Merz heads to China to boost dialogue on global challenges
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is heading to Beijing on for his first official visit as chancellor, aiming to strengthen political and economic dial...
Senior representatives from the U.S., Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye have held talks in Miami to assess progress on the Gaza ceasefire and lay the groundwork for its next phase, according to a statement issued by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire, which officials said has delivered tangible outcomes, including increased humanitarian aid flows, the return of the bodies of hostages, partial troop withdrawals and a reduction in hostilities.
Discussions then turned to preparations for phase two, with the four parties stressing the need to establish a governing framework in Gaza under a unified Gazan authority capable of protecting civilians and maintaining public order.
The talks also addressed broader regional integration measures seen as critical to Gaza’s recovery and long-term stability. These included proposals to facilitate trade, develop infrastructure and enhance cooperation on shared resources such as energy and water.
According to the statement, participants expressed support for the near-term creation of a Board of Peace, envisaged as a transitional administration overseeing civilian governance, security arrangements and reconstruction efforts. Officials reviewed the next steps in rolling out the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, highlighting the importance of careful sequencing, close coordination and effective monitoring, in cooperation with local Gazan institutions and international partners.
The four sides reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S. president’s 20-point peace plan, calling on all parties involved to honour their obligations, exercise restraint and engage fully with agreed monitoring mechanisms.
Further consultations are expected in the coming weeks as efforts continue to advance the second phase of the ceasefire framework.
Further Iran-U.S. nuclear talks are scheduled in Geneva on Thursday (26 February) as diplomacy resumes over Tehran’s nuclear programme following earlier mediation efforts. But will the talks move Iran-U.S. negotiations closer to a deal, and what should be expected from the meeting?
The European Parliament’s trade chief has urged a temporary suspension of the EU–U.S. trade agreement approval, citing “tariff chaos” following President Donald Trump’s new 15% tariffs and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidating his previous global tariff programme.
Syria has secured a $50 million financing package from the World Bank to support transport infrastructure projects as the country advances its economic recovery efforts, Syrian media reported on Sunday.
Iran has signed a secret €500 million arms deal with Russia to rebuild air defences, weakened during last year’s war with Israel, the Financial Times has reported. The agreement, signed in December in Moscow, will see Russia deliver 500 Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over three years.
A British national was among at least 19 people killed when a passenger bus plunged off a mountain highway into the Trishuli river in Nepal before dawn on Monday (23 February), authorities said. A New Zealander and a Chinese national were among those injured.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is heading to Beijing on for his first official visit as chancellor, aiming to strengthen political and economic dialogue with China before tackling pressing international crises.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán should block financial support to Russia rather than Ukraine, as Budapest opposes the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Moscow.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, describing the conflict as “a stain on our collective conscience”.
Newcastle United secured a 3–2 victory over Qarabağ FK in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League play-offs at St James’ Park.
Laurence des Cars, director of the Louvre Museum, has resigned months after a $102 million daylight heist at the museum, which prompted a parliamentary inquiry.
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