RIYADH, 01 December 2022, (TON): Saudi Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail met Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong as part of his Asian tour that began in Seoul.

The ministers discussed frameworks for enhancing cooperation in the municipal, housing and smart-city sectors, the importance of activating the executive program, and the exchange of experiences in a way that would serve the two countries.

Al-Hogail lauded the progress of the nations’ relations, the cooperation between them, and the advantages that resulted from the formation of strategic alliances and partnerships.

RIYADH, 01 December 2022, (TON): The Kingdom’s ministry said “Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and his accompanying delegation, during his official visit to the capital, Riyadh.”

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the importance of strengthening the joint action process between the two countries, in implementation of the directives of King Salman and Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in a way that translates the strong and well-established relations between both countries, and achieves the aspirations of the two peoples toward further progress and prosperity, the ministry said in a statement.

Prince Faisal held an official dinner banquet in honor of the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and his delegation.

BRUSSELS, 01 December 2022, (TON): The European Union proposed to set up a U.N.-backed specialized court to investigate possible war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, and to use frozen Russian assets to rebuild the war-torn country.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said “in a video message that the EU will work with international partners to get the broadest international support possible for the tribunal, while continuing to support the work of the International Criminal Court.”

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, his military forces have been accused of abuses ranging from killings in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha to deadly attacks on civilian facilities, including the March 16 bombing of a theater in Mariupol that an Associated Press investigation established likely killed close to 600 people.

WASHINGTON, 01 December 2022, (TON): The upcoming meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or OSCE, will be critical to help end the war in Ukraine and the continuing human rights violations resulting from the conflict.

This is the view of Michael Carpenter, the US’ permanent representative to the OSCE, who spoke to Arab News recently about the group’s annual ministerial council gathering in Lodz, Poland, from Dec. 1-2.

Carpenter said “OSCE officials are expected to discuss the expansion of the organization’s work to tackle issues including human trafficking and election monitoring.”

A CIA spokesperson declined to provide comment to Arab News on the meeting, citing a lack of authorization to speak about the CIA director’s schedule.

WELLINGTON, 01 December 2022, (TON): Finland’s leader says it must give more weapons and support to Ukraine to ensure it wins its war against Russia.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin made the comments in Auckland on the first-ever visit by a Finnish prime minister to New Zealand and Australia.

Among the aims of the visit are improving diplomatic relations and trade ties.

Marin told reporters “we need hard power when it comes to Ukraine.”

Marin said “they need weapons, they need financial support, they need humanitarian support, and we need to also make sure that all the refugees fleeing from Ukraine are welcomed to Europe.”

RIYADH, 01 December 2022, (TON): Saudi Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail met Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong as part of his Asian tour that began in Seoul.

The ministers discussed frameworks for enhancing cooperation in the municipal, housing and smart-city sectors, the importance of activating the executive program, and the exchange of experiences in a way that would serve the two countries.

Al-Hogail lauded the progress of the nations’ relations, the cooperation between them, and the advantages that resulted from the formation of strategic alliances and partnerships.

BRUSSELS, 01 December 2022, (TON): The European Union proposed to set up a U.N.-backed specialized court to investigate possible war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine, and to use frozen Russian assets to rebuild the war-torn country.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said “in a video message that the EU will work with international partners to get the broadest international support possible for the tribunal, while continuing to support the work of the International Criminal Court.”

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, his military forces have been accused of abuses ranging from killings in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha to deadly attacks on civilian facilities, including the March 16 bombing of a theater in Mariupol that an Associated Press investigation established likely killed close to 600 people.

DHAKA, 01 December 2022, (TON): Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said “Bangladesh always gets the highest priority from his country.”

The envoy was quoted as saying “India has a policy for neighbouring countries. But in this regard, Bangladesh gets the highest priority. Bangladesh always gets priority in any case.”

He said this while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban.

PM's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon briefed reporters after the meeting.

DHAKA, 01 December 2022, (TON): Chief of Bangladesh Army General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed called for facing the challenges of the 21st century.

He also asked the army men to be prepared to protect the country's constitution and sovereignty side by side with discharging their professional duties.

The army chief came up with the instruction while giving regimental colour in the annual commanding officers conference of six units of Bangladesh Army at Rajshahi Cantonment here as chief guest.

Army Chief General Shafiuddin Ahmed said the present Bangladesh is marching forward vibrantly under the dynamic and prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

DUBAI, 01 December 2022, (TON): State news agency reported “UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 1,530 prisoners, ahead of UAE's 51st National Day.”

The pardoned prisoners had been sentenced to jail terms for a variety of offenses.

Sheikh Mohamed also pledged to settle the financial obligations of the released prisoners.

The statement added “the President’s pardon gives the released prisoners an opportunity to rethink their future and positively contribute to the service of their families and communities in order to lead successful social and professional lives.”