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Trump rechazo solicitudes de Maduro en llamada, opciones se reducen para el lider venezolano: fuentes
El presidente de Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, se esta quedando sin opciones para dimitir y abandonar su pais bajo la proteccion de Estados Unidos, tras una breve llamada el mes pasado con Donald Trump, en la que el presidente estadounidense rechazo una serie de solicitudes del lider venezolano, segun cuatro fuentes informadas sobre la conversacion. La llamada, realizada el 21 de noviembre, se produjo tras meses de creciente presion estadounidense sobre Venezuela, incluyendo ataques contra lanchas presuntamente usadas para narcotrafico en el Caribe, reiteradas amenazas de Trump de extender operaciones militares a tierra y la designacion del Cartel de los Soles, un grupo que segun la administracion en Washington incluye a Maduro, como organizacion terrorista. Maduro y su gobierno han negado todas las acusaciones y afirman que Estados Unidos busca un cambio de regimen para tomar el control de los vastos recursos naturales de Venezuela, incluido el petroleo. El presidente venezolano le dijo a Trump durante la llamada que estaba dispuesto a salir de Venezuela siempre que a el y a sus familiares se les garantizara total amnistia, incluyendo el levantamiento de todas las sanciones estadounidenses y el fin de un caso emblematico que enfrenta ante la Corte Penal Internacional, segun tres de las fuentes. Tambien solicito el levantamiento de las sanciones para mas de 100 funcionarios del gobierno venezolano, muchos de ellos acusados ? ?por Estados Unidos de abusos contra los derechos humanos, narcotrafico o corrupcion, segun las tres personas. Maduro propuso que la vicepresidenta Delcy Rodriguez encabezara un gobierno interino antes de convocar nuevas elecciones, segun dos de las fuentes. Trump rechazo la mayoria de sus solicitudes en la llamada, que duro menos de 15 minutos, pero le dijo a Maduro que tenia una semana para salir de Venezuela hacia el destino que eligiera junto con sus familiares. Ese salvoconducto expiro el viernes pasado, lo que llevo a Trump a declarar el sabado que el espacio aereo venezolano debia considerarse completamente cerrado, dijeron dos de las fuentes. Varios detalles de la llamada fueron reportados previamente por el Miami Herald. La fecha limite del viernes no se habia revelado previamente. Trump confirmo el domingo que habia hablado con Maduro, sin dar mas precisiones. La Casa Blanca se nego a dar mas detalles, y el Ministerio de Informacion de Venezuela, que gestiona todas las consultas de prensa del gobierno, no respondio de inmediato a las solicitudes de comentarios. El gobierno de Trump ha dicho que no reconoce a Maduro, en el cargo desde 2013, como presidente legitimo de Venezuela. El Consejo Nacional Electoral declaro a Maduro reelecto el ano pasado tras unos comicios que Estados Unidos y otros gobiernos occidentales calificaron de fraudulentos y en los que, segun observadores independientes, la oposicion gano abrumadoramente. El lunes, al dirigirse a simpatizantes, Maduro juro "absoluta lealtad" al pueblo venezolano. No esta claro si Maduro aun puede presentar una nueva propuesta que incluya un salvoconducto. Trump mantuvo conversaciones el lunes con sus principales asesores para discutir la campana de presion sobre Venezuela, entre otros temas, dijo un alto funcionario estadounidense. Una fuente en Washington informada sobre las conversaciones internas del gobierno de Trump, no descarto la posibilidad de una salida negociada de Maduro, pero enfatizo que persisten desacuerdos significativos y que aun quedan detalles importantes por resolver. La Casa Blanca y el Ministerio de Informacion de Venezuela, que gestiona todas las consultas de prensa del gobierno, no respondieron de inmediato a solicitudes de comentarios. Trump confirmo el domingo que habia hablado con Maduro, sin dar mas detalles. Estados Unidos ha aumentado a 50 millones de dolares la recompensa por informacion que conduzca al arresto de Maduro y ofrece 25 millones de dolares por otros altos funcionarios del gobierno, incluido el ministro del Interior, Diosdado Cabello, quien ha sido acusado en Estados Unidos de presunto narcotrafico, entre otros delitos. Todos han negado las acusaciones. El gobierno de Maduro ha solicitado otra llamada con Trump, segun las tres fuentes. (Reporte de Marianna Parraga en Houston, Matt Spetalnick en Boston y Sarah Kinosian en Philadelphia; reporte adiconal de Steve Holland. Editado por Christian Plumb y Julia Symmes-Cobb)
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China's stock rally begins to gain investor confidence
Fund managers are holding volatile tech stocks in China and picking industrial stocks, betting that a two-year old equities rally will withstand an economic downturn, as valuations, and steady returns, lure foreign investors. China's blue chip index CSI300 is up 16% on the year to date, matching S&P 500. Hong Kong's Hang Seng has risen about 30% and is set for its biggest annual gain since 2017. The mood has changed from the euphoria triggered by stimulus a year earlier, but the ride is getting bumpier. This is especially true as the pressure on China Vanke reminds the market participants that the prolonged property downturn will not be over. Investors and analysts seem to have little concern about the current bull market, claiming that it is only taking a break. Laura Wang, Morgan Stanley's China equity strategist, said: "We think we are only at the beginning stages of a gradual process where foreign investors come back to China." She said that investors had begun to change their minds after seeing the results of this year. China stocks have also defied Sino-American trade friction and climbed thanks to state support, improved corporate governance and big gains for artificial-intelligence-linked stocks after the impressive release of DeepSeek's chatbot. A record HK$1.38 billion ($177 billion) has also been poured into Hong Kong's capital markets, which have seen a revival. Fund manager Xia Fuguang at Shenzhen Rongzhi Investment said that the next leg of bull run would likely be driven primarily by fundamental improvements and growth in earnings. He is also in favor of Beijing's anti-involution campaign, which is a campaign to combat industrial overcapacity, price wars and other issues. Fund managers claim that the valuations of industrial stocks, which are based on anti-involution policies, are also attractive and are attracting investment. Fund manager Wang An explained that "cyclical stocks are relatively inexpensive, so you can build positions at a time when prices are low as anti-involution policy gradually takes root." According to Datayes, over the past three-month period, ETFs that track the CSI Battery Thematic Index have seen net inflows of 13.5 billion yuan, or $1.91 billion. Another 11.2 billion yuan has been invested in funds tracking the CSI Chemicals Sub-industry Index. Net outflows of 31.1 billion yuan were recorded by funds tracking the tech-heavy STAR 50 Index during the same time period. Xu Jie is a fund manager from Shanghai at Yuanzi Investment Management. He has purchased solar energy, steelmaking, and coal stocks. Xu, citing possible inflows of foreigners and depositors, said that there is "no doubt" the slow bull run in China will continue into next year. The Shanghai Composite Index, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng, are currently trading at about 12 times earnings. According to LSEG, this compares to a multiple 28 for the S&P 500 and a ratio 21 for Japan's Nikkei 225. The FTSE 100 Index in Europe has a ratio of 21. Whether you consider valuation or liquidity we are only halfway through the bull market, said Wang Wendi. Distribution manager at Shanghai Intewise Capital. The company has increased its stakes in steelmakers and chemical producers. Zenith & Xenium Capital is another Chinese fund house that has also made bets on cyclical sectors like photovoltaic companies, refiners, chemical processors, and new energy. NEW CHINA For the past few decades, foreigners have been concerned about policy risks in China. They have kept their allocations low while U.S. investments and global investments performed well. Investors have said that they are not 100% in China. Factory activity has slowed down for the eighth consecutive month in October. Vincenzo Vedda is the global chief investment officer of DWS. He said, "We're not sure about China." China no longer provides real-time information on foreign investment. The latest figures from the central bank show that foreign holdings reached 3.5 trillion Yuan by the end of September. This is still well below the peak of 3.9 trillion Yuan in 2021, but it does reflect some strength. Florian Neto is the head of Asia investment at Amundi - Europe's largest asset manager. He is neutral, but makes a distinction between "old China", where exporters and developers were facing economic headwinds, and "new China", where AI and Biotech firms could expect earnings growth. He said that the market is driven by innovation, technology and innovative drugs. We are looking forward to adding more. Investors who look at their returns for the full year may decide to buy in 2026. Kristina Hooper, chief market analyst at Man Group New York, said that other stock markets performed better this year than the U.S. "I think most investors will recognize this paradigm shift by January... I believe that encourages looking for opportunities outside of the U.S., especially when valuations are so stretched."
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Sudan's RSF paramilitary claims to have taken control of Babanusa, West Kordofan
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of Sudan (RSF), a group that aims to protect the oil-producing South, announced on Monday it had taken full control over Babanusa. The RSF released a statement saying that it "liberated" Babanusa, in West Kordofan State -- the latest frontline of the war in Sudan. It did so by repelling "a surprise assault" from the Sudanese Army in what they called "a clear breach of the humanitarian ceasefire." Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said on November 19 that he would intervene in order to end the conflict which erupted in April 2023. In November, the United States, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, collectively known as the Quad, proposed a plan that would include a three-month ceasefire followed by peace negotiations. RSF said it accepted the plan but attacked army territory shortly after with drone strikes. The RSF's attack on Babanusa builds upon the momentum the group gained after taking al-Fasher in October, the last army holdout in Darfur. (Reporting and writing by Menna Alaa el Din; editing by Cynthia Osterman; Muhammad Al Gebaly, Alexander Dziadosz, and Alexander Dziadosz)
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Algoma Steel will cease blast furnace operations and lay off 1,000 employees as tariffs bite
Algoma Steel, a Canadian steelmaker, announced on Monday that it will lay off 1,000 workers and close its blast-furnace and coke production operations in Ontario by early 2026 because of tariff pressures. Tariffs of 50% on steel imported from Canada have severely restricted Canadian producers' access to the U.S. Algoma is based in Sault Ste. Marie has announced that it will switch to electric arc-furnace steelmaking in early 2026. This is a year sooner than originally planned. Algoma Steel said that the North American steel industry is highly integrated and the tariffs levied by the U.S. have had a significant impact on the market. The company reported direct tariff costs totaling C$89.7 Million ($64.10 Million) for the quarter ended September 30. About half of the total steel volume was shipped to the U.S. Algoma is planning to issue approximately 1,000 notices of layoffs that will take effect on March 23, 2026. The company employed 2,818 people full-time as of December 31, 2024. The company stated that "this transition is needed to protect Algoma’s future against these external and extraordinary market forces."
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Nippon Steel executive: US Steel's poor performance is temporary.
An executive at Nippon Steel said that the company sees U.S. Steel's weak performance as temporary, and is committed to investing an additional $11 billion in order to increase its profit contribution by 2028 to approximately 250 billion yen (1.6 billion dollars). After an 18-month battle to gain approval from the U.S. Government, Japan's largest steelmaker completed its $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel by June. It increased its net loss projection for the year ending March 31, from 40 billion to 60 billion, after cutting its expected profit contribution of the unit from 80 billion to zero. Takahiro Muri, vice chairman of the company, said last week that despite recent poor performance our plans had not veered significantly from track since acquisition. The $11 billion investment will be used to address areas that have high variable costs. U.S. Steel has been under-investing for many years. The investment will produce results. He said: "We cannot provide specific figures about U.S. Steel but our previous outlook for underlying profits - excluding the effects of inventory valuation - remains largely unchanged. We expect around 250 billion yen in underlying profit by 2028." Mori stated that uncertainty about U.S. interest rates and tariffs had led to a drop in U.S. Steel prices this year. An explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, as well as the high variable costs of the unit had also affected its earnings. Mori noted that U.S. Steel should see its performance improve as a result of the one-off factors, the expected recovery in the market, the easing of policy uncertainty, and the operation at full capacity of the Big River 2 plant. "Things are going to move in the right direction next year." Nippon Steel secured a bridge loan of 2 trillion yen to finance the acquisition. This loan must be refinanced within one year. To repay a part of the loan, it has already raised 500bn yen via a subordinated debt. Mori stated that the recent downward revision of Nippon Steel’s annual profit forecast will not affect financing for acquisitions or investments in India. When asked whether low earnings could affect equity financing, Mori replied: "I do not think it would have much of an impact. But if it did, then another method would be the best choice." Nippon Steel has identified India, the U.S. and Thailand as key growth regions. We view India's long-term growth. Mori stated that short-term fluctuations in Nippon Steel earnings will not affect our growth strategy for India.
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Jamaica receives $6.7 billion in funding from agencies to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica has received up to $6.7 billion from international agencies for reconstruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Melissa, one the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the Caribbean, caused catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica with 30 inches of rain (76 cm). The damage was estimated at $10 billion. In a statement released on Monday, the agencies stated that they will receive support from the Development Bank of Latin America & the Caribbean CAF (the Development Bank), the IMF, World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank CDB and Inter-American Development Bank. They said that up to $3.6 billion could be available as sovereign financing for Jamaica's government's recovery program and reconstruction. This amount includes up to $1 billion from each of the CAF, IDB, and World Bank. $200 million comes from the CDB, and $415 million could come from the International Monetary Fund through its Rapid Financing Window for Natural Disasters. The institutions stated that their divisions, IDB Invest IFC and MIGA are working on providing an initial $2.4 Billion in private investment to rebuild. The statement added that the disaster-risk funding framework in Jamaica had enabled $662 million of the domestic contingency fund, insurance payouts, and contingent credit lines to be allocated as urgent needs. They said that an additional $12 million had been raised in grants from the IDB and the World Bank to help with recovery efforts. (Reporting and writing by Zahra Burton, editing by Aida Pelaez Fernandez, Alexander Smith, and Natalia Siniawski)
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Jags RB says Titans punter allegedly threatened to kill him
Tennessee Titans runningback Julius Chestnut says Jacksonville Jaguars punter Logan Cooke allegedly threatened to kill during Sunday's match in Nashville. Chestnut blocked Cooke on a punt-return early in the fourth quarter, as the Jaguars won 25-3. Cooke was knocked out of the game by the play. He was evaluated for a possible concussion and returned to the game. The two players were again in a heated exchange after another punt was returned with 11:49 left. Chestnut said that Cooke told him he was going to kill him. "That's exactly what he told me." He said that he would kill me. I've never heard of that before. It was odd. You know, a punter in particular. It was odd." Cooke wasn't asked about the alleged comments he made after the match. Cooke is 30 years old and in his eighth year with the Jaguars. He was drafted in the seventh round of 2018 by the Jaguars. Last season, he was named to his first Pro Bowl. Chestnut, 25, has been with the Titans since 2022 after being undrafted. This season, he has rushed for 39 yard on 10 carries. Field Level Media
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Who is Trump's target?
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has continued to criticize and take action against corporate executives, institutions and corporations, even months after assuming office. His actions, from new export deals to freezing university grants, have changed the status quo in the United States between government, law and academia. Trump has publicly criticised a number of influential individuals and entities. The CEO of GUNVOR will step down Torbjorn Tornqvist, CEO of global commodity trading company Gunvor, will be step down Sell his entire shareholding through a management buyout. This comes after the U.S. labeled the company the "Kremlin’s puppet" because of its previous Russian connections. On Monday, the firm announced that Americas director Gary Pedersen will take over the role. Pedersen was hired just last year by the company. Last month, the U.S. Treasury sank Gunvor's biggest ever deal The acquisition of international assets owned by the Russian oil giant Lukoil, sanctioned by the United States. Pedersen’s promotion coincides Gunvor’s efforts to improve its relations with the U.S. Hold active discussions In recent weeks, investors have invested in U.S. oil-and-gas producing assets. GOLDMAN SACHS Goldman's Economic Research arm published a report in August that stated U.S. Consumers had absorbed 22 percent of tariff costs up to June. Their share could increase to 67%, if recent levies continue the same pattern. Trump stated shortly after that "David Solomon, and Goldman Sachs, refuse to give credit when credit is due." In a post made on Truth Social. Trump claimed that "mostly, companies and governments, some of which are foreign, pick up the tab". Solomon's former hobby of DJing was also criticized by Trump. Trump asked Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tang to resign in early August because of China ties. In April, it was reported that Tan had invested $200 million into hundreds of Chinese chip and advanced manufacturing firms, including some linked to the Chinese military. "The CEO at INTEL has a great deal of CONFLICT and must resign immediately." Trump stated in a Truth Social post that there is no solution to the problem. Tan replied to Trump by saying that he shared Trump's commitment to advance U.S. economic and national security, and that the Intel Board was "fully supportive" of the transformation work our company is doing. After a meeting with Tan, Trump praised him and the U.S. Government decided to buy a stake in this chipmaker. MICROSOFT Trump said in September that the tech company should fire Lisa Monaco, its global affairs director who has served in previous Democratic administrations. Trump stated on Truth Social that "She is a threat to U.S. National Security" due to the large contracts Microsoft has with the United States Government. "In my opinion, Microsoft should terminate Lisa Monaco's employment immediately." Trump stated that Monaco's position at Microsoft would allow her to access highly sensitive information. "This kind of access cannot stand," said Trump. Monaco, who joined Microsoft in July, worked as a security adviser in the former president Barack Obama’s administration. He also served as deputy attorney general under former president Joe Biden. Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla's electric car company, spent hundreds of million dollars to support Trump's reelection. Investors who bid up Tesla's stock anticipated that this move would benefit Musk's empire. Musk and Trump fell out, however, in June, after Musk criticised Trump's tax-cutting and spending bill, claiming that it would increase the federal debt. Musk responded to Trump's comments on Truth Social by threatening to cut off federal contracts and subsidies to Musk's businesses. Trump also said that the billionaire had "gone CRAZY", after the bill was amended to remove the mandate for electric vehicles. JAGUAR LAND RIDER Trump criticised Jaguar's rebranding campaign in August. He called the campaign "woke", "stupid" and linked it to the departure from the CEO of the company. Trump's remarks came at the same time that Tata Motors announced the retirement from the British automaker of Adrian Mardell who had spent over three decades with the company. Jaguar unveiled last year a new visual identity and logo as part of its brand refresh to reposition itself as an electrical automaker. This move sparked a backlash online and was criticized by brand loyalists. Trump has threatened tariffs on Apple and Tim Cook for selling iPhones in the U.S. outside of the country. After a meeting with Cook in Doha, Qatar in May, Trump said that he confronted him about Apple's plans to manufacture the majority of iPhones sold in America in factories in India by 2026. In a post on social media, Trump said he had told Cook "long time ago" "I expect that their iPhones will be sold in America, and not in India or anywhere else". Early in August, Trump announced that Apple would invest another $100 billion dollars in the U.S. This will bring its total commitment domestically to $600 billion within the next four-year period. Cook gave Trump an American souvenir made with 24-karat-gold base. AMAZON.COM Trump complained to Jeff Bezos, former CEO of Amazon.com in April about a report that stated the company would display the prices to show the impact tariffs have on the ecommerce retailer Amazon.com. Amazon, however, said that it only briefly considered charging import fees for certain goods following Trump's announcement of tariffs in April, but abandoned the plan after the White House accused Amazon of a hostile political act. Trump told reporters later that Bezos "very quickly" solved the problem and was "very nice". BANK OF AMERICA & JPMORGAN CHASE In August, Trump claimed that JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and BofA CEO Brian Moynihan discriminated against him. He had earlier said that they didn't provide banking services for conservatives. In a video speech at the World Economic Forum, Trump stated, "What you are doing is wrong." In a question and answer session with CEOs and corporate leaders assembled on stage, Trump did not provide any evidence of wrongdoing. Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase was also mentioned. "You, Jamie and everyone, I hope you are going to open your bank up to conservatives." Both lenders have repeatedly denied allegations of "debanking." WALMART Trump stated in May that Walmart, China and other retailers should "eat tariffs" to avoid burdening American consumers. This was after Doug McMillon had said the retailer couldn't absorb all tariff-related cost due to narrow retail margins. Walmart should STOP blaming tariffs for the price increases across the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS of DOLLARS in the last year. This was far more than anticipated, Trump wrote on social media. Trump didn't call McMillon out personally but he did publicly criticize Walmart for attributing the price increases in May to the tariffs his administration imposed. CRACKER BAREL A retail chain was blindsided by an unexpected reaction when it changed its logo to remove the image of a man in overalls known as "Uncle Herschel", leaning on a barrel. Cracker Barrel announced in late August that it would stick with its decades old logo. Plans for a brand new one were scrapped after social media backlash from the U.S. president Donald Trump, among others. "Congratulations Cracker Barrel on restoring your original logo. "All of your fans are very appreciative," Trump said after the company reversed its decision on Truth Social. COMCAST Trump criticised Comcast's cable news network MSNBC over its coverage of his government. Trump told reporters that MSNBC was changing its name to MS NOW because the network's owners were ashamed. Trump called Comcast "weak, ineffective and headed by Brian Roberts" last week. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION In anticipation of the U.S. 250th Anniversary, the White House announced that it would lead an internal review for some Smithsonian Museums and Exhibitions. Declaration of Independence. In an executive directive issued in March, Trump stated that the institution was under the influence of "divisive and race-centered ideologies" over the past few years. HARVARD UNIVERSITY Trump has targeted the oldest and wealthiest university in the United States, canceling federal grants worth $2.5 billion and mounting efforts to stop research funding for Harvard. This is part of an overall campaign to change U.S. Universities, which Trump claims are dominated by antisemitic, "radical-left" ideologies. We are going to take away Harvard's tax exempt status. "It's what they deserved!" In May, Trump posted a message on his social media platform. Trump announced on September 30, that after months of negotiation over school policies, his administration is close to an agreement with Harvard University. The deal would include a payment of $500 million by the Ivy League university. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY The Trump administration announced in March that it would cancel $400 million of federal funding to Columbia University for how it handled the protests last year. This is just the beginning of many arrests to come. "We know that there are many more students at Columbia University and other Universities in the Country who have engaged pro-terrorists, antisemitic and anti-American activities, and the Trump Administration won't tolerate it," Trump wrote in a post on social media. These comments were made after the arrest Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate who was a major participant in the protests. In July, the University announced that it would pay more than $200 million in settlement to the U.S. Government as part of a deal with Trump's Administration. LAW FIRMS Trump issued an executive order in March that restricted access to federal facilities and suspended security clearances of its employees due to their ties with Hillary Clinton and DEI policy. Trump said that it was an "absolute honor" to sign the order. Trump had also issued a similar order in March against the New York law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, which he subsequently retracted after reaching a settlement. In February, the law firm Covington & Burling was confronted with Trump's Presidential Memorandum, which suspended all security clearances of Peter Koski, and Covington employees, who had assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith in prosecuting Trump. Covington has said that it will continue to represent Jack Smith in spite of these measures. Trump said, "We will continue to hold those who are responsible for weaponizing government and who supported this accountable." THE NEW YORK TIMES PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE Trump has filed a $15 Billion lawsuit defamation lawsuit In September, he filed a lawsuit against the New York Times as well as book publisher Penguin Random House. He accuses these major media companies of unfairly treating him. THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Trump sued The Wall Street Journal, its owners and employees Rupert Murdoch was sued in July by the New York Times for $10 billion over a report that revealed that his name appeared on a 2003 greeting to Jeffrey Epstein, which included a sexually explicit drawing and references to secrets that they shared. (Reporting by Deborah Sophia, Juveria Tabassum, Niket Nishant, Shivansh Tiwary, Savyata Mishra, Kritika Lamba, Arsheeya Bajwa, Zaheer Kachwala, Puyaan Singh, Pooja Menon and Dharna Bafna in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Sriraj Kalluvila and Arun Koyyur)
Shoigu leads a large Russian delegation to Egypt for talks on military issues, RIA reports
The Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, along with a large delegation that included senior nuclear and arms officials, arrived in Cairo Sunday to hold military discussions with Egypt's leaders. RIA reported.
RIA reported that Shoigu will meet with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Egypt's National Security Advisor, the Foreign and Defence Ministers, and other senior intelligence and security officials.
The Russian Security Council press service said that "priority topics" included the prospects of implementing agreements made at the highest levels, including those in military and military technical cooperation.
Shoigu is a close ally of Vladimir Putin, and was the former minister of defence who led Russia's involvement in Ukraine. He remains a major player in the Kremlin's security and defence apparatus, and has a significant voice.
Russia and Egypt have maintained close relations, with Moscow and Cairo balancing their relationship with Western allies and Gulf partners amid the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza.
The Russian delegation is made up of officials from Rosoboronexport (arms exporter), Roscosmos (space agency), Rosatom (nuclear agency), as well as the Interior, Foreign, Justice, Industry, and Industry Ministries, according to RIA. (Reporting and editing by Deepa Babyington in Melbourne. Reporting by Lidia Kelley)
(source: Reuters)