the the business day, the we news long from berlin, south africa's presidents, serial run. my post is sworn in for a 2nd term. he and his weekend, the amc party returned to office after entering into a power sharing deal with a political fund. also coming rushes lottery, put him at north korea's, came joan, and sign a strategic partnership, agreeing to expand their economic and military cooperation. this as pro makes his 1st official visit to north korea in 24. and then a major 4 case in ecuador, a japanese firm faces allegations of modern day slavery. we'll have an exclusive

report the i'm looking for at least welcome to the show, russian president vladimir fruit and north korean leader kim jong own. have signed a strategic partnership agreement in young, young food and as making his 1st state visits to north korea. in 24 years, the russian president has been seeking to boost diplomatic ties and further bolster aid for his war and ukraine. north korea is already a major supplier of munition, for the war came as came to cultivate russia as an ally and strengthened a united front against washington. after the ceremony food and outlined the major parts of his new, packed with north korea. king john a but comprehensive partnership tree sign today provides,

among other things for mutual assistance in case of aggression against one of the parties to this treaty noise. if the data we use east asia corresponding james trader is following fitness visit to north korea. hind things good to see you again. what do we know about this pact between russia and north korea? identical. well, with russian officials say that this new strategic partnership will replace the last one sign between these 2 countries. moving it to a decades ago, russian official save that was in response to a deep evolution. all of the gerry political situation in the world. the really critical point that has come out of this new strategic partnership is the rush or north korea say there is a mutual makers of mutual support to one another. if one of the countries is attacks, people don't treat and said that this partnership is always a defensive nature. he did also say that military support may fall within the re

mental this new strategic partnership. and a final points to make is that rusher north create? well, so i said they stand against. well they cool politically motivated functional sanctions . and this last point is important, because when we look at what's really been putting a ceiling over russian engagement with north korea in recent years, it hasn't been those un sanctions which russia has previously endorsed. and so if we seeing a lot of my parents in criticizing these types of functions, it could be a sign that he will look to act in defiance. so, but his un sanctions potentially offer supports to north korea is weapons programs . mm hm. the west is concerned, especially about north korea, supporting ma scales invasion of ukraine. how do you see this impacting the way both countries behave going forward? it's absolutely one of the lead on. so this somebody to us and south korean officials are really sounding the alarm bell is about, well they, they see as north tray are essentially providing millions of munitions to moscow

over the past year to, to continue it's worth aggression against ukraine. the big question really was ways, what is north korea are essentially guessing in return? and i think the really important points that says 0 in on here is that's defensive in nature. over the big green language. they say that they have sign just now because when we look at the more belligerent behavior of rusher in north korea of a recent years, they often characterize it or explain it as defending themselves against the west. whether that's russia saying they says expansion in europe is behind the war and ukraine, whether appeal yang saying that the us deepening ties with allies like japan and south korea is, is the cause of intercontinental ballistic missile tests. and so what we're seeing here really is potentially an avenue through which rusher and north korea are trying to legitimize what could be more concrete, military supports full retail, the we don't know what that necessarily will look like in concrete terms. with

assessing the lang, the diplomatic groundwork to do so, can you briefly tell us how china feels about all of this when, of course, china is expressed concern about north korea, more volatile behavior in the past that but the fact remains that of course the, the 1st visit to all persons new presidential time to see it was that red compet welcome in beijing. and the facts remains that these are the countries that are welcoming person and not in a sense, as taking a stand on the rushes invasion of ukraine. these are all countries which whole style to what they view is a global or the dominates and by the us. and they view, then deepening partnerships and alliances between each other as efforts to to combat thoughts that we use east asia corresponding james taylor. thank you. so much i are in the caucasus and now where moscow's influence has very presence. but armenia says it wants to reduce its dependency on russian,

which has been a strategic partner for decades here of on once russian soldiers out of the country . and is looking for security guarantees elsewhere, especially from the west that we use funding for sar, travel to, to the city of young re near the turkish armenian border. there is a large russian military base and the city of thousands of soldiers who aren't going anywhere yet. russia is withdrawing from other parts of the country without leaving money concerned about their security. the best sellers here are these badges, including those with those in the tour you symbol for us shows the invasion of ukraine. many of the customers are russian soldiers from the nearby military base, which we are not in russia. this is our media. the shopkeepers on worried about their business. they don't want to be filled and denied. after the warning ukraine began, our business dropped slightly because the soldiers were taken from here to ukraine

. as more russian soldiers entered the shop, we are told to leave their many store shops here and during the 2nd biggest city of armenia. this is where russia maintains a military base, its a vulnerable spot for armenia. we are only about 10 kilometers from the border with turkey. historically, a hostile neighbor. we are not allowed to film here, but we can get close enough to see pollutants message at the entrance. it says rushes, growing military power guarantees peace on the planet. and for armenia, it has felt true. did long depended on russia as a strategic partner to protect against us or by john and cherokee. but now they are not sure it is nothing less to will to us you if we securely starting to turn to

the west. in fact, armenia as prime minister nichol pushing on, criticize russia for, failing to stop azerbaijan taking over nagondo colorado. last year you said, depending on, on the roster for secure, they had been a strategic mistake and it's telling russian soldiers truly, there is no plan to close. did you my base yet? soldiers have been here since 1941 house just across the road. but russian troops have started to withdrawal from the east for they have been strengthening the border rid azerbaijan. some people here are concerned with us as good waistcoat. we do, if the russian army leaves us will be attacked right away. you do both by turkey and as are by john. thank god they're here level. so we live freely and well, me. so you are a few. but after us or by john took over in the garden, a car boss,

last year, many lost its trust in russia and liked our government. our looking was for answers to not do is know if there were nato soldiers, it would be better. our opponents would be more afraid for some russians living here, that change of heart is a great many like to it's shawna came here after russia invaded ukraine to save german from being drafted to find a u. k, b u. c. here she's an english teacher who fled with her husband and son, a. but she's going to the complicated situation here. may mean they have to leave a get. i don't know which hi, this is what i can come. i have no y and z a. i receive a new subs,

but it's so such a milk area. try not to think about that much because it's for is me a lot. and i realize that i don't have a simple solution. so what's next for the people in armenia as he attempts to diversify foreign policy and looks towards the west. if it will imagine that doesn't mean in any time, it will be much more closer to the you to be a candidate for the members shape or to be a member of feel. of course, in such moments, russia will the, the side to make offer and see if i guess that i mean a government or not to take the power here by the way, funded by the media to the troops to make for that our not now or will decide to remove troops from here. as armenia looks for new partners, it's future will depend on geo political shift in the region and its ability to balance the demands of different powers. steam w,

senior international correspondence on the 1st are filled out report and joins me now in the studio. so good to have. you're here finally now, and armenia finds itself in a very complex position. we heard it, there can be a, for it to turn their backs on russia. if you look at this from a very comic perspective, certainly not, at least not right now because it strongly depends on russia when it comes to energy. speaking of oil gas, if even it's russia to produce electricity, you know, for the tricity, for armenians. having said that, however, if you look at the map we're armine, is located, it is really short of options which we got to friends, the neighbors, the so didn't report you got to a key to the west. you got about john to the east. the do got to to keep history weighs heavily on the relationship between took and armenia to recall for the view is hundreds of thousands of people have the gnostic, a during the ultimate empire during 1st world war and a pop and beyond that. and that's been recognized by several countries including germany. and then you've got also by john to the east several wars and conflicts after the demise of the soviet union. so during the past 3 decades, so really it's,

it's, it's wedged in between the zone in this region and he smelt, try to look for the west. in fact, the for ministry of armenia said this full appear in the push ya pushing you on to prime minister once to apply for you membership and the new parliament or the european parliament. rather, this much also is assigned to draft a resolution to consider a media for you membership at some point. so clearly that diversification patching us speaks about is moving away from russia moving towards the west. the question is, just how much is it going to be addressed the group and what risks just that entail exactly how with rush i respond. you spoke to a lot of people on your trip to armenia. how do they feel about the government? do they think that they can procure a security of the security that they need in that situation now, especially since september 2023 event azerbaijan, we took control it open a gun,

a crowd, boston 10 to thousands of ethnic armenians have to leave. and donald car boss, they've been a series of anti government protests, people recording for the resignation of finally stop pushing on and his government saying that she's been to sell stuff as a by john gave up way too easily. they say on the go on a car box, and as we're speaking currently, there's a process ongoing, actually to go towards a long term piece agreement between azerbaijan at emilia. but that again includes the new boarded invocation line to the east. we've been reporting about that a few months ago and so people really have a lack of trust more than 50 percent. in fact, of the population size, they do this trust from it is to patching on and providing secure disability. the number one issue for armenians, and if you take that into consideration, you just wonder if there's one challenge, the regional challenge, as it's trying to diversify politics and maybe economy at some point, it has to what about the domestic issues as well? the new elections on the 2026, but unless we just have to see what these protests would result in,

you not to be underestimated the domestic pressure. that was funny for, sorry, thank you so much. to south africa now we're presidents are a relo post that has been sworn in for a 2nd full term by the constitutional court in pretoria. last month's election marked a historic turning point ending 3 decades of dominance by the amc of the late nelson mandela. the party that's not the anti apartheid struggle when only 40 percent of the boat this time route, losing its absolute majority in parliament for the 1st time. it is now struck a deal to form what it calls a government of national unity and it always dine. hawker is in pretoria where that ceremony is taking place. i believe she's now joining us on the line, diane serial room, a post as just taking the oath of office for another term as president. what stood out for you as well. he's just taking the oath of office and also given and the

address here at the union building. and i think what really stands out is that the tone that he is speaking about. so speaking about unity quite a lot. what are the issues that, that you know, pops up before the election? and i think in the election that the also so is that no pots he was able to secure a majority. and that means that all the parties will many parties will have to work together going forward. and so he's a james and spoke quite a lot about how the africans expecting political parties to put away the p t issue . and they want to, and one thing the got those in government to put the aspirations. but he also said that he stands before the people of south africa as a humble servant. speaking about how he is, he had to look and, and basically to put a game so way, those levels that we've been talking to, the amc, the, the, the potty, that he needs,

as well as what book among different political parties. so almost a reconciliate to read code, i suppose, and tell him that that really spoke about how the country includes move forward. mm hm. and he's ready. he's as to get to work for that work is going to be a little more complicated than what he is used to because this time around he will lead a coalition government. he said that there are there any indications already on how that will function as absolutely it will be much more difficult because previously the b and c headsets majority. and on a lot of policy issues, they were able to make decisions without really consulting anyone in the opposition that they could pretty much cause any pull that they put forward except for a change to the constitution itself. that requires 70 since this time around there will be a need for consensus of the initial document that was signed by the coalition. part

members spoke about governing by consensus. not necessarily agreeing on everything but at least agreeing on the t. s. speaks before moving forward on any major decisions. and of course they would also have to agree to in a way put they, they, they pause issues behind the be the 2nd largest party. the democratic alliance is a party that campaigned quite heavily against the amc. and they have quite a different idea ideological perspective. these 2 parties will have to find a way to move forward, or part of that finding a way to move forward will involve the sharing of some positions in cabinets, which i'm opposed to, is expected to announce in the next few day. interesting times a head though is the delays, diane hawker from pretoria. thanks for the latest. so we can now take a look at some of the stories making headlines around the world. today. heavy

rainfall has triggered widespread flooding and bangladesh, the incense and dreams costs. the storm a river near bangladesh, the northeast eastern border to rise in updating the surrounding areas. local officials say some 37000 people are stranded in rural areas. at least 9 people have been killed in floods and lands lives after heavy rains and southern china. more than a 1000 people have been reported missing. she's already in the south western going through the province, have issued flood warnings for around 25000 people across the 10 counties. the ceo of boeing has little apologize to families who lost loved ones and 2737, max crashes during a us senate hearing dave cooling, said the aircraft maker took responsibility for a faulty software system, crashes in indonesia. and if you will be until 346 people and 20182019 i want you to know we are called to ecuador. now, where

a landmark court ruling is soon expected on a number of labor exploitation and slavery cases. agricultural workers say they sell for decades of abuse on several plantations producing plan fiber for japanese company for ro colewell. now a federal court is set to decide whether 340 cala employees should face jail time. there's always latin america corresponding nicole reese reports, or if you look at the extra event in his lake, you can see caustic lament the chavez lives in pay. you broke it while working on a plantation and it says his employer didn't give him proper medical care. he was operating the machine like this when the of a call 5 is he was processing cold, his leg, the injuries from that and other accidents left him disabled. but he says the depend based company protocol which exported the product, never compensated him. he says that was little consideration for safety and no support for those who were injured. definitely feel my are mixed with my legs. i

only feel like i'm half alive when you incapacitated, they would tend to not know you anymore. they don't help a tool because they don't know you almost, you're not with anything. if you say you incapacitate digital, that's the thing about photo. calico of chavez is from ecuador santo domingo region is just one of 338, walk us from across the country. we're suing the company in court. the accusations include negligence, lack of safe working conditions, health care, and clean drinking water is a huge case, which also includes claims of child labor and modern slavery center. can yonah says she started working here when she was just 6 years old and spent decades and inhumane conditions? she told us she gave birth to 7 children on the plantation with no medical care. my daughter, it was very tough. we had to work during pregnancy with our big bellies we got used to it. sometimes we'd be working with a fiber right up until birth pain started lowering,

liking maternal leave she until the women golf back to work directly after this phone. the work is show us how they would hospice the of a cough for tuning into 0 paper and fibers. they claim, not only was it dangerous, they usually had no breaks or days off. if they didn't work, they wouldn't be paid this home campaign to say more than 80 percent of the work is we've been extreme poverty headquarters government to testify during the trial against photocopy. why? this is what the labor minister told us for. we have no have video to previous governments, including the ministry of labor, didn't stop the situation that from my point of view is one of the most emblematic because here we are talking about slave labor. in the case of food who car was. it was all there actually that was executed to of a car exposed to photo car was car and manage. it insists the workers always had

social security and medical care. what he says, responsibility for those things was possibly in the hands of the local contractors until 2018 and you'll be ok in embrace the company could have had a close relationship with the contractors to find out if the problems are processing the 5, the i'm eligible for that is something that could have been improved due to the idea of life, but to speak about slavery unit essential moines more is very, very, very far fetched in on the bulk of say they lost childhood education and health. and also to see we have suffered at this company. so we demand just at the moment at the end of the day, the judges to our fathers and mothers either was of those judges and the piano court. and the constitutional court could make historic decisions. setting up the responsibility and accountability for book as rights and equitable. let's bring it for an end to help in time. cabrera. she's the vice chair of the you and working

group on business and human rights, and is following this case very closely for not to landmark court cases in ecuador . what do you expect from these rulings? thank you. well, from the working group perspective, what we expect is festival to have a 2 year ruling that sets what's the responsibility of the company as well as the course of the authorities, particularly the labor authority is in ecuador. we think it's very important that this ruling clarifies whether we're really talking about modern slavery or forest labor and the case of this workers. and again, what has been the responsibility of the company in a quarter. and hopefully that can also lead to the responsibilities of the parent company in japan, which i think it's, it's important to be clarified as well. mm hm. that these cases are, of course, about human rights and accountability. how much of a difference can the ports decisions make?

well, i do think, and this is the perspective of the working group that of course enrolling coming from such a high court as in the case of banquet or concept precedent in terms of again, sorry, find the responsibilities of companies with regards to human rights for decades. we have discussed the of course obligations and the duties of the states to protect human rights. but since you know, the guiding principles and business acumen, right square and talk to in the u. n. in 2011, we have been making a lot of emphasis on the responsibility also of companies or private actors to respect human rights and make sure that there isn't forced labor or any form upon our slavery in their supply chain. now this is one case that we're looking at, but can you give us a sense of how big the problem of water and slavery is today and what's driving it as well. there, there are definitely commercial drivers. we see this in the we cultural sector in

the extractive sector in industries that really operates in a long, long scale scales and portions of territory extracting or producing, you know, natural resources, food, etc. and this is partially because of the demand to produce certain amounts per day . so this many times, corners workers to work very, very long hours include including bringing their children on the wholesaler to the plantations, to be able to collect and, and fulfill the demands from the company or from the, you know, 3rd parties that are intermediaries with the companies so i think there is a really a problem nowadays with um, you know, the demands, but it's put on workers, mostly on poor workers from vulnerable. unexcused totally exclude is communities

including communities of colors, indigenous communities in the global south and lots in america and africa. and such, some countries in asia to, you know, again, the reach those marks in terms of production. and i think this is actually a problem of the system of the business model itself. that was the united nations for non oppenheim cabrera. thank you so much for it. and my pleasure. thank you. so before we go, a quick reminder of the top story. we're following for you. south african president, sarah remo, post that has been sworn in for a 2nd full term. it comes after his amc parties failed to win a majority and national elections for the 1st time in 3 decades and struck a power sharing deal with opponents. and that's all the news we offer you at this moment, but stay with us making germany is up next, looking at whether the commercial airline industry will ever gold electric, optical, fairly from all of us here in our news room. berlin,

thank you so much for your company, and we'll be back at the top for the next hour with the

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