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Trump and Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark $142 Billion Defense Agreement

by News Editor
May 14, 2025

In an unprecedented move, former US President Donald Trump, alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has brokered a monumental $142 billion deal aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s defense systems. This agreement, hailed as the most extensive arms sale in history, reiterates the strong economic ties between the two nations.

The White House emphasized the significance of this deal, calling it a strategic economic partnership that involves the procurement of cutting-edge military equipment and services from over a dozen American defense companies. This collaboration aims to upgrade Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities across various domains, such as:

  • Advanced Aerospace and Space Technologies
  • Comprehensive Air and Missile Defense Systems
  • Cohesive Naval and Coastal Security
  • Enhanced Border Security
  • Modernized Land Forces

Apart from military equipment, the deal also includes extensive training support to elevate the proficiency of the Saudi armed forces, enhancing military academies and medical services. Notably, this partnership aligns well with Trump’s broader diplomatic objectives across the Middle East, as he embarks on a tour that includes Qatar and the UAE, seeking investment opportunities and strategic alliances.

These developments could impact markets far beyond the defense sector. For instance, there’s a remarkable rise in startups looking to capitalize on new technological advancements, much like how the US tech company Tenstorrent is expanding into Cyprus, reflecting a growing trend of cross-border tech collaborations.

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor
May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.

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