The Georgian Prime Minister cancelled a meeting with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office due to her attendance at a rally in Tbilisi.

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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

Tbilisi, October 15 (Xinhua) — Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze canceled a planned meeting with the current Chairperson of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, due to her attendance at a rally in Tbilisi on October 14. The Georgian government's press service reported this on Wednesday.

"Due to yesterday's participation in an illegal rally and false statements, the Prime Minister cancelled a planned meeting with the Finnish Foreign Minister," the statement said.

E. Valtonen arrived in Georgia as part of a tour of the South Caucasus. On Tuesday, she met with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, and on Wednesday, she was scheduled to meet with I. Kobakhidze. The previous evening, she attended a protest and spoke with its participants, discussing the content and goals of the event.

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China opposes external interference under any pretext in Venezuela's internal affairs, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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

Beijing, October 15 (Xinhua) — China opposes external interference under any pretext in Venezuela's internal affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Lin Jian made the statement after the United States reported an attack on another fishing vessel off the coast of Venezuela on October 14, which reportedly killed six people. Furthermore, the United States deployed warships and a nuclear submarine in the Caribbean Sea, and Venezuela activated a new comprehensive defense zone system.

Answering a question from the media at a regular briefing, Lin Jian emphasized that China supports the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as a zone of peace and the declaration on the prohibition of nuclear weapons in this region, and opposes actions that undermine peace and stability in the LAC.

According to the Chinese diplomat, China supports efforts to combat cross-border crime by strengthening international cooperation, while opposing unilateral and excessive “law enforcement operations” carried out by the United States against the vessels of other countries.

China calls on the United States to engage in normal cooperation in law enforcement and judicial matters within the framework of bilateral and multilateral legal mechanisms, Lin Jian added. –0–

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Exclusive: China has made a breakthrough in improving women's well-being, says Russian expert

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

Moscow, October 15 (Xinhua) — The Global Women's Summit has elevated the women's agenda to the highest international level, and China is becoming a global leader in this field. This is how renowned Russian researcher Irina Belaya, editor-in-chief of the collection "Women in China," assessed the results of the Global Women's Summit held in Beijing.

"I believe the Global Women's Summit is a landmark event. It raises the agenda of women's rights, women's freedoms, the development of women's potential, and women's empowerment, and it addresses various issues facing women around the world. And here, the initiatives announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit are very important," Irina Belaya said in an interview with Xinhua.

She particularly noted that China announced the establishment of a "Global Women's Empowerment Center," the launch of 1,000 small but socially significant projects that will benefit women and girls, increased Chinese funding for UN Women, and a plan to invite 50,000 women to participate in exchanges and training courses in China, which will enrich cooperation between women around the world.

Assessing the results of China's policies over the past 30 years, I. Belaya noted that "China has made a huge leap, even a breakthrough, in improving women's well-being. This is especially true for women in rural areas." "China has achieved significant results in combating infant mortality and maternal mortality. For example, the maternal mortality rate in China has decreased by almost 80 percent since 1995. This is a very significant figure and a very commendable result," the expert emphasized.

She said the statement by the Chairman of the Global Women's Summit, in which participants called on all interested countries and parties to take practical action in 10 key areas to accelerate the process of comprehensive development of women, was of paramount importance.

I. Belaya is the editor-in-chief of the collection "Women of China." This two-volume collection of articles by researchers from various countries explores the role of women in Chinese history. It examines the history of the women's movement in China and women's contributions to literature, art, science, and politics. The collection also addresses issues of concern to contemporary women, such as violence and gender equality. I. Belaya noted that interest in the project from researchers across the globe has been strong, and work on the third volume has already begun.

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The 18th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC is scheduled for the end of October.

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

BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) — The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) of China will hold its 18th session in Beijing from Oct. 24 to 28.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, was made at a meeting of the chairman and vice-chairmen of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, chaired by NPC Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji.

According to the proposed agenda, deputies will consider draft amendments to the Maritime Code of the People's Republic of China and other legislative documents.

In addition, they will review the proposal of the National People's Congress Supervision and Judicial Affairs Committee on reviewing the draft law on public interest lawsuits filed by the procuratorate, the proposal of the State Council of the People's Republic of China on reviewing the draft law on the protection and improvement of arable land quality, as well as various conventions and treaties.

According to the proposed agenda, deputies will hear reports from the State Council on financial work, state-owned asset management in 2024, and criminal enforcement. They will also review reports submitted by the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and various NPC committees.

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The Middle East: A Moment of Great, but Fragile, Hope

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 15, 2025 Humanitarian aid

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher on Wednesday called for seizing the opportunity to fully implement the agreements on the Middle East conflict. Recalling the summit of world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh, during which a ceasefire agreement was signed in Gaza, Fletcher recounted his conversations with them.

"From my conversations with them, it's clear that this is a moment of great, yet fragile, hope. The public response to the progress made also clearly demonstrates that Palestinians, Israelis, and people across the region want peace," the Emergency Relief Coordinator said.

He recalled that earlier this week, UN humanitarian agencies began increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Food, medicine, fuel, water, cooking gas, and tents were delivered to the Strip. Some roads have been cleared, and a bakery has reopened.

"But yesterday we encountered new obstacles to implementing this initiative. Now we must ensure that these don't derail the progress that President Trump, the UN Secretary-General, and many other leaders are pushing for," Fletcher said.

He emphasized that Hamas must make every effort to immediately return the bodies of all deceased hostages. "I am also gravely concerned by the evidence of violence against civilians in Gaza," the Emergency Relief Coordinator stated.

He called on Israel – in accordance with the agreements – to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, “on which the lives of many people depend and on which the whole world insists.”

"We need to open more crossing points and develop a realistic, practical approach to addressing the remaining challenges. Throughout this crisis, we have insisted that aid to civilians is not a bargaining chip. Facilitating the delivery of aid is a legal obligation," Fletcher said.

He also noted that UN humanitarian agencies have developed a 60-day plan for delivering aid to Gaza. Fletcher is in the region this week, coordinating the plan's implementation. He emphasized that the agencies will deliver aid in a way that "ensures it reaches civilians, not armed groups."

"We will not tolerate any interference in the distribution of aid," Fletcher said.

No one expected "everything to be simple and easy," Fletcher said, adding that there could be more obstacles ahead.

"The world has failed so many times before – we must not fail this time," he concluded.

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Türkiye has simplified employment procedures for citizens of Turkic-speaking countries.

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

Astana, October 15 (Xinhua) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a decree significantly simplifying employment and professional activities for citizens of Kazakhstan and other Turkic-speaking countries, the Kazinform news agency reported on Wednesday.

Amendments have reportedly been made to current legislation granting Turkic-speaking foreigners the right to freely practice their professions and crafts, as well as work in public and private organizations in Turkey.

The new decree removes a number of bureaucratic barriers and opens up opportunities for citizens of Turkic-speaking states to engage in labor and entrepreneurial activity without undergoing lengthy procedures to obtain work permits.

As Kazinform notes, exceptions include military service and employment in the security forces, which remain closed to foreigners. The new rules also prohibit participation in elections or holding government positions. However, foreign specialists are required to have a valid residence permit in Turkey, prove the equivalence of their professional diplomas, and register with relevant professional associations and chambers.

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The 3rd National Urban Development Forum opened in Azerbaijan.

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

KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) — The 3rd National Urban Development Forum of Azerbaijan (NUFA3) kicked off in Khankendi on Wednesday. The forum is being held under the motto "Towards Climate-Resilient and Healthy Cities: Leveraging Regional Partnerships and Innovative Solutions."

The forum has become an important platform for promoting the principles of sustainable urban planning and development based on inclusivity, innovation, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment.

The event's program covers a wide range of contemporary urban challenges, with a particular focus on inclusive urban governance and climate change adaptation. Participants will discuss the role of national, regional, and local governments, academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society in building climate-resilient and healthy cities.

As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted in his address to forum participants, modern urban development is a key tool for sustainable development, social stability, and the adaptation of cities to climate change. He stated that the country's urbanization approaches contribute to economic sustainability, social well-being, and the creation of a comfortable urban environment.

The forum is attended by approximately 400 delegates from more than 60 countries. NUFA3 serves as a preparatory stage for the World Urban Forum (WUF13) and promotes international dialogue, the exchange of best practices, and the stimulation of local action in the field of sustainable urban development.

NUFA3 will complete its work on October 17 in Baku. –0–

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The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached a new maximum.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 15, 2025 Climate and environment

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere rose at a record pace in 2024, reaching new highs. This has intensified long-term trends of global warming and extreme weather events, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The rise in CO₂ levels has been driven by continued human emissions, increased wildfires, and the declining ability of land and oceans to absorb carbon dioxide. This phenomenon could trigger a new dangerous climate cycle, experts warn.

Growth three times faster than in the 1960s

According to the new edition of the WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, the rate of increase in CO₂ concentrations is three times higher than in the 1960s: while the average annual increase was about 0.8 ppm then, it increased to 2.4 ppm per year between 2011 and 2020.

Moreover, between 2023 and 2024, the increase was a record 3.5 million parts per million – the highest figure since observations began in 1957.

The average concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere reached 423.9 ppm, compared to 377.1 ppm in 2004, when the first WMO bulletin was published.

Approximately half of all CO₂ emissions remain in the atmosphere, with the rest absorbed by land and oceans. However, this natural carbon dioxide "storage" is diminishing as the climate warms, the solubility of carbon dioxide in the oceans decreases, and droughts become more frequent.

"There are concerns that the ability of land and oceans to absorb CO₂ is declining, leading to accelerated global warming. Therefore, it is necessary to continually strengthen greenhouse gas monitoring to understand how these feedbacks are formed," noted WMO Senior Scientist Oksana Tarasova.

Record levels of other greenhouse gases

Other long-lived greenhouse gases, methane and nitrous oxide, also set new highs.

Methane levels reached 1,942 ppb, 166 percent above pre-industrial levels, and nitrous oxide levels reached 338 ppb, 25 percent above previous levels.

"The heat trapped by CO₂ and other greenhouse gases amplifies the impact on our climate and leads to more extreme weather. Therefore, reducing emissions is important not only for our climate, but also for our economic security and the well-being of societies," emphasized WMO Deputy Secretary-General Co Barrett.

Monitoring and Action

The WMO report was published ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place in November in Belém, Brazil. The organization calls for stronger global monitoring of greenhouse gases to inform effective climate action.

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A digital platform for uniting analytical centers in Central Asia was unveiled in Astana.

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

Astana, October 15 (Xinhua) — The Astana Think Tank Forum 2025 opened in Kazakhstan's capital, bringing together approximately 40 international experts, heads of leading think tanks, researchers, and political scientists from 20 countries. This was reported on Wednesday by the Kazinform news agency.

The forum was organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KISS). The event featured the presentation of InsightsCentral.Asia, a new digital platform for scientific knowledge initiated by KISS. This platform aims to unite think tanks in Central Asia, facilitating the integration, exchange, and popularization of research materials in the region.

According to the organizers, the forum will host nine thematic sessions over two days, covering issues of global governance, security, economics, technology, demography, and climate.

In addition, participants will present analytical reports on the sustainable development of Central Asia, interaction with Afghanistan, urban planning, and the development of green energy. –0–

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Gazprom increased gas supplies to China by 27 percent in the first nine months of 2025.

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

Moscow, October 15 /Xinhua/ — Russian gas company Gazprom's gas supplies to China increased by more than 27 percent in January-September 2025, while supplies to Russia's domestic market increased by 2.8 percent, TASS reported on Wednesday, citing a statement by Gazprom Deputy Chairman of the Management Committee Famil Sadygov.

According to F. Sadygov, EBITDA, the company's profit before interest and taxes, increased by 37 percent in the first nine months of this year, exceeding 2.1 trillion rubles. The gas business contributed the most to this growth.

“The increase in natural gas supplies to the domestic market—by 2.8 percent—and to China—by more than 27 percent—had a significant impact,” noted a company representative.

He emphasized that Gazprom did not allow its debt to increase during the reporting period, maintaining the volume of borrowings at a level that did not exceed the volume of repayments.

According to the company, EBITDA for the first six months of 2025 amounted to 1.547 trillion rubles, which is 6 percent more year-on-year. –0–

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