France will impose a 10-day quarantine on arrivals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and South Africa over concerns about variants of the coronavirus, the prime minister's office announced on Saturday.&nbsp;

Although flights from Argentina, Chile and South Africa will not be suspended, all arrivals from those countries will have to submit to the quarantine or face fines.&nbsp;

Flights from Brazil were suspended until at least next Friday because of concern about the P1 variant of the coronavirus, which is more contagious than the original strain and can also re-infect those, who have had the original virus.&nbsp;

Justifying the decision not to ban flights from the other three countries, Paris said that those variants had not reached the levels observed in Brazil.&nbsp;

The new quarantine measures will be gradually introduced over the coming days until they are fully enforced by next Saturday.&nbsp;

The new measures will also restrict arrivals from the named countries, mainly to French and their families as well as other EU nationals and others, who are French residents.&nbsp;

Arrivals from French Guyana and the Antilles will also be subjected to tests before and after their flights, said the statement.&nbsp;

France has recently tightened restrictions in its fight against the third wave of the coronavirus, imposing an overnight curfew, closing non-essential shops and restricting travel inside the country.&nbsp;

France will impose a 10-day quarantine on arrivals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and South Africa over concerns about variants of the coronavirus, the prime minister's office announced on Saturday.

France will impose a 10-day quarantine on arrivals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and South Africa over concerns about variants of the coronavirus, the prime minister's office announced on Saturday. Although flights from Argentina, Chile and South Africa will not be suspended, all arrivals from those countries will have to submit to the quarantine or face fines. Flights from Brazil were suspended until at least next Friday because of concern about the P1 variant of the coronavirus, which is more contagious than the original strain and can also re-infect those, who have had the original virus. Justifying the decision not to ban flights from the other three countries, Paris said that those variants had not reached the levels observed in Brazil. The new quarantine measures will be gradually introduced over the coming days until they are fully enforced by next Saturday. The new measures will also restrict arrivals from the named countries, mainly to French and their families as well as other EU nationals and others, who are French residents. Arrivals from French Guyana and the Antilles will also be subjected to tests before and after their flights, said the statement. France has recently tightened restrictions in its fight against the third wave of the coronavirus, imposing an overnight curfew, closing non-essential shops and restricting travel inside the country.

France to impose quarantine on arrivals from four countries 

The World Bank Group will have committed $2 billion in financing by the end of April for Covid-19 vaccines in some 40 developing countries, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van&nbsp;Trotsenburg&nbsp;said on Friday.&nbsp;

The $2 billion is part of a pool of some $12 billion that the World Bank has made available overall for vaccine development, distribution and production in low-and middle-income countries, van&nbsp;Trotsenburg&nbsp;told a World Bank forum.&nbsp;

David Malpass, the World Bank's president, said in separate remarks to the lender's development committee that the bank expects this to expand to $4 billion worth of commitments in 50 countries by mid-year.&nbsp;

But public health officials at the same forum warned that a race between the coronavirus and the vaccines meant to stop it could be lost if the pace of vaccinations in the developing world did not pick up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that existing vaccines could be rendered ineffective if the virus continues to spread and mutate.&nbsp;

"Even those countries who have high coverage of vaccines will not be secure because the new variants that may not be stopped by the vaccines we have, will invade the countries that may have even 100% coverage in a few months," he said.&nbsp;

Tedros called for more political will to boost production of Covid-19 vaccines and share supplies, including through stalled intellectual property waiver on vaccines through the World Trade Organization.&nbsp;

The WTO's Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS waiver was the "elephant in the room" holding back vaccine production, Tedros said, adding that it was meant for emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"We haven't seen any emergency like this in our lifetime. If we cannot use it now, then when are we going to use it?" Tedros asked. "The mother of all these bottlenecks is lack of political will."&nbsp;

The World Bank Group will have committed $2 billion in financing by the end of April for Covid-19 vaccines in some 40 developing countries, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van Trotsenburg said on Friday.

The World Bank Group will have committed $2 billion in financing by the end of April for Covid-19 vaccines in some 40 developing countries, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van Trotsenburg said on Friday. The $2 billion is part of a pool of some $12 billion that the World Bank has made available overall for vaccine development, distribution and production in low-and middle-income countries, van Trotsenburg told a World Bank forum. David Malpass, the World Bank's president, said in separate remarks to the lender's development committee that the bank expects this to expand to $4 billion worth of commitments in 50 countries by mid-year. But public health officials at the same forum warned that a race between the coronavirus and the vaccines meant to stop it could be lost if the pace of vaccinations in the developing world did not pick up. World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that existing vaccines could be rendered ineffective if the virus continues to spread and mutate. "Even those countries who have high coverage of vaccines will not be secure because the new variants that may not be stopped by the vaccines we have, will invade the countries that may have even 100% coverage in a few months," he said. Tedros called for more political will to boost production of Covid-19 vaccines and share supplies, including through stalled intellectual property waiver on vaccines through the World Trade Organization. The WTO's Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property, or TRIPS waiver was the "elephant in the room" holding back vaccine production, Tedros said, adding that it was meant for emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic. "We haven't seen any emergency like this in our lifetime. If we cannot use it now, then when are we going to use it?" Tedros asked. "The mother of all these bottlenecks is lack of political will."

World Bank says to commit $2 billion to vaccines in developing countries by end-April 

The development of Covid-19 vaccines that have been modified to tackle new variants of the disease will be fast-tracked in five countries.

These vaccines will not need a brand new approval or “lengthy" clinical studies, said ACCESS Consortium, a coalition of regulatory authorities from the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland.

This would significantly reduce the length of time taken for the modified vaccine to be ready for use.

The guidelines build on the model already used to modify the flu vaccine in response to continual changes in that virus.

Under the new rules, developers will be required to provide “robust evidence” that modified Covid-19 vaccines produce a strong immune response to the variant, as well as data showing they are safe and meet quality standards.

“Our priority is to get effective vaccines to the public in as short a time as possible, without compromising on safety,” Dr Christian Schneider, the MHRA's chief scientific officer said in a statement. “Should any modifications to authorized Covid-19 vaccines be necessary, this regulatory approach should do that.”

The announcement comes amid concerns that a variant first discovered in Brazil may be more resistant to existing vaccines than other variants. The UK has banned direct flights from 33 countries to prevent variants of concern from becoming established in Britain.

(With inputs from agencies)

The development of Covid-19 vaccines that have been modified to tackle new variants of the disease will be fast-tracked in five countries. These vaccines will not need a brand new approval or “lengthy" clinical studies, said ACCESS Consortium, a coalition of regulatory authorities from the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland.

The development of Covid-19 vaccines that have been modified to tackle new variants of the disease will be fast-tracked in five countries. These vaccines will not need a brand new approval or “lengthy" clinical studies, said ACCESS Consortium, a coalition of regulatory authorities from the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland. This would significantly reduce the length of time taken for the modified vaccine to be ready for use. The guidelines build on the model already used to modify the flu vaccine in response to continual changes in that virus. Under the new rules, developers will be required to provide “robust evidence” that modified Covid-19 vaccines produce a strong immune response to the variant, as well as data showing they are safe and meet quality standards. “Our priority is to get effective vaccines to the public in as short a time as possible, without compromising on safety,” Dr Christian Schneider, the MHRA's chief scientific officer said in a statement. “Should any modifications to authorized Covid-19 vaccines be necessary, this regulatory approach should do that.” The announcement comes amid concerns that a variant first discovered in Brazil may be more resistant to existing vaccines than other variants. The UK has banned direct flights from 33 countries to prevent variants of concern from becoming established in Britain. (With inputs from agencies)

Modified Covid-19 vaccines for variants to be fast-tracked in five countries

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (local time) slammed the 'wildly uneven and unfair' distribution of coronavirus vaccines and said that only 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccinations and demanding a global effort to get all people in every nation inoculated as soon as possible.&nbsp;

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Guterres, while addressing a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, said 130 countries have not received a single dose of vaccine.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-kicks-off-its-covid-19-vaccination-drive-364259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"At this critical moment, vaccine equity is the biggest moral test before the global community," he said. The UN chief called for an urgent 'Global Vaccination Plan' to bring together those with the power to ensure fair vaccine distribution - scientists, vaccine producers and those who can fund the effort - to ensure all people in every nation get inoculated as soon as possible, Al Jazeera reported.&nbsp;He urged the leading economic members of G20 to establish an emergency task force to bring together "the pharmaceutical companies and key industry and logistics actors". &nbsp;

Earlier on Wednesday, US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emphasised the need to expand access to safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-in-two-south-africans-infected-with-coronavirus-study-says-364570">One in two South Africans infected with coronavirus, study says</a>

He also urged the countries to not allow 'usage of the vaccine as an excuse to violate human rights or fundamental freedoms'. &nbsp;

"To better understand this pandemic and prepare for the next one, all countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak. And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies, so the world learns as much as possible and as soon as possible. Transparency, information sharing, access for international experts - these must be the hallmarks of our common approach to what is truly a global challenge," he added. &nbsp;

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (local time) slammed the 'wildly uneven and unfair' distribution of coronavirus vaccines and said that only 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccinations and demanding a global effort to get all people in every nation inoculated as soon as possible.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (local time) slammed the 'wildly uneven and unfair' distribution of coronavirus vaccines and said that only 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccinations and demanding a global effort to get all people in every nation inoculated as soon as possible. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Guterres, while addressing a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, said 130 countries have not received a single dose of vaccine. × "At this critical moment, vaccine equity is the biggest moral test before the global community," he said. The UN chief called for an urgent 'Global Vaccination Plan' to bring together those with the power to ensure fair vaccine distribution - scientists, vaccine producers and those who can fund the effort - to ensure all people in every nation get inoculated as soon as possible, Al Jazeera reported. He urged the leading economic members of G20 to establish an emergency task force to bring together "the pharmaceutical companies and key industry and logistics actors". Earlier on Wednesday, US State Department Secretary Antony Blinken at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emphasised the need to expand access to safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines. Also Read: One in two South Africans infected with coronavirus, study says He also urged the countries to not allow 'usage of the vaccine as an excuse to violate human rights or fundamental freedoms'. "To better understand this pandemic and prepare for the next one, all countries must make available all data from the earliest days of any outbreak. And going forward, all countries should participate in a transparent and robust process for preventing and responding to health emergencies, so the world learns as much as possible and as soon as possible. Transparency, information sharing, access for international experts - these must be the hallmarks of our common approach to what is truly a global challenge," he added.

UN: 10 countries administered 75% jab, 130 haven't received single dose

The deadly new coronavirus has spreads to 28 countries. Iran has evacuated 56 of its citizens. 59 Iraqis and 24 Syrians have been evacuated from Wuhan. While Uzbekistan has also evacuated 84 people.

Coronavirus spreads to across 28 countries

Public Anger Has Fuelled Protests In Several Countries Across The World

Gravitas: Protests escalate across the world

China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis, a top official here said Saturday as the two countries signed 16 agreements after Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to boost their "all-weather" strategic ties.

Khan is here on his maiden visit to China as the two countries grapple to iron out differences over the multi-billion-dollar CPEC and Islamabad approaching 'friendly nations' to avoid a tough IMF bailout package.

Welcoming Khan, Li said: "you can say that China and Pakistan are all-weather partners.

"We have a high-level of political trust and close cooperation in all fields. Pakistan has always been regarded as a foreign policy priority by China. Your visit will further consolidate and develop the firm, enduring ties between our two countries".

Thanking Li, Khan said: "the relationship between the two countries has deepened since then because the CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan".

Pakistan sees China as a great opportunity to progress, attract investment, he said.

"It gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. You will see the difference because a lot has happened since 2013. One of the things of course is my party has come into power," Khan said.

After talks between Khan and Li, officials of both the sides signed 16 agreement in the presence of the leaders.

China will provide "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis but declined to reveal the amount, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told media after the talks.

Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday following which Pakistan media reports said Beijing has agreed to provide US $6 billion in aid to the cash-strapped country which included a loan of US $1.5 billion along with an additional package of US $3 billion for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Asked about the US $6 billion package, Kong said: "during the visit, the two sides made it clear in principle that Chinese government will provide necessary support for Pakistan to tide over the current difficulties.

"As for the specific measures to be taken, the competent authorities will have detailed discussion".

He also said there will be no changes in the US $60 billion CPEC projects which came under criticism including by some of the Khan's Cabinet ministers over the increasing debt.

Pakistan is currently battling serious economic crisis including balance of payments.

To a question whether there will be changes in the CPEC projects, Kong said: "there has been no change in the number of CPEC projects. If there is going to be any, it will be increased going forward".

He also said more projects relating to "industrial cooperation" will come up in more areas of Pakistan.

"The dimension of the industrial cooperation will be introduced into the CPEC going forward.

"The CPEC will be introduced to more areas of Pakistan and we are also in favour of areas relating to people's lives and hence going forward both the areas and the contents of the CPEC will be enriched," Kong said.

Asked about the cooperation on counter-terrorism, Kong said: "all areas of cooperation have been covered and we also expressed positive wish for strengthening cooperation".

China has been pressing Pakistan to crackdown on Uygur militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Xinjiang region from crossing in and out of the province.

Khan was given a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of people before he held talks with Li.&nbsp;

China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis, a top official here said Saturday as the two countries signed 16 agreements after Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to boost their "all-weather" strategic ties.

China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis, a top official here said Saturday as the two countries signed 16 agreements after Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to boost their "all-weather" strategic ties. Khan is here on his maiden visit to China as the two countries grapple to iron out differences over the multi-billion-dollar CPEC and Islamabad approaching 'friendly nations' to avoid a tough IMF bailout package. Welcoming Khan, Li said: "you can say that China and Pakistan are all-weather partners. "We have a high-level of political trust and close cooperation in all fields. Pakistan has always been regarded as a foreign policy priority by China. Your visit will further consolidate and develop the firm, enduring ties between our two countries". Thanking Li, Khan said: "the relationship between the two countries has deepened since then because the CPEC in 2013 was just an idea. Now it is on the ground. And it has caught the imagination of the people of Pakistan". Pakistan sees China as a great opportunity to progress, attract investment, he said. "It gives us an opportunity to raise our standard of living, growth rate. You will see the difference because a lot has happened since 2013. One of the things of course is my party has come into power," Khan said. After talks between Khan and Li, officials of both the sides signed 16 agreement in the presence of the leaders. China will provide "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis but declined to reveal the amount, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told media after the talks. Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday following which Pakistan media reports said Beijing has agreed to provide US $6 billion in aid to the cash-strapped country which included a loan of US $1.5 billion along with an additional package of US $3 billion for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Asked about the US $6 billion package, Kong said: "during the visit, the two sides made it clear in principle that Chinese government will provide necessary support for Pakistan to tide over the current difficulties. "As for the specific measures to be taken, the competent authorities will have detailed discussion". He also said there will be no changes in the US $60 billion CPEC projects which came under criticism including by some of the Khan's Cabinet ministers over the increasing debt. Pakistan is currently battling serious economic crisis including balance of payments. To a question whether there will be changes in the CPEC projects, Kong said: "there has been no change in the number of CPEC projects. If there is going to be any, it will be increased going forward". He also said more projects relating to "industrial cooperation" will come up in more areas of Pakistan. "The dimension of the industrial cooperation will be introduced into the CPEC going forward. "The CPEC will be introduced to more areas of Pakistan and we are also in favour of areas relating to people's lives and hence going forward both the areas and the contents of the CPEC will be enriched," Kong said. Asked about the cooperation on counter-terrorism, Kong said: "all areas of cooperation have been covered and we also expressed positive wish for strengthening cooperation". China has been pressing Pakistan to crackdown on Uygur militants of the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Xinjiang region from crossing in and out of the province. Khan was given a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of people before he held talks with Li.

China vows 'necessary support' to cash-strapped Pak as both countries ink 16 pacts

In recent years, offering citizenship or permanent residencies has grown to become a lucrative business opportunity for countries. With more and more countries joining the list of those that offer immediate citizenship, people have a chance at moving beyond borders, more than a tourist.

Here is a list of countries that sell their citizenship, if you have the money to buy it:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/listicle%20table-20161019092156.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Countries and their citizenship program (Table) (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<ul>
	<li>Bulgaria</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_par2322860-20161019095222.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
A pedestrian walks past a puddle near a tree decorated with Christmas lights in Sofia, Bulgaria (AFP)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 153 countries 
The country ties up your cash for 5 years interest free. It will take two years to get the passport and you will be required to visit Bulgaria twice. Residence is granted only after a clean background check. Bulgaria is only one of two countries where the principal amount can be returned to you.

<ul>
	<li>Hungary</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/hungary-20161019111702.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Sz&eacute;chenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 152 countries 
It has one of the fastest application processes, which can be completed within 30 days. It is a guaranteed investment plan that can be returned after 5 years. The passport gives free movement throughout Europe&#39;s Schengen zone.

<ul>
	<li>St. Lucia</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/lucia-20161019095834.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
St Lucia, Caribbean Island (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 121 countries and 180 days in the Schengen area 
Instead of paying the amount, you could also invest $550,000 and get a passport immediately. The capital will be returned in 5 years. &nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Cyprus</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/cyprus-20161019100206.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Paphos castle at night in Cyprus (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 166 countries 
Cyprus is the third smallest nation in the European Union. It started its citizenship program after the country faced a severe economic recession in 2013.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Dominica</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/dom-20161019101211.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Typical landscape near the sea along the eastern coast of Dominica (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 91 countries 
It is the least expensive of all the passports in this list.

<ul>
	<li>Antigua and Barbuda</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/ant-20161019101354.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Antigua, Carlisle Bay, Caribbean (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 132 countries

<ul>
	<li>St. Kitts and Nevis</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/kitts-20161019101715.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
View of St. Kitts from a ship on the coast (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 132 countries, which includes Brazil as the latest addition 
St. Kitts and Nevis recorded the highest number of passport sales in the last year. Just pay the money or invest in property and you will be given a passport without even a visit.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Grenada</li>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/grenada-20161019101945.JPG" />
<div class="media-description">
Grenada (Others)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Allows: Visa-free travel to 110 countries 
It is the second passport on this list apart from St. Kitts that is not necessarily on everyone&rsquo;s radar and where transaction can be completed in private.

In many nations, foreigners can now purchase citizenship legitimately in return for an investment. There are, however, two forms of residency programs - one that is immediate and one that entails &ldquo;staying for a minimum period of time.&rdquo;&nbsp;The recent spurt&nbsp;in the number of applications&nbsp;for residency in&nbsp;these countries has&nbsp;proven that people are increasingly&nbsp;keen to move and experience a new life in places that might be far removed from their countries of birth. This works well for these host countries too, as the influx of foreign money helps build their infrastructure and economies.&nbsp;

(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

Writing one cheque can give you a new identity and visa-free travel to more than 100 countries around the world

In recent years, offering citizenship or permanent residencies has grown to become a lucrative business opportunity for countries. With more and more countries joining the list of those that offer immediate citizenship, people have a chance at moving beyond borders, more than a tourist. Here is a list of countries that sell their citizenship, if you have the money to buy it: Countries and their citizenship program (Table) (WION) × Bulgaria A pedestrian walks past a puddle near a tree decorated with Christmas lights in Sofia, Bulgaria (AFP) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 153 countries The country ties up your cash for 5 years interest free. It will take two years to get the passport and you will be required to visit Bulgaria twice. Residence is granted only after a clean background check. Bulgaria is only one of two countries where the principal amount can be returned to you. Hungary Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary (Others) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 152 countries It has one of the fastest application processes, which can be completed within 30 days. It is a guaranteed investment plan that can be returned after 5 years. The passport gives free movement throughout Europe's Schengen zone. St. Lucia St Lucia, Caribbean Island (Others) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 121 countries and 180 days in the Schengen area Instead of paying the amount, you could also invest $550,000 and get a passport immediately. The capital will be returned in 5 years. Cyprus Paphos castle at night in Cyprus (Others) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 166 countries Cyprus is the third smallest nation in the European Union. It started its citizenship program after the country faced a severe economic recession in 2013. Dominica Typical landscape near the sea along the eastern coast of Dominica (Others) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 91 countries It is the least expensive of all the passports in this list. Antigua and Barbuda Antigua, Carlisle Bay, Caribbean (Others) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 132 countries St. Kitts and Nevis View of St. Kitts from a ship on the coast (Others) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 132 countries, which includes Brazil as the latest addition St. Kitts and Nevis recorded the highest number of passport sales in the last year. Just pay the money or invest in property and you will be given a passport without even a visit. Grenada Grenada (Others) × Allows: Visa-free travel to 110 countries It is the second passport on this list apart from St. Kitts that is not necessarily on everyone’s radar and where transaction can be completed in private. In many nations, foreigners can now purchase citizenship legitimately in return for an investment. There are, however, two forms of residency programs - one that is immediate and one that entails “staying for a minimum period of time.” The recent spurt in the number of applications for residency in these countries has proven that people are increasingly keen to move and experience a new life in places that might be far removed from their countries of birth. This works well for these host countries too, as the influx of foreign money helps build their infrastructure and economies. (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

These 8 countries sell their citizenship. Any takers?

China and Poland have agreed on Monday to upgrade their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Chinese President Xi Jinping&#39;s&nbsp;visit to the country.

The move was made as Xi met with Polish President Andrzej Duda, in a bid to further promote cooperation across the board and benefit the two peoples.

Xi said at the meeting that the two peoples have enjoyed lasting friendship since the two countries established diplomatic relations 67 years ago.

The two countries have borne fruitful results in high-level and people-to-people exchanges, and economic and trade cooperation, especially since they established a strategic partnership in 2011, said Xi.

He added that China has cherished the traditional friendship with Poland and stands ready to work with Poland to push forward the bilateral relations in a sound and steady way.

Xi also called for efforts to enhance mutual trust, align development strategies of the two countries and boost interconnectivity and production cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative.

Bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, finance, agriculture, science and technology should be promoted, according to Xi.

Hailing the bilateral ties, Duda said that Poland is willing to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Sino-Polish comprehensive strategic partnership in various areas including the Belt and Road initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and people-to-people exchanges.

A joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership was inked after the meeting, as well as a memorandum of understanding on a bilateral cooperation blueprint.

Poland is the second leg of Xi&#39;s Eurasia tour. Before visiting Poland, Xi visited Serbia from June 17 to June 19.

After visiting Poland, Xi will travel to Uzbekistan for a state visit and attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. 
 
(Reuters)

A bunch of cooperation agreements signed covering various aspects, including infrastructure construction, education, culture and aerospace

China and Poland have agreed on Monday to upgrade their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country. The move was made as Xi met with Polish President Andrzej Duda, in a bid to further promote cooperation across the board and benefit the two peoples. Xi said at the meeting that the two peoples have enjoyed lasting friendship since the two countries established diplomatic relations 67 years ago. The two countries have borne fruitful results in high-level and people-to-people exchanges, and economic and trade cooperation, especially since they established a strategic partnership in 2011, said Xi. He added that China has cherished the traditional friendship with Poland and stands ready to work with Poland to push forward the bilateral relations in a sound and steady way. Xi also called for efforts to enhance mutual trust, align development strategies of the two countries and boost interconnectivity and production cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative. Bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, finance, agriculture, science and technology should be promoted, according to Xi. Hailing the bilateral ties, Duda said that Poland is willing to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Sino-Polish comprehensive strategic partnership in various areas including the Belt and Road initiative, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and people-to-people exchanges. A joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership was inked after the meeting, as well as a memorandum of understanding on a bilateral cooperation blueprint. Poland is the second leg of Xi's Eurasia tour. Before visiting Poland, Xi visited Serbia from June 17 to June 19. After visiting Poland, Xi will travel to Uzbekistan for a state visit and attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. (Reuters)

China, Poland to lift ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

The latest outbreak of Ebola in Guinea has ended, the World Health Organization said today, warning that a recurrence of the killer tropical disease still remained a threat.&nbsp; 
The last known Ebola patient in the west African country was discharged from hospital in April.&nbsp; 
WHO has declared the end to an outbreak, also known as the end to viral transmission, 42 days after the last known patient was tested negative for the second time.&nbsp; 
&quot;WHO commends the Government of Guinea and its people on ending this Ebola outbreak,&quot; said Abou Bekr Gaye, the UN agency`s representative in Guinea.&nbsp; 
He called for vigilance to &quot;stop any new cases that may occur.&quot; 
In the three countries hit hardest by the Ebola crisis -- Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone -- fresh cases emerged after an outbreak was declared over.&nbsp; 
The worst-ever Ebola epidemic began in Guinea in December 2013 and went on to kill more than 11,300 people, devastating economies and health systems in the worst affected countries, while testing the world`s capacity to respond to a global health emergency.&nbsp;

An outbreak of Ebola virus in Guinea, which was earlier confined to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, was the first ever outbreak in a west African country. Since March 2014, West Africa has had the largest outbreak in history, with countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea being the worst affected.

The latest outbreak of Ebola in Guinea has ended, the World Health Organization said today, warning that a recurrence of the killer tropical disease still remained a threat. The last known Ebola patient in the west African country was discharged from hospital in April. WHO has declared the end to an outbreak, also known as the end to viral transmission, 42 days after the last known patient was tested negative for the second time. "WHO commends the Government of Guinea and its people on ending this Ebola outbreak," said Abou Bekr Gaye, the UN agency`s representative in Guinea. He called for vigilance to "stop any new cases that may occur." In the three countries hit hardest by the Ebola crisis -- Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone -- fresh cases emerged after an outbreak was declared over. The worst-ever Ebola epidemic began in Guinea in December 2013 and went on to kill more than 11,300 people, devastating economies and health systems in the worst affected countries, while testing the world`s capacity to respond to a global health emergency.

Latest Ebola outbreak in Guinea is over: WHO

New hepatitis C drugs that can cure the liver-destroying disease are revolutionising treatment, but their high price is a huge burden in some countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a new study.

An analysis of prices for two Gilead&nbsp;drugs by World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization (WHO) experts, published on Tuesday, found that while US&nbsp;prices were higher in dollar terms, parts of Europe paid considerably more in &quot;purchasing-power parity&quot; terms.

Purchasing-power parity, or PPP, is used to normalise price comparisons between different economies by taking into account the price of similar baskets of goods instead of market foreign exchange rates.

The PPP-adjusted price in Poland of a treatment course with Gilead&#39;s Harvoni was $118,754, against $72,765 in the U.S., the study found, and it would cost 190.5 percent of the country&#39;s total drugs budget to treat all Polish patients.

Another Gilead drug, Sovaldi, had a similar nominal price in both Norway and Slovakia, but on a PPP basis the price was more than twice as much in Slovakia.

&quot;If you want to treat all patients with hepatitis C, then the prices countries are being asked to pay - even after price negotiations - are still way too high,&quot; said study author Suzanne Hill, the WHO&#39;s director of essential medicines.

The study, which took account of probable confidential discounts on prices, was published in the journal PLOS Medicine.

The cost of Gilead&#39;s hepatitis C drugs has been contentious since the U.S. approval of Sovaldi in 2013, although the company has taken several steps to offer discounts and provide access programmes.

This includes allowing Indian drug companies to manufacture much lower-cost versions of the medicines for sale in developing countries.

Gilead says the price of its treatments reflect their clinical, economic and public&nbsp;health&nbsp;value, arguing that they are cost-effective over the long term.

Hill and colleagues don&#39;t question the value of the drugs but argue that without lower prices, countries will not be able to roll them out on a sufficient scale to minimise the burden of hepatitis C.

&quot;Current prices of these medicines are variable and unaffordable globally,&quot; they concluded.

New hepatitis C drugs that can cure the liver-destroying disease are revolutionising treatment, but their high price is a huge burden in Central and Eastern Europe

New hepatitis C drugs that can cure the liver-destroying disease are revolutionising treatment, but their high price is a huge burden in some countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a new study. An analysis of prices for two Gilead drugs by World Health Organization (WHO) experts, published on Tuesday, found that while US prices were higher in dollar terms, parts of Europe paid considerably more in "purchasing-power parity" terms. Purchasing-power parity, or PPP, is used to normalise price comparisons between different economies by taking into account the price of similar baskets of goods instead of market foreign exchange rates. The PPP-adjusted price in Poland of a treatment course with Gilead's Harvoni was $118,754, against $72,765 in the U.S., the study found, and it would cost 190.5 percent of the country's total drugs budget to treat all Polish patients. Another Gilead drug, Sovaldi, had a similar nominal price in both Norway and Slovakia, but on a PPP basis the price was more than twice as much in Slovakia. "If you want to treat all patients with hepatitis C, then the prices countries are being asked to pay - even after price negotiations - are still way too high," said study author Suzanne Hill, the WHO's director of essential medicines. The study, which took account of probable confidential discounts on prices, was published in the journal PLOS Medicine. The cost of Gilead's hepatitis C drugs has been contentious since the U.S. approval of Sovaldi in 2013, although the company has taken several steps to offer discounts and provide access programmes. This includes allowing Indian drug companies to manufacture much lower-cost versions of the medicines for sale in developing countries. Gilead says the price of its treatments reflect their clinical, economic and public health value, arguing that they are cost-effective over the long term. Hill and colleagues don't question the value of the drugs but argue that without lower prices, countries will not be able to roll them out on a sufficient scale to minimise the burden of hepatitis C. "Current prices of these medicines are variable and unaffordable globally," they concluded.

Burden of pricey hepatitis C drugs heaviest in Eastern Europe

countries

Countries, News on Countries, stories on Countries, articles on Countries, Countries stories at Wion, Countries news, Countries latest news