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The Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation held the 30th regular meeting of the heads of government of China and Russia.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

HANGZHOU, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday stated China's readiness to deepen cooperation with Russia in various fields to more effectively protect their shared development and security interests.

Li Qiang made the announcement while co-chairing the 30th regular meeting of the heads of government of China and Russia with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, east China.

Regular meetings between the heads of government of China and Russia, which have been held annually since 1996, are an important mechanism for implementing the consensus reached by the heads of the two states and promoting bilateral cooperation and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Li Qiang recalled that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, and the World Anti-Fascist War. The two countries supported each other in holding grand commemorative events, further deepening the Sino-Russian friendship, the Premier stated.

As Li Qiang emphasized, China is ready to work with Russia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen strategic communication, deepen cooperation in various areas, and more effectively protect our shared development and security interests.

The head of the Chinese government pointed out that last month, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee reviewed and adopted the Proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan, defining China's development program for the next five years and beyond.

He said China and Russia hope to provide firm support to each other, strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance the alignment of development strategies, expand cooperation in various fields, continuously advance the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, and continue to move hand in hand along the path of modernization.

M. Mishustin, for his part, stated that Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era are currently at the highest level in their entire history.

He noted that Russia is prepared to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, hold a series of events as part of the Russia-China Cross-Cultural Years, continually enrich the content of interstate relations, and expand cooperation and exchanges in areas such as trade, investment, transport, energy, agriculture, the digital economy, and cultural and humanitarian affairs.

Li Qiang and Mishustin highly praised the work of various joint commissions over the past year. The parties agreed that the strategic leadership of the heads of state is an important political guarantee for the development of relations and cooperation between China and Russia. They noted that the comprehensive implementation of the important agreements reached by the two leaders should be considered a top priority. The heads of government also emphasized the need to optimize and expand cooperation mechanisms, stimulate dynamism in areas such as trade, economics, tourism, and the integrated economic development of border cities, strengthen cultural and humanitarian cooperation, promote a policy of mutual visa-free travel, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

In addition, they agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral formats such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the UN, and to promote the construction of an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits everyone.

Following the meeting, Li Qiang and M. Mishustin signed a joint communiqué and attended the signing of cooperation documents in areas such as customs and satellite navigation. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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FAO report: More than a billion people worldwide suffer from declining crop yields due to land degradation

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 3, 2025 Climate and environment

Around 1.7 billion people worldwide live in regions where agricultural yields are declining. The primary cause is human-caused land degradation. This is a serious, yet often overlooked, problem that reduces agricultural productivity and harms the environment. This is according to a new report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), presented Monday at the organization's headquarters in Rome.

The report's authors emphasize that land degradation is not just an environmental issue. It directly impacts how much food we can produce, how prosperous rural communities are, and the sustainability of our food system.

The report contains the most detailed analysis to date of the impacts of soil degradation. It identifies the world's most vulnerable regions and shows how declining crop yields are linked to poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

What is land degradation?

According to the FAO, degradation is the gradual deterioration of land's ability to perform its natural functions. This can occur due to natural causes, such as erosion or salinization, but is more often caused by humans: deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, and improper irrigation.

Who is affected?

According to FAO estimates, crop yields decline by approximately 10 percent in areas with degraded land. These areas are home to 1.7 billion people, including 47 million children under five who suffer from stunting. This problem is particularly acute in densely populated Asian countries.

Is there a way out?

FAO estimates that restoring just 10 percent of degraded arable land would provide food for an additional 154 million people annually.

This requires a comprehensive approach: smart land-use planning, anti-deforestation laws, farmer support programs, and environmental requirements for receiving subsidies.

What does FAO offer?

The report's authors emphasize that degradation affects both large and small farms. However, approaches must be different: small farms have fewer resources, while large ones have greater opportunities to implement sustainable practices.

FAO calls on countries to recognise these differences and develop policies that will help conserve land and increase productivity – for future food security.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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New earthquake in Afghanistan: UN agencies provide assistance to victims

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 3, 2025 Humanitarian aid

UN humanitarian agencies have mobilized efforts in northern Afghanistan following powerful 6.3 magnitude tremors that struck on Monday night, just two months after destructive earthquake in the eastern regions of the country. According to preliminary reports, at least 20 people were killed and hundreds were injured.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that agency staff are already at the scene and providing assistance to those affected. The World Food Programme (WFP) is conducting an emergency impact assessment and supporting residents in the affected areas.

An earthquake struck near Mazar-i-Sharif around 1:00 a.m. local time. The aftershocks destroyed buildings and trapped sleeping people under rubble. Videos posted on social media show residents moving among the ruins of the Blue Mosque, one of the most revered sites for Shia Muslims.

Casualties were also reported from the mountainous province of Samangan, but an initial aerial assessment by the UN, supported by Swiss authorities, showed that the damage was less extensive than expected.

"We flew over the most densely populated areas in the earthquake zone. Fortunately, we didn't see the kind of widespread destruction we witnessed in Kunar province just a few weeks ago," noted Richard Trenchard, Acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan.

The aftermath of the earthquake in Kunar

Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that destroyed thousands of homes and infrastructure in the eastern province of Kunar on August 31. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes, and approximately half a million needed urgent medical care.

“What began as an emergency has now become a displacement crisis, with families forced to live in temporary settlements for long periods, facing increasing health risks"," the WHO statement said.

The organization warns of a shortage of drinking water, the spread of open defecation and limited access for women access to medical services due to the "lack of female doctors and conditions for privacy."

The WHO notes that mothers and newborns remain particularly vulnerable amid declining humanitarian funding. Furthermore, there are pressing concerns vaccination issues, treatment of chronic diseases and psychological support for victims.

UN agencies and their partners on the ground emphasize the importance of coordinating efforts and engaging local communities in recovery processes. They are currently deploying humanitarian supplies, mobilizing medical teams to prevent disease outbreaks, and helping rebuild damaged hospitals.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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In Doha, world leaders called for a move from promises to action amid mounting global challenges.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 3, 2025 Economic development

Against a backdrop of deepening global challenges – from rising hunger and poverty to climate instability – representatives from governments, civil society, and international organizations from around the world gathered in Doha on Monday to discuss concrete steps to address the most pressing challenges of our time.

The Second World Summit for Social Development will be held in Qatar from November 4th to 6th. In the lead-up to the summit, discussions were held within the Social Development Solutions Forum and the first meeting of the leaders of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

Learn from each other

Opening the Decision Forum, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted that the event symbolizes the transition from discussion of problems to practical action.

"Too often we are faced with situations where we don't know how to help people who are suffering," she said.

“Or we have a solution, but we are unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps,” Baerbock added.

She said world leaders had gathered in Doha to "learn from each other, build on successful ideas, join forces, and follow common principles."

Successful solutions

The forum, co-organized by Qatar and France with the support of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, brought together representatives of governments, businesses, and various organizations to present successful examples of projects addressing poverty alleviation, ensuring decent work conditions, and social inclusion.

Baerbock cited several examples. Sierra Leone is implementing a program to support people with disabilities through training, employment, and microloans. In Sri Lanka, an innovation center provides vocational training for young people. In India, a national digital identity system has enabled the opening of over 300 million bank accounts and expanded access to social services.

These initiatives, she said, demonstrate what can be achieved when innovation, partnerships and resources are effectively used.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed the need to move from promises to fulfilling commitments.

She noted the importance of the Doha Political Declaration, which is planned to be adopted at the summit: “This declaration calls for the creation of effective social contracts – fair, inclusive, and consistent with the realities of today.”

"To achieve this, we must scale up solutions that have already proven effective," Mohammed said, urging forum participants to share successful examples. "Use these examples, and let them inspire you," she added.

Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

The first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty also took place on Monday.

Today, with more than 670 million people suffering from hunger and 2.3 billion food insecure, Baerbock emphasized that the crisis is not about food shortages, but about “inequality, conflict, and misguided policies.”

"These are billions of people who don't know where to get food for the next day. Parents forced to watch their children go to bed hungry… This crisis is preventable," she said.

The climate crisis is fueling instability.

Baerbock highlighted climate change as one of the key factors exacerbating food insecurity.

"Farmlands in the Sahel are turning to dust – this is the new front line in the fight against hunger," she said, warning that without decisive action, global warming could push another 1.8 billion people into hunger.

The Global Alliance, established in 2024 under Brazil's G20 Presidency, already includes nearly 200 members – governments, regional associations, international organizations, and civil society structures.

The goal of the meeting is to strengthen coordination within the alliance: expand social protection, support agriculture, and invest in climate-resilient farming.

"In a world with more than enough resources, every person can be fed," Baerbock emphasized. "A world without hunger and poverty is not a utopia, but a goal we can achieve if we act together."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Ukraine: Two children killed in shelling in Dnipropetrovsk region

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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November 2, 2025 Peace and security

In the Samara district of the Dnipropetrovsk region, two boys, aged 11 and 14, were reportedly killed in a shelling attack on Sunday night. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced this today.

"The lives of children and their families have once again been devastated by attacks on residential areas," UNICEF said in a Platform X publication.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue to assist people fleeing areas near the front lines. Staff are meeting evacuees at train stations, providing them with food, essential items, and hygiene kits, and helping them reach safe shelters.

In October, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with financial support from the King Salman Rescue and Humanitarian Centre, donated over 2,000 hygiene kits to women and girls in the Dnipro, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions.

The UN notes that civilians, including women and children, are bearing the brunt of the conflict, while shelling of residential areas and civilian infrastructure continues in many parts of the country.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China will extend its visa-free travel regime for citizens of more than 40 countries, including Sweden.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, November 3 (Xinhua) — China has decided to extend its unilateral visa-free travel for citizens of more than 40 countries until December 31, 2026, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Monday.

Mao Ning made the announcement at a regular press briefing. The visa-free regime for some of these countries was originally scheduled to expire at the end of this year.

China has also decided to add Sweden to the list of countries with a visa-free regime. Its citizens will be able to visit China visa-free from November 10, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

This regime provides that holders of ordinary passports from listed countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, and Hungary, are exempt from visa requirements when entering China for the purposes of business contacts, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges, and transit. They may stay in China visa-free for no more than 30 days.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China's maritime economy grew 5.6 percent in the first nine months of 2025.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, November 3 (Xinhua) — China's gross marine product (GMP) for the first three quarters of 2025 reached 7.9 trillion yuan (approximately 1.11 trillion U.S. dollars), up 5.6 percent year-on-year. This data demonstrates the stable growth of the country's marine economy.

According to data released Monday by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, the main traditional sectors of the maritime economy showed positive trends. Crude oil production increased by 3 percent year-on-year, natural gas production by 17.7 percent, and marine products by 4.8 percent.

The maritime shipping industry grew steadily, and the maritime tourism industry continued to recover. Cruise tourism gained increasing popularity: the country's seaports welcomed 2.05 million cruise passengers, a 28% increase year-on-year.

Emerging maritime industries also experienced rapid growth, with the capacity of newly connected offshore wind turbines increasing by 42.1 percent year-on-year. The maritime information services sector accelerated its growth, and artificial intelligence technologies became a key driver of China's overall maritime economy.

In the first nine months, 18 maritime companies held initial public offerings (IPOs) and raised a total of 26 billion yuan, accounting for 33.7 percent of the total funds raised by all companies through IPOs during the period. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China is ready to take advantage of King Felipe VI's visit to develop relations with Spain, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, November 3 (Xinhua) — China is ready to take advantage of the visit of King Felipe VI of Spain to achieve new successes in the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, King Felipe VI of Spain will pay a state visit to China from November 10 to 13.

“This is King Felipe VI’s first state visit to China since his accession to the throne and the first visit by a Spanish monarch to China in 18 years,” Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing, adding that the event is of great significance.

According to the official representative, during his visit, King Felipe VI will hold separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji. The parties will discuss bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Noting that Spain is a major EU country and an important strategic partner of China in Europe, Mao Ning emphasized that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations have maintained a stable development momentum in recent years.

The official representative recalled that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain.

"China is willing to take advantage of King Felipe VI's visit to strengthen traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen cultural and humanitarian exchanges, strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs, and achieve new successes in the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to bring greater benefits to the peoples of the two countries and inject more stability and positive energy into the volatile and unstable international situation," Mao Ning concluded.

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Four workers injured in historic tower collapse in Rome

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

ROME, November 3 (Xinhua) — Part of the Torre dei Conti tower, a medieval structure undergoing restoration in central Rome, collapsed on Monday, injuring four construction workers, local media reported.

According to the ANSA news agency, the incident occurred during restoration work. The second collapse occurred while firefighters were conducting a rescue operation. This created a large cloud of dust, but no emergency workers were injured.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Breaking: Three Czech political parties signed a coalition agreement.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Prague, November 3 (Xinhua) — The Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO) party of former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš signed a coalition agreement with the Freedom and Direct Democracy and Motorists parties on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new government.

A. Babiš and his party ANO won the parliamentary elections in October.

Czech President Petr Pavel has officially instructed A. Babiš to form a new government, which the latter intends to complete by mid-December.

On Monday, the new members of parliament will meet for their first session. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.