SCO transport ministers agree to strengthen connectivity

The 12th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers of Transport was held on Wednesday in Tianjin, with participating ministers agreeing to strengthen regional connectivity.

The meeting, themed on promoting the Shanghai Spirit and fostering sustainable transportation cooperation, gathered transportation officials from Pakistan, Mongolia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and others to have in-depth exchanges on promoting the construction of international transport corridors and enhancing the level of international transportation facilitation.

Participants also had discussions on accelerating cooperation on projects such as advancing the high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express and implementing electronic permits for international road transport.

"It's very, very important to work together and to bridge the connectivity in a way that it will benefit all the member states. For the transport, for our growth and businesses, for our imports and exports, it's very, very crucial now," said Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister of Communications of Pakistan.

During the meeting, transport officials of the SCO member states signed a memorandum of understanding on the joint construction of "Silk Road Stations."

The initiative addresses critical infrastructure gaps along rapidly expanding trade corridors, where insufficient rest stops and maintenance facilities have been problems for drivers, coupled with logistical inefficiencies against rising cross-border passenger and cargo flows.

"International road transport cooperation between China and SCO member states is getting increasingly closer. The Silk Road Stations can provide rest areas for international truck drivers, which reduces the risk of driver fatigue and enhances driving safety. They could also become windows to demonstrate transportation achievements and the spirit of cooperation of all these countries, and promote cultural exchanges and cooperation among the SCO member states," said Chen Xingsen, director of the Division for Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Department of International Cooperation of China's Ministry of Transport.

SCO transport ministers agree to strengthen connectivity

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela