Moldova
Acquisition of Air Defences
- Moldova said on Wednesday it had acquired an aerial surveillance system from French defence electronics maker Thales (TCFP.PA), a first step towards developing air defences after missile debris from the war in Ukraine was found on its territory.
- Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatii said the surveillance system would be able to monitor the airspace of the entire country that borders Romania and Ukraine.
Read ahead at: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/moldova-obtains-air-defence-radar-frances-thales-2023-12-20/
Plans to leave CIS by 2024
- Moldova plans to leave the Commonwealth of Independent States, a Russia-aligned trade and political body, by the end of 2024, a senior Moldovan lawmaker said on Wednesday.
- The announcement followed a gradual drawdown of Moldova's participation in the bloc since Russia invaded Ukraine.
- Tensions between Chisinau's pro-European government and Moscow have increased steadily since then, with Chisinau backing Kyiv.
Read ahead at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/moldova-plans-leave-russia-aligned-170316492.htmlMilitary Manoeuvres near the region of Transdniester
- Pro-Western Moldova on December 17 launched military exercises near the Russia-backed breakaway region Of Transdniester, the Defence Ministry said, adding that the manoeuvres were to run through December 22.
- The military said the exercises would take place at the Bulboaca Training Center.
- Moldova’s parliament on December 15 adopted a pro-Western national defence strategy in a move hailed by President Maia Sandu as a step forward toward security and stability.
Read ahead at: https://www.rferl.org/amp/moldova-military-maneuvers-transdniester/32734350.html
Pro-EU President to Seek Second Term.
- Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Sunday said she would seek a second term next year as she looks to steer the former Soviet republic to EU membership.
- European Union leaders agreed earlier this month to open formal membership negotiations with Moldova and neighbouring Ukraine.
Read ahead at: https://www.rrdailyherald.com/news/national/moldovas-pro-eu-president-to-seek-second-term/article_f0f06916-4496-5c5a-a664-fc052169e38b.html
Slovenia:
Extension of Border Controls
Slovenia, an EU country, has once again extended its controls at land border gates with Croatia and Hungary due to a “security risk” posed by “migration” and “terrorism.”- The modalities and intensity of the temporary border control measures at internal borders will continue to be targeted and focused on the prevention of terrorism, extremism, and cross-border crime,” the Slovenian government said in a statement.
- Slovenia’s border controls initiated with other EU members Hungary and Croatia on Oct. 21 have now been extended until June 22, 2024.
Read ahead at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/slovenia-again-extends-border-controls-with-croatia-hungary/3091419
Budapest – Turkey and Hungary to strengthen Ties
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban have pledged to strengthen ties after talks in Budapest. The meeting on Monday marked the Turkish president’s second visit to the country in four months. Hungary and Turkey are the only two NATO countries that have so far not ratified Sweden’s bid to join the transatlantic military alliance in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/12/18/turkeys-erdogan-and-hungarys-orban-pledge-to-strengthen-ties-in-budapest
Hungary – Blocks €50 Billion of EU Funding
Hungary has blocked €50bn ($55bn; £43bn) in EU aid for Ukraine - just hours after an agreement was reached on starting membership talks. "Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said after Thursday's talks in Brussels.
EU leaders said Ukraine would not be left without support. Ukraine is critically dependent on EU and US funding as it continues to fight occupying Russian forces.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67724357.amp
Hungary – No deal with Turkey on Swedish NATO bid-Hungary’s Orban
There is no Hungarian-Turkish deal with regards to the ratification of Sweden's bid for NATO membership as it will be up to Hungarian parliament to decide when to vote on this, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told a news briefing on Thursday. Orban said there was no great willingness among ruling party lawmakers in Budapest to approve Sweden's bid. Sweden's application has been held up by Turkey and Hungary's refusal to support it.https://www.reuters.com/world/no-deal-with-turkey-swedish-nato-bid-hungarys-orban-2023-12-21/
Hungary – Courts China and wins a surge of clean car investments
Hungary is bucking calls from the European Union to loosen ties with China — and it's paying off. Hungary is reportedly in the running, along with Germany, for hosting Chinese carmaker BYD's first European factory; the company is set to make an announcement by the end of the year. Chinese battery-maker CATL last year decided to build a €7.3 billion battery plant in the eastern city of Debrecen. Other Chinese companies in the electric vehicle supply chain — Nio, Eve Energy, Huayou Cobalt, BYD and Ningbo Zhenyu Technology — have all announced new factory projects over the last months. https://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-pm-viktor-oran-china-ties-ev-clean-car-investments-tensions-eu/
Belarus-Poland – People continue to cross the border in search of safety
People continue to undertake dangerous and exhausting journeys to cross the Belarus-Poland border seeking safety and a better life in Europe. People who have undertaken long and exhausting journeys continue to try and cross the border from Belarus to Poland on foot, in search of safety and a better life in Europe. Since November 2022, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been providing them with medical assistance in the Podlasie region, in collaboration with other organisations and civil society groups.https://www.msf.org/people-continue-cross-belarus-poland-border-search-safety-europe
Poland – Judicial crisis erupts between President Duda
Polish President Andrzej Duda told the president of the lower house of parliament, the Sejm, that he will never allow the status of judges he appointed to be undermined. "As President of the Republic of Poland, tasked by Article 126 (2) of the Constitution to ensure that this Article is respected, I will never consent to the status of judges appointed by the President of the Republic of Poland being questioned," Duda wrote Tuesday in a letter to Szymon Holownia. After the coalition government came to power, steps to be taken by Duda, who is known to be close to the previous government, are being discussed.https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/judicial-crisis-erupts-in-poland-between-president-duda-new-government/3088423
Poland – Coalition government sacks state TV, radio and news bosses
Poland’s new pro-European Union government has begun to wrestle control of the country’s state media and some other state agencies from the conservative party that consolidated its grip on them during their eight years in power. Poland's new Cabinet moves to free state media from previous government's political control. The Cabinet of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, which took office last week, said Wednesday it had fired the directors of the state television and radio outlets and the government-run news agency. It seeks to reestablish independent media in Poland in a legally binding and lasting way.https://www.euronews.com/video/2023/12/20/new-polish-coalition-government-sacks-state-tv-radio-and-news-bosses
Germany – Agreement on German brigade in Lithuania
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Monday has called the agreement on a permanent deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania a "historic moment," adding it is the first time that Germany permanently stations troops outside its borders. "We will and we are ready to defend NATO territory," Pistorius said during a press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart, Arvydas Anusauskas, after having signed a roadmap to build up the brigade. The Bundeswehr division should be ready for deployment by 2027, Pistorius said, adding the aim is to station 4,800 troops and around 200 civilians permanently in coordination with NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/agreement-german-brigade-lithuania-is-historic-german-defence-minister-2023-12-18/
Latvia – Inka $180 million contract for HIMRAS rocket launcher
Latvia has signed a contract with the United States to purchase M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS launchers. The contract, totalling $180 million, is set to reinforce the firepower of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS). As confirmed by Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds, the procurement will equip the Latvian military with the ATACMS long-distance, high-accuracy missiles, marking a considerable enhancement in the army’s combat capabilities. Minister Sprūds emphasized that this procurement represents a pivotal step in solidifying Latvia’s strategic partnership with the US and further developing NATO’s defensive capacities.https://defence-blog.com/latvia-inks-180-million-contract-for-himars-rocket-launchers/?amp
Turkiye – Parliamentary committee resumes debate on Sweden’s NATO bid
The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee was poised on Tuesday to resume deliberations on Sweden's bid to join NATO, days after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan linked the Nordic country's admission on US approval of Turkiye's request to purchase F-16 fighter jets. NATO-member Turkey lifted its objection to Sweden joining the trans-Atlantic alliance in July but the ratification process has since stalled in parliament. Turkiye accuses Sweden of not taking Turkiye's security concerns seriously enough, including its fight against Kurdish militants and other groups that Ankara considers to be security threats.https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/international/2023/12/26/fgn21-turkiye-sweden-nato.amp.html
Denmark – To join Sweden in tank donation to Ukraine
Copenhagen announced on Monday that it will join Stockholm in donating tanks to Kyiv as the country continues battling the Russian invasion. The Danish government announced on Monday that the country will join Sweden’s donation of CV90 light tanks to Ukraine for a total amount of 241 million euros - the equivalent of 1.8 billion Danish crowns. “The government, together with the Swedish government, has decided to co-finance the already ongoing donation of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles as well as the production of additional tanks,” the Danish Ministry of Defence wrote in a news release. The donation package will include spare parts and ammunition and will include an agreement for Sweden and Denmark to take care of post-delivery maintenance.https://www.euronews.com/2023/12/18/denmark-will-join-sweden-in-tank-donation-to-ukraine-for-over-240-million-euros
Finland – New Pct Gives US Military access to 15 bases
The Defense Cooperation Agreement signed Monday between Washington and Helsinki will give the American forces access to 15 installations — five in the High North near Russia — and permission to store equipment and weapons on Finnish soil. Russia will continue to be a global security threat, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, speaking at the Hudson Institute shortly after the signing, said. Finland is now officially a NATO, and how it organizes is important, Valtonen said.https://news.usni.org/2023/12/21/new-pact-gives-u-s-military-access-to-15-bases-in-finland
Russia - EAM Jaishankar arrives in Moscow for 5-day Russia visit
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday arrived in Moscow on a five-day visit to Russia during which he will hold talks with his counterpart and discuss various bilateral and global issues. "Arrived in Moscow. Look forward to my engagements," Jaishankar said in a post on X. He will be in Russia from December 25 to 29 as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two countries, as announced by the government.https://ddnews.gov.in/international/eam-jaishankar-arrives-moscow-5-day-russia-visit
Russia – Completes nuclear weapons shipment to Belarus
Russia has completed its shipments of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, according to the country's president, raising international concern. At a meeting of a Moscow-led economic bloc in St Petersburg, Alexander Lukashenko said the deliveries were finished in October - though he didn't say how many or where they have been deployed. Tactical nuclear weapons, which are designed for use on the battlefield, have a short range and a low yield compared with much more powerful nuclear warheads fitted to long-range missiles. They can have a yield as small as about 1 kiloton, significantly less than the 15 kiloton-yield of the US bomb used on Hiroshima during the Second World War. Russia said it would maintain control over the weapons it sends to Belarus.https://news.sky.com/story/amp/russia-completes-nuclear-weapons-shipments-to-belarus-president-says-13037581
West trying to ‘destabilise’ Serbia
Russia on Monday accused Western countries of fomenting tensions in Serbia, a Moscow-friendly Balkan nation rocked by protests over alleged fraud in elections held on December 17. Just a day before, demonstrators tried to storm the Belgrade city hall but were pushed back by police using force and pepper spray. They reject the results of parliamentary and local elections in which President Aleksandar Vucic's party claimed a commanding victory.https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/west-trying-to-destabilise-serbia-russia-alleges-101703509818854-amp.html
Russia – Free Trade Pact with Iran
The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union has signed a free trade agreement with Iran. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg on Monday. The union comprises five countries that were part of the former Soviet Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes to expand economic cooperation with Iran. He said the agreement is extremely significant as Russia seeks to strengthen ties with Iran. Putin invited Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Moscow earlier this month, amid mounting Western economic sanctions on both Russia and Iran. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also attended the meeting, despite speculation that Armenia was distancing itself from Russia.https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231226_05/
Azerbaijan - peace deal with Armenia ‘won’t solve everything’
Signing a peace treaty with Armenia doesn’t mean every problem will be resolved, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said Monday as the South Caucasus rivals struggle to thrash out an agreement for their decadeslong dispute. "The peace process does not depend on the wishes of one party. It is important that both parties take corresponding steps here," Bayramov told a television interview in his country, local media reported. "After the restoration of full sovereignty of Azerbaijan, we are closely following the messages of the political leadership of Armenia," Bayramov noted. Acknowledging "positive signs" from Yerevan in recent months, he said Baku expects "concrete steps" toward peace.https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/azerbaijan-says-peace-deal-with-armenia-wont-solve-everything/news/amp
Iran-Azerbaijan – to open transit passage at border
- Iran and Azerbaijan have agreed to open a new transit passage at their shared border soon, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported Friday.
- In a phone call with Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, Iranian Minister of Roads, and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash discussed the latest developments in bilateral relations, especially in the economic, transportation and energy sectors, the report said.
- The two sides said they would attend the transit passage's inauguration ceremony at the Astara border crossing in northern Iran, IRNA added, without specifying the date.
- The Azerbaijani deputy prime minister said rail transportation of commodities between the two countries grew by 47 percent year-on-year in 2023, surpassing more than 700,000 tons for the time.
- Mustafayev added that transportation between the two countries rose by 40 percent from last year. According to IRNA, the two sides also stressed the need to accelerate finalizing joint projects, including building dams.
https://english.news.cn/20231223/ac3fe13434064ba1b4bd9413cde1f452/c.html
Kyrgyzstan- $27 million loan for improvement of Republican Infectious Diseases Hospital
The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan passed the bill on ratification of the agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of Korea on a loan from the Economic Development Co-operation Fund on functional improvement of the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital and the loan agreement on functional improvement of the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital between the Cabinet of Ministers and Export-Import Bank of Korea.https://akipress.com/news:750107:Korea_to_provide_$27_million_loan_to_Kyrgyzstan_for_improvement_of_Republican_Infectious_Diseases_Hospital/
Kyrgyzstan- Bail from Transport Deadlock
The construction of the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway will enable Kyrgyzstan to break free from transport deadlock, Daniyar Amangeldiev, Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan said, during a press conference assessing the outcomes of 2023, Trend reports "Kyrgyzstan has been actively exploring and will continue to explore ways to break free from our transportation and geographical constraints. One of the major projects in this regard is the construction of the "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" railway, which will offer an escape from this deadlock," he said. He emphasized that the Ministry is also exploring a second transportation corridor, running from Kyrgyzstan through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Caucasus to Russia and the Persian Gulf. https://en.trend.az/casia/kyrgyzstan/3840172.html
Kazakhstan – A Movement to a Party
The Atazhurt group, initially formed to address China's internment camps, sought to register as a political party in Kazakhstan. Facing rejection from the Justice Ministry, the group, now Nagyz Atazhurt, encountered intimidation and pressure on signatories. Emphasizing their nationalist stance, they aim to protect constitutional rights and address concerns about a China-Kazakhstan visa-free agreement. Leader Bekzat Maksutkhanuly's arrests underscored tensions over demographic changes and information exchange. While prioritizing a shift to democracy, the group contends that the Kazakh regime hampers independence. Atazhurt's journey reflects the intricate challenges of activism in Kazakhstan amid scrutiny over China-related issues.Kazakhstan – Transboundary Water Management
The Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation marked a significant achievement in its negotiations with China on Dec. 21 concerning a water distribution agreement, the ministry’s press service reported. Both parties have successfully reached a consensus on key articles, marking a crucial step in broader negotiations to address the management of water resources across more than 20 rivers, including significant transboundary rivers—Yertys, Ili, and Yemel. One notable example of the cooperative efforts between Kazakhstan and China is the management of the Khorgos River. Both countries share the Khorgos River, and a joint hydraulic facility has been constructed along the river to facilitate efficient water distribution. https://astanatimes.com/2023/12/kazakhstan-china-agree-on-some-articles-of-transboundary-water-management/
Kazakhstan – Saudi Arabia Strengthen Strategic Partnership
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu highlighted the strategic importance of intensifying cooperation between the public and private sectors of Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia at the sixth meeting of the Kazakh-Saudi Intergovernmental Joint Committee on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation on Dec. 20 in Riyadh, reported the Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s press service. A Kazakh-Saudi investment round table was organized concurrently, bringing together over 100 business representatives from both countries. Nurtleu emphasized the enormous potential of the Saudi market for strengthening trade and economic relations, as well as the limitless prospects for expanding investment partnerships.https://astanatimes.com/2023/12/kazakhstan-saudi-arabia-strengthen-strategic-partnership/
Uzbekistan – Defense and security expense increased
Uzbekistan has raised defense and security expenditures by an additional 3.2 trillion soums ($260 million), as indicated in amendments to the law on the 2023 state budget. These amendments were approved by the Legislative chamber and Senate of the Oliy Majlis. Gazeta.uz has access to the document.The increase in defense and security spending is stipulated by a “closed resolution,” as stated in the accompanying document. Defense expenditures experienced a growth of 3.2 trillion soums due to reduction of other expenses. In particular, the transfer of the State Customs Committee and the State Reserves Management Committee (UzKomGosReserv) to the Ministry of Economy and Finance resulted in a decrease of expenditures by 944.4 billion soums and 64.5 billion soums, respectively.https://akipress.com/news:750951:Uzbekistan_increases_expenses_for_defense_and_security_by_$260_million_in_2023/
Uzbekistan – Early Presidential election
Following the 2023 constitutional referendum and early presidential election in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published final reports with recommendations to assist the country in bringing its electoral process closer in line with international standards for democratic elections. - The 9 July early presidential election was technically well prepared but took place in a political environment lacking genuine competition, ODIHR’s report states.
- Ongoing reforms provided some improvements in line with previous ODIHR recommendations, but more extensive changes are needed to provide a good legal basis to hold democratic elections.
- The low-key campaign lacked meaningful engagement with voters, and candidates did not voice alternative political views.
- Election day itself was calm, but serious irregularities were observed, and important safeguards were often not followed during voting, counting and tabulation.
https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/uzbekistan/561296
Tajikistan – Join Economic Committee meeting
Akbar Godari, the director-general of TPO’s Central Asia, Caucasus and Russia Office, said that the documents of agreements to be reached in the meeting will be signed by Iranian Energy Minister Ali-Akbar Mehrabian and Tajikistan Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma who are the chairmen of the two countries’ Joint Economic Committee. - In a meeting between Iranian Vice President and Head of the Planning and Budget Organization (PBO) Davoud Manzour and Tajikistan’s Minister of Finance Fayziddin Qahhorzoda on December 8, the two sides discussed ways of boosting economic and trade ties between the two countries.
- The meeting was held on the sidelines of the eighth meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian and Pacific Center for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) which was held in the Tajik capital Dushanbe in the same day.
- In this meeting, Manzour referred to the upward trend of economic relations between the two countries and underlined the important role of powerful Iranian companies active in various sectors including mining, metal, agriculture, information technology, and knowledge-based industries in the development of cooperation between the two countries.
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492905/Dushanbe-to-host-Iran-Tajikistan-Joint-Economic-Committee-meeting
Tajikistan – Positive Trade
There is a positive trend in the growth of trade turnover between Tajikistan and Belarus, the Belarusian Ambassador to Tajikistan Victor Denisenko told Tajik journalists, Trend reports. - He emphasized the two countries' friendly and constructive connections, noting that these relationships give an extra impetus and a solid framework for developing bilateral cooperation.
- "The current legal framework allows for fruitful collaboration across nearly all sectors."
- The increase in mutual trade turnover is a positive indicator of this. "There are strong indications that this year's results will outperform previous years," he said.
- Denisenko also emphasized the existence of untapped potential in terms of economic turnover between the countries.
- The ambassador emphasized that expanding cooperative ties, establishing long-term joint projects, assembling agricultural machinery and equipment, lifts, dairy products, electric transformers, and other promising sectors are the main priorities in developing bilateral relations.
https://en.trend.az/casia/tajikistan/3841696.html
Tajikistan – To hold political consultations with Türkiye
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and Türkiye held political consultations in Ankara on December 18. The consultations were headed by the chiefs of structural units, the Foreign Ministry of Tajikistan reported. The parties discussed the current situation and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in political, security, defence, economic, tourism, scientific and cultural areas. They also exchanged views on cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations.https://akipress.com/news:750406:Tajikistan_and_T%C3%BCrkiye_hold_political_consultations/
Turkmenistan – Strengthening Transport Cooperation
The “Turkmen Logistics” Association and the Latvian National Association of Freight Forwarders and Logistics held an online meeting of representatives of the transport industry of Turkmenistan and Latvia, at which strengthening of partnership in the relevant field was discussed, reports the website of the “Turkmendenizderyayollary” Agency. During the event, the Turkmen side made specific proposals for the transportation of goods from Europe on a turnkey basis. Latvian companies noted the potential of the Turkmenbashy International Sea Port as a transit point between Asia and Europe, expressing interest in establishing strong partnerships. Representatives of the “Turkmendenizderyayollary” Agency, Turkmenbashy International Seaport, and member companies of the “Turkmen Logistics” Association spoke on behalf of Turkmenistan at the meeting. The Latvian side was represented by employees of ACE Logistics Latvia, BV GRUPA, Vervo and MELON.S.https://en.trend.az/business/transport/3840516.html
