Trump celebrates his birthday early; EU ready to “retaliate” against US in trade war

President Trump celebrates his birthday early before the US-North Korea Summit

US President Donald Trump smiles in front of a birthday cake during a working lunch with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on June 11. Source: Reuters

On June 11, right before the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Mr. Trump was given a birthday cake during a working lunch with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In addition to Mr. Trump, the lunch was also attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. The US President will turn 72 on June 14.

EU ready to “retaliate” in escalating trade war with US

The German Chancellor said the EU is ready to “retaliate” in the escalating trade war with the US. (Photo: KT)

Speaking on German television last night (local time), Ms. Merkel said that the EU will not allow the bloc to be “disturbed repeatedly.” The German leader’s comments came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced that he would withdraw support for the joint statement of the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations previously agreed in Canada.

According to the German Chancellor, the country has little choice but will have to react “strongly” to the “unusual and unilateral” approach of US President Donald Trump.

In addition, the European Union will have to work towards a more united and stronger EU to demonstrate its “autonomous” role on global issues.

Fire at Frankfurt airport (Germany) injures many people

Fire at Frankfurt airport. Source: Daily Star

On June 11, an aircraft tug caught fire at Frankfurt Airport, Germany while towing a Lufthansa plane to the departure gate to pick up passengers for a flight to the US.

The fire then spread very quickly to the plane. There were no passengers on board when the accident occurred, but the fire caused 10 people to suffer minor injuries and signs of respiratory irritation. The plane was also quite damaged.

Singapore covers all hotel expenses for North Korean delegation

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui (center) arrives at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Singapore on June 11. Photo: Yonhap/VNA

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said the country will cover all hotel expenses for the North Korean leader and his entourage to attend the US-North Korea summit.

Responding to a question from a BBC reporter in Singapore on June 11, Minister Balakrishnan said that this payment shows Singapore's hospitality.

He also added that this amount is part of the total cost of about 20 million SGD that Singapore spent on organizing the historic US-North Korea summit.

South Korea begins investigation into North Korean employee defection

South Korean soldiers strengthen security on a road in Paju. Source: Kyodo/VNA

South Korean prosecutors have begun investigating allegations that more than 10 North Korean workers at a North Korean restaurant in China were forcibly brought to South Korea against their will in 2006 in a political move by the South Korean government under former President Park Geun-hye, a group of lawyers said on June 11.

Last month, the Lawyers for a Democratic Society, known as Minbyun, filed a complaint against former senior South Korean officials, accusing them of orchestrating the planned mass defection. The group said the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office had asked two of its members to appear for questioning on June 18.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait to provide Jordan with $2.5 billion in aid

Four-way summit of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Jordan. Photo: Skynews Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait pledged to support Jordan in overcoming its economic crisis, following the quadrilateral summit of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Jordan held in Mecca on June 10.

Under the agreement, the three countries will provide an economic support package to Jordan of up to 2.5 billion USD, to help the country overcome the current economic crisis.

This money will be deposited in the Central Bank of Jordan with the guarantee of the World Bank for the benefit of Jordan, where it will be used to support development projects.

In a joint effort, the European Union (EU) also confirmed its support of 20 million euros to Jordan this year to implement social security policies. The EU is committed to fully supporting Jordan's reform efforts.

Colombia: ELN rebels announce unilateral ceasefire

ELN members in Cali, Colombia. Photo: EPA/VNA

According to AFP, on June 11, the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel force in Colombia announced a unilateral ceasefire this weekend as the South American country prepares to hold the second round of the presidential election on June 17.

On the Insurrection network, the ELN announced that the cessation of military operations will take place from June 15 until midnight June 19.

On June 11, the self-proclaimed "Islamic State" (IS) organization admitted to being behind the suicide bombing at the headquarters of a government agency in the capital Kabul, Afghanistan that afternoon. IS made the above statement through the organization's Amaq news agency, but did not provide any specific evidence related to the incident.

Earlier, at 1:00 p.m. local time, a large explosion occurred right in front of the entrance to the Ministry of Resettlement and Rural Development, when the ministry's employees were leaving the office earlier than usual for the holy month of Ramadan.

Afghan officials said a suicide bomber detonated his explosives belt as he approached the ministry's main gate, killing at least 12 people and wounding 31, including many women and children.