Other news today: the Thai government organizes peace talks in Myanmar, but the ASEAN countries decline the invitation. Nearly 100 killed by heat waves in India. Qatar wants to help reduce Iraq’s energy dependence on Iran. Russia and Algeria pledge “never to be enemies”.
HONG KONG–CHINA
Cathay Pacific Airways announced that starting in July it will launch initiatives to improve Mandarin and “cultural understanding” of its crew, including recruiting personnel from mainland China. In May, three flight attendants were fired for complaining, in both English and Cantonese, about the poor understanding of English by passengers coming from mainland China, an incident that went viral on Chinese social media.
THAILAND – MYANMAR
The outgoing Thai government invited ASEAN foreign ministers to discuss the peace process in myanmar, but several countries, including Indonesia – the organization’s current president – and Malaysia, declined because the Burmese coup generals were also invited to the talks. Myanmar is in a situation of civil conflict after the military coup on February 1, 2021.
INDIA
At least 96 people died in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in recent days due to heat waves, local authorities reported. Most of the deceased were over the age of 60 and had pre-existing health problems. According to a local medical official, nearly 300 patients were admitted to the district hospital for various ailments aggravated by the heat.
QATAR – IRAQ
Three Qatari companies and the Iraqi National Investment Commission agreed to develop projects worth 9.5 billion dollars in Iraq, including the construction of two power plants, to reduce energy dependence on Iran. Especially in the summer months, Baghdad imports between a third and 40% of its energy from Tehran.
RUSSIA – ALGERIA
Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune paid a state visit to Russia, the first since his predecessor in 2008. He met Putin, Prime Minister Mishustin and Senate President Matvienko, and sealed an agreement whereby Algeria and Russia “they will never be enemies and will not enter into pacts with enemies of one another.”
KAZAKHSTAN
After police checks, following a journalist’s complaint, toy military vehicles with the Russian propaganda symbol “Z”, including vans, helicopters, tanks and planes, were withdrawn from some businesses in Astana. The store owners claimed that the toys were found on the shelves “by accident” and that they are against war propaganda.
