Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of Pakistan's assassinated first female prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, was elected president. He is scheduled to take the oath of office on Sunday. Pakistan's lawmakers on Saturday elected Asif Ali Zardari as president of the country for the second time. Zardari is the widower of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He previously held the post from 2008 to 2013. Zardari received 411 votes from national and provincial legislators. His opponent, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, who has the backing of the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, had 181 votes. The presidency is a largely ceremonial role in Pakistan, but Zardari is known as a conciliator. He could help the ruling coalition partners reach a consensus to put the shattered economy on a path to stabilization before seeking a new IMF bailout. He is scheduled to take the oath of office on Sunday. Coalition's candidate Zardari was favored to win as the joint candidate of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League, or PML-N, the party of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his other political allies. He has also played a key role in talks to form a coalition government after the disputed national parliamentary election on February 8. Under that deal, Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) took the presidency, while its historic rivals PML-N secured the prime minister's position for Shehbaz Sharif, who was officially sworn in on Monday. Sharif congratulated Zardari on becoming the country's new president. Zardari "will be a symbol of the strength of the federation," Sharif said in a statement. Zardari's rival, Achakzai, also congratulated him on his victory, saying the vote was free and fair. Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Zardari as well on his election, Chinese state media reported Sunday. "In his message, Xi said China and Pakistan are good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers, adding that the two countries' iron-clad friendship is a choice of history and a precious treasure of the two peoples," the Xinhua news agency said. Xi addressed the two countries' close ties, especially with regards to the construction of the China-Pakistan economic corridor, part of the larger Belt and Road Initiative. In Bhutto's shadow Zardari was born in 1955 into a landowning family from the southern province of Sindh. It was his arranged marriage to PPP leader Benazir Bhutto in 1987 that catapulted him into the political limelight. Bhutto was prime minister from 1988 to 1990, the first woman to head a democratic government in a Muslim country. She served again from 1993 to 1996. Bhutto was assassinated in 2007. Initially a background figure as Bhutto's husband, Zardari was tainted by a host of corruption and other allegations, including absurd kidnapping plots and the acceptance of kickbacks on hoards of jewelry. He spent 11 years behind bars before becoming president in 2008, but was never convicted and has denied any wrongdoing. Zardari has also been arrested and charged with various offenses in recent years.

Milei had previously criticised the pope during his election campaign last year, but fences look like they're on the mend as the two Argentinians spoke for 70 minutes. Pope Francis and Argentina's President Javier Milei held their first at-length meeting at the Vatican on Monday. The two Argentinians spoke for 70 minutes with no translation required, although the content of the meeting has not immediately been made available.   Milei's shift from criticism to cookies Libertarian economist Milei — who was sworn in as Argentina's new president in December — had previously been critical of the pope while campaigning during the election. Milei had accused the pope of political interference and called him an "imbecile" who "promotes communism." The two briefly met after Sunday mass that saw Argentina's first female saint, Mama Antula, canonized, with indications that last year's comments were now water under the bridge. On Sunday, the pope who was in a wheelchair, went to greet Milei after the service and smiled at him, extended his hand and exclaimed, "You cut your hair!" Milei, known for his unconventional hairstyle, joked about having cleaned up his act and asked if he could hug and kiss the pope. Francis smile and replied: "Yes, son, yes". During Monday's meeting, Milei gave the pope several presents, including biscuits from Argentina that the pope is said to enjoy, a government spokesman said.   Possibility a papal visit was discussed It's likely the president and pontiff — who both hail from Buenos Aires — discussed the possibility of a papal visit to Argentina. In November, Pope Francis called to congratulate Milei on his election victory, and the president in turn asked Francis to return to Argentina. The pope has not visited his country of birth since becoming head of the Catholic church in 2013 and while he has indicated he would like to return, no date has been set. Argentina is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation at more than 200% and Milei having had a turbulent few weeks in office after parliament rejected a major reform package.

The president of Nambia and veteran anti-apartheid activist, Hage Geingob, has died at the age of 82 after returning from treatment abroad for cancer. Namibia's third president Hage Geingob died in the early hours of Sunday while receiving treatment for cancer. The veteran leader was a strong anti-apartheid activist and lived outside Namibia for decades while South Africa ruled the country. He returned after independence to become the former German colony's longest-serving prime minister.   What we know so far Geingob was being treated at the private Lady Pohamba hospital in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, after his medical team had discovered cancerous cells following a biopsy. The presidency announced on February 2 that Geingob had returned from the US, where he had received "a two-day novel treatment for cancerous cells." Geingob's wife, Monica Geingob, and children were at his side, acting president Nangolo Mbumba said in a statement on social media. "The Namibian nation has lost a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect of our constitution and the pillar of the Namibian house," Mbumba said. The acting president said the Cabinet would meet swiftly to make the necessary state arrangements, and further announcements would follow.   Who was Hage Geingob?  Geingob was born in a village in northern Namibia in 1941 and was his country's first president outside of the Ovambo ethnic group, which makes up more than half the population. Geingob took up activism against apartheidfrom his early years, even before being driven into exile. After leaving Namibia, he spent almost three decades in Botswana and the United States While in the US, he represented the local liberation movement, SWAPO, now Namibia's ruling party, at the United Nations and across the Americas.  He returned home to Namibia in 1989, a year before the country became independent from South Africa.  Geingob was appointed prime minister when SWAPO won the first vote in 1990, and he held the position for 12 years before returning to it again in 2012 and going on to be president. 

President Mohammed Shahabuddin today (Jan 30) called upon the political parties to carry out non-violent constructive programmes and urged all concerned to take stern actions against corruption. The President also said that due to continuous democracy in the last decade and a half, the country is moving fast on the path of improvement and progress. We have to make more progress to build the Sonar Bangla of Bangabandhu's dream. Tough challenges to face in the future. That is why we must always be careful. He delivered the speech in the first session of the 12th National Parliament on Tuesday (January 30) afternoon. He said, "Uncertainty is increasing in the global economy due to geopolitical instability. If the global economic crisis occurs, it will also affect us. For this we must have the necessary preparation." However, Awami League formed the government for the fourth consecutive term after getting an absolute majority in the 12th national parliamentary elections. Sheikh Hasina took charge as the prime minister for the fourth time in a row and overall for the fifth time. At the same time, she was also elected as the leader of the parliament.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will address the first session of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) starting at 3 pm tomorrow (Jan 30). In line with the parliamentary practice, the President addresses the first parliamentary sitting every year. Earlier, he convened the first parliament session of 2024 exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Article 72 (1) of the Constitution. The President's speech has already been approved in the cabinet, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told.   He said the successes and future plans, including the development activities of the Awami League government, will get priority in the President's speech. Besides, several bills are likely to be placed before the House and passed as well in this session, the spokesman added. Before commencing the House proceedings on the day, the Parliamentary Business Advisory Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting, with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair, to fix the duration and agendas of the session.

A number of German business leaders joined German President Steinmeier as Berlin looks to diversify its economic activity away from China. The two countries are eying a deal to facilitate the movement of skilled workers. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier touched down in Vietnam on Tuesday as Germany looks to push   its China de-risking strategy. He was joined in the capital, Hanoi, by Labor Minister Hubertus Heil and a delegation of business leaders from top German industrial firms who will join him on a four-day tour of Southeast Asia. The visit "underlines Germany's interest in looking beyond China and diversifying its economic relations," said Florian Feyerabend, the representative in Vietnam for German think tank, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.   What's on the agenda for Steinmeier in Vietnam? Steinmeier was welcomed with military honors by Vietnam's President Vo Van Tthuong. He then attended a careers fair at the Goethe-Institut in Hanoi. After touring the capital, the two leaders will have talks and are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on facilitating the movement of skilled workers from Vietnam to Germany. On Wednesday, Steinmeier is due to visit the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. He will then spend two days visiting Thailand.   What German companies joined the trade mission? Among the German companies participating in the business mission is Herrenknecht, which dominates the global tunnel boring machine market and is already selling tools to construct a subway in Ho Chi Minh City. Other participating firms include building materials giant Knauf and adhesive manufacturer Tesa, both of which already have operations in the Southeast Asian country. Wind farm developer PNE AG also joined the delegation at a time when Vietnam is looking to expand its offshore wind sector. The German chamber of commerce in Vietnam said that German companies have invested more than $3 billion (€2.8 billion) into the manufacturing hub, with automotive supplier Bosch being the main investor. Germany is Vietnam's most important trading partner in the European Union, while Vietnam is one of Germany's most important partners in the group of ASEAN states.

The National Press Club in Washington DC held its annual membership meeting on Friday evening. At the meeting, outgoing President of the Club Ms. Eileen O'Reilly handed over the gavel to newly-elected President Ms. Emily Wilkins. Minister (Press) at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC AZM Sajjad Hossain attended the function as a member of the prestigious club of the USA. On behalf of the Bangladesh Embassy, the Minister (Press) extended heartfelt greetings to the new president of the club Ms. Emily Wilkins and wished her success in running the club. He also congratulated and thanked the outgoing President Ms. Eileen O'Reilly for successfully conducting the activities of the club during her tenure.  Earlier, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mr. Muhammad Imran and Press Minister AZM Sajjad Hossain met the outgoing President Ms. Eileen O’Reilly at the Press Club.

In swift action after the Taiwan election results, China summoned the Philippines ambassador as Manila congratulated the winner of Taiwan’s presidential election, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday.   It reported that the Chinese side on Tuesday lashed out at the Philippines after President Ferdinand Marcos sent Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te a note on his victory in the recent vote. The highly undiplomatic comments from Beijing, which warned Manila “not to play with fire,” will likely deepen the tension between the pair, which have been jousting over contesting territorial claims in the South China Sea.   In a social media post on Monday, Marcos told Lai, a staunch opponent of China and its claims to Taiwan, that he looks forward to cooperating. Expressing disappointment over the Manila move, Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said, “The Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes” Marcos’s remarks and urged Manila to give “a responsible explanation”.   The Philippines’ Foreign Ministry said that Marcos’s remarks were a way of recognising the Philippines and Taiwan’s “mutual interests”, including the 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on the island, Al Jazeera reported. “The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.   However, Mao said the remarks were still a violation of the “one China” principle, a principle that Beijing says provides the basis of its claim to sovereignty over Taiwan. The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also said that Marcos’s remarks were “a serious breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs.” “We are telling the Philippine side not to play with fire on the Taiwan issue … and to stop immediately its wrongful words and deeds on Taiwan-related issues and sending wrong signals to separatist forces for Taiwan independence,” she added.   Beijing does not maintain diplomatic ties with countries that recognise Taiwan and opposes official communications with Taipei by other countries. Independence-leaning Lai secured an easy victory in Taiwan’s presidential election on Saturday. The president-elect has also offered to hold talks with China, but Beijing has snubbed the invitation, Al Jazeera reported.   Other leaders that have also congratulated Lai on his victory include US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. Recent months have seen Beijing engaged in tense standoffs with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea. China has also been ramping up its military activity around Taiwan. China has vowed to seize the island it considers part of its territory by force if necessary. 

“The current Cabinet will be dissolved as soon as the new one is formed,” noted a Cabinet Division circular issued Wednesday (Jan 10). Prime Minister Hasina met President Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban in the afternoon, their first meeting since the Awami League secured a two-thirds majority in the 12th national election held on January 7.   The Head of State congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her landslide victory in the 12th parliamentary polls. During a meeting, the President, in line with the Constitution of Bangladesh, invited Sheikh Hasina, the incumbent Prime Minister of the 11th Parliament, to form the cabinet as the the majority of lawmakers were elected from Awami League in the 12th Jatiya Sangsad polls. He hoped Hasina would steer the country towards ‘Smart Bangladesh' and ‘Sonar Bangla’ envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.   Prime Minister Hasina expressed her gratitude to the people for giving the Awami League another opportunity to serve them.   This will be the Awami League’s fourth consecutive term in office and fifth overall, led by Hasina.

The Chinese government and its state-controlled entities spent over USD 5.5 million at properties owned by Donald Trump while he was in office, CNN reported quoting financial documents cited in a report from House Democrats released on Thursday. It reported that it was the largest total of payments made by any single foreign country known to date. The payments also included millions of dollars from China's Embassy in the United States, a state-owned Chinese bank accused by the US Justice Department of helping North Korea evade sanctions and a state owned Chinese air transit company.   Accounting records from Trump's former accounting firm, Mazars USA, were obtained by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. China is one of 20 countries that made at least USD 7.8 million in total payments to Trump-owned businesses and properties during the former president's stint in the White House, including his hotels in Washington DC, New York and Las Vegas, the report states.   CNN reported that the documents offer additional evidence of the rare practice of foreign governments spending money directly with businesses owned by a sitting president but are not a complete record of all foreign payments made to Trump's businesses during his time in the White House. At the time, Trump's lawyer said the former president planned to donate foreign profits from his hotels to the US Treasury Department. However, the amount reportedly donated by the Trump Organization in 2017 and 2018 falls well short of estimated foreign payments that were made to its properties. Trump refused to divest himself of corporate assets and properties before taking office, meaning he could still profit from his various businesses with little transparency. Democrats say the additional accounting records raise new questions about possible efforts to influence Trump through his companies while he was in the White House. As an example, committee Democrats point to the fact that Trump declined to impose sanctions on the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), a state-owned entity that leased property at Trump Tower in New York. A Securities and Exchange Commission filing from 2012 shows that the Chinese bank's base rent paid was USD 1.9 million and documents produced by Mazars confirm the bank stayed in Trump Tower through 2019 at least. In 2016, the Justice Department accused the bank of conspiring with a North Korean bank to evade US sanctions. But upon taking office, Trump did not sanction ICBC despite calls from Republican members of Congress to "apply maximum financial and diplomatic pressure" by "targeting more Chinese banks that do business with North Korea," House Oversight Committee Democrats wrote in a report summarizing the contents of the Mazars USA records. Asked about China's payments to Trump-owned properties, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told CNN, "China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and does not comment on issues related to US domestic politics." "At the same time, I want to stress that the Chinese government always requires Chinese companies to operate overseas under local laws and regulations. China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial. China opposes the US politicizing China-US economic and trade issues," Pengyu added. The Trump Organization said it donated over USD 450,000 in estimated profits from foreign government patronage to the US Treasury over the time of Trump's term. The company also worked to track all foreign government business across its entire portfolio and did not make new business investments overseas while Trump was in office. In a statement, Eric Trump said that the former president was tough on China regardless of any business interests.   "There is no President in United States history who was tougher on China than Donald Trump ... a President who introduced billions and billions of dollars worth of tariffs on their goods and services," Eric Trump said.   Meanwhile, the democrats criticised the Republican leader and argued that Mazar documents show Trump repeatedly violated the US Constitution's Emoluments Clause, which prohibits a president from receiving an "emolument," or profit, from any "King, Prince, or foreign State" unless Congress consents. Yet despite ethical concerns that have been raised about Trump's lack of adherence to constitutional norms that were embraced by his predecessors, legislation to enforce the Emoluments Clause has gone nowhere in Congress. The committee, which has investigated Trump's businesses and his lease of the Old Post Office in Washington from the US government that housed his hotel, was provided the records following a years-long court battle that ended in a settlement in 2022. Many of the documents in the subset released Thursday have not been previously made public. "These countries spent--often lavishly--on apartments and hotel stays at Donald Trump's properties--personally enriching President Trump while he made foreign policy decisions connected to their policy agendas with far-reaching ramifications for the United States," Democrats wrote in their report.   CNN reported that Saudi Arabia, for example, spent roughly USD 600,000 at Trump-owned properties during his time in office and was making significant payments in May 2017 when it signed a massive arms deal with the Trump administration. The Trump administration agreed to the controversial arms deal, worth over USD 100 billion, despite bipartisan concerns about civilian casualties resulting from Saudi Arabia's military intervention in Yemen. The report produced by House Democrats also highlighted comments made by Trump during a 2015 campaign rally regarding his view of Saudi Arabia. "Saudi Arabia, I get along great with all of them. They buy apartments from me. They spend USD 40 million, USD 50 million." He continued, "Am I supposed to dislike them? I like them very much!" Trump said at the time. Committee Democrats have previously released some of the accounting records, but those documents only accounted for a fraction of the foreign payments to Trump-owned businesses during the years he occupied the White House. A sizable percentage of foreign spending disclosed in the latest report comes from leases or common charge payments countries made for apartments their diplomatic missions rent or own at Trump World Tower, an apartment building across the street from the United Nations. Many of the countries bought properties years before Trump ran for office, but they continued to make payments to the Trump Organization during the presidency. Saudi Arabia, India, Qatar, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and a Chinese-government-linked petroleum company each owned or rented apartments at Trump World Tower and combined paid the Trump Organization an estimated USD 1.7 million in fees, according to House Democrats. The figure is based on records the Democrats received from Mazars for the year 2018--the only year Mazars gave to the committee--and then an extrapolation based on the assumption that the charges remain the same during Trump's presidency. The biggest payment to the UN property came from Saudi Arabia, which owns the 45th floor of the apartment tower. Democrats estimate the Saudi government paid USD 537,080 during Trump's presidency--out of a total of USD 615,422 in emoluments. The remainder came from payments to Trump's hotel in Washington, DC. Qatar paid an estimated USD 465,744 for the properties it owned during Trump's presidency; India paid at least USD 264,184; Afghanistan spent an estimated USD 153,208 for its unit; and Kuwait paid Trump's company USD 152,664 for the Trump World Tower. Kuwait also spent roughly USD 150,000 to the Washington hotel for National Day events held by its embassy in 2017 and 2018, according to Mazars records. The national day event was also held at the hotel in 2019, but the Democrats said they did not receive records from Mazars related to the cost. The events were attended by Trump administration officials, the Democrats said citing press releases from the Kuwaiti embassy.     Source: Dailyhunt