Russia is not willing to get dragged into a new arms race but it must ensure its security, President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published Thursday (July 4).

Enhancing intra-bloc solidarity, a top priority for next-term EU leaders

After many differences, member states of the "European common roof” have eventually selected suitable faces for the "leadership framework” of the European Union (EU) for the next term. However, huge challenges are awaiting the new board of EU leaders in order to stabilise the situation and tighten intra-bloc solidarity.

Italy''''s David Sassoli elected European Parliament president

Italian MEP David-Maria Sassoli was elected president of the European Parliament on Wednesday (July 3), winning 345 votes in the second round of voting.

ILO congratulates Vietnam, EU on signing free trade deal

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has welcomed the signing of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) on June 30th in Hanoi, which promotes the respect for fundamental labour rights as a basic condition for fair international trade.

Iran approves visa-free travel for Chinese tourists

The Iranian government has approved visa-free policy for Chinese tourists visiting Iran, Eghtesadonline news website reported Sunday (June 30).

10 killed in small plane crash near Dallas, Texas

Ten people died after a small plane crashed Sunday (June 30) morning near Dallas, US state of Texas.

General expectations

Leaders of the Group of Twenty (G20) big economies, together with important guests and international organisations, arrived in Osaka, Japan, for a summit on June 28. The summit is expected to contribute to affirming the importance of free and fair trade, as well as the promotion of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform process.

Thailand calls for regional countries’ modernisation to increase competitiveness

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called on Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand (CLMVT) to embrace innovation or else risk losing their competitive edge.

Russia will respond to any NATO steps over missiles, says minister

Moscow will respond in kind to any steps NATO takes over Russia's decision to suspend a 1987 nuclear missile treaty, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on June 26, according to RIA news agency.

700 Japanese register for Vietnamese-language proficiency test

More than 700 Japanese candidates on June 23rd registered for the third Vietnamese-language proficiency test held by the Japan College of Foreign Languages in Tokyo.

Myanmar State Counselor and ADB President discuss operations in Myanmar

Myanmar State Counselor Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi met with ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao on June 23rd 2019 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit. They discussed ADB’s continued engagement with Myanmar.

ASEAN leaders support RCEP negotiations be concluded within 2019

ASEAN leaders support the negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to be concluded within this year, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on June 23 told a press conference at the conclusion of the 34th ASEAN Summit held in Bangkok.

7.7-magnitude quake strikes off eastern Indonesia, no tsunami alert issued

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Maluku province of eastern Indonesia on June 24, but was not potential for tsunami, the meteorology, climatological and geophysics agency said.

Malaysia working to recover USD65 mln in 1MDB case

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched legal action against 41 individuals and organisations to recover about USD65 million stolen from scandal-hit state fund 1MDB.

34th ASEAN Summit-related meetings begin in Bangkok

The 34th ASEAN Summit and related meetings officially began in Bangkok on June 20th with the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR).

Asia bond market is expanding

The local currency bond markets in emerging East Asia continued to expand over the first quarter of 2019 despite trade conflicts and moderating global growth, according to ADB's latest issue of the Asia Bond Monitor. Housing bonds and green bonds are potential areas of future growth, the quarterly report said.

ASEAN ICT Awards 2019 launched in Vietnam

The Ministry of Information and Communications hosted a ceremony in Hanoi on June 18th to announce the ASEAN ICT Awards 2019 (AICTA).

Iran government has no plans to remove oil minister - spokesman

Iran’s government has no plans to remove Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh from his post, a government spokesman said on June 16, according to the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA).

Afghan forces reopens key road in southern province after 2-year blockage

A key road connecting one of the most visited Khakriz district to Afghanistan southern Kandahar provincial capital the Kandahar city, was reopened to traffic after two years of blockage, an army commander in the restive province Hajji Woror Achakzai said Monday (June 17).

16th Asia Media Summit opens in Cambodia

The 16th Asia Media Summit, themed "Media Digitalisation Focusing on Developing Markets” opened in Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 16th.

Thailand moves to control mosquito-borne Chikungunya disease

The Thai Department of Disease Control (DDC) has sent a medical team to Suan Phung district in Ratchaburi province after reports of Chikyngunya virus infection of 14 visiting students and teachers from Singapore.

New impact programs at heart of largest-ever proposed work program

The GEF's 56th Council meeting, hosted at the World Bank’s headquarters from June 11th to 13th, perhaps more than any of its predecessors, directly addresses the scientific consensus that the natural world, and the Earth's systems, are under serious attack.

Vietnam ready to act as bride to connect EAEU, ASEAN: official

Vietnam, as an active ASEAN member and the first nation to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), is willing to work as a bridge to help the EAEU and Russia to expand trade and investment ties with the ASEAN, a Vietnamese trade official said.

Cambodian foreign ministry criticises Singaporean PM’s remarks

Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said on June 6th that Singaporean leader’s comment on "Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia” is against the revival of the Cambodian people.

Lao gov''t vows to upgrade facilities to draw more visitors

The Lao government is committed to developing and improving five tourism sites in each province along with road access and other facilities over the coming year, in a bid to attract more tourists, local daily Vientiane Times reported on June 6.