Bulgaria's Prime Minister Says He Will Hold Talks with Ukraine's President in Brussels
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels on Thursday on the sidelines of the European Council meeting. Radev arrived in Brussels to take part in the meeting of EU heads of state or government and spoke to Bulgarian journalists. Radev sai»»»
Chinese journalists, content creators to visit Tunisia to promote tourism
Tunis, June 18 (TAP) - A delegation of Chinese journalists are visiting Tunisia, June 12-19, as part of a promotional media trip organised by the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT) in China for a leading Chinese media group specialised in...»»»
UAE extradites three suspects to Belgium over money laundering and organised crime
The UAE has extradited three wanted suspects by Belgian authorities on allegations of money laundering, drug trafficking and involvement in transnational organised crime, in a move both countries said underscored their commitment to international judicial cooperation. Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nu»»»
Vance Says 60-Day Period to Reach Final Deal With Iran Started on Thursday
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday that the 60-day time frame for US-Iran negotiations aimed at striking a final deal starts today. "I would say the 60-day period officially started today ... So, yes, the deal started yesterday, we're going to start the 60-day clock »»»
Xi: I attach great significance to development of Sino-Serbian relations
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received on Thursday a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping in which the Chinese leader noted that he attached great significance to development of Sino-Serbian relations and that, during Vucic's recent visit to China, he had been impressed by the S»»»
Eight nations condemn escalating settler violence against Palestinians in West Bank
Doha The foreign ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye have strongly condemned the continued and escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the»»»
2 sentenced for spying for Chinese government in Britain - UPI.com
British counter-terrorism police announced Thursday that a Border Force officer and another have been sentenced for allegedly spying for the Chinese government. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 18 (UPI) -- British counter-terrorism said Thursday a Border Force officer and forme»»»
NK leaders' sister slams G7 call for denuclearization, defends nuclear arms as 'means of self-defense' - UPI.com
On Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, denounced international calls for denuclearization, describing the country's nuclear weapons as its "core interests." File Photo Jorge Silva/EPA June 18 (UPI) -- The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday »»»
Pope Leo XIV to visit Peru in November - UPI.com
Peruvian President José María Balcázar confirmed Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru during the first half of November. File Photo by Jose Sena Goulao/EPA June 18 (UPI) -- Peruvian President José María Balcázar confirmed Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV will visit Peru during the first half of N»»»
Socialist Party to Hold Joint Government and Parliamentary Meeting Amid Political Tensions
The ruling Socialist Party is set to convene an expanded meeting of its parliamentary group and government officials on Saturday at the Palace of Brigades in Tirana, according to information obtained by local media. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., with party members informed throug»»»
Bulgaria resists Brussels’ new anti-Russian sanctions plan
The EU’s latest Russia sanctions package proposal includes counter-productive measures that could backfire on its own member states, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova has said. The government of Ukraine-skeptic Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who assumed office in May, are reportedly “diggin»»»
Egypt’s Emam Ashour tops Mbappe and Kane in World Cup shot-speed rankings
TORONTO: Egypt midfielder Emam Ashour scored the fastest goal in the first round of group-stage games at 2026 FIFA World Cup. Data captured by the “Connected Ball” technology inside the official Adidas tournament ball revealed that his strike against Belgium reached a speed of 123.4 kph, surpassing»»»
Kartal returns to Fenerbahce as head coach
GDANSK: Veteran coach Ismail Kartal has returned to Fenerbahce for a fourth managerial spell, the Turkish Super Lig side said on Thursday. Fenerbahce said in a statement to Turkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that they had appointed 65-year-old Kartal on a one-year contract. Kartal, »»»
Mexico, Korea eye World Cup knockout berths
LOS ANGELES: Mexico and South Korea will aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday when they meet in Guadalajara knowing a win would guarantee a last 32 berth. The Group A rivals head into the fixture at the Estadio Akron fresh from respective victories over South Afric»»»
US allows more than a dozen ships through to Iranian ports, lifting blockade under deal, Vance says
WASHINGTON: Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that the US Navy has allowed more than a dozen ships through to Iranian ports, lifting a blockade as part of an agreement to end the war. Vance made the announcement at a White House press briefing, where he said more oil is now flowing through the »»»
US announces targeted visa restrictions for some Ethiopians
WASHINGTON: The US State Department announced visa restrictions targeting people it said were undermining peace in Ethiopia on Thursday, focused on hard-liners in the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and their immediate family members. “Rising tensions between Tigray People’s Liberation Fro»»»
UK relaxes travel advice for UAE and some other Gulf states after US-Iran deal
LONDON: Britain on Thursday said it was no longer advising against non-essential travel to some Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, after the United States and Iran reached an interim agreement this week to end their war. In late February and early March Britain ha»»»
Residents return to war-ravaged southern Lebanon with hope and sorrow after the US-Iran deal
TYRE, Lebanon: Adnan Kaour returned on Thursday to check on his home in southern Lebanon ‘s coastal city of Tyre — once known as an idyllic summer getaway spot — just a week after Israel issued warnings for all of its residents to evacuate. The warnings were followed by sweeping airstrikes on the c»»»
QMMF, TOSFED sign cooperation agreement to advance motorsport development
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) formalised a landmark five-year Cooperation Agreement, marking a significant step forward in the shared ambition of both organisations to elevate motorsport on the international stage»»»
Neymar to miss Brazil's second World Cup game against Haiti
Morristown, United States: Neymar will not travel with the Brazil squad for Friday's second World Cup group game against Haiti as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. The 34-year-old has only returned to training with the national team this week and missed the five-time World Cup winners' »»»
Eight Arab, Islamic countries condemn escalating settler violence against Palestinians in Occupied West Bank
Doha, Qatar: The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Turkiye condemned in the strongest term the »»»
Indian Embassy, Consulate in UAE announce details of International Yoga Day events
Dubai/ Abu Dhabi: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai have announced plans for two landmark events across the UAE to mark the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Sunday, 21 June 2026. The missions have announced mega events at iconic venues Louvre Abu Dhabi and the»»»
Jankovic attends SEDM meeting in Tbilisi
TBILISI - Deputy Chief of Serbian Armed Forces General Staff Lt Gen Tiosav Jankovic attended a South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) deputy chiefs of defence meeting in Tbilisi on Thursday. "At the regular annual meeting of this regional initiative, the implementation of agreed activities»»»
Vance says 60-day negotiating period under draft deal with Iran begins today
US Vice President JD Vance spoke at a White House press briefing on the interim agreement with Iran on Thursday, saying that some 12.5 million barrels of oil have flowed through the Strait of Hormuz following the overnight signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States »»»
Hegseth lashes out against European NATO allies ahead of summit
The US has announced it is going to cut down on NATO crisis forces and will be reviewing its presence in Europe as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth lashed out against European NATO allies. The United States is piling on the pressure ahead of a NATO summit in July as it seeks to make sure that alli»»»
US-Iran agreement leaves Israelis 'in profound state of shock'
Israeli leaders are privately fuming about the US-Iran deal, seeing the initial agreement as a form of capitulation. This comes as a final blow to the increasingly fraying relationship between Netanyahu and Trump, previously thought thought to be iron-clad. FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky tells us mor»»»
As a result of Iran war, Gulf states 'diversifying defensively'
As the Strait of Hormuz reopens and talks between the US and Iran start up again, how are Gulf states emerging from the Middle East war? Previously thought of as the safe haven of the Middle East, the surprise US-Israeli attack on Iran has left them reeling, and triggered a search to diversify defe»»»
Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago - UPI.com
1 of 4 | Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama appear on stage as they surprised administration and campaign alumni in Chicago ahead of the dedication ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, Wednesday. The center opens Thursday and will be open to the public beginnin»»»
Saudi Arabia, other Muslim countries condemn escalating settler violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank
RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and other Muslim and Arab countries condemned continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Thursday. The foreign ministers of the Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia,»»»
Khorfakkan Mango Festival 2026: Eastern Region's premium local varieties, prize contests and agri-tourism showcase
A wide range of premium mango varieties grown in Sharjah's Eastern Region will take centre stage later this month at the fifth edition of Khorfakkan Mango Festival, an event aimed at promoting local agriculture, tourism and food security. The three-day festival, which will begin on June 26 at Expo »»»
Macron's 'Versailles diplomacy' yields mixed results after a decade in power
French President Emmanuel Macron courted his US counterpart Donald Trump at the G7 on Wednesday by opening the gilded gates of Versailles, a move that underscored his trademark blend of symbolism and diplomacy. While allies hailed the summit's success, analysts said Macron still faces the challenge»»»
French school forced to adapt to early heatwave driven by climate change
France has entered a heatwave, as the mercury climbs into the high thirties across parts of the country - up to ten degrees higher than normal for the time of year - with an orange level heat alert declared in twenty-six departments in central and eastern France, leaving people and businesses takin»»»
Air Arabia launches daily direct flights between Sharjah and Aleppo, expanding UAE-Syria air connectivity
Air Arabia will launch daily non-stop flights between Sharjah and the Syrian city of Aleppo from July 4, the low-cost carrier said on Thursday, expanding its operations in Syria and strengthening air links between the two countries. The new daily service will provide passengers with greater travel »»»
Poland detains suspect in fatal shooting of Russian artist critical of Putin, Tusk says
Polish police on Thursday detained a suspect in the daylight killing of a Russian artist known as Semyon Skrepetsky, who was known for his unsparing caricatures of prominent political figures in the Kremlin. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the man was using a Georgian passport. A suspect in »»»
Ukraine launches large drone attack on Moscow ahead of NATO meeting
Explosions were seen across Moscow on June 18 as Ukraine targeted the capital with a large-scale drone attack. Nearly 200 drones were fired at the city forcing the airport to halt flights and evacuate passengers. It's part of Kyiv's plan to choke Russia's war machine by hitting deeper into its terr»»»
“Yes, I Will Veto”: Bulgaria’s PM Stuns Brussels With Threat to Block Russia Sanctions Over Patriarch Kirill
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has confirmed that the country will block new sanctions against Russia, linking the decision to objections over proposals that would include Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in the restrictive measures. He argued that the war in Ukraine has expanded far beyond »»»
Train derailed in Hungary while travelling below the speed limit
Rail services across several important routes in Hungary were severely disrupted on Thursday afternoon after a passenger train derailed near the town of Újszász. Although no one was injured in the incident, the accident has caused significant transport restrictions and prompted an immediate investi»»»
Bulgaria Rural Property Market Cools After 2025 Price SurgeOpinions
After the sharp surge in rural and suburban real estate prices in 2025, Bulgaria’s market is now entering a cooling phase, with data indicating a gradual slowdown and even slight declines in some segments, according to industry reports cited by BGNES. The earlier price surge, fueled in part by expe»»»
Russian income inequality highest since 2007
Russia’s income inequality reached its highest level since 2007 in 2025, with the official Gini coefficient rising to 0.422 from 0.410 in 2024, according to Kommersant daily citing Rosstat. As followed by IntelliNews, demographics and equality were main national goals in the economic platform prese»»»
Rio Tinto’s giant Mongolia copper mine blocked by protesters, exports halted
Protesters on June 17 blocked copper concentrate exports from Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) giant Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. The Anglo-Australian miner confirmed shipments were disrupted in a statement posted on Facebook. The demonstration was organised by the Radical Reform Movement. Mini»»»
Saudi Arabia maintains leading cybersecurity ranking for third consecutive year
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has maintained its leading position in the global ranking of the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook’s cybersecurity index for 2026. The country’s National Cybersecurity Authority, or NCA, said in a statement that this top ranking was a reflection of the support provided by King»»»
Local and Central Executive Authorities Hold National Meeting, Seek Common Ground on Regional Development
Fiscal decentralization, regional development, investment, infrastructure, social services and the absorption of European Union funds were among the key topics discussed at a National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities in Sofia on Thursday. The forum highlighted both the challenges »»»
Why the Philippines needs more free port zones — and a change of heart
The Philippines is a unique nation. It has more than 116.8 million people inhabiting a huge land area (300,000 km2), 10 times bigger than Belgium, spread across 7,641 islands. The country has nearly four times the population of Canada, living across vastly different geographic and developmental cha»»»
IIT Delhi climbs to 118th in QS World University Rankings 2027
New Delhi In a significant boost to India's higher education credentials, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has secured the 118th position in the QS World University Rankings 2027, emerging as the country's highest-ranked institution for the second consecutive year. The prestigious glo»»»
Prince Sattam University climbs QS World Rankings
AL-KHARJ: Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University has advanced 50 positions in the 2027 QS World University Rankings, securing 677th place globally, as announced by Quacquarelli Symonds. This progress was driven by an outstanding performance in the International Research Network indicator, where the»»»
Darco Real Estate leadership meets Saudi ambassador to Russia in Moscow
On the sidelines of the MIPIF International Luxury Real Estate Exhibition in Moscow, and in conjunction with the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of the world’s largest economic forums, Adel Al-Mari, chairman of Darco Real Estate, and Dr. Omar Al-Qahtani, board member and chief exec»»»
MRF Leader Requests Probe Whether Interior Minister Pressured Mayors to Become False Witnesses Against Him
Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leader Delyan Peevski has filed a complaint with the prosecution service requesting an investigation into statements and actions by Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev. The complaint was submitted by MP Hamid Hamid in his capacity as Peevski's lawyer, according»»»
Russian delegation visits General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security
Doha A delegation from the Russian Ministry of Defense visited the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation. The delegation was welcomed by the Director General of Coasts and Border»»»
Syrian and Turkish military officials discuss greater defense cooperation
LONDON: A military delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic visited the National Defense University in Istanbul on Thursday, as Syria and Turkiye deepen their defense cooperation since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in late 2024. The delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Salim Idris from Syria’s Ministry»»»
Lebanon receives assurances from Syria on non-interference after Trump remarks, official says
BEIRUT: Lebanon has received assurances from Syria that it will not interfere in Lebanese affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri told Arab News on Thursday, rejecting suggestions that Damascus could play a role in confronting Hezbollah as fighting between Israel and the group continues. Mitri’s»»»