President of Russia Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Argentine Republic Alberto Fernandez in the Kremlin.

 

Talks with President of Argentina Alberto Fernandez


President of Russia Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Argentine Republic Alberto Fernandez in the Kremlin.
February 3, 2022
16:50
The Kremlin, Moscow

Talks with President of Argentina Alberto Fernandez. Photo: Sergei Karpukhin, TASS

They discussed the current status and development prospects of the comprehensive Russian-Argentine strategic partnership in the political, trade, economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, and interaction on the Covid-19 response effort, as well as topical international and regional issues.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, it is a pleasure to see you.

We have been planning this in-person meeting for a long time. Unfortunately, it was not possible for it to go ahead because of the epidemiological situation. To the best of my knowledge, we met in January 2020 at events in Israel commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. Nevertheless, contacts have continued unabated all this time.

Of course, we are grateful to you because Argentina was the first country in the Western Hemisphere to register the Sputnik V vaccine. The first contract has now been virtually fulfilled: almost 15 million of the 20 million doses have been delivered to Argentina. This vaccine is already being manufactured at factories in Argentina, and over six million doses have already been produced. The registration of the Sputnik M vaccine for young people aged 12–17 is now being discussed. And I would like to congratulate you on such a large-scale vaccination effort. Almost 78 percent of your population have been inoculated, and this is a very good outcome.

See also
Press statements following Russian-Argentine talks
February 3, 2022

Of course, we still have a lot to accomplish in order to advance our trade and economic cooperation, which increased by 50 percent in 2021. This is a very serious, impressive result, and the pace is satisfactory.

We have many positive areas of cooperation, our colleagues are working at healthcare ministries, foreign ministries, and other agencies, too.

Your brief stay in Russia is also linked with this situation. But I hope that we will be able to continue these personal contacts in Argentina and here in Russia. We are going to Beijing together, for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games. But, as I see it, we will find it more convenient to talk here, in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, and to discuss all our bilateral issues and the situation on the international scene, too.

I am happy to see you. Welcome to Russia.

President of the Argentine Republic Alberto Fernandez (retranslated): Mr President,

First, this is a great honour for me, thank you for the invitation, I was eager to see you. It is a great pleasure for me to meet with you in Moscow where we can talk in a calm atmosphere and discuss how we should promote cooperation between Argentina and Russia in all areas.

People in Argentina appreciate Russia a lot, and notably, your assistance with the vaccines that you sent us. This was very important to us in countering the pandemic. Indeed, you provided us with significant support at that time and we are very grateful to you because we did not have enough vaccines then. Thanks to you, we did a good job and the results of our efforts were excellent.

I had two doses myself and then I waited a bit before getting a third dose of Sputnik.

Vladimir Putin: Me too.

Alberto Fernandez: Indeed, we are deeply grateful for this assistance because the rest of the world did not help us with vaccines. This is very important and highly valued.

I think we can deepen and expand this substantial groundwork because there are many areas in which we can cooperate very well.

I believe that Argentina could become Russia’s gateway to Latin America to a certain extent. We could be a venue for the development of your cooperation with Latin American nations. The vaccine example is indicative because we became a stepping stone in the supply of the Russian vaccine to Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay, and this is very important.

I think this is a great opportunity for developing our cooperation, and Argentine society is willing to do this, relying, of course, on your support.

Argentina is now facing a difficult situation because we have serious external debt and challenging economic issues.

Since the 1990s, Argentina has been strongly oriented towards the United States. Argentina and its economy are largely dependent on the US and our relations with it. In fact, our debt to the IMF also emerged because of this relationship.

At first, when our party was in power from 2003 to 2015, we tried hard to get rid of this dependence on the US. We achieved a lot towards this end. You will remember, at that time we signed a strategic agreement with Russia, thereby upgrading our bilateral ties.

A different party came to power in Argentina in 2015. It resumed these relations with the US, and this largely explains our external debt.

I am consistently working to rid Argentina of this dependence on the IMF and the US. I want Argentina to open up new opportunities. Cooperation with Russia is vital for us. I would like to assure you, and I hope that you will accept my assurances that we do want to develop cooperation with Russia.

<…>

Russian-Chinese talks: Vladimir Putin held talks in Beijing with President of the People’s

 Russian-Chinese talks

Vladimir Putin held talks in Beijing with President of the People’s 

Republic of China Xi Jinping.

With President of China Xi Jinping prior to the Russian-Chinese talks.

The talks focused on the bilateral agenda and trade and economic cooperation. The President of China mentioned the intention to increase bilateral trade to US$250 billion. The President of Russia spoke about promoting the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, which the Chinese side supported. They also discussed bilateral military-technical cooperation, mutual recognition of coronavirus vaccines and the opening of borders depending on the epidemiological situation.

During the working lunch, the two leaders discussed the international situation and regional issues, in particular, the circumstances surrounding the security guarantees proposed by the Russian Federation. Xi Jinping thanked Vladimir Putin for his wholehearted support of the One China principle.

A joint Russia-China statement and a package of documents have been adopted within the framework of the visit.

They include an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in anti-monopoly legislation and competitive policy and several other interdepartmental documents, such as the agreement on cooperation in ensuring compatibility and interoperability of GLONASS and BeiDou navigation satellite systems in terms of the system time scales; a joint statement on the completion of a roadmap for high-quality development of Russian-Chinese trade in goods and services; and a plan of consultations between the foreign ministries of Russia and China in 2022. In addition to that, the sides have signed a memorandum of understanding between the Russian Economic Development Ministry and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to promote investment cooperation in sustainable (green) development, and a joint statement between the relevant ministries on holding the Russian and Chinese years of cooperation in physical education and sports in 2022–2023.

The commercial contracts signed are related to the purchase and sale of natural gas via the Far Eastern route, and the purchase and sale of crude oil for delivery to oil refineries in Western China. Other documents signed include a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of low carbon development between Rosneft and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), and an agreement on cooperation in the field of information development and digitalisation between Rosneft and Huawei Technologies for the period to 2027.

* * *

Beginning of Russian-Chinese talks

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): We regard this as a very good sign in China: the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, the beginning of the Spring Festival [according to the Lunar calendar], and today’s meeting with you. We are confident that this personal meeting will add more energy and vigour to relations between our countries.

The coronavirus pandemic is spreading around the world extremely quickly. The world has entered a new phase of shocks and changes. Humankind is facing numerous challenges and crises. In this situation, our countries remain committed to their initial goal, working tirelessly to ensure the sustainable development of our relations and to protect their fundamental interests. Our political and strategic trust is growing stronger.

Our mutual trade exceeded US$140 billion last year, thereby reaching a new historic high. Our countries are actively contributing to the reform of the global governance system.

We are working together to promote a truly multilateral world order. Efforts to uphold the real democratic spirit are a reliable foundation for rallying the world towards overcoming crises and protecting equality.

We will keep moving towards this, and we will continue working together with you to map out plans for the further development of Chinese-Russian relations in a new historical period, trying to transform mutual trust between our countries into practical cooperation to the benefit of our peoples.

Thank you.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, my dear friend,

First of all, I would like to thank you for inviting me to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. We know from our own experience that it takes hard work. I am sure that our Chinese friends have organised everything brilliantly, just as always when it comes to major events.

Attending the Olympics opening ceremonies has become a tradition. We attended the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics held in China, and you attended the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. Just as agreed, we have now come to Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympic Games.

I am confident that our athletes, both Chinese and Russian athletes, will perform befittingly. The whole world will be watching the sports developments.

Regarding our bilateral relations, they are, indeed, developing steadily in the spirit of friendship and strategic partnership. They have acquired a truly unprecedented nature and are an example of worthy relations that help both parties to develop and, at the same time, support each other in their development.

As you have already noted, our bilateral trade has reached US$140 billion. We are moving steadily towards our goal, namely, reaching US$200 billion in mutual trade. I am confident that we will certainly attain this level.

Unfortunately, it has been impossible to hold offline meetings over the past two years. Nevertheless, you and I have always been in touch, we have attended videoconferences and spoken with each other by telephone. But, most importantly, we supported the efforts of our teams in virtually all spheres. I am talking about foreign ministries and joint work at international venues. This concerns the most diverse economic aspects, including high-tech and the “green” agenda during the conversion to new power sources.

Nor do we forget about traditional areas. In the run-up to our current meeting, our oil workers have drafted good new solutions regarding hydrocarbon deliveries to the People’s Republic of China. We have made another step forwards in the gas sector. I am referring to the new contract to deliver ten billion cubic metres of gas from Russia’s Far East to China every year. I repeat, we are making headway in high-tech fields.

The agenda is quite packed. Of course, we are taking advantage of the Russian delegation’s current visit. Despite the pandemic-related restrictions, the Russian delegation looks quite large. We will work actively on all aspects. Although we know from our own experience how busy you and your colleagues will be during the Olympic Games opening ceremony, I hope that we will find a few minutes to discuss our bilateral relations.

Thank you very much!

Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the International Relations Entering a New Era and the Global Sustainable Development
February 4, 2022


At the invitation of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir V. Putin visited China on 4 February 2022. The Heads of State held talks in Beijing and took part in the opening ceremony of the XXIV Olympic Winter Games.

The Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, hereinafter referred to as the sides, state as follows.

Στελέχη της ΝΔ επισκέφτηκαν Γενικό Αντικαρκινικό Ογκολογικό Νοσοκομείο «Άγιος Σάββας»

 Αθήνα, 4 Φεβρουαρίου 2022

 

Από το Γραφείο Τύπου της Νέας Δημοκρατίας εκδόθηκε η ακόλουθη ανακοίνωση:

Με αφορμή την παγκόσμια μέρα κατά του καρκίνου στελέχη της ΝΔ επισκέφτηκαν Γενικό Αντικαρκινικό Ογκολογικό  Νοσοκομείο «Άγιος Σάββας»

Σε μια ουσιαστική συζήτηση με τη διοίκηση και υπαλλήλους του νοσοκομείου  αναφερθήκαν οι ανάγκες των ογκολογικών ασθενών, καθώς και η επίδραση της πανδημίας σε αυτές. Τονίστηκε η προσπάθεια όλου του προσωπικού που κατάφερε να συνεχιστεί,  απρόσκοπτα και χωρίς προβλήματα η θεραπευτική αντιμετώπιση των ασθενών, μέσα στις πρωτοφανείς δύσκολες συνθήκες της πανδημίας.

Επισημάνθηκε απ´ όλους η ανάγκη για εφαρμογή ενός εθνικού μητρώου Νεοπλασιών, καθώς και ο προγραμματισμός και ο σχεδιασμός των προληπτικών εξετάσεων του γενικού πληθυσμού, που στόχο θα έχουν την έγκαιρη και έγκυρη διάγνωση των νεοπλασιών σε αρχικά στάδια. Άξονες πάνω στους οποίους ήδη δουλεύει το υπουργείο υγείας.

Στη συνάντηση συμμετείχαν ο Γραμματέας Επιστημονικών Φορέων της ΝΔ Σίμος Ψωμιάδης, ο Τομεάρχης Υγείας της ΝΔ κ.  Βασίλης Θεοδουλίδης, η  Γραμματέας  Ποιότητας Ζωής και  Εθελοντισμού Πίστη Κρυσταλλίδου, ο συντονιστής Βασίλης Παπαχρήστος.

Ευχαριστούμε τη διοικήτρια Όλγα Μπαλαούρα, τον αναπληρωτή διοικητή  Χρήστο Φασιανό, τον Χειρουργό μαστού Αντώνης Χαρλαύτης, Πνευμονολόγο Αθανάσιο Ζεττο και τους ραδιολόγους τεχνολόγους ακτινοθεραπείας Νίκο Αντωνίου και Γιώργος Στάμο για την εποικοδομητική συζήτηση .

TTB News-Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau,update

 

Upcoming TTB Outreach Events

February 4, 2022

New Guidance on ‘Ethiopian Hops’ On February 3, we published guidance regarding the use of Rhamnus prinoides--also known as “Ethiopian hops” or “Gesho”--in alcohol beverages. The guidance, in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQs), clarifies that: Rhamnus prinoides (“Ethiopian hops”) are not the same hops traditionally used in alcohol beverages that are addressed in the laws and regulations administered by TTB, and therefore cannot be used interchangeably with traditional hops. The scientific name of the hop plant traditionally used in alcohol beverages is Humulus lupus. (FAQ A30) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the safety of “Ethiopian hops” for use in alcohol beverages, has not issued a regulation authorizing the use of “Ethiopian hops” in alcohol beverages, and is not aware of a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) conclusion for the use of “Ethiopian hops” in alcohol beverages. Consequently, TTB will not approve an application for formula approval for an alcohol beverage containing “Ethiopian hops.” (FAQ A31) In TTB Ruling 2016-2, TTB approved general-use formulas for certain standard agricultural wines made from honey or certain other agricultural products. Under 27 CFR 24.203(a)(2), honey wine may be produced with hops in quantities not to exceed one pound for each 1,000 pounds of honey. However, this provision applies only to Humulus lupus and not to “Ethiopian hops.” (FAQ A32) If you have questions about this guidance, please contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division. Read FAQs A30-32

Do I Need a Formula? Speed Up Label Approval by Knowing the Answer Understanding when you need to get formula approval for a wine, beer, or distilled spirits product can save you time when it comes to getting your labels approved.  In order to avoid having your label applications returned for correction because you need formula approval or laboratory sample analysis first, you need to know the answer to the question, “Do I need a formula?”   Most alcohol beverages do not require TTB formula approval, but when you add ingredients that alter the flavor or color of your product, or use certain processes not addressed in the regulations, the chances are good that you will.   How can you easily determine if your product requires formula approval or laboratory sample analysis?  We’ve got a handy tool on TTB.gov that helps you answer the question: Which Alcohol Beverages Require Formula Approval?  The tool walks you through a series of questions about your product and then provides a clear answer based on how you respond. The tool also provides standard product definitions and some regulatory tips.   If you prefer to cut to the chase, you can always browse a list of distilled spirit, beer/malt beverage, and wine products that require formula approval.   More About Alcohol Beverage Formula Approval TTB Career Opportunity Are you interested in a career at an agency that ranks in the top 6% of Best Places to Work in the Federal Government? If yes, consider applying for this TTB job.   Visit USAJobs to Learn More

What's Trending on TTB.gov: Beer Beer - Notices of Proposed Rulemaking Brewer's Notice Beer Labeling Beer Statistics Which Alcohol Beverages Require Formula Approval?

Upcoming TTB Outreach Activities March 8-9: Oregon Wine Symposium Live 2022 March 9-12: 2022 New York State Brewers Conference March 22-24: Eastern Winery Exposition

For More TTB News TTB.gov Home

Benefits.gov:Importance of Heart Health

 

Benefits.gov

February 4, 2022 Importance of Heart Health With Valentine’s Day around the corner and hearts on the mind, there is no better time to think about the importance of heart health! Along with the resources on Benefits.gov, here are some important steps to keep your heart healthy. READ MORE Editor's Picks November 11, 2021 Benefits for Senior Citizens Benefits.gov can help you find benefits you are eligible for, including resources for seniors. Learn more about benefits for senior citizens: Read More September 30, 2021 You Asked, Benefits.gov Answers: Medicaid FAQs! Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Benefits.gov has put together a list of facts and FAQs to help you find the answers you need. Read More

CDU latest

 

Berlin, 4. Februar 2022

Terminhinweis   Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,   hiermit möchte wir Sie über die Termine der CDU Deutschlands am Montag, den 7. Februar 2022, im Konrad-Adenauer-Haus informieren.     9.00 Uhr Präsidiumssitzung -digital-   11.00 Uhr Bundesvorstandssitzung -digital-     Über die Ergebnisse der Gremiensitzungen informieren wir Sie im Anschluss per Pressemitteilung.     Hinweis: Am Montag, den 7. Februar 2022, wird es um 17.00 Uhr in Saarbrücken im Saarbrücker Schloss eine gemeinsame Pressekonferenz mit dem CDU-Parteivorsitzenden Friedrich Merz MdB, dem Ministerpräsidenten Tobias Hans MdL, dem Vorsitzenden der CDU/CSU Fraktionsvorsitzendenkonferenz Thomas Kreuzer MdL und dem Vorsitzenden der CDU-Landtagsfraktion des Saarlandes Alexander Funk MdL geben. Diese findet im Rahmen der Fraktionsvorsitzendenkonferenz statt.   Sie können die Pressekonferenz online verfolgen bei Webex unter:   https://cdufraktionsaar.my.webex.com/cdufraktionsaar.my/j.php?MTID=m2942f4dbe34cb9acb18503d0925dc77c   Meeting-Kennnummer: 2557 491 0166   Meeting Passwort: 20220207     Mit freundlichen Grüßen Das Team der CDU-Pressestelle

United States Department of Labor:Job growth continues, support for opioid recovery and more

 

U.S. Department of Labor

February 4, 2022

+6.6 million jobs under Biden's leadership January's jobs report brought positive news: The economy added 467,000 jobs last month, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 4.0%. Over the last three months, the economy has added 541,000 jobs per month on average, with a total of 6.6 million since President Biden came into office. Read the BLS report Read a statement from Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh Honoring employers who hire our nation’s heroes Employers can now apply for the 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award, which recognizes employers that meet standards for excellence in recruiting, hiring and retaining America’s military veterans. How Job Corps is supporting Afghan refugees Job Corps is dedicated to helping all its students develop skills for good jobs and build lifelong relationships. When the Department of Homeland Security asked Job Corps staff to meet with newly arrived Afghan refugees as part of Operation Allies Welcome, they quickly stepped up. Supporting communities affected by the opioid crisis To combat the opioid crisis, we awarded more than $6 million in grants to support employment and training services around the country, including: $2.4 million for West Virginia $2 million for Maine $1.8 million for New York What you should know about our new Unemployment Insurance Navigator Grants $15 million in grants is available to help states collaborate with community and worker organizations to improve equity in their unemployment insurance systems, ensuring all workers have access to these critical benefits. States can apply for cooperative agreements to deliver timely unemployment benefits to all workers, particularly those who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by poverty and inequality. Union spotlight Earlier this week, Secretary Walsh asked his Twitter followers to share how their union has supported them. Read their union support stories or share your own. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Recovered wages A Pennsylvania home care agency must pay 491 workers more than $2.8 million in back wages and damages, plus $251,637 in penalties for wage violations. OLMS annual report See highlights from the Office of Labor-Management Standards’ work in 2021, and what it reveals about the state of the labor movement’s democratic and financial integrity. Protecting workers’ savings After our investigators found fiduciaries of a Michigan company failed to forward retirement contributions, a federal judge has ordered them to restore $50,764 and pay a $10,153 penalty. Wage enforcement We recovered $117,718 in back wages and liquidated damages for 33 workers after their employer, a Hawaii seafood trader, recklessly denied them overtime wages. Havana Syndrome claims New guidance from our Office of Workers' Compensation Programs will improve the claims process for federal workers affected by Havana Syndrome. HISTORY HIGHLIGHT Saluting Black workplace pioneers We’re recognizing some of the trailblazers who have created opportunities and improved the lives of generations of Americans.