live WUF13 opening ceremony held in Baku as global forum advances sustainable urban development
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the of...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 31st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1.Trump says Gaza truce and Iran nuclear deal both within reach.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and a nuclear deal with Iran may soon be achievable, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts.
2. Germany urged to expand military by 45% to meet NATO goals.
Germany must significantly increase its armed forces to meet NATO capability targets and respond to rising security challenges, according to the head of the German Armed Forces Association.
3. Trump doubles steel tariffs to 50% to protect US industry.
President Donald Trump announced an increase in steel tariffs from 25% to 50% to better protect the US steel industry and close loopholes used by foreign competitors. Speaking at a steel plant in Pennsylvania, he stressed the move’s importance for safeguarding American jobs, boosting investments, and strengthening national security.
4. Kazakhstan hosts first Central Asia-Italy summit in Astana.
Kazakhstan’s capital Astana hosted the inaugural Central Asia-Italy summit, bringing together leaders from five Central Asian countries and Italy to enhance economic cooperation.
President Tokayev proposed an Italian trading house in Almaty and a new “B5+Italy” dialogue platform to boost trade and investment.
5. Erdogan and Zelenskyy discuss peace prospects and regional stability in phone call.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation focusing on bilateral ties, regional stability, and advancing peace talks.
6. Poland’s presidential runoff set for Sunday as Trzaskowski and Nawrocki vie closely.
Poland faces a crucial presidential runoff vote on Sunday as liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and national conservative historian Karol Nawrocki compete in a tightly contested race. The outcome is expected to significantly influence the country’s political direction amid a divided electorate and high public interest.
7. Quarry collapse in Indonesia kills at least 10, injures 6.
At least 10 people were killed and six others injured after a stone quarry collapsed in Indonesia’s West Java province on Friday, burying heavy machinery and workers under debris. The incident, believed to be caused by a mining error, has prompted a suspension of operations while rescue efforts continue.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
At least eight people were injured after a driver rammed a car into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena, authorities said on Saturday. Four of the victims were reported to be in serious condition.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus could become one of the world’s key strategic connectors in an emerging multipolar order.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
Russia carried out overnight drone strikes, air raids and shelling across Ukraine, hitting cities including Odesa and Dnipro, killing one person and injuring more than 30, according to Ukrainian officials on Monday (18 May).
Iran and Pakistan reviewed bilateral ties and the latest developments in the stalled Iran-U.S. peace negotiations mediated by Islamabad, as Tehran and Washington continue to refuse tangible concessions amid a fragile ceasefire and escalating verbal threats.
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