Italy wants Ukraine in the European Union, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said in Kyiv after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday.

- The most important message of our visit is that Italy wants Ukraine in the EU, it wants it to have the status of candidate and it will keep this position in the upcoming European Council - Draghi said, adding that the process to include Ukraine in the EU was “a road to be travelled on, not only a step."

The four European leaders traveled to Kyiv to show their support to Ukraine and its leader for the first time since Russia’s war that began late February.

At a joint press conference, the Italian premier said the EU wanted peace, but "Kyiv must be able to defend itself from Moscow's aggression."Before heading to the Ukrainian capital, the leaders visited the heavily-hit city of Irpin, where “I felt horror and hope, hope for reconstruction and the future," Draghi said.

The Italian premier added that it would take two weeks to demine Ukrainian ports and allow the exports of grain, as well as humanitarian corridors, making the harvest available at the end of September and imposing stringent deadlines.

- We must create safe corridors with the utmost urgency for grain to avert a catastrophe - Draghi said, noting that the only way was a UN resolution regulating navigation in the Black Sea, "which Russia has so far refused."
Draghi said Italy would back an investigation over suspected Russian war crimes, which he firmly condemned.

In 1st trip to Ukraine since Russia’s war, leaders of Italy, France, Germany and Romania reiterate their strong backing to Ukrainian people

Italy wants Ukraine in EU, PM Draghi says during Kyiv visit

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday received a written message from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on bilateral relations between the two Gulf neighbors.

The message was delivered by Saudi Ambassador Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, who discussed with the Qatari ruler ways of boosting relations between Doha and Riyadh, the state news agency QNA reported.
The message came as US President Joe Biden plans to visit Saudi Arabia next month where he will hold a summit with the leaders of the Gulf countries as well as Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.
On Saturday, Biden announced that any trip to Saudi Arabia would be for a "larger meeting" on regional security.
In January 2021, relations between Doha and Riyadh witnessed positive steps after signing a reconciliation agreement in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, which brought down the curtain on the Gulf crisis that broke out in the summer of 2017.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made efforts to develop their bilateral relations, after four years of a rupture.

US President Joe Biden plans to visit Saudi Arabia next month

The message came as US President Joe Biden plans to visit Saudi Arabia next month

Qatar ruler receives message from Saudi king on bilateral ties

NATO "will chart the way ahead for the next decade" at its June summit in the Spanish capital Madrid, the alliance’s chief said on Monday.

- We will reset our deterrence and defense for a more dangerous world - Jens Stoltenberg said at a ceremony in Spain marking the 40th anniversary of the country’s accession to NATO.
He recalled that a 1997 summit in Madrid opened talks on the eventual NATO membership of Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.
- That summit marked a new age of hope and aspiration. NATO’s open door and the European Union's enlargement helped spread freedom, democracy and prosperity across Europe. It was, and remains, a historic success - said Stoltenberg.

He said next month’s meeting in Madrid will be "another historic summit."
“Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine. Authoritarian regimes seek to undermine the rules-based international order. China’s coercive policies challenge our interests, security and values," he said, adding China has joined Russia in openly contesting the right of each and every country to choose its own path.
According to Stoltenberg, NATO is aiming to “deepen our cooperation with like-minded countries and organizations, including the European Union and countries in the Indo Pacific.”
- The Madrid summit is an important opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to NATO’s values and the vital importance of Europe and North America working together in NATO - he said.
Stoltenberg, who was joined at the event by Spain’s King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, confirmed that Finland and Sweden – the latest European countries seeking NATO membership – will also attend the summit scheduled for June 29-30.

<h2>Protecting democracy and freedom</h2>

For his part, Sanchez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to increase its defense spending in the coming years.

- The war in Ukraine has opened the eyes of our societies. Many people have understood our safety and security are not guaranteed indefinitely - he said.
Protecting democracy and freedom "requires modern, capable and available military capabilities that can only be acquired by increasing our investment in defense," he added.
Earlier this March, Sanchez announced Spain will gradually hike its defense budget, which currently accounts for 1.3% of its economic output, to 2% in a multiyear period.

Alliance will "reset deterrence, defense for a more dangerous world", says NATO chief

Stoltenberg: NATO to chart "way ahead for next decade"

Israel will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Egypt and the European Union (EU) in the coming weeks to export natural gas to EU countries, the country’s energy minister said on Monday.

Karine Elharrar told the Israeli Army Radio that Israeli and European teams are working on setting cooperation between them in the field of natural gas.
Under their exportation plan, the Israeli gas will go through pipelines from Israel to Egypt to be shipped to Europe, she said.
The Israeli minister added that her ministry was preparing for a new tender for gas exploration off Israel's Mediterranean coast for the purpose of finding new quantities that allow further exportation to Europe.
The deal comes as Europe is looking for alternative energy sources for Russian gas since the outbreak of the Russian war on Ukraine in February.

Israel seeks to export gas to Egypt to be shipped to Europe

Israeli gas will go through pipelines from Israel to Egypt to be shipped to Europe

Israel to sign deal with Egypt, EU for gas exports

Annual inflation in Belgium was at 8.97% in May, the highest level since August 1982, when it was 9.02%, according to figures released on Monday.

As in most countries, energy prices were the main trigger for the high inflation, according to an official press release.
Energy prices rose by 56.8% year-on-year, accounting for 4.8 percentage points of total inflation.
The inflation rate was 6.32% for food products.

Annual inflation rate at almost 9% in May

The inflation rate was 6.32% for food products

Inflation in Belgium hits 40-year high

In a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Turkey's president on Monday reiterated Ankara's willingness to keep doing its part for peace in Ukraine.

Turkiye is ready to play a role in a possible observation mechanism after first meeting with representatives of Russia, Ukraine, and UN in Istanbul, Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Vladimir Putin, according to a statement from Turkiye’s Communications Directorate.
Erdogan also said there is a need for steps to minimize the negative effects of the war and reestablish a groundwork for peace.
Also touching on developments in Syria, where attacks by the terror group YPG/PKK on civilians and neighboring Turkiye continue, the Turkish president stressed that the regions along the border liberated from terrorists must be made safe and secure.

Turkiye borders Syria and Iraq to its south, and has worked to eliminate existing terrorist bases and prevent new ones there that would threaten its national security and the safety of locals across its borders.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

There is need for steps to minimize negative effects of war in Ukraine, reestablish groundwork for peace, says Turkish President Erdogan

Turkish, Russian leaders discuss war in Ukraine, regional issues

The Afghan Taliban interim government on Tuesday signed a deal to hand over the country's four key airports to a state-run United Arab Emirates company.

Under the deal, the control and management of four international airports – Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-e-Sharif – will be handed over to the UAE aviation company, according to the state-run Bakhtar News Agency.&nbsp;The ceremony was attended by acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and the Afghan and United Arab Emirates officials.Speaking at the ceremony, Baradar said the Afghan government wanted good relations with all countries, according to a statement by the deputy premier's office.
- Afghanistan has been affected by wars and now we are rebuilding it - Baradar said.
He added that they invite everyone to come and invest in Afghanistan as the Taliban government will provide all facilities and security to investors.
Baradar said the Islamic Emirate is working hard to strengthen the country's economy, adding that with the agreement, all international airlines will return to Afghanistan in peace and the level of trade will increase.
After the Taliban took over in August last year as foreign forces withdrew, Qatar and Turkiye sent temporary technical teams to help airport operations and security.

United Arab Emirates aviation company to manage Kabul, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif airports

Afghan Taliban hand over 4 key airports to UAE

Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said Tuesday that they are predicting "above-average" hurricane activity in 2022.

The projection will make it the seventh consecutive above-average hurricane season.
- NOAA’s outlook for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 65% chance of an above-normal season, a 25% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season - it said.
Up to 21 named storms are possible, according to the projection, and as many as 10 could become hurricanes, including three to six major hurricanes -- categories 3 - 5. NOAA provides the ranges with a 70% confidence.
- As we reflect on another potentially busy hurricane season, past storms — such as Superstorm Sandy, which devastated the New York metro area ten years ago — remind us that the impact of one storm can be felt for years. Since Sandy, NOAA’s forecasting accuracy has continued to improve, allowing us to better predict the impacts of major hurricanes to lives and livelihoods - said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad.The increased activity anticipated is the result of several climate factors, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon.
- The way in which climate change impacts the strength and frequency of tropical cyclones is a continuous area of study for NOAA scientists - forecasters said.

Up to 21 named storms possible, as many as 10 could become hurricanes, say officials

Up to 21 named storms are possible, according to the projection

US authorities project "above-average" hurricane activity in 2022

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed a range of issues on the telephone Tuesday, including war and the global food crisis, according to State Department.

Spokesman Ned Price said the conversation was a follow-up to the two diplomats' meeting in Berlin on May 15. They discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the consequences of the war waged by Russia that began in February.
- The Secretary noted the global food security crisis resulting from (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin’s brutal war requires a global response, and they discussed potential means to export Ukraine’s grain to international markets - said Price.
Blinken also shared details of a $40 billion security aid package that was signed by US President Joe Biden on Saturday. It provides additional funding for security, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and countries affected by the war.
- The Secretary again underscored the United States’ strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Moscow’s aggression - added Price.
At least 3,930 civilians have been killed and 4,532 injured since Russia launched a war on Ukraine on Feb. 24. The true toll is believed to be significantly higher.
Nearly 6.6 million people have fled to other countries, while more than 7.7 million have been internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

They discussed potential means to export Ukraine’s grain to international markets, says State Dept. spokesman

Top US, Ukrainian diplomats discuss war, food security crisis on phone

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has been re-elected to head the world health agency for a second five-year term.

Tedros, who was first elected in 2017, was the sole candidate and was re-elected during the 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva, according to a WHO statement.
As part of his first term, Tedros "instituted a wide-ranging transformation of the WHO, aimed at increasing the Organization’s efficiency driving impact at country level to promote healthier lives, protect more people in emergencies and increase equitable access to health," according to the statement. 
He guided the health agency's response "to the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the health impacts of multiple other humanitarian crises."

Tedros, sole candidate for top job, re-elected for 2nd 5-year term during 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva

WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus re-elected for 2nd term

A 10-story building collapsed in southwestern Iran on Monday, killing at least four people and injuring dozens of others, officials said.

Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Iran's national medical emergency organization, said 25 people were injured in the collapse in the city of Abadan.&nbsp;Some reports, however, put the death toll at five and the number of injured at 80.Collapse took place in southwestern city of Abadan on the busy Amiri Street when it collapsed, Anadolu Agency learned from official sources.
The reason for the collapse was not immediately known. Rescue operations were underway when the latest reports came in. Nearby buildings have all been evacuated.
Mehdi Valipour, the head of Iran's Red Crescent Society, was quoted as saying by local media that at least 80 people could be trapped under the rubble.&nbsp;The incident was reported at around 12:30 local time (0800GMT).Provincial officials in Abadan told state media that the building was under construction in a congested residential area, which could push the toll higher.
Videos and photos circulating online showed injured people being rushed to hospitals, some in a critical state, while people queued up in front of hospitals to donate blood.
According to Waheed Shabani, managing director of the Red Crescent Society in the Khuzestan province, four rapid reaction teams from neighboring cities were dispatched to the area to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

Collapse took place in southwestern city of Abadan

More than 150 people were inside the under-construction Metro Pol commercial building

Building collapse kills 4, injures dozens in Iran

The World Health Organization chief on Monday said it is clear that the world was, and remains, unprepared for a pandemic, calling for support for universal health care and other reform measures.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, the sole candidate for reelection to the post, delivered his vision for the next five years for the WHO at the 75th World Health Assembly (WHA) opening session.
The WHA, the WHO's main decision-making body, adopted a resolution as its first item to not include Taiwan as an observer in the assembly after China made a spirited objection in the opening exchanges, describing the move as "political manipulation."
Last Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement, saying:&nbsp;"Inviting Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer would exemplify the WHO's commitment to an inclusive approach to international health cooperation and health for all".- Taiwan is a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community, and it has been invited to participate as an observer in previous WHA meetings.China's Ambassador to the UN Geneva Chen Xu said the proposals to have Taiwan attend as an observer had not succeeded in five years.
- The Taiwan authority engages in political manipulation at the cost of disrupting the WHA. Its true aim is to seek independence through the pandemic. Its true aim is to counter China through the Taiwan issue.

In his speech, Tedros said the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.

- And even as we continue to fight it, we face the task of restoring essential health services, with 90% of member states reporting disruption to one or more essential health services. The pandemic has demonstrated why the world needs WHO, but also why the world needs a stronger, empowered, and sustainably financed WHO - said the WHO chief.Tedros said the world health body would like to see 1 billion more people benefiting from universal health coverage by 2023, but it is far behind, and progress is less than one-quarter required to reach the target.
- Even before the pandemic, we estimated that only 270 million more people would be covered by 2023, a shortfall of 730 million people against the target of 1 billion.”
He noted: It's clear that the world was -- and remains -- unprepared for a pandemic.
- Every month, WHO processes more than 9 million pieces of information, screens 43,000 signals, reviews 4,500 events, and verifies an average of 30 events.

- In the past five years, WHO has responded to more than 120 emergencies, cyclones, volcanoes, earthquakes, outbreaks, wars, and a pandemic. Some last a few months, some last for years - said Tedros and added:
- Currently, health spending in most countries is imbalanced towards secondary and tertiary care, with massive amounts spent on expensive equipment and medicines that often deliver modest health gain.By contrast, 90% of essential health services can be delivered through primary health care. And we estimate that investing in primary health care could increase global life expectancy by as much as six to seven years by 2030 - he said.Tedros said the WHO's secretariat had prepared a proposal for a more equitable global architecture that includes the need for coherent, inclusive, and accountable governance and more robust systems to prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to health emergencies.
He also said there is a need for adequate and efficient financing, domestically and internationally.
- I welcome the recommendation of the Working Group on Sustainable Financing to increase assessed contributions to 50% of the core budget over the next decade -&nbsp; the WHO chief added.

Tedros says COVID-19 pandemic far from over, urges support for universal health care

WHO chief: World unprepared for new pandemic

The German chancellor on Monday visited Niger on the second day of his three-nation visit to Africa.

Olaf Scholz, who embarked on his first visit to Africa on Sunday and visited Senegal where he held talks with President Macky Sall, will conclude his tour on Tuesday in South Africa.
- This is my first trip to the African continent as chancellor. I made a conscious decision to go to Senegal as the first stop. Because the partnership that connects us is becoming more and more important. We can count on each other - Scholz, who became chancellor about six months ago, said on his official Twitter account.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Danke für den herzlichen Empfang, <a href="https://twitter.com/Macky_Sall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Macky_Sall</a>! Das ist meine erste Reise als Kanzler auf den afrikanischen Kontinent. Als erste Station habe ich mich bewusst für Senegal entschieden. Denn die Partnerschaft, die uns verbindet, wird immer wichtiger. Wir können aufeinander zählen! <a href="https://t.co/G3xmDFEh2V">pic.twitter.com/G3xmDFEh2V</a>— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1528400583329206273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sall, meanwhile, said Germany and Senegal maintain solid and trusting relations of friendship and cooperation that they have decided to take to a higher level.
The German media reported that the German chancellor also visited Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Niger on Monday.&nbsp;According to reports, Niger is considered an important partner for Germany in the fight against militants in the region.The German soldiers stationed in the West African nation are helping Nigerien special forces in fighting militants in the region.
On Tuesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Scholz on an official visit to the capital Pretoria, according to a statement from the presidency.
South Africa and Germany enjoy good bilateral ties. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the country in February 2020 to deepen relations.
- Germany is South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, a major investor, a significant tourism market, and a most valued developmental partner - Ramaphosa had said at a joint news conference with Merkel at the time.

Olaf Scholz to conclude 3-nation Africa tour on Tuesday in South Africa

The German chancellor on Monday visited Niger

German chancellor arrives in Niger on 1st visit to Africa

Spanish Economy Minister Nadia Calvino on Monday backed the EU's decision to suspend the budget rule for one more year, calling it "positive."

- I think it is positive that this general escape clause is extended for another year, since it would not be understood at a time of such high uncertainty as the one we find ourselves in. Well, if it was restored, it would not apply again as it is. Some rules have to be revised to adapt to the present needs and to all the future investment needs of the European Union - Calvino told reporters in Brussels before attending the Eurogroup meeting.She reminded that Spain presented a joint position paper with the Netherlands at the last meeting of the Eurogroup "to propose and urge the European Commission to address this revision of the fiscal rules as soon as possible."
Earlier in the day, the EU extended another year the exemption under strict budgetary rules for member states due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that started on Feb. 24.
As part of the 2022 European Semester Spring Package, the European Commission decided to prolong into 2023 the escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, the bloc’s fiscal rules preventing member states to spend over their means.
The principle of fiscal prudence, demanding EU member states to keep the budget deficit under 3% and public debt under 60% of the GDP, was suspended in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic that put an extraordinary burden on state budgets.
According to the latest forecasts, the EU expects 2.7% GDP growth for this year, down from the earlier projection of 4%.

Fiscal rules to be suspended for another year due to rising energy prices, supply disruptions, says European Commission

Spain welcomes EU's decision to suspend budget rule

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday arrived in the Palestinian city of Ramallah ahead of his landmark visit to Israel.

The plane carrying Cavusoglu landed at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv where he was welcomed by Israeli officials.
This will be the first time in 15 years a Turkish foreign minister is paying an official visit to Israel as the two countries attempt to mend ties.
Cavusoglu made his next stop at the West Bank city of Ramallah and visited the Palestinian Foreign Ministry.

He will chair the second meeting of the Joint Committee of the Palestinian and Turkish Foreign Ministries which was established in 2010.

Cavusoglu is also expected to hold talks with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Following his meetings in Palestine, the Turkish foreign minister will pay an official visit to Israel on Wednesday and hold talks with his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid on bilateral relations and regional and international matters.

Mevlut Cavusoglu expected to hold talks with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki, President Mahmoud Abbas

Turkish foreign minister arrives in Palestine

The Italian premier said on Thursday that he would visit Turkiye in July for bilateral talks.

Addressing the parliament on the latest developments in Ukraine, Mario Draghi reiterated Italy's stance against Russia's war on Ukraine.
He said no intergovernmental summit has been held between Italy and Turkiye for 10 years, adding his visit will come in early July.&nbsp;The premier said that during his visit, the two sides will discuss diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine and strengthen bilateral ties.Regarding the alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, the Italian premier said that he offered Italy's support to investigate these claims as mass graves were found in the war-torn country.
Also touching on the increasing NATO actions in the eastern flank, Draghi underlined that in addition to 2,500 Italian soldiers in Eastern Europe, Italy will send 1,000 more soldiers to Hungary and Bulgaria.
He also said they are considering sending an air defense system to Slovakia.&nbsp;Draghi reiterated his country's support for Sweden and Finland's NATO membership.

Italy wants Ukraine in EU, PM Draghi says during Kyiv visit

Qatar ruler receives message from Saudi king on bilateral ties

Stoltenberg: NATO to chart "way ahead for next decade"

Israel to sign deal with Egypt, EU for gas exports

Inflation in Belgium hits 40-year high

Turkish, Russian leaders discuss war in Ukraine, regional issues

Afghan Taliban hand over 4 key airports to UAE

US authorities project "above-average" hurricane activity in 2022

Top US, Ukrainian diplomats discuss war, food security crisis on phone

WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus re-elected for 2nd term

Building collapse kills 4, injures dozens in Iran

WHO chief: World unprepared for new pandemic

German chancellor arrives in Niger on 1st visit to Africa

Spain welcomes EU's decision to suspend budget rule

Turkish foreign minister arrives in Palestine

Italian premier to visit Turkiye in July for bilateral talks

World

Italy wants Ukraine in EU, PM Draghi says during Kyiv visit

Qatar ruler receives message from Saudi king on bilateral ties

Stoltenberg: NATO to chart "way ahead for next decade"

Israel to sign deal with Egypt, EU for gas exports

Inflation in Belgium hits 40-year high

Turkish, Russian leaders discuss war in Ukraine, regional issues

Afghan Taliban hand over 4 key airports to UAE

US authorities project "above-average" hurricane activity in 2022

Top US, Ukrainian diplomats discuss war, food security crisis on phone

WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus re-elected for 2nd term

Building collapse kills 4, injures dozens in Iran

WHO chief: World unprepared for new pandemic

German chancellor arrives in Niger on 1st visit to Africa

Spain welcomes EU's decision to suspend budget rule

Turkish foreign minister arrives in Palestine

Italian premier to visit Turkiye in July for bilateral talks