The Akishino couple returned to Japan from Paraguay, saying 'It was an impressive and meaningful trip.'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has convened an enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the ruling Workers' Party. The meeting, which began on Tuesday, is being held at the party's headquarters in Pyongyang. Kim Jong-un has not responded to US President Donald Trump's recent offer of talks. In a letter to Kim Jong-un last week, President Trump said he was willing to meet the North Korean leader again. However, in a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for North Korea's Foreign Ministry said Pyongyang has "no interest in talking with the US at present". The spokesperson added that the North had "nothing to give" and that there was "no reason" for the US and North Korea to meet. The enlarged Political Bureau meeting is expected to focus on internal issues, including the country's economic development and the coronavirus pandemic. North Korea has reported no confirmed cases of COVID-19 but has taken extensive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The country has also been under strict international sanctions for years because of its nuclear and missile programs. The US and North Korea have been engaged in denuclearization talks since 2018, but little progress has been made. In recent weeks, North Korea has carried out a series of short-range missile tests. The move has raised concerns among some analysts that Pyongyang may be seeking to increase pressure on Washington to return to talks.

2h ago ·hani.co.kr

Grain Exports Stall as Ukraine Steps Up Attacks on Russia

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure on the Black Sea are disrupting grain and oil exports from the port of Novorossiysk & other key hubs

2h ago ·en.tempo.co

Saudi Arabia-US nuclear deal sent to Congress as Trump sets Israel condition

Donald Trump has sent a Saudi-US civil nuclear deal to Congress, but says it will only advance if Saudi Arabia normalises relations with Israel

2h ago ·arabianbusiness.com

Rameshwaram fishermen announce indefinite strike over detentions in SL

Fishermen from Rameshwaram have announced a series of protests, demanding the immediate release of Tamil Nadu fishermen, currently detained in Sri Lankan custody, along with their apprehended fishing…

• Rameshwaram fishermen announce indefinite strike
• Protest over Tamil Nadu fishermen's detention in SL
• Demand release, return of boats, compensation

2h ago ·island.lk