live EU to disburse $3.8bn for missiles and drones to Ukraine
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European ...
Almaty is set to enhance its air connectivity with China by introducing new flight routes in 2025, aiming to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Almaty will increase its air links with China in 2025, following a new agreement between Almaty Mayor Yerbolat Dossayev and Air China. The deal includes additional flights on the Almaty-Beijing route starting in June 2025, as well as a new direct flight to Chengdu. Currently, the city offers direct flights to five destinations in China.
The expansion is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to attract more Chinese tourists. With 2024 designated as the Year of Tourism of Kazakhstan in China, the country saw a 78% increase in Chinese visitors last year, reaching over 600,000 arrivals. Officials aim to attract 500,000 Chinese tourists in 2025 and generate $300 million in tourism revenue.
To support this growth, the government has introduced a comprehensive action plan, including 37 cultural and business events to promote Kazakhstan in the Chinese market. This has helped Kazakhstan rise from 40th to 29th in the ranking of popular destinations for Chinese travelers.
Daniel Serganuly, Deputy Chairman of the national Kazakh Tourism company, noted that Kazakhstan has the potential to welcome at least 1 million Chinese visitors per year. However, he emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements, though steps like adding Chinese-language signposts at major airports are already underway.
Kazakhstan’s visa-free policy, expanded flight options, and tourism promotions have also increased interest in cities like Turkestan and Aktau. Officials hope these initiatives will further strengthen bilateral ties and open new opportunities for cultural and economic exchanges.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, officials said on the Telegram messaging app.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end and that Tehran wanted to reach a deal, but Iran dismissed his comments as “mixed signals” as the conflict approaches its seventh month.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
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Azerbaijan is examining the use of digital technologies to document and protect historical and religious monuments, particularly sites in the liberated territories.
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