live Iran rules out direct talks with U.S. as Kushner, Witkoff meet with Qatar's PM
Iran has ruled out direct talks with senior U.S. envoys in the Gulf, saying any contact will take place through Qatari mediators. Meanwhile, Steve Wit...
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Officials say discussions will centre on the current state of Russia-China relations and their future direction, especially in economic sectors where annual trade has consistently exceeded $200 billion. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on key global and regional issues, including recent developments in China’s relations with the U.S.
Alongside economic and geopolitical matters, the talks are expected to place significant emphasis on humanitarian cooperation. A planned initiative will launch joint “cross-years of education” between Russia and China, aimed at expanding academic and scientific exchange programmes.
Following the meeting, the two sides are expected to sign a joint statement, along with several agreements at both intergovernmental and departmental level.
Putin has travelled to China around 20 times during his presidency, underlining the strategic importance of the relationship. His most recent visit, in late August and early September 2025, resulted in the signing of more than 20 agreements.
Among them was a memorandum concerning the long-discussed Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline project. Originally proposed in 2006, the project has faced repeated delays, largely because of disagreements over commercial terms.
The latest visit comes amid heightened international interest. It follows closely after U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to China earlier this month, during which he spent three days in the country and announced several major agreements, including a deal for China to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft.
If confirmed, Putin’s visit would mark the first time in recent years that Beijing has hosted the leaders of two major global powers within such a short period outside the framework of international summits or multilateral meetings.
Analysts say the timing underscores China’s central role in global diplomacy and highlights the evolving dynamics between the world’s major powers.
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Iran has ruled out direct talks with senior U.S. envoys in the Gulf, saying any contact will take place through Qatari mediators. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have met in Doha with Qatar's PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
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