All articles tagged with #foreign minister
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is visiting China to meet with Wang Yi and discuss topics including Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential attendance at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea, marking his first trip to China since taking office in June.
Germany is likely too overstretched to send troops to support Ukraine, according to the country's foreign minister, highlighting the challenges faced by Germany in contributing militarily to the Ukraine conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian dismissed the recent attack on Iran as insignificant and mocked the weapons used as "toys." He warned that Iran would respond with maximum force if Israel engages in further "adventurism," but also indicated that Iran was not planning to escalate the conflict unless Israel launches a significant attack. The recent cycle of violence between the two countries began with an Israeli bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus, followed by an Iranian military attack on Israel, and a subsequent Israeli strike on a military airfield in central Iran. Both sides, along with U.S. officials, have called for calm to prevent further escalation.
South Africa's foreign minister has warned that any citizens fighting for the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza will be arrested upon their return, citing concerns over potential violations of South Africa's arms control laws. The announcement comes amid deteriorating relations between the two nations, with South Africa being a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. The foreign ministry also stated that those with dual South African-Israeli citizenship could face the loss of their South African citizenship. Israel has denied claims of enforcing an apartheid state on Palestinians, and it remains unclear how many South Africans have participated in the conflict.
South Africa's foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, stated that citizens fighting with Israeli forces in Gaza will be arrested upon their return home, following accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The government is concerned about its citizens joining the Israeli Defense Forces and warned that they could face prosecution. Pandor's comments reflect a hardening of the government's stance, as South Africa has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian people and a critic of Israel. The issue is deeply tied to the ruling ANC party and many South Africans, who draw parallels between Israel's policies and South Africa's apartheid era. Israel denies the charges and accuses South Africa of representing the Hamas militant group.
China's National People's Congress annual meeting is set to open with a focus on the economy, as the country grapples with economic challenges. The congress, largely ceremonial, is expected to discuss proposals to raise the retirement age and reveal the government's economic growth target for the year. Speculation surrounds the possible introduction of a new foreign minister, with names like Liu Jianchao and Ma Zhaoxu being floated as potential successors. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to gauge the future direction of government policy, although real decision-making power lies with the Communist Party leaders.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad for talks with Pakistani officials amid strained relations following recent tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries. The strikes, launched in January, raised concerns about wider instability in the Middle East. Both countries have agreed to de-escalate the situation and work closely on counter-terrorism, with Pakistan emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and cooperation while stressing respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian visits Pakistan at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart, aiming to mend strained relations following recent tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries. The visit includes discussions with Pakistani officials to de-escalate tensions and enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism. The strikes, targeting militant bases, have raised concerns about regional instability, prompting both nations to emphasize mutual trust and respect for territorial integrity in their diplomatic efforts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in New York ahead of a UN General Assembly vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War. Iran played a role in ensuring the failure of a US resolution that would have reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself. A report alleges that hundreds of terrorists from Gaza underwent combat training in Iran. Iran has been a long-time supporter of Hamas, providing weapons, technology, and financial aid. Abdollahian warned the US and Israel that if they do not stop the "crime against humanity and genocide in Gaza," the region could go out of control. He is expected to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss Iran's position on the war.
Iran's Foreign Minister has arrived in New York for talks on the recent Hamas terrorist attacks, raising concerns about the country's involvement in supporting the militant group.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, has strongly rebuked Elon Musk after the billionaire asserted that Taiwan is an integral part of China. Wu responded on social media, urging Musk to ask China to open its social media platform, X, to its people. He also referenced Musk's refusal to activate his Starlink satellite network in Crimea's Sevastopol last year. Taiwan's democratically elected government rejects China's sovereignty claims and emphasizes that only Taiwan's people can determine their future. This is not the first time Musk has sparked controversy regarding Taiwan.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi made an unannounced visit to Ukraine, becoming the last Group of Seven member nation to do so since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Hayashi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and visited Bucha, a town symbolizing Moscow's atrocities in the war. Japan has pledged over $7.6 billion in support for Ukraine and provided assistance in various areas. Hayashi's visit aims to show support for Ukraine's defense efforts and promote economic reconstruction, with the presence of Japanese business leaders to encourage private sector engagement.
Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, stated that trade between Italy and China has not improved as expected since Italy joined China's Belt and Road Initiative four years ago. Tajani mentioned that the Silk Road did not bring the desired results and that the parliament will have to decide whether or not to renew Italy's participation in the initiative when it expires in March 2024. Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, also expressed plans to visit China in one of her upcoming trips abroad.
Libyan Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush has been dismissed following a meeting with her Israeli counterpart, which sparked protests across Libya. The meeting, held in Rome and made public by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, led to speculation about al-Mangoush's whereabouts and an investigation into the incident. Israel's announcement of the meeting has damaged its credibility, with critics questioning its suitability as a foreign relations partner. The Libyan government does not recognize Israel and dealing with the country is punishable by law. The possibility of normalizing relations between Libya and Israel was reportedly discussed earlier this year, but concerns about public backlash remained. Protests erupted in Tripoli, with demonstrators calling for al-Mangoush's dismissal and the resignation of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
Protests erupted in Libya after it was revealed that Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush had held a meeting with her Israeli counterpart in Rome. Libya, like several other Arab countries, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah suspended Mangoush and referred her to an investigation. The Libyan foreign ministry described the meeting as an "unofficial encounter" that was not pre-planned and did not involve any agreements. Israel stated that the meeting discussed possible cooperation, including Israeli aid in humanitarian issues, agriculture, and water management.