A HIGH-STAKES meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations started in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The talks in the Saudi port city of Jeddah came about two weeks after a US-Ukraine minerals deal was called off. US military assistance to Ukraine was also suspended after US President Donald Trump and then visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelen-
sky were embroiled in a rare shouting match at the White House.
Attending the meeting are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
The Ukrainian delegation includes Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Zelensky’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Pavlo Palisa.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and National Security Advisor Musaed Al Aiban are attending the meeting.
The Ukrainian president arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday and left earlier on Tuesday after meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. — Xinhua

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Hamas on Sunday reiterated the need to start the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and allow relief supplies to enter Gaza.

A delegation from the Hamas leadership met with the Egyptian side in Cairo, where issues were discussed “in a positive and responsible spirit,” especially the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners in various stages, Hamas said in a statement.
The delegation stressed the need to adhere to the terms of the agreement and called for an immediate start of the second phase of negotiations, the reopening of border crossings, and the unrestricted entry of aid into Gaza, the statement said.

A three-phase Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, took effect on Jan. 19. However, negotiations for the second phase remain stalled after the initial 42-day phase expired on March 1.

 Source: Xinhua

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says senior Ukrainian and US officials will meet on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia.

Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post on Saturday that Ukraine's delegation will include the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.

The US has not provided the specific date, but National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate.

The meeting comes after Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump got into a heated exchange when they met at the White House in late February.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "fully committed to constructive dialogue." He also said his country has been seeking peace from the moment the fighting began between Ukraine and Russia.

The Ukrainian leader added, "Realistic proposals are on the table."

Source: NHK World

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who arrived in Novosibirsk of the Russian Federation received Andrey Alexandrovich Travnikov, the Governor of Novosibirsk, at Grand Autograph Hotel in Novosibirsk yesterday morning.
They exchanged views on promotion of cooperation between Myanmar and Novosibirsk Region, operation of bilateral tourism and trade services, potential for further enhancement of friendly relations between the two countries through bilateral cooperation, learning of Myanmar officer trainees at universities in Novosibirsk, running of direct flights between Novosibirsk and Myanmar and Mandalay, bilateral export of products, opening of the Myanmar Consulate-General to promote relations and cooperation Myanmar and Novosibirsk, and potential for development of health, education, health, transport, tourism, industry, and economic and commercial sectors if Mandalay and Novosibirsk establish sister cities.
After the meeting, they exchanged commemorative gifts. Also present at the meeting were Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council member General Nyo Saw, Union ministers, Myanmar Ambassador to the Russian Federation U Thit Linn Ohn, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and officials. The Governor of Novosibirsk was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Myanmar and officials of the Government of Novosibirsk Region. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

A South Korean court Friday approved the release of President Yoon Suk Yeol from detention, following his arrest and subsequent indictment over his brief imposition of martial law in early December, a decision that could lead to him being allowed to stand criminal trial without physical restriction.
The Seoul Central District Court granted Yoon’s request for release, saying his detention since mid-January is unjustified. Despite the court’s approval, one of Yoon’s lawyers said the president will not be released immediately as prosecutors can file an appeal against the decision within seven days.
The president was indicted in late January over charges of insurrection relating to his abrupt declaration of martial law on the night of 3 December which lasted only six hours before being rescinded.
The court, which began preparatory hearings for Yoon’s criminal trial last month, said the indictment made on 26 January after the president’s detention period had expired was illegal. — Kyodo

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is currently in Belarus on his official State visit at the invitation of President Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus, was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Belarus alongside the Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace yesterday morning.
The ceremony was also attended by SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member General Nyo Saw, Union Ministers, the Myanmar Ambassador to Belarus, deputy ministers and senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief. The Belarusian President was accompanied by senior officers from the Belarusian Cabinet.
The Senior General was welcomed by the Belarusian President with the salute of the Guard of Honour. Meanwhile, the military band played the national anthems of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Republic of Belarus.
The Senior General inspected the Guard of Honour. The Belarusian President and the Senior General introduced their entourage to each other.
The Senior General received the salute of the Guard of Honour. Then, both leaders held a specific meeting. At the meeting, the President of the Republic of Belarus extended his greetings, saying that he believes that through this meeting and discussions, the cooperation between the two countries will continue to develop. The two countries will work to strengthen and expand the agreements and collaborations, and through this goodwill visit of the Senior General, they will make efforts to ensure the success of initiatives. Belarus and Myanmar will also continue to pursue strategic partnerships. Lastly, he was thankful and pleased for the visit of the Myanmar delegation to his country on this journey of goodwill.
In his speech, the Senior General said that this was his second visit to Belarus as part of a friendship trip. He has also had the opportunity to witness the developments in Belarus firsthand. He is grateful for the warm welcome and honours extended to him at the state level.
He also congratulates the Belarusian President for their success in the recent elections. During his previous visit, he observed the successes and advancements in Belarus’s agricultural sector, and further strengthening collaboration in various sectors can benefit Myanmar and Belarus. He is pleased to share that the Myanmar-Belarus Business Forum was successfully held, and several economic agreements were signed between the two countries. He also appreciates the invitation to lead a friendship delegation to Belarus as part of an official State visit.
They cordially exchanged views on the enhancement of cooperation in various sectors including bilateral diplomatic relations, economic, agriculture, industry, education, science and technology, culture and sports sectors, plans to promote cooperation in the defence sector, potentials for further strengthening bilateral relations through sectoral cooperation between the two countries, Myanmar-Belarus trade and economic cooperation measures, and preparations to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election in Myanmar.
The Belarusian President hosted a working luncheon for the Senior General and his entourage. During the luncheon, the national orchestra of Belarus performed entertainment with songs of both countries. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

The Myanmar-Belarus State-level meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Minsk of the Republic of Belarus yesterday afternoon, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and President of the Republic of Belarus Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko.
Also present at the meeting were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Council Member General Nyo Saw, Union Ministers, the Myanmar Ambassador to Belarus, deputy ministers and senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief. The Belarusian President was accompanied by senior officers of the Belarusian Government.
Both sides cordially discussed despite their locations at a far distance, enhancement of diplomatic and defence relations between the two countries as good friendliness countries, plans to sign the memoranda of understanding between the two countries during the visit of the Senior General, holding coordination meetings between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of two countries, potentials for cooperation in dairy product production and cultivation of industrial raw crops, promotion of cooperation in bilateral trade and economy, investment measures, and cooperation in various sectors including manufacturing of agricultural machinery.
Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe and the Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs exchanged notes on memoranda of cooperation signed by the Myanmar and Belarusian governments and memoranda of understanding on cooperation in sports, tourism, legal affairs, agriculture and food safety.
The Senior General and the Belarusian President released the joint declaration of the two countries to the media. (The reciprocal joint declaration and speeches delivered by the SAC Chairman Prime Minister and the President of the Republic of Belarus will be reported separately.)
The Senior General conferred the Agga Maha Thray Sithu Title on Belarusian President Mr Alexander Gregoryevich Lukashenko.
After the Myanmar-Belarus State-level meeting, State Administration Council Information Team Leader Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, who accompanied the Senior General, responded to queries raised by the media. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

The President of the Republic of Belarus 

Distinguished Prime Minister and esteemed guests who have joined us today, I am honoured to share that today’s meeting between our two countries focused on discussing the economic sector and collaboration in various areas. We had detailed discussions on how to work together in the field of economics and other sectors. We also addressed areas related to humanitarian support and how to collaborate effectively in those areas. Moreover, we reached a consensus on drafting strategic plans to ensure the successful implementation of economic measures between our two countries. We are committed to collaborating on technology to support global food security through food production businesses emerging in Myanmar. Our collaboration will focus on sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food production. At the recent Business Forum, officials from both countries held detailed discussions on these sectors and related issues. In Belarus, there are advanced technologies related to this arena as well.
This year, our two countries will reconvene to discuss further economic cooperation. Moreover, we plan to form a committee to work on science and technological sectors between our countries. We aim to strengthen the cooperation between Myanmar and Belarus. While Myanmar students are studying in Belarus, our country will also do everything to support the students in their learning as much as possible. This year, we have invited a group of children from Myanmar to visit the health retreat in Suprunov Resort, Belarus, for the first time. In the upcoming period, ministers and relevant officials from our country will visit Myanmar. Similarly, specialists and relevant officials from Myanmar will also visit Belarus. Through these reciprocal visits, we aim to explore opportunities for economic development across both countries and take concrete actions for mutual support. Very soon, during a meeting with the Prime Minister, we discussed some of these key points.
In my view, concerning the cooperation between the two countries, there are no obstacles from our side. We always aim to keep the doors open and work closely, transparently, and cordially to carry out economic activities in the best way possible. Belarus has discussed a lot of information related to economic cooperation with Myanmar in today’s talks, as well as in the Business Forum yesterday. Regarding this information, we will make every effort to finalize understandings and agreements related to cooperation as soon as possible. I would like to express my gratitude for the transparent discussions I had with my friend, the Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, during this trip. I also appreciate his openness and willingness to discuss all matters of interest. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my friend as well for inviting me to Myanmar. I hope that in the near future, I will be able to meet with my friend in his country. We are committed to supporting and ensuring the success of our collaborative efforts in this business, which will enable us to carry out projects that benefit both sides.
I also want to express my gratitude for the time given to this meeting today. On behalf of us, I would also like to extend a warm welcome to my friend at all times.

The State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister

I would like to extend my warm greetings to all the participants of this event, including the President of Belarus, Mr President, the delegation members, and media representatives. Everybody, Mingalaba! I also had the privilege of meeting and discussing matters with the President and government officials during my second visit. I am happy to say that it was a successful trip. To further strengthen and develop the Belarus-Myanmar friendship, and to enhance collaboration, I wish to express my gratitude to President Lukashenko and the responsible individuals, as well as the people of Belarus, and wish for continued strength, progress, and development. During today’s meeting, as we discussed openly and clearly, we will continue to strengthen and carry out cooperation in various sectors such as the economies of both countries, agriculture, industry, education, science and technology, culture, and defence.
Not only the government-to-government relations but also the people-to-people relations will be expanded. For the successful implementation of the cooperation between the two countries, the involvement of not only government officials but also the media in the relevant sectors is crucial. Therefore, I kindly request your cooperation in this matter. Our country is the largest landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is a country that is situated between two of the most populous countries in the world, China and India, and also acts as a bridge between Southeast Asia and South Asia.

It possesses favourable conditions for agriculture, livestock, and transport, with abundant water, land, and climate. Our country is also one of the top exporters of rice globally and ranks as the second-highest bean exporter in the world. Since our country has vast areas of land suitable for agriculture and livestock farming, we are striving to make our country one that can contribute to global food security and safety. Therefore, I am fully confident that if we integrate Belarus’ modern agricultural practices, livestock systems, techniques, machinery, and support systems into practical use, it will not only benefit Myanmar but will bring mutually beneficial results for both sides. Along the 1,300-mile coastline, there are also major deep-water ports, particularly the ports at Dawei, Thilawa, and Kyaukpyu, which offer great investment opportunities. Hence, I would like to invite Belarus to invest in Myanmar in various sectors. Our two countries will strengthen cooperation, not only in bilateral relations but also in the international landscape. I would like to express my gratitude to Belarus and the Belarusian people for their support of our country on the international stage.
Due to electoral fraud in the 2020 general election, we had to declare a state of emergency and temporarily take responsibility for the country. Therefore, we plan to hold a free and fair election soon, under the law. We are planning to hold the election in December 2025 or at the earliest by January 2026. Fifty-three political parties have already submitted their lists to participate in the election. Regarding the election, we also invite the observation teams from Belarus to come and observe. I would also like to express special gratitude to His Excellency the President of Belarus for his efforts to help the development and progress of Belarus in every possible way. Under His Excellency’s leadership, I believe that Belarus will become one of the world’s leading countries. I also fully expect to meet the President of Belarus again in Myanmar. I wish for continued and strong cooperation between our two countries in all areas of mutual interest. Thank you very much.

The Belarusian President
I am grateful for the invitation to Myanmar. I will also be visiting Myanmar. As my friend has suggested, we will send election observers to monitor the elections. I would like to suggest to my friend. If any actions could positively contribute to the development of the nation and benefit the citizens, I recommend that they be implemented as soon as possible. When implementing these actions, it’s possible that some people may not approve, and there could be sanctions that arise in opposition. Both in our country and in your country, there may be sanctions that could form as a result. I consider sanctions to be opportunities, and when such sanctions arise, they should be seen as opportunities to strengthen our collaboration. If we work more closely together with greater unity, we will be able to implement the best possible outcomes. Thank you very much for your visit to Belarus.

The SAC Chairman Prime Minister
By imposing a sanctions, if there is such a group, the opposing groups that are called sanctions will face attacks from software that increases the strength of the majority, which will lead to more intense competition. I want to point out that putting pressure on them under the sanction will never be successful. It will only escalate the conflict. The two of us will work together and overcome it. I want to say that we are ready to cooperate and move forward with our efforts.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, currently in Minsk, Belarus, received Belarusian Prime Minister Mr Roman Alexandrovich Golovchenko, at the office of Belarusian Prime Minister yesterday.
On arrival at the office, the Senior General was welcomed by the Belarusian Prime Minister.
The Senior General was accompanied by SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, delegates, the Myanmar Ambassador to Belarus, and the Belarusian Prime Minister by relevant officials.
At the meeting, they openly exchanged views on the enhancement of friendship and cooperation between two countries through the goodwill visit to Belarus, the successful holding of Myanmar-Belarus Business Forum and signing of MoUs, the export of locally produced products between two countries, export of industrial crops including rice of Myanmar to Belarus, mutual benefits through cooperation between Myanmar possessing fine soil for agriculture and livestock and Belarus with modern livestock farming technologies, exchange of technologies for agriculture and livestock, cooperation in electric vehicles production industry and further cooperation in bilateral friendship. — MNA/ KTZH

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

A US political news outlet say President Donald Trump has limited Elon Musk's authority over the staffing of federal departments and agencies.

The tech billionaire was present at a meeting of Cabinet members and others that Trump convened on Thursday. Musk heads the "Department of Government Efficiency," or DOGE, which is tasked with cutting government jobs and spending.

Politico cited administration officials as saying Trump told his Cabinet that "Musk was empowered to make recommendations to the departments but not to issue unilateral decisions on staffing and policy."

The news website also quoted a source who said Musk "acknowledged that DOGE had made some missteps."

Trump later told reporters that he instructed his Cabinet members to keep the "good people" they need. He added he wants those workers "to do the best job they can."

Trump said it is better for Cabinet members to cut the federal workforce, but added that if they don't, "Elon will do the cutting."

The move comes amid reports that Cabinet members have expressed frustration about the way Musk wields power in the government. Observers say Trump is seeking to ease the tensions within his administration.

Source: NHK World

Photo: NBC News