S. Korean special envoy calls for safe Hormuz transit in meeting with Iran's FM - UPI.com
This photo, released by Iran's foreign ministry on Thursday, shows South Korea's special envoy, Chung Byung-ha (L), meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran. Photo Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran South Korea's special envoy to Iran has m»»»
Lebanon–Syria economic talks in Damascus target market integration
Damascus, April 23 (SANA) Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar met on Wednesday with Lebanese Ambassador to Syria Henry Quston in Damascus, where the two sides reviewed mechanisms to strengthen economic and investment cooperation between Syria and Lebanon. The discussions focused on enhanci»»»
Qatar Airways to resume daily flights to UAE and Damascus as network restoration expands
DOHA: Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of flight operations between Doha and several key destinations across the Middle East, marking another step in the phased restoration of its global network. Beginning 23 April 2026, the national carrier will restart daily flights to Dubai (DXB) and S»»»
Syria central bank to launch foreign exchange and gold market in Damascus
Damascus, April 23 (SANA) The Central Bank of Syria announced on Thursday plans to launch the Damascus Market for Foreign Exchange and Gold in a move aimed at strengthening monetary policy and enhancing financial stability. Central bank governor Abdulkader Husrieh said the initiative is part of a b»»»
Lebanon and Israel to resume rare direct talks in Washington to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
BEIRUT: Lebanon and Israel were set to begin a second session of direct talks in Washington on Thursday to discuss the possibility of extending a truce between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and plans for future negotiations between the two neighbors with a long history of hostile relation»»»
Turkish Parliament Passes Bill to Restrict Social Media Access for Under-15s
Turkish lawmakers passed a bill late Wednesday that includes restricting access to social media platforms for children under 15, state media reported. The legislation is the latest in a global trend to protect young people from dangerous online activity. Its passage comes a week after a 14-year-old»»»
US–Iran talks: Can a deal secure Gulf interests this time?
Amid clear signs of uncertainty and the continued “arm-wrestling”-style negotiations between the United States and Iran, the sudden decline in what only a few days ago was described as an imminent agreement or settlement to end the war between the two sides, mediated by Pakistan, raises many fundam»»»
UK Budget Deficit for 2025/26 Narrows to Six-year Low
Britain's budget deficit for the last financial year narrowed to a six-year low as a percentage of economic output although borrowing for March alone exceeded forecasts, official data showed on Thursday. The Office for National Statistics reported 132.0 billion pounds ($178.1 billion) of public sec»»»
‘Strategic market’: PepsiCo highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in global growth
RIYADH: PepsiCo regards Saudi Arabia as a “strategic” market with growing opportunities for investment and innovation, as the Kingdom continues to be a key target for the company. The company says it has aligned closely with the Kingdom’s long-term goals, building on a presence that spans nearly se»»»
US says China used ‘intimidation’ to block Taiwan leader’s Africa trip
WASHINGTON: The United States slammed China’s “intimidation campaign” on Wednesday after several African countries were reportedly pressured by Beijing to derail an official trip by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te by revoking overflight permits. Taiwan announced Tuesday that Lai was postponing his »»»
Half of Argentina's children still poor as austerity bites
More than half of children and adolescents in Argentina were living in poverty in 2025, with nearly a third going without adequate food, according to a report by the Catholic University of Argentina (UCA), underscoring the uneven social impact of President Javier Milei's austerity-driven economic o»»»
EU unlocks €90bn Ukraine loan and toughest Russia sanctions yet — with a crucial caveat
The European Union voted on April 22 to simultaneously unlock its long-delayed €90bn EU loan for Ukraine and adopt the stalled twentieth sanctions package against Russia, in a diplomatic double act that had been blocked for months by Hungary and Slovakia — both of which finally »»»
EU unlocks €90bn Ukraine loan and toughest Russia sanctions yet — with a crucial caveat
The European Union voted on April 22 to simultaneously unlock its long-delayed €90bn EU loan for Ukraine and adopt the stalled twentieth sanctions package against Russia, in a diplomatic double act that had been blocked for months by Hungary and Slovakia — both of which finally »»»
Disputes Over Quotas Stall Iraq Government Talks
Rivalries within Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework have led to a political deadlock over naming a new prime minister, as internal disagreements persist over both the selection mechanism and the division of ministerial posts among the bloc’s factions. According to sources, a meeting of Coordinati»»»
South Korea GDP surges as chip demand powers economy - UPI.com
South Korea’s economy grew at its fastest pace in nearly six years in the first quarter, central bank data showed Thursday, driven by strong chip exports. In this April 1 photo, containers are stacked at a port in Pyeongtaek. Photo by Yonhap SEOUL, April 23 (UPI) -- South Korea's economy grew at it»»»
US says China used 'intimidation' to block Taiwan leader's Africa trip
Washington, United States: The United States slammed China's "intimidation campaign" on Wednesday after several African countries were reportedly pressured by Beijing to derail an official trip by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te by revoking overflight permits. Taiwan announced Tuesday that Lai was »»»
Fallout from Iran War Casts Shadow over Egypt’s New Budget
The economic fallout from the Iran war has cast a shadow over Egypt’s new state budget, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk told parliament on Wednesday, as he presented the draft before it was referred to specialized committees for discussion, with the government pledging swift amendments “to enhance »»»
Libyan Export Development Authority calls for Gulf of Sirte to be assigned as an international nature reserve
The Libyan Export Development Authority (LEDA) called, last Tuesday (21 April), for the Gulf of Sirte to be assigned an international nature reserve. It said this is for the sake of our future generations and the sustainability of Libya’s marine resources. LEDA said the objective is to protect the »»»
Prince Harry in Kyiv on surprise trip
Kyiv: Britain’s Prince Harry arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for a surprise trip, the Ukrainian government reported, his latest visit to show support amid the Russian attack. “Prince Harry arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit,” Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, a government agency, sa»»»
French Delegation in Algeria to Mend Ties, Rebuild Trust
A delegation from the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (Medef) is set to visit Algeria on Thursday, with its president Patrick Martin leading around 40 senior company executives, in an economic push aimed at repairing trade relations strained by political tensions over the past two years. Accord»»»
Could Iran war trigger bigger trade crisis than COVID?
TradeGlobal issuesCould Iran war trigger bigger trade crisis than COVID?Nik MartinAs the Iran war simmers, trade experts ask whether it could reshape supply chains more deeply than COVID-19, forcing companies to rethink strategies to counter further geopolitical shocks. https://p.dw.com/p/5CGIgThe »»»
Al Rayan Bank posts QR361m net profit in Q1
Doha: Al Rayan Bank released yesterday its consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2026 with Net Profit attributable to the equity holders of the bank of QR361m. H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Board commented: “The Group deliv»»»
Landmark Group Qatar highlights operational resilience and business continuity during key trading period
Doha: Landmark Group Qatar maintained business continuity and operational stability during the recent seasonal trading period, supported by agile execution, disciplined planning and coordinated omnichannel operations. While the early part of the season was shaped by broader regional disruption, the»»»
Qatar participates in GCC Investment Undersecretaries Committee meeting
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar participated in the fifth meeting of the Committee of Investment Undersecretaries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held yesterday, via video conferencing. H E Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represented the»»»
QNB Group marks Earth Day with sustainable employee initiatives
Doha, Qatar: QNB Group, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, marked Earth Day with a series of sustainability-focused initiatives aimed at raising environmental awareness among its employees in Qatar and across its international network. Held under this year’s global theme»»»
Syria outlines recovery path, presses for end to Israeli violations
New York, April 23 (SANA) Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said Wednesday during a UN Security Council session that Syria is advancing efforts to restore stability and development while urging an end to the repeated Israeli violations. Speaking at a special ses»»»
At least 10 killed in Pakistan mining project attack
Quetta, Pakistan: A group of militants killed at least 10 people at a copper and gold mining project in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, officials said on Thursday, the latest violence in a region facing an armed separatist movement. About 40 militants on motorcycles and other vehicles»»»
Arbutina: Removal of Ustaša symbols from the grave of Luburić confirmed
The director of the Museum of Genocide Victims Bojan Arbutina has stated yesterday that he had received assurances from the Spanish Government representatives that Ustasha symbols would be removed from the grave of one of the greatest criminals of the WWII, Vjekoslav Maks Luburić, who was directly »»»
A look at China's behind-the-scenes role in Iran war diplomacy
China's role as an unofficial mediator in the latest war in the Middle East is drawing attention across the world as it seeks to project the image of being a responsible global power while U.S. actions are straining its long-standing alliances. China's profile in international diplomacy has risen i»»»
How big is Dubai’s Gold Line against other driverless metros worldwide
Dubai: Dubai’s planned Gold Line will add 42km to the emirate’s metro network, taking the total length from 120km to 162km, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The expansion will also increase the number of stations from 67 to 85, marking a 35% increase in network size. Get update»»»
New group claims responsibility for arson attack on professor’s car
A previously unknown group calling itself the “Kyriakos Xymitiris Commandos” has claimed responsibility for an arson attack on the car of a professor at the National Technical University of Athens earlier this week. The attack occurred on Monday at the university campus in Zografou, targeting Profe»»»
UN Security Council backs expanded support for Syria, 2026 aid plan
New York, April 23 (SANA) The U.N. Security Council held a special session on Syria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, with members emphasizing the need to scale up international support, ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integr»»»
Residents in rural Sudan say the Iran war has made it harder to get medicines
QOZ NAFISA: It’s always been challenging for Abbas Awad to find medicines in his village outside Sudan ‘s capital. But since the war in Iran, it’s become harder. Prices have spiked and many pharmacies in the area are out of stock. The latest war in the Middle East has far-reaching effects, includin»»»
Lebanon Sets Ceasefire as Condition for Talks with Israel
Lebanon will not enter negotiations with Israel until a ceasefire is firmly in place, President Joseph Aoun said, calling for a unified national stance. He also stressed the need to prioritize the return of displaced residents to their villages, alongside a crackdown on weapons stockpiles and any a»»»
Strong global investor demand drives Yas Park Place success
The “Yas Park Place” project has recorded a notable milestone in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, as Aldar Properties announced today that 80% of the units released within the new residential development—featuring mid-rise buildings in the heart of Yas Island—have been sold, generating more than Dh8»»»
Benghazi Chamber of Commerce receives high level Japanese delegation
Benghazi Chamber of Commerce received last Monday (20 April) a high-level Japanese delegation, headed by Ambassador Shimura Izuru, to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation and expand partnership prospects between the two sides, as well as opportunities for Japanese companies to enter the Lib»»»
UN leadership hopefuls stress need for peace and restoring confidence
United Nations: Contenders for next UN secretary-general made their case this week for a United Nations more invested in peace, but avoided taking positions that could antagonize the member states who will choose the world body's next chief. Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Argentina's Rafael Grossi, Cos»»»
Lebanon decries Israeli demolition of homes in areas occupied after ceasefire
In areas of southern Lebanon it has occupied since agreeing last week to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, the Israeli army has been destroying homes it says were used as outposts by the Iran-backed militant group. But the demolitions are happening on such a wide scale that residents, Lebanese officials »»»
UN leadership hopefuls stress need for peace and restoring confidence
US: Contenders for next UN secretary-general made their case this week for a United Nations more invested in peace, but avoided taking positions that could antagonize the member states who will choose the world body’s next chief. Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Re»»»
Asian Beach Games open with colourful ceremony
Sanya: The 6th Asian Beach Games - Sanya 2026 officially opened yesterday in a festive atmosphere reflecting the cultural diversity of Asia. The opening ceremony, held at the Arena Theatre in Yasha Park, featured a spectacular performance entitled A Date with the Sea and Sky. The vibrant artistic s»»»
PMI secures renewed FDA authorisation for IQOS and HEETS
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has renewed the marketing authorisation for Philip Morris International (PMI) to sell specific IQOS and HEETS products as Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTP). PMI remains the only company to have secured and maintained such authorisations for heated tobac»»»
FinMIn: Political crisis would increase financing costs, threaten deficit target and foreign investment
A potential political crisis would send a negative signal to investors and rating agencies, push up the state's financing costs and jeopardise Romania's 6.2% of GDP budget deficit target for this year, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said on Wednesday, noting that the deficit for the first quarte»»»
PM Bolojan tells President Dan he will continue his term as Prime Minister
The PNL (National Liberal Party) chair, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, told President Nicusor Dan on Wednesday that he will continue his term as Prime Minister.'I presented the PNL's position. This position reflects the decisions taken yesterday by the Political Bureau, namely that I will continue to»»»
Government crisis/ PSD ministers expected to resign
The Social Democratic Party (PSD) ministers are expected to resign from the government today, before a meeting of the executive, scheduled for 11:00hrs at the Government House.The Social Democrats took the decision on withdrawing from the government on Wednesday, in a meeting of the party's Nationa»»»
Nicusor Dan: I asked parties to de-escalate public rhetoric
President Nicusor Dan said he had asked the parties that participated in the discussions at Cotroceni Palace on Wednesday to "de-escalate" their public rhetoric."We are clearly in a political crisis. This crisis did not start today. For months, misunderstandings have been escalating. What I asked t»»»
Qatar advances sustainability through integrated innovation ecosystem
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (MCIT) integrated innovation ecosystem advances sustainability across every stage by empowering founders to build impactful, sustainabilty-driven solutions, while inspiring the next generation to develop environmentally consci»»»
Szijjártó reflects on defeat and political climate, says election result is clear
Ultimately, everything is judged by the election result, and that result is clear and must be respected, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in a live interview broadcast Wednesday evening on the Telex YouTube channel. “I will always be a supporter of Hungary, regardless of w»»»
Qatar Tourism, Qatari Hotels Association discuss cooperation
Doha, Qatar: The Qatari Hotels Association (QHA) received H E Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, along with Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development Sector; Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar; and Abdullah Mohammed Al Falasi, Directo»»»
QSTP brings global tech community to Doha as part of SYNC Spring 2026
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, hosted founders, operators, and community members at its Doha campus as part of SYNC Spring 2026. The initiative connects Syrian technologists, founders, and ecosystem partners across the diaspora through distributed»»»