AlJazeera
18 November 2016

Despite public opposition, Ferdinand Marcos, the late president of the Philippines, has been buried in a heroes' cemetery in the capital in a ceremony shrouded in secrecy .

The ceremony began at noon on Friday 18th November 2016 with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention at the Cemetery of Heroes in Manila, after Marcos' body was secretly flown to the venue in an apparent effort to avoid protests.

"There is a sense of doom here, coming from protesters who oppose the burial. They say Marcos was a thief until the very end," Al Jazeera's Jamela Alindogan, reporting from the military-run cemetery , said.

"He cheated his way to power and killed many people."

The Supreme Court ruled last week that Marcos could be entombed in the cemetery, where former presidents, soldiers and national artists have been interred.

President Rodrigo Duterte had promised a hero's burial for Marcos during his election campaign.

Still, the funeral shocked many pro-democracy advocates and human-rights victims who planned several protests nationwide on Friday to oppose the burial.

In a statement sent to Al Jazeera, opposition senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV called the burial "a sinister move."

"They remain deaf to the calls of the many Filipinos demanding justice for the abuses during the Marcos regime and remain numb to the pain of too many innocent victims of Martial Law."

Police said that the remains of Marcos were flown by helicopter from his hometown in Ilocos Norte for the burial in the Cemetery of Heroes in metropolitan Manila.

They also said that the ceremony was not an official state funeral.

Marcos was president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, when he was overthrown by a revolt - dubbed the People Power revolution - and forced to flee into exile to Hawaii, where he died in 1989.

His body was returned to the Philippines in 1993 and has since been kept in a refrigerated crypt in a mausoleum in his hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte, 470 km North of Manila.

Doha, November 18, 2016
QNA

Egypt's Karim Abdel Gawad won today Qatar Classic 2016, after defeating his compatriot Mohammed El Shorbagy 3-0.

The final, which took place in Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, ended 12-10, 15-13 and 11-7 for 25 year-old Abdel Gawad.

Nabil Ali bin Ali, President of Qatar Squash Federation and Alex Gough, CEO, Professional Squash Association handed over the trophy.

Karim Abdel Gawad won Qatar Classic for the first time this year. He also defeated El Shorbagy last week in the semi-final of the world championship.

It is first major win for Karim Abdel Gawad in his career.

14 November 2016

Representative of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to State of Qatar, Aytug Fazil Plumer has invited Qatari business community for investments in his country. He was addressing recently on the occasion of 33rd Anniversary celebrations of proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at The Doha W Hotel.

He said ' It is right time for investments in infrastructural sector. I call upon our Qatari friends to consider opportunities offered in every sector in Northern Cyprus for investments.'

Plumer said that prestigious Water Pipeline Project from Turkey to Cyprus is completed and 'fresh water is already in our dams and running through our taps'. He said that 'I cannot emphasize enough the significance of this water supply which will transform the country in terms of agricultural production and also boost tourism and the related sectors.'

He said that on-going close cooperation between Turkey and Northern Cyprus is witnessed from the last month agreement for cooperation in energy sector, on completion of the project, will be able to get secure electric supply to the Island through cables under the sea. Plumer said that it will lead to cooperation in developing renewable energy projects and infrastructural investments in the area of hydrocarbons.

Plumer said that ' Nearly 1/3rd of 93,000 enrolled students in universities of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) belong to Gulf are coming from countries of the Middle East', Aytug Fazil Plumer, Representative of TRNC in State of Qatar said in his address on the occasion of gala dinner hosted by him celebrating . He said that students from Arab countries constitute a large number in this group.

Aytug Fazil Plumer assured that students coming to Cyprus will find friendly and tranquil environment to pursue their education goals in their second home, Northern Cyprus.

Aytug Plumer paying his gratitude said ' I would like to thanks our motherland Turkey from the bottom of my heart'.

17 November 2016
Qatar

The 18th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) was convened in Doha, State of Qatar on Thursday, November 17, 2016 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, as President of the Ministerial Meeting.

The Meeting was attended by Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela as well as Azerbaijan, Iraq, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman and Peru as Observers. The Chairman of the Executive Board and the Secretary General attended the meeting.

In his opening remarks, the President of the Ministerial Meeting highlighted that the energy market in general and the gas market in particular are experiencing rapid changes and characterized by ample supply, slower demand growth and lower prices.

He said that the changing dynamics of the gas markets are presenting both challenges and opportunities that have to be carefully examined and, with more cooperation and coordination among member countries, appropriate measures should be taken to address them properly.

Dr. AlSada emphasized the role of the GECF as a Forum of leading exporters of gas that have an important role to play in satisfying world energy needs, in a manner that is environmentally friendly and consistent with climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. He reiterated the commitments of GECF to continue to be a reliable source of gas in the world.

The President of the Ministerial meeting also commended the work done by the Executive Board and the Secretariat in various aspects especially in completing the GECF Outlook 2040 and the Long Term Strategy (LTS).

Moreover, the Minister stressed the need for closer cooperation among Member Countries to ensure the stability of markets and sustainability of gas supply and promote natural gas share in the energy mix in the long run.

The Ministers listened to two presentations, the short-term gas market report as well as the development of the gas market in the long term based on the GECF Outlook and discussed the challenges and opportunities of the gas market.

The Ministerial Meeting was a milestone achievement for the GECF. Two important documents, the Long Term Strategy and the GECF Outlook 2040 were discussed. The Long Term Strategy defines the GECF vision, mission and strategic objectives.

The Ministers approved the Long Term Strategy (LTS) and mandated the Executive Board to develop a five year action plan for its implementation. The LTS is to be reviewed every 5 years.

While emphasizing the importance of security of both supply and demand, the Ministers reiterated their commitment to continue to be reliable suppliers and long term partners with their customers. In this context, they attached greater importance to dialogue and interaction with all gas market stakeholders and players.

The Ministers underlined the momentum created by the Paris agreement and recalled the important role of gas in responding to environmental concerns, both in terms of air quality and climate change, given the environmentally friendly characteristics of natural gas that make it a fuel of choice.

The Ministers appointed Alexander Novak, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, as President of the Ministerial Meeting from January 1st until December 31st, 2017, and Gabriel M. Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea as Alternate President for the same period.

It was also decided that the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the GECF will convene in Moscow, Russia on the 4th of October 2017.

The Ministers also approved that the 4th GECF Gas Summit will be held in Bolivia in 2017.

The Ministers expressed their appreciation to Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

The Ministers also expressed their appreciation to Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of the State of Qatar, and to the Government of Qatar for their hospitality and excellent arrangements made for the Meeting.

November 17, 2016

DefenseSales referring US State Department reported that the State Department has approved two potential high-profile fighter jet sales of 32 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to Kuwait worth $ 10.1 billion and 72 F-15QA planes to Qatar worth $ 21.1 billion.

It Says that the sale would be a major coup for Boeing, which manufactures both planes and has banked on foreign sales to extend the life of its fighter jet lines into the 2020s.

The Kuwaiti deal for E-model Super Hornets, 8 F-models, their associated F414-GE-400 engines and spares, 41 AN/APG active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and a slew of weapon systems, including 20mm guns, 240 guided missile launchers, 45 AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receivers, 12 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER advanced targeting pods, 48 Link-16 systems, eight con-formal fuel tanks among others. The sale also includes associated support and logistics services.

The agreement with Qatar for the aircraft and their associated weapons systems, US-based training, maintenance support equipment, and logistics support, among other items. The country is considering splitting the 72-jet purchase between Boeing’s F-15 and the Eurofighter Typhoon as reported in DefenseNews.

Report further says that the Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress of both potential sales on Nov. 17, according to State Department news releases. The executive branch must notify Congress 30 days ahead of proceeding with a foreign military sale. Should Congress disapprove of the potential purchase, it would have to pass legislation blocking or modifying the FMS case.

However, because informal notification of Congress has already occurred, it is unlikely that lawmakers would pose a barrier for the deal moving forward. “A formal notification to Congress is great news for Boeing and great news for the F/A-18 and F-15 lines,” said Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Hutcheson.

Presumptive purchases of the Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler by the US Navy in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 and the FMS sale to Kuwait would extend production into the 2020s, allowing the company to keep the line open for future sales, Boeing officials have said.

The Qatar deal also would keep the F-15 production line open into the next decade. The F-15 line was slated to end in early 2019.

Both the Super Hornet and F-15 would be new acquisitions for Kuwait and Qatar, respectively. Kuwait currently operates the F/A-18 Hornet, while Qatar operates Mirage 2000 and Alpha Jets from France.

DefenseNews reporter mentions about potential sale of F-16s to Bahrain remains in limbo.

Doha, November 17, 2016
QNA

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Qatar inaugurated Thursday the Communicable Diseases Center at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City.

He was briefed on the various services provided by the Center. Prime Minster was accompanied with Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health. Among various sections, Detection, Treatment and Prevention of Communicable & Infectious Diseases were included.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani visited Research Section of the specialized hospital well equipped with most modern facilities.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister stressed on the importance of exerting utmost efforts in order to provide quality specialized services to meet the needs of citizens for health care and in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Prime Minister advised to implement strictly as per the directives of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of taking care of quality services to the citizens which is in benefit at large to country.

Doha, November 17 (QNA)

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister of State of Qatar has received an invitation to attend the International Horticultural Exhibition in Beijing.

Li Chen, ambassador of China to State of Qatar met Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa AlThani today and presented written invitation from Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

The exhibition will be held in Beijing in 2019.

The Beijing Expo 2019 is an A1 world horticultural exposition which has been approved by the International Association of Horticultural Producers and the Bureau International des Expositions, held by the Chinese government and sponsored by the Beijing Municipal Government.

Wang Yang, Vice Premier of the State Council is the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition 2019.

Doha based Bazm-e-Alig, Alumni of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)of India paid homage and tribute to their college founder and great reformer Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Celebrating 199th birth anniversary of late Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a grand event was held on 11th November 2016 at Marriott Hotel, Doha.

Prof. Dr Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, India was Chief guest on the occasion. He is former student of the college and also Dean of AMU was specially invited for the event. Prof. Dr. Faizan Mustafa was joined by Moosa Zainal Moosa, Advisor at the Qatar Ministry of Culture & Herritage. Moosa Zainal Moosa is also Patron of the association since its inception in 1988.

Mohd Aleem Khan, Third Secretary (Labour), Indian embassy Doha was Guest of Honour. Among other guests included Hasan Chowgule, Ateeq Anzar, Aziz Nabil, Ashraf Siddiqui, Editor asiantelegraphqatar.com, Eng. Taher Jamil and guests from various forums who are working to propagate Urdu in Qatar.

Moosa Zainal Moosa in his capacity as Patron-in-Chief of AMU welcomed Prof. Dr. Faizan Mustafa and other guests for gracing the event. He lauded the services of late Sir Syed Ahmad Khan for the Muslims of then India enlightening on the importance of education, research, science & technology.

Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad discussed on the intricacies of the legal proceedings about the question of minority character of AMU. He discussed on the situation back home and challenges being faced by the minorities specially the Muslims. He pointed out on the implications on the subsequent amendmentsmade by Indian parliament in AMU act.

He said that Muslims identity with Aligarh Muslim University will never be separated.

Mohd Aleem Khan urged the members of Bazm to take forward the cause of late Sir Syed Ahmad Khan by spreading education amongst the poor and downtrodden people of India.

Nitin Garg, Director Invest Advice lauded on the campaign initiated and educational reforms brought by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

Earlier, Irshad Ahmad Faridi, President of Bazm e Alig welcomed the guests. In his address, he urged old boys of AMU to unite and follow teachings of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the way he himself worked for the development of the society through education reforms.

He thanked 'Invest Advice' for their support in organizing the event and lauded the efforts of the organising committee members.

A nazm by Nadeem Mahir was recited by M/s Aqil and Sajid. M/s Aftab and Faisal stage performance sharing dialogue on various aspects of student life during stay in AMU refreshed former students back to their old golden days in college about hostel life to day to day activities after the classes and inter-action with the teachers.

The function ended with the singing of the AMU Tarana by old students of AMU, a show of great enthusiasm followed by the traditional dinner.

17 November 2016
MOFA, Pakistan

Joint Declaration on the Future Directions of Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Relationship

The President of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Pakistan on the invitation of President of Pakistan, His Excellency Mamnoon Hussain on 16-17 November 2016. He was accompanied by a high level delegation.

During the meeting between His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, at Islamabad on 17 November 2016, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Turkey bilateral relationship as well as issues of regional and international importance.

The two sides: Emphasized the time-tested, historic and ever-growing fraternal ties between the two people and governments, epitomized by exceptionally strong bonds of goodwill, mutual trust and understanding, that are embedded deep in common cultural and religious heritage, and a shared vision for the future; Expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved towards transforming this warm and cordial relationship into a strong strategic partnership, and reiterated their mutual resolve to explore new avenues for collaboration, to utilize untapped potential for the mutual benefit and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries; Reiterated strong condemnation of the heinous coup attempt in Turkey on 15 July 2016, paying rich tributes to the brave and resilient Turkish people who stood resolutely in defense of democracy against the forces of darkness;

Expressed firm resolve to continue their strong mutual support to each other on issues of core national interest, and in defense of the peace and prosperity of the two nations;

Expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved towards implementation of on-going projects under the framework of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC),

and reaffirmed the resolve to explore new avenues for collaboration in the forthcoming 5th Session of the HLSCC, to be held shortly in Turkey;

Agreed to further enhance collaboration in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, food processing and housing as priority sectors;

Appreciated the significant progress achieved so far towards concluding the comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and decided to complete the negotiations process by the end of 2016;

Committed to further enhancing bilateral cultural collaboration and people-to-people contacts through tourism; cultural and educational exchanges;

collaboration with regard to preservation and restoration of archeological and historical sites;

and promotion of Turkish and Urdu languages and literatures in the two countries including through the Cultural Centers being established,

Agreed to develop a comprehensive, long-term and forward-looking framework for defense cooperation between the two countries;

Decided to broaden the frequency and scope of bilateral consultations on Foreign Ministers as well as Foreign Secretaries levels and to expand these consultations to matters pertaining to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well;

Underscored the need for resolution of all outstanding differences between Pakistan and India, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions;

Expressed their deep concern about the increased tension and losses of innocent lives and casualties occurring recently in Jammu and Kashmir;

Applauded the resilience and perseverance of the peoples of the two countries as well as the sacrifices and bravery of the military and law enforcement personnel of both countries in the fight against the common threat posed by terrorism;

Noted with concern the trend towards exceptionalism and sidelining of non-proliferation objectives for commercial or political interests, which is detrimental to the credibility of the global non-proliferation regime and, in particular, to the strategic stability in South Asia;

Called upon the international community to combat Islamophobia, religious discrimination and stereotyping against Muslims; committed to commencing joint initiatives in the context at the international fora, in particular at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC);

and agreed that the assumption of Chair of OIC summit by the Republic of Turkey presented a valuable opportunity in this regard;

Reiterated the need for making the United Nations Security Council more representative, democratic, transparent, and accountable through comprehensive United Nations Security Council reform process, based on widest possible consensus;

and called for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to resolve the long-standing disputes on the agenda of the Security Council, especially those pertaining to the Muslim Ummah;

Urged the international community to play its due role in mobilizing support and assistance for the refugee hosting countries, including those facing protracted refugee situations;

and Agreed to proactively implement the decisions and agreements contained in this Joint Declaration, as well as the earlier Joint Declarations, at the highest level.

Picture : Courtesy AP

Doha, 17 November 2016

Four days long “Made in China” exhibition inaugurated by Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of Qatar at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Exhibition is organised by Qatar for four days from 15-18 November 2016. Present on the occasion were Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani, Governor Central Bank, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, Cahirman Qatar Chamber of Commerce, dignitaries and guests.

Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud highlighted the role of Qatar’s private sector in enhancing relations between Qatar and China through initiatives like “Made in China”. Deputy Prime Minister said that Qatari and Chinese governments have decided to improve bilateral relations. He said that the exhibition will offer an opportunity for Qatar to tap into China’s world-class technological advancements, bringing both countries close in terms of productivity and innovation.'

As per Doha Bank Qatar report GCC states provide more than 50% of China’s energy needs, including petrochemical products and metal industries. Qatar has launched Renminbi Centre in Doha which is an example of Qatar-China strategic relations.

The International and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is the clearing bank for the Chinese currency deals in Qatar.

Saudi Arabia-China trade has surged from more than $43 billion in 2010 to more than $69 billion in 2014.

Chinalco, China’s state-run aluminum manufacturer, is funding phosphate projects in northern Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s Aramco and Sinopec Group signed the deal to develop the 400,000 bpd refinery, known as Yasref, in January 2013.

In 2012, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) got approval to open branch in Saudi Arabia.

The UAE-China trade has surged from more than $25 billion in 2010 to more than $50 billion in 2014.

Chinese companies are operating specifically within the logistics, aviation and energy sectors in the UAE. China and UAE signed a $5.5bn currency swap deal in Jan 2012. In March 2013, Agricultural Bank of China started a branch in Dubai. There are more than 300,000 Chinese nationals who are working and living in the UAE, in addition to over 4,200 Chinese companies.

Kuwait-China trade had surged from $8.5 billion in 2010 to more than $13 billion in 2014. In June 2014, Kuwait and China signed agreements and memorandam of understanding (MoUs) to boost their ties and cooperation in the areas of economy, investment, energy, culture, education and civil aviation.

In Jan 2013, China’s foreign exchange regulator awarded Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) fresh quota of $700 million for direct investment in the Chinese securities market, on top of the $300 m already granted earlier.

KIA has stake in agriculture bank of China. KIA was also granted a $1 bn license by China’s central bank in 2012 to invest in its domestic interbank bond market. In 2012, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China got approval to open a branch in Kuwait.

Oman-China trade has surged from more than $10 b in 2010 to more than $ 25b in 2014. China is one of the major importers of Crude oil from Oman.

Bahrain-China trade has surged from more than $1 b in 2010 to $3bn in 2014.

China is a leading contributor to global trade. In 2014, Global trade was worth $19 T, out of which China‘s exports were worth $2.3 T and imports were worth $1.96 T.

China is Qatar’s fifth partner in an initiative launched by Qatar Museums to build cultural ties between Qatar’s residents and other countries around the world. China supports the holding of China-Qatar Cultural Year in 2016 to push forward bilateral relations between people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

In January 2012, China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) and its partners Qatar Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell agreed to push ahead with plans for a $12.6 b refinery and petrochemical complex in East China. In May 2012, Petro China signed an agreement to acquire 40% of exploration and production rights for Qatar’s Block 4 from GDF Suez Qatar.

In March 2011, Qatar signed an $879 m contract with China Harbor Engineering Co (CHEC) for the construction of the first phase of Qatar’s New Doha Port.

In Jan 2012, Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development Company awarded China’s Sino hydro a contract worth $130 m to construct the Sidra Village project.

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund received permission in 2012 to invest in China’s capital markets. Qatar Investment Authority holds shareholding in Agriculture bank of China.

In August 2012, Qatar sovereign wealth fund bought 22% stake in China’s CITIC Capital. Qatar holding also has a $1m cap that qualified foreign institutional investor (QFII) can obtain in China.

Chinese workers in Qatar were numbered 6,000 in 2013.

Qatar and China has decided to strengthen strategic relationship.