12:26
Trump nominates Bessent to be US treasury secretary
President-elect Donald Trump picked prominent investor Scott Bessent to take on the role of U.S. treasury secretary.
Cyprus Strengthens Ties with the US Amid Growing Defence Cooperation
Reuters
After meeting with President Joe Biden, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides declared his intention to deepen defence and security ties with the United States, calling the two countries' relationship at a "historic high."
During his first 18 months in office, Christodoulides emphasized energy initiatives and strengthening law enforcement collaboration against money laundering and sanctions evasion. The US-funded CYCLOPS center, which provides essential maritime security training to officials from neighboring nations, is a crucial component.
Christodoulides indicated that if a legislative arms ban is lifted, it may be possible to purchase weapons made in the United States. Additionally, he highlighted Cyprus's contribution to the repatriation of more than 3,600 citizens from Lebanon, establishing the island as a temporary safe haven.
The president also praised the Amalthea plan, which made it possible to send a substantial amount of aid to Gaza through a recently built sea channel. He reaffirmed Cyprus's commitment to Western principles and asked US law enforcement for help in looking into sanctions evasion linked to Russian interests.
Regarding energy cooperation, Christodoulides said he was confident that two large US corporations, ExxonMobil and Chevron, will be involved in exploring for hydrocarbons in Cyprus' offshore economic zone. Chevron is updating its development plans for the Aphrodite gas field, while ExxonMobil is set to drill two more wells in January. These developments position Cyprus to become a major gas supplier, with significant geopolitical implications.
"As we prepare to direct the first gas from Aphrodite to market, Cyprus will become a gas seller, a development that is crucial both financially and geopolitically," Christodoulides stated.
13:39
Kim Jong Un Accuses US of Escalating Tensions, Warns of Nuclear War Risk
Kim Jong Un has accused the U.S. of escalating tensions, warning of a heightened risk of nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. He criticized past U.S. negotiations as hostile and suggested reopening talks if the U.S. changes its approach.
10:49
Biden Eases Missile Restrictions for Ukraine Amid North Korea’s Involvement
President Biden approved Ukraine’s use of U.S. missiles deep in Russia after North Korean troops entered the war and Trump’s election win raised fears of reduced U.S. support. The move aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense and counter Russian escalations in Kursk and beyond.
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Putin Warns Ukraine War Could Escalate into Global Conflict
President Putin warned the Ukraine war is escalating into a global conflict, blaming the US and UK for supplying weapons to Ukraine. He threatened further retaliation and emphasized Russia's readiness to respond to Western provocations.
08:28
China Willing to Engage in Trade Dialogue with US Amid Tariff Concerns
China is open to trade talks with the US, confident it can withstand potential tariffs. The government has introduced measures to support businesses, while the central bank aims to keep the yuan stable amid trade tensions.
