New Zealand, Australia launch ‘travel bubble’ to boost tourism

New Zealanders and Australians rushed to book flights on Tuesday as the beleaguered tourism industry welcomed the “lifeline” of a travel bubble between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the two-way, quarantine-free travel corridor would open from 11:59pm on April 18.

Jim Boult, the mayor of New Zealand’s Queenstown, called the move a “saviour for businesses”.

“This is the lifeline we needed; this is what we’ve been asking for,” he said.

Air New Zealand and Qantas announced they were ramping up flights as thousands of tickets were sold immediately after Ardern’s announcement.

A spokesman for Australian flag carrier Qantas said tickets to New Zealand were “selling like hot cakes” with a strong “load” to Queenstown, which is billed as the country’s “Adventure capital”.

Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran said his staff were “rushed off our feet”.

The travel bubble comes more than a year after New Zealand closed its doors in response to the pandemic and six months after Australia allowed Kiwis to fly into selected states without the need to quarantine.

Before Covid-19 brought New Zealand’s tourism industry to its knees, it was the country’s biggest export industry, with Australians accounting for about 40 per cent of the international visitors and contributing more than NZ$2 billion (US$1.4 billion) to the economy.

Tourism New Zealand boss Rene de Monchy estimated the opening of a travel bubble could recoup more than NZ$1.0 billion this year.

The trans-Tasman route is also Australia’s busiest international aviation market with travellers from New Zealand accounting for 18 per cent of all air arrivals and spending A$1.6 billion (US$1.2 billion) annually on travel and tourism.

Ardern described the travel bubble as a world-leading move between New Zealand, with just 26 Covid-19 deaths in a population of five million, and Australia with fewer than 1,000 deaths in a population of 25 million.

“I cannot see or point to any countries in the world that are maintaining a strategy of keeping their countries Covid-free whilst opening up international travel between each other,” she said.

“That means in a way we are world leading.” Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he appreciates the arrangement. “We welcome them back as indeed Kiwis will be welcoming Aussies,” he said.

Last week, the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau, one of the few countries never to have had a Covid-19 case, opened a travel bubble with virus-free Taiwan.

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EU commission head taken aback as Erdogan and her colleague snap up chairs

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was taken aback to find her fellow top EU official taking the only chair available next to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan when the duo visited Ankara, and her spokesman made that clear on Wednesday.

Footage from their meeting on Tuesday showed the first female head of the Eu, the only woman in the talks, gesturing in disbelief and uttering a surprised sigh as Erdogan and European Council President Charles Michel took the two centre-stage seats prepared, relegating her to an adjacent sofa.

“The president of the commission was clearly surprised,” said the EU executive arm’s spokesman, Eric Mamer.

“The president (von der Leyen) should have been seated in exactly the same manner as the president of the European Council and the Turkish president.”

The Turkish government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, a member of the European parliament, Sophie in ‘t Veld, asked why Michel had not reacted.

While the commission conveyed von der Leyen’s irritation, an EU official who declined to be named said that to do so might have provoked a “protocol and political incident, both towards Turkey and the European Council”.

“Turkey meant no disrespect,” the official said. “It extended a very courteous welcome to both presidents and strictly adhered to international protocol.”

In the past, three chairs were provided when the Turkish leader visited Brussels for talks with the heads of the Commission and the European Council, which collectively represents the bloc’s 27 member states.

Mamer said von der Leyen decided not to make “an issue out of it” and in the conversation brought up women’s rights and the Istanbul Convention on violence against women, from which Turkey withdrew last month.

Ties between Brussels and Ankara have been strained since a coup attempt in 2016 prompted a crackdown on civil rights in Turkey, but they are now testing a cautious rapprochement.

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In meeting with army chief, Russain FM acknowledges Pakistan's efforts in Afghan peace process

Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday acknowledged Pakistan's sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process in his meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said during the meeting, the foreign minister and army chief discussed matters of mutual interest including enhanced defence and security cooperation, regional security, and in particular the Afghan peace process.

"The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s achievements in the war against terrorism and contributions for regional peace and stability especially Pakistan’s sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process," the statement read.

The foreign minister said Pakistan and Russia's relations were on a positive trajectory and would continue to develop in multiple domains.

Meanwhile, the army chief said Pakistan values its relations with Russia and reciprocates the desire for enhanced bilateral military cooperation.

"Pakistan welcomes all initiatives which can bring peace and stability in Afghanistan as the whole region will benefit from it," he stressed.

"We have no hostile designs towards any country and will keep on working towards a cooperative regional framework based on sovereign equality and mutual progress," he added.

The foreign minister is on an official two-day visit — 6-7 April — to Pakistan. His engagements consist of meeting top officials, including Prime Minister Imran Khan and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi, among others.

Lavrov meets Qureshi

Earlier in the day, Lavrov had reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields, including economy, trade, and defence.

The Russian official expressed the resolve during delegation-level talks with Pakistan in Islamabad. FM Qureshi led the Pakistani side.

Qureshi noted that Islamabad is extending facilities, including that of e-visa to foreign investors.

The foreign minister also said that Pakistan has shifted its priorities from geo-politics to geo-economics.

Pakistan is determined to promote its relations with Russia in diverse fields, he said, expressing Pakistan's commitment for the early commencement of work on the Stream Gas Pipeline project with Russia.

Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission at the earliest for the promotion of economic relations.

FM Qureshi also briefed his Russian counterpart about the situation in Indian held Kashmir and the regional security situation.

He said Pakistan desires peace in the region and resolution of all outstanding disputes, including that of Jammu and Kashmir, through peaceful means.

Commending Russia's efforts for peace in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan will continue its sincere efforts for peace in the war-torn country.

 

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Russia vows to help Pakistan on economic, vaccine, and energy fronts

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields, including economy, trade, coronavirus vaccine, and defence.

The Russian official, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, expressed the resolve during delegation-level talks with Pakistan in Islamabad on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi led the Pakistani side.

FM Qureshi, in his opening remarks, noted that Islamabad is extending facilities, including that of e-visa to foreign investors.

The foreign minister also said that Pakistan has shifted its priorities from geo-politics to geo-economics.

Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission at the earliest for the promotion of economic relations.

FM Qureshi also briefed his Russian counterpart about the situation in Indian held Kashmir and the regional security situation.

He said Pakistan desires peace in the region and resolution of all outstanding disputes, including that of Jammu and Kashmir, through peaceful means.

During his meeting with the Russian diplomat, Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expeditiously conclude the requisite legal process for the “Pakistan Stream” (North-South) Gas Pipeline project and commence the work as early as possible.

The prime minister fondly recalled his interaction with President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek in June 2019, where he had underscored his desire to take the bilateral relationship to a new level.

He reiterated the importance of Pakistan attached to its relations with Russia as a key foreign policy priority.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties, including deepening cooperation in trade, energy, security and defence.

Enhanced bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, industrial modernization, railways and aviation was discussed.

It was agreed that the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC), due to meet in Moscow later this year, would closely pursue specific proposals and projects in that context.

In the regional context, the prime minister stressed the importance of a negotiated political settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Pakistan appreciated Russia’s efforts in promoting the Afghan peace process including through the hosting of the recent meeting of Extended Troika in Moscow.

With reference to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the prime minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on issues of peace and security in South Asia, including the need for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Views were also exchanged on the situation in West Asia, the Gulf, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The prime minister reiterated his invitation to President Putin to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

PM Imran Khan and the foreign dignitary also exchanged on the health and economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in both countries.

The prime minister congratulated Russia on its development of Sputnik-V vaccine and underscored Pakistan’s procurement plans in that regard.

On the other hand, Russia assured its full support to Pakistan in the supply of the vaccine.

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In meeting with army chief, Russain FM acknowledges Pakistan's efforts in Afghan peace process

Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday acknowledged Pakistan's sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process in his meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said during the meeting, the foreign minister and army chief discussed matters of mutual interest including enhanced defence and security cooperation, regional security, and in particular the Afghan peace process.

"The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s achievements in the war against terrorism and contributions for regional peace and stability especially Pakistan’s sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process," the statement read.

The foreign minister said Pakistan and Russia's relations were on a positive trajectory and would continue to develop in multiple domains.

Meanwhile, the army chief said Pakistan values its relations with Russia and reciprocates the desire for enhanced bilateral military cooperation.

"Pakistan welcomes all initiatives which can bring peace and stability in Afghanistan as the whole region will benefit from it," he stressed.

"We have no hostile designs towards any country and will keep on working towards a cooperative regional framework based on sovereign equality and mutual progress," he added.

The foreign minister is on an official two-day visit — 6-7 April — to Pakistan. His engagements consist of meeting top officials, including Prime Minister Imran Khan and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi, among others.

Lavrov meets Qureshi

Earlier in the day, Lavrov had reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields, including economy, trade, and defence.

The Russian official expressed the resolve during delegation-level talks with Pakistan in Islamabad. FM Qureshi led the Pakistani side.

Qureshi noted that Islamabad is extending facilities, including that of e-visa to foreign investors.

The foreign minister also said that Pakistan has shifted its priorities from geo-politics to geo-economics.

Pakistan is determined to promote its relations with Russia in diverse fields, he said, expressing Pakistan's commitment for the early commencement of work on the Stream Gas Pipeline project with Russia.

Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission at the earliest for the promotion of economic relations.

FM Qureshi also briefed his Russian counterpart about the situation in Indian held Kashmir and the regional security situation.

He said Pakistan desires peace in the region and resolution of all outstanding disputes, including that of Jammu and Kashmir, through peaceful means.

Commending Russia's efforts for peace in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan will continue its sincere efforts for peace in the war-torn country.

 

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Russia vows to help Pakistan on economic, vaccine, and energy fronts

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in diverse fields, including economy, trade, coronavirus vaccine, and defence.

The Russian official, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, expressed the resolve during delegation-level talks with Pakistan in Islamabad on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi led the Pakistani side.

FM Qureshi, in his opening remarks, noted that Islamabad is extending facilities, including that of e-visa to foreign investors.

The foreign minister also said that Pakistan has shifted its priorities from geo-politics to geo-economics.

Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission at the earliest for the promotion of economic relations.

FM Qureshi also briefed his Russian counterpart about the situation in Indian held Kashmir and the regional security situation.

He said Pakistan desires peace in the region and resolution of all outstanding disputes, including that of Jammu and Kashmir, through peaceful means.

During his meeting with the Russian diplomat, Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to expeditiously conclude the requisite legal process for the “Pakistan Stream” (North-South) Gas Pipeline project and commence the work as early as possible.

The prime minister fondly recalled his interaction with President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek in June 2019, where he had underscored his desire to take the bilateral relationship to a new level.

He reiterated the importance of Pakistan attached to its relations with Russia as a key foreign policy priority.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties, including deepening cooperation in trade, energy, security and defence.

Enhanced bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, industrial modernization, railways and aviation was discussed.

It was agreed that the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC), due to meet in Moscow later this year, would closely pursue specific proposals and projects in that context.

In the regional context, the prime minister stressed the importance of a negotiated political settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan.

Pakistan appreciated Russia’s efforts in promoting the Afghan peace process including through the hosting of the recent meeting of Extended Troika in Moscow.

With reference to the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the prime minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on issues of peace and security in South Asia, including the need for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Views were also exchanged on the situation in West Asia, the Gulf, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The prime minister reiterated his invitation to President Putin to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

PM Imran Khan and the foreign dignitary also exchanged on the health and economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in both countries.

The prime minister congratulated Russia on its development of Sputnik-V vaccine and underscored Pakistan’s procurement plans in that regard.

On the other hand, Russia assured its full support to Pakistan in the supply of the vaccine.

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Pakistan win by 28 runs, clinch ODI series against South Africa

Pakistan beat South Africa by 28 runs and clinched the series 2-1 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday, after the Proteas failed to reach the 321-run target.

South Africa went gone down but they put up a good fight — as losing four key members to the Indian Premier League (IPL) wasn't ideal for the Proteas.

Aiden Markram and Janneman Malan opened the innings for the home side, while Shaheen Afridi and Hassan Ali shared the new ball for Pakistan.

After the pair had provided the Proteas with a half-century stand, Shaheen struck, producing an edge off of Markram's bat, with the ball safely finding its way into the gloves of Sarfaraz Ahmed.

JJ Smuts contributed 14 before getting bowled by Usman Qadir, with the score at 77-2.

A few overs later came the eventful 23rd over by Mohammad Nawaz. The left-arm spinner first trapped Malan (70) in front of the wickets before bowling out Bavuma (20) in the same over to reduce South Africa to 128-4.

Nawaz struck for a third time in the 28th over, trapping Heinrich Klaasen in front of the wickets with score at 140-5.

Then came a 108-run partnership between Kyle Verreynne and Andile Phehlukwayo that made things interesting and gave South Africa some hope.

But Haris Rauf removed Verreynne (62) in the 44th over as South Africa went six down with 248 on the board.

In the very next over, Phehlukwayo (54) vanished as well, exposing the Proteas tail.

Beuran Hendricks became Rauf's second victim of the day, nicking a wide down the leg side delivery back to Sarfaraz.

Keshav Maharaj's stroke-filled 19 was cut short by Shaheen, who bowled him out.

Shaheen hit the bulls eye again in the next over, taking his third wicket of the match.

Pakistan's innings

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam missed out on a ton as his team scored 320-7 in their allotted 50 overs.

Babar was just six runs short of scoring his 14th ODI century but the batsman lost his wicket to a top edge catch at point boundary in the last ball of the innings.

Meanwhile, a 32-run cameo by Hasan Ali helped pace up the visiting team's score in the death overs as he smashed four sixes.

Batting first, Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman continued his splendid form and scored his sixth ODI hundred before getting dismissed by Keshav Maharaj.

The left-hander, who had also played an heroic knock in the previous match, brought up his century in the 35th over but was soon sent back to pavilion in the next over.

Maharaj was pick of the bowlers as he grabbed three key wickets of Fakhar, Imam and Mohammad Rizwan, who was dismissed after scoring just two runs.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz also failed to put on a show as the trio only managed 18 runs among them.

On the other hand, Imam-ul-Haq did well to bring up his ninth ODI half-century before getting caught at long-on in the 22nd over.

The left-hander crossed the 50-run mark twice this series; first being his 70-run knock in the opening ODI at the same venue.

Pakistan were off to a good start in the final ODI as the opening batting-duo enjoyed a 112-run partnership before Maharaj got the Proteas its first breakthrough.

Earlier, the home side were 86 after 16 overs at the loss of no wickets with Fakhar (37*) and Imam (44*) present on crease.

South Africa had opted to field first after winning the toss in the final ODI at SuperSport in Centurion.

The home side decided to play without its six key players; five including Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, who left the national squad to participate in the Indian Premier League while Rassie van der Dussen has been ruled out due to injury.

Four major changes were made in Pakistan's squad as well with Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Qadir and Hasan Ali coming in for Danish Aziz, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hasnain.

The following are the final teams for both countries:

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammed Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir, Haris Rauf.

South Africa: Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Jon-Jon Smuts, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Daryn Dupavillon, Beuran Hendricks, Lutho Sipamla

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