Israeli expert relishes prospects of DPRK-USA summit
Dr. Alon Levkowitz, lecturer and coordinator of the Asian Studies Programme at Bar-Ilan University, Israel, has expressed an optimistic outlook for the DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam taking place in Hanoi from February 27-28.
The DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam will take place in Hanoi from February 27-28. (Photo: VNA)
Tel Aviv (VNA) - Dr. AlonLevkowitz, lecturer and coordinator of the Asian Studies Programme at Bar-IlanUniversity, Israel, has expressed an optimistic outlook for the DPRK-USA HanoiSummit Vietnam taking place in Hanoi from February 27-28.
Vietnam was chosen to hold the second high-profile meeting between US PresidentDonald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong-un as it ticks a lot of boxes, he toldVietnam News Agency’s correspondent in Israel.
Besides being a good friend to both the USand the DPRK, Vietnam is a short distance from Pyongyang for Kim, while Hanoiand Washington are now close partners despite past confrontations, he said.
He described the first summit between the two sides in Singapore as significantfor the second event as they reached a consensus on several issues, like theDPRK halting nuclear tests on the Korean Peninsula and the US pausing joint militaryexercises with the Republic of Korea.
The second meeting is on the right track; however, it needs specific outcomes,he underlined, explaining that Pyongyang should show Washington it is crucial tocontinue negotiations to bring peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Levkowitz cast doubts on the breakthroughs of the outcomes if both sides focusonly on what they want. The US expects the DPRK to slow down its nuclear weaponprogramme while the latter wants the American nation to remove economicsanctions.-VNA
Vietnam welcomes and highly values outcomes of the summit between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the US which took place in Singapore on June 12.
The second summit between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the US in Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi will be a critical turning point for the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, according to President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Moon Jae-in.
Preparations for the upcoming second summit between the US and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are on schedule, earning appreciation from the two countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung told the press on February 21.
The Presidential Office of the Republic of Korea (RoK) on February 21 convened a meeting of the National Security Council’s standing committee to intensify understanding with related nations to help organise the upcoming DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam successfully.
Several scholars from the Republic of Korea have voiced their optimism about the outcomes of the second summit between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the US slated to take place in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 27-28.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam will take place in Hanoi from February 27-28. (Photo: VNA) 
