The Embassy of Malaysia in the Netherlands shone brightly by organizing a splendid celebration for the 58th Anniversary of ASEAN, on 8 August 2025.
As the ASEAN Chair for 2025 and with great anticipation for Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia proudly hosted this year’s ASEAN Day Celebration.
The program featured a cordial welcome by H.E. Dato’ Roseli Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia, followed by a captivating cultural performances by ASEAN member states. MC. Muna Tasau expertly managed the event, her professionalism infusing a magical, whimsical-fanciful touch into the program.
The Ambassador’s speech follows “At the outset, let me extend a welcome to each of you to the Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague as we commemorate ASEAN Day 2025 and the 58th anniversary of our Association. It is my singular honour to host this celebration, in my capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague, and in Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair for 2025.
Your presence, whether based here in The Hague or travelling from Brussels and beyond, demonstrates our collective commitment to ASEAN’s shared vision and enduring unity.
On this very date 58 years ago, the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand gathered in Bangkok to sign the Bangkok Declaration, giving birth to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
What began as a five-Member initiative has, over the decades, expanded into a vibrant regional organisation of ten nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; soon to include Timor-Leste as the 11th Member.
Founded amid regional tension and economic hardship, ASEAN has charted a remarkable journey marked by resilience and progress. Today, Southeast Asia is on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030 driven by its 700 million-strong population and rapid digital adoption.
While rooted in geography, ASEAN’s success also stems from partnerships beyond Southeast Asean. We now enjoy 11 Dialogue Partnerships including six Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships; eight Sectoral Dialogue Partnerships; and six Development Partnerships, among them the Netherlands. These platforms, reinforced by ASEAN-led mechanisms, enable us to exchange best practices across the Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural pillars.
Closer to home, ASEAN has worked collectively to advance Timor-Leste’s accession. At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May 2025, our Leaders agreed that Timor-Leste will be formally admitted as the 11th Member State at the upcoming 47th Summit in October 2025.
As Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded us at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 9 July 2025, ASEAN derives its strength from its willingness to keep engaging and habits of cooperation. This long-standing approach has allowed the Association to chart its own course deliberately, coherently, and with purpose – as guided by the principle of ASEAN Centrality.
This is particularly pertinent as we navigate the growing complexities, both regionally and globally – from the ongoing hostilities in Myanmar to the escalating trade war worldwide. Notwithstanding these challenges, I am confident that the past six decades of consensus-building and regionalism have equipped ASEAN with a sound foundation to navigate through the numerous geopolitical intricacies.
This was aptly demonstrated also during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last July, whereby the bloc reiterated its principled stance and outlined tangible actions in areas that many have found contentious. I definitely do not intend to reiterate all the outcomes, but allow me to highlight, among many, the following:
On Myanmar, Malaysia as the Chair has proposed a working visit to the country at the Foreign Minister-level, with ASEAN also exploring the proposal to extend the mandate of the Special Envoy on Myanmar;
On South China Sea, ASEAN looked forward to the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC) before its deadline in 2026 following the positive progress in the current negotiations; and
On Gaza, ASEAN not only condemned Israel’s open genocide but also reminded its external partners, especially those sympathising with Israel, that international law has to be upheld in a fair and just manner.
In essence, these actions go to show that ASEAN has collectively taken, and will continue to take, numerous steps to address matters of shared concerns, while still maintaining the embedded principles of ASEAN Centrality and unity. In that spirit, let us redouble our efforts to uphold peace and stability in our region and to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred ASEAN Community.
Finally, I wish to thank our colleagues, staff and volunteers whose dedication made today possible. Happy ASEAN Day and thank you”.
A highlight of the 2025 ASEAN celebration was the impending arrival of Timor-Leste as the 11th member state of the organization.
The presence of Mr. João Paulo da Costa Rangel, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in the United Kingdom, added a distinguished touch to the event.
The vibrant morning festivities culminated in a delightful lunch, featuring an enticing selection of culinary treasures from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, creating a feast that truly celebrated the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian culture.
Photography is a courtesy of the Embassy of Malaysia.
The Hague, April 24–26, 2025 — Mr. Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, paid an official visit to the Netherlands from 24 to 26 April 2025. The visit underscored India’s commitment to advancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation with the Netherlands, one of its key partners in Europe.
During his three-day programme, Mr. Barthwal engaged in high-level policy dialogues, industry-focused interactions, and visits to centres of economic importance.
H.E. Mr. Sunil Barthwal, H.E Mr. Kumar Tuhin, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Netherlands and Mr. Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary Department of Commerce, Government of India with Mr. Michiel
Strategic Policy Discussions in The Hague
The visit commenced with a meeting between Mr. Barthwal and Mr. Michiel Sweers, Director General for Foreign Economic Relations at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks explored ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties, with particular emphasis on establishing the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) mechanism. Discussions addressed policy alignment, trade facilitation, and the removal of market access barriers, reaffirming the shared goal of creating a conducive environment for business by leveraging the complementary strengths of both economies.
In parallel, Mr. Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met Mr. Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Innovation at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. The meeting focused on boosting cooperation in technology, entrepreneurship, and space, particularly through the Indo-Dutch Startup Link. Both sides agreed to intensify collaboration in fostering innovation-driven partnerships and enhancing startup ecosystems.
Mr. Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, met Mr. Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Innovation, at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs in The Hague.
CEOs Roundtable: Connecting Businesses
A highlight of the visit was the CEOs Roundtable Conference, hosted by the Embassy of India and attended by around 40 representatives from leading Dutch and Indian companies, trade chambers, and industry bodies. Discussions centred on business opportunities, challenges, and actionable solutions across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, waste management, and urban development.
Commerce Secretary Barthwal outlined India’s ambitious economic reforms, manufacturing drive, export promotion measures, and ease-of-doing-business initiatives. The Embassy also showcased One District One Product (ODOP) handicrafts, celebrating India’s artisanal heritage. A networking session facilitated valuable new business connections.
Ambassador with H.E. Mr. Sunil Barthwal at the CEOs Roundtable Conference organized by the Embassy of India in The Hague for representatives from leading Dutch and Indian companies, as well as business chambers and trade organizations of India.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
Mr. Barthwal also visited the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and most advanced port. He met Mr. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, to discuss enhanced cooperation with Indian ports in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030. The talks explored knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable port management practices.
A tour of facilities, including the fully automated APM Terminals at Maasvlakte II, highlighted Rotterdam’s cutting-edge infrastructure. The visit also laid the groundwork for a proposed Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports such as Deendayal Port Authority Kandla, and for exports of green hydrogen and carriers like ammonia and methanol from India to Europe.
Semiconductor Collaboration
In Veldhoven, Mr. Barthwal met Mr. Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, a world leader in photolithography systems for semiconductor manufacturing. The discussion focused on aligning ASML’s expertise with India’s Semiconductor Mission and policy framework, which offers investment incentives and infrastructure support to make India a global semiconductor hub.
H.E. Mr. Sunil Barthwal, H.E Mr. Kumar Tuhin with CEO Port of Rotterdam, Mr. Boudewijn Siemons at at the World Port Center, Rotterdam.
Outcomes and Future Path
The visit delivered tangible results, reinforcing the strategic importance of the India–Netherlands partnership in tackling global economic challenges and fostering innovation-led growth. Institutional mechanisms such as the JTIC are expected to enhance structured engagement, while new collaborations in maritime infrastructure, green energy, and semiconductors align with both countries’ economic priorities.
Commerce Secretary Barthwal’s engagements have injected fresh momentum into bilateral relations, setting the stage for deeper, more diversified cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
Interview with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, After the Regional Water Forum in Brussels
The Regional Water Forum – Brussels 2025, organized by the Drought Prevention Institute (DPI) of the Organization of Turkic States and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), took place on March 5, 2025, at Maison de la Hongrie in Brussels. This hybrid event, conducted in English, brought together experts and stakeholders to address environmental, social, and economic challenges related to water management and drought prevention in the Turkic region. Attendees explored sustainable water technology solutions, international funding opportunities, and regional partnerships. The program included keynote speeches, informative sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all designed to foster cooperation and innovation in water management.
Environmental issues such as melting glaciers in Central Asia were also highlighted. Indeed, Dr. Gergő Péter Kovács noted that water availability is declining despite high-altitude water reserves. The Tien Shan and Pamir glaciers are disappearing. After the meeting, an interview was held with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Mr. Kubanychbek Omuraliev and Derya Soysal.
L’Organisation des États turciques (OTS), anciennement connue sous le nom de Conseil turcique ou Conseil de coopération des États turcophones, est une organisation intergouvernementale créée en 2009.
What significant steps has the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) taken in recent years?
In recent years, the Organization of Turkic States has made many important moves to strengthen cooperation among our countries and increase our presence on the world stage.
We have expanded our multilateral cooperation into 35 different areas, ranging from foreign policy and trade to energy, green economy, tourism, digitalization, and even space research.The economic cooperation among the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States is an essential and dynamic aspect of the overall integration and collaboration within the Turkic world.
One of the main mechanisms we have established to enhance cooperation is the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), which acts as a key platform for strengthening business relations across our member states.
Additionally, the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) is another milestone. Initially launched with a capital of $500 million, the fund has now grown to $600 million with joining of Hungary, supporting mutual investments, fostering innovation, and nurturing entrepreneurship, particularly within SMEs. The Fund is planned to be activated this year and start investing in concrete projects in our region.
Another major development is the Trade Facilitation Committee (TFC), which works to streamline trade processes, remove barriers, and improve the overall business environment in the region.
At the recent summit in Bishkek, we signed the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, which marks a major leap toward digital trade and transformation within our region.
While the potential for expanding trade in our region is enormous—given its strategic position at the crossroads of East and West, North and South—there are still hurdles to overcome. According to the final results of 2024, OTS member states rank 12th globally in total GDP, with a combined external trade volume of $1.1 trillion. However, intra-trade between the OTS Member States currently accounts for only around 7% of that (total trade turnover of OTS Member States in 2024 was 850 billion USD), or about $58.17 billion. A few years ago, this was only 3%, so we’re seeing encouraging growth. Our goal now is to increase this share to 10% as quickly as possible.
To achieve this, we are addressing barriers in transportation and logistics, with long-term projects like the Middle Corridor, a key strategic initiative connecting Asia to Europe. Passing through our member states, it offers unparalleled advantages. It is 2,000 kilometers shorter than the Northern Corridor and can deliver goods from China to Europe three times faster than sea routes—within just 15 days.
Infrastructure enhancements along the Middle Corridor are expected to triple the volume of cargo transported by 2030, reaching 11 million tons. A vital component of this corridor is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which will significantly reduce transit distances and has the potential to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo annually. In recent years, we’ve witnessed substantial growth in cargo transportation along this route. In the first 11 months of 2024, the volume of cargo transported along the Middle Corridor surged by 63%, reaching 4.1 million tons.
We have also made significant strides in transport and customs cooperation. Agreements such as the Simplified Customs Corridor, International Combined Freight Transport, and digitalization initiatives like E-Permit, E-CMR, and E-TIR are helping to streamline logistics and enhance trade efficiency. All these efforts are contributing to our broader goal of deepening regional economic integration and improving trade flows among our member states.
Given the strategic location of OTS member countries, the Middle Corridor serves as a vital transit route for EU nations seeking alternative and efficient pathways to Asia. The EU can leverage the OTS region’s potential by engaging in collaborative projects that enhance infrastructure, harmonize regulations, and promote seamless trade. We stand ready to serve as a bridge for transit, facilitating not only the movement of goods but also fostering economic cooperation and mutual prosperity between the East and the West.
Security cooperation is equally vital to our work. We have established key mechanisms for collaboration, including regular consultations on political and security issues, intelligence-sharing, and the development of a Civil Protection Mechanism to respond to natural disasters and emergencies.
When it comes to education and culture, we have made remarkable progress too. The Turkic Universities Union, which now includes over 100 universities facilitates academic cooperation and promotes common educational standards.
Culturally, the World Nomad Games, launched by Kyrgyzstan in 2012, have become a global celebration of our shared nomadic heritage, attracting participants from across the world. The upcoming 6th edition in Kyrgyzstan in 2026 promises to build on that legacy.
We also spotlighted our region’s rich cultural heritage through the “Turkic Silk Road” and “Tabarruk Ziyarat” projects.
Moreover, the Secretariat developed and signed targeted work plans and MoUs with key international bodies, including UN institutions such as UN-Habitat, WHO, and UNIDO. Notably, we signed an MoU with UN-Habitat to promote urban development and sustainability, and a Joint Declaration with UNIDO focusing on clean energy and sustainability. Additionally, the 2024-2025 Action Plan with WHO will guide our collaboration on improving emergency preparedness, strengthening health systems, and promoting well-being across our region.
The “Turkic Week” in Geneva in 2024 was a landmark event that showcased our unity and collaboration. We’re already planning similar events in other international capitals, continuing our work to raise our profile and promote our values globally.
In short, the OTS has made significant strides in creating a more integrated, prosperous, and secure region, with a clear vision for the future. We’re committed to strengthening ties among our member states and expanding our global influence, fostering a shared future of peace, prosperity, and cultural exchange.
2. Can we truly say that there is a strong sense of unity among the member states?
Yes, definitely. The Turkic States are more than just partners. We are brotherly nations. Our connection goes beyond trade or politics — it’s a bond that’s been growing for centuries. This unity comes from our shared values, language, culture, and history, and common goals for the future. We are united by our past and our hopes for the future, and that makes our cooperation strong and lasting.
3. Is it possible for the OTS to evolve into an EU-style organization in the future?
3. Where do you see the OTS in the next five years and how can the OTS enhance its role and influence in global politics?
Over the past 15 years, the Organization of Turkic States has made impressive strides in fostering unity, strengthening cooperation, and promoting sustainable development among its member states and observers. As we look to the future, we have set our sights on even more ambitious goals.
A key guiding document for our work is the Turkic World Vision – 2040, which outlines our long-term strategic objectives. This vision is centered on several priority areas, including deepening economic integration, accelerating digital transformation, ensuring environmental sustainability, and bolstering security. These goals will shape the OTS’s trajectory in the years to come.
Looking specifically at 2025, we are focused on expanding cooperation across various sectors. Under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan, the theme of the year “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All”, which captures the essence of our ambitions. We are determined to build a more interconnected, resilient, and forward-looking Turkic world.
First, two high-level summits are planned: an Informal Summit in Hungary and the 12th Summit in Azerbaijan. These summits will be critical in shaping strategic decisions and advancing key initiatives. Besides, they will serve as essential platforms for evaluating the progress of ongoing projects, strengthening cooperation, and setting new priorities for OTS Member States.
One of our primary goals is to continue to strengthen and expand cooperation in all 35 existing areas of collaboration. In particular, we will continue implementing the decisions made at the Shusha and Bishkek Summits, ensuring that all initiatives progress as planned and continue to deliver tangible benefits to Member States.
A significant focus will also be placed on advancing the Free Trade Agreementin the field of investments and services. This initiative seeks to promote economic growth by removing barriers to investment and trade among Member States, creating a more seamless and integrated economic space.
To ensure the smooth and effective implementation of our initiatives, the OTS will continue to enhance coordination among Turkic Cooperation Organizations. Regular meetings of the Coordination Committee will be held to ensure that our strategic objectives are carried out efficiently and that we stay on track to meet our goals.
In short, in the next five years, the OTS plans to continue strengthening internal cooperation, expanding international partnerships, and actively participating in global initiatives, which will help the organization enhance its role in international affairs.
On 6 September 2025 the High Scardus Ultra returns to southern Kosovo — a mountain running festival built around the jagged ridges and glacial lakes of the Balkan Sharr (Shar) Mountains. The fourth edition this year offers three distances (an 11 km Bear Trail, a 35 km Oshlak Skyrace and the long Scardus Ultra of roughly 56 km/60 km), and once again links the city of Prizren with the high alpine terrain along the Kosovo–North Macedonia border. (High Scardus Ultra)
Showcasing Kosovo
The race is much more than a sporting test: organisers and local partners position the High Scardus Ultra as a showcase for Kosovo as a destination for mountain sports and active tourism. The event brings international athletes, visitors and media to Prizren and nearby mountain resorts, helping put the Sharr massif — its national park, alpine lakes and summer pastures — on the trail-running map of the Balkans.
Routes & race facts information
Date: 6 September 2025.
Distances: 11 km (Bear Trail) — fast, technical city-to-foothill loop; 35 km (Oshlak/Skyrace) — ~2,000 m+ elevation; 56/60 km (Scardus/Ultra) — the cross-border long route across the highest ridges.
Start/finish: events centre on Prizren with stages traversing high passes and, for the longest route, crossing into/finishing on the Macedonian side of the Sharr ranges. The course information and ITRA listings show the international/cross-border nature of the long course.
Certification & safety: the race is organised to ITRA standards and is listed on ITRA, which helps with international recognition and participant confidence.
Practical info for travellers & runners
Registration: open now on the official race pages — for example the Bear Trail shows a modest fee (example listed €15 for the 11 km) and registration windows (check the race site for exact deadlines). (High Scardus Ultra, bashke.app)
Where to stay: Prizren is the natural base — charming old-town hotels, guesthouses and the festival atmosphere make it ideal. For high-altitude acclimatisation consider nearby mountain hubs (Prevalla, Brezovica, Popova Šapka on the Macedonian side).
Weather & terrain: early September typically offers mild days and cool alpine nights; expect technical trails, steep ascents, exposed ridgelines and sudden weather changes — standard mountain race kit and careful pacing recommended. (Race pages and previous editions describe rocky, path-only terrain and significant elevation gain.)
Cross-border logistics: the long course crosses the border with North Macedonia — organisers handle official route permissions, but international participants should check travel documents and any temporary border or admin requirements before arrival.
Why runners love it
Participants praise the raw Balkan landscapes — high ridgelines, alpine lakes and wildflower meadows — and the event’s friendly, grassroots vibe. The race’s mix of short city trails and high-altitude ultras attracts both weekend trail runners and seasoned ultra athletes from across Europe and beyond.
A chance for Kosovo tourism
Beyond sport, High Scardus Ultra is a platform for sustainable tourism: it channels visitors into lesser-known natural areas, supports local guides and accommodation, and raises awareness of the Sharr Mountains National Park — a strong selling point for Kosovo’s growing outdoor tourism offer.
The Government of Pakistan announced the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP) on September 26, 2023. This plan aims to regulate the presence of foreigners in the country and ensure the repatriation of individuals who reside illegally or have overstayed their visa validity. It does not, ipso facto, discriminate based on nationality or country of origin, and extends to all the illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan. However, as Afghans form the most significant foreign population in Pakistan, they are the most substantially covered under the scope of the IFRP. Nonetheless, all legally registered foreign nationals, including Afghans, residing in Pakistan, remain exempt from the provision of this IFRP.
Many international organisations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticised Pakistan for targeting Afghans under the IFRP and allegedly in violation of its international obligations. However, such criticism takes a simplistic view of a complex issue. For over four decades, Pakistan has demonstrated exceptional generosity by hosting millions of refugees, mostly Afghans, earning global recognition as one of the largest refugee-hosting countries. In recent years, however, changing circumstances have compelled Pakistan to reassess its policy regarding foreign nationals, in the light of its national interests. This insight analyses the legality of Pakistan’s decision to repatriate Afghans vis-à-vis its international obligations.
The Afghan refugees influx into Pakistan occurred in four distinct waves, each linked to significant political developments in Afghanistan. The First Wave occurred from 1978 to 1981, on the eve of the end of Daoud Khan’s government and the Soviet invasion. The Second Wave came in the 1990s after the Soviet withdrawal and the Taliban’s rise. Third Wave began in 2001, post 9/11 attacks, and the subsequent United States (US)-led NATO invasion. The Fourth Wave occurred in 2021, following the US withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power.
During the fourth wave alone, approximately 600,000 Afghans arrived, many of whom hoped to relocate to Western nations eventually. However, to date, only a small fraction have been relocated, while the vast majority remain in Pakistan, awaiting their turn for years. This situation was further exacerbated when President Trump, after assuming office in January 2025, suspended the United States Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP), leaving thousands of Afghans in uncertainty.
The decision of Pakistan to repatriate Afghans, pursuant to IFRP, is grounded in both domestic and international law.
The Afghan population currently residing in Pakistan holds varying legal statuses, depending on the type of documents they possess. Broadly, they fall into three categories: Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, and unregistered Afghans. The IFRP outlines a three-phase repatriation process based on this categorisation. Phase one aims to cover illegal or unregistered foreigners and those with expired visas or a period of unauthorised stay. Phase two covers the ACC holders. While Phase Three, set to begin after 30 June 2025, will address PoR cardholders. Phase one started in October 2023, and phase two is currently underway.
The Government of Pakistan’s implementation of IFRP reflects a broader effort to address security challenges, regulate the presence of foreigners, and manage limited resources. A resurgence in militant activity, particularly by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, also known as Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP/FK), has heightened regional tensions. Some incidents, including suicide attacks in 2023, have involved Afghans, further complicating the security landscape. Additionally, with political stability gradually returning to Afghanistan, since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Pakistan considers the conditions increasingly conducive for the return of illegal Afghans.
Given these circumstances, the decision of Pakistan to repatriate Afghans, under IFRP, is not without legal basis—both under domestic and international law. The regulation of foreign nationals residing within a state’s territory has, prima facie, been recognised as falling within the domaine réservé—that is, the exclusive domestic jurisdiction of the state. In Pakistan’s domestic legal framework, the IFRP finds its basis in the Foreigners Act, 1946. Specifically, section 3 of the Act empowers the federal government to control foreigners’ entry, stay, and departure, while section 3(2)(g) allows for their arrest or detention when necessary for national security.
Under international law, the status of refugees is primarily governed by the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Pakistan is neither a party to the convention nor the protocol; hence, it is not legally bound by their specific provisions.
However, the cornerstone of the Convention—the principle of nonrefoulement—has evolved into a norm of customary international law. Although articulated in Article 33 of the Convention, this principle is now binding on all states, including non-signatories such as Pakistan.
The principle of non-refoulement obliges a state not to expel a refugee to a country where they may face persecution. However, it is not absolute and permits exceptions when individuals threaten the host state’s security. The determination of such a threat lies primarily with the host state itself, in this case, Pakistan. As noted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), if certain individuals act on behalf of foreign powers against the host country, the host state is entitled to invoke this exception among a mass of refugees. While IFRP mainly addresses Pakistan’s resource constraints and evolving situation in Afghanistan, both of which are justifiable under international law, security concerns posed by TTP/FK further reinforce the applicability of this exception. Therefore, despite not being a signatory to the Refugee Convention, Pakistan is still upholding its spirit. Nonetheless, the IFRP constitutes repatriation rather than refoulement.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s actions are neither unprecedented nor isolated; instead, they align with the practices of several Western nations, some of which have adopted far stricter measures, arguably violating international law. For instance, in April 2025, the US listed thousands of temporary immigrants as deceased to pressurise them into ‘self-deportation’. Similarly, in February 2025, the United Kingdom expelled nearly 19,000 undocumented migrants who had no legal right to remain in the country.
In March 2025, the European Union (EU) also proposed sending migrants without legal status to “return hubs” in third countries, from where they will be deported to their countries of origin.
This move is rooted in the controversial ‘EU-Turkey Deal,’ signed in March 2016. Under this deal, Türkiye was to curb illegal migration to Greece in exchange for €6 billion to support refugees.
This underscores the West’s dual standards—criticising Pakistan’s legal repatriation efforts while pursuing harsh policies themselves.
Therefore, while humanitarian concerns remain valid, Pakistan’s repatriation decision is grounded in domestic and international law. Given the serious security threats and the state’s sovereign right to regulate foreign nationals, the repatriation effort reflects a measured response to a complex challenge. Like many states, Pakistan strives to balance security needs with humanitarian responsibilities.
At the reception for the Quatorze Juillet, the French ambassador H.E. Francois Alabrune said in his speech that the Hague was “the city for international law and for multilateral diplomacy”. He made his statement in the aftermath of the NATO summit in the Hague and in the presence of the Netherlands’ minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Caspar Veltkamp.
Clearly the NATO summit had been a great succes, and the Netherlands received full marks for their organisation of this historic summit. The agreement within NATO to spend substantially more on defense – individually and collectively – came at an important moment in time. Nobody can predict how and when the current conflicts will be put to rest, but it is obvious that Europe needs a powerful defence – or lethal force, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte – which currently it does not have. It should be added that the financial consequences of the deal in the Hague are colossal, I have no other word for it. The agreed increase in pure defence spending from 2 to 3,5 % will lead to some 15 billion euro in extra expenses only in the Netherlands, every year. So will there be money for any other important areas of policy development if we want to protect the regular budgets for the known state concerns like education, and health care ? I do not see that.
Without a doubt, one of the most pressing subjects of a multilateral character is climate change. It so happened that immediatley after the NATO summit a preparatory meeting on climate change was held in the German town of Bonn, just some 300 kilometers to the east of the Hague. This meeting was focussing on the next Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP) . The mood was not very positive in Bonn, with lots of fights on the agenda and on procedural matters. The Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Convention, Simon Stiell, said at the end that not enough progress was made and that world has to “go faster, further and fairer” if we want to stand a chance of keeping under 1.5 temperature rise as concluded in Paris in 2015. The next COP will be held in the city of Belem, in Brazil in November of this year, and there is a long list of important issues to be decided. Climate Justice is just one of them.
July was also the month of a groundbreaking Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the responsibilities of states for the global climate. The Advisory Opinion had been asked for by the General Assembly of the UN by Resolution 77/276, at the initiative of small island states like Vanuatu. This issue of climate change has not received the greatest global political attention in the recent period – inter alia as a result of the pro-fossil views of the American Trump administration. These views can be summarized by the words “drill, baby, drill “. The need to drive out fossil fuels was simply no longer keenly felt, whereas this had been a major yardstick for a necessary climate policy before.
The ICJ gave a lengthy and unanimous advice on 23 July, of some 130 pages. In my own words the summary is that all States, large or small, have an international legal obligation to prevent significant harm to the environment and to avoid contributing to the degradation of our climate by excessive emissions of greenhouse gases. Conduct of States which act within the scope well known conventions like the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, has to conform to the terms of those conventions. In general, such conduct should be guided by Due Diligence, a principle which the Court had expressed in several previous cases relating to environmental protection (like the pulp mills in Uruguay) . The ICJ gave a rather precise indication of what Due Diligence actually means, both in a material sense (such as sticking to scientific advice, adhering to the best available standards) , as in the procedures to be followed.
The Court emphasized further that States have a duty to cooperate, which is easier said than done in a time of world wide conflicts and sanctions. Also, any breach by a state or states of an existing obligation gives rise to a wrongful act on the part of the state responsible, and that may lead to claims by those States that have to live with the negative consequences. No wonder that the small island states were very happy with this important advice. An Advisory Opinion by the ICJ is strictly speaking not a binding ruling but it carries a lot of weight as the considered and in this case even unanimous view of the principal judicial organ of the UN .
So from NATO to climate change, it only shows the outsize magnitude of the tasks for governments of the world in the near and more distant future. Defence is now in a state of alert, and rightly so, but the time will come that other issues will take it to the front pages.
How can the Public and Private Sectors hold onto the unprecedented shifts of AI, Robotics, and Digital Innovation? How can these modern intelligent technologies intersect with the amplified needs for interconnected future policy and regulations in the geopolitical, socioeconomic, technological, and security spaces? – Complex questions that can mesmerize each curious mind. Yet, it is globally significant for an open dialogue in the most transformative era of our times.
But, in the Global Interdisciplinary Online Course, “Understanding AI, Robotics, and Its Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Spatial Implications for the Public and Private Sectors,” complex questions are not just curiosity against the current status quo but also driven by the ongoing digital data and case studies that need a deeper understanding, attention, and proactive solutions—which are fundamental in today’s most innovative global shifts.
The 8-week program with a 2.5-hour intensive dialogue finally had its closing on July 10th, 2025. The session circled around the theme “Economic Diplomacy in the Digital Age,” attended by esteemed professionals from different regions (researchers, practitioners, executives, and tech enthusiasts) and by renowned expert guests from different industries: Daniele Sangion (UniCredit Group, Austria), Antonio Salmeri (Space Law, Lunar Policy Platform), Muntasir Mamum (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh), and Ronald Derler (Kompetenzzentrum Digitale Wasserwirtschaft).
In the final week of the program, notable speakers shared comprehensive insights on the current trends of Artificial Intelligence and modern intelligent systems and unveiled the dynamic use, effects, influence, and risks of these technologies in all public and private sectors.
The concluding session delved into: Digital Economic Diplomacy, Global Strategy, Digital Finance, Technology and Infrastructure Risk, and Market Access and Innovation.
Deepfake Dangers and the Rising Cost of Cybercrime
The first round of the program was explored by a distinguished keynote speaker, Mr. Daniele Sangion, the Chief Information Security Officer from UniCredit Bank Austria. He started his discussion by playing a deepfake video to show how threatening AI and similar technologies can be when it comes to cyberattacks, physical threats, business disruptions, information bias, evolution of frauds, phishing, fake identities, and cybersecurity risks.
Coming from internal experience and national cooperation efforts, Mr. Sangion painted a striking picture of the staggering scale of the issue, that “cybercrime is a trillion-dollar business” and should be the third country in the world in terms of GDP. He explained that cybercrime today includes the misuse of AI through deepfake voices, fake identities, fake shops, and phishing campaigns—tools that fraudsters can now use at scale. He gave concrete examples, mentioning how thousands of deepfake shops of a bank were generated and how attackers used AI to create websites that looked “really similar to your website,” tricking people into entering their login credentials and OTPs. He recalled that in an awareness initiative, even colleagues were deceived during a real-time call by a deepfake version of himself, highlighting how easy it has become “to not recognize me.” According to him, “awareness is the first control measure,” and reinforcing it is essential at every level of internal and external security.
He emphasized that “now, there are not any more silos” in the threat landscape, explaining that crimes can start in the digital realm and create physical consequences—or vice versa—making it essential to look at security in a holistic way. He also shared how Bank Austria, as part of an initiative supported from the Austrian government, works with other banks and other main companies and launches some initiatives to support the Austrian citizens and to create awareness on phishing, frauds, and deepfakes. These efforts include integrating fraud awareness and security at Austrian level.
While AI poses serious cyber risks, Mr. Sangion made it clear that it also provides a critical advantage for defenders when used responsibly: monitoring attacks, enhancing security resilience, deepening institutional memory, and reinforcing human awareness.
Law Beyond Earth: Digital Policy in Space Exploration
After the first speaker, the second talk was delivered by Dr. Antonino Salmeri, a space lawyer specialized in the governance of space resources and lunar activities, a world-class expert in the field of space law, and Director of the Lunar Policy Platform. Dr. Salmeri presented on the current status of lunar activities and outlined the legal and policy elements required to enable their prosperous, peaceful, safe, and sustainable conduct.
Dr. Salmeri highlighted that while space is not the Wild West, thanks to international agreements like the Outer Space Treaty, more work is needed to design specific governance solutions suitable to the ambitions of existing plans from governments and companies to establish long-term and large-scale operations on the Moon by the end of the next decade. To this end, he presented the work conducted by the Lunar Policy Platform, a globally established group facilitating the development of policies and standards and providing expert advice to the United Nations, governments, and companies on the legal and policy aspects of their lunar-related engagements. He emphasized that without cooperative governance, the Moon’s shared promise risks becoming a contested domain. Through law and policy, he argued, humanity can ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future beyond space.
Dr. Salmeri reminded the audience that “space law exists and that it provides solid foundations for us to build upon. There is no Wild West in space.” Yet, he emphasized, “If we want to have a thriving economy where no economy existed before, we do need more than that. We need policies and standards.” That, he explained, is the mission of the Lunar Policy Platform: to work with all actors—governments, industry, and academia—to develop tools that are going to enable a peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative future on the Moon for the benefit of all humanity.
Digitalizing the Invisible Backbone: Ronald Derler’s Perspective on Cybersecurity in the Water Industry
The third keynote expert was Mr. Ronald Derler, CEO of the Competent Center for Digitalization in the Water Industry, who offered a rare and highly relevant perspective on how critical infrastructure is undergoing a digital transformation—with both promise and peril. Drawing on his experience as a cybersecurity leader, military and police veteran, and Harvard graduate in crisis leadership, Mr. Derler addressed the overlooked but essential challenge of protecting water supply and wastewater systems across Europe. He stated plainly that this is not about flying to the Moon but about ensuring that millions of people have clean water every day.
With over 8,000 water-related organizations in Germany alone, many operating for more than a century—Mr. Derler spoke plainly about the challenges ahead. He said digital transformation is no longer optional—it is essential for managing everything from rising energy costs to labor shortages. But he also warned that greater connectivity means more risk. He pointed to real cyberattacks on water systems in Germany and Texas, showing how remote access gaps and outdated industrial controls can be serious liabilities. He addressed a disturbing issue that OT systems are also vulnerable to attacks, stating, “You don’t have to hack the systems; you just have to find the systems, and you can do what you want.”
Mr. Derler and his team launched the Situation Center Cybersac at Water, Europe’s first industry-wide Security Operations Centerdedicated to the water sector to address water challenges. This operates 24/7, raises awareness through specialized e-learning, and conducts workshops to promote digital resilience. Even with improved technical defenses, smaller utilities still face legal and compliance pressures. European cybersecurity rules, he noted, are hard to keep up with—especially when supply chains are fragile. He also raised concerns about social engineering, saying it now accounts for over 90% of cyber incidents. AI, he explained, is making both attackers and defenders stronger.
Mr. Derler’s response is not just about better firewalls. He is advocating for a broader strategy: a “zero trust” approach, clear software transparency requirements, and stronger cooperation with national security agencies. To him, solving these issues is not just technical—it is about people, priorities, and planning ahead.
From Static States to Fluid Futures: Reimagining Governance in the Age of Digital Sovereignty
Following the third keynote guest is a notable expert, Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General, (ITIT) (ICT) of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This high ranking official from the prominent South Asia country brought a bold and deeply reflective narrative on the future of governance. With decades of academic and strategic engagement, he started by situating a theme—governance, imaginaries, and digital space—as the product of over a decade of inquiry into the evolution of republics and state systems. Focusing on the Global South, Mr. Mamun emphasized how 80% of the world’s population who are living in bottom-of-the-pyramid markets are still experiencing institutional voids in governance, economy, welfare, and identity. He asked how people in post-colonial societies relate to the state today. Mamun said that digital space is not just about cyber warfare anymore—it has become “the core terrain of livelihoods, identities, and aspirations.” Because many regions still face “institutional voids” in areas like governance, welfare, and the economy, he noted that new frameworks are emerging. These, he said, aim to bypass outdated systems through digital sovereignty and innovation.
In response to this shift, he introduced the “AAA” model: Adaptive, Agentic, and Agile—as a new way of thinking about governance in a world where timelines are shrinking fast. “Ideas once projected for 2100,” he reminded the audience, “must now be realized by 2030.” This “Fluid Institutions” model is built on the principle that governments should not rule over the people but serve them—moving away from hierarchical, slow, and procedural bureaucracies toward fluid, agile, and digital-first governance structures. At one point, Mamun gave concrete examples to make his point. “We’ve seen this in Rwanda with drones for healthcare delivery,” he said. “In Ghana with blockchain land registries, and in Bangladesh with mobile money that reaches even the poorest.”
As he wrapped up, he emphasized a shift in mindset: “Governance today is about real-time intelligence. ”It is about measuring trust, building legitimacy, and creating new institutional narratives that embrace digital tools and fluidity.” In his words, “We need institutions that are dynamic, tech-savvy, and citizen-first. Fluid institutions for a fluid world.”
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The Understanding AI and Robotics Course, organized by IFIMES (International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies), SILKROAD 4.0 Platform, Scientific Journal (European Perspectives), and their consortium of international partners (D-8, ICCD, IAF, THC, Diplomatic Academy, Diplomatic Magazine, and many more), explored globally interdisciplinary topics that gave thought-provoking insights and timely information to participants from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australia/Oceania.
This unmatched collective exchange of data is what opens doors to the investigative mind—to help great people analyze, deepen their understanding, and awaken their consciousness in this era of thrilling and fast-paced intellectual developments.
This is just the inception of the deep transfer of knowledge—to prepare for what lies ahead in the upcominginitiative: Global Academy for Future Governance. To equip each future attendee with the up-to-date data and develop a profound expertise that can bring lasting change not only in the Global North and the Global South, but also in the immersive transformation of digital realms.
About the author:
Jehanie Milky Nagon photography courtesy of IFIMES
Jehanie Milky Nagon is a Manila-based Information Officer of IFIMES (Department for Strategic Studies on Asia). Beyond ASEAN and Asia, her interests are in history, research technology and innovations, global studies, and the environment.
The Kingdom of Spain, a State Party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2000, has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 40,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute.
This unrestricted contribution from the Kingdom of Spain will be allocated by the TFV to support reparations for former child soldiers who are victims in the Lubanga and Ntaganda cases, convicted before the ICC in relation to the situation in Ituri, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Through the TFV programme, approximately 3,000 eligible former child soldiers will benefit from rehabilitation services including medical treatment, trauma counselling, education, and socio-economic support. The programme also includes the construction of community centres in four locations, which serve as spaces of recognition and commemoration, as well as for dialogue, peacebuilding, and reconciliation activities amongst community members.
H.E. Kevin Kelly, member of the Board of Directors of the TFV stated: “The Trust Fund for Victims extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Kingdom of Spain for its generous contribution. This support reflects the enduring commitment of the Kingdom of Spain to the principles of justice, accountability, and reparation. At this critical time, it is more important than ever for States to contribute to the Trust Fund. We call on the international community to follow the example of the Kingdom of Spain and to support this vital work.”
H.E. Consuelo Femenía Guardiola, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Kingdom of the Netherlands stated: “This voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims reflects the commitment of Spain to the protection of children in armed conflict and its commitment to justice, reparation, and reintegration for all victims of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC. Spain strongly supports the work of the ICC and the TFV in ensuring that justice for the victims of international crimes remains a priority.”
As of July 2025, the Kingdom of Spain is the seventh-largest contributor to the Trust Fund for Victims, having provided over EUR 3 million in voluntary contributions. These funds have supported the implementation of reparations and rehabilitation programmes for former child soldiers in the Lubanga case, as well as programmes for the benefit of victims in the situations in the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Georgia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Union leaders during their visit to Beijing for the 25th China-EU Summit on Thursday. CGTN published an article exploring China-EU relations in two-way trade and investment, emphasizing the need for both sides to embrace multilateralism, openness and cooperation to bring greater stability and certainty to the world.
BEIJING, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fifty years ago, China-Europe trade was a trickle. Now, as the two sides mark half a century of ties, a single day’s trade equals what they exchanged in the entire year when relations were first established.
Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in history.
There are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU, Xi told European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“The current challenges facing the EU do not come from China,” he said, adding that the fundamentals and prevailing trend of China-EU relations featuring cooperation over competition and consensus over differences have remained constant.
Xi put forward three proposals for the future of China-EU relations: both sides should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of their relations as partnership, embrace openness and cooperation while properly managing differences and frictions, and practice multilateralism and uphold international rules and order.
Trade and investment
At Thursday’s meeting, the Chinese president said the China-EU economic and trade relationship is by nature complementary and mutually beneficial and can indeed achieve dynamic equilibrium through development.
China’s high-quality development and opening up will provide new opportunities and potentials for China-EU cooperation, Xi noted, calling on both sides to strengthen green and digital partnership and boost mutual investment and cooperation.
In 2024, trade between China and the EU soared to $785.8 billion, an increase of over 300 times compared to when diplomatic relations began in 1975, according to China’s customs authorities.
Two-way investment flows have also shown sustained growth in recent years, indicating a positive trend. Chinese battery manufacturer CALB, for instance, is building a $2.2-billion plant in Sines, Portugal, expected to create 1,800 jobs.
Xi expressed hope that the EU can remain open in the trade and investment market, refrain from using restrictive economic and trade tools, and foster a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in the EU.
At the 25th China-EU summit on Thursday, both sides agreed to forge an “upgraded version” of the China-EU export control dialogue mechanism, have timely communication on each other’s concerns and jointly keep the industrial and supply chains between China and Europe stable and unimpeded.
Multilateralism
Xi said China has always viewed and developed China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, regarded the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world and consistently supported European integration and the strategic autonomy of the EU.
China-EU relations are not targeted at, subjugated to, or controlled by any third party, he said, calling on both sides to deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and foster a correct perception of each other.
Pascal Lamy, the former European commissioner for trade, told CGTN that despite differences, China and the EU share crucial common ground in defending multilateralism and cooperating on global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and ocean protection.
Among the outcomes of Thursday’s summit, leaders of China and the EU issued a joint statement on climate change, highlighting their shared commitment to addressing climate change and pursuing green development.
Xi underscored the importance of China and the EU as constructive forces for multilateralism, openness and cooperation, and called on both sides to provide more stability and certainty to the world.
On 7 May 2025, Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary officially boarded the royal yacht Dannebrog at Nordre Toldbod, Copenhagen, marking the formal commencement of the 2025 sailing season.
A parading roll by the ship’s crew welcomed them aboard. The ceremony included a 27-gun salute fired from Battery Sixtus, followed by a reception in Helsingør, where the royal couple were greeted by local dignitaries and residents.
This annual boarding tradition dates back to the reign of King Christian IX in the late 1800s and has been upheld by successive monarchs, including King Frederik IX and Queen Margrethe II.
Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary.! Foto Hasse Ferrold.
The royal yacht Dannebrog (A540), launched in 1931 and commissioned in 1932, serves both as the official and private residence of the Danish monarch and royal family during summer cruises and state visits. In addition, it supports the Royal Danish Navy in duties such as surveillance, rescue operations, and the training of conscripts—having covered over 800,000 nauticalmiles and trained more than 3,400 conscripts over its decades of service.
