Saudi governor, ambassador hold meetings with Chinese and Dutch officials
Taif Gov. Prince Fawaz bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz received the Consul General of China in Jeddah Yang Yi in Taif on Wednesday. During the meeting, they held friendly talks and discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to the Netherlands »»»
Tunisia/Spain: Willingness to scale up cooperation in several fields
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ben Ayed held talks on Wednesday in Tunis with Director of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) Antón...»»»
What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Curse of Cash’ by Kenneth S. Rogoff
In “The Curse of Cash,” acclaimed economist and bestselling author Kenneth Rogoff explores the past, present, and future of currency, showing why, contrary to conventional economic wisdom, the regulation of paper bills—and now digital currencies—lies at the heart some of the world’s most difficult »»»
Residents turn to community patrols as illegal gold mining grows in Ghana
JEMA: As day broke in a remote part of western Ghana, a priest, farmers and other residents combed through the forests, looking for signs of illegal gold mining.They have done this for the past year as part of a grassroots task force created to combat the mining that has poisoned rivers in one of t»»»
US military boards Iranian-flagged oil tanker in Gulf of Oman
WASHINGTON: The US military said Marines had boarded an Iranian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday in the Gulf of Oman that was suspected of attempting to violate Washington’s blockade of Iran. “American forces released the vessel after searching and directing the ship’s crew to alter course,” said Ce»»»
Turkiye’s Erdogan tells Trump issues with Iran can be resolved, Ankara says
ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told US President Donald Trump in a call on Wednesday he welcomed the extension of a ceasefire between the US and Iran, adding he believed contested issues between the sides could be resolved, according to the Turkish presidency. NATO member Turkiye, which n»»»
Turkiye helping in talks over Hamas fighters holed up in Gaza, sources say
Turkiye is working with the United States and Arab mediators to secure safe passage for Hamas fighters who are holed up in tunnels in the Israel-controlled area of Gaza, a Palestinian source, a Hamas official and Turkish officials said on Monday.The fate of about 200 fighters has complicated effort»»»
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer secures trade deal with 6 Persian Gulf countries - UPI.com
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new trade deal for the United Kingdom with six Persian Gulf countries. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo May 20 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday announced a trade agreement with six Persian Gulf countries that he»»»
Ad Hoc Committee Approves Provisions of National Assembly Rules of Organization and Procedure
Sitting on Wednesday, the competent parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee approved further provisions of new draft Rules of Organization and Procedure of the National Assembly moved by Progressive Bulgaria. According to the approved version, the National Assembly Chair may move a change in the agenda, unl»»»
Syrian army, NATO forces take part in Turkiye military drills
LONDON: The Syrian Arab Army took part in the Efes 2026 land, naval and air forces drills in Turkiye alongside 50 countries from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Efes 2026 has been taking place since April 20 in the western Izmir province on the Aegean Sea and will conclude tomorrow. It fe»»»
Italian PM says Israel’s treatment of Gaza flotilla activists ‘unacceptable’
ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slammed as “unacceptable” the treatment of Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel, after an Israeli minister posted a video of them bound and forced to kneel. Meloni called for the immediate release of any detained Italian citizens and demanded an apo»»»
Indonesia mosque blast suspect inspired by Neo-Nazi figures, police say
JAKARTA: Indonesia’s anti-terrorism police said on Tuesday that the alleged perpetrator of last week’s mosque bombing was inspired by neo-Nazi figures and white supremacist ideologies.»»»
Taiwan evacuates thousands ahead of tropical storm Fung-wong after deaths in the Philippines
TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan evacuated more than 3,000 people from vulnerable areas and closed schools and offices on Tuesday ahead of the arrival of tropical storm Fung-wong, which killed at least 18 people and displaced more than 1.4 million in the Philippines after making landfall there Sunday.Fung-wo»»»
Philippines digs out from Typhoon Fung-wong as death toll climbs to 18
TUGUEGARAO CITY: Rescuers using backhoes and chainsaws began digging the Philippines out from the devastation of Typhoon Fung-wong on Tuesday, as floodwaters receded in hundreds of villages and the storm’s death toll climbed to 18.Fung-wong, which displaced 1.4 million people, had weakened into a s»»»
Qatar condemns mistreatment of Global Sumud Flotilla activists by Israeli minister
Doha The State of Qatar has condemned the mistreatment by the Israeli National Security Minister of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israeli authorities, describing this act as inhumane treatment constituting a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. In a statement»»»
Fuel prices rise
Skopje, 18 May 2026 (MIA) - Fuel prices are set to rise by Mden 2-2.5 per liter as on Monday midnight, the Energy Regulatory Commission has said. The new retail price of Eurosuper BS-95 will be Mden 87 per liter, Eurosuper BS-98 will cost Mden 89, and Eurodiesel BS (D-E V) Mden 92. The price of ext»»»
Dh30m UAE Lottery: Winners revealed – see if you hit the jackpot
Dubai: The Dh30 million UAE Lottery Lucky Day draw held on Wednesday has seen numerous players winning cash prizes, while the top jackpot remained unclaimed. In Draw No. 260520, the winning numbers for the Days section were 19, 29, 7, 20, 22, and 4, with the selected Months section number being 9. »»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 15:20 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a D9 bulldozer with a loitering glider [FPV], and a Merkava tank with rocket weapons in the vicinity of the Haddatha pond, achieving confirmed hits: statement 10 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 15:20 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a D9 bulldozer with a loitering glider [FPV], and a Merkava tank with»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 15:20 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a second Merkava tank at the Al-Baydar neighborhood in Haddatha town with a guided missile, achieving a confirmed hit, and it was seen burning, while they targeted the tank’s escort force with a rocket barrage: statement 11 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 15:20 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a second Merkava tank at the Al-Baydar neighborhood in Haddatha town »»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 15:25 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a second bulldozer brought to withdraw the targeted vehicles in Haddatha town with a loitering glider [FPV], achieving a confirmed hit: statement 12 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 15:25 on Wednesday 20-05-2026 a second bulldozer brought to withdraw the targeted vehicles in Hadda»»»
Qatar condemns mistreatment by Israeli National Security Minister of Global Sumud Flotilla activists
Doha: The State of Qatar has condemned the mistreatment by the Israeli National Security Minister of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla detained by Israeli authorities, describing this act as inhumane treatment constituting a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. In a statemen»»»
Drought and rising costs from Iran war deepen pain for US farmers
Scott Irlbeck crouched in a field of stunted wheat plants in a parched stretch of West Texas and slipped his hand into a crack wide enough to swallow it. Last autumn, Irlbeck planted a crop that barely grew because rain never came. He now hopes his insurance adjuster will declare it a total loss so»»»
9 deportees from US arrive in Sierra Leone under third-country agreement
FREETOWN: Nine migrants deported from the United States landed in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, the West African country said, in the latest example of the Trump administration’s widely criticized deals with African nations to take third-country deportees. Five migrants are from Ghana, two from Guinea»»»
US announces criminal case against former Cuban President Raul Castro
MIAMI: Federal prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles as the Trump administration escalated pressure on the socialist government. The indictment was related to Castro’s alleged role »»»
Mexico City airport races to finish $500m renovation as the 2026 World Cup nears
MEXICO CITY: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a month away, thousands of passengers arriving at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport are greeted by a chaotic construction site of buzzing drills, scattered pipes and unfinished flooring. The construction work coexists with hundreds»»»
UK court rules protest-hit hotel can continue housing asylum seekers
LONDON: A UK high court judge ruled Tuesday that asylum seekers can continue to be housed in a hotel northeast of London which was the target of anti-immigration protests earlier this year.The local council in Epping had launched a legal challenge to block the use of the Bell Hotel as asylum accomm»»»
Jordan Internal Audit Forum 2026 aims to advance AI-driven governance, public trust
AMMAN — The Jordanian Internal Audit Association on Wednesday launched the "Jordan Internal Audit Forum 2026", gathering over 320 financial experts, policymakers and risk management professionals to exchange experiences and enhancing cooperation between the private and public sectors.Held under the»»»
Jordan seeks to expand exports, trade ties with EU —Minister
AMMAN — Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah called for enhancing trade exchange between Jordan and European Union countries and increasing Jordanian exports to European markets to support economic growth and stimulate national productive sectors.During a meeting on Wednesday with the»»»
Jordan, UAE strengthen economic, investment ties — JBA
AMMAN — Chairman of Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) Ayman Alawneh, and Hamad Al Matrooshi, Chargé d'Affairesat the UAE Embassy in Jordan, on Wednesday discussed prospects for economic, investment and trade cooperation between the two countries.According to a JBA statement, Alawneh stressed »»»
Saudi ambassador brings Saudi Coffee Day to life in Tokyo
TOKYO: Saudi Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzaqr turned the Tokyo embassy into a lively celebration of the Kingdom’s culture for “Saudi Coffee Day,” welcoming Japanese guests to experience the warmth and flavor of the country’s coffee and dates. “Today, the embassy welcomed a distinguished gatherin»»»
UN aid chief hails talks with Sudan army leader
PORT SUDAN: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher held Tuesday what he called “constructive” talks with Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan to ensure life-saving aid reaches all corners of the war-ravaged country.Since April 2023, the war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support F»»»
Hundreds demonstrate against Trump son-in-law project in Belgrade
BELGRADE: Hundreds protested on Tuesday against a plan to tear down a former army headquarters in the Serbian capital Belgrade to make way for a luxury hotel complex, a project linked to US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.The student-led demonstration came four days after parliame»»»
Egypt’s education reform now a ‘tangible reality’, minister Abdellatif says
“Education reform in Egypt is no longer just a future vision or a postponed ambition, but has become a tangible reality led by strong political will and supported by a clear national strategy,” Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdellatif said on Wednesday. Speaking at the “Secu»»»
U.S. levels criminal charges against ex-Cuban President Raúl Castro - UPI.com
The former president of Cuba Raul Castro attends a parade held to observe May Day, or International Workers' Day, in Havana on May 1, 2025. He now faces homicide charges accusing him authorizing the 1996 shootdown of aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Cuban American exile organization. »»»
Silva says it’s time for new Man City generation to shine
LONDON: Bernardo Silva believes it is time for a new generation to take the lead at Manchester City. The 31-year-old City captain will leave the Etihad Stadium after nine trophy-laden years when his contract expires at the end of the season. Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth ended City’s bid to win»»»
Paris to host Esports World Cup 2026
RIYADH: The Esports Foundation announced on Wednesday that the 2026 edition of the Esports World Cup will be held in Paris, the first time the event will take place outside Riyadh. The tournament will run from July 6 to Aug. 23 and is expected to bring together more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs»»»
Ukraine to beef up northern defenses over Russian offensive plans
KYIV: Ukraine will send reinforcements to its northern regions and step up diplomatic pressure on Belarus to counter what Kyiv believes are Russian plans to launch a new offensive north of the capital, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Zelensky said Kyiv had become aware of five scenarios Russia h»»»
Australia’s top court blocks Russia from building new Canberra embassy
SYDNEY: Australia’s highest court on Wednesday blocked Russia from building a new embassy in the nation’s capital, unanimously upholding a law that canceled its lease on national security grounds. Russia owned a lease to a plot of land that is about 300 meters (984 feet) from Parliament House in Ca»»»
Afghanistan economic recovery buckles as nine in 10 families go hungry or into debt, UNDP says
KARACHI: Afghanistan’s economic recovery is buckling as nine in 10 households are forced to skip meals, sell belongings or take on debt to survive, the United Nations said on Wednesday, warning that mass returns are exacerbating the country’s worst crisis since the Taliban returned to power. A Unit»»»
Qatar Museums, Media City Qatar, and SNRG launch 321 Esports Lounge at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Museums (QM), Media City Qatar, and SNRG on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, officially unveiled the 321 Esports Lounge Powered by Media City Qatar, a permanent, fully accessible esports development hub housed inside the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM). The opening makes QOS»»»
US indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro in landmark case
The United States on Wednesday criminally indicted Cuba's former president Raul Castro as Washington called on the communist-ruled island's people to embrace a "new path." An indictment unsealed in a federal court in Florida charged the influential former president over the 1996 downing of` two civ»»»
FM to participate Thursday in Cairo in Tripartite Consultation Mechanism on Libya
Tunis, May 20 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti will participate in the meeting of the Tripartite Consultation Mechanism on Libya, hosted on Thursday in Cairo, alongside Egypt's Minister of Foreign...»»»
Qatar, France discuss economic cooperation
PARIS: The Joint Economic and Financial Committee of the fourth session of the Qatari-French Strategic Dialogue met in Paris on Wednesday. The Qatari side was headed by Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Saud bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, with the participation »»»
Former Rep. Barney Frank dies at 86 - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Former Rep. Barney Frank speaks in 2022 during a signing ceremony for the Respect for Marriage Act, which requires the U.S. federal government to recognizing the validity of same-sex and interracial marriages in the United States, in the Rayburn Room of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.»»»
Parliament Chair Dotsova to Lead Delegation to Vatican and Rome for Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius
A Bulgarian parliamentary delegation, led by National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova, will visit the Vatican and Rome for May 24, the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, marked as the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and Slavic Literature, Parliament's press centre said on Wedne»»»
UK trade deal with GCC countries set to boost economy by £3.7 billion
Britain on Wednesday struck a long-awaited trade agreement with the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, the first such deal between the bloc and a Group of Seven country. The agreement with the GCC -- which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- is set »»»
Former Spanish PM Zapatero investigated in kickback scheme - UPI.com
National police agents gather confiscated files and material into a vehicle of the Spanish Central Operative Unit during a police raid at the office of former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Madrid on Tuesday. Photo by Rodrigo Jimenez/EPA May 20 (UPI) -- Former Spanish Prime »»»
French presidential contender Édouard Philippe targeted by embezzlement probe
French prosecutors on Wednesday announced a probe against former prime minister Édouard Philippe, a centrist seen as one of the leading contenders to replace President Emmanuel Macron in next year's presidential race, over alleged embezzlement of public funds. Polls suggest Philippe could win »»»
Pentagon says it reduced US troop brigades in Europe from four to three
The Pentagon said on Tuesday it was cutting the number of US Brigade Combat Teams stationed in Europe from four to three, returning troop levels to those seen in 2021 as Washington presses European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defence. The move will temporarily delay the dep»»»
No: 97, 20 May 2026, Regarding the Use of Violence by an Israeli Minister Against Detained Participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla
We condemn in the strongest terms the verbal and physical violence inflicted by an Israeli minister against the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was unlawfully intercepted by Israel in international waters. The minister concerned, who is one of the key figures in the ongoing genocid»»»