A ceremony was held in Pretoria on November 19 to mark the 25th founding anniversary of South Africa’s diplomatic ties with Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

Chinese leader urges APEC members to work towards open global economy

Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 18 urged countries in the region to remain committed to the goal of economic integration and work towards the director of an open global economy to jointly pursue prosperity in Asia-Pacific.

Difficulties expected as RCEP negotiation deadline missed again

At the recent 2nd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit in Singapore, leaders of RCEP countries agreed to push back the finalisation of the deal until next year. So once again, the RCEP fails to meet the set negotiation deadline. The multiple postponements of the negotiation conclusion could possibly drive the agreement to face great difficulties.

Vietnam reports on UN Convention against Torture implementation

Vietnam’s first national report on the implementation of the UN Convention against Torture was delivered to the UN Committee Against Torture in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 14 by Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lt. Gen. Le Quy Vuong.

Sri Lankan parliament plunged into chaos after lawmaker presents no confidence vote against new PM

Sri Lanka's parliament was thrown into chaos on November 14 after a no confidence motion against new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse was presented to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, which prompted the parliament to be adjourned till November 15.

Laos, Cuba agree to promote bilateral ties

Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit and Cuban President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez have agreed to promote the two countries’ traditional friendship.

China, Singapore upgrade FTA, eye closer connectivity cooperation

China and Singapore agreed on November 12 to upgrade their free trade agreement (FTA) and make more joint efforts to facilitate connectivity.

Singapore, China sign 11 bilateral cooperation documents

Singapore and China signed 11 memoranda of understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation on November 12 within the framework of the ongoing visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Russia, Japan start joint naval drills in Gulf of Aden: Russian Navy

joint anti-piracy naval drills of Russia and Japan had kicked off in the Gulf of Aden, Russia's Northern Fleet said Saturday (November 10).

US mid-term elections: Balance resumed

The US midterm elections 2018 has concluded with the results not beyond expectations of observers and the US public opinion, with President Donald Trump’s Republican Party retaining control of the Senate and the Democrats regaining control of the House of Representatives. The equilibrium in the US politics has been restored, but the danger of divisiveness and competition has also been resumed, as each party controls a chamber of the bicameral US Congress.

NATO chief assures support to Afghanistan

Visiting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assured the military alliance's firm support to Afghanistan's security forces in Kabul on November 6.

Iraqi forces seize 30 border posts in Syria: report

Iraqi forces carried out cross-border operations for the first time inside Syria and seized up to 30 border posts, local newspaper reported on November 6.

Indonesia to investigate Lion Air after deadly plane crash

Indonesia authorities plan to launch a special investigation into Lion Air's operations after its flight JT610 crashed last week, killing all 189 people onboard, a government official said on November 5.

Moscow to host int''l meeting on Afghanistan

The second meeting in the Moscow format on Afghanistan at the level of deputy foreign ministers and special representatives will be held in the Russian capital on November 9, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on November 3.

Indonesia: black box from crashed jet retrieved

A black box of the Lion Air plane that went down in waters off West Java province of Indonesia on October 29 were retrieved on November 1.

More objects related to Lion Air JT610 plane found

Ship Baruna Jaya I of the Marine Survey Technology of the Indonesia Research and Technology Agency has detected signals from the suspected black box of Lion Air JT610 plane, said head of the agency M. Ilyas on October 31.

Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Yutu strikes Philippines

Nearly 10,000 people had moved to safer ground in the Philippines’ northern localities ahead of Typhoon Yutu’s arrival.

Indonesia says plane crashes in Java Sea with 188 aboard, wreckage found

A Lion Air flight with at least 188 people on board is believed to have sunk after crashing into the sea off Indonesia's island of Java on Monday, shortly after take off from the capital on its way to the country's tin-mining hub, officials said.

Khashoggi case suspects to be tried in Saudi Arabia: FM

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said on October 27 that the 18 suspects arrested over the killing of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi will be prosecuted in the kingdom, state-run Bahrain News Agency reported.

China, Malaysia, Thailand conduct joint exercise for first time

China, Malaysia and Thailand started their first joint military exercise in the Malaysian resort town of Port Dickson on October 24.

Over 60 int'l businesses to attend Cuban trade fair

More than 60 companies from around the world are set to attend the Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV 2018) to be held from October 29 to November 2, government officials announced Tuesday, October 23.

ASEAN, EU hold dialogue on gender equality and women empowerment

A dialogue on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls took place in Hanoi on October 22, focusing on implementing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 5 aimed at promoting gender equality at work.

hai exports experience first decline in 19 months

Thailand’s exports in September defied analyst expectations, dropping for the first time in 19 months, according to data from the country’s commerce ministry.

Coal mine accident traps 22 in eastern China

Two people have died and 20 remain trapped following a rock burst Saturday (October 20) night at a coal mine in Yuncheng County, east China's Shandong Province.

Teenager kills 17 in Crimea college shooting - Russian officials

At least 17 people were killed and dozens injured at a college in the Black Sea region of Crimea on Wednesday (October 17) when a student went through the building shooting at fellow pupils before killing himself, Russian law enforcement officials said.