Putin and Merkel discuss many pressing issues during her farewell visit to Russia
August 21, 2021, 8:36 am

Putin and Merkel discuss many pressing issues during her farewell visit to Russia

Putin-Merkel

The Xinhua news agency reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday exchanged views over current situation in Afghanistan, Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, among other pressing issues of mutual and international concern.

The Xinhua said, the talk was held as the German chancellor is nearing the end of her 16-year-long leadership of Germany.

According to the Chinese news agency, on the current situation in Afghanistan and Taliban's takeover, Putin said "imposing values from outside" upon the region was counterproductive and irresponsible and would only lead to negative consequences at a time when it was necessary to prevent the collapse of the Afghan state.

While the Taliban has claimed it will ensure order and stability in Afghanistan, Putin underscored the importance to prevent the movement of terrorist groups to adjacent regions.

The Russian president called on the international community to unite and support the Afghan people in seeking stability.

For her part, Merkel said the situation in Afghanistan was very worrying, urging the international community to prevent the resurgence of terrorism in Afghanistan.

She also asked the Russian side to raise the issue of humanitarian aid during future negotiations with the Taliban.

On the developments related to the contentious Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the two leaders discussed the prospects for gas transit through Ukraine.

Read more: Russian medical center finishes pre-clinical trials of nasal spray coronavirus vaccine

Concerning the situation in Libya, Putin said: "The international community should continue engaging in dialogue with all key political forces in Libya," adding that this would help secure all the previous positive developments in relation to the Libyan peace process.

He also gave positive assessment of the results following the International Conference on Libya held in Berlin in January 2020.

Merkel in turn stressed that goals outlined during the Berlin conference on Libya needed to be achieved, and that it was necessary to make sure all foreign mercenaries would leave the country for the national government to be able to independently govern the state.

It should be noted that Putin praised the work of the German Chancellor over the past 16 years, adding that she was rightfully considered to be one of the most influential European leaders, and that Germany remains an important political and economic partner of Russia.

Despite the differences, Merkel said "it is a good thing that we talk to each other, and we intend to keep in touch and continue talking."

After meeting Putin, Merkel is scheduled to visit Kiev on Sunday to discuss security issues and bilateral ties with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Source: xinhua

Greece secures its borders in wake of developments in Afghanistan Angelina Jolie highlights the plight of young women in Afghanistan

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.