iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
A recent wave of boycotts against the multinational coffeehouse chain is part of a larger movement targeting global brands over their alleged support for Israel
KT APPDOWNLOAD
New shipping, rail corridor linking UAE to India, Saudi Arabia and US announced
Officials said they hope such an infrastructure deal could reduce shipping times, cost, the use of diesel and make trade faster and cheaper
Global leaders announced a multinational rail and ports deal linking the Middle East and South Asia on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.
The pact comes at a critical time as US President Joe Biden seeks to counter China's Belt and Road push on global infrastructure by pitching Washington as an alternative partner and investor for developing countries at the G20 grouping.
Biden said it was a "real big deal" that would bridge ports across two continents and lead to a "more stable, more prosperous and integrated Middle East."
He said at an event announcing the pact that it would unlock "endless opportunities" for clean energy, clean electricity, and laying cable to connect communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of summit host India said, "Today, as we embark upon such a big connectivity initiative, we are sowing the seeds for future generations to dream bigger."
The deal will benefit low and middle-income countries in the region, and enable a critical role for the Middle East in global commerce, Jon Finer, the US deputy national security adviser, told reporters at the bloc's annual summit in New Delhi.
It aims to link Middle East countries by railway and connect them to India by port, helping the flow of energy and trade from the Gulf to Europe, US officials have said, by cutting shipping times, costs and fuel use.
A memorandum of understanding for the deal was set to be signed by the European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the US and other G20 partners.
"Linking these key regions, we think, is a huge opportunity," said Finer. No immediate details of the value of the deal were available.
The move comes amid US efforts for a broader diplomatic deal in the Middle East that would have Saudi Arabia recognise Israel.
From the US viewpoint, Finer added, the deal helps "turn the temperature down across the region" and "address a conflict where we see it".
ALSO READ:
More news from World
The Russian pesident's announcement comes at a Kremlin event for army personnel
The US Treasury and State Departments impose sanctions and visa restrictions on 37 people in 13 countries
Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti says 10 Afghans who were taking part in politics to be deported despite being in the country legally
He was undergoing treatment for diabetes in a private hospital for three months
A preliminary investigation found that she fired a pump-action shotgun which she had brought to the school in a tube for carrying papers
Denmark and Sweden experienced a series of public protests this year where anti-Islam activists burned or otherwise damaged copies of the Holy book
The quake was at a depth of 48 kilometres and triggered a tsunami warning