Migrant boats sink in Mediterranean, English Channel

Tunis [Tunisia], August 13: At least two migrants including a baby died when their bank sank Saturday soon after leaving the coast of Tunisia, the coastguard said.
The vessel, carrying 20 Tunisians, went down at 2:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) when it was just 120 meters (395 feet) from the shoreline in the southeastern province of Gabes.
"Two bodies have been recovered, one of a 20-year-old man and the other of an infant," the coast guard said in a statement.
Thirteen others were rescued, including the baby's parents. Five passengers were missing and search operations were ongoing, the statement added.
A similar tragedy occurred off the Tunisian coast on Monday, when a boat carrying migrants sank near the eastern city of Sfax, leaving 11 people dead.
Sfax serves as a launching port for migrants from African countries to begin their risky sea journeys to Europe, via the Italian island ofLampedusa.
More than 1,800 people have died this year in shipwrecks on the central Mediterranean migration route, the world's deadliest - more than twice as many as last year, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Once the migrants reach southern Europe, they sometimes head for wealthier countries such as Germany and the UK. The migrants may also take a dangerous journey from France to Britain.
French maritime officials reported Saturday that a boat, overloaded with migrants and refugees, capsized in the English Channel, killing six people.
UK media reported that the victims were all Afghan nationals, who had been in critical condition when found and were later pronounced dead.
About 65 people were estimated to have boarded the boat for the UK and two people may still be lost at sea, the Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said.
The English Channel is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes but at its narrowest point, separates France and Britain by just 20 miles (33 kilometers).
This year, the number of migrants plying the Channel has fallen about 15% to 15,826 as of Thursday, partly as a result of a joint UK-French monitoring operation along the coast. But since 2018, more than 100,000 migrants have crossed the sea in small boats.
Britain passed a new law earlier this year to try to stem the arrival of small boat migrants, which would deport those who arrive illegally back to their home country or a safe third country.
But plans to fly some people to Rwanda have been shot down by an appeals court and are now being appealed by the Supreme Court.
Source: Times of Oman
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World
Australian PM Anthony Albanese to visit India to participate in G20 Leaders' Summit
Anthony Albanese, G20 Leaders' Summit, global economic cooperation, ASEAN leaders
Representative image
7Anthony_Albanese_August13.jpg
Canberra [Australia], August 13: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his participation in the upcoming G20 summit to be held in New Delhi next month
Albanese will be among leaders of G-20 nations who are scheduled to attend the G-20 summit under India's presidency in New Delhi this September.
The G20 is the world's preeminent forum for global economic cooperation. Leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth, according to a statement by the Australian PM's office.
"Deepening Australia's engagement with Southeast Asia is a key priority for my Government. Our futures are intertwined - so it's essential that we work together to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous region," a press statement from the Australian Prime Minister's office said quoting Albanese.
"It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities," Albanese said.
"Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace," he said.
Albanese said that Australia is proud to be hosting a Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024.
"I look forward to welcoming ASEAN leaders to Australia in March next year," he said.
Albanese will travel to Indonesia, the Philippines and India in September to meet with regional leaders to discuss global challenges and advance Australia's economic, security and climate agenda.
The Australian Prime Minister will attend the 3rd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta from September 6-7. Australia's close partnership with ASEAN and its members is critical to achieving mutual prosperity, security and peace in the region.
As part of the Australian Government's upgrade of relationships with countries of Southeast Asia, Albanese will travel to Manila, the first Australian Prime Minister to undertake a bilateral visit to the Philippines since the year 2003.
The Prime Minister's meeting on September 8 with Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr will focus on strengthening cooperation on defence and maritime security, development and education.
"Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defence and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties, including through the vibrant Filipino-Australian community. I look forward to visiting Manila to meet with President Marcos and affirm our partnership," Albanese said.
India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022.
Source: Times of Oman