What Is The Govt Saying

President Milei met with Vicuña Corp. CEO Ron Hochstein and Country Director José Morea at Casa Rosada. Vicuña Corp. will invest $18 billion over 10 years, citing the RIGI law. This investment will make Argentina a top five global copper, gold, and silver producer.

Chamameceada returns Feb 22 at the Cabildo in Buenos Aires. The event celebrates chamamé, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Features Francisco “Pancho” Escalada, Las Damas del Litoral, and Ballet Raíces Paiubreras. Last year drew over 5000 attendees.

Coffs Harbour Bypass opens in 10 months. $1.76B Australian, $440M NSW funding. 3 tunnels getting tech fit-out for traffic-light free Sydney-Brisbane travel. Cuts travel time by 12 minutes.

Minns Labor Government begins construction on Rouse Hill Hospital. Project includes emergency department, birthing services, and inpatient beds. Part of $3.4 billion investment in Western Sydney health.

NSW Government launches Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries with $5.2 million investment. Plan aims to boost regional creativity, support tourism, and foster community connections. Funding targets partnerships, touring, First Nations initiatives, and night-time economy programs.

NSW launches ‘Hear Our Voices’ initiative with $500,000 funding to support older women reporting sexual abuse. Resources developed by Older Women’s Network NSW aim to overcome barriers like ageism. 3.2% of women over 65 experienced sexual harassment in 12 months.

NSW proposes a new Climate Change and Natural Hazards SEPP to consolidate planning for risks like floods, fires, and heat. Passed in November 2025, the Planning System Reform Bill 2025 makes resilience a key object. Feedback sought until March 16.

Minister Solomon visited Saudi Arabia, meeting Ministers Alswaha and Al-Saif. Discussions focused on AI and digital tech collaboration, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The visit aims to boost Canada-Saudi R&D and innovation.

Minister McGuinty visits Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards Feb. 18 to advance Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy. He'll tour progress on Joint Support Ships and the Polar Icebreaker. Media availability at 11 a.m. PST.

Secretary of State John Zerucelli unveils new strategy for Canada's auto industry in Newmarket, Ontario, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. EST. Media availability to follow.

Health Canada invests $13M+ in 23 projects for substance use and addiction needs in Northern/Western Canada. Funds from ETF and SUAP support treatment, recovery, prevention, and harm reduction, with a focus on culturally-relevant care.

Health Canada is investing $10.5 million to combat the illegal drug crisis in Northern and Western Canada. Funds will support community-led initiatives addressing harm reduction and treatment.

Xi Jinping celebrated Spring Festival with ordinary people. He visited villages and communities, extending greetings and wishing everyone a happy new year. The visit emphasized people-centered governance and national unity.

Frank Elderson's term as ECB Supervisory Board Vice-Chair extended to December 2028. The Council of the EU approved the extension following ECB Governing Council and European Parliament endorsements. Elderson stated, "Safe and sound banks are essential."

France sees rising drug use and trafficking. Cannabis use is high, with 21 million trying it. Cocaine use is up significantly. Government fights this with prevention and sanctions. 307,200 cited for drug use in 2025, 56,600 for trafficking.

France reforms prime d'activité on April 1, 2026. Nearly 3 million households will see an average €50 monthly increase. The benefit supplements income for low-earning workers aged 18+.

France opens Mon master platform for 2026 master's applications. Students can submit 15 non-alternance and 15 alternance applications from Feb 17-Mar 16, 2026. Decisions for non-alternance programs by June 3, 2026.

India and France elevate ties to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership." PM Modi hosted President Macron for talks, inaugurating the 2026 India-France Year of Innovation. They aim to address global challenges and build a stable international order.

PM Modi and French President Macron virtually inaugurated the H-125 helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka on Feb 17, 2026. A milestone for India-France ties, the Rs 1,000 crore project boosts Make-in-India.

India and France renewed their 10-year defense pact in Bengaluru. Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin co-chaired the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue, agreeing to manufacture Hammer missiles in India and reciprocally deploy officers.

France and India elevate ties to "Special Global Strategic Partnership." Key outcomes include annual Foreign Ministers Dialogue, Year of Innovation, HAMMER missile JV, and cooperation in critical minerals and renewable energy.

India and France elevate ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. Jointly manufacturing a unique helicopter for global export. New Free Trade Agreement with EU in 2026. Launch of India-France Year of Innovation.

Ireland's NDFEM met to prep for heavy rain & flooding. Yellow warnings issued for wind & rain across Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, Donegal, Dublin, Meath, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow. Public urged to monitor forecasts.

Ireland's Dept. of Public Expenditure launches pre-market consultation on AI systems, governance, training for public services. Minister Frank Feighan welcomes step toward responsible AI adoption.

Minister Byrne met Moldova's Deputy PM Gherasimov on Feb 17. Ireland supports Moldova's EU accession, commending its progress. Ireland takes over the EU Presidency July 1.

PM Meloni attended the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts and Concordat Revision at Palazzo Borromeo, Rome. The event marks a significant moment in Italian-Vatican relations.

Japan PM Takaichi congratulated Bangladesh PM Rahman on Feb 17. Takaichi welcomed democratic efforts, aiming to boost bilateral ties under the "Strategic Partnership."

Prime Minister Takaichi met with Koga Momo-Musume, tourism ambassadors from Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, on February 17, 2026. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office.

NZ proposes funding two new therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients from May 1, 2026. Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the move, noting improved access and quality of life.

New Zealand opens Proceeds of Crime Fund applications March 30, 2026. Funds seized from criminals will target initiatives to reduce violent crime. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee stated the fund will support projects preventing lower-level offending and disrupting organized crime. Applications close May 29, 2026.

NZ Govt to clarify ACC/welfare payments. Minister Louise Upston says new bill ensures fairness, aligning with policy intent. Courts' interpretation created inequities. Bill goes to Select Committee.

New Zealand passes Employment Relations Amendment Bill. Brooke van Velden says reforms boost employer confidence. Key changes include a four-part gateway test for contractor status, ending payouts for serious misconduct, and setting a $200,000 income threshold for unjustified dismissal claims. Workers can now negotiate agreements from day one.

Health Minister Simeon Brown welcomes new collective agreement for ~300 pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand. Agreement ratified by APEX members, recognizing their work and providing workforce stability.

President Tinubu urged National Health Fellows to serve with honor. He assured them the government will secure their careers. The Fellows, selected from 774 LGAs, are the "driving force" for the Renewed National Health Alliance.

VP Shettima urged stakeholders to boost support for MSMEs, citing their role in job creation. He highlighted leveraging technology and potential in digital space and agriculture, referencing India's $130 billion outsourcing revenue. Over 250,000 jobs created.

President Tinubu mourns Reverend Jesse Jackson, 84, civil rights icon. Jackson, a friend to Nigeria and Africa, fought apartheid and championed democracy. Tinubu witnessed his work firsthand in Chicago. Jackson's legacy inspires the fight for justice.

President Tinubu launches Nigeria Industrial Policy 2025, a roadmap to boost production, competitiveness, and jobs. He demands speedy implementation, stating, "This stops now." The policy targets value chain development and SME integration.

Qatar Amb. Nadia Al Shaibi met with Swedish FM Maria Malmer Stenergard and envoys. They discussed global women's rights challenges. Al Shaibi highlighted Qatar's commitment to women's empowerment, a core pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Qatar's UN envoy Sheikha Alya bin Saif Al-Thani met with UNGA President Annalena Baerbock. Baerbock praised Qatar's role, especially its March 2027 hosting of the Doha Programme of Action review. Qatar affirmed its commitment to multilateralism.

Qatar's Diplomatic Institute and Uzbekistan's Diplomatic Academy signed an MoU in Doha on Feb. 17, 2026. The agreement boosts diplomatic training and expertise exchange between the two nations.

Putin met with Ingushetia's Kalimatov on Feb 17, 2026. Projects include Safmar's IT academy, Wildberries hub. Region cut unfinished construction by 75%. Putin stressed support for military operation families.

DPM Gan Kim Yong spoke at the SCCCI Spring Reception on Feb 17, 2026. He highlighted Singapore's 5% GDP growth in 2025, crediting businesses and workers. He stressed the importance of AI adoption for productivity and competitiveness.

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged African leaders to boost water/sanitation investment. Delayed funding leaves millions vulnerable. She called for $30 billion annually by 2030 for climate-resilient infrastructure.

Minister Ntshavheni assures government is tackling water crisis. Operation Vulindlela and Dept. of Water & Sanitation drafting plan by mid-March 2026. President Ramaphosa formed National Water Crisis Committee to coordinate efforts and intervene in struggling municipalities.

Former Tanzanian President Kikwete urges Africa to act on $10-12 billion water investment pledges. He stressed moving from commitments to delivery, highlighting the new AIP-PIDA Water Investment Scorecard for accountability.

South Africa's water crisis: Minister Majodina cites decaying infrastructure, leaks, and poor governance. High consumption (239L/person/day vs. global 173L) strains the system. Municipalities fail to reinvest revenue.

Natasja Slabbert, 42, granted R5,000 bail for alleged R10.5 million payroll fraud at Isuzu Motors SA. Arrested Feb 16, 2026. Case postponed to Feb 24, 2026.

Albert Rösti attends IEA Ministerial Conference in Paris, Feb 18-19. Discussions focus on energy markets, policy, nuclear energy, security, and critical raw materials.

Ignazio Cassis visits Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina Feb. 18-20. Focus: bilateral ties, European security, cultural diversity, dialogue. Visit aligns with Switzerland's 2026 OSCE chairmanship.

Switzerland's employed rose 0.1% in Q4 2025. The ILO unemployment rate hit 5.0%, up from 4.4%. The EU rate was 5.8%. Data from the Swiss Labour Force Survey.

UAE, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar Foreign Ministers condemn Israel's designation of occupied West Bank lands as "state land." They call it a grave escalation, a violation of international law, and a threat to the two-state solution.

UAE Assistant Minister Abdulla Balalaa attended the Munich Security Conference. He highlighted water's role in global stability and the UAE's co-hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal. Balalaa stressed cooperation for water resilience and sustainable development.

UAE and Poland held second political consultations in Warsaw on Feb. 16, 2026. Co-chaired by Lana Nusseibeh and Wojciech Zajączkowski, talks focused on economic, trade, and defense ties, plus regional issues.

UAE and Estonia ministers met at Munich Security Conference. Discussed tech cooperation, EU trade deal. UAE highlighted $100M+ aid to Ukraine, 18 prisoner exchanges freeing 4,955 individuals. Invited to Lennart Meri Conference in May 2026.

UK gov boosts creative firms with £45m via British Business Bank into Redrice Ventures. New finance package aims to unlock growth capital and support scaling businesses. Resources and a single front door service launching 2026.

Sellafield Ltd backs Warrington Youth Zone's 'Train Like a Pro' program. 44 at-risk youths engaged in sports, mentoring. 16 earned sports leadership qualifications. 67% reported increased self-esteem. Police note positive community impact.

UN rights experts warn Epstein Files show evidence of global criminal enterprise. Files detail potential crimes against humanity, including sexual slavery, trafficking. Experts demand accountability, stating no one is too powerful to be above the law.

UNHCR and partners seek $1.6 billion for the 2026 Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan. The appeal supports 5.9 million displaced people in seven countries. Sudan remains the world's largest displacement crisis.

War zones see 5x higher maternal death risk. 160,000 women died in 2023 in fragile states, 60% of global total. WHO report highlights stark disparities.

UN: Four years of war in Ukraine. Kherson children's hospital attacked 8 times. 5,000 of 60,000 children remain in Kherson, living, learning, sleeping in basements. Mental health impacted.

US & Mauritius hold bilateral security talks in Port Louis, Feb 23-25. Focus: Chagos archipelago, Diego Garcia base security. US seeks UK agreement for continued basing.

Sec. Rubio urged European leaders at the Munich Security Conference to revitalize nations and reject decline. He stressed a shared Western Civilization heritage, calling for a durable Trans-Atlantic alliance with the U.S. under an American First policy.

U.S. Senior Official Casey Mace leads a delegation to Guangzhou, China, for the first APEC 2026 Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1), Feb. 1-10. The U.S. aims to open Asian markets, promote deregulation, and combat illegal fishing and trade.

Secretary Rubio met with Slovak PM Robert Fico in Bratislava. They discussed nuclear energy cooperation, aiming for a 1,200 MW block by 2040. Fico stressed Slovakia's sovereign foreign policy and national interests.

Secretary Rubio advanced Central European security with U.S. nuclear tech. Slovakia gets $15B+ in U.S. funding for Westinghouse reactor FEED study. Hungary signed a nuclear deal, aiming for U.S. SMRs and Holtec spent fuel storage.

Japan eyes Vietnam economic partnership growth. Vietnam hit 8.02% GDP in 2025. Ambassador Ito Naoki cited reforms, infrastructure projects, and Japanese investment potential. PM Pham Minh Chinh addressed business concerns.

Foreign ambassadors and heads of international organizations embrace Tet, Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The holiday is a time for family and cultural immersion for those living in Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam will attend the Gaza Peace Council's inaugural meeting in the U.S. Invited by President Trump on Jan. 16, 2026, Vietnam joins as a founding member to promote peace in Gaza.

WHO members negotiate Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex for Pandemic Agreement. Feb 9-14, 2026 talks focused on equitable access to pathogens and benefits. Deadline May for World Health Assembly.