The country wants to diversify its trade routes with the region, reducing its dependence on Pakistan. This trend has strengthened after recent hostilities with its neighbour. In the last month, Afghan traders have lost 200 million dollars. The trade balance with the five Central Asian countries has reached 1.7 billion.
The Pope with Bartholomew I in the Divine Liturgy for St Andrew, patron saint of the Church of Constantinople. The Patriarch expresses ‘fervent gratitude’ for the papal visit. Prevost: caring together for ‘all humanity and the whole of creation’. This morning at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral: “Full dedication to the cause of unity”. The apostolic journey continues today in Lebanon.
A mandate entrusted to over 800 delegates to make Jesus present through their lives in their own countries brought to a close the Great Pilgrimage of Hope, which saw the Churches of the continent gather in Malaysia. Cardinal David: ‘Evangelisation in Asia cannot be shouted: it is relational, respectful, contemplative.’ Card. Ferrao: ‘The hunger for God is deep. The yearning for justice is real. The thirst for meaning among our young people is intense.’
The joint text signed by the Pope and the Patriarch: ‘Although alarmed by the international situation, our faith in Jesus the Saviour tells us that God will not abandon humanity.’ The faithful are invited to rejoice in the progress made in dialogue. Condemnation of those who use the name of God to justify violence, the hope for a common date for Easter. In the morning, a silent visit to the Blue Mosque.
Supporters say the new rules simplify the system and benefit companies and workers. Critics say the laws will “only benefit” owners, undermining employees' rights. Described as the “most radical” in decades, it reduces the previous 29 federal laws into four simplified codes, from 1,400 to 350 rules overall.
The alarm was raised in a report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. Long-term resilience measures are needed to combat economic losses, health crises and the collapse of energy infrastructure. Asphalt and concrete in cities are exacerbating the emergency. The continent's water resources are also at risk.
