BELGRADE - After a meeting with Slovenian Parliament Speaker Zoran Stevanovic in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday he was confident there was space for further advancement of bilateral political, economic and parliamentary ties to mutual benefit, and invited Slovenia to »»»

Russia’s air defense systems perform exceptionally well, Russian air defense historian Yuri Knutov tells Sputnik. Their forces destroyed some 992 drones, four long-range cruise missiles and 10 bombs in the latest Ukrainian attack.In comparison, US air defense systems proved woefully inadequate as t»»»

STIHL Romania, a global leader in outdoor power equipment technology, officially inaugurates, in partnership with Metatools Group, the first STIHL Service Center in Romania, at its partner’s location in Ploiești. The project marks the introduction of a new premium service standard within the STIHL »»»

Dubai: A self-styled godman and seven associates have been arrested in Pune after police uncovered what investigators describe as a years-long cycle of sexual abuse, psychological manipulation and financial exploitation allegedly carried out from a hidden underground ashram. The main accused, ident»»»

Dubai: The UAE has joined a growing global movement to protect children online, setting 15 as the minimum age for social media use under a new Cabinet resolution. The move puts the UAE alongside Australia, the UK, Indonesia, and Malaysia in restricting children from creating or accessing personal a»»»

Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cabinet has issued a landmark resolution setting a minimum age for social media use, banning children under 15 from creating or using personal accounts on any platform. The rules come with strict obligations for platforms, parents, and caregivers and even parental permission cann»»»

The Labour and Social Policy Ministry’s priority remains to preserve the system’s capacity and support the staff who work directly with the most vulnerable citizens every day, Minister Nataliya Efremova said on Thursday, as quoted by the Ministry. She was speaking to employees of the Social Assista»»»

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar held talks with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Brussels on Thursday, describing the meeting as successful and highlighting what he called a shared commitment to bringing Hungary’s long-running Article 7 procedure to a close by the autumn. The »»»

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has released its 2025 annual statistical report, highlighting the sector’s strongest growth indicators and its transformation under the National Tourism Strategy and Vision 2030. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the report’s record-breaking results a»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Qatar says US-Iran deal ‘solid foundation’ for next stage of talks 18-06-2026 15:19 PM Latest News Urgent News Qatar says US-Iran deal ‘sol»»»

Tunis, June 18 (TAP)- National crude oil production amounted to 393 kilotonnes (KT) at the end of April 2026, posting a 7% drop compared to the same period last year. The National Observatory of Energy and Mines also said in its report on the energy...»»»

A rare holy Quran manuscript dating back more than 400 years is showcased at Saudi Arabia's Holy Quran Museum in Mecca, offering visitors a striking glimpse into the artistic mastery and cultural legacy of Islamic civilisation. The manuscript, one of the museum's most prized exhibits, dates to the »»»

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has opened a new hybrid warfare center amid the broader militarization of the country in response to a supposed “Russian threat.” Previous media reports have, however, suggested that Germany and other NATO member states are plotting offensive cyber operat»»»

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 city. What Kaour »»»

The Israeli military said on Thursday it will continue operating in southern Lebanon and "remove threats" beyond its so-called security zone, after the U.S. and Iran signed an agreement to end the Middle East war, including in Lebanon. The military published a map of its declared "security zone" --»»»

The parliamentary group of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) announced Thursday that it has submitted a package of draft laws concerning the rights of representatives of the Turkish and Muslim communities, including those who were affected by the so-called “Revival Process” of forcible ass»»»

LONDON: A new report from the World Economic Forum says that “geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions and rising demand” are slowing global progress toward more secure, sustainable and affordable energy systems. According to the 16th WEF annual Energy Transition Index, overall progress “has flatl»»»

Hotspot Workhub, one of Romania’s leading flexible workspace operators, has renewed and expanded its presence within The Mark, the landmark office project owned by CPI Property Group. The move reinforces its long-term commitment to one of Bucharest’s most prominent office destinations. iO Partners »»»

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told a group of NATO defence ministers Thursday that Washington will carry out a sweeping review of its military presence in Europe. The Pentagon chief slammed some European allies for failing to provide US forces access to bases in Europe during the US-Israeli war»»»

The US and Iran have signed an agreement paving the way to an end of the war between the two countries and starting a 60-day negotiating clock to reach a final deal. Although US President Donald Trump has hailed the deal a success, it has been met with criticism as many denounce concessions made to»»»

BENGHAZI: Libya ‌has successfully drilled a well in its Al-Khair oilfield with production ​rates of 3,209 barrels per day and 1.948 million cubic feet of associated gas per day, the state-owned firm NOC said on Thursday. The NOC said in a ‌statement that ‌the tests ​of ‌the ⁠initial well, ​drilled »»»

Israeli commanders and soldiers currently involved in the fighting in Lebanon say the Israeli army has changed its open-fire rules in recent days, reducing troops' ability to "prevent and respond to Hezbollah attacks" and leaving soldiers vulnerable. "The open-fire rules right now are only to remov»»»

CAIRO: The number of Palestinians ‌killed by Israeli fire in Gaza has reached more than 1,000 since a US-brokered ceasefire last October, the enclave’s health ministry said ​on Thursday, as at least three people were reported killed in the latest strike. Medics said an Israeli strike hit a vehicle »»»

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 city. What Kaour »»»

The parliamentary group of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) has submitted a package of draft laws concerning the rights of representatives of the Turkish and Muslim communities, including those who were affected by the so-called “Revival Process” (an internationally condemned assimilation»»»

Dozens of Doctors Without Borders staff have been accused of sexually abusing Sudanese refugees in Chad, adding that it dismissed 18 workers after investigations found "serious misconduct". A report accused staff members of targeting underaged girls and trading food or jobs for sex.»»»

Gunfire and explosions were heard at the airport in Niger's capital Niamey early Thursday, according to witnesses, and security forces had blocked off the area, residents said. Explosions and sustained gunfire that lasted more than an hour were heard early Thursday morning ​at the ‌airport in Niame»»»

Gaming cafés have become a common sight on the streets of Cairo, especially in poorer neighbourhoods. Egyptians hold a world record for time spent gaming per day, with an average of 1 hour and 43 minutes daily. Some 43.5 percent of young gamers in Egypt are considered to be addicted. In February, t»»»

Men in northern Benin are being forced to face the uncomfortable realities of women who love them and live with them. A training programme is raising awareness about men can make a huge difference in alleviating the health risks and social pressures placed on women in some conservative communities.»»»

With the French healthcare system now reimbursing the anti-obesity drugs Wegovy and Mounjaro, we explain what the strict conditions are to benefit from them. We discuss France's rates of obesity and the areas where they're highest. Finally, we discuss the common stereotype that French people don't »»»

ROME: The long-term planning behind Saudi Arabia’s east-to-west oil pipeline provided a lifeline for global energy markets during the Strait of Hormuz closure caused by the war in Iran, Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan told the FII Priority Europe summit on Thursday. Speaking at th»»»

Tunis, June 18, 2026 (TAP) – The situation at Oued Mellègue, whose dam is experiencing a technical problem, poses no danger to nearby areas, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries said on Thursday.In a statement, the ministry...»»»

The UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted he will fight to stay in his role if a leadership challenge is launched by Andy Burnham. But before any such contest unfolds, Burnham must win a seat in parliament, which he is hoping to do on June 18 in a by-election in the Makerfield constituency»»»

Two favourites made their entry into the World Cup on June 18, with two very different results. While Portugal did less well than expected, drawing with DR Congo, England had a great start, beating Croatia 4 to 2 and cementing its status as favourite of the competition.»»»

LONDON: British mosques have been advised to beef up security measures, including holding lockdown drills, to prepare in case of attacks. The recommendations in a framework by the Muslim Council of Britain suggest that mosques forge closer ties with local police and improve CCTV around premises ami»»»

SOUTHAMPTON, USA: For all the concern at the US Open about wind and Shinnecock Hills drying out, another weather issue popped up Thursday morning. Thirty minutes after it began, play was stopped by fog. Fourteen players managed to post scores — no birdies among them — before the horn sounded to sto»»»

ABIDJAN: Forward Elye Wahi will miss Ivory Coast’s second World Cup match against Germany after he was denied a visa to enter Canada, the Ivorian federation said on Thursday. “The administrative authorizations necessary for his entry into Canadian territory have not been obtained at this stage,” th»»»

RIYADH: Social entrepreneurship — the creation of businesses willing to tackle social, cultural, or environmental challenges — can play a major role in Saudi Arabia’s development, experts in the nonprofit sector told an event in Riyadh this week. The Social Entrepreneurship Week organized by the En»»»

Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria will not back European sanctions that could harm the national economy or energy sector, as debate continues in the EU over the 21st package of measures against Russia. Speaking to journalists in Sofia ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, he que»»»

Dubai: Dubai Police have recovered cash lost by an Arab tourist in a shopping centre and transferred it to her bank account in her home country, locating it within two hours and reaching her shortly after she had already left the UAE. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now »»»

Amazon.com Inc has agreed in principle to buy Dubai-based internet retailer Souq.com, one of the best-known names in the Middle East’s online shopping market, sources familiar with the deal said on Wednesday. Souq.com, which sells consumer electronics, fashion, household items and other goods, lays»»»

Over the past two and a half years, Israel has taken control of swaths of Gaza, Lebanon and Syria that amount to its biggest expansion of militarily occupied lands in decades. It is an area larger than many major cities — roughly 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) — and Israel has said it p»»»

Qatar, a key negotiator in the deal to end the war between the U.S. and Iran, said on Thursday the agreement served as a firm basis for further talks. The Gulf state's foreign ministry said in a statement that the deal "represents a solid foundation for advancing to the next stage of negotiations b»»»

Bulgaria recycles less than 17% of its household waste, far below the European Union average of around 48%, Environment and Water Minister Rositsa Karamfilova said on Thursday. Speaking at the National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities in Sofia, organized by the National Associatio»»»

Prime Minister Rumen Radev will take part in the regular meeting of the European Council in Brussels on June 18 and 19, the Government Information Service said on Thursday. EU heads of state and government will discuss key international and European issues, including the Multiannual Financial Frame»»»

Former economy minister Nikolay Vassilev argued that Bulgaria currently shows the fastest inflation growth in the eurozone, attributing the trend to a combination of fiscal policy, external shocks, and rising incomes. He dismissed concerns over short-term price movements, saying, “I would not like »»»

PARIS - A delegation of the Serbian Ministry of Defence, headed by Acting Assistant Minister for Material Resources Nenad Miloradovic, visited the Eurosatory 2026 international arms fair in Paris on Wednesday. At the Jugoimport SDPR booth, contracts were signed with French defence sector companies »»»

At the command post, the minister heard reports from the group commander and staff officers on the current situation, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said. The commander of the battlegroup, Colonel General Yevgeny Nikiforov, reported to the Defence Minister on the advance of troops along the line of c»»»

The New Development Bank (NDB), the multilateral lender established by the original BRICS bloc members, is providing South Africa with a $1bn loan to help finance infrastructure upgrades in the country's eight largest so-called metropolitan municipalities. The funding will be used to improve water »»»

Uganda's €2.7bn ($3.1bn) Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project could be under threat, with Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba proclaiming on June 16 that the contract awarded to Turkey’s Yapi Merkezi had been “cancelled”. There has been no confirmation or denial from the government mini»»»