Damascus, June 26 (SANA) Syria’s top investment official outlined government efforts to improve the country’s business climate during a Washington investment forum on Thursday, as Damascus seeks to attract foreign capital to support economic recovery. Talal al-Hilali, director general of the Syrian»»»

Parliamentary Tourism Committee Chair Rositsa Kirova met with Ambassador of Moldova to Bulgaria Emil Jakota, the Committee said in a press release on Friday. The sides discussed opportunities for deepening cooperation in the field of tourism, as well as Bulgaria’s support for Moldova’s EU integrati»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Transport has joined the international community celebrating the Day of the Seafarer 2026, through a special event recognizing and appreciating the seafarers and those working in the maritime industry. On this occasion, the MoT honoured a number of national talents and »»»

Manama, Bahrain: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani yesterday participated in Manama in the joint ministerial meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies GCC foreign ministers, with the participation of Secretary of State of the U»»»

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that states are constitutionally compelled to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, legalizing gay marriage nationwide. 1 of 5 | Supporters take selfies after the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of gay marriage across the U.S. at the Suprem»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has announced that its Social Responsibility Initiative, implemented in partnership with private schools and kindergartens across Qatar, has so far provided more than 9,000 free and discounted educational seats aimed at supporting »»»

Doha, Qatar: The Elderly Council, one of the flagship community initiatives of the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), has launched its summer programme in collaboration with youth centres as part of efforts to strengthen community engagement and provide a supportive environment»»»

Doha, Qatar: As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting healthy ageing and preventive healthcare, the Health Education Department under the Clinical Operations Directorate at Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) organised a series of hydration awareness sessions for older adults in collaborat»»»

Kyrgyzstan, where Islamic finance is already developing at the banking and legislative levels, may gain additional opportunities thanks to a new partnership between the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and AAOIFI. The organizations agreed to develop Islamic finance and implement international standa»»»

Hungary’s property market has attracted growing international attention in recent years. From elegant apartments in central Budapest to lakeside homes near Balaton and charming countryside properties, foreign buyers are increasingly exploring opportunities in the country. Compared with many Western»»»

Tokyo: Japanese airlines cancelled more than 100 flights on Friday as two tropical storms barrelled towards the archipelago, with authorities advising evacuations in some areas because of possible flooding and landslides. Severe tropical storm Mekkhala was downgraded from a typhoon but still carrie»»»

Thorsten IfflandJapan is a nation of tea drinkers and famous for matcha. The super food has become a hit on social media across the world, in part due to its bright green color. Farmers are enjoying the hype. https://p.dw.com/p/5FjTXAdvertisementJapanese matcha tea is regarded as a super food in ma»»»

Dubai: The UAE will begin preparatory talks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, marking a fresh step in its push to widen market access and deepen trade links with economies across Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Sign up for our daily business newslette»»»

Desperate Venezuelans raced Thursday to find and rescue loved ones trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings after two major earthquakes that killed at least 235 people. Buildings cracked, crumbled and tilted precariously after the quakes, which the United States Geological Survey measured »»»

Doha, Qatar: For many photographers, a prize-winning shot begins long before the shutter is pressed. It starts with curiosity, a fresh perspective, and seeing beauty through your own lens. Visit Qatar honored the winners of the "Qatar Through Your Lens" competition on Wednesday , celebrating local »»»

A devastating road accident near Mezdra claimed the lives of two teenagers just one day after another series of fatal crashes in Bulgaria left two children and a father dead. The tragedy unfolded on the road between Mezdra and the village of Bodenets when a moped carrying a 17-year-old boy and his »»»

Doha, Qatar: The final round of Group G fixtures sees Iran face Egypt in a match with major implications for qualification to the Round of 32. With Egypt already through, attention turns to whether Iran can secure a place in the knockout stage. The crucial match will be played on Saturday (6am, Qat»»»

YANGON: Thick clouds of black smoke billowed into the sky on the outskirts of Myanmar’s largest city Friday as authorities burned more than 50 tons of heroin, opium, ketamine, methamphetamine, marijuana and crystal meth — some $600 million of confiscated illegal drugs destroyed nationwide. Myanmar,»»»

VIENNA: Drug use around the world is rising, including a worrying increase of new potent and dangerous synthetic drugs, a UN watchdog warned on Friday. An estimated 331 million people used a drug in 2024, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC) said in its 2026 World Drug Report. This i»»»

The hybrid films developed by a research team at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University can become a much more effective version of the existing adhesive patches. How it works:The films are a combination of polyvinyl alcohol and HKUST-1 copper-based metal-organic frameworksThe materials exhibit cons»»»

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of new weapons to bolster firepower along the inter-Korean border, state-run media reported Friday. In this May 2024 photo, Kim views a 240mm multiple rocket launcher system. File Photo by KCNA/EPA-EFE SEOUL, June 26 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jon»»»

Chairman of the State Tax Service of the Kyrgyz Republic Almambet Shykmamatov familiarized himself with the work of Georgia’s tax authority during a working visit to the country. The purpose of the visit was to exchange experience between the tax authorities of the two countries in the field of tax»»»

The first meeting of members of the Kyrgyz Marketing Association, established by representatives of the industry, was held in Bishkek. The organization will unite the country’s marketing specialists. The association’s mission is to develop globally relevant local marketing specialists. To achieve t»»»

It is proposed to tighten penalties for delayed payment of wages, pensions, allowances, stipends, and other social benefits in Kyrgyzstan. The law was signed by President Sadyr Japarov. The amendments are being made to documents regulating labor relations, social security, the pension system, and e»»»

The death toll from two back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to about 235, with at least 4,300 people injured, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on state television on Thursday as rescue teams continued searching for survivors. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates. (FRANCE »»»

Damascus, June 26 (SANA) Syrian officials discussed investment opportunities with Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris on Thursday as the country intensifies efforts toward economic recovery and reconstruction.Deputy Economy and Industry Minister Basel Abdul Hanan discussed investment opportunities »»»

Abdumalik Bekzat, a descendant of Alymbek Datka, has been granted citizenship of Kyrgyzstan. Taalaybek Sarybashov, a member of the Zhogorku Kenesh, reported. According to him, the country’s president provided direct support to Abdumalik Bekzat in obtaining Kyrgyzstan’s citizenship. «At one time, du»»»

Egypt and the European Union (EU) signed last Sunday a memo of understanding to improve efficiency in water and agricultural sectors. The memo aims at offering EU’s technical and financial assistance to improve water resources management mechanism in Egypt. Water Resources Minister Hossam Moghazi, »»»

Has Trump whispering run its course? Ask the departing Keir Starmer who famously brought that letter of invitation from the king to the Oval Office or Hungary’s ousted leader Viktor Orban. And how about the very public breakup with the only European leader invited to Donald Trump’s second»»»

Bulgaria's Constitutional Court has struck down Parliament's decision that required the Council of Ministers to submit legislation for the country's accession to the Charter of the Board of Peace, a new international initiative launched by the United States. The ruling was issued under constitution»»»

A protester from Chicago shows his point of view with his sign in front of the entrance to Alligator Alcatraz located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport is seen on August 6, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the facility's closure. File Photo By Ga»»»

Former finance minister and current “We Continue the Change” (PP) leader Asen Vassilev sharply criticized Bulgaria’s draft Budget 2026, calling it fundamentally misleading, legally questionable, and economically harmful. He argued that the fiscal plan contradicts the Public Finance Act and is based»»»

President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree on a one-time legalization campaign for foreign citizens and stateless persons staying in Kyrgyzstan in violation of migration laws. According to the document, from July 1 to July 31, 2026, such foreigners will be able to voluntarily leave Kyrgyzstan without »»»

Dubai: Apple has raised MacBook prices in the UAE, with some models now costing hundreds of dirhams more than they did in March, as verified by Gulf News on Apple’s UAE website on June 26. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The biggest increase is on the 14-inch MacBook P»»»

DUBAI: Lebanese comedian John Achkar is still slightly stunned by what his latest milestone represents for stand-up in the Arab world. His hour-long Arabic stand-up special, “Aam Jarrib” — or “Tryin’” — which began streaming on MBC Shahid on May 27, is, according to a press release, the first full-»»»

BOURG-SAINT-PIERRE: At the Great St. Bernard Pass high in the Swiss Alps, the eponymous dogs still walk the same mountain paths their ancestors patrolled for hundreds of years to find travelers buried beneath the snow. Down in the valley, a living museum honoring the Swiss national dog’s history — »»»

Indian expatriates in the UAE are set to face a series of important changes affecting travel, documentation and consular services in the coming weeks. From higher passport fees to a new service delivery system and additional pre-boarding requirements for travel to India, the updates will impact rou»»»

SANTA CLARA: Australia qualified for the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday after battling to a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara to claim second place in Group D. The Socceroos, who defeated Turkiye in their opening match before losing to the United States, were never seriously threatened o»»»

KANSAS: Herve Renard said Thursday he had no regrets about taking on the job as Tunisia’s emergency coach at the World Cup despite the North African nation’s catastrophic campaign. Tunisia were beaten 3-1 by the Netherlands in Kansas City on Thursday, following a 5-1 defeat against Sweden and a 4-0»»»

TOKYO: A “very strong” verification system is needed in Iran following the Middle East conflict to ensure that the country does not develop nuclear weapons, the UN atomic watchdog chief said Friday. “I think the objective of this (recent US-Iran) agreement is to ensure that there is no development »»»

LONDON: Serena Williams will find out who she’s facing in the first round at Wimbledon — for her first singles match in nearly four years, and at age 44 — when the draw is held Friday.The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion accepted a wild-card entry to the grass-court Grand Slam, where she’ll al»»»

East Rutherford, United States: Ecuador upset Germany to squeeze into the last 32 of the World Cup on Thursday while the Netherlands, Japan and the Ivory Coast advanced safely as the draw for the knockout rounds began to take shape. The Netherlands wrapped up their first round campaign with a 3-1 v»»»

Dubai: Dubai gold prices fell again on Friday morning, giving jewellery buyers a lower entry point after a volatile month that saw rates swing from record highs to their lowest levels in weeks. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and I»»»

Erica Sanchez, a Caracas resident whose apartment was damaged in Venezuela's devastating earthquakes, shared her story with Sputnik. “My building was hit pretty hard: the first floor was the worst affected, then the second floor, the third floor a bit, and from the fourth floor up — nothing,” Sanch»»»

In May 2026, the average number of employed persons aged 15–74 was 4 million 654 thousand. The number of unemployed persons was 209 thousand and the unemployment rate was 4.3%. In the period March–May 2026, the average number of employed persons aged 15–74 was 4 million 640 thousand, 33 thousand fe»»»

A proposed amendment adopted by Parliament's Legislative Committee on Thursday stipulates that the president and deputy presidents of the Sovereignty Protection Office will not be entitled to severance pay. The committee also supported dissolving the authority by merging it into the ministry headed»»»

Prime Minister Péter Magyar on Thursday called on the Chief Prosecutor to purge his office of members of the "Hungarian Cosa Nostra," saying that if he is unwilling or unable to do so, he should resign. At the government spokesperson's briefing, the Prime Minister also reported on the public consul»»»

Parliament is expected to continue the second-reading debate and voting on the amendments to the Judiciary Act. On Thursday, MPs were unable to adopt all of the proposed provisions because the parliamentary session ended before the debate was completed. Work on the bill will therefore continue at t»»»

Los Angeles, United States: Turkiye beat a heavily changed United States 3-2 with a late Kaan Ayhan winner in an action-packed dead-rubber clash that gave the World Cup co-hosts their sternest test so far ahead of the knockout rounds. Already crowned Group D winners, the US arrived in Los Angeles s»»»

US President Donald Trump claimed that Washington will use Iran's unfrozen assets to purchase American agricultural products, alleging that Iran is "having a hard time with food." “We're going to be taking some of their money, and we'll spend it, and we're going to be buying wheat, soybeans, and co»»»