Asia Press Agency

Tag: joint statement

  • India and Maldives Hold Talks on Military Personnel Withdrawal

    India and Maldives Hold Talks on Military Personnel Withdrawal

    India and Maldives engaged in the second round of talks in New Delhi on February 2 to address the longstanding issue of the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Indian Ocean archipelago. The talks come against the backdrop of increasing tensions between the two nations, with Maldives expressing the desire for the removal of all Indian military personnel from its territory.

     

    A joint statement released after the meeting emphasized that both sides agreed on a set of mutual workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medevac services to the people of Maldives. However, the statement did not provide specific details regarding the withdrawal of military personnel.

     

    The next meeting of the High-Level Core Group, established by India and Maldives to address this issue, is scheduled to take place in Male on a mutually convenient date. The statement reflected the diplomatic nature of the discussions but did not elaborate on the specifics of the agreed-upon solutions.

     

    Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu had previously set a deadline of March 15 for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. This demand was initially discussed during the first meeting of the High-Level Core Group held in Male on January 14. While the two sides agreed to expedite the withdrawal at that time, further discussions were deemed necessary by the Indian delegation.

     

    The establishment of the High-Level Core Group was a result of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Muizzu on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai in December. The group was formed to address and resolve issues affecting bilateral relations between the two countries.

     

    President Muizzu, who assumed office in November, has been perceived as a leader with pro-China inclinations. His stance on the eviction of Indian military personnel from the Maldives has strained ties between the two nations. Shortly after taking office, Muizzu called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, citing it as a commitment he intended to fulfill.

     

    Currently, approximately 80 Indian military personnel are stationed in the Maldives, primarily tasked with operating two helicopters and an aircraft. These assets have been instrumental in conducting numerous medical evacuations and humanitarian missions, contributing to the close cooperation between the two nations.

     

    As the discussions continue between India and Maldives, the diplomatic landscape remains complex, with the need for strategic considerations to balance regional interests and maintain stability in the Indian Ocean region. The upcoming meetings of the High-Level Core Group will likely play a crucial role in determining the future course of action and the resolution of the issues at hand.

  • Hugh Jackman Speaks About Split with Wife Deborra

    Hugh Jackman Speaks About Split with Wife Deborra

    Hugh Jackman has spoken publicly for the first time about his separation from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-lee Furness. The couple’s joint statement announcing their decision to go their separate ways made headlines over the weekend. In response to a paparazzo’s question about the split, Jackman acknowledged that it’s a “difficult time.”

     

     

    According to a report by TMZ, Hugh Jackman was spotted on the streets of New York City on Saturday when a paparazzo approached him to ask about his separation from Deborra-lee Furness. Jackman responded, “I don’t feel quite right talking about it on the street. But I appreciate your thoughts, man. It’s a difficult time.”

     

    Hugh Jackman was seen wearing a dark T-shirt that highlighted his muscles, paired with black pants, black shoes, and sunglasses. After addressing the question about his separation, the actor was pressed by the cameraman about the status of his upcoming film, Deadpool 3, which is currently paused due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Jackman replied, “Well, I can’t really know … until I get back to work. As soon as possible, man,” before walking away.

     

    The joint statement issued by Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness announced their separation after nearly three decades of marriage. In their statement to People, they expressed gratitude for their time together and explained their decision to separate as a means of pursuing individual growth while emphasizing the importance of their family.

     

    The statement read, “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth. Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”

     

    Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness began their relationship after meeting on the set of the Australian TV series Corelli in 1995. They married the following year, on April 11, 1996, and adopted two children together, Oscar and Ava. The couple had attended the Met Gala together in May of the same year before announcing their separation.

     

    As Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness navigate this new chapter in their lives, they have requested privacy and understanding from the public and the media.