The world this past week in photos

(Baonghean.vn) - Join Nghe An Electronic Newspaper to review the outstanding events in the world in the past 7 days.

1. Record cold causes serious damage to many countries around the world

Severe cold has hit many countries around the world in recent days. In particular, the eastern United States has seen a snowstorm that is considered the worst in history.

In New York, snow could be as thick as 50 - 63 cm. Photo AFP

2. US Secretary of State visits Laos, Cambodia and China

On January 25, US Secretary of State John Kerry began a visit to Laos, Cambodia and China. This visit takes place ahead of an important summit between President Barack Obama and leaders of Southeast Asian countries in the US next month.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed and held talks with his US counterpart John Kerry. (Source: THX)

3. India signs agreement to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France

On January 25, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that his country and France had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets, in a long-delayed multi-billion dollar arms deal between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) and French President Francois Hollande during his visit to India. (Source: ibtimes.com)

4. Taiwanese leader illegally visits Itu Aba Island

On the morning of January 28, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou illegally visited Itu Aba Island, which belongs to Vietnam, for the first time in his eight-year term as leader of Taiwan. Vietnam has repeatedly protested Taiwan’s violations of its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, demanding that illegal construction activities be stopped and the situation in the East Sea not be further complicated.

C-130 aircraft illegally carried Mr. Ma to Itu Aba Island. Photo: FocusTaiwan

5. Zika virus is "exploding"

On January 28, World Health Organization (WHO) Director Margaret Chan said that Zika, a virus that can cause microcephaly in fetuses, has been detected in more than 20 countries. Ms. Margaret Chan warned that the virus is spreading rapidly and called for an emergency meeting.

Zika virus - a virus transmitted by mosquitoes and causing birth defects. Source: Internet

6. Launch of a six-month peace talks series on Syria

After four days of discussions in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), the main opposition group in Syria backed by Saudi Arabia, announced on January 30 that it would participate in peace talks in Geneva. The round of talks in Syria is expected to face many difficulties as the parties have yet to truly reach a common voice.

UN Security Council meeting on resolution to restore peace to Syria (Photo: VNA)

Phuong Thao

(Synthetic)