ASEAN believes RCEP makes tremendous progress despite India’s absence

20 Sept 04:27 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN leaders announced "tremendous progress" on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), moving closer to establishing one of the world's largest free trade agreements.
India chose not to join RCEP, citing unresolved "significant outstanding issues" and concerns that the agreement did not reflect its original intent or provide a fair outcome.
Despite India's absence, ASEAN nations, led by Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong, expressed understanding and respect for India's decision, hoping for its future participation without "hard feelings."
If finalized by the 15 participating countries, RCEP would form the world's largest free trade area, encompassing nearly 40% of global commerce and 35% of GDP.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.