Collective Defense in Central Asia Contradicted by Rising National Spending
Despite the impact of the global economic crisis on all of the economies within the former Soviet Union, averaging a 7 percent decline in GDP in 2009, defense spending has increased in each state with the exception of Belarus (which remained unchanged in 2009 year-on-year at 1.5 percent of GDP).
Karzai in China to discuss trade
Afghan President Hamid Karzai begins a visit to China, with trade and investment high on the agenda.
China's heir-apparent pitches Russian alliance
The man widely seen as China's next leader told Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday the world's two most powerful emerging market economies should help each other increase their weight in global affairs.
Armenia Issue Stalls Gas Talks
Talks between Turkey and Azerbaijan over securing the Nabucco gas pipeline have stalled due to disagreements over Turkey's attempts to normalize relations with Armenia.
Turkmen leader reassures Moscow on natural gas supplies
RIA Novosti cited Mr Sergei Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister as saying that Turkmen President Mr Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov on recently confirmed the Central Asian republic's readiness to supply the required gas volumes to Russia.
Japanese companies eying Indian power sector
BS reported that Japanese power companies including Tokyo Electric Power Company and J Power seek to make their presence felt in India.
Estonia is interested in Baltic-Nordic common electricity market
During the meeting with the Lithuanian minister of foreign affairs Audronius Azubalis in Tallinn on Friday, minister Urmas Paet discussed energy security matters with the Lithuanian colleague, reports BC the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Global investors to meet in Istanbul
Around 300 investors and financiers from around the world will gather in Istanbul in April for the European Business Angels Network, or EBAN, annual congress.
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