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Argentines vote in key test of Milei’s free-market reforms

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Argentines vote in key test of Milei’s free-market reforms

BUENOS AIRES, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Argentines are voting in legislative elections that will decide whether President Javier Milei can push ahead with his radical free-market reforms and austerity agenda. The vote will determine if he gains enough support in Congress to continue his economic overhaul.

Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza, aims to expand its small minority in both chambers. A stronger showing could boost investor confidence and reassure U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently backed a major financial package for Argentina but warned that future support may depend on Milei’s performance.

At a closing rally in the port city of Rosario on Thursday, Milei urged supporters to stay optimistic. “Don’t give up because we’re halfway there,” he said. “We’re on a good path.”

Congressional stakes and voter mood

Half of Argentina’s lower Chamber of Deputies — 127 seats — and one-third of the Senate — 24 seats — are being contested. The Peronist opposition still holds the largest minority in both houses, while Milei’s year-old movement controls just 37 deputies and six senators.

The government has won praise from Washington and global investors for cutting monthly inflation from 12.8 percent before Milei took office to 2.1 percent last month. It has also achieved a fiscal surplus and pushed through sweeping deregulation.

Yet public anger over sharp spending cuts and a corruption scandal involving Milei’s sister and chief of staff has hurt his popularity. “Milei’s adjustment has been done with treachery and cruelty,” said Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof at a Peronist campaign event. “They enjoy each victim of the cuts.”

Political risks and possible outcomes

Analysts say winning more than 35 percent of the vote would strengthen Milei’s hand and help him form alliances with centrist blocs to block attempts to reverse his reforms.

Milei has hinted at a cabinet reshuffle after the election that could bring in figures from the centrist PRO party, which often cooperates with his government in Congress. On Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Gerardo Werthein resigned, fueling speculation about further changes.

The election is being closely watched by the White House. Trump’s proposed $40 billion rescue package for Argentina includes a $20 billion currency-swap line and a $20 billion credit facility.

Economic outlook and currency pressure

Economists warn that Argentina’s peso remains overvalued despite government efforts to stabilize prices. Many predict a devaluation after the vote, especially if Milei’s party underperforms.

A weaker result could trigger a sharper adjustment in foreign-exchange policy, potentially testing investor confidence in Milei’s promise to restore long-term stability.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

East Timor officially joins ASEAN as 11th member

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East Timor officially joins ASEAN as 11th member

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Reuters) – East Timor has officially become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), marking a historic milestone for Asia’s youngest nation. The move fulfills a vision first set out by the country’s current president nearly 50 years ago while it was still under Portuguese rule.

Also known as Timor-Leste, the nation of 1.4 million people is among Asia’s poorest. It hopes ASEAN membership will boost trade and attract investment into its small economy, which stands at about $2 billion — a fraction of ASEAN’s $3.8 trillion collective GDP.

Symbolic victory after years of waiting

East Timor’s accession follows a 14-year wait for full membership. While it is not expected to dramatically change ASEAN’s economic balance, it represents a symbolic achievement for President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, both key figures in the country’s independence movement.

The nation’s flag was raised at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, drawing applause from regional leaders. The event marked East Timor’s formal entry into the bloc after years of preparation and negotiation.

New beginning with regional opportunities

An emotional Prime Minister Gusmao called it a “historic moment” for East Timor, describing ASEAN membership as the start of a new chapter filled with “immense opportunities” for trade and investment.

“For the people of Timor-Leste, this is not only a dream realized but a powerful affirmation of our journey,” he said during his speech at the summit. “Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people — a young democracy born from struggle. This is not the end of a journey.”

From colonial rule to independence

East Timor was ruled by Portugal for three centuries before Lisbon abruptly withdrew in 1975. The vacuum led to annexation by Indonesia, resulting in a decades-long occupation marked by conflict and human rights abuses. After a U.N.-backed referendum, East Timor finally achieved full independence in 2002.

President Ramos-Horta, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, first proposed ASEAN membership in the 1970s. His goal was to secure East Timor’s long-term stability through regional integration and diplomacy.

Commitment to peace and dialogue

In a recent interview, Ramos-Horta said East Timor’s goal is to strengthen ASEAN’s mechanisms for dialogue and conflict resolution. “If we can contribute towards improving ASEAN’s conflict mechanisms, that is key,” he said. “In each country, we should put emphasis on dialogue.”

He added that East Timor will work to maintain political stability and avoid becoming a burden on the regional organization. The leadership hopes ASEAN membership will encourage investment, regional cooperation, and stronger diplomatic ties.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

Independent left-wing politician Connolly wins Irish presidency in landslide

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Independent left-wing politician Connolly wins Irish presidency in landslide

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DUBLIN, Oct 25 (Reuters) — Catherine Connolly, a veteran left-wing lawmaker, has won Ireland’s presidency by a landslide, marking a major blow to the re-elected centre-right coalition.

Connolly, 68, is a long-time critic of the European Union and one of the Irish parliament’s leading pro-Palestinian voices. Supported by several left-leaning opposition parties, she was little known at the start of the campaign but steadily gained support among younger and independent voters.

Landslide win for independent candidate

Connolly secured 63.4 percent of the vote, defeating former cabinet minister Heather Humphreys, who received 29.5 percent. The victory continues Ireland’s pattern of choosing independent-minded presidents.

In her victory speech at Dublin Castle, Connolly said she wanted to be “a president who listens, who reflects, and who speaks when it’s necessary.” She added that Ireland could “shape a new republic that values everybody.”

Although largely ceremonial, the presidency holds moral weight and symbolic influence. The president can refer legislation to the Supreme Court and often plays a diplomatic role in representing Ireland abroad.

Divided left gains new energy

Connolly’s triumph has energised Ireland’s fragmented left-wing parties. Her win has sparked hope for a stronger left bloc that could challenge the century-long dominance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

However, analysts caution that maintaining unity will be difficult as the next parliamentary election approaches, likely before 2030. A polling-day survey by Ireland Thinks found that only 51 percent of Connolly’s voters would back a broader left-wing alliance in a general election.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said her party would remain cautious about joining a coalition led by Sinn Féin, Ireland’s largest opposition group.

Ruling coalition struggles amid scandals

Connolly’s victory was helped by weak campaigns from both governing parties. Fine Gael’s candidate, Heather Humphreys, was not the party’s first choice. Fianna Fáil’s original nominee, former Gaelic football coach Jim Gavin, withdrew after a financial scandal, leaving the coalition divided and demoralised.

Meanwhile, a record 13 percent of voters spoiled their ballots, partly as a protest after a conservative activist failed to qualify for the race due to insufficient parliamentary backing.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the government would review the nomination process for future presidential candidates to make it more inclusive.

Critic of the EU and Western powers

Connolly is known for her outspoken criticism of the European Union’s military policies. She has questioned plans to increase defence spending and expressed scepticism toward the roles of the United States, Britain, and France in the Gaza conflict.

Despite her Eurosceptic views, her strong support for Palestinian rights resonates with a broad segment of Irish society and aligns with the government’s own position.

A former clinical psychologist and barrister, Connolly entered parliament in 2016 and later served as deputy speaker of the lower house. Her rise to the presidency underscores Irish voters’ desire for independent, value-driven leadership.

This report was originally published by Reuters.

New Japan PM tells Trump alliance with US is top priority

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New Japan PM tells Trump alliance with US is top priority

TOKYO, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told U.S. President Donald Trump that strengthening the Japan–U.S. alliance is her government’s top foreign-policy priority. The two leaders spoke by phone on Saturday in their first official conversation since Takaichi took office.

Focus on alliance and Indo-Pacific cooperation

According to a statement on the Japanese premier’s official website, Takaichi called Japan an “indispensable partner” in U.S. strategies toward China and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

“I conveyed to him that strengthening the Japan–U.S. alliance is the top priority for my administration’s foreign and security policy,” she said. “We confirmed our shared commitment to further elevating the alliance to new heights.”

The prime minister spoke to Trump from Malaysia, where she is attending a regional forum that began on Sunday. Trump joined the call from Air Force One while en route to Malaysia.

Upcoming summit in Tokyo

Trump is scheduled to visit Japan on Monday and hold a bilateral summit with Takaichi on Tuesday. The meeting will mark the first in-person discussion between the two leaders and is expected to cover security, trade, and regional stability.

During their conversation, Trump congratulated Takaichi on her appointment last Tuesday as Japan’s first female prime minister. The two also reflected on the legacy of late former premier Shinzo Abe, who was Takaichi’s political mentor.

Takaichi described Trump as “a very cheerful and engaging person,” according to her website statement.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

US prepares fresh sanctions against Russia as Ukraine war drags on

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US prepares fresh sanctions against Russia as Ukraine war drags on

WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) – The United States has drawn up new sanctions targeting key sectors of Russia’s economy. Officials said the measures are ready to be used if President Vladimir Putin continues to delay ending Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Two U.S. officials told Reuters that Washington has also signaled support for European Union plans to use frozen Russian assets to fund weapons for Kyiv. American policymakers are holding early discussions on using Russian assets held in the U.S. for the same purpose.

Although no final decision has been made, the preparation of new measures shows the Trump administration’s willingness to escalate pressure. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Russia for the first time since returning to office in January.

Trump weighs next steps after limited progress with Putin

Trump has often cast himself as a global peacemaker. Yet he has acknowledged that ending Russia’s three-year war in Ukraine is proving harder than expected.

His August meeting with Putin in Alaska produced no results. Speaking to reporters in Doha on Saturday, Trump said he would not meet the Russian leader again unless a peace deal appeared likely. “I’m not going to be wasting my time,” he said.

European allies, meanwhile, want Trump to maintain pressure on Moscow. One senior U.S. official said he hoped Europe would take the next major step, possibly by imposing new tariffs or sanctions. Another source said Trump might pause for several weeks to gauge Moscow’s response to last Wednesday’s announcement.

Those sanctions targeted major oil firms Lukoil and Rosneft. The move drove global oil prices up by more than two dollars and pushed Chinese and Indian buyers to seek alternative supplies.

Trump said he plans to discuss China’s purchases of Russian oil with President Xi Jinping during their meeting on Thursday. “China is cutting back very substantially, and India is cutting back completely,” he told reporters.

Banking and oil sectors in US crosshairs

Sources familiar with the matter said the next wave of sanctions could hit Russia’s banking sector and oil-export infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have also shared proposals for tougher U.S. measures, including cutting all Russian banks from dollar-based transactions. It remains unclear whether Washington will adopt those ideas.

Several U.S. senators are again pushing a long-stalled bipartisan sanctions bill. A source said Trump is open to backing the legislation, though approval is unlikely this month.

The Treasury Department declined to comment.

Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, said Friday that he believes Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are close to a diplomatic solution.

Halyna Yusypiuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, welcomed the recent sanctions but offered no further remarks. “Dismantling Russia’s war machine is the most humane way to bring this war to an end,” she wrote in an email.

A week of shifts in US policy toward Ukraine

Trump’s decision to sanction Russia capped a week of dramatic changes in U.S. policy toward the Ukraine conflict.

He spoke with Putin early in the week and unexpectedly announced plans for a meeting in Budapest, catching Ukraine by surprise. A day later, Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Washington. According to U.S. officials, the administration urged Zelenskiy to accept a land-swap deal in the Donbas region to end the war, but he refused. Trump then decided that the conflict should be frozen at existing frontlines.

Days later, Russia sent a diplomatic note repeating its peace terms. Trump ultimately canceled the planned Budapest meeting, saying it “didn’t feel right.”

After arriving in Washington for talks, Dmitriev told CNN that the meeting had not been canceled outright and would likely happen later.

Two senior U.S. officials said Trump’s earlier enthusiasm for a Putin meeting was misplaced. After securing a ceasefire in Gaza, they said, Trump had overestimated his ability to replicate that success in Ukraine.

The president eventually decided to impose new sanctions during a Wednesday meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a White House official.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

Trump raises tariffs on Canada by 10% after Ontario ad airs during World Series

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Trump raises tariffs on Canada by 10% after Ontario ad airs during World Series

WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10 percent increase in tariffs on Canadian goods. The decision followed an advertisement from Ontario’s government that aired during the World Series broadcast.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the higher tariffs would apply “over and above what they are paying now.” He described the ad as misleading and a “hostile act.”

The commercial featured a video of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan warning that tariffs can trigger trade wars and economic losses. The ad had been airing for several days before Trump reacted publicly. It aired again on Friday during Game 1 of Major League Baseball’s World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Friday that he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. After their discussion, Ontario agreed to pause the ad campaign on Monday so that trade talks with Washington could resume.

Trump had already suspended trade talks with Ottawa on Thursday after first seeing the ad. “Their advertisement was to be taken down immediately, but they let it run last night during the World Series,” Trump wrote. “Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, I am increasing the tariff on Canada by 10%.”

He posted the statement while traveling aboard Air Force One to Malaysia, his first stop on an Asia tour focused on trade issues.

Officials from the U.S. Commerce Department, the White House, and the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately comment. It was not clear which goods would face the new tariffs.

Most Canadian exports to the United States are exempt from tariffs under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was signed during Trump’s first term. However, in August, his administration imposed a 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods not covered by the deal. Earlier this year, Washington also applied 50 percent tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports.

Prime Minister Carney said Canada remains ready to resume negotiations with the United States. Both leaders will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia. However, Trump told reporters he has no plans to meet the Canadian leader during the event.

White House adviser Kevin Hassett said Trump had become frustrated with the pace of talks with Ottawa. He noted that recent exchanges had been “less productive than expected.”

The controversial Ontario advertisement uses five sentences from Reagan’s 1980s radio address, rearranged out of sequence. While Reagan defended free trade in that speech, he also supported limited tariffs on Japan as a necessary exception.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

Trump, Xi to review as US-China talks nearing agreement

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Trump, Xi to review as US-China talks nearing agreement

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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Reuters) — Trade negotiations between the United States and China are advancing toward a potential agreement that could soon be reviewed by Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The discussions, now in their second day, have renewed hopes of easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Fifth round of in-person discussions

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. It was the fifth round of in-person meetings since May as both countries attempt to de-escalate their long-running trade dispute.

“I think we’re getting to a spot where the leaders will have a very productive meeting,” Greer said before leaving to brief President Trump. China’s top trade negotiator Li Chenggang also joined the discussions.

When asked about rare earths, Greer said that a broad range of issues was discussed, including an extension of the existing trade truce.

Preventing escalation of trade conflict

The talks come at a time when both sides are seeking to avoid renewed escalation. President Trump recently threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, in retaliation for China’s new export restrictions on rare earth magnets and minerals.

Trump arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday for the ASEAN summit, the first stop on his five-day Asia tour that will conclude with a meeting with President Xi in South Korea. A breakthrough in the current talks could help pave the way for that high-stakes encounter on October 30.

While Washington has confirmed the planned Trump–Xi meeting, Beijing has yet to issue an official confirmation.

Key issues on the table

Among the topics expected to feature in the upcoming meeting are China’s purchases of US soybeans, Washington’s security concerns regarding Taiwan, and the detention of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai under China’s national security laws.

President Trump has also said he will seek China’s cooperation on relations with Russia as the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the United States would not abandon Taiwan in exchange for trade concessions.

Rare earths and technology restrictions

Tensions between the two powers have risen in recent weeks despite a fragile truce reached in Geneva in May and extended in August. Both sides have continued to impose sanctions and export restrictions.

The latest round of negotiations is expected to focus on China’s curbs on rare earth exports, which have disrupted global supply chains. In response, the Trump administration is considering limiting exports of advanced US software and technology to China, according to a Reuters report.

A day before the Kuala Lumpur meetings began, Washington launched an investigation into what it described as China’s “apparent failure” to comply with the Phase One trade agreement signed in 2020. The probe adds to Trump’s growing list of trade measures against Beijing.

Analysts say any new deal is likely to be fragile, as the $660 billion trade relationship between the two nations remains strained by competition and mistrust.

This report was originally published by Reuters.

China commemorates 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration

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China commemorates 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration

BEIJING/TAIPEI, Oct 25 (Xinhua) – People across both sides of the Taiwan Strait on Saturday marked the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China, reflecting shared historical memories and a renewed call for national reunification.

A high-level commemorative ceremony was held in Beijing, attended by China’s top political advisor Wang Huning. Addressing around 500 participants, Wang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, urged people on both sides of the Strait to unite in advancing national reunification and to firmly oppose all forms of “Taiwan independence” activities.

The event came a day after China’s national legislature officially designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration.

Taiwan was occupied by Japan following its war against China in 1894, remaining under Japanese rule for 50 years. On October 25, 1945, a ceremony in Taipei marked Japan’s surrender and the return of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Chinese sovereignty.

Despite this historic restoration, political confrontation between the two sides has persisted since the late 1940s due to the unresolved civil war and external interference.

Wang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and Taiwan’s restoration to China were great achievements of the Chinese nation.

He added that establishing the commemorative day demonstrates the Party’s determination to fulfill its historical mission and achieve full national reunification. Wang emphasized that people across the Strait should take responsibility for promoting peaceful cross-Strait development and contributing to China’s rejuvenation.

Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine in Taiwan, said the decision to establish the commemoration day resonates with the aspirations of most Taiwanese people. She said it helps rekindle shared memories, strengthen patriotic sentiment, and inspire efforts toward national reunification and revival.

In Taipei, citizens braved light autumn rain to attend commemorative events held in city squares. They sang traditional songs celebrating Taiwan’s restoration, written in 1946, recalling the end of Japanese colonial rule and the return to China’s sovereignty.

“Eighty years ago today, with the defeat of Japanese imperialism, Taiwan ended half a century of colonial rule and returned to the embrace of the motherland,” said Wang Chuan-ping, vice chairperson of Taiwan’s Labor Party. He said the historic moment remains deeply rooted in the collective memory of people on both sides.

Lan Bo-chow, a well-known Taiwanese writer, said that establishing the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration adds meaning to this year’s observance. He stressed the need to correct historical distortions and present the truth so that more people can clearly understand the course of cross-Strait relations.

This news was originally published by Xinhua.

China pledges joint efforts with Singapore for more just, equitable world order

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China pledges joint efforts with Singapore for more just, equitable world order

SINGAPORE, Oct 25 (Xinhua) – China has expressed its willingness to work with Singapore to advance President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives aimed at building a more just and equitable international order, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday.

During his talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Li said that as the multilateral trading system faces increasing challenges, China is ready to cooperate with Singapore to strengthen communication and coordination within the United Nations and other platforms. He said both sides will oppose unilateralism and protectionism while supporting free trade and economic globalization.

Li noted that Xi’s meeting with Wong in Beijing in June set the direction for the next phase of bilateral relations. He said China is ready to work with Singapore under the strategic guidance of their leaders to uphold the founding spirit of diplomatic ties and further traditional friendship.

The Chinese premier called on both sides to consolidate political trust, expand practical cooperation, and deepen their relationship to support modernization, regional peace, and sustainable development.

Li said the recently concluded fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) approved recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan outlines the strategic framework for China’s economic and social development over the next five years and beyond.

He added that China seeks to align development strategies with Singapore, strengthen bilateral mechanisms, and sustain two-way growth in trade and investment. Li emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in key projects such as the Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-City, and promoting joint initiatives in the digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biomedicine. He also proposed exploring third-party partnerships in regional and global markets.

Li welcomed greater investment from Singaporean companies in China and urged continued support for Chinese enterprises operating in Singapore. He said both countries should exchange experiences in areas such as social welfare, employment, and governance, while promoting collaboration in culture, tourism, education, media, and youth engagement to strengthen mutual understanding.

Prime Minister Wong congratulated China on the successful conclusion of the CPC’s fourth plenary session. Marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, he said bilateral ties are growing steadily with expanding cooperation and mutual benefits.

Wong reaffirmed Singapore’s adherence to the one-China policy and its firm opposition to “Taiwan independence.” He said Singapore is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges, promote landmark projects such as the Suzhou Industrial Park, and develop new cooperation areas in the green economy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

He added that Singapore remains confident in China’s continued development and will keep investing in the Chinese market. Wong said his government supports Xi’s Global Development Initiative and will enhance multilateral cooperation with China to safeguard free trade, strengthen multilateralism, and promote regional stability and global prosperity.

Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of multiple agreements covering the digital economy, green development, information technology, transport, food safety, emergency management, and third-party cooperation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Wong held a welcoming ceremony for Premier Li at the Parliament House.

This news story was originally published by Xinhua.

Pakistan, Iran agree to form joint committee for swift resolution of border trade issues

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Pakistan, Iran agree to form joint committee for swift resolution of border trade issues

ISLAMABAD, Oct 25 (APP) — Pakistan and Iran have formed a joint committee to address problems affecting border trade and logistics. The move shows both countries’ commitment to closer economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

Committee to focus on transport challenges

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, in Islamabad.

According to an official statement, the Pakistan Iran border trade committee will include officials from both sides and submit its first report within a week. Its main task will be to resolve transportation and customs issues faced by Iranian commercial trucks entering Pakistan.

After the meeting, Minister Sadegh also met Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan. The discussions reviewed progress on several Pakistan–Iran trade and connectivity projects.

Pakistan promises faster clearance for Iranian trucks

Abdul Aleem Khan assured the Iranian delegation that Pakistan would take immediate steps to ensure smooth cargo movement. He instructed the National Logistics Cell, the Federal Board of Revenue, and other departments to provide swift clearance for Iranian trade vehicles.

He said Pakistan is committed to promoting regional trade and transit. The minister added that Iran could use Pakistan’s routes for access to China and Central Asian countries. He said the Pakistan Iran border trade committee would help both nations expand economic activity and create regional growth.

Rail and commerce cooperation

During the joint session, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi called for faster implementation of the agreement signed with Iran in September. He announced that a review of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul Train Project would take place in December 2025.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed Pakistan’s plan to increase trade with Iran to 10 billion US dollars.

In response, Minister Sadegh thanked Abdul Aleem Khan for arranging the meeting. She reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to stronger cooperation in maritime affairs through Chabahar and Gwadar ports.

Strengthening regional connectivity

Sadegh said Iran’s president gives high importance to improving relations with Pakistan. She also praised the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad as a positive step toward better regional integration.

Both sides agreed that the Pakistan Iran border trade committee will serve as a platform for regular consultation on transport, logistics, and trade facilitation.

UN envoy lauds Pakistan’s road safety initiatives

Separately, Jean-Henri Todd, the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, met Abdul Aleem Khan to discuss Pakistan’s new road safety measures.

The minister briefed the envoy on projects such as speed-limit enforcement, rapid medical response, and air ambulance services. Todd praised Pakistan’s progress and assured continued UN support. The meeting was also attended by DG Rescue 1122 Dr Rizwan Naseer and IG Motorways Police.

This story was originally published by Associated Press of Pakistan.

 

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