Germany, including halted public transport in Frankfurt, as workers demand higher pay and better conditions.
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Afghanistan’s economy showed growth in 2023-2024, but high poverty, unemployment, and weak demand persist. Inflation rose in December, while the trade deficit surged by 54% to $9 billion. Despite improved food exports, declines in textiles and coal exports signal ongoing economic challenges.
A senior Hamas official has said the group will release on Saturday the six remaining hostages who are alive within the first phase of the Gaza hostage deal. In addition, four bodies will be handed over on Thursday.
Palestinian business-owners in the Jabalia refugee camp struggle to revive their daily activities despite harsh conditions. In the face of these challenges, all the business owners share a common hope: peace and stability.
Israel is set to begin negotiations on the second phase of its Gaza ceasefire deal, which is expected to include an exchange of the remaining Israeli hostages with Palestinian detainees, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Tuesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment