Chinese president meets global business representatives, Bangladeshi official

Chinese President Xi Jinping has met representatives from the international business community.

He also met the Bangladeshi interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Yunus traveled to Beijing after attending the Boao Forum for Asia conference in Hainan Province.

He met Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on the southern island.

Ding said China is willing to foster closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges to consolidate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

China and Bangladesh are marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

Chinese vice premier calls for efforts to build a shared future

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang is calling for efforts to build the Asian community and create a better future.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia conference in Hainan Province, he highlighted the progress in the continent's integration.

France, UK to help shape future of Ukrainian army

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a joint Franco-British plan to help shape the future structure of the Ukrainian army.

It is part of the initiatives unveiled at a summit in Paris.

Macron said he and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will lead coordination efforts of Ukraine's allies.

The French president said Europe must prepare for a scenario without U.S. involvement.

Russia said it is "categorically against" the possible deployment of Western peacekeepers in Ukraine, and warned it could lead to a direct clash with NATO.

Putin suggests temporary administration for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested a temporary administration for Ukraine to allow for new elections.

Russia considers the current Ukrainian administration illegitimate after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's mandate ended in May last year.

Ukraine’s parliament passed a resolution affirming that elections are not possible until after the conflict.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said Ukraine had agreed to hold elections, and Zelenskyy had largely accepted that Kyiv won't join NATO.

Four parties set to form new coalition government in Greenland

Local media say Greenland's Democrats will announce a four-party coalition government following recent elections in the Danish territory.

The expected announcement will come on the day that U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to visit the Arctic island.

Sources say the leader of the Democrats party will head the new government.

Jens-Frederik Nielsen and his fellow members tripled their representation to 10 seats to become the biggest party.

Jailed ex-Istanbul mayor Imamoglu nominated as Turkish opposition's presidential candidate

Turkiye’s main opposition party has officially nominated the detained former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as its presidential candidate.

Turkiye's next presidential elections are in 2028.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating Imamoglu on corruption charges.

6 killed as tourist submarine sinks in Egypt's Red Sea: statement

Egypt's Red Sea Governorate says six Russian passengers have died when a tourist submarine sank during a trip to the resort city Hurghada.

Emergency responders have transported 21 people to hospitals.

Authorities said all 50 on board were accounted for.

Officials said the submarine had a valid license and the crew leader was certified.

Investigations are underway.

TikTok to launch interactive shopping platform in Europe

TikTok says it will launch an interactive e-commerce platform in Italy, France, and Germany at the end of the month.

The company says it will allow users in the three countries to purchase products from local brands and distributors directly through the smartphone app.

This marks TikTok's first e-commerce venture in Europe.

The app says its "e-commerce discovery model" featuring videos aims to provide a more tailored shopping experience.