Xi Jinping Attends, Delivers Keynote Speech at 10th Ministerial Conference of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum
On the morning of May 30, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and delivered a keynote speech at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Xi Jinping announced that China will host the second China-Arab States Summit in China in 2026. China is willing to work with Arab states to carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship, build "five cooperation frameworks", and accelerate the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future. In the flourishing summer month, all things are prosperous. Inside Fanghua Garden of Diaoyutai, the national flags of China and Arab states and the flag of the Arab League shone brightly. Xi Jinping shook hands with King Hamad of Bahrain, President Sisi of Egypt, President Saied of Tunisia, President Mohamed of the UAE, Secretary-General Gheit of the Arab League, and the heads of 22 Arab state delegations one by one, and took a group photo. Amid warm applause, Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech titled "Deepen Cooperation, Forge Ahead, and Accelerate the Building of a China-Arab Community with a Shared Future." Xi Jinping pointed out that the friendship between China and the Chinese people and Arab states and peoples originated from friendly exchanges along the ancient Silk Road, joint struggles for national liberation, and win-win cooperation in the process of national development. Since the new century, China-Arab relations have continuously reached new heights. In December 2022, I attended the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where China and Arab states unanimously agreed to build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era. China is willing to work with Arab states to leverage the strategic guiding role of the summit and continue to promote the leapfrog development of China-Arab relations. China will host the second China-Arab States Summit in China in 2026, which is believed to be another milestone in China-Arab relations. Xi Jinping emphasized that at present, the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century. Both China and Arab states bear the historic mission of achieving their respective national revitalizations and accelerating national development. Building a China-Arab community with a shared future demonstrates our common aspiration to open a new era in China-Arab relations and create a new future for a beautiful world. China is willing to work with Arab states to help each other, be equal and mutually beneficial, inclusive and learn from each other, and cooperate closely, to build China-Arab relations into a model for safeguarding world peace and stability, an example of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, a paradigm for the harmonious coexistence of different civilizations, and a role model for exploring the correct path of global governance. Xi Jinping pointed out that through joint efforts, the "Eight Major Joint Actions" for promoting practical cooperation between China and Arab states, which I proposed during the first China-Arab States Summit, have achieved important early harvests. Based on this, China is willing to work with Arab states to build "five cooperation frameworks" to accelerate the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future. First, a more dynamic innovation-driven framework. China will work with Arab states to jointly build 10 joint laboratories in areas such as life and health, artificial intelligence, green and low carbon, modern agriculture, and space information; strengthen cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, jointly promote AI empowerment of the real economy, and promote the formation of a global AI governance system with broad consensus; jointly build a space debris joint observation center and a Beidou application cooperation and development center, and strengthen cooperation in manned spaceflight and civil aircraft. Second, a larger-scale investment and financial framework. China is willing to work with Arab states to establish an industrial and investment cooperation forum, support financial institutions from both sides to strengthen cooperation, welcome Arab banking institutions to join the RMB Cross-border Interbank Payment System, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in the field of central bank digital currency. Third, a more multi-dimensional energy cooperation framework. China will work with Arab states to further strengthen strategic cooperation in the oil and gas sector, and jointly carry out new energy technology research and development and equipment production. Support Chinese energy enterprises and financial institutions to participate in renewable energy projects in Arab states. Fourth, a more balanced economic and trade reciprocity framework. China will continue to actively promote the implementation of China-Arab development cooperation projects, accelerate negotiations on bilateral and regional free trade agreements, and promote the establishment of an e-commerce cooperation dialogue mechanism. China welcomes Arab states to actively participate in the China International Import Expo, and is willing to expand imports of non-energy products, especially agricultural and food products, from Arab states. Fifth, a broader dimension of cultural exchange framework. China is willing to work with Arab states to establish a "Global Civilization Initiative China-Arab Center", and accelerate the construction of platforms such as the think tank alliance, youth development forum, university alliance, and cultural and tourism cooperation research center. China will invite 200 Arab political party leaders to visit China annually, and strive to achieve 10 million reciprocal tourist visits in the next five years. Xi Jinping pointed out that the Middle East is a land of development, but conflicts are still ongoing in this region. The war cannot continue indefinitely, justice cannot be absent permanently, and the "two-state solution" cannot be arbitrarily shaken. China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, supports Palestine's full membership in the United Nations, and supports the convening of a larger, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference. China will continue to provide support and emergency humanitarian assistance for alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and post-war reconstruction. Xi Jinping concluded by saying that an Arabic proverb says, "A friend is the sunshine of life." China will continue to work with Arab friends to carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship, unite and create the future, and make the road of building a China-Arab community with a shared future full of sunshine! King Hamad of Bahrain, President Sisi of Egypt, President Saied of Tunisia, President Mohamed of the UAE, and Secretary-General Gheit of the Arab League delivered speeches respectively. They all highly praised the positive achievements of cooperation between Arab states and China in various fields since the establishment of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum 20 years ago, and stated that further deepening comprehensive cooperation between Arab states and China is the common aspiration of the Arab and Chinese peoples and is conducive to promoting the establishment of a more fair and reasonable new international order. The Arab side highly praised China's development achievements and experiences, attached great importance to China's important role in the present and future world, reaffirmed its firm adherence to the One-China principle, supported China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and was willing to further elevate the level of the Arab-China comprehensive strategic partnership with China and make every effort to build an Arab-China community with a shared future for the new era. The leaders all highly appreciated China's fair and just position on the Palestinian issue and expressed their willingness to work closely with China to promote the de-escalation of tensions and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, achieve the independence of the Palestinian people, and promote an early, comprehensive, and just resolution of the Palestinian issue. Cai Qi attended the event. Wang Yi presided over the opening ceremony.
Xi Jinping Holds Welcoming Ceremony for UAE President
On the afternoon of May 30, President Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for his state visit to China. A 21-gun salute was fired in Tiananmen Square. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, attended the welcoming ceremony. Accompanying Mohamed on his visit to China were the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The military band played the national anthems of the UAE and China. Mohamed, accompanied by Xi Jinping, reviewed the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The two heads of state returned to the reviewing stand to watch the march-past of the Guard of Honor. Mohamed was invited by Xi Jinping for a state visit to China and to attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
Xi Jinping Holds Talks With UAE President
On the afternoon of May 30, President Xi Jinping held talks with UAE President Mohamed, who was on a state visit to China and attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping pointed out that the UAE is an important comprehensive strategic partner of China. In recent years, under our joint leadership, China-UAE relations have maintained a good momentum of development, setting an example for China-Arab relations in the new era. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, an important juncture for China-UAE relations to build on past achievements and usher in a new future. China is willing to work with the UAE to continue to firmly grasp the general direction of bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, ensuring that the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership always flourishes. Xi Jinping emphasized that China supports the UAE in pursuing an independent development path, supports the UAE in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and is willing to consolidate political mutual trust and strengthen cooperation with the UAE to jointly build a China-UAE community with a shared future. China is willing to work with the UAE to continuously advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, and take the establishment of a high-level committee for China-UAE investment cooperation as an opportunity to achieve more results in bilateral cooperation. Consolidate cooperation in trade, energy, and infrastructure, and expand cooperation in high-tech fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, digital economy, and new energy. Strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation. Not long ago, I wrote back to Arabic language learners in the UAE, encouraging them to learn Chinese well, understand China, and contribute to promoting China-Arab friendship. China is willing to continue supporting the "Chinese Language Teaching in 100 Schools" project, promoting the construction of Chinese cultural centers in the UAE, strengthening cultural exchanges, and enhancing mutual understanding and friendship. Xi Jinping pointed out that the trend of multipolarity in the world is unstoppable. Multipolarity should essentially be mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among different civilizations, systems, and paths. Countries in the Middle East are an important part of developing countries and an important force for world multipolarity. China supports regional countries in continuing to follow development paths that suit their national conditions, firmly pursuing a path of solidarity and self-reliance, peace and reconciliation, insisting on resolving differences through communication and consultation, and taking their future into their own hands. China is willing to work with the UAE and other Arab states to successfully host the second China-Arab States Summit and advance the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future. China is willing to strengthen the China-GCC strategic partnership with the UAE and expand multilateral cooperation to safeguard the common interests of "Global South" countries. Mohamed said that he was very pleased to visit China, his second home, again and attend the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum with President Xi Jinping. The relationship between Arab states and GCC countries and China has a deep foundation, and continuously deepening the development of Arab-China and GCC-China relations is in line with the common aspirations and fundamental interests of the peoples of Arab states and GCC countries. The UAE is willing to work with China to promote Arab-China and GCC-China relations to better benefit the peoples of both sides. Mohamed stated that the relationship between the UAE and China is built on mutual trust, mutual respect, and common interests, and cooperation in various fields has reached extraordinary levels. The UAE attaches great importance to developing relations with China, places China at the top of its diplomatic priorities, regards China as a long-term reliable strategic partner, and is willing to take the opportunity of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries to further deepen and expand cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, investment, energy, science and technology, education, and humanities. The UAE government firmly adheres to the One-China policy, opposes "Taiwan independence" in any form, and supports China's efforts to achieve national reunification. The UAE highly appreciates and actively supports the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and will continue to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination with China to make positive efforts for promoting peace, development, and prosperity in the region and the world. The two sides also exchanged views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Xi Jinping emphasized that the most urgent task is a comprehensive ceasefire and an end to the fighting, and to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. The international community should jointly support an early negotiated resolution of the Palestinian issue based on the "two-state solution." China and Arab states have consistent positions on the Palestinian issue and should work together to promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue. After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as investment, Belt and Road cooperation, science and technology, peaceful use of nuclear energy, Chinese language education, and cultural tourism. Before the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Mohamed at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. A 21-gun salute was fired in Tiananmen Square, and honor guards lined up to salute. The two heads of state ascended the reviewing stand, and the military band played the national anthems of China and the UAE. Mohamed, accompanied by Xi Jinping, reviewed the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past. That evening, Xi Jinping hosted a welcoming banquet for Mohamed in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Wang Yi participated in the above activities.
Bearing Mission in Mind, Safeguarding Chinese Modernization: Xi Jinping's Meeting With Police Delegates Sparks Enthusiastic Response
General Secretary Xi Jinping's cordial meeting with representatives of the National Public Security Work Conference greatly encouraged public security police officers across the country. They stated that they would thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discourses on public security work in the new era, resolutely adhere to loyalty to the Party, serving the people, impartial law enforcement, and strict discipline, and make every effort to safeguard national security and social stability, and make new and greater contributions to promoting the building of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation. General Secretary Xi Jinping's cordial meeting and greetings made the vast number of public security police officers feel proud and greatly encouraged, and deeply felt the heavy responsibility and mission they bear. They stated that they would adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and the Overall National Security Concept, truly enhance the "four consciousnesses," strengthen the "four confidences," and resolutely achieve the "two safeguards," always maintaining a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee in thought, politics, and action. The vast number of public security police officers stated that they would bear in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's entrustment, always adhere to a people-centered approach, and fulfill their duties of combating crime and protecting the people. The vast number of public security police officers stated that they would keep their mission in mind, forge a high-quality public security force that reassures the Party Central Committee and satisfies the people, unswervingly follow the path of reform and strengthening the police, and strive to create a new situation for the modernization of public security work.
Li Qiang Meets With Egyptian President
Premier Li Qiang met with Egyptian President Sisi in Beijing on May 30. Li Qiang stated that China and Egypt are good friends and partners who unite and help each other, and develop hand in hand. President Xi Jinping held talks with Mr. President yesterday (May 29) and made strategic plans for the development of China-Egypt relations under the new circumstances. China is willing to work with Egypt to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry forward traditional friendship, continuously strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, and various other fields under the guidance of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and push the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Egypt within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, and make unremremitting efforts to promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. Sisi stated that Egypt firmly adheres to the One-China principle, firmly supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports China in combating terrorism, and is willing to work with China to further expand cooperation in various fields within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, to better benefit the peoples of both countries.
Li Qiang Meets With Tunisian President
Premier Li Qiang met with Tunisian President Saied in Beijing on May 30. Li Qiang stated that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tunisia. President Xi Jinping will hold talks with Mr. President to draw a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations. China firmly opposes external interference in Tunisia's internal affairs and is willing to work with Tunisia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, inherit and carry forward the tradition of friendship and mutual trust, continuously deepen cooperation in various fields under the guidance of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and transform the traditional friendship between China and Tunisia into more practical results. China is willing to work with Tunisia to make every effort to build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era and promote the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. Saied stated that Tunisia firmly adheres to the One-China principle and firmly opposes external interference in China's internal affairs. Tunisia looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in infrastructure construction, health, medical tourism, and other fields, and promoting the continuous development of Tunisia-China relations. Wu Zheng-long attended the meeting.
Li Qiang Signs State Council Order Promulgating Decision on Amending Regulations on National Science and Technology Awards
Premier Li Qiang recently signed a State Council Decree, announcing the "Decision of the State Council on Amending the Regulations on National Science and Technology Awards" (hereinafter referred to as the "Decision"), which will take effect from the date of its promulgation. The "Decision" adheres to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over scientific and technological work, and further enhances the authority and honor of national science and technology awards. The "Decision" has a total of 8 articles, mainly stipulating the following contents. First, it stipulates that the national science and technology award work adheres to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee; major matters related to national science and technology award work shall be reported to the Party Central Committee in accordance with relevant regulations. Second, it stipulates that resolutions on national science and technology award winners and award levels shall be reported to the Party Central Committee and the State Council for approval. Third, it stipulates that national science and technology awards adhere to national strategic guidance and are closely integrated with major national strategic needs and long-term scientific and technological development plans.
Zhao Leji Meets With UAE President
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with UAE President Mohamed in Beijing on May 30. Zhao Leji stated that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Mohamed, China-UAE relations have entered a new stage of comprehensive, rapid, and in-depth development. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China is willing to work with the UAE to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, promote the further development of the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership, and elevate the level of collective cooperation between China and Arab states and GCC countries. Exchanges between the legislative bodies of China and the UAE are an important part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. The National People's Congress of China is willing to strengthen exchanges with the UAE Federal National Council to provide legal guarantees for cooperation in various fields between the two countries. Mohamed stated that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and China is deep and strong, and has global influence. The UAE firmly adheres to the One-China principle and is willing to be a strong and active partner in jointly building the "Belt and Road" to benefit the peoples of both countries. Xiao Jie participated in the meeting.
Han Zheng Meets With Arab League Secretary-General
On May 29, Vice President Han Zheng met with Arab League Secretary-General Gheit in Beijing. Han Zheng stated that the friendly exchanges between China and Arab states have a long history, and the two great civilizations of China and Arabia shine brightly. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the forum and delivered a keynote speech, which fully reflects China's great importance to the development of China-Arab relations and the high level of China-Arab relations. China is willing to work with Arab states to jointly implement the important consensus of the leaders of both sides and the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit, firmly support each other, continuously advance high-level practical cooperation, promote the sustained development of China-Arab relations, and better benefit the peoples of both China and Arab states. Gheit stated that the Arab side appreciates China's long-term strong support to Arab states, highly appreciates a series of major initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, firmly adheres to the One-China principle, and is willing to take this ministerial meeting as an opportunity to push the development of Arab-China relations to a new level.
Strengthening Innovation Confidence, Spearheading Self-Reliance in Science and Technology
Today (May 30) marks the 8th "National Science and Technology Workers Day," with the theme of "Promoting the Spirit of Scientists and Bravely Becoming the Vanguard of High-Level Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance and Self-Improvement." China's first museum dedicated to scientists, the Chinese Scientists Museum, opened to the public today. Its main exhibition, "Backbone of the Republic," showcases precious materials of over 190 scientists. By promoting the spirit of scientists and adhering to the "four orientations," the vast number of science and technology workers are bravely moving forward on the journey of building a world science and technology powerhouse, achieving a number of major breakthroughs. Facing the world's scientific frontiers, China has achieved a number of original results in cutting-edge areas such as quantum information, stem cells, and brain-inspired chips. Not long ago, a team from the University of Science and Technology of China successfully built the world's first entanglement-based metropolitan quantum network. Facing the main economic battlefield, new quality productive forces are accelerating cultivation, and emerging industries such as intelligent robots are continuously expanding. Since the beginning of this year, the Q-series humanoid robots from the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have been unveiled, and the world's first universal humanoid robot mother platform "Tiangong" has been released. Facing the people's life and health, China has established 50 national clinical medical research centers and successfully developed 87 Class 1 new drugs. Recently, new progress has been made in high-end medical equipment such as medical heavy ion accelerators and gas magnetic resonance imaging systems. Facing major national needs, in vast space, scientific experiments on the Chinese Space Station are proceeding in an orderly manner; Chang'e-6 is expected to achieve important tasks such as humanity's first sample return from the far side of the moon.
Domestic News Briefs
Two Departments Strengthen Cross-Region Agricultural Machinery Transportation Services To ensure the smooth harvest of wheat during the "Sanxia" (three summer) period, the Ministry of Transport, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, has strengthened cross-regional agricultural machinery transportation services. Measures include prioritizing permits for large agricultural machinery transportation, activating "green channels" for agricultural machinery, implementing a "free and fast release" policy, and resolving difficulties in cross-regional agricultural machinery transportation on a "case-by-case coordination" basis to ensure smooth transportation of agricultural vehicles. Added Value of Electronic Information Manufacturing Above Designated Size Grew by 13.6% in First Four Months Data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that from January to April, China's electronic information manufacturing production grew steadily, with a significant overall growth trend in the industry. The added value of electronic information manufacturing above designated size increased by 13.6% year-on-year, achieving operating revenue of 4.67 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.9%. National Railways to Implement New Train Operating Schedule from June 15 Reporter learned today (May 30) from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. that a new national railway operating schedule will be implemented from 0:00 on June 15. 205 passenger trains will be added, and the entire Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway will operate at 350 kilometers per hour, with the fastest travel time from Beijing West to Guangzhou South being 7 hours and 16 minutes. 74 freight trains will be added, including 7 China-Europe and China-Asia freight trains. "Red Scarf Loves the Motherland" First National Flag Relay Event Held A five-star red flag, brought back from the Chinese Space Station by the Shenzhou-17 astronaut crew, began its nationwide relay today (May 30). The first event was held at Beijing Aerospace City. Subsequently, this national flag will be relayed across the country by "Red Scarf flag bearers" from various regions, and the event will continue until October. China-Arab League Goods Trade Volume Increased by Over 8 Times in 20 Years This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. According to customs statistics, over the past 20 years, China's imports and exports with the Arab League increased from 303.81 billion yuan in 2004 to 2.8 trillion yuan in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 820.9%. China-Central Asia Emergency Management Cooperation Mechanism Established Today (May 30), the China-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting on Emergency Management was held in Urumqi, Xinjiang. It was announced at the meeting that a China-Central Asia Emergency Management Working Group would be established, and the "China-Central Asia Emergency Management Cooperation Action Plan (2024-2026)" was adopted. All parties will strengthen institutional alignment, coordinate emergency rescue efforts, improve liaison channels, and promote stable and long-term emergency management cooperation. "2024 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day" Theme Announced June 8 marks the 8th "Cultural and Natural Heritage Day." The National Cultural Heritage Administration announced today (May 30) that this year's theme is "Protecting Cultural Relics, Inheriting Civilization." Cultural and museum institutions nationwide will organize over 7,300 activities to promote the shared enjoyment of cultural relic protection and utilization achievements by the entire population. "China and the World: Cooperation, Challenges, Win-Win" Seminar Held The New Era International Communication Institute, jointly established by China Media Group and Renmin University of China, held a seminar titled "China and the World: Cooperation, Challenges, Win-Win" in Beijing today (May 30). Political dignitaries from various countries, representatives of international organizations, media heads, and relevant experts and scholars discussed topics such as strengthening China's international communication capacity building and promoting global development cooperation and exchanges.
Israel Says Gaza Operations to Continue, Hamas Claims Attacks on IDF Targets in Rafah
Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said on May 29 that the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip would continue for another seven months. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, stated on May 29 that its fighters struck Israeli military targets in eastern and southern Rafah, Jabaliya, and other locations in the Gaza Strip. More than 50 UN experts issued a joint statement in Geneva on May 29, condemning recent Israeli airstrikes on a refugee camp in Rafah, calling the attack a flagrant violation of international law and urging an independent international investigation.
International News Briefs
First Phase of Abuja Light Rail Project Constructed by Chinese Company Fully Opened The first phase of the Abuja Light Rail project in Nigeria, constructed by a Chinese company, held its full operational ceremony on May 29. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries attended the event. Tinubu thanked China for its contributions, stating that the project is a road of hope that will help Nigeria's economic and social development. It is understood that this project is the first urban rail transit line in the area, stretching 45 kilometers and connecting the city center with the airport and railway stations. Its operation will inject new vitality into the local economy. Iran Presidential Election Candidate Registration Begins Today (May 30), Iran began the registration of presidential election candidates, which is scheduled to last for five days. Campaign activities will take place from June 12 to June 27. The presidential election will be held on June 28. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash on May 19, and First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is currently serving as acting president. Russia Claims Intercepting US-Made Weapons, Ukraine Claims Downing Russian Missiles Russia's Ministry of Defense said on May 29 that Russian forces launched multiple attacks on Ukrainian targets, striking positions of Ukrainian tanks, armored vehicles, and self-propelled artillery. Russian air defense forces shot down Ukrainian fighter jets and drones, and intercepted US-made missiles and rockets. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said that in the early hours of today (May 30), military facilities and critical infrastructure in Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and other areas were attacked by Russian airstrikes, and Ukraine shot down multiple Russian missiles and drones. Icelandic Volcano Erupts Again, Nearby Residents Evacuated A volcano near the town of Grindavik on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupted again on May 29. The Icelandic Meteorological Office said that magma ejected by the volcanic activity reached 50 meters high, creating a fissure about 3.4 kilometers long. Residents of Grindavik had been evacuated before the eruption, which has not yet affected nearby flights. This is the fifth eruption of this volcano since December last year.