Bulgaria heads for snap election after parties fail to form government
Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said on Friday that the country will hold a snap election after political parties failed to form a government f...
The 23rd edition of the Doha Forum commenced on Saturday in the Qatari capital, focusing on the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.”
The two-day event brings together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing international issues, from conflicts and humanitarian crises to technology and global governance.
Speaking at the opening session, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned of “serious setbacks” in justice, the rule of law, and accountability worldwide.
Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as foreign minister, said weakened legal systems have exacerbated global crises and described today’s conflicts and humanitarian emergencies as stemming from a “culture of impunity,” creating an “unprecedented cycle of crises.”
He stressed that mediation is central to Qatar’s foreign policy, describing it as “not a political luxury but a deep-rooted and consistent method.”
Sheikh Mohammed called for the restoration of trust in the international legal order, emphasising the need for a fairer global system, and noted that regional challenges are closely linked to a broader decline in respect for international norms.
High-profile attendees and key sessions
The 2025 forum programme, developed in collaboration with global think tanks and research institutions, includes sessions such as:
- “The Gaza Reckoning: Reassessing Global Responsibilities and Pathways to Peace,”
- “Gulf–EU Relations in the Age of Strategic Isolation,”
- “AI as a Double-Edged Sword: Strategies for Responsible Use in the Military Domain,” and
- “US–China Relations: Navigating the Risks and Opportunities of a Changing Global Order.”
Notable participants include Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, World Economic Forum President and CEO Borge Brende, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates.
The previous edition of the forum, held in December 2024 under the theme “The Innovation Imperative,” drew more than 5,000 attendees, including over 350 speakers, underscoring Doha’s growing role as a hub for dialogue on global challenges.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said on Friday that the country will hold a snap election after political parties failed to form a government following the resignation of the previous administration amid widespread protests.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday after a court found he obstructed authorities from arresting him following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
The United States stands by the “brave people of Iran,” and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 16th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Canada and China moved toward a new strategic partnership on Friday as Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Xi Jinping in Beijing that closer cooperation could deliver “historic” economic gains for both countries.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment