Chinese FM says China, U.S. should stay on course toward building constructive relationship of strategic stability
China and the United States should remove disruptions, overcome obstacles, and stay firmly on the right course toward building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday.
In May this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump reached a series of common understandings in Beijing, including on building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability, which has provided strategic guidance and set the direction for the development of bilateral ties over the next three years and beyond, Wang said.
Building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability reflects the aspirations of the two peoples, meets the expectations of the international community, and serves the fundamental interests of both countries, Wang said.
Wang said that both sides should always uphold the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, and translate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into specific policies and practical measures.
Iranian deputy FM announces conclusion of Doha talks on implementing Iran-U.S. MoU
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi on Wednesday announced the conclusion of talks in Qatar on the implementation of a peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
Leading a delegation from the Foreign Ministry, Central Bank, and Agriculture Ministry, Gharibabadi said that the Iranian team held talks with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in the morning and then attended two meetings with Qatari and Pakistani delegations, according to the official news agency IRNA.
"The first meeting of the supervision group for the MoU's implementation was also held with the participation of senior negotiators from the three countries," he said.
Venezuela quakes death toll rises to 2,295, over 11,000 injured
The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 2,295, while the number of injured has climbed to 11,267, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Wednesday.
"As of today, there are 2,295 fatalities and 11,267 injuries. We are currently counting 12,841 affected people," Rodriguez said during a daily update on the country's situation after the earthquakes.
He said 6,461 people had been rescued by more than 4,000 international and domestic rescue workers and volunteers.
Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon
Israeli military activities continued across southern Lebanon on Wednesday, with drone strikes, artillery shelling, explosions, and other military operations reported in several areas, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Late Wednesday afternoon, an Israeli drone carried out an airstrike targeting a parked vehicle in the Deir neighborhood of the southern town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Less than 30 minutes later, the drone launched a second strike on the town.
The NNA said volunteers from local relief organizations came under Israeli gunfire on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa while heading to extinguish a fire that broke out in the vehicle struck by the guided missile. No injuries were reported.
Ireland begins EU presidency with focus on competitiveness, security
Ireland on Wednesday formally began its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) as it hosted an opening ceremony at the Dublin Castle, pledging to strengthen Europe's economic competitiveness, security and resilience at a time of mounting geopolitical challenges.
The ceremony featured a flag-raising by the Irish Defence Forces and performances of the Irish and EU anthems.
"We are proud that Ireland has become a beacon of hope to others for the transformative potential of Europe," Micheal Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland or the Irish Prime Minister, said in his speech.■
