Jordan Issues Record Number Of Work Permits To Syrian Refugees In 2021: UN

AMMAN, Jan 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) – The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said yesterday that, a record 62,000 work permits were issued to Syrian refugees by Jordan, in 2021. These include a record high of 31,000 flexible permits, which allow refugees to move between similar jobs in the same sector,…

Saudi, Thailand Agree To Restore Full Diplomatic Ties

RIYADH, Jan 26 (NNN-SPA) – Saudi Arabia and Thailand agreed yesterday, to restore full diplomatic relations, during the official visit of Thai Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. In a joint statement, the two sides announced the exchange of ambassadors in the…

Egypt Calls For Resuming Negotiations On Ethiopia’s Dam Project

CAIRO, Jan 26 (NNN-MENA) – The Egyptian government called yesterday, for resuming negotiations on the disputed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), as soon as possible. Egypt is keen to reach a legally binding deal, on the filling and operating of the GERD, that secures Ethiopia’s interests in electricity generation and…

Mongolia, Mining Giant Rio Tinto End Long-Running Dispute Over Oyu Tolgoi Copper Mine

ULAN BATOR, Jan 26 (NNN-XINHUA) – The Mongolian government and Anglo-Australian mining giant, Rio Tinto, have settled a long-running dispute over underground expansion for the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mining project, allowing the mine’s underground mining construction to commence, the Mongolian government’s press office said yesterday. “I believe the commencement of…

Security Beefed Up Across India Ahead Of Republic Day Celebrations Today

NEW DELHI, Jan 26 (NNN-PTI) – Ahead of India’s 73rd Republic Day celebrations, authorities have tightened security across major cities, police said yesterday. The move has been taken to thwart any possible attempt by militant or terror groups, to disrupt official celebrations. Police have intensified checking and patrolling at metro…

Iran Rules Out “Interim Deal” In Vienna Nuke Talks

TEHRAN, Jan 25 (NNN-IRNA) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, yesterday, ruled out the possibility of an “interim deal” in ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the world powers, in Austria’s capital, Vienna. “Iran is looking for a stable and reliable agreement and will not accept anything less than that. The…

Istanbul Airport Cancels All Flights As Heavy Snowstorm Hits Turkey

ISTANBUL, Jan 25 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Istanbul Airport, the largest of the three airports in Istanbul, cancelled all flights yesterday, for safety concerns, after the Turkish metropolis and financial hub was swept by a strong snowstorm, according to the airport management. “All flights at Istanbul Airport have been temporarily halted, for…

Lebanon Starts First Round Of Official Talks With IMF

BEIRUT, Jan 25 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanon yesterday kicked off the first round of official talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), seeking to unlock aid for the crisis-hit country. Lebanon’s deputy prime minister and chief negotiator, Saade Chami, said that, the talks focused on a range of economic and political…

Jordan’s Planning Minister Tests Positive For COVID-19

AMMAN, Jan 25 (NNN-PETRA) – Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Nasser Shraideh, said yesterday that, he tested positive for COVID-19. Shraideh said that, he was in a stable health condition and adhering to home isolation procedures and infection protocols. Also yesterday, Jordan reported the highest daily COVID-19 cases,…

S.Korea’s Daily COVID-19 Cases Hit Record High At 8,571

SEOUL, Jan 25 (NNN-YONHAP) – South Korea’s daily number of COVID-19 cases hit a new record high, owing to the spread of the Omicron variant, the health authorities said today. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the country reported 8,571 more cases of COVID-19 for the…