Author: Steven Sahiounie

“The Iranian and Russian sides signed a document on five-year cooperation between the two countries in the field of standardization. This document outlines the roadmap for cooperation between Iran and Russia in terms of the total volume of exported goods from Iran to Russia, as well as imported goods from Russia to Iran, in particular, non-industrial goods and halal products,” the embassy said on Wednesday. The agreement was signed by Anton Shalaev, the head of the Russian Federal Technical Regulation and Metrology Agency, and Mehdi Eslampanah, the head of the Iranian National Standard Organization, during a meeting held in Moscow.…

Israeli forces Thursday detained 17 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank, including two former prisoners. In Salfit, Israeli forces detained one Palestinian, while in Jenin, the forces detain nine Palestinians, six of whom were released later. Israeli soldiers detained three from Ramallah, three others, including two former prisoners, from Hebron. Additionally, the forces detained one from Jerusalem. Source: WAFA

Tajikistan had the highest commercial turnover with China among non-CIS nations in the first seven months of this year, totaling $824.7 mln, a 7.6% increase over the same period in 2022 DUSHANBE, August 31. /TASS/. Tajikistan’s trade turnover with Russia increased by 9.8% in January-July 2023 compared to the same period last year, reaching $997.4 mln, according to statistical agency under the President of Tajikistan. According to the report, imports from Russia to Tajikistan were $907.6 mln, while exports to Russia totaled $89.7 mln. According to the figures from January to July, Russia is Tajikistan’s largest international trade partner among…

The draft decree from the Cabinet is posted on the federal website of draft regulations MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The Russian government has introduced export duties of 7% with the minimal rate to be set depending on the fertilizer type starting September 1 until the end of 2024. The draft decree from the Cabinet is posted on the federal website of draft regulations. The duty rate will be in force from September 1, 2023 until December 31, 2024. According to the document, the duty will be 7% but not less than 1,100 rubles ($11.47) per metric ton of nitrogen fertilizers,…

The efforts of further building up versatile ties between Russia and Kyrgyzstan “help enhance security and stability in the Eurasian region,” the head of state stressed Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his Kyrgyz counterpart Sadyr Japarov on the republic’s Independence Day, noting the successful development of bilateral relations in various spheres, according to the congratulatory message posted on the Kremlin’s website on Thursday. “Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoyevich, please accept my hearty congratulations on the occasion of the Kyrgyz Republic’s national holiday, Independence Day. The relationships between our states are based on the principles of strategic partnership and alliance. We successfully develop…

“And I believe that working seriously, we can have a positive solution for everybody, for the Ukraine, for the Russian Federation,” Antonio Guterres said UNITED NATIONS, August 31. /TASS/. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday his proposal on resuming the grain deal includes solutions related to exports of Russian food and fertilizers. “The proposal is relating to the need <…> to re-establish the Black Sea Initiative. And at the same time, we have some concrete solutions for the concerns allowing for a more effective access of Russian food and fertilizers to global markets at adequate prices,” Guterres told…

Talks on a free trade agreement between both nations trace back to July 2022 as China’s Ministry of Commerce described the deal to have “a high level of mutual openness in such areas as trade in goods, services and access to investment markets.”   The Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed in a statement on Thursday that China and Nicaragua have officially signed a free trade agreement on August 31. The deal was penned by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Nicaraguan presidential advisor on investment, trade, and international cooperation, Laureano Ortega Murillo. Talks on a free trade agreement between both nations launched…

Grant Shapps also said he was “honored” to accept the role and paid tribute to Wallace for his “enormous contribution” to UK defense and global security over the past four years British Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Grant Shapps was appointed as Secretary of State for Defense on Thursday, according to a press release published on the UK government’s website, after Ben Wallace formally quit earlier today. “The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments: Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP as Secretary of State for Defense,” the document reads. Shapps was seen leaving 10 Downing Street, accompanied…

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s trade balance, representing the difference between the nation’s merchandise exports and imports, reached SR113 billion ($30.12 billion) in the second quarter of 2023, as per recently released government data. According to the General Authority for Statistics report, Saudi Arabia exhibited resilience in its trade performance, as the Kingdom’s overall merchandise exports reached SR291.6 billion in the second quarter of this year, adapting to a 31.8 percent adjustment from SR427.8 billion in the same period of the previous year. The report highlighted that the decline in overall exports was predominantly driven by a 33.4 percent drop in oil…

RIYADH: In a move to bolster the Kingdom’s fintech landscape, the Saudi Central Bank has issued a license to Alhulul AlMubassatah Financial Co., also known as SiFi, allowing it to offer e-wallet solutions in the country. With the addition of SiFi, the total number of licensed payment service providers in Saudi Arabia has reached 25, alongside seven companies that have secured initial approval to operate within the central bank’s regulatory sandbox. Also known as SAMA, the central bank’s move underscores its commitment to bolstering the payments sector, enhancing the efficiency of financial transactions, and fostering innovative financial solutions to promote…