Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan also urged quicker regional integration, saying the Asean bloc must act now to reduce the impact of global trade shocks, especially from US tariffs

Boris Pradhan New Delhi 

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has urged Southeast Asian countries to strengthen trade relations with China and India to bypass steep US tariffs. In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Mahathir said, “Malaysia should have a bigger trade with China and India to replace the loss of trade against America.” 

Mahathir was speaking on the sidelines of the Future of Asia forum in Tokyo last week. Mahathir emphasised that trade with China significantly surpasses that with the United States, and noted that there is still potential to further expand trade with India.

Asean reels from US tariffs 

The US, under President Donald Trump, imposed tariffs ranging from 10 per cent to 49 per cent, heavily impacting Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies that rely on US exports. Six of the Asean bloc’s 10 member states are among the worst affected, likely impacting the Asean’s 4.7 per cent growth target for the year. 

Following Trump’s announcement of a 90-day tariff pause last month, several Asean countries - including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam - initiated trade talks with Washington to mitigate the economic fallout.

Malaysia calls for regional integration

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan also called for faster regional economic integration to buffer the effects of global trade disruptions. “Asean nations are among those most heavily affected by the US-imposed tariffs,” Mohamad said. “We must seize this moment to deepen regional economic integration; so that we can better shield our region from external shocks.”

Asean has responded by intensifying ties with China and the Persian Gulf, including a landmark trilateral summit held in Kuala Lumpur last month. Trade between Asean, China, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reached over $900 billion last year — nearly double its $453 billion trade volume with the US, according to Aseanstats.

Push for Asean-US dialogue

 As the current Asean chair, Malaysia has formally requested a special summit with the US to discuss trade issues. Mohamad expressed hope that the meeting would take place later this year.

China will be ‘No 1 country in the world’: Mahathir

Mahathir stated that China is on track to become the world’s leading power, asserting that the United States lacks the capacity to halt its rise due to growing domestic preoccupations. “China has been there much longer than the US. I don’t think China is going to be easily defeated by the US,” he said. “I don’t think the US will recover and become No 1 again. China looks like it is going to be the No 1 country in the world.”

Ref : Business Standard

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says Tehran and Caracas are determined to expand comprehensive bilateral cooperation, calling for a transition from dollar-based transactions to national currencies and the use of the BRICS Pay system in their trade relations.

Qalibaf made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with Iranian and Venezuelan business leaders and private sector representatives in Caracas. The visit marks the beginning of his three-nation tour of Latin America, which will also take him to Cuba and Brazil to participate in the Parliamentary Forum of BRICS member states.

Emphasizing the need to overcome existing obstacles in banking and finance, Qalibaf highlighted the role of the Iran-Venezuela joint bank and underlined the potential of BRICS Pay — the economic bloc’s alternative to the SWIFT system — to facilitate smoother financial transactions between the two heavily sanctioned nations.

"Replacing the dollar with national currencies and regional payment systems like BRICS Pay can neutralize the impact of foreign pressure on our economies," he said. "Traders and private sector actors in Iran and Venezuela are on the frontlines of the economic war waged by our common adversaries."

The speaker reaffirmed that expanding Iran-Venezuela ties is a definitive policy of the Islamic Republic, and called for the swift implementation of long-term strategic agreements to solidify cooperation across vital sectors.  “The more coordinated countries with shared interests and common adversaries are, the more effectively they can capitalize on opportunities and confront threats,” he said.

Qalibaf pointed to wide-ranging areas of cooperation, particularly in oil, energy, and OPEC-related coordination, as key examples of the two countries’ strategic alignment. He also emphasized the importance of leveraging geographic advantages in both countries to bolster economic growth.

The Iranian speaker stressed the urgency of removing banking hurdles and establishing free trade mechanisms to facilitate smoother private sector engagement. He noted that the Iran-Venezuela partnership is grounded in sustainable and logical economic principles based on mutual supply and demand.

In June 2022, Iran and Venezuela signed a 20-year cooperation agreement during Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s official visit to Tehran. The deal includes collaboration in oil, petrochemicals, defense, agriculture, tourism, and culture, and provides for the repair of Venezuelan refineries as well as the export of Iranian technical and engineering services.

Ref : Tehran Times

CANDIDATES running in South Korea’s snap presidential election made a last push for votes on Monday, the eve of a poll triggered by ex-leader Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration.
South Koreans are desperate to draw a line under six months of political turmoil sparked by Yoon’s brief suspension of civilian rule in December, for which he was impeached and removed from office.
All major polls put liberal Lee Jae-myung well ahead in the presidential race, with the latest Gallup survey showing 49 per cent of respondents viewed him as the best candidate.
Conservative Kim Moon-soo, from the People Power Party (PPP) — Yoon’s former party — trailed Lee on 35 per cent. Both candidates have framed the campaign as a fight for the soul of the nation.
Lee spent much of his final day of campaigning in his old stomping grounds of Gyeonggi Province — where he previously served as governor and built much of his support base.
He then headed to Seoul’s Yeouido, to hold his final rally at the site where people gathered to demand disgraced president Yoon be impeached after he attempted to suspend civilian rule in December.
By Monday evening, thousands of Lee’s supporters had gathered, waving blue balloons, as K-pop music blasted and vendors sold glo-sticks emblazoned with Lee’s beaming face. — AFP

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Tehran, IRNA 

Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf says Iran’s participation in the BRICS summit presents a valuable opportunity to expand relations with major global economic powers and counter sanctions.

Speaking on Saturday night at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport before departing for a tour of Latin America and the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Qalibaf said the visit will begin in Venezuela at the invitation of the country’s parliament speaker to enhance economic, political, and cultural ties.

He highlighted the strategic importance of Latin America, referring to its population of over 600 million and shared positions with Iran on the global stage. All Latin American countries reject unilateralism and support multilateralism, which creates a good platform for cooperation with the Islamic Republic, he said.

On BRICS, Qalibaf said that the group accounts for over 49 percent of the world’s population, 39 percent of the global economy, and about 24 percent of international trade.

Calling Iran’s participation a significant political and economic opportunity, Qalibaf pointed to discussions on BRICS Pay, the bloc’s proposed alternative to the SWIFT international payment system, as a key area of interest in efforts to overcome sanctions. 

He expressed hope that the parliamentary delegation’s Latin America tour would yield tangible political, economic, and cultural outcomes.  The 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will be held on June 4-5 in Brasilia, Brazil, which will be the host country and chair of BRICS for the entire year.

(Ref: Islamic Republic News Agency)

THE EU on Wednesday decided to review Article 2 of its trade agreement with Israel, which was signed in 2000. The EU in its statement noted that Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone.
“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need,” the statement said.
“This means that if Israel is found to have breached its human rights obligations, it will face sanctions. But for the time being, the EU is just trying to put further pressure on Israel, hoping that it will one day allow more aid into Gaza,” the statement added.
Kallas, speaking to reporters after a meeting in Brussels, said that pressure is necessary to change the situation and that a strong majority of the bloc’s nations favour this review, Al Jazeera reported. — ANI

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

THE second-day session of the Union government meeting continued at the Office of the State Administration Council Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, attended by SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General revealed that, as the current government will hand over the State responsibilities to the winning party of the election, it is necessary to systematically compile records on undertakings of this government, he added.
In the electric power sector, the Senior General said that, due to various reasons, existing planned electricity generation projects could not be implemented, resulting in an insufficient electricity supply. As a clear example, if the Myitsone hydropower project had not been halted, it could have produced 6,000 megawatts. If the existing power plants were combined with the Myitsone project, not only would the country’s electricity needs be met, but there could even be a surplus.

Regarding the damage caused by the major Mandalay earthquake, the Senior General urged responsible authorities to strictly and thoroughly verify whether the aid reaches the actual earthquake victims, and they have to promptly issue the relief supplies received from foreign countries to those in urgent need.
He stressed that it is also necessary to carry out solar power production activities, as the demand for solar energy may significantly increase in the future. It is recommended to establish small-scale solar factories in the regions and states.
Regarding the fuel sector, the Senior General noted that some US$5 billion worth of fuel is imported yearly. To reduce fuel consumption, the import of electric vehicles is allowed, but foreign exchange requirements limit the import process. Greater encouragement and implementation of public transportation can help reduce imported fuel. Efforts must also continue to shift toward an electric-powered transport system.
Shortly, battery-powered locomotives will arrive and be ready for use. The Senior General underscored that training must be given to members of the Myanmar Police Force to enhance their capacity, while welfare, proper accommodation and uniforms must be provided for them.
In the security sector, he emphasized that the State faces the loss of revenue from vehicles and motorbikes without registration and driving these vehicles and motorbikes may cause hardship in security measures. So, regional and state authorities need to restrict the driving of unregistered vehicles and motorbikes.
He instructed the Ministry of Border Affairs to carry out the development of agriculture and livestock farms in border regions. Graduates from the University for the Development of National Races and degree colleges have to serve duties at different levels to benefit the State.
For development undertakings, the Senior General pointed out that all regions and states must have a stadium with a 400-metre track and grandstand, gymnasium and swimming pool each. Youths must be trained systematically from basic education to become outstanding athletes.
In the youth affairs, he spotted that since young people are the ones who will shape the future of the nation, nurturing disciplined and well-rounded youth equipped with knowledge, literature, and technical skills is essentially building the future of the country. He underlined that efforts must be made to develop agro-based industries.
For example, by successfully implementing paddy cultivation, it is possible to establish industries based on paddy. He gave guidance that it is necessary to strive for shaping the major cities in the regions and states, including Nay Pyi Taw, into Green Cities, Clean Cities, and Smart Cities.
Chief Ministers of the Regions and States, and Union Ministers were urged to strive for development per their respective ministries and according to each Region and State under their responsibility.
Afterwards, a video clip on the construction of highways, meeting set standards and cultivation of shade trees was presented. At the meeting, Union ministers reported on the implementation of projects by relevant ministries and efforts to achieve success in projects.
SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win stressed the need for the chief ministers of regions and states to make preparations for holding the multiparty democratic election at the end of this year. Preparations must be made to sys-
tematically hand over the State power to the winning party after the election. It is necessary to systematically supervise service personnel so as not to cause misunderstandings among people from the tenure of this government to the time of handover of the State power to the elected party.
He continued that regarding security, in the eastern border areas of the country, illegal gambling activities, online financial frauds, human trafficking, and acts of terrorism have occurred.
The government has cooperated with neighbouring countries to address and resolve these issues. Additionally, those arrested in connection with these illegal activities and terrorism from neighbouring and other countries have also been transferred back accordingly.
The Vice-Senior General highlighted that it is necessary to carry out various methods to ensure the receipt of accurate tips and reports related to illegal trade. Due to such tips and reports on illegal trade, over 4,000 cases have been seized to date, and responsible
citizens who provided the information have also been appropriately rewarded.
He recounted that SME member cards have been issued to over 4,300 out of more than 80,000 businesses across the nation. MSME businesses from Mandalay and Sagaing regions, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Shan State are trying to resume operations with the assistance of the government after suffering the impacts of the Mandalay earthquake.
The Vice-Senior General noted that as the school enrolment week will commence on 22 May, officials of regions and states have to systematically supervise the attendance of all students at schools and minimize the decline of student grades.
Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo reported on needs to emphasize security measures for safety of students retaking the matriculation examination and students and parents for school enrolment as terrorists commit destructive acts, taking action against offenders for tarnishing religions and undermining patriotism, and seizures of narcotic drugs, arms and ammunition and systematic functioning of checkpoints.
Also, present at the meeting were Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe, council members, Union-level dignitaries, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman and deputy ministers. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

SENIOR General Min Aung Hlaing underscored that as the government has taken responsibility of the State under the 2008 Constitution, it is essential to proceed towards a multiparty democratic system that the people aspire to.
The State Administration Council held its coordination meeting at the Office of the SAC Chairman in Nay Pyi taw yesterday morning, with an address by Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Speaking at the meeting, the Senior General highlighted that it would be best if elections could be held on a nationwide scale, adding the Constitution outlines significant provisions regarding the convening of the Hluttaw (Parliament) under Sections 85, 128, and 155.
He underlined that a review of the laws shows that elections can be held successfully with substantial participation. Administering national affairs through an elected government is ultimately the best course for the country.

The Constitution also stipulates that elections can be held based on the final decision of the National Defence and Security Council.
The Senior General noted that those from administrative bodies at the state and regional levels, as well as at the district, township, ward, and village levels, have to possess sufficient qualifications.
Those who hold administrative responsibilities and civil servants must remain free from party politics, he added. With regard to the enhancement of the education sector, the Senior General retold that the establishment of Polytechnic Universities that combine computer studies and technology has been successful, and tangible outcomes have been observed.
He emphasized that it is crucial to manage and implement educational reforms with a long-term perspective in mind to produce skilled professionals in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and industry.
The Senior General gave guidance to the region and state chief ministers and officials to manage the opening of all schools in their relevant regions.
He noted that terrorists have to understand that their destructive acts in the education sector are the same as destroying their future.
He urged officials from relevant sectors and from regions and states to cooperate with each other in enhancing the education and health sectors as a must.
As natural disasters brought loss and damage to the State, the Senior General recounted that Rakhine State faced K534.146 billion worth of loss and damage in cyclonic storm Mocha in 2023, but the government provided K73.797 billion from its budget to the state. In 2024, Typhoon Yagi caused K466.231 billion of loss, so the government spent more than K54.807 billion for rehabilitation operations. The loss caused by the powerful Mandalay earthquake, which struck on 28 March, totalled K3,629.288 billion, and rehabilitation measures are being taken.
He stressed that it is necessary to take effective preventive measures in advance to minimize damage caused by natural disasters. Furthermore, since the losses and destruction resulting from armed conflicts are also immense, efforts must be made to achieve peace.
He noted that, according to the calculation, State incomes declined more than US$8 billion due to weakness in meeting the target cultivation of crops. If productivity from the agriculture sector met the target, the country would secure some US$14 billion more income.
Moreover, the Senior General gave a guideline that it is necessary to seek solutions for hiking prices of commodities and to address unbalanced situations between the supply and demand.
Hence, efforts must be made to increase production. The Senior General recognized the utmost efforts of personnel from the Ministry of Electric Power for the supply of electricity to the people, although terrorists destroy, disturb and threaten power plants and towers, not to generate and supply electricity.
He also acknowledged that service personnel from the Ministry of Transport and Communications could repair damaged roads and bridges in a few hours, although terrorists had exploded these facilities. Likewise, those from the Ministry of Construction also repair damaged roads and bridges as quickly as possible.
The Senior General stressed that the government must strive to become a reliable, trustworthy government for the people to set a good history.
The Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman and the chief ministers of regions and states discussed development undertakings in relevant areas, and work processes in the administration, economic and social sectors.
Also, present at the meeting were SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe, Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members, Union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and deputy ministers. — MNA/TTA

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

POLES vote on Sunday in a tight presidential election that will be decisive for the future of the country’s centrist government as well as for abortion and LGBTQ rights.
Pro-EU Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski is expected to get 30 per cent, ahead of nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki’s 25 per cent, according to opinion polls.
That would put both through to the runoff on 1 June at a particularly fraught moment for Europe as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drags on, far-right populists continue to rise and ties with Washington come under strain. Polls open at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and close at 9:00 pm when exit polls are to be released.
There are 13 candidates in total and definitive results are expected only on Monday. Ever since former EU leader Donald Tusk’s coalition came to power in 2023, key government initiatives have been blocked by the veto of nationalist President Andrzej Duda. Some Poles are hoping that logjam is about to end. “I hope that these elections will complete the change,” said Hubert Michalowski, a self-employed 50-year-old. Michalowski told AFP he was opposed to any rightward turn for Poland and instead wanted his country to “stay in the centre and reverse this trend in Europe as well”. — AFP

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a phone call during a technical stop of a Brazilian government plane in Moscow on its way from China, and the Russian leader expressed gratitude to the leadership of Brazil and China for their desire to contribute to the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

"Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the leadership of Brazil and China for their sincere desire to make a constructive contribution to finding ways to resolve the [Ukraine] conflict," the Kremlin said.

Silva told Putin that he intended to do everything possible to promote the success of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, the statement said, adding that the leaders confirmed their commitment to developing the Russian-Brazilian strategic partnership.

Sputnik

US President Donald Trump has said he will lift sanctions on Syria, ahead of an expected meeting with its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Trump has agreed to "say hello" to Syria's interim president on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia as part of his tour of the Middle East, the White House said.

The announcement of the lifting of sanctions was met with elation in the Syrian capital of Damascus, where cheering, dancing and celebratory gunfire were heard.

The sanctions had previously blocked any foreign financing, including aid, from reaching Syria and were originally intended to put pressure on the dictatorship of now-ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Trump said the policy change would give Syria "a chance at greatness", telling an investment forum in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, "it's their time to shine."

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani celebrated the decision as a "pivotal turning point for the country" in an interview.

ကိုးကား- BBC News