A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-new-su-57-jet-crashing-during-test-269983">Russian</a> court on Tuesday extended until late March the pre-trial detention of a US man already held in jail for a year despite Western requests for his release.

Paul Whelan, who also has Irish, Canadian and British citizenship, was arrested on December 28 last year for allegedly receiving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-china-spy-concerns-australia-launches-anti-espionage-task-force-265625">state secrets</a>.

On Christmas eve the Moscow City Court extended his detention by another three months, to March 29, a court spokesman told AFP.

He risks up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Whelan, 49, has denounced the case against him and said he is being held "hostage" for a possible prisoner exchange.

On Monday, US charge d'affaires Bart Gorman and diplomats from Canada, Ireland, and Britain visited Whelan in Moscow's high-security Lefortovo prison, bringing him food and Christmas greetings from family and supporters.&nbsp;

"It's two days before Christmas. A holiday Paul Whelan will spend alone in Lefortovo," the US embassy quoted Gorman as saying.

"In the past 12 months, Paul has not heard his parents' voices. Bring Paul some Christmas cheer and let him call home."

Whelan, a former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-space-force-donald-trump-creates-new-warfare-service-branch-of-pentagon-269433">US</a> marine, maintains he has been framed and that he took a USB drive from an acquaintance thinking it contained holiday photos.

His lawyer Vladimir Zherebenkov has said the acquaintance that handed over the drive is the only witness against Whelan while the rest of his longtime acquaintances in Russia gave witness statements in his defence.

During a previous court hearing in October, Whelan insisted that he was not a spy.

"Russia thought they caught James Bond on a spy mission, in reality, they abducted Mr Bean on holiday," he has said.

Whelan and his supporters claim that the American has been mistreated in jail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-releases-japan-fishing-boats-held-near-disputed-islands-269911">Moscow</a> has rubbished the claims, saying foreign diplomats have regular access to Whelan and calling the complaints a "provocative line of defence".&nbsp;

"Whelan's complaints concerning the conditions of detention and actions of investigators have never once been confirmed," the Russian foreign ministry has said.

A Russian court on Tuesday extended until late March the pre-trial detention of a US man already held in jail for a year despite Western requests for his release.

A Russian court on Tuesday extended until late March the pre-trial detention of a US man already held in jail for a year despite Western requests for his release. Paul Whelan, who also has Irish, Canadian and British citizenship, was arrested on December 28 last year for allegedly receiving state secrets. On Christmas eve the Moscow City Court extended his detention by another three months, to March 29, a court spokesman told AFP. He risks up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Whelan, 49, has denounced the case against him and said he is being held "hostage" for a possible prisoner exchange. On Monday, US charge d'affaires Bart Gorman and diplomats from Canada, Ireland, and Britain visited Whelan in Moscow's high-security Lefortovo prison, bringing him food and Christmas greetings from family and supporters. "It's two days before Christmas. A holiday Paul Whelan will spend alone in Lefortovo," the US embassy quoted Gorman as saying. "In the past 12 months, Paul has not heard his parents' voices. Bring Paul some Christmas cheer and let him call home." Whelan, a former US marine, maintains he has been framed and that he took a USB drive from an acquaintance thinking it contained holiday photos. His lawyer Vladimir Zherebenkov has said the acquaintance that handed over the drive is the only witness against Whelan while the rest of his longtime acquaintances in Russia gave witness statements in his defence. During a previous court hearing in October, Whelan insisted that he was not a spy. "Russia thought they caught James Bond on a spy mission, in reality, they abducted Mr Bean on holiday," he has said. Whelan and his supporters claim that the American has been mistreated in jail. Moscow has rubbished the claims, saying foreign diplomats have regular access to Whelan and calling the complaints a "provocative line of defence". "Whelan's complaints concerning the conditions of detention and actions of investigators have never once been confirmed," the Russian foreign ministry has said.

Detention of US man in Russian spy case extended up to March

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported.

Earlier on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-french-forces-neutralise-over-30-terrorists-in-mali-269492">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> had announced that French forces had "neutralised" 33 jihadists in the central Malian region of Mopti. The operation allegedly ran overnight.&nbsp;

The French military's statement claimed that the drone strike happened during a follow-up operation Saturday in which seven more jihadist fighters were killed.

"[French forces] were attacked by a group of terrorists on motorbikes," when they were searching the combat zone in Ouagadou forest, 150 kilometres from the town of Mopti.

A Reaper drone and a French Mirage 2000 patrol opened fire to support the ground troops, the statement said.

"This is the first operational strike by an armed drone," the statement added.

Two days before the strike, the French army had announced that the testing of remotely-piloted drones for armed operations.

It has three drones, based near Niamey, the capital of Niger.

The operation at the weekend was in an area controlled by the Katiba Macina, a ruthless Islamist group founded by radical Mopti preacher Amadou Koufa.

Two Malian gendarmes who had been held hostage were freed, and French troops seized a number of armed vehicles, motorbikes and weaponry, "delivering a very heavy blow" to the jihadists, according to Monday's statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported.

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported. Earlier on Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced that French forces had "neutralised" 33 jihadists in the central Malian region of Mopti. The operation allegedly ran overnight. The French military's statement claimed that the drone strike happened during a follow-up operation Saturday in which seven more jihadist fighters were killed. "[French forces] were attacked by a group of terrorists on motorbikes," when they were searching the combat zone in Ouagadou forest, 150 kilometres from the town of Mopti. A Reaper drone and a French Mirage 2000 patrol opened fire to support the ground troops, the statement said. "This is the first operational strike by an armed drone," the statement added. Two days before the strike, the French army had announced that the testing of remotely-piloted drones for armed operations. It has three drones, based near Niamey, the capital of Niger. The operation at the weekend was in an area controlled by the Katiba Macina, a ruthless Islamist group founded by radical Mopti preacher Amadou Koufa. Two Malian gendarmes who had been held hostage were freed, and French troops seized a number of armed vehicles, motorbikes and weaponry, "delivering a very heavy blow" to the jihadists, according to Monday's statement. (With inputs from agencies)

French army carries out first-ever drone strike during Mali operation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-north-korea-talks-more-important-than-anything-south-korea-tells-china-269749">Chinese</a> President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations.

''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said.

According to Xi, the relationship between the two countries is facing important developments. He asserted his country's stand on maintaining close communication with the Japanese side. He hopes to benefit more people through cooperation.&nbsp;

''China and Japan should enhance mutual trust in security, safeguard the multilateral mechanism and uphold free trade'', he added.

Abe praised the current momentum of relations between both countries. Abe said that this relationship is important for the peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

The Japanese PM hopes to expand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-prepare-for-trilateral-summit-amid-tensions-269632">practical cooperation</a> with China in trade, investment, innovation, tourism, culture, sports and other areas.

''The two countries should strengthen communication and coordination on regional issues'', he added.

Abe is in China for the 8th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting, which will take place in China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Tuesday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will chair the meeting.

Xi called on the two countries to expand practical cooperation in various sectors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations. ''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing today. Jinping stressed on the need to advance China-Japan relations. ''With the world undergoing major changes rarely seen in a century, China and Japan should form a strategic consensus that steers bilateral relations on the right path of mutually beneficial cooperation despite differences, transform their competition into coordination, and properly handle sensitive issues'', Xi said. According to Xi, the relationship between the two countries is facing important developments. He asserted his country's stand on maintaining close communication with the Japanese side. He hopes to benefit more people through cooperation. ''China and Japan should enhance mutual trust in security, safeguard the multilateral mechanism and uphold free trade'', he added. Abe praised the current momentum of relations between both countries. Abe said that this relationship is important for the peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. The Japanese PM hopes to expand practical cooperation with China in trade, investment, innovation, tourism, culture, sports and other areas. ''The two countries should strengthen communication and coordination on regional issues'', he added. Abe is in China for the 8th China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting, which will take place in China's southwestern city of Chengdu on Tuesday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will chair the meeting. Xi called on the two countries to expand practical cooperation in various sectors. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi meets Japan's Abe in Beijing, calls for advancing bilateral ties

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-observers-to-monitor-uzbekistan-parliamentary-election-on-december-22-265553">Voters in Uzbekistan</a> were heading to the polls Sunday in its first parliamentary election since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and authoritarian rule.

Polling stations in Central Asia's most populous country opened at 0800 local time (0300 GMT) and will close 12 hours later.&nbsp;

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took charge in 2016 after the death of hardline predecessor and former patron Islam Karimov, who had ruled for almost three decades.

Mirziyoyev has been lauded for doing away with many of Karimov's authoritarian excesses, releasing some political prisoners, battling forced labour and opening up the landlocked state to tourism and foreign investment.&nbsp;

But choices on the ballot in the former Soviet republic are few,&nbsp;all five parties competing are represented in the outgoing parliament.&nbsp;

Muslim-majority but staunchly secular Uzbekistan is home to 33 million people, over 20 million of whom can vote.

Rubber stamp

Britain's influential magazine The Economist this week named Uzbekistan as its country of the year, saying "no other country travelled so far" in 2019.

Yet the reform drive has so far not allowed real competition to Mirziyoyev, 62, to develop.&nbsp;

The 150-member lower house where no party has ever achieved a commanding majority has a long-earned rubber stamp reputation.

Currently the Liberal Democratic Party is the largest in the legislature with 52 seats, followed by Milli Tiklanish, known in English as the National Revival Democratic Party, with 36. &nbsp;

The People's Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party also known as Adolat and the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan are also represented there.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uzbekistan-to-waive-visa-restrictions-for-chinese-citizens-249263">Residents of the capital Tashkent</a> said they wanted to see more from their elected officials and voiced concerns they would not have dared express under Karimov.

Shahzod Alikulov, a builder, said the future parliament should ease the burden of the majority-rural population who feel the sharp end of energy shortages.&nbsp;

"For people to have gas, electricity, roads. That is what I will give my vote for," he told AFP.

Nigina Luftfullaeva, a 22-year-old student, said she would like the new parliament to help eradicate endemic corruption.

"Maybe we will never be able to get rid of it fully, but it would be nice to get rid of it at least partly," Luftfullaeva told AFP.

'New Uzbekistan?'

The elections are being held under the slogan "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-close-and-trusted-friend-of-uzbekistan-ambassador-farhod-arziev-247005">New Uzbekistan, new elections</a>" as authorities seek to brand them as the latest example of a newfound openness.&nbsp;

But the Organisation for Security and &nbsp;Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has sent an observer mission to the polls, has said many features of past votes remain in place.

"Very few campaign posters are visible," the group's pre-election report said.&nbsp;

"So far, very little evidence of outdoor campaign activities has been observed."

Karimov was often criticised by international watchdogs over torture and forced labour allegations.

Mirziyoyev has continued to honour Karimov publicly but has been credited with eradicating much of the slavery in the country's cotton sector and lifting Uzbekistan out of isolation.

Luca Anceschi, a senior lecturer in Central Asian Studies at the University of Glasgow, said it was too early to say whether the vote holds any significance in the broader context of Uzbekistan's political transformation.&nbsp;

Popular participation in the poll "seems a crucial element of Mirziyoyev's strategy of support building", Anceschi told AFP.

As to whether parliament can evolve as an institution, he said, "the jury is out".

Voters in Uzbekistan were heading to the polls Sunday in its first parliamentary election since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and authoritarian rule.

Voters in Uzbekistan were heading to the polls Sunday in its first parliamentary election since a new leader ushered in an era of reform after years of isolation and authoritarian rule. Polling stations in Central Asia's most populous country opened at 0800 local time (0300 GMT) and will close 12 hours later. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took charge in 2016 after the death of hardline predecessor and former patron Islam Karimov, who had ruled for almost three decades. Mirziyoyev has been lauded for doing away with many of Karimov's authoritarian excesses, releasing some political prisoners, battling forced labour and opening up the landlocked state to tourism and foreign investment. But choices on the ballot in the former Soviet republic are few, all five parties competing are represented in the outgoing parliament. Muslim-majority but staunchly secular Uzbekistan is home to 33 million people, over 20 million of whom can vote. Rubber stamp Britain's influential magazine The Economist this week named Uzbekistan as its country of the year, saying "no other country travelled so far" in 2019. Yet the reform drive has so far not allowed real competition to Mirziyoyev, 62, to develop. The 150-member lower house where no party has ever achieved a commanding majority has a long-earned rubber stamp reputation. Currently the Liberal Democratic Party is the largest in the legislature with 52 seats, followed by Milli Tiklanish, known in English as the National Revival Democratic Party, with 36. The People's Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party also known as Adolat and the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan are also represented there. Residents of the capital Tashkent said they wanted to see more from their elected officials and voiced concerns they would not have dared express under Karimov. Shahzod Alikulov, a builder, said the future parliament should ease the burden of the majority-rural population who feel the sharp end of energy shortages. "For people to have gas, electricity, roads. That is what I will give my vote for," he told AFP. Nigina Luftfullaeva, a 22-year-old student, said she would like the new parliament to help eradicate endemic corruption. "Maybe we will never be able to get rid of it fully, but it would be nice to get rid of it at least partly," Luftfullaeva told AFP. 'New Uzbekistan?' The elections are being held under the slogan "New Uzbekistan, new elections" as authorities seek to brand them as the latest example of a newfound openness. But the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has sent an observer mission to the polls, has said many features of past votes remain in place. "Very few campaign posters are visible," the group's pre-election report said. "So far, very little evidence of outdoor campaign activities has been observed." Karimov was often criticised by international watchdogs over torture and forced labour allegations. Mirziyoyev has continued to honour Karimov publicly but has been credited with eradicating much of the slavery in the country's cotton sector and lifting Uzbekistan out of isolation. Luca Anceschi, a senior lecturer in Central Asian Studies at the University of Glasgow, said it was too early to say whether the vote holds any significance in the broader context of Uzbekistan's political transformation. Popular participation in the poll "seems a crucial element of Mirziyoyev's strategy of support building", Anceschi told AFP. As to whether parliament can evolve as an institution, he said, "the jury is out".

Uzbekistan: Polls held under pro-reform leader

United States President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-space-force-donald-trump-creates-new-warfare-service-branch-of-pentagon-269433">Donald Trump</a> has extended an invitation to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit him in the White House during the new year, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported.

According to the report, Trump invited Johnson after the latter recently swept the British elections.

"Some potential dates have been floated in mid-January but nothing has yet been formally agreed. But it is clear that both sides want to make it happen sometime in early 2020," the report quoted a source as saying.

Watch: Gravitas -&nbsp;President Trump impeached in the house

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-president-trump-impeached-in-the-house-269253/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Friday, Johnson won approval for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Brexit deal</a> in the British parliament. His election pledge revolved around Britain's departure from the European Union by January 31

The parliamentary approval followed Johnson's landslide election victory earlier this month.

Amid Brexit plans, Johnson and Trump agreed in a phone call on Monday to pursue an "ambitious" UK-US free trade agreement.

Trump expressed elation after Johnson's win and said that his victory had the cleared the way for a 'massive' trade deal after Brexit.

"This deal has the potential to be far bigger and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-them-269348">more lucrative</a> than any deal that could be made with the EU", Trump had said in a tweet earlier this month.

No formal discussions regarding this visit have taken place yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit him in the White House during the new year, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported.

United States President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit him in the White House during the new year, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported. According to the report, Trump invited Johnson after the latter recently swept the British elections. "Some potential dates have been floated in mid-January but nothing has yet been formally agreed. But it is clear that both sides want to make it happen sometime in early 2020," the report quoted a source as saying. Watch: Gravitas - President Trump impeached in the house On Friday, Johnson won approval for the Brexit deal in the British parliament. His election pledge revolved around Britain's departure from the European Union by January 31 The parliamentary approval followed Johnson's landslide election victory earlier this month. Amid Brexit plans, Johnson and Trump agreed in a phone call on Monday to pursue an "ambitious" UK-US free trade agreement. Trump expressed elation after Johnson's win and said that his victory had the cleared the way for a 'massive' trade deal after Brexit. "This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU", Trump had said in a tweet earlier this month. No formal discussions regarding this visit have taken place yet. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Trump invites Britain's Johnson to White House for new year: Sources

Croatians cast ballots in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-to-pick-a-president-in-tight-three-way-race-269278">a presidential vote</a> on Sunday that could weaken the ruling conservatives just as the country takes the helm of the European Union's rotating presidency.&nbsp;

The pre-Christmas poll, likely to be decided in a January 5 run-off, has evolved into a tight race between conservative incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and front-running rivals on the right and the left.&nbsp;

Grabar-Kitarovic has been president since 2015 with backing from HDZ, the centre-right party that has led Croatia for most of its independence since 1991.

During her term, the 51-year-old has wavered between representing the party's moderates and pandering to its nationalist faction.

In her re-election bid, she is struggling to hold on to hardliners shifting to a right-wing folk singer turned politician, Miroslav Skoro.

Playing on an emotive symbol of the 1990s independence war, Grabar-Kitarovic held her final campaign rally on Friday in eastern Vukovar, the town whose bloody siege by Serb forces became a byword for Croatian suffering during the conflict.&nbsp;

She told the crowd she believed those who fought and died in the war "don't regret being killed since Croatia is (now) here".

The comments were seen as part of her battle to keep far-right voters from turning to Skoro, who has been wooing nationalists with promises to deploy troops to halt migrants at the borders and pardon a convicted war criminal.

Running as an independent, the 57-year-old singer was polling in third place in the run-up to election day.

Meanwhile, the split on the right has carved out a space for leftist former premier Zoran Milanovic, 53, to gain traction. He was running neck-and-neck with Grabar-Kitarovic in the latest opinion polls.

Prime minister from 2011 to 2016, Milanovic was previously derided for his arrogance but is trying to make a comeback with the promise to make Croatia a "normal" country with an independent judiciary and respect for minorities.

Christmas calculation

Analysts say a loss for Grabar-Kitarovic would deliver a blow to HDZ Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, a moderate in the party, ahead of parliamentary elections next year.&nbsp;

Starting on January 1, his government will be tasked with hosting the EU's rotating presidency for a six-month term, with thorny issues like Brexit the Western Balkans' membership bids on the agenda.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/croatia-to-hold-presidential-vote-on-december-22-pm-plenkovic-262143">Critics of the government</a> have speculated that the pre-Christmas poll in an overwhelmingly Catholic country was purposefully scheduled to take advantage of the diaspora who are home for the holidays,&nbsp;and typically vote HDZ.&nbsp;

Of the 3.8 million people eligible to vote, some 170,000 are living abroad, mainly in neighbouring Bosnia.

The emigration exodus, a trend that accelerated after Croatia joined the EU in 2013, is one of the most pressing problems on the country's horizon.

The government has struggled to halt young people from packing their bags for better pay and professional opportunities in wealthier member states.&nbsp;

Many who leave also cite a culture of nepotism and corruption at home, plus poor public services, as key motivations.&nbsp;

The presidential campaign has however been light on policy ideas with many candidates instead attacking each other with war-era grievances.&nbsp;

Polling stations will be open from 0600 GMT to 1800 GMT, with initial results expected from 1900 GMT.

Croatians cast ballots in a presidential vote on Sunday that could weaken the ruling conservatives just as the country takes the helm of the European Union's rotating presidency.

Croatians cast ballots in a presidential vote on Sunday that could weaken the ruling conservatives just as the country takes the helm of the European Union's rotating presidency. The pre-Christmas poll, likely to be decided in a January 5 run-off, has evolved into a tight race between conservative incumbent Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and front-running rivals on the right and the left. Grabar-Kitarovic has been president since 2015 with backing from HDZ, the centre-right party that has led Croatia for most of its independence since 1991. During her term, the 51-year-old has wavered between representing the party's moderates and pandering to its nationalist faction. In her re-election bid, she is struggling to hold on to hardliners shifting to a right-wing folk singer turned politician, Miroslav Skoro. Playing on an emotive symbol of the 1990s independence war, Grabar-Kitarovic held her final campaign rally on Friday in eastern Vukovar, the town whose bloody siege by Serb forces became a byword for Croatian suffering during the conflict. She told the crowd she believed those who fought and died in the war "don't regret being killed since Croatia is (now) here". The comments were seen as part of her battle to keep far-right voters from turning to Skoro, who has been wooing nationalists with promises to deploy troops to halt migrants at the borders and pardon a convicted war criminal. Running as an independent, the 57-year-old singer was polling in third place in the run-up to election day. Meanwhile, the split on the right has carved out a space for leftist former premier Zoran Milanovic, 53, to gain traction. He was running neck-and-neck with Grabar-Kitarovic in the latest opinion polls. Prime minister from 2011 to 2016, Milanovic was previously derided for his arrogance but is trying to make a comeback with the promise to make Croatia a "normal" country with an independent judiciary and respect for minorities. Christmas calculation Analysts say a loss for Grabar-Kitarovic would deliver a blow to HDZ Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, a moderate in the party, ahead of parliamentary elections next year. Starting on January 1, his government will be tasked with hosting the EU's rotating presidency for a six-month term, with thorny issues like Brexit the Western Balkans' membership bids on the agenda. Critics of the government have speculated that the pre-Christmas poll in an overwhelmingly Catholic country was purposefully scheduled to take advantage of the diaspora who are home for the holidays, and typically vote HDZ. Of the 3.8 million people eligible to vote, some 170,000 are living abroad, mainly in neighbouring Bosnia. The emigration exodus, a trend that accelerated after Croatia joined the EU in 2013, is one of the most pressing problems on the country's horizon. The government has struggled to halt young people from packing their bags for better pay and professional opportunities in wealthier member states. Many who leave also cite a culture of nepotism and corruption at home, plus poor public services, as key motivations. The presidential campaign has however been light on policy ideas with many candidates instead attacking each other with war-era grievances. Polling stations will be open from 0600 GMT to 1800 GMT, with initial results expected from 1900 GMT.

Croatia votes for president, set to lead European Union

Turkey will improve its cooperation with Libya and is ready to provide military support for the Tripoli-based government or back joint steps in the eastern Mediterranean, President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Last month, Turkey and Libya's internationally recognised government signed accords on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-libya-sign-deal-on-maritime-zones-in-the-mediterranean-265082">maritime boundaries</a>, which enraged Greece. Ankara says it may <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-send-troops-to-back-libya-unity-government-turkey-267502">send troops to Libya</a>, which has been divided into rival political factions since 2014 if the Tripoli-based government requests it.

"We will speed up the process between Turkey and Libya. We told them that we are always ready to help if they need it. From military and security cooperation to steps taken regarding our maritime rights: we are ready,"&nbsp;Erdogan told reporters in Geneva after a forum on migration.

&nbsp;

WATCH:&nbsp;Erdogan slams Macron over NATO remarks

<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/erdogan-slams-macron-over-nato-remarks-265439/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Turkey will improve its cooperation with Libya and is ready to provide military support for the Tripoli-based government or back joint steps in the eastern Mediterranean, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Turkey will improve its cooperation with Libya and is ready to provide military support for the Tripoli-based government or back joint steps in the eastern Mediterranean, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. Last month, Turkey and Libya's internationally recognised government signed accords on maritime boundaries, which enraged Greece. Ankara says it may send troops to Libya, which has been divided into rival political factions since 2014 if the Tripoli-based government requests it. "We will speed up the process between Turkey and Libya. We told them that we are always ready to help if they need it. From military and security cooperation to steps taken regarding our maritime rights: we are ready," Erdogan told reporters in Geneva after a forum on migration. WATCH: Erdogan slams Macron over NATO remarks ×

Will speed up cooperation between Turkey and Libya: Erdogan

Iran said Monday it was open to more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-thanks-iran-as-american-freed-in-prisoner-swap-266888">prisoner swaps</a> with the US while stressing an exchange at the weekend was not the result of formal negotiations with its arch-foe.

US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for what he called a "very fair negotiation" after an American scholar was released Saturday in exchange for an Iranian scientist held in the United States.

The exchange involved Xiyue Wang, a Chinese-born American held in Iran since 2016, and Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since 2018.

But Iran's government dismissed the idea that it was the result of any negotiations between the two countries, which have not had diplomatic ties since 1980.

"This was only exchange and... regarding exchanges we are ready to act but there are no negotiations," spokesman Ali Rabiei said on state television.

"Negotiations or any kind of talks" can only take place "within the framework of the 5+1 and after America has refrained from sanctions and economic terrorism," he said.

The P5+1 is the group of countries that agreed to a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.

The nuclear deal has been hanging by a thread since last year, when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord and began reimposing sweeping sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Iran's government has long demanded that the US first drops the sanctions for it to return to negotiations under the auspices of the P5+1.

Wang, a doctoral candidate at Princeton, was&nbsp;conducting research in Iran when&nbsp;he was imprisoned in August 2016. He had been serving 10 years on espionage charges.

Soleimani, a professor and stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested at a Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones.

On Monday, the Iranian spokesman Rabiei said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-and-american-freed-in-apparent-prisoner-swap-266840">prisoner swap</a> came despite a US rejection of an offer Tehran made to Washington last year for an exchange of all detainees.

A few months ago, he said, Iran had received a message from "a former US official" saying the Americans were ready to make an exchange.

Rabiei appeared to be referring to former US congressman Jim Slattery who, according to the New Yorker magazine, had approached the Iranians on behalf of the Wang family's lawyer.

In its report, the New Yorker&nbsp;said Soleimani was expected to be deported after pleading guilty under a deal that Slattery had worked on with Soleimani's lawyers.

"In a surprise move, however, the Justice Department instead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-release-two-western-hostages-in-afghanistan-263145">dropped all charges</a> against Soleimani," before the exchange went ahead, it said, citing an official from the US administration.&nbsp;

Iran said Monday it was open to more prisoner swaps with the US while stressing an exchange at the weekend was not the result of formal negotiations with its arch-foe.

Iran said Monday it was open to more prisoner swaps with the US while stressing an exchange at the weekend was not the result of formal negotiations with its arch-foe. US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for what he called a "very fair negotiation" after an American scholar was released Saturday in exchange for an Iranian scientist held in the United States. The exchange involved Xiyue Wang, a Chinese-born American held in Iran since 2016, and Massoud Soleimani, an Iranian scientist detained in the United States since 2018. But Iran's government dismissed the idea that it was the result of any negotiations between the two countries, which have not had diplomatic ties since 1980. "This was only exchange and... regarding exchanges we are ready to act but there are no negotiations," spokesman Ali Rabiei said on state television. "Negotiations or any kind of talks" can only take place "within the framework of the 5+1 and after America has refrained from sanctions and economic terrorism," he said. The P5+1 is the group of countries that agreed to a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. The nuclear deal has been hanging by a thread since last year, when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord and began reimposing sweeping sanctions on the Islamic republic. Iran's government has long demanded that the US first drops the sanctions for it to return to negotiations under the auspices of the P5+1. Wang, a doctoral candidate at Princeton, was conducting research in Iran when he was imprisoned in August 2016. He had been serving 10 years on espionage charges. Soleimani, a professor and stem cell researcher at Tehran's Tarbiat Modares University, was arrested at a Chicago airport in October 2018 for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones. On Monday, the Iranian spokesman Rabiei said the prisoner swap came despite a US rejection of an offer Tehran made to Washington last year for an exchange of all detainees. A few months ago, he said, Iran had received a message from "a former US official" saying the Americans were ready to make an exchange. Rabiei appeared to be referring to former US congressman Jim Slattery who, according to the New Yorker magazine, had approached the Iranians on behalf of the Wang family's lawyer. In its report, the New Yorker said Soleimani was expected to be deported after pleading guilty under a deal that Slattery had worked on with Soleimani's lawyers. "In a surprise move, however, the Justice Department instead dropped all charges against Soleimani," before the exchange went ahead, it said, citing an official from the US administration.

Ready for more United States prisoner swaps: Iran

Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said on Sunday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-to-spend-weekend-drafting-impeachment-charges-against-donald-trump-266845">articles of impeachment</a> were being drafted and it was possible his panel could vote this week on charges against President Donald Trump.

Nadler told CNN's "State of the Union" that the panel had "a lot to consider" in determining which charges to file against the Republican president.

"There are possible drafts that various people are writing," he said. "But the fact is we're not going to make any decision as to how broad the articles should be, as to what they contain what the wording is - until after the hearing tomorrow."

Watch: What's next for Donald Trump?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-impeachment-saga-whats-next-for-donald-trump-266895/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The committee will hold a public hearing on Monday to consider evidence gathered in the inquiry that focuses on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-win-impeachment-fight-us-president-donald-trump-266504">Trump's request</a> that Ukraine investigate&nbsp;former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face the president in the 2020 US&nbsp;election.

Democratic lawmakers worked through the weekend digesting the information they received from the House Intelligence Committee and constitutional law scholars who testified before Congress on Wednesday.

Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said on Sunday that articles of impeachment were being drafted and it was possible his panel could vote this week on charges against President Donald Trump.

Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said on Sunday that articles of impeachment were being drafted and it was possible his panel could vote this week on charges against President Donald Trump. Nadler told CNN's "State of the Union" that the panel had "a lot to consider" in determining which charges to file against the Republican president. "There are possible drafts that various people are writing," he said. "But the fact is we're not going to make any decision as to how broad the articles should be, as to what they contain what the wording is - until after the hearing tomorrow." Watch: What's next for Donald Trump? The committee will hold a public hearing on Monday to consider evidence gathered in the inquiry that focuses on Trump's request that Ukraine investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to face the president in the 2020 US election. Democratic lawmakers worked through the weekend digesting the information they received from the House Intelligence Committee and constitutional law scholars who testified before Congress on Wednesday.

Vote 'possible' on Trump articles of impeachment this week: Chairman Nadler

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justin-trudeau-says-china-uses-detentions-as-political-tool-247896">China's envoy to the United States</a> on Wednesday said the two countries were trying to resolve their differences over trade, but he warned of forces that he said were trying to drive a wedge between the two, without providing any details.

Ambassador Cui Tiankai, speaking at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council, said US-Chinese ties were at a critical crossroads due to trade frictions, but it was possible to return to a better path.

"At the same time, we must be alert that some destructive forces are taking advantage of the ongoing trade friction (through) extreme rhetoric such as 'decoupling,' the 'new Cold War,' and ‘clash of civilisations,'" Cui said.

He urged US&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-using-ai-to-identify-uighurs-across-the-country-reports-210712">Chinese companies</a> keen to expand trade between the two countries to stand up against what he called efforts to "spread hostility and even create conflict between us," as well as "fake news" about the situations in both Hong Kong and Xinjiang, China's troubled western region that is home to a large Uighur Muslim minority, whom some US&nbsp;officials have said are the victims of human rights abuses.

Cui's comments came a day after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said a long-awaited interim trade agreement with China could be delayed until after the US&nbsp;presidential election in November 2020, and amid US&nbsp;legislative moves to address the Uighur issue.

The United States and China have been locked in a bitter trade war for 17 months, with the US&nbsp;government cracking down against a broad range of what it sees as efforts by the Chinese government to steal US&nbsp;technology and dominate global markets.

Anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong and Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority have also fanned longstanding human rights concerns. Beijing views US&nbsp;actions on both issues as interference in its sovereign concerns.

The Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday for a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-used-tiny-chips-on-us-computers-to-steal-secrets-report-169480">China's crackdown</a> on the Uighurs. China warned earlier on Wednesday that the US&nbsp;legislation will affect bilateral cooperation, clouding prospects for a near-term deal to end a trade war.

Cui did not echo those remarks directly but said reports about both the situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang had been seriously distorted. "Facts are facts no matter how much fake news is generated," he said.

He did not address the US-Chinese trade talks specifically but said Beijing remained committed to expanding bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

China's envoy to the United States on Wednesday said the two countries were trying to resolve their differences over trade, but he warned of forces that he said were trying to drive a wedge between the two, without providing any details.

China's envoy to the United States on Wednesday said the two countries were trying to resolve their differences over trade, but he warned of forces that he said were trying to drive a wedge between the two, without providing any details. Ambassador Cui Tiankai, speaking at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council, said US-Chinese ties were at a critical crossroads due to trade frictions, but it was possible to return to a better path. "At the same time, we must be alert that some destructive forces are taking advantage of the ongoing trade friction (through) extreme rhetoric such as 'decoupling,' the 'new Cold War,' and ‘clash of civilisations,'" Cui said. He urged US and Chinese companies keen to expand trade between the two countries to stand up against what he called efforts to "spread hostility and even create conflict between us," as well as "fake news" about the situations in both Hong Kong and Xinjiang, China's troubled western region that is home to a large Uighur Muslim minority, whom some US officials have said are the victims of human rights abuses. Cui's comments came a day after US President Donald Trump said a long-awaited interim trade agreement with China could be delayed until after the US presidential election in November 2020, and amid US legislative moves to address the Uighur issue. The United States and China have been locked in a bitter trade war for 17 months, with the US government cracking down against a broad range of what it sees as efforts by the Chinese government to steal US technology and dominate global markets. Anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong and Beijing's treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority have also fanned longstanding human rights concerns. Beijing views US actions on both issues as interference in its sovereign concerns. The Democratic-led US House of Representatives voted nearly unanimously on Tuesday for a bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on the Uighurs. China warned earlier on Wednesday that the US legislation will affect bilateral cooperation, clouding prospects for a near-term deal to end a trade war. Cui did not echo those remarks directly but said reports about both the situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang had been seriously distorted. "Facts are facts no matter how much fake news is generated," he said. He did not address the US-Chinese trade talks specifically but said Beijing remained committed to expanding bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

China's envoy to US warns of 'destructive forces' trying to undermine their relationship

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;met US Secretary of State Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-meet-pompeo-in-portugal-amid-attempts-to-improve-ties-with-arab-world-266105">in Portugal</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday and called for increased&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;the "tottering" Iranian government.

"I think we have been fortunate that President Trump has led a consistent policy of&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;against&nbsp;Iran. Iran’s aggression is growing, but its empire is&nbsp;tottering,"&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;said in Lisbon.

"And I say, let’s make it totter even further," he added.&nbsp;

Netanyahu&nbsp;stressed that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;was the main subject of his meeting with&nbsp;Pompeo, adding "the second subject is&nbsp;Iran, and so is the third".

Pompeo, in a tweet, said it had been a "productive meeting".

"We discussed efforts to counter&nbsp;Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region, the importance of economic cooperation with regional partners and other issues related to Israel’s security," he added.

The question of how to create Middle East stability when "there are anti-Iran&nbsp;protests taking place in Baghdad, anti-Iranian protests taking place in Beirut," was a key issue in talks held&nbsp;on&nbsp;the margins of a NATO summit which ended in London earlier Wednesday,&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told reporters before leaving Lisbon.

Israel, which is widely believed to have the Middle East's sole but undeclared nuclear arsenal, has for years accused&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;of seeking to obtain nuclear weapons and strongly opposed a 2015 agreement designed to address the concerns of major powers.

'Should be ashamed'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-discusses-iran-with-israeli-pm-netanyahu-265644">Trump, a strong&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;ally</a>, unilaterally pulled the United States out of the deal in May last year and reimposed crippling sanctions.

Netanyahu, who is fighting for his political life after an indictment&nbsp;on&nbsp;graft charges, has hailed the Trump sanctions.

Israel believes they have squeezed the Iranian economy, prompting the government to raise fuel prices -- sparking nationwide protests.

Lebanon and Iraq, both countries where&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has significant influence, have also seen major demonstrations.

Netanyahu&nbsp;criticised European governments that have signed up to a barter system that would allow&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to trade without fear of US sanctions.

Six new European countries agreed to support the Instex system and&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;said that "instead of supporting American sanctions, they are weakening them. That's not right.

"They should be ashamed of themselves. While people are risking their lives and dying&nbsp;on&nbsp;the streets of Tehran, they are giving sustenance and support to this tyrannical regime," he said before meeting with&nbsp;Pompeo.

Watch: Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to party elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-pm-netanyahu-agrees-for-party-election-264411/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Graft charges

Netanyahu, who was last month <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-can-stay-on-as-prime-minister-despite-indictment-israels-attorney-general-264513">indicted&nbsp;on&nbsp;a variety of graft charges</a> and faces a third election within a year after deadlocked polls in April and September, has been bolstered by a number of landmark steps taken by Trump.

He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister but he is serving in a caretaker capacity after the inconclusive elections.

Wednesday's meeting was the first between the two men since&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;announced last month that the United States no longer considered Jewish settlements in the West Bank to be illegal.

The announcement broke with decades of international consensus that the settlements are illegal and a major barrier to peace with the Palestinians.

The US position offered a boost to&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;as he threatens to annex much of the West Bank, a step that would severely impede the long-held Palestinian hope for a separate state.

More&nbsp;than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, alongside around three million Palestinians.

Among previous steps, Trump earlier recognised bitterly contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital and cut off US funding for the UN body that supports Palestinian refugees.

Pompeo&nbsp;is due to meet his Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva before flying&nbsp;on&nbsp;to Morocco&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Portugal on Wednesday and called for increased pressure on the "tottering" Iranian government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Portugal on Wednesday and called for increased pressure on the "tottering" Iranian government. "I think we have been fortunate that President Trump has led a consistent policy of pressure against Iran. Iran’s aggression is growing, but its empire is tottering," Netanyahu said in Lisbon. "And I say, let’s make it totter even further," he added. Netanyahu stressed that Iran was the main subject of his meeting with Pompeo, adding "the second subject is Iran, and so is the third". Pompeo, in a tweet, said it had been a "productive meeting". "We discussed efforts to counter Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region, the importance of economic cooperation with regional partners and other issues related to Israel’s security," he added. The question of how to create Middle East stability when "there are anti-Iran protests taking place in Baghdad, anti-Iranian protests taking place in Beirut," was a key issue in talks held on the margins of a NATO summit which ended in London earlier Wednesday, Pompeo told reporters before leaving Lisbon. Israel, which is widely believed to have the Middle East's sole but undeclared nuclear arsenal, has for years accused Iran of seeking to obtain nuclear weapons and strongly opposed a 2015 agreement designed to address the concerns of major powers. 'Should be ashamed' Trump, a strong Netanyahu ally, unilaterally pulled the United States out of the deal in May last year and reimposed crippling sanctions. Netanyahu, who is fighting for his political life after an indictment on graft charges, has hailed the Trump sanctions. Israel believes they have squeezed the Iranian economy, prompting the government to raise fuel prices -- sparking nationwide protests. Lebanon and Iraq, both countries where Iran has significant influence, have also seen major demonstrations. Netanyahu criticised European governments that have signed up to a barter system that would allow Iran to trade without fear of US sanctions. Six new European countries agreed to support the Instex system and Netanyahu said that "instead of supporting American sanctions, they are weakening them. That's not right. "They should be ashamed of themselves. While people are risking their lives and dying on the streets of Tehran, they are giving sustenance and support to this tyrannical regime," he said before meeting with Pompeo. Watch: Israeli PM Netanyahu agrees to party elections Graft charges Netanyahu, who was last month indicted on a variety of graft charges and faces a third election within a year after deadlocked polls in April and September, has been bolstered by a number of landmark steps taken by Trump. He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister but he is serving in a caretaker capacity after the inconclusive elections. Wednesday's meeting was the first between the two men since Pompeo announced last month that the United States no longer considered Jewish settlements in the West Bank to be illegal. The announcement broke with decades of international consensus that the settlements are illegal and a major barrier to peace with the Palestinians. The US position offered a boost to Netanyahu as he threatens to annex much of the West Bank, a step that would severely impede the long-held Palestinian hope for a separate state. More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, alongside around three million Palestinians. Among previous steps, Trump earlier recognised bitterly contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital and cut off US funding for the UN body that supports Palestinian refugees. Pompeo is due to meet his Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva before flying on to Morocco on Thursday.

Netanyahu pushes Pompeo for more pressure on Iran in Portugal

China's top diplomat arrived in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/873-million-fine-against-us-chip-gaint-qualcomm-south-korea-266064">Seoul on Wednesday</a>, visiting South Korea for the first time in more than four years as the two countries seek to repair ties that soured over the deployment of US&nbsp;anti-missile systems in South Korea.

During his two-day stay the State Councillor Wang Yi will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and President Moon Jae-in, officials in Seoul said.

Yi last visited the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/south-korea-to-hold-trade-talks-with-japan-in-december-265163">South Korean capital</a> for a trilateral meeting, also attended by Japan, in 2015.

A year later a row blew up over the planned sitting in South Korea of the US&nbsp;Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles.

Beijing said it upset the regional security balance as the system's powerful radar could penetrate into Chinese territory.

South Korea and the United States went ahead regardless, installing the anti-missile system in 2017, saying it was warranted because of North Korea's provocations.

North Korea has test-fired dozens of missiles since Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, most recently on the U.S Thanksgiving holiday last week.

South Korea sees China as instrumental in reviving stalled denuclearisation talks between the United States and North Korea, a longtime ally of Beijing.

Denuclearisation negotiations between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-japan-set-to-back-air-traffic-deal-after-near-misses-265017">North Korea and the United States</a> have hit a stalemate after a day-long working-level meeting in October in Stockholm broke down.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set an end-year deadline for Washington to reconsider its approach in denuclearisation negotiations after the last talks ended in disagreement. US&nbsp;officials have downplayed the deadline, calling it artificial.

South Korea is seeking to open additional military hotlines with China to improve communications. The two countries' defence ministers discussed the issue on the sidelines of an international conference in Bangkok last month, Seoul's defence ministry said.

China's top diplomat arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, visiting South Korea for the first time in more than four years as the two countries seek to repair ties that soured over the deployment of US anti-missile systems in South Korea.

China's top diplomat arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, visiting South Korea for the first time in more than four years as the two countries seek to repair ties that soured over the deployment of US anti-missile systems in South Korea. During his two-day stay the State Councillor Wang Yi will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and President Moon Jae-in, officials in Seoul said. Yi last visited the South Korean capital for a trilateral meeting, also attended by Japan, in 2015. A year later a row blew up over the planned sitting in South Korea of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles. Beijing said it upset the regional security balance as the system's powerful radar could penetrate into Chinese territory. South Korea and the United States went ahead regardless, installing the anti-missile system in 2017, saying it was warranted because of North Korea's provocations. North Korea has test-fired dozens of missiles since Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, most recently on the U.S Thanksgiving holiday last week. South Korea sees China as instrumental in reviving stalled denuclearisation talks between the United States and North Korea, a longtime ally of Beijing. Denuclearisation negotiations between North Korea and the United States have hit a stalemate after a day-long working-level meeting in October in Stockholm broke down. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set an end-year deadline for Washington to reconsider its approach in denuclearisation negotiations after the last talks ended in disagreement. US officials have downplayed the deadline, calling it artificial. South Korea is seeking to open additional military hotlines with China to improve communications. The two countries' defence ministers discussed the issue on the sidelines of an international conference in Bangkok last month, Seoul's defence ministry said.

Top Chinese diplomat visits South Korea to improve relations after four-year gap

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-countries-not-fulfilling-their-commitments-in-nato-they-will-be-dealt-with-trump-266019">Donald Trump</a> and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance.

In sharp exchanges underlining discord in a transatlantic bloc hailed by backers as the most successful military pact in history, Trump demanded that Europe pay more for its collective defence and make concessions to US&nbsp;interests on trade.

Macron, the French president, stood by comments he made last month describing NATO as suffering from a lack of strategic purpose akin to "brain death", and criticised fellow NATO member Turkey, which he accused of working with Islamic State proxies.

Washington and Paris have long argued over NATO's purpose - France opposed the 2003 Iraq war - but the new tensions will add to doubts over the alliance's future that have grown with Trump's ambivalence over US&nbsp;commitments to defend Europe.

Trump said Macron's criticism of NATO was "very, very nasty" and questioned whether the US&nbsp;military should defend any countries that were "delinquent" on alliance targets for national military spending.

"It's not right to be taken advantage of on NATO and also then to be taken advantage of on trade, and that's what happens. We can't let that happen," Trump said of transatlantic disputes on issues ranging from the aerospace sector to a European digital services tax on US&nbsp;technology giants.

All 29 member states have a target of spending 2 per cent&nbsp;of their gross domestic product on defence and Trump has singled out Germany for falling short of that goal.

But Macron stood by his criticism of NATO and said its real problem was a failure to forge a clear purpose since the end of the Cold War.

"If we invest money and put our soldiers' lives at risk in theatres of operation we must be clear about the fundamentals of NATO," he said in a tweet at the end of a day overshadowed by tensions between the French and US&nbsp;leaders.

A French presidency official said Trump often makes strident statements ahead of bilateral meetings and cools his rhetoric later. He noted that Macron and Trump "exchanged jokes and were very relaxed" at a joint news conference in London.

Watch: NATO summit - When Trump met Macron

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nato-summit-when-trump-met-macron-266032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Collective defence at stake

Turkey threatened to block a plan to defend Baltic states and Poland against Russian attacks unless NATO backed Ankara in recognising the Kurdish YPG militia as terrorists.

The YPG's fighters have long been US&nbsp;and French allies against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey considers them an enemy because of links to Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey.

"If our friends at NATO do not recognise as terrorist organisations those we consider terrorist organisations ... we will stand against any step that will be taken there," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said before travelling to London.

Erdogan has already strained alliance ties with a move to buy Russian air defence systems. Trump said he was looking at imposing sanctions on Ankara over the issue.

The uncertainty over the plan for Poland and the Baltic states, drawn up at their request after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, raises issues about security on all of NATO's frontiers.

Under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-rise-has-security-implications-for-all-allies-nato-chief-stoltenberg-266007">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's</a> 1949 founding treaty, an attack on one ally is an attack on all its members, and the alliance has military strategies for collective defence across its territory.

The summit, in a hotel in Hertfordshire just outside London, begins on Wednesday.

On Tuesday evening, alliance leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

The British monarch, in a teal-coloured matching jacket and skirt, greeted the summiteers and accompanying partners, including former fashion model Melania Trump, who was wearing a bright yellow dress with matching cape and purple sleeves.

They were then welcomed to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, host of the summit a little over a week before the country faces an election.

Several hundred protesters gathered in London's Trafalgar Square, holding placards reading: "Dump Trump" and "No to racism, no to Trump". A police line divided them from a small group of Trump supporters wearing Make America Great Again caps, waving American flags and shouting: "Build the wall".

In Washington on Tuesday, Democrats in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives laid out their impeachment case against Trump, accusing him of using the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election.

Hoping to placate Trump, Europe, Turkey and Canada will pledge at the summit some $400 billion in defence spending by 2024, and agree to a reduction of the US&nbsp;contribution to fund the alliance itself.

The allies will approve a new strategy to monitor China's growing military activity, and identify space as a domain of warfare, alongside air, land, sea and computer networks.

Trump said he believed Russia wanted deals on arms control and nuclear issues, and that he would be willing to bring China into such accords.

US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance.

US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance. In sharp exchanges underlining discord in a transatlantic bloc hailed by backers as the most successful military pact in history, Trump demanded that Europe pay more for its collective defence and make concessions to US interests on trade. Macron, the French president, stood by comments he made last month describing NATO as suffering from a lack of strategic purpose akin to "brain death", and criticised fellow NATO member Turkey, which he accused of working with Islamic State proxies. Washington and Paris have long argued over NATO's purpose - France opposed the 2003 Iraq war - but the new tensions will add to doubts over the alliance's future that have grown with Trump's ambivalence over US commitments to defend Europe. Trump said Macron's criticism of NATO was "very, very nasty" and questioned whether the US military should defend any countries that were "delinquent" on alliance targets for national military spending. "It's not right to be taken advantage of on NATO and also then to be taken advantage of on trade, and that's what happens. We can't let that happen," Trump said of transatlantic disputes on issues ranging from the aerospace sector to a European digital services tax on US technology giants. All 29 member states have a target of spending 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence and Trump has singled out Germany for falling short of that goal. But Macron stood by his criticism of NATO and said its real problem was a failure to forge a clear purpose since the end of the Cold War. "If we invest money and put our soldiers' lives at risk in theatres of operation we must be clear about the fundamentals of NATO," he said in a tweet at the end of a day overshadowed by tensions between the French and US leaders. A French presidency official said Trump often makes strident statements ahead of bilateral meetings and cools his rhetoric later. He noted that Macron and Trump "exchanged jokes and were very relaxed" at a joint news conference in London. Watch: NATO summit - When Trump met Macron Collective defence at stake Turkey threatened to block a plan to defend Baltic states and Poland against Russian attacks unless NATO backed Ankara in recognising the Kurdish YPG militia as terrorists. The YPG's fighters have long been US and French allies against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey considers them an enemy because of links to Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey. "If our friends at NATO do not recognise as terrorist organisations those we consider terrorist organisations ... we will stand against any step that will be taken there," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said before travelling to London. Erdogan has already strained alliance ties with a move to buy Russian air defence systems. Trump said he was looking at imposing sanctions on Ankara over the issue. The uncertainty over the plan for Poland and the Baltic states, drawn up at their request after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, raises issues about security on all of NATO's frontiers. Under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's 1949 founding treaty, an attack on one ally is an attack on all its members, and the alliance has military strategies for collective defence across its territory. The summit, in a hotel in Hertfordshire just outside London, begins on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, alliance leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. The British monarch, in a teal-coloured matching jacket and skirt, greeted the summiteers and accompanying partners, including former fashion model Melania Trump, who was wearing a bright yellow dress with matching cape and purple sleeves. They were then welcomed to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, host of the summit a little over a week before the country faces an election. Several hundred protesters gathered in London's Trafalgar Square, holding placards reading: "Dump Trump" and "No to racism, no to Trump". A police line divided them from a small group of Trump supporters wearing Make America Great Again caps, waving American flags and shouting: "Build the wall". In Washington on Tuesday, Democrats in the US House of Representatives laid out their impeachment case against Trump, accusing him of using the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election. Hoping to placate Trump, Europe, Turkey and Canada will pledge at the summit some $400 billion in defence spending by 2024, and agree to a reduction of the US contribution to fund the alliance itself. The allies will approve a new strategy to monitor China's growing military activity, and identify space as a domain of warfare, alongside air, land, sea and computer networks. Trump said he believed Russia wanted deals on arms control and nuclear issues, and that he would be willing to bring China into such accords.

Trump calls Macron's criticism of NATO 'very, very nasty' before Summit

The leaders of world powers including Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and France were recently caught on camera mocking US President Donald Trump's lengthy media appearances before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-macrons-criticism-of-nato-very-very-nasty-before-summit-266035">NATO Summit</a>. The clip was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception.

A British host's camera pool caught the footage on Tuesday evening, which was later subtitled by Canada's CBC. The summit will happen in Watford, outside London.

Macron's meeting with Trump that happened before the summit on Tuesday was proceeded by a media session, whereby leaders publicly discussed NATO strategy and trade. 
 
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson can be heard asking France's President Emmanuel Macron, "Is that why you were late?"

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau interjects, "He was late because he takes a 40-minute press conference off the top." 
In the video, Macron appears to tell an anecdote about the encounter as Britain's Princess Anne and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte look on, but the French leader's back is to the camera and he is inaudible amid the hubbub.

"Oh, yeah, yeah, he announced..." Trudeau declares, adding, "You just watched his team's jaw drop to the floor." 
 
Trump exhibited similar behaviour last year when he trespassed summit protocol and instead used the platform to field questions from global media.

He has condemned "nasty" Macron's criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cool-it-france-and-germany-to-tell-trump-at-nato-talks-266086">brain dead NATO</a>, branded European countries that have failed to meet military spending targets "delinquent" and criticised moves in Washington to impeach him.

Trump is due to give another news conference alone later today after the 29 NATO leaders hold a full three-hour closed-door summit session. Later, a statement celebrating their unity shall be commissioned.

(With inputs from AFP)

The leaders of world powers including Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and France were recently caught on camera mocking US President Donald Trump's lengthy media appearances before the NATO Summit.

The leaders of world powers including Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and France were recently caught on camera mocking US President Donald Trump's lengthy media appearances before the NATO Summit. The clip was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception. A British host's camera pool caught the footage on Tuesday evening, which was later subtitled by Canada's CBC. The summit will happen in Watford, outside London. Macron's meeting with Trump that happened before the summit on Tuesday was proceeded by a media session, whereby leaders publicly discussed NATO strategy and trade. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson can be heard asking France's President Emmanuel Macron, "Is that why you were late?" Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau interjects, "He was late because he takes a 40-minute press conference off the top." In the video, Macron appears to tell an anecdote about the encounter as Britain's Princess Anne and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte look on, but the French leader's back is to the camera and he is inaudible amid the hubbub. "Oh, yeah, yeah, he announced..." Trudeau declares, adding, "You just watched his team's jaw drop to the floor." Trump exhibited similar behaviour last year when he trespassed summit protocol and instead used the platform to field questions from global media. He has condemned "nasty" Macron's criticism of brain dead NATO, branded European countries that have failed to meet military spending targets "delinquent" and criticised moves in Washington to impeach him. Trump is due to give another news conference alone later today after the 29 NATO leaders hold a full three-hour closed-door summit session. Later, a statement celebrating their unity shall be commissioned. (With inputs from AFP)

NATO leaders including Trudeau, Macron caught mocking Trump on camera

The war that has ravaged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/200-yemen-rebels-to-be-freed-amid-peace-push-saudi-led-coalition-264761">Yemen</a>&nbsp;has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday.

The London-based human rights group called on donors, aid groups and UN agencies to take steps to better assist people with disabilities in displaced people's centres.

"Yemen's war has been characterised by unlawful bombings, displacement and a dearth of basic services, leaving many struggling to survive," said Rawya Rageh, senior crisis adviser at Amnesty.

"The humanitarian response is overstretched, but people with disabilities,&nbsp;who are already among those most at risk in armed conflict,&nbsp;should not face even greater challenges in accessing essential aid."

The conflict between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has raged since 2015, sparking what the United Nations terms the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Amnesty reported that many people with disabilities who have been forced to flee the violence had to leave behind their crutches or wheelchairs in the chaos of war.

In the worst cases, it was the disabled people themselves who were left behind by their families after being separated while fleeing their homes, said the report.

Published on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the report documented the experience of 53 women, men and children with a wide spectrum of disabilities.

Amnesty pointed to "design flaws" in camps for the displaced, including in latrines and at aid distribution points, that were impacting people with disabilities.

These "strip people with disabilities of their independence and dignity by forcing them to rely on their families or others," it said.

A 75-year-old man with limited mobility said he needed to have his sons take him to the latrine, telling the group's researchers: "They drag me. They can't carry me."

Rageh called on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-tough-times-ahead-for-honey-trade-as-war-cripples-country-263486">organisations providing humanitarian aid</a> to "do more to overcome the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from meeting even their most basic needs".&nbsp;

The brutal war and economic collapse had&nbsp;hit hard public health care and social welfare services, "resulting in a systematic failure to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities".&nbsp;

"Many rely on handouts or fend for themselves,&nbsp;with some forced into poverty to pay for basic supplies like medicines or adult diapers," Amnesty said.

"One man with a disability was forced to beg along the highway."

The war that has ravaged Yemen has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday.

The war that has ravaged Yemen has especially impacted the country's estimated 4.5 million people living with disabilities, Amnesty International warned in a report Tuesday. The London-based human rights group called on donors, aid groups and UN agencies to take steps to better assist people with disabilities in displaced people's centres. "Yemen's war has been characterised by unlawful bombings, displacement and a dearth of basic services, leaving many struggling to survive," said Rawya Rageh, senior crisis adviser at Amnesty. "The humanitarian response is overstretched, but people with disabilities, who are already among those most at risk in armed conflict, should not face even greater challenges in accessing essential aid." The conflict between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has raged since 2015, sparking what the United Nations terms the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Amnesty reported that many people with disabilities who have been forced to flee the violence had to leave behind their crutches or wheelchairs in the chaos of war. In the worst cases, it was the disabled people themselves who were left behind by their families after being separated while fleeing their homes, said the report. Published on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the report documented the experience of 53 women, men and children with a wide spectrum of disabilities. Amnesty pointed to "design flaws" in camps for the displaced, including in latrines and at aid distribution points, that were impacting people with disabilities. These "strip people with disabilities of their independence and dignity by forcing them to rely on their families or others," it said. A 75-year-old man with limited mobility said he needed to have his sons take him to the latrine, telling the group's researchers: "They drag me. They can't carry me." Rageh called on organisations providing humanitarian aid to "do more to overcome the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from meeting even their most basic needs". The brutal war and economic collapse had hit hard public health care and social welfare services, "resulting in a systematic failure to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities". "Many rely on handouts or fend for themselves, with some forced into poverty to pay for basic supplies like medicines or adult diapers," Amnesty said. "One man with a disability was forced to beg along the highway."

Disabled people hardest hit by war in Yemen: Amnesty

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-getting-tired-of-trump-scandal-263215">Ukraine's president</a> on Monday renewed his denial of a quid pro quo with Donald Trump over military aid, despite a growing case against the US president in impeachment proceedings in Washington.

"I did not speak with US President Trump in those terms: you give me this, I give you that," Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with European publications including Germany's Der Spiegel magazine.

In remarks published in German, Zelensky said he "did not understand at all" the accusations heard at the hearings and did not "want to give an impression that we are beggars" in Ukraine.

The scandal centres around a phone conversation on July 25 in which the Republican leader is suspected of putting pressure on Ukraine to launch investigations against former Democratic vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who worked for a Ukrainian gas company.&nbsp;

Watch: US Ambassador Volker says he did not know Ukraine corruption probe was tied to Biden

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-ambassador-volker-says-he-did-not-know-ukraine-corruption-probe-was-tied-to-biden-263265/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The key issue is whether Trump set up a "quid pro quo",&nbsp;Latin for seeking one action in exchange for another,&nbsp;with Zelensky by holding back promised US military aid for Ukraine until the Bidens were investigated.

In the interview published on Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donald-trump-releases-record-of-friendly-first-zelensky-call-262449">Zelensky also played down expectations</a> ahead of a summit on December 9 in Paris in which he is set to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for the first time.

He said that an end to the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine could not be discussed until three preliminary steps had been taken.

He said there should first be a prisoner exchange within a "reasonable time period", followed by a genuine ceasefire and the retreat of all armed forces to allow local elections to be held in the region.

"If these three issues are resolved, then we can see if everyone wants to put an end to the conflict."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-adviser-tells-lawmakers-trump-ukraine-call-raised-national-security-concerns-258751">The conflict in Ukraine</a>, which broke out in 2014 after pro-Western politicians took power in Kiev and Russia annexed Crimea, has killed more than 13,000 people.

Ukraine's president on Monday renewed his denial of a quid pro quo with Donald Trump over military aid, despite a growing case against the US president in impeachment proceedings in Washington.

Ukraine's president on Monday renewed his denial of a quid pro quo with Donald Trump over military aid, despite a growing case against the US president in impeachment proceedings in Washington. "I did not speak with US President Trump in those terms: you give me this, I give you that," Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with European publications including Germany's Der Spiegel magazine. In remarks published in German, Zelensky said he "did not understand at all" the accusations heard at the hearings and did not "want to give an impression that we are beggars" in Ukraine. The scandal centres around a phone conversation on July 25 in which the Republican leader is suspected of putting pressure on Ukraine to launch investigations against former Democratic vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who worked for a Ukrainian gas company. Watch: US Ambassador Volker says he did not know Ukraine corruption probe was tied to Biden The key issue is whether Trump set up a "quid pro quo", Latin for seeking one action in exchange for another, with Zelensky by holding back promised US military aid for Ukraine until the Bidens were investigated. In the interview published on Monday, Zelensky also played down expectations ahead of a summit on December 9 in Paris in which he is set to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for the first time. He said that an end to the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine could not be discussed until three preliminary steps had been taken. He said there should first be a prisoner exchange within a "reasonable time period", followed by a genuine ceasefire and the retreat of all armed forces to allow local elections to be held in the region. "If these three issues are resolved, then we can see if everyone wants to put an end to the conflict." The conflict in Ukraine, which broke out in 2014 after pro-Western politicians took power in Kiev and Russia annexed Crimea, has killed more than 13,000 people.

Ukraine president Zelensky renews denial of quid pro quo with US president Trump

For the first time, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-in-final-throes-of-trade-deal-but-will-see-how-it-goes-in-hong-kong-trump-264769">China has more diplomatic missions</a> around the world than the United States, according to a study published Wednesday that offered fresh evidence of Beijing's global ambitions.

Australia's respected Lowy Institute reported that China's "rapid" rise up the rankings of diplomatic networks continued in 2019, boosted by the opening of diplomatic posts in countries that had previously recognised Taiwan.

"With 276 posts globally, China has for the first time surpassed the United States' network by three posts," authors of the biennial Global Diplomacy Index said.

In results likely to be read as a bellwether for geopolitical shifts, the think tank said US diplomacy had "entered a period of limbo", with President Donald Trump's budget cuts and troubles retaining career diplomats.

The United States opened no new posts and was forced to shutter its consulate in Saint Petersburg, amid tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions following the poisoning of Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal in Britain.

But the US remained the most popular place to have an embassy or consulate, with the 61 countries covered having a total of 342 posts versus 256 foreign <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-hold-trade-talks-on-phone-discuss-mutual-issues-264506">diplomatic missions in China</a>.

At the same time, Beijing's footprint continued to grow, with new missions popping up in "Burkina Faso, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the Gambia, and Sao Tome and Principe, all former diplomatic friends of Taipei".

The index may be a blunt indicator of influence,&nbsp;the number of buildings around the world offers little indication of how effective the diplomats who work there will be.

But the survey offers a snapshot of broader political trends.

Despite a pledge to develop a "Global Britain" without European Union membership, the UK has dropped to 11th in the rankings, below Italy, Spain and Brazil.

Meanwhile, Ireland and the Netherlands have boosted their diplomatic networks by more than half a dozen missions each "as part of their Brexit strategies" to take economic and diplomatic advantage of Britain's retreat.

For the first time, China has more diplomatic missions around the world than the United States, according to a study published Wednesday that offered fresh evidence of Beijing's global ambitions.

For the first time, China has more diplomatic missions around the world than the United States, according to a study published Wednesday that offered fresh evidence of Beijing's global ambitions. Australia's respected Lowy Institute reported that China's "rapid" rise up the rankings of diplomatic networks continued in 2019, boosted by the opening of diplomatic posts in countries that had previously recognised Taiwan. "With 276 posts globally, China has for the first time surpassed the United States' network by three posts," authors of the biennial Global Diplomacy Index said. In results likely to be read as a bellwether for geopolitical shifts, the think tank said US diplomacy had "entered a period of limbo", with President Donald Trump's budget cuts and troubles retaining career diplomats. The United States opened no new posts and was forced to shutter its consulate in Saint Petersburg, amid tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions following the poisoning of Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal in Britain. But the US remained the most popular place to have an embassy or consulate, with the 61 countries covered having a total of 342 posts versus 256 foreign diplomatic missions in China. At the same time, Beijing's footprint continued to grow, with new missions popping up in "Burkina Faso, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the Gambia, and Sao Tome and Principe, all former diplomatic friends of Taipei". The index may be a blunt indicator of influence, the number of buildings around the world offers little indication of how effective the diplomats who work there will be. But the survey offers a snapshot of broader political trends. Despite a pledge to develop a "Global Britain" without European Union membership, the UK has dropped to 11th in the rankings, below Italy, Spain and Brazil. Meanwhile, Ireland and the Netherlands have boosted their diplomatic networks by more than half a dozen missions each "as part of their Brexit strategies" to take economic and diplomatic advantage of Britain's retreat.

China overtakes United States in number of diplomatic missions

Bolivia&nbsp;appointed its&nbsp;first&nbsp;ambassador&nbsp;to the United States in&nbsp;11&nbsp;years&nbsp;on Tuesday, officials said, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-returns-to-normal-as-protests-quell-264496">interim government</a> resets the country's foreign policy after the departure of Evo Morales.

Walter Oscar Serrate Cuellar has been given the key posting, the foreign ministry announced on Twitter, filling a position left vacant since a diplomatic spat between La Paz and Washington in 2008.

The high-profile appointment, which has to be approved by the Senate, comes as the caretaker government prepares to hold new elections that exclude Morales.

Morales' Movement for Socialism party controls the upper house of Congress.

Serrate previously served as&nbsp;Bolivia's&nbsp;ambassador&nbsp;and permanent representative at the United Nations, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-police-use-tear-gas-against-protesters-carrying-coffins-263772">Under Morales</a>,&nbsp;Bolivia's president for nearly 14&nbsp;years, ties with the United States were tense.

Relations took a turn for the worse under former US leader George W. Bush, with the expulsion of ambassadors from both countries in late 2008.

Morales resigned on November 10 and fled to Mexico where he was granted political asylum after disputed October 20 elections ignited street protests.

Morales, who had been seeking a fourth term, claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results were rigged.

Since declaring herself interim president, right-wing senator Jeanine Anez, who has been recognized by the United States, has wasted no time rewriting&nbsp;Bolivia's foreign policy.

She broke ties with socialist Cuba and Nicolas Maduro's Venezuela.

Anez's&nbsp;first&nbsp;foreign policy decision was to recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's president, joining a group of around 50 countries.

Foreign Minister Karen Longaric announced Venezuelan diplomats would be sent home for "violating diplomatic norms."

Bolivia&nbsp;also fired all its ambassadors except those to Peru and the Vatican.

Easing tensions&nbsp;

Tuesday's announcement comes as some 20 former members of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivias-congress-approves-law-for-new-elections-without-morales-264143">Morales' government</a> are holed up in Mexico's embassy in La Paz, the foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

Five of them,&nbsp;including Morales' former top minister Juan Ramon Quintana, are wanted for arrest.&nbsp;

Both Morales and Quintana have been accused of sedition and terrorism.&nbsp;

Federal prosecutors are investigating allegations that Morales, after arriving in Mexico, encouraged his supporters to maintain roadblocks that caused severe food and fuel shortages in La Paz.

Interior Minister Arturo Murillo played a telephone recording to journalists last Wednesday, allegedly of Morales issuing instructions to a leader of the opposition movement in&nbsp;Bolivia.

"Don't let food into the cities, we're going to block, really encircle (the cities)," says the voice Murillo attributed to Morales.

Bolivia&nbsp;has lodged a formal protest to Mexico over Morales's remarks, saying they "contravened" his political asylum status.

Looming new elections and talks between the interim government and opposition groups have helped defuse tensions after weeks of unrest that left dozens dead. &nbsp;

Normal activities are resuming in La Paz and other cities with schools and businesses reopening this week and blockades of major transport routes mostly removed.&nbsp;

An eight-point agreement released by the government pledged, among other things, to set up a commission to free protesters who had not committed any crimes.&nbsp;

Bolivia appointed its first ambassador to the United States in 11 years on Tuesday, officials said, as the interim government resets the country's foreign policy after the departure of Evo Morales.

Bolivia appointed its first ambassador to the United States in 11 years on Tuesday, officials said, as the interim government resets the country's foreign policy after the departure of Evo Morales. Walter Oscar Serrate Cuellar has been given the key posting, the foreign ministry announced on Twitter, filling a position left vacant since a diplomatic spat between La Paz and Washington in 2008. The high-profile appointment, which has to be approved by the Senate, comes as the caretaker government prepares to hold new elections that exclude Morales. Morales' Movement for Socialism party controls the upper house of Congress. Serrate previously served as Bolivia's ambassador and permanent representative at the United Nations, the ministry said. Under Morales, Bolivia's president for nearly 14 years, ties with the United States were tense. Relations took a turn for the worse under former US leader George W. Bush, with the expulsion of ambassadors from both countries in late 2008. Morales resigned on November 10 and fled to Mexico where he was granted political asylum after disputed October 20 elections ignited street protests. Morales, who had been seeking a fourth term, claimed victory, but opposition groups said the results were rigged. Since declaring herself interim president, right-wing senator Jeanine Anez, who has been recognized by the United States, has wasted no time rewriting Bolivia's foreign policy. She broke ties with socialist Cuba and Nicolas Maduro's Venezuela. Anez's first foreign policy decision was to recognise Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's president, joining a group of around 50 countries. Foreign Minister Karen Longaric announced Venezuelan diplomats would be sent home for "violating diplomatic norms." Bolivia also fired all its ambassadors except those to Peru and the Vatican. Easing tensions Tuesday's announcement comes as some 20 former members of Morales' government are holed up in Mexico's embassy in La Paz, the foreign ministry said. Five of them, including Morales' former top minister Juan Ramon Quintana, are wanted for arrest. Both Morales and Quintana have been accused of sedition and terrorism. Federal prosecutors are investigating allegations that Morales, after arriving in Mexico, encouraged his supporters to maintain roadblocks that caused severe food and fuel shortages in La Paz. Interior Minister Arturo Murillo played a telephone recording to journalists last Wednesday, allegedly of Morales issuing instructions to a leader of the opposition movement in Bolivia. "Don't let food into the cities, we're going to block, really encircle (the cities)," says the voice Murillo attributed to Morales. Bolivia has lodged a formal protest to Mexico over Morales's remarks, saying they "contravened" his political asylum status. Looming new elections and talks between the interim government and opposition groups have helped defuse tensions after weeks of unrest that left dozens dead. Normal activities are resuming in La Paz and other cities with schools and businesses reopening this week and blockades of major transport routes mostly removed. An eight-point agreement released by the government pledged, among other things, to set up a commission to free protesters who had not committed any crimes.

Bolivia: First ambassador to United States appointed in 11 years

The United States on Monday (November 18) effectively backed Israel's right to build Jewish settlements on the occupied West Bank by abandoning its four-decade position that they were "inconsistent with international law."

"West Bank settlements are not inconsistent with International Law" - Pompeo

South Korean and US&nbsp;officials resumed talks on Monday to narrow a $4 billion gap in how much they want Seoul to pay for the cost of hosting the American military amid public protests of "highway robbery" against sharply increased US&nbsp;demands.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-the-deal-done-trump-tweets-at-north-koreas-kim-tells-him-to-act-quickly-262780">Donald Trump's</a> demand that Seoul take on a greater share of the cost of stationing 28,500 US&nbsp;troops as deterrence against North Korea has tested South Korea's confidence in the security alliance with Washington.

Reports of Trump's $5 billion demand earlier this month were greeted with shock in Seoul and on Monday, progressive groups protested at the negotiation venue against what they said was "highway robbery" by "greedy" Americans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-postpone-joint-drills-in-act-of-goodwill-262741">South Korea's</a> negotiating team is led by a former top financial regulator with experience in tough bargaining at times of crisis for Asia's fourth-largest economy, unprecedented in fronting a non-military expert in nearly 30 years of talks for the cost-sharing deals.

James DeHart, the chief US&nbsp;negotiator, said there was a lot of work to do but sounded a note of optimism as he arrived in South Korea on Sunday.

"I'm very confident that we will reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable, that both sides can support, and that will ultimately strengthen our great alliance," he told reporters.

Monday's meeting marked the third round of talks for him and the second for South Korea's Jeong Eun-bo, who was named to the job after the first round in September. He was previously vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission and a deputy finance minister.

"His metier is a budget, payment. I think the (South Korean) government decided that was the expertise needed this time," said a person who had worked with Jeong, declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing talks.

Jeong was involved in South Korea's debt negotiations with international financial agencies during the 1998 Asian financial crisis, and currency swap deals during the 2008 global financial crisis, the person said.

A South Korean lawmaker said earlier this month that US&nbsp;officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times the 1.04 trillion won ($896 million) Seoul agreed to pay this year.

South Korea "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more", US&nbsp;Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said after his meeting with South Korea's Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo last week.

Trump has long railed against what he says are inadequate contributions from allies towards defence costs. The United States is due to begin separate negotiations for new defence cost-sharing deals with Japan, Germany and NATO next year.

Trump has floated the idea of pulling US&nbsp;troops from the Korean peninsula, which remains in a technical state of war under a truce that suspended the 1950-53 Korean War.

South Korea's Defence Ministry denied reports on some South Korean YouTube channels that US&nbsp;troops would be withdrawn or reduced.

Esper "reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the current level of US&nbsp;forces in Korea and to improve their combat readiness" last week, the Defence Ministry press office said on its Twitter feed.

South Korean and US officials resumed talks on Monday to narrow a $4 billion gap in how much they want Seoul to pay for the cost of hosting the American military amid public protests of "highway robbery" against sharply increased US demands.

South Korean and US officials resumed talks on Monday to narrow a $4 billion gap in how much they want Seoul to pay for the cost of hosting the American military amid public protests of "highway robbery" against sharply increased US demands. US President Donald Trump's demand that Seoul take on a greater share of the cost of stationing 28,500 US troops as deterrence against North Korea has tested South Korea's confidence in the security alliance with Washington. Reports of Trump's $5 billion demand earlier this month were greeted with shock in Seoul and on Monday, progressive groups protested at the negotiation venue against what they said was "highway robbery" by "greedy" Americans. South Korea's negotiating team is led by a former top financial regulator with experience in tough bargaining at times of crisis for Asia's fourth-largest economy, unprecedented in fronting a non-military expert in nearly 30 years of talks for the cost-sharing deals. James DeHart, the chief US negotiator, said there was a lot of work to do but sounded a note of optimism as he arrived in South Korea on Sunday. "I'm very confident that we will reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable, that both sides can support, and that will ultimately strengthen our great alliance," he told reporters. Monday's meeting marked the third round of talks for him and the second for South Korea's Jeong Eun-bo, who was named to the job after the first round in September. He was previously vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission and a deputy finance minister. "His metier is a budget, payment. I think the (South Korean) government decided that was the expertise needed this time," said a person who had worked with Jeong, declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing talks. Jeong was involved in South Korea's debt negotiations with international financial agencies during the 1998 Asian financial crisis, and currency swap deals during the 2008 global financial crisis, the person said. A South Korean lawmaker said earlier this month that US officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times the 1.04 trillion won ($896 million) Seoul agreed to pay this year. South Korea "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more", US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said after his meeting with South Korea's Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo last week. Trump has long railed against what he says are inadequate contributions from allies towards defence costs. The United States is due to begin separate negotiations for new defence cost-sharing deals with Japan, Germany and NATO next year. Trump has floated the idea of pulling US troops from the Korean peninsula, which remains in a technical state of war under a truce that suspended the 1950-53 Korean War. South Korea's Defence Ministry denied reports on some South Korean YouTube channels that US troops would be withdrawn or reduced. Esper "reaffirmed the commitment to maintain the current level of US forces in Korea and to improve their combat readiness" last week, the Defence Ministry press office said on its Twitter feed.

United States, South Korea resume defence cost-sharing talks after Trump's $5 bn demand gets dubbed as 'robbery'

The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Tandi Dorji will be visiting India for five days starting November 17.

Dorji is expected to arrive in New Delhi tomorrow morning. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will meet Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in the evening.

On November 18, Dorji will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.&nbsp;

After taking charge of the ministry, Jaishankar went on a two-day bilateral visit to Bhutan in June this year. 
 
On Tuesday, the Bhutanese Minister will fly to Bodh Gaya in Bihar to attend a two-day programme.

The dignitary has a long trip planned in the country. On Thursday, he will travel to Kolkata to meet West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,

This will be followed by a programme in Kolkata. After this, Dorji will return to Bhutan next Saturday.

The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Tandi Dorji will be visiting India for five days starting November 17. Dorji is expected to arrive in New Delhi tomorrow morning.

The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Tandi Dorji will be visiting India for five days starting November 17. Dorji is expected to arrive in New Delhi tomorrow morning. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will meet Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in the evening. On November 18, Dorji will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. After taking charge of the ministry, Jaishankar went on a two-day bilateral visit to Bhutan in June this year. On Tuesday, the Bhutanese Minister will fly to Bodh Gaya in Bihar to attend a two-day programme. The dignitary has a long trip planned in the country. On Thursday, he will travel to Kolkata to meet West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, This will be followed by a programme in Kolkata. After this, Dorji will return to Bhutan next Saturday.

Bhutan's foreign minister Dorji to visit India for a week starting tomorrow

External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that evolution of India's foreign policy can be categorised into six broad phases - each a response to a different global strategic environment - and while previous phases have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the present one partly because it is still early phase of a major transition.

Delivering the 4th Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture here, Jaishankar said the first phase from 1946-62 could be characterised as an "era of optimistic non-alignment", that from 1962-70 as realism and discovery, from 1971-1991 as regional assertion, 1991- 1999 as quest for strategic autonomy, 2000- 2013 as balancing power and the last phase and 2014 to current as a phase of energetic diplomacy.

The BJP-led government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014.

Delineating the first phase between 1946, a year before the country gained Independence and 1962, when there was war with China, Jaishankar said 1946-62 was an "era of optimistic non-alignment" whose setting was very much in a bipolar world led by the United States and the USSR.

He added that India's objectives were to resist the constraining of choices and dilution of its sovereignty as it rebuilt its economy and consolidated its integrity.

"Its parallel goal, as the first of the decolonized nations, was to lead Asia and Africa in a quest for more equitable world order," said Jaishankar.

He said the second phase started in 1962 and lasted till 1971. It was a decade of "realism and recovery".

During this era, India made more "pragmatic choices" on security and political challenges despite a paucity of resources.

"It looked beyond non-alignment in the interest of national security, concluding a now largely forgotten defence agreement with the US in 1964. External pressures on Kashmir mounted in this period of vulnerability," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar said in the third phase India had major "regional assertion" which began with the creation of Bangladesh and ended with Indian Peace Keeping Force "misadventure" in Sri Lanka.

"It was a particularly complex phase as the US-China-Pakistan axis which came into being at this time seriously threatened India's prospects The collapse of USSR, its close ally, and the not unconnected economic crisis in 1991 compelled us to look again at the first principles of both domestic and foreign policy," he said.

The dissolution of USSR in 1991 led to the emergence of the unipolar world, Jaishankar said, adding that these events led to the beginning of the fourth phase of Indian foreign policy.

"It encourages a radical rethink in India on a broad range of issues and it shifted focus safeguarding strategic autonomy," he said.

The minister said it was also a period Indian reached out to the US more intensively.

He said after 1998 Indian entered the fifth phase of foreign policy and acquired attributes to balancing power. "It is reflected in India-US nuclear deal as well as better understanding with the West at large," he said.

During this phase, India was successful in making common cause with China on trade and climate change, along with this that it was able to consolidate further ties with Russia, Jaishnakar said.

However, this phase also came to an end in 2014 and initiated the sixth phase. "To begin woith China gathered more momentum," he said.

"During this period India has chosen to turn to very energetic diplomacy. It did so by recognising that we are entering the world of convergences and issue-based arrangements," he said.

The minister said India still in the early phase of major transition in foreign policy.

"While the previous phases of foreign policy each have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the current one. Part of the challenge is that we are still in the early phase of a major transition. The contours of even the near future are not yet clear. One solution is to anchor it on Indian aspirations and to speak of our goal of emerging as a leading power," he added.

External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that evolution of India's foreign policy can be categorised into six broad phases - each a response to a different global strategic environment - and while previous phases have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the present one partly because it is still early phase of a major transition.

External Affair Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that evolution of India's foreign policy can be categorised into six broad phases - each a response to a different global strategic environment - and while previous phases have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the present one partly because it is still early phase of a major transition. Delivering the 4th Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture here, Jaishankar said the first phase from 1946-62 could be characterised as an "era of optimistic non-alignment", that from 1962-70 as realism and discovery, from 1971-1991 as regional assertion, 1991- 1999 as quest for strategic autonomy, 2000- 2013 as balancing power and the last phase and 2014 to current as a phase of energetic diplomacy. The BJP-led government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014. Delineating the first phase between 1946, a year before the country gained Independence and 1962, when there was war with China, Jaishankar said 1946-62 was an "era of optimistic non-alignment" whose setting was very much in a bipolar world led by the United States and the USSR. He added that India's objectives were to resist the constraining of choices and dilution of its sovereignty as it rebuilt its economy and consolidated its integrity. "Its parallel goal, as the first of the decolonized nations, was to lead Asia and Africa in a quest for more equitable world order," said Jaishankar. He said the second phase started in 1962 and lasted till 1971. It was a decade of "realism and recovery". During this era, India made more "pragmatic choices" on security and political challenges despite a paucity of resources. "It looked beyond non-alignment in the interest of national security, concluding a now largely forgotten defence agreement with the US in 1964. External pressures on Kashmir mounted in this period of vulnerability," Jaishankar said. Jaishankar said in the third phase India had major "regional assertion" which began with the creation of Bangladesh and ended with Indian Peace Keeping Force "misadventure" in Sri Lanka. "It was a particularly complex phase as the US-China-Pakistan axis which came into being at this time seriously threatened India's prospects The collapse of USSR, its close ally, and the not unconnected economic crisis in 1991 compelled us to look again at the first principles of both domestic and foreign policy," he said. The dissolution of USSR in 1991 led to the emergence of the unipolar world, Jaishankar said, adding that these events led to the beginning of the fourth phase of Indian foreign policy. "It encourages a radical rethink in India on a broad range of issues and it shifted focus safeguarding strategic autonomy," he said. The minister said it was also a period Indian reached out to the US more intensively. He said after 1998 Indian entered the fifth phase of foreign policy and acquired attributes to balancing power. "It is reflected in India-US nuclear deal as well as better understanding with the West at large," he said. During this phase, India was successful in making common cause with China on trade and climate change, along with this that it was able to consolidate further ties with Russia, Jaishnakar said. However, this phase also came to an end in 2014 and initiated the sixth phase. "To begin woith China gathered more momentum," he said. "During this period India has chosen to turn to very energetic diplomacy. It did so by recognising that we are entering the world of convergences and issue-based arrangements," he said. The minister said India still in the early phase of major transition in foreign policy. "While the previous phases of foreign policy each have a neat description, it is harder to categorise the current one. Part of the challenge is that we are still in the early phase of a major transition. The contours of even the near future are not yet clear. One solution is to anchor it on Indian aspirations and to speak of our goal of emerging as a leading power," he added.

From non-alignment to energetic diplomacy: Jaishankar delineates six phases of India's foreign policy

At the 2012 opening of Trump Towers in Istanbul, real estate mogul Donald Trump sang the praises of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-says-united-states-not-fulfilling-syria-deal-ahead-of-doanld-trump-talks-260531">Tayyip Erdogan</a>, telling a mostly Turkish audience that their leader, prime minister at the time, was "highly respected" around the world.

"He's a good man. He's just representing you very well," Trump said at the ceremony.

Since becoming the US&nbsp;president, Trump has openly complimented Erdogan and his combative ruling style, calling him "a friend" and "hell of a leader."

Such fondness from Trump for the Turkish president, who is due to meet with him at the White House on Wednesday, is seen by many as the only reason why relations between Turkey and the United States have not completely collapsed, having soured severely over their disagreements on a host of issues.

"The two leaders have an affinity for each other as strongman presidents," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, while warning of the deep animosity within the bureaucracies of the two NATO allies.

"The Erdogan-Trump part of the US-Turkey relationship is really the only component of it that is currently working right now," Cagaptay said. "Confidence between government agencies of both countries has eroded and there is considerable anger towards the US&nbsp;in Turkey and vice versa."

Washington and Ankara hit a new crisis point last month over Syria after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-kurdish-fighters-have-not-left-syria-safe-zone-despite-us-russia-deals-260109">Erdogan began a cross-border incursion</a> against America's Kurdish allies and upended the US&nbsp;presence there. Months earlier, the United States was livid over Turkey's purchase of Russian missile defence systems.

Turkey shrugged off threats of US&nbsp;sanctions and began receiving its first S-400 deliveries in July. In response, Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program, in which Ankara was a manufacturer and buyer. But so far, it has not imposed any sanctions.

The move infuriated the US&nbsp;Congress, whose anger toward Turkey deepened following Ankara's offensive into Syria to drive out the Kurdish militia, Washington's main partner in the fight against Islamic State.

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives last month passed a sanctions package to punish Turkey over its Syria operation while key members of the Senate, including Trump ally Lindsey Graham, have vowed to advance it if Ankara endangers Kurds.

The House has also voted in favour of a non-binding resolution recognizing as genocide the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians 100 years ago, for the first time, angering Ankara. Some lawmakers on Monday asked Trump in a letter to rescind the invitation to Erdogan.

Erdogan has managed to avoid sanctions so far, but on Sunday, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said the threat was real. "If Turkey doesn't get rid of the S-400, I mean, there will likely be sanctions. ... Turkey will feel the impact of those sanctions," he told CBS News.

Washington wants S-400S abandoned

The issues straining the NATO allies stretch well beyond Syria and Russia. While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-speaks-with-trump-to-visit-washington-next-week-260443">Washington has largely stayed quiet</a> in the face of an increasingly authoritarian Erdogan, it wants Ankara to drop charges against US&nbsp;consular workers prosecuted in Turkey.

For Ankara, its long-standing extradition request for US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it blames for orchestrating the 2016 failed coup, and US&nbsp;charges on Turkey's state-owned Halkbank for Iran sanctions-busting are also contentious.

"We are of the same opinion with President Trump to solve problems and to improve our relations despite clouds in our bilateral ties," Erdogan told reporters before his flight to Washington. "We have made significant progress on several issues despite bureaucratic and political sabotage attempts by some remnants of the previous administration."

For Wednesday, the Trump administration's main goals are to get Erdogan to drop plans to use the S-400s and to agree to a permanent ceasefire in Syria, a senior administration official said. "We want to lock that in," the official said, referring to both issues.

If Turkey agrees, Washington could eventually allow Ankara back on the F-35 fighter jet program and offer to sign a $100 billion trade agreement, two US&nbsp;officials said. But Ankara has yet to signal a reversal.

"Something like Turkey taking a step back from its purchase of S-400s is not on the agenda," a senior Turkish official said.

Since his announcement last December to pull out all troops from Syria, Trump has softened plans and agreed to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country. As part of that plan, Washington wants to continue working with SDF fighters in the region to press on Islamic State, a move Ankara dislikes.

"US&nbsp;soldiers remaining at oil fields in Syria are also against the spirit of what is being done in Syria," the Turkish official said. "The support the United States provides the YPG is one of the biggest threats to ties between the two countries in the coming period. This will be underlined very seriously during the visit," he said.

Despite the disagreements, Ankara remains hopeful, citing a warm telephone conversation between the two leaders last week. "With Trump's personal support, I believe the visit will contribute to overcoming problems. The phone call gave serious indications of this," the official added.

At the 2012 opening of Trump Towers in Istanbul, real estate mogul Donald Trump sang the praises of Tayyip Erdogan, telling a mostly Turkish audience that their leader, prime minister at the time, was "highly respected" around the world.

At the 2012 opening of Trump Towers in Istanbul, real estate mogul Donald Trump sang the praises of Tayyip Erdogan, telling a mostly Turkish audience that their leader, prime minister at the time, was "highly respected" around the world. "He's a good man. He's just representing you very well," Trump said at the ceremony. Since becoming the US president, Trump has openly complimented Erdogan and his combative ruling style, calling him "a friend" and "hell of a leader." Such fondness from Trump for the Turkish president, who is due to meet with him at the White House on Wednesday, is seen by many as the only reason why relations between Turkey and the United States have not completely collapsed, having soured severely over their disagreements on a host of issues. "The two leaders have an affinity for each other as strongman presidents," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish Research Program at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, while warning of the deep animosity within the bureaucracies of the two NATO allies. "The Erdogan-Trump part of the US-Turkey relationship is really the only component of it that is currently working right now," Cagaptay said. "Confidence between government agencies of both countries has eroded and there is considerable anger towards the US in Turkey and vice versa." Washington and Ankara hit a new crisis point last month over Syria after Erdogan began a cross-border incursion against America's Kurdish allies and upended the US presence there. Months earlier, the United States was livid over Turkey's purchase of Russian missile defence systems. Turkey shrugged off threats of US sanctions and began receiving its first S-400 deliveries in July. In response, Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program, in which Ankara was a manufacturer and buyer. But so far, it has not imposed any sanctions. The move infuriated the US Congress, whose anger toward Turkey deepened following Ankara's offensive into Syria to drive out the Kurdish militia, Washington's main partner in the fight against Islamic State. The US House of Representatives last month passed a sanctions package to punish Turkey over its Syria operation while key members of the Senate, including Trump ally Lindsey Graham, have vowed to advance it if Ankara endangers Kurds. The House has also voted in favour of a non-binding resolution recognizing as genocide the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians 100 years ago, for the first time, angering Ankara. Some lawmakers on Monday asked Trump in a letter to rescind the invitation to Erdogan. Erdogan has managed to avoid sanctions so far, but on Sunday, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said the threat was real. "If Turkey doesn't get rid of the S-400, I mean, there will likely be sanctions. ... Turkey will feel the impact of those sanctions," he told CBS News. Washington wants S-400S abandoned The issues straining the NATO allies stretch well beyond Syria and Russia. While Washington has largely stayed quiet in the face of an increasingly authoritarian Erdogan, it wants Ankara to drop charges against US consular workers prosecuted in Turkey. For Ankara, its long-standing extradition request for US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it blames for orchestrating the 2016 failed coup, and US charges on Turkey's state-owned Halkbank for Iran sanctions-busting are also contentious. "We are of the same opinion with President Trump to solve problems and to improve our relations despite clouds in our bilateral ties," Erdogan told reporters before his flight to Washington. "We have made significant progress on several issues despite bureaucratic and political sabotage attempts by some remnants of the previous administration." For Wednesday, the Trump administration's main goals are to get Erdogan to drop plans to use the S-400s and to agree to a permanent ceasefire in Syria, a senior administration official said. "We want to lock that in," the official said, referring to both issues. If Turkey agrees, Washington could eventually allow Ankara back on the F-35 fighter jet program and offer to sign a $100 billion trade agreement, two US officials said. But Ankara has yet to signal a reversal. "Something like Turkey taking a step back from its purchase of S-400s is not on the agenda," a senior Turkish official said. Since his announcement last December to pull out all troops from Syria, Trump has softened plans and agreed to keep a residual force in the northeastern part of the country. As part of that plan, Washington wants to continue working with SDF fighters in the region to press on Islamic State, a move Ankara dislikes. "US soldiers remaining at oil fields in Syria are also against the spirit of what is being done in Syria," the Turkish official said. "The support the United States provides the YPG is one of the biggest threats to ties between the two countries in the coming period. This will be underlined very seriously during the visit," he said. Despite the disagreements, Ankara remains hopeful, citing a warm telephone conversation between the two leaders last week. "With Trump's personal support, I believe the visit will contribute to overcoming problems. The phone call gave serious indications of this," the official added.

Behind Trump-Erdogan 'bromance,' a White House meeting to repair US-Turkey ties

India will not be joining the mega trading deal - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vietnam-backs-india-at-rcep-says-want-trade-deal-with-all-16-countries-259891">Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership</a>&nbsp;(RCEP), as its key concerns have not been addressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that New Delhi will not compromise on its "core interests".

While speaking at the third RCEP meet in Bangkok, PM Modi&nbsp;said, "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirt and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP. It also does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns. In such a situation, it is not possible for India to join the RCEP agreement."

"When I measure the RCEP agreement with respect to the interests of all Indians, I do not get a positive answer. Therefore, neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP,&nbsp;" the Indian prime minister added.

The key issues that concerned New Delhi included inadequate protection against import surge, insufficient differential with China, keeping the base year as 2014 and no credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers.

Meanwhile, ASEAN sources reacting to the development called it a "win win outcome" with "both side getting to inform their constituencies back home that they got a deal (RCEP 15) &amp; India gets to tell its constituencies that India held out to safeguard domestic interests."

Adding, "If a deal could be struck before the 15 complete their legal scrubbing, then it could be 16 members. If not, 15 will proceed ahead without India. &nbsp;Meanwhile, 15 will be able to benefit, although not as much as with India in RCEP."

Calling "RCEP deal is better for the world economy",&nbsp;ASEAN sources said "RCEP deal bucks the trend of protectionism being equated with nationalism."

The negotiation for the deal started in 2012 in Cambodia and will be one of the biggest Free trade agreement in the world.

India will not be joining the mega trading deal - Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as its key concerns have not been addressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that New Delhi will not compromise on its "core interests".

India will not be joining the mega trading deal - Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as its key concerns have not been addressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that New Delhi will not compromise on its "core interests". While speaking at the third RCEP meet in Bangkok, PM Modi said, "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirt and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP. It also does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns. In such a situation, it is not possible for India to join the RCEP agreement." "When I measure the RCEP agreement with respect to the interests of all Indians, I do not get a positive answer. Therefore, neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP, " the Indian prime minister added. The key issues that concerned New Delhi included inadequate protection against import surge, insufficient differential with China, keeping the base year as 2014 and no credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers. Meanwhile, ASEAN sources reacting to the development called it a "win win outcome" with "both side getting to inform their constituencies back home that they got a deal (RCEP 15) & India gets to tell its constituencies that India held out to safeguard domestic interests." Adding, "If a deal could be struck before the 15 complete their legal scrubbing, then it could be 16 members. If not, 15 will proceed ahead without India. Meanwhile, 15 will be able to benefit, although not as much as with India in RCEP." Calling "RCEP deal is better for the world economy", ASEAN sources said "RCEP deal bucks the trend of protectionism being equated with nationalism." The negotiation for the deal started in 2012 in Cambodia and will be one of the biggest Free trade agreement in the world.

Not possible for India to join RCEP agreement: PM Modi in Bangkok

diplomacy

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