| | NOVEMBER 20268IN FOCUSChina has intensified its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, seeking to promote dialogue between the United States and Iran amid regional tensions and disruptions to global energy supplies.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Iranian official Ali Bagheri Kani in Beijing, stressing that negotiations were essential to prevent further escalation. He also reaffirmed Beijing's support for Iran's sovereignty and security.China's Middle East envoy, Zhai Jun, is scheduled to visit Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in November. Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping hosted Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, with both countries signing 14 cooperation agreements.China and Oman also urged Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations and restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing's renewed diplomatic engagement highlights its growing focus on regional stability and energy security. UAE-based Alef Education has partnered with Soro AI Limited to introduce AI-powered learning solutions for 250,000 students in Tajikistan, while exploring expansion into Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.The collaboration will combine Alef's personalised learning platform, Alef Pathways, with Soro AI's local-language technology and AI-based educational resources, covering Mathematics, Science and English.The initiative will begin with an English learning pilot for Grade 11 students and teachers in selected public schools by January 2027, subject to implementation readiness.Following the pilot, both companies plan to introduce Mathematics and Science programmes, targeting a wider rollout in September 2027. The partnership aims to improve educational access, support teachers and deliver personalised learning experiences aligned with local curricula and academic requirements. CHINA STRENGTHENS REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH IRAN AND OMAN FOREIGN POLICY TAJIKISTAN TO EMBRACE AI-POWERED EDUCATION THROUGH ALEF AND SORO AI Japan and Vietnam are considering a new agreement to share information about their citizens arrested or detained in each other's countries. The proposed pact aims to strengthen crime prevention amid rising offences involving Vietnamese nationals in Japan.Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Vietnamese leader To Lam are expected to discuss the agreement during their upcoming meeting.The proposal could allow authorities to notify a foreign national's home country about arrests without obtaining individual consent, although human rights concerns remain. Details, including reportable offences, will be decided later, and implementation could take two to three years.Japan's police recorded 10,773 incidents involving Vietnamese nationals in 2025, an 11 percent increase from 2024, highlighting growing concerns over cross-border crime. JAPAN, VIETNAM DISCUSS PACT TO ENHANCE SECURITY COOPERATION BUSINESS & PARTNERSHIPS
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