Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (AFP) – King Momo Caio Cesar Dutra receives the keys to the city of Rio from Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes during the official opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. IMAGES
Neu Delhi (AFP) – The European Union is exploring a security and defence partnership with India, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says before meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The pact would work to counter common threats, including “cross-border terrorism, maritime security threats” as well as cyber-attacks.
Bukavu (AFP) – Two explosions that rocked the city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after a meeting of the Rwanda-backed M23 group Thursday have killed at least 11 people and wounded around 60, according to a hospital source. The blasts occurred after a rally held by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, but it was not immediately clear what the source was.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Aerial images released by the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer show Rio de Janeiro’s iconic statue display images and prayers for Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalised with double pneumonia. The Vatican says his condition continues to improve.
Myawaddy (Myanmar) (AFP) – Hundreds of exhausted young men lie in an open-sided detention centre in Myanmar, waiting to be sent back to their home countries via Thailand. They are among some 7,000 people from multiple countries who have been released from the scam compounds which have sprung up in Myanmar’s lawless border areas in recent years.
Kiew (AFP) – On the eve of an anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, which could lead to the signing of a deal on US access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, Kyiv residents share their thoughts.
Los Angeles (AFP) – The exclusive Green Room lounge is ready to host Oscar winners after they pick up their award on stage during the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, which will be held on Sunday at Los Angeles’s Dolby Theatre.
Paris (AFP) – IOC presidential candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior tells AFP he has the experience to deal with heads of state in a “complicated world” where previously undisputed truths such as “universality, fraternity and unity” are now disputed. The 65-year-old Spaniard and his six rivals to succeed Thomas Bach as the most powerful person in global sport will learn their fate when their fellow IOC members vote on March 20 in the Greek resort of Costa Navarino.
Washington (AFP) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts a roundtable with US business leaders and British Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson at the British embassy in Washington DC, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. “We want to work with you, we want to welcome you to Britain, we want a new partnership,” says Starmer.
Washington (AFP) – US President Donald Trump describes the European Union, whose creation was encouraged for decades by Washington, as “formed in order to screw the United States”. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Trump also announces that tariffs on EU products would be 25 percent in general.
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday, shortly after saying the Palestinian militant group Hamas had handed over coffins believed to contain the bodies of four hostages.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that security guarantees are vital ahead of talks in Washington on Friday over a mineral resources deal.
