Russia strikes Turkish-owned bulk vessel off Ukraine’s southern coast
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incide...
Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during an official visit to Doha aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The high-level talks focused on strengthening diplomatic engagement, regional collaboration, and economic ties between the two nations, according to a statement by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the “close and brotherly” relationship between Qatar and Afghanistan and expressed optimism over Afghanistan’s growing role in regional affairs. He encouraged deeper private sector collaboration and expanding trade as a cornerstone of future relations.
Muttaqi, in turn, thanked Qatar for its ongoing support and highlighted Doha’s critical role in Afghanistan’s foreign policy. He praised Qatar’s efforts in mediating dialogue between the Afghan authorities and the international community, particularly its facilitation of peace talks and humanitarian support. The Afghan minister proposed new Qatari investments in Afghanistan’s development and commercial infrastructure and advocated for measures to boost bilateral trade.
Qatar has played a pivotal diplomatic role in Afghanistan’s modern history. It hosted the Taliban’s political office and facilitated the landmark peace deal with the United States in 2020. Since then, Doha has remained a key venue for international engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, including recent UN-led discussions on Afghanistan’s humanitarian and political future.
Despite strong political relations, trade remains modest. According to the United Nations COMTRADE database, Qatar imported approximately $1.17 million worth of goods from Afghanistan in 2023. Both sides have signaled a shared commitment to expanding the relationship beyond diplomacy to include economic development, signaling a long-term vision for regional stability and mutual prosperity.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to advance cooperation in trade, transport, industry, mining and cultural exchanges.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their tensions through dialogue and engagement, as it pledged to work with the international community to help improve relations between the two countries.
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incident told Reuters.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun a multi-nation diplomatic tour of the Middle East, showing Beijing’s deepening engagement in a region undergoing conflicts, shifting alliances and major geopolitical realignments.
Pakistan and China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, Warrior IX, to strengthen military cooperation. The drill comes at a time of renewed regional instability, with analysts saying it underscores both countries’ determination to deepen security ties.
A former estate of drug lord Pablo Escobar, now a wildlife park in Colombia, has marked Christmas by setting animals festive feeding challenges designed to boost their mental and physical health.
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