Trump proposes bringing Russia back to G7; Australia joins US alliance in the Gulf
(Baonghean.vn) - President Trump proposed bringing Russia back to the G7; Australia sent planes and warships to join the US alliance in the Gulf; Gunmen kidnapped 12 passengers on a highway in Cameroon... are the world's top news in the past 24 hours.
President Trump proposes bringing Russia back to G7
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President Putin and President Trump in a meeting. Photo: Reuters |
This message was given by the "White House owner" before the opening day of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in France, signaling that tensions could continue in this club of the world's most elite and powerful nations. Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump continued to affirm that "it would be much more appropriate" for Russia to be a member of the group of world powers. "I would love for President Putin of Russia to come back to the G7, and become the G8. I think the time is right for Russia to come back to the G8, because we have a lot of work to do with Russia. I would certainly support this," Mr. Trump said.
This is not the first time that Mr. Trump has raised the idea of Russia returning to the G7, which includes the United States, Germany, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada. In June 2018, President Trump also suggested that Russia should attend the G7 Summit in Canada.
Japan wants to maintain military information-sharing pact with South Korea
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Illustration photo: Reuters |
Speaking to the press after meeting with his South Korean counterpart in Beijing (China), Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said on August 21 that Japan wants to make progress in resolving compensation for Korean forced laborers during wartime - an issue that has recently caused trade tensions between the two US allies.
In addition, the Japanese Foreign Minister also expressed hope that South Korea will continue to maintain the military information sharing agreement between the two countries, which is about to expire at the end of this month. If South Korea decides to terminate this agreement, the trilateral security cooperation between the US, Japan and South Korea will be greatly affected in dealing with potential threats from North Korea.
Australia sends planes and warships to join US coalition in the Gulf
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Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat, which participated in anti-piracy operations in the Middle East. Photo: Australian Department of Defence |
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on August 21 that Australia will join a coalition to protect ships passing through the Gulf region to avoid threats from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, according to ABC. The leader said Iran's destabilizing behavior is a threat to Australia's interests in the region. "15-16% of crude oil and 25-30% of refined oil shipped to Australia passes through the Strait of Hormuz. So the possibility of disruption to the shipping lane is a potential threat to our economy," Prime Minister Morrison said at a press conference in Canberra.
Prime Minister Morrison said Australia will deploy a P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft to the Middle East for a month before the end of 2019 and will send an escort ship in January 2020 for a six-month mission. A total of 200 soldiers will be deployed in this operation.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigns
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Italian Prime Minister resigns. Photo: CNN. |
On August 20, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation, officially marking the collapse of the coalition government in Italy. Speaking before the Senate, Giuseppe Conte said that the far-right Northern League party's proposal for a vote of no confidence against him was a serious matter and could lead to economic and political consequences for the country. In addition, the Italian Prime Minister criticized Matteo Salvini, the leader of this party, for acting irresponsibly, only for his own benefit and the benefit of the Northern League party.
After announcing his resignation before the Senate, Mr. Giuseppe Conte officially submitted his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella on the same evening. The resignation of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte officially marked the dissolution of the coalition government between Mr. Matteo Salvini's Northern League party and Mr. Luigi Di Maio's 5-Star Movement after many deep disagreements in recent times.
Gunmen kidnap 12 passengers on a highway in Cameroon
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| Cameroonian army is conducting a hostage rescue operation. Photo: En.trend.az |
Unidentified gunmen kidnapped 12 passengers in Cameroon’s Far North region on August 20, security sources said. The passengers were kidnapped on a highway in the Dabanga region, local officials said. The Cameroonian military is conducting a rescue operation.
No armed group has yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, but Boko Haram militants and highway robbers who frequently operate in the area could be behind it.