Russia pledges to strengthen cooperation with Arctic countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

On the eve of the 5th International Arctic Forum, on April 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized his commitment to strengthening cooperation with countries in the Arctic region.

In a statement, President Putin stated: "I would like to emphasize that Russia aims to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Arctic region. I believe that if we unite, we can turn the Arctic into a region of peace, stability and cooperation." President Putin also expressed Russia's goodwill in multilateral cooperation.

The 5th International Arctic Forum, entitled “The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue,” will take place in St. Petersburg on April 9-10. The forum will be a place for participants to discuss issues related to the socio-economic development of the Arctic region, as well as to develop multilateral mechanisms for joint exploration and exploitation of the region’s resource potential.

China, North Korea clear new bridge over Yalu River

Tourist buses cross the newly opened bridge between China's Jilin province and North Korea's Manpo. Photo: Yonhap

According to a VNA correspondent in South Korea, North Korea and China on April 8 officially opened a new bridge across the border on the Yalu River, signaling the possibility of expanding economic exchanges between the two countries amid international sanctions still in effect.

The new bridge connects Ji'an city in China's northeastern Jilin province with North Korea's northern border city of Manpo.

The two countries agreed to proceed with the Jian-Manpo Bridge project in May 2012 and complete construction in 2016. However, the two sides have delayed the official opening of the bridge, apparently due to UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.

India accuses Pakistan of "inciting war"

Indian soldiers patrol the border area with Pakistan. Photo: Reuters

On April 7, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that India will attack Pakistan in April. "We have reliable intelligence that India plans to launch a new attack on Pakistan between April 16 and 20. Pakistan has shared the information with the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council," Reuters quoted Foreign Minister Qureshi as saying.

In response, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar on April 8 condemned Mr. Qureshi's statement as "irresponsible and ridiculous." Mr. Kumar also accused Pakistan of making fake statements to distract public opinion from "cross-border terrorist attacks" which, according to the Government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are the main issue causing tension between the two sides.

European leaders to meet British Prime Minister to discuss Brexit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left, front) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right, front) at the European Union Summit in Brussels, Belgium on March 21, 2019. Photo: THX/TTXVN

AFP reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold discussions with her British counterpart Theresa May in Berlin on April 9, ahead of an important summit of the European Union (EU), where the British leader hopes to convince the EU to allow an extension of the Brexit process until June 30.

Meanwhile, an official from the French Presidential Office announced that on the evening of April 9, President Emmanuel Macron will discuss Brexit with British Prime Minister Theresa May at the Elysee Palace in Paris (France).

China decided to reduce taxes on many imported goods.

Loading and unloading goods at a port in Qingdao, Shandong province, eastern China. Photo: THX/TTXVN

In a notice on April 8, the Taxation Commission of the State Council of China said that the tax on imported goods such as books, computers, food, furniture and pharmaceuticals will be reduced to 13%, a 2% reduction from the current tax rate.

Meanwhile, the import tax on some other goods such as sports goods, fishing equipment, textiles, electronic household appliances and bicycles has also been reduced from 25% to 20%. The decision takes effect from April 9.

Beijing announced the tariff cuts as European Union (EU) leaders prepare to meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at an EU summit in Brussels this week to push for trade cooperation between the two sides.

China, North Korea clear new bridge over Yalu River

Monday, April 8, 2019 16:52

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According to a VNA correspondent in South Korea, North Korea and China on April 8 officially opened a new bridge across the border on the Yalu River, signaling the possibility of expanding economic exchanges between the two countries amid international sanctions still in effect.

The new bridge connects Ji'an city in China's northeastern Jilin province with North Korea's northern border city of Manpo.

The two countries agreed to proceed with the Jian-Manpo Bridge project in May 2012 and complete construction in 2016. However, the two sides have delayed the official opening of the bridge, apparently due to UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.