News
Saudi Arabia's US Treasury holdings fall to $126.4bn in February
Saudi Arabia's holdings of US Treasury securities decreased to $126.4bn in February 2025, dropping by $500mn compared to January.
Turkey drops leaflets on Iraqi mountains urging Kurdish PKK to surrender
Turkish military aircraft dropped leaflets over mountainous areas in Duhok Province within the Kurdistan Region on the morning of April 22.
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Argentina mourns the death of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, Argentina's first pope, never returned to his homeland after his 2013 election. His death leaves a complex legacy, with Argentines mourning a global leader who maintained cultural ties despite physical absence.
Iran could attract US pension funds for oil industry investment
The spokesperson for Iran's Oil Products Exporters Union has suggested that Iran could attract capital from US pension funds into its oil industry.
Uzbekistan: Reform drive will soon face critical hump – expert
Russian gas dependency poses significant obstacle.
Turkmenistan to introduce simplified procedures for obtaining visas
New rules seen as part of wider opening to trade opportunities.
Hungary’s cardinal Peter Erdo seen as serious contender in next papal conclave
Cardinal Erdo has long been considered "papabile", a term used for cardinals seen as viable candidates for the post. His name has surfaced prominently in discussions surrounding the upcoming conclave.
Hungary channels close to €4bn in subsidies to EV battery industry
Hungary's government has confirmed it has poured HUF1.5 trillion (€3.8bn) into its electric vehicle battery sector, evenly split between direct subsidies and infrastructure development.
Investment deal with UAE sparks protests in Montenegro
Montenegrins are divided over agreements with the UAE on investments in tourism and real estate development affecting one of Europe's longest beaches.
Singapore mourns Pope Francis, less than a year after his visit
Singapore’s top leaders have paid heartfelt tributes to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
UPDATE: Iraqi PM throws weight behind local Cardinal Sako to be next Pope
Iraqi Cardinal Louis Sako has entered the list of candidates for the position of Pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
Putin ratifies 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin ratifies 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran ahead of potential US deal over Ukraine.
Raging wildfire threatens Poland’s Biebrza National Park
Biebrza National Park is Poland’s largest and is internationally known for its rare bird species.
Turkey to renovate 1,500-year-old dome of Hagia Sophia
Special process designed to avoid damaging mosaics on inner surface.
Stalemate in Kosovo's parliament as MPs again fail to elect speaker
The ruling Vetevendosje movement won the most seats in the February general election but fell short of an outright majority.
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Iraq signs three MoUs with Chinese SEPCO for petrochemical projects in Karbala
The agreements cover the construction of four petrochemical plants, infrastructure development and the operation and maintenance of production units.
Iran reaffirms ties with Russia despite warming relations with US
In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with Moscow, irrespective of its ongoing diplomatic engagement with the US.
Ukraine signs a preliminary minerals deal memorandum of understanding with the US after months of wrangling
Ukraine has signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding with the US on the controversial minerals deal after months of wrangling, but many important details of the deal still need to be agreed.
Update: Iran and US move toward agreement framework after Rome talks
Iranian and US officials will start expert-level meetings to establish a framework for an agreement from April 23
Azerbaijani politician enters third week of hunger strike, over 10kg lost as health deteriorates
Tofiq Yagublu started the hunger strike in response to what he called a politically motivated and unjust court ruling that sentenced him to nine years in prison on fraud and document forgery charges.