BRUSSELS, 25 February 2022, (TON): In the context of the EU’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, High Representative Josep Borrell instructed the Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Stefano Sannino to summon the Ambassador of the Russian Federation the European Union, Vladimir Chizhov, in Brussels.

In their meeting, Secretary General Sannino conveyed the EU’s strongest condemnation of the unprovoked, unjustified invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation and the demand to Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease military operations immediately, and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.

This had been stated in the Declaration of HRVP Borrell on behalf of the European Union and in the joint declaration of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen.

WASHINGTON DC, 25 February 2022, (TON): World Affairs Councils of America hosted Ambassador Asad M. Khan for a virtual conversation. CEO and President of WACA, Mr. Bill Clifford moderated the event.

Mr. Clifford welcomed the Ambassador and highlighted that this year marks the 75th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the U.S. During the conversation, Ambassador Khan said that Pakistan and the U.S. are important allies and partners.

Over the past one year, a healthy momentum had been generated in laying down a foundation for structured and institutionalized bilateral dialogue processes in a number of areas of mutual interest.

On situation in Afghanistan, the Ambassador said that it remained a priority and principal concern for both the U.S. and Pakistan. Humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was a ticking time bomb.

However, humanitarian assistance alone would not work in Afghanistan. Helping Afghanistan’s economy getting back on its feet was essential for ensuring long term sustainable peace.

While Pakistan was playing its role in this regard, it was important for the international community to respond in a collective, effective and timely manner to ward off economic meltdown in Afghanistan that could ultimately result in refugee crisis, re-emergence of terrorism and narco-traffic in the region.

LONDON, 25 February 2022, (TON): Saudi Arabia affirmed its sovereign right to take all necessary measures to protect the security and safety of its citizens, residents and territory from any terrorist attacks, in accordance with its obligations under international law.

This came in a letter sent by the Saudi deputy permanent representative to the UN, Mohammed Al-Ateeq, to ​​the UN Security Council regarding recent attacks against the Kingdom by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia.

Al-Ateeq wrote “I write to inform you that air defenses of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have intercepted a drone targeting King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in city of Jazan, launched by the terrorist Houthi militia.”

“This hostile and atrocious attempt to target civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Kingdom has caused the injury of at least 16 civilians of different nationalities; three of them are in a critical condition.”

Al-Ateeq said “the Houthis have resumed cross-border attacks from Sanaa International Airport, which confirms its violations of international humanitarian law.”

LONDON, 25 February 2022, (TON): General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen is to be appointed Chief of the General Staff in succession to General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith KCB CBE ADC Gen with effect from June 2022.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said “I am delighted to congratulate General Sir Patrick Sanders on his appointment to Chief of the General Staff. Gen Patrick is an exceptional military leader and the Army will benefit greatly from his knowledge and experience.”

As the current Commander of UK Strategic Command, General Patrick has played a key role in the development and shaping of the UK Government’s ‘Integrated Review’ and ‘Defence Command Paper’ by reflecting the new and emerging threats posed by cyber and ‘greyzone’ warfare.

His leadership has reinforced how the UK Armed Forces must work across all sectors to ensure we meet the challenges of future conflicts in these domains.

General Sanders takes up his new role at a critically important time for the British Army and at a pivotal time for the organisation and management of our land forces as we witness the unprovoked attack by Russian forces across sovereign Ukraine.

LONDON, 25 February 2022, (TON): Foreign Secretary Liz Truss summoned the Russian ambassador, Andrey Kelin, over Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine this morning.

The Foreign Secretary said the Russian government had repeatedly lied about having no plans to invade Ukraine, and its unprovoked aggression had made it an international pariah.

She condemned Russia’s outrageous attack on Ukraine as a clear breach of international law.

She reiterated there would be severe sanctions in retribution for the invasion, which will inflict pain on the Russian economy and those closely associated with the Kremlin.

The Foreign Secretary said the UK’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity was unwavering.

VILNIUS, 25 February 2022, (TON): US Air Force fighter jets landed at the Lithuanian Zokniai air base, and the rotation of the heavy battalion of the American army stationed in Lithuania has also been extended.

This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of the Baltic Republic.

Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas was quoted as saying “this is an appropriate US response to the fighting in our neighborhood. The military presence of the US and other allies in the Baltic countries and Poland is the main deterrent in the region.”

According to the Mini-stry of Defense, F-35 fighters landed at the Zokniai airbase.

As indicated by the agency, they will join the mission to protect the airspace of the Baltic countri-es, which NATO members, usually changing every four months, carry out from Zo-kniai airbases in Lithuania and Ämari in Estonia.

The agency said “F-35 fighters will strengthen the air patrol of the air forces of Poland, Denmark and Belgium.”

It noted that the F-35s would be based at Ämari. The number of fighters is not called. As a rule, NATO members delegate four co-mbat aircraft to the mission.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the r-otation of the US Army battalion, which is deployed in the area of the central training ground of the Lithu-anian army in Pabrade, wh-ich is near the border with Belarus, is being extended.

RIYADH, 25 February 2022, (TON): The Saudi defense ministry said “Maj. Gen. Talal bin Suleiman Al-Ghamdi, the deputy commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, visited King Fahd Air Base in the Western Sector to review the preparations for a joint military exercise in the UK.”

Cobra Warrior 2022 will take place at the Coningsby air base in England in March. A number of Royal Saudi Air Force Typhoon combat aircraft will participate, along with their air, technical and support crews.

Al-Ghamdi was briefed on progress by the commander of the participating air forces group, Col. Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Rajhi. He also met the participants and urged them to make full use of the exercise to improve their combat and support skills.

LONDON, 25 February 2022, (TON): The Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met virtually and resolved to make progress towards an equitable world.

We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met virtually today and resolved to make progress towards an equitable world. As open democracies, we are driven by shared values and universal human rights, our commitment to the rules-based multilateral system, sustainable development and the needs of the wider global community.

We are united in our commitment to addressing both the biggest systemic challenges and immediate crises of our time.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We declare our unwavering support and solidarity for Ukraine and have issued a separate statement on the situation in and around Ukraine.

More broadly, we commit to protect and strengthen democratic systems and to step up our cooperation on global priorities such as climate, environment, and health.

The commitments we make today will shape our path towards a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, and a prosperous and peaceful future.

DHAKA, 25 February 2022, (TON): Bangladesh and India have agreed to hold the foreign minister level Joint Consultative Commission meeting following completion of all sectoral meetings.

Diplomatic sources told media “the agreement came during a meeting held between foreign secretary of Bangladesh ambassador Masud Bin Momen and his Indian counterpart Harsh Vardhan Shringla in Dhaka afternoon.”

Bangladesh high commissioner to India Muhammad Imran, DG South Asia of Bangladesh foreign ministry ATM Rokibul Haque and Smita Pant, JS (BM) of Indian Ministry of External Affairs, among others, also joined the meeting.

Sources said “the two foreign secretaries have agreed to hold secretary-level meeting of different sectors including home, water and commerce in both the countries prior to JCC meeting expected to be held in May-June.”

All issues including water sharing, commerce and security would prominently be discussed in the sectoral meetings ahead of the JCC meet.

Bangladesh foreign minister and his Indian counterpart will co-chair the JCC meet.

DHAKA, 25 February 2022, (TON): Kingdom of Saudi Arabia foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on March 15 on a three-day official visit.

According to diplomatic sources “he will hold talks with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen on March 16, when the two sides will be expected to discuss about the potentials of Saudi investment in various sectors here, removal of bottlenecks to facilitate investment, increase export to the Arab kingdom and issues involving Bangladeshi workers to the country.”

The Saudi minister is expected to call on prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He will leave Dhaka on March 17.

A diplomat aware of the matter involving Saudi investment issues said “Bangladesh is a favaourite destination for Saudi business people as they want to start some mega projects; but there are obstacles.”

At least two high profile Saudi delegations recently visited Bangladesh and spoke about some projects in meetings with the prime minister Sheikh Hasina and several ministers.

A senior diplomat said “the prime minister was okay. The ministers were okay. But when things went to the secretaries, then it vanished.”