Former Japanese Prime Minister T. Murayama has died at the age of 101.

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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

TOKYO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) — Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama died on Friday at the age of 101, the Kyodo News Agency reported.

T. Murayama, born on March 3, 1924, in Oita Prefecture, became chairman of the Japan Socialist Party in 1993 and served as prime minister from June 1994 to January 1996.

On August 15, 1995, he issued a cabinet-approved statement in his own name to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, stating that "Japan, following a mistaken national policy, has advanced along the road to war… and has inflicted great harm and suffering on the people of many countries, especially in Asia, through its colonial rule and aggression."

T. Murayama also expressed “deep remorse” and offered a “sincere apology,” using unprecedented language to apologize for Japan’s wartime actions, which was widely noted by the international community.

T. Murayama retired from politics in 2000 and continued to promote the cause of peace.

On August 15, 2020, on the 25th anniversary of his statement, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical facts, apologized, and expressed his determination to refrain from aggression and colonial rule. Murayama expressed hope that his statement would continue to promote reconciliation, peace, and development in Japan, Asia, and the world.

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Exclusive: China's experience in urban transformation helps solve global problems – UN-Habitat Executive Director

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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

Baku, October 17 /Xinhua/ — China's experience in urban transformation helps address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Anaclaudia Rossbach said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on the sidelines of the 3rd National Urban Development Forum of Azerbaijan (NUFA3).

"I think we can draw on the entire experience and trajectory of urban transformation in China—the transition from mass housing construction to the actual creation of more sustainable cities that are planned with people and nature in mind. Personally, I'm very impressed by the level of urban transformation in China, especially over the past 10-15 years," she said.

According to A. Rossbach, China is a reliable partner for UN-Habitat, facilitating the collection and consolidation of global experience and best practices. Specifically, she mentioned the Shanghai Award, which the program awards for achievements in sustainable urban development.

“China also regularly celebrates World Cities Day, both domestically and by inviting international participants to raise awareness of the importance of cities, the importance of an urban perspective in addressing the major challenges we face,” she said.

A. Rossbach expressed hope that UN-Habitat will develop closer cooperation with China to strengthen the role of cities in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality.

NUFA3 took place from October 15-17 in Khankendi and Baku under the theme "Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Leveraging Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions." The forum was organized by the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture of Azerbaijan jointly with UN-Habitat.

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The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a case into the death of RIA Novosti war correspondent Ivan Zuev.

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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

Moscow, October 17 (Xinhua) — The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a case of murder and obstruction of journalistic activity following the death of RIA Novosti war correspondent Ivan Zuyev and the injury of his colleague Yuri Voitkevich in a Ukrainian drone strike. This was reported on the Investigative Committee's Telegram channel.

"A criminal case has been opened under Articles 105 and 144 of the Criminal Code (murder and attempted murder, obstruction of the lawful professional activities of journalists) in connection with the death of journalist Ivan Zuev and the wounding of his colleague Yuri Voitkevich," the statement reads.

According to investigators, on October 16, Ukrainian troops launched drone strikes against a Rossiya Segodnya news agency crew in the Zaporizhzhia region. As a result, I. Zuyev was killed and Yu. Voitkevich was seriously injured.

The UN commented on I. Zuev's death. UN Secretary-General's spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, told RIA Novosti that his death is "yet another example of the high price journalists around the world pay when covering conflicts, simply trying to do their jobs."

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China's Permanent Mission to the UN in Rome officially opened

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

ROME, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) — The Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations in Rome was officially opened on Thursday.

China regained its rightful seat in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in April 1973 and formally established a permanent delegation to the UN food and agriculture agencies in 1982.

In 2020, the diplomatic mission was upgraded to ambassadorial status. In August 2025, it was officially granted the status of permanent mission to the UN agencies in Rome.

The UN's specialized agencies for food and agriculture are FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, all headquartered in Rome, Italy. –0–

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A press tour of China for Russian media representatives has begun in Manzhouli.

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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, October 17 (Xinhua) — A press tour of China for Russian media representatives began on October 16 in Manzhouli, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Neimenggu Ribao daily reported on Friday.

The current press tour, titled "Journey of Friendship," is being organized by the Information Office of the People's Government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Republic. It is seen as a positive step toward strengthening friendly ties between the regions of China and Russia. The event, which runs until October 23, is being attended by 11 information officials and media representatives from Ulan-Ude, Irkutsk, Chita, and other Russian cities.

During the press tour, participants will visit enterprises, science and technology campuses, cultural and museum complexes, and multimedia centers in the cities of Hohhot and Manzhouli (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) and Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province, eastern China). They will also participate in the 3rd Liangzhu Forum, which will be held from October 18 to 20 in Hangzhou.

Members of the Russian delegation will learn about the current situation in areas such as high-quality development, scientific and technological innovation, the protection and preservation of traditional culture, and the integrated development of media. They will also exchange views with their Chinese colleagues on expanding exchanges and cooperation between regional media outlets in China and Russia.

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Chinese police have cracked a fraud ring in northern Myanmar.

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

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) — A Chinese court held a public hearing on Tuesday in the case of a criminal gang led by Xu Faqi, also known as Xu Laofa, as part of joint efforts by China and Myanmar to crack down on crime in northern Myanmar that targets Chinese citizens.

More than 57,000 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in fraud in northern Myanmar have been detained so far, according to China's Ministry of Public Security.

The investigation revealed that, since 2019, a criminal group led by Xu Faqi has used its influence in the Kokang region of northern Myanmar to collaborate with groups engaged in telecom fraud. They subsequently built or leased 14 complexes, recruiting numerous people to commit telephone and online fraud against Chinese citizens.

According to investigations, Xu Faqi, who controlled over 400 militiamen, provided armed protection for these complexes. This allowed the financiers behind these schemes to brutally control, torture, beat, and even kill low-level members of the criminal group.

The criminal organization led by Xu Faqi is suspected of committing numerous crimes, including fraud, intentional injury, illegal detention, and extortion, and is involved in more than 3,400 fraud cases totaling over 1.1 billion yuan (approximately US$155 million).

In September 2023, Chinese police launched a special investigation into Xu Faqi's criminal gang, which operated in the Kokang region. On January 30, 2024, under the China-Myanmar cooperation mechanism on public security, justice, and law enforcement, Myanmar police detained Xu Faqi and handed him over to Chinese authorities. -0-

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Rosneft enterprises in Yugra and Yamal held large-scale volunteer campaigns for veterans.

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Employees of Rosneft subsidiaries in the Khanty-Mansi and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs held large-scale volunteer events for veteran oil workers and senior citizens. Nearly 1,500 people participated in the cultural and entertainment events.

Samotlorneftegaz organized musical concerts in Nizhnevartovsk at two major venues, featuring performances by top artists and creative groups. The organizers also held art workshops for guests, covering portrait painting using various techniques, photography, and creating compositions from preserved flowers. In the music lounge, guests sang their favorite folk songs accompanied by the accordion.

RN-Purneftegaz volunteers organized a "Health Festival" for senior citizens in Gubkinsky. Under the guidance of experienced specialists, the veterans engaged in breathing exercises, neuro-energetic exercises, and other wellness practices. To restore their strength after exercise, the volunteers offered guests healthy vitamin-rich fruit and vegetable smoothies. The evening concluded with tea and popular songs accompanied by accordion music.

Rosneft supports social initiatives in the regions where it operates, aimed at creating favorable living conditions. Particular attention is paid to veteran oil workers and senior citizens. For example, thanks to Samotlorneftegaz, the "Nostalgia" film club opened in Nizhnevartovsk and retro dance evenings are organized for seniors. RN-Purneftegaz employees regularly host themed entertainment events, health days, and provide home care to retirees.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 17, 2025

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An exhibition of student work on the renovation of the Parusinka district in Ivangorod has opened.

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Fragment of the exhibition

The SPbGASU Project-Based Learning Educational Center is hosting an exhibition of theses dedicated to the preservation and renovation of the historic Parusinka district in Ivangorod, Leningrad Oblast, in conjunction with the III International Scientific and Practical Conference "Border Symmetry."

Graduates of the Department of Architectural Environment Design and the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage at SPbGASU presented their final qualification theses, featuring projects for the revival of the former A. L. Stieglitz manufactories and the historic Parusinka district in Ivangorod, as well as for the modern adaptation of unique industrial heritage sites on the border with Estonia—the A. L. Stieglitz manufactory, a workers' settlement, and a park. The students presented their theses to faculty members at our university—Head of the Department of Architectural Environment Design Maria Granström and Associate Professor Jan Korzhempo—as well as to specialists from Saint Petersburg State University, the Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design, and other universities.

The discussion was moderated by Sergey Yaroshetsky, editor-in-chief of the magazine "Addresses of Petersburg" and professor at the Higher School of Printing and Media Technology at the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design. Oleg Romanov, Honorary President of the Union of Architects of St. Petersburg, and Elena Stieglitz, Director of the Baron Stieglitz Heritage Foundation, participated in the discussion. Experts included film producer Dmitry Brodsky, historian Vera Amosova, director of the Rizalit company Yevgeny Varnavitsky, and journalist Anna Damaskina.

According to Sergei Yaroshetsky, "On one side of the Narva River, the Krenholm Manufactory, painstakingly preserved by its Swedish owners, is clearly visible. And on our side lies the extremely neglected site of the former manufactories of the legendary Baron A. L. Stieglitz. In an effort to restore order there as quickly as possible—restoring, reconstructing, and preserving—we are opening an exhibition of renovation projects for this remarkable historical and cultural monument."

Alexey Volkov, a graduate of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU), proposed a restoration architect's concept for the renovation of the Parusinka area under the inspiring slogan "On the sails of the past – to the space of the future." "I believe that the historical framework of Parusinka and the identified environmental values provide an opportunity to unlock the tourism potential not only of the area but of all of Ivangorod," he noted.

Elizaveta Luksha, a graduate of the Department of Architectural Environmental Design, explained: "I propose establishing an educational cluster within the factory's workshops—training and production studios, conference rooms, and a student campus where art students could undertake year-round internships. The new educational center would also create unique opportunities for Ivangorod residents, engaging children and adults in creativity and project-based learning. The design of the embankment facing Estonia, which serves as the face of Russia, the creation of a walking route, the restoration of the stables, and the creation of a museum area will help revive this currently depressing area, preserve the spirit of the place, and improve the quality of the urban environment. I believe that the creation of a cultural and educational cluster on the site of the former factory will continue the legacy of Alexander Ludwigovich Stieglitz, who participated in the support and construction of educational institutions in Russia."

The exhibition will run on weekdays through October 31. Address: Fontanka River Embankment, Buildings 123–125, Project-Based Learning Educational Center, St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. To visit, please register by email. dssaf@spbgasu.ru

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The UN chief welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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

UN, October 17 /Xinhua/ — UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This was announced by his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, at his daily briefing on Thursday.

"The Secretary-General is concerned by reports of armed clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have resulted in numerous civilian deaths and injuries. He welcomes the announcement of a temporary ceasefire," said Dujarric.

According to him, the UN chief called on the parties to agree on a long-term cessation of hostilities and begin dialogue to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life.

The spokesman said the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues to monitor the situation and is still assessing the exact number of dead and injured.

Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a ceasefire in separate statements on Wednesday after days of border clashes.

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Azerbaijan to launch 10 solar and wind power plants by 2027

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

Baku, October 17 /Xinhua/ — Azerbaijan plans to commission ten new solar and wind power plants within the next two years, Report news agency reported, citing the Ministry of Finance's medium-term budget framework for 2026-2029.

The total cost of the projects is approximately $2.7 billion. They are being implemented with the support of international financial institutions. The share of renewable energy in total electricity generation is expected to reach 33.7 percent by 2027 and 38 percent by 2030.

The document also predicts that by 2035, renewable energy will account for 42.5 percent of the country's installed power capacity. Currently, the largest share of renewable energy is generated by hydroelectric power plants.

Since 2024, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has been implementing monitoring, reporting, and verification systems to track the country's climate activities in accordance with international standards. –0–

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