Briefly

TURKMENISTAN

Asian neighbors vow to help Afghanistan

The leaders of several Asian countries called for boosting their economic ties and pledged to provide assistance to Afghanistan during a meeting in Turkmenistan on Sunday. The countries, which are part of the 10-member Economic Cooperation Organization that includes Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and six ex-Soviet nations, called for removing trade barriers and developing new transport corridors across the region. A gas swap deal of up to 2 billion cubic meters per year was signed by Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported on Sunday.

INDIA

Lawmakers repeal farm reforms after protests

Lawmakers on Monday repealed farm laws that provoked a year of nationwide protests from farmers, in a move that was seen as a rare climbdown for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which had ardently defended the controversial reforms. Protesting farmers have hunkered down in makeshift camps outside the capital New Delhi since November last year to demand the removal of the laws, which they fear would drastically shrink their incomes.

GERMANY

Officials working with ally on pipeline deal

Germany said on Sunday it was continuing to work closely with the United States on implementing a deal on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which runs under the Baltic Sea and carries gas from Russia to Germany. Germany's Foreign Ministry said Berlin continued to coordinate closely with Washington on implementing a joint declaration on the $11 billion pipeline. The administration of US President Joe Biden has waived sanctions on the pipeline operator and made a deal with Germany in July. The US and some European countries oppose the pipeline which bypasses Ukraine. They say it would make Europe too reliant on Russian gas, but some other European governments say the link is vital to secure energy supplies.

Agencies - Xinhua