Saudi Arabia invites President Raisi for an official visit

Other news of the day: in India, manhunt against a Khalistani separatist leader. Joint naval exercises between China and Cambodia. Thai Prime Minister Preyuth falls in election polls. Former Australian soldier arrested for alleged crimes in Afghanistan. Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza’s state of health deteriorates.

IRAN-SAUDI ARABIA

Riyadh invited Iranian President Raisi to hold a official visit to the Saudi kingdom. The revelation comes from the Iranian government, according to which the invitation came in a letter from King Salman. Last week, both countries signed an agreement – mediated by China – to restore diplomatic relations.

INDIA

A manhunt is underway in Punjab against Amritpal Singh. Leader of a Khalistani separatist group (Waris Punjab De), the subject has been on the run for three days. More than 100 people have been arrested as part of the police operation in which weapons were also seized, and the northwestern state is on “high alert.”

CHINA-CAMBODIA

The Chinese Navy and the Phnom Penh Navy launched the first joint maneuvers in Cambodian waters. More than 3,000 soldiers and 300 vehicles participate. Last year, Beijing got the go-ahead for the expansion of Cambodia’s Ream naval base, built in recent years thanks to US funding.

THAILAND

in the last polls for the May general elections, the current Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha appears in third position (15.65%). Leading the way is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, grandson of former Prime Minister (now in exile) Thaksin, who increases his lead (38.2%). He is followed by Pita Limjaroenrat, with 15.75%,

AUSTRALIA-AFGHANISTAN

Australian police have arrested a former soldier accused of committing war crimes in Afghanistan: the 41-year-old man would have killed a defenseless civilian. In 2020, the Canberra authorities launched an investigation into the alleged murder of 39 Afghan prisoners by Australian special troops.

RUSSIA

Opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, detained for several months, was unable to attend the trial session that has him as a defendant due to “significant deterioration in his state of health.” According to his lawyer, Vadim Prokhorov, the precarious state of his client is due to repeated attempts to poison him.

KAZAKHSTAN

Astana is facing a surge in urgent requests for help from many Russian companies seeking to circumvent sanctions, following Turkey’s refusal to allow Russia-bound cargo through. Moscow urgently needs to pass materials for the aeronautical sector or rare metals from Australia, among others.