VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: May 26, 2020

PAKISTAN

In phone call, PM Imran and Erdogan decide to enhance cooperation against Covid-19: DAWN

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have decided to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries against the Covid-19 pandemic, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said on Monday. In a telephone call to PM Imran, Erdogan exchanged Eidul Fitr greetings and also offered his condolences on the "tragic" plane crash in Karachi, the statement said. Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

US Welcomes Ghani's Pledge to Release Prisoners: TOLO News

The United States and the Taliban welcomed the Afghan government’s pledge on Sunday to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture in response to the Taliban's announcement on Saturday evening of a three-day ceasefire for Eid. President Ashraf Ghani in a tweet said that the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo phoned him and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, and “thanked the Afghan government for initiating the brave process of releasing up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners,” Ghani said in a tweet. Click here to read.... [3]

BANGLADESH

Modi phones PM, sends Eid greetings: Dhaka Tribune

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina over the phone on Monday and greeted her on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims. “The Indian prime minister phoned the Bangladesh prime minister at about 5:45pm and extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to her and the people of Bangladesh,” said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim. Click here to read.... [4]

MYANMAR

More ethnic armed groups enlist in COVID-19 fight in Myanmar: Myanmar Times

More ethnic armed groups are joining the government’s effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the Tatmadaw (military) is reaching out to find out what they need to fight the virus in their territories. Tatmadaw spokesperson Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said the Tatmadaw continues its effort to improve trust and confidence with ethnic armed groups across the country. Click here to read.... [5]

NEPAL

In address to nation, Oli repeats misinformation and provides no concrete plans: The Kathmandu Post

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli took to the podium once again on Monday, for the third time in two months, to address the nation. And once again, his 21-minute address consisted of much rhetoric and not enough substance. In characteristic fashion, Oli made a number of unsubstantiated claims regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and two months into a lockdown, went on to enumerate what his government will now do. Click here to read.... [6]

SRI LANKA

Repatriation of Lankans temporarily suspended: Colombage: Daily Mirror

With some 90 returnees from Kuwait testing positive for COVID-19, the government has decided to suspend the repatriation of Sri Lankans for a few weeks, said Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, former Navy Commander and the President’s senior advisor on foreign relations. “The government is critical about the infection of a number of Sri Lankans who arrived from Kuwait in two flights last week. Click here to read.... [7]

CHINA

Top legislature sets year's priorities: China Daily

Ensuring full enforcement of the Constitution and speeding up public health legislation are prioritized tasks of the top legislature this year, according to a draft work report unveiled on Monday. Click here to read.... [8]

New IPO system to transform securities sector: China Daily

China is likely to embrace large investment banks in a real sense, with the registration-based initial public offering system reshaping the country's securities industry, experts said. Click here to read.... [9]