News
Spain widens Zapatero graft probe to implicate Venezuela's acting president in oil scheme
Spain's National Court has widened a corruption investigation to implicate Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez as a central figure in an alleged international network that used political influence to facilitate Venezuelan oil sales.
Putin arrives in Beijing with high powered delegation
Russian President Vladimir Putin kicked off a two-day visit to Beijing on May 19, arriving with a high-powered delegations containing top officials and leading businessmen.
Putin and Xi deepen anti-West axis
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has said that the presence of the Russian president is intended to introduce stability into an unpredictable international landscape.
Argentina in talks to extend China currency swap even as repayments near completion
Argentina is negotiating an extension of its currency swap agreement with China even as it moves to repay most of the activated funds under the facility by mid-2026, according to statements from the country’s central bank.
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Somaliland to open Israeli embassy in Jerusalem
Somaliland will establish its Israeli embassy in Jerusalem, following the US, as Hargeisa seeks closer relations with the Mediterranean country.
EDB opens in Uzbekistan, pledges $1.5bn in investments by 2031
Lender, celebrating its 20th anniversary, unveils $70mn loan for country’s number one digital platform Uzum.
Dangote plans major Atlantic port project in southwest Nigeria to support oil, fertiliser exports
Dangote Industries, the parent company of a 650,000-bpd refinery, said the port would support exports of fertilisers and petrochemicals in addition to refined petroleum products
Silver Fern Farms airlifts 90 tonnes of chilled NZ meat to UAE in supply push
New Zealand meat processor Silver Fern Farms has airfreighted 90 tonnes of chilled lamb and beef from Auckland to Abu Dhabi on a single customer-chartered flight.
Trump, Xi clash over contradictory trade promises
These conflicting accounts prove that beneath the diplomatic handshakes, the world’s two largest economies remain fundamentally misaligned on the rules of engagement, which threatens the long-term stability of global supply chains.
Hungary aims to revive V4 cooperation, Peter Magyar says in first foreign trip to Poland
Hungary wants to revive and strengthen the Visegrad Group cooperation based on the long-standing friendship between Hungary and Poland, Prime Minister Peter Magyar said in Krakow.
Fitch expects Romania to limit macroeconomic damage from political crisis
Rating agency expects limited near-term impact from political crisis on public finances, despite growing uncertainty surrounding the formation of a new government and fiscal consolidation efforts.
Trump sushi – US president invests in Japanese chain
US President Donald Trump reportedly bought shares in the US subsidiary of popular Japanese conveyor-belt sushi operator Kura Sushi, where diners have the possibility of winning prizes after inserting used plates into a slot system.
Latvian PM candidate warns current spending is unsustainable
Andris Kulbergs says the country’s budget must be urgently reassessed amid mounting economic pressures.
Bulgaria's Radev eyes bigger EU defence industry role on Berlin visit
Sofia aims to strengthen ties with Germany – its largest trading partner – and to play a more active role within the European Union and Nato.
Kenya lists first infrastructure fund on Nairobi bourse with UK support
Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund became the first infrastructure-focused vehicle to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange after raising $26.3mn for renewable energy, logistics and digital infrastructure projects.
Kazakhstan’s railway company to start its own Caspian fleet to boost Middle Corridor
China-Central Asia Monitor: April 30 - May 7, 2026.
Ex-presidential aide’s arrest deepens scrutiny of corruption risks in wartime Ukraine
Andriy Yermak, once regarded as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s most influential political lieutenant, was freed from pre-trial detention after supporters paid $3.1mn in bail.
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Decathlon opens second Argentina store as part of $100mn expansion plan
French sporting goods retailer Decathlon will open its second Argentina store in Córdoba on May 30, its first outside Buenos Aires, as part of a $100mn plan to open more than 20 outlets nationwide.
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Russia's black caviar sales slide 22% as shoppers trade down
Russian black caviar sales fell 22% by volume in January-April as squeezed shoppers traded down to red caviar and cheaper fish roe, with sturgeon caviar output also sliding by a third.
Pakistan makes first US crude imports as energy ties expand
Pakistan has imported 6mn barrels of crude oil from the US for the first time in the current fiscal year, in a move that highlights a gradual widening of energy links between Islamabad and Washington.