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The Chinese Foreign Minister called for strengthening Chinese-Italian cooperation.

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

ROME, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the 12th joint meeting of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission here on Wednesday, calling for stronger cooperation between the two countries.

He noted that since last year, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni have visited China, and the two sides have announced an action plan to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang Yi acknowledged the important role of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission—the first intergovernmental cooperation mechanism between China and a European country—in developing bilateral relations. This mechanism, now in its 21st year of operation, has earned widespread trust and support from various sectors in both countries, the minister added.

Against the backdrop of rapid and profound changes in the international situation, China-Italy cooperation is facing new situations, opportunities, and challenges, the Foreign Minister stated. He added that China stands ready to work with Italy to uphold the original intentions of the establishment of the China-Italy Intergovernmental Commission, adhere to principles while pursuing innovation, and promote the modernization of the cooperation mechanism to a more systematic, targeted, and effective Version 2.0, to better align with the development strategy of China-Italy relations.

Wang Yi proposed strengthening the mechanism's strategic dimension and making it more dynamic. These efforts must be in line with the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries and the strategic guidance, incorporating innovative approaches to work, and accelerating the implementation of the published three-year action plan, the minister emphasized.

Wang Yi also called for promoting cooperation at the subnational level to make the mechanism more practical. Local governments should continue to play a key role in trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, and further strengthen local business participation and people-to-people exchanges, he stated.

According to Wang Yi, China and Italy are two major economies that embrace free trade, two powerful forces that champion multilateralism, and two ancient civilizations that champion exchanges and mutual learning. Amid the complex and turbulent international situation, China and Italy must demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, follow the trends of the times, maintain mutual trust, and achieve common goals, the Foreign Minister said.

Guided by the spirit of openness, the two sides should expand and strengthen pragmatic cooperation and make greater contributions to the economic development and well-being of the peoples of both countries through fruitful cooperation, he added.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, who also participated in the meeting, praised the healthy development of relations with China and the rich results achieved, noting that the friendship between the two countries has deep historical roots.

Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, Italy and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership that has brought tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, noted A. Tajani. The Italian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission plays a vital role in this process, he said, adding that the meeting's results reflect the positive intentions of both sides.

A. Tajani also stated that China is one of Italy's priority partners, and Rome attaches great importance to the enormous potential of the Chinese market.

According to him, Italy hopes to further deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in the areas of economics and trade, investment, science and technology, culture and sports, as well as to strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. Italy is ready to join forces with China to protect free trade, maintain the continuity of global supply chains, and work together to peacefully resolve international disputes through dialogue, A. Tajani emphasized.

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 and Italy reaffirmed strong ties and pledged to strengthen cooperation.

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

ROME, October 9 (Xinhua) — The history of relations between China and Italy clearly demonstrates that openness, cooperation, and common development are the right choice, based on the cultural heritage and practical needs of both countries. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during a meeting with Italian Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Rome on Wednesday.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. Wang Yi noted that for over half a century, the two countries have maintained high-level and pragmatic cooperation, fostered high-quality cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and built a fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership.

China is willing to work with Italy to strengthen trust, eliminate interference, actively implement the action plan to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, promote new achievements in bilateral cooperation, and boost the economic development of both countries, Wang Yi added.

He said China hopes and believes that Italy will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and strengthen the political foundation for the healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to actively explore opportunities for cooperation with Italy in the fields of ecology, digital technology, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and other areas, as well as create a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, and predictable business environment to encourage enterprises from both countries to increase bilateral investment, Wang Yi noted.

A. Tajani, in turn, stated that Italy attaches great importance to its relations with China. He stated that economic and trade cooperation is a key driving force for the development of bilateral relations. He expressed hope that both sides will strengthen dialogue and exchanges through bilateral mechanisms, deepen practical cooperation, effectively implement the three-year action plan, and promote the continuous deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Italy is willing to expand mutual investment with China in both traditional and innovative sectors, expand exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, healthcare, tourism, culture and other fields, open more direct flights, and make good use of the opportunity of Italy hosting the Winter Olympics next year to strengthen mutual support, said A. Tajani.

Italy welcomes increased investment in Italy from Chinese companies and is ready to create favorable conditions for this, he added.

A. Tajani also noted that his country firmly adheres to the one-China policy and will never deviate from this position. Italy is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and jointly promote a peaceful resolution to issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the crisis in Ukraine.

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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A new French prime minister is expected to be appointed within the next 48 hours, according to S. Lecornu.

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

PARIS, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Wednesday evening that President Emmanuel Macron could appoint a new prime minister within the next 48 hours.

“I feel that a way forward is possible,” S. Lecornu said on France 2 television, noting that the current situation allows the president to begin making appointments.

“It is he who will conduct the final consultations,” added S. Lecornu.

Amid calls from opposition parties for Macron to hold early presidential elections to end the political impasse, S. Lecornu said that now is "not the time to change the president." He added that Macron will address the nation "at the appropriate time."

S. Lecornu also addressed a number of important policy issues, stating that "a way must be found" to renew the debate on pension reform. He warned that suspending the reform would cost at least €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) by 2027.

He said the 2026 budget proposal could be presented to the cabinet next Monday, but the plan "won't be perfect" and would require extensive debate.

S. Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by E. Macron and a day after announcing part of his cabinet. –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 announced export controls on rare earth element-related technologies.

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Beijing, October 9 (Xinhua) — China's Ministry of Commerce announced Thursday the introduction of export control measures against rare earth element-related technologies. These measures are effective upon publication.

Foreign organizations and individuals must obtain a dual-use export license before exporting certain rare earth element-related goods to countries and regions outside China, according to a statement from China's Ministry of Commerce.

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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Israel and Hamas signed the first phase of the peace plan, according to Donald Trump.

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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

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday on the social media platform TruthSocial that Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of his proposed peace plan.

“This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its forces to the agreed upon lines as the first steps toward a strong, lasting and everlasting peace,” Trump wrote.

He thanked the mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey for this “historic and unprecedented event.”

Speaking to reporters earlier in the day at the White House, Trump said he might travel to the Middle East "later this weekend."

Israel and Hamas began indirect ceasefire talks in Gaza on Monday in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Since the war began on October 7, 2023, Israeli airstrikes have devastated the Gaza Strip, causing widespread famine and displacement. According to Gaza health authorities, at least 67,183 people have been killed and 169,841 wounded.

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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The city of Kucha is an open-air museum.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

The city of Kucha, designated a historical and cultural city of national significance, is located in the central part of the southern foothills of the Tien Shan, on the northern edge of the Tarim Basin. As an important transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road, it became a place where diverse cultures merged, giving birth to a vibrant and distinctive civilization.

Cave temples, ancient castles, beacon towers… Of the 180 cultural relics in Kucha, two are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 11 are national monuments, and 41 are regional monuments. In 2023, Kucha was included in the second list of national pilot zones for the protection and utilization of cultural heritage.

The entire city resembles an open-air museum, and its centuries-old culture can be felt at every step.

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: Final draft of Gaza ceasefire agreement under development – mediators

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Cairo, October 9 (Xinhua) — An agreement covering all provisions and mechanisms for implementing the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza has been reached. The final draft of the agreement is currently being drafted, Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV reported Thursday, citing mediators in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

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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Moscow Metro – Maxim Liksutov spoke about the achievements of Moscow industry

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Source: Moscow Metro

According to the Moscow Government's Department of Transport, the capital has become the largest consumer and producer of electric vehicles. The city's industry closely cooperates with the transport sector. It produces 57% of all Russian electric vehicles and is home to two companies in the passenger electric vehicle segment—Moskvich and Atom.


Maxim Liksutov spoke about the achievements of Moscow industry.

Moscow is a leader in transport engineering, not only in Russia but also globally. For example, the SVARZ plant in Sokolniki is developing production of the most advanced KAMAZ electric buses. Final assembly of the eco-friendly vehicles is carried out here.

All complex microelectronics for suburban rolling stock are produced in the capital.

Moscow companies produce high-tech equipment for traffic management systems, smart road signs, and traffic lights.

At the behest of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the Technopolis Moscow Special Economic Zone is focusing on developing social infrastructure. Employees have access to a variety of sports facilities and services.

The city is successfully developing a joint project with Rosatom to create a modern Gigafactory. The plant will produce traction batteries for electric vehicles, electric buses, and electric vessels.

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The UN Pathfinder Award: When the World Doesn't End Behind Prison Walls

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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38-year-old Kemi, as her family calls her, decided to consult with her family and called home.

"I talked to my husband," she recalls, "and he said, 'Why are you asking? Go! Agree!'"

His enthusiasm encouraged Kemi, but she wasn't sure he could manage at home alone with two children, aged seven and ten.

After listening to her concerns, her husband disarmed her with a counter-question: "Do you know our children's last name? It's my last name. I'll take care of them."

Attention to detail

By 2020, Kemi was already an indispensable figure in many ways within the Nigerian Prison Service. A leaky roof, a crack in a wall, a new prison block project—it all came down to her. In Lagos State, she oversaw five facilities housing nearly 9,000 inmates.

The work required meticulous attention to detail, but this was precisely the trait characteristic of the determined Kemi, a geologist by training. She knew: no glass windows or ceramic sinks that could be broken and the shards used as weapons. Bars—the strongest, letting in enough light, but impossible to crawl through.

"We seek a balance between respect for human dignity and safety," says Kemi, emphasizing that even in a prison cell, the toilet must provide privacy. "We use stalls where the feet are visible, but everything else is covered up to the neck—so we can tell if a person is attempting suicide."

"Competence has no gender"

Security and respect for human dignity—this is the balance the UN required to implement its projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Competence has no gender," Kemi emphasizes.

In Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, Kemi was to participate in prison system reform, which included rethinking the architecture and design of prisons.

Reform begins with drawings

The peacekeeping mission's leadership urged the DRC authorities to implement international standards—the Mandela Rules and the UN Bangkok Rules—which call for humane and gender-sensitive treatment of prisoners, but the proposals met with resistance.

"They didn't understand why a prison needed a library, a gym, or a workshop," Kemi recalls. Then she changed her approach: she explained that a gym meant healthy prisoners, and a library meant books instead of escape plans.

The arguments, though not immediately effective, were effective. The UN team drew up a plan for the construction of new buildings and a list of existing ones, indicating which needed to be renovated and which needed to be closed.

Kemi insisted on building separate women's prisons. "Setting up a women's block in a men's prison isn't enough," she insisted, arguing that this paved the way for sexual violence. If complete separation couldn't be achieved, fences and separate corridors were necessary.

© MONUSCO

Olukemi Ibikunle organizes a sewing workshop for female prisoners in eastern DRC.

Breaking stereotypes

While working in the DRC, Kemi repeatedly encountered sexism: some short girl demanding to see receipts, checking the strength of rebar, asking questions about the sand content in cement?!

Speaking her native dialect and Nigerian English didn't help much. She learned technical terms in French and learned how to combat inflated budgets. "This is clearly too much," she said bluntly. "We'll have to cut the budget."

Contractors called Kinshasa with complaints, but were always told: "Discuss it with Kemi."

Time of Troubles

In 2023, Kemi worked in Kabare, South Kivu province, overseeing the construction of a maximum-security prison with a budget of $850,000. The facility housed dangerous prisoners associated with armed groups.

By that time, the UN mission had already withdrawn its peacekeepers from South Kivu, leaving only a team of prison guards. When the militants approached the outskirts of the city, Kemi found herself alone.

The evacuation was chaotic. "We left through land corridors, without UN logistics, everyone found their own way," she recalls.

Lake Kivu was under M23 control, and the waterway was closed. She managed to escape the danger zone with a backpack, along with two fellow human rights activists, just hours before the city fell.

Her worried husband texted her on WhatsApp: "Where are you? Is everything okay?" She replied evasively: "Everything is fine." Only now does she admit it was scary: "We who managed to escape are now like one family."

At the Rwandan border, her documents aroused suspicion. "You're from the police," they told her. Kemi said she was from the prison service. "It's the same thing," the border guards insisted.

They detained her, then called somewhere, checked something for a long time – and finally let her through.

She now works in the city of Beni, North Kivu, which the DRC government retains control over. The project in Kabara is on hold.

UN Photo/E. Schneider

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed presents Olukemi Ibikunle with the Pathfinder Award.

"Pioneer"

This week, Kemi was named the recipient of the UN Trailblazer Award, given to women who are "changing the face of justice" and contributing to prison reform. She received the award on Wednesday at UN Headquarters in New York, where she has already become a local celebrity. On her way to the interview, a UN security guard, himself originally from Nigeria, recognized her and approached her to congratulate her.

Uvira: Fuel from waste

Kemi's most vivid memories aren't of the war, but of projects that transform everyday life. One of them is especially dear to her: a biogas system launched in 2021 at the Uvira prison. Human waste is converted into gas for cooking. Forests are no longer cut down for firewood. The sewage system functions without interruption. "And there's no more smell," she emphasizes.

Guards and prisoners were trained to operate the new system. After the UN peacekeeping mission left, the water supply stopped, so a well was drilled. In 2024, Kemi drove eight hours to check on site: everything was working. The prison staff said, "This is the best thing you've done for us."

Women from Bukavu

Kemi has another vivid memory of a prison in Bukavu, where 80 women and over 1,400 men were held. Every morning, the male prisoners received their legal rations, while the women received nothing. Prison officials explained this by saying that the women received food parcels from their families, and also received some donations from charities. Why else would they spend money from the prison budget?

The kitchen was a sad sight: soot on the walls, broken stoves, and the women cooking on a single coal burner. Kemi wasn't happy about this: she scooped up two thousand dollars from the meager prison budget, bought the cookware, hired technicians, and stood by, overseeing the work until the kitchen came back to life.

The main obstacle was bureaucracy. Kemi argued with the prison warden that food was owed to all prisoners, not just men. For two weeks in a row, she arrived at seven in the morning and oversaw the food distribution—until fairness became the norm: women received food equally with men.

If the prisoners couldn't thank her out loud, they did so silently—with a short, silent thumbs-up every time she entered the yard.

© MONUSCO

The price of separation

During her business trips, Kemi never forgets about her family – she communicates with her husband and children on the phone.

“We talk on WhatsApp,” she says. “The kids always call on the way to school. When I flew here [to New York – ed.], there was Wi-Fi on the plane, so I could talk to them there too.”

When Kemi first left Nigeria for Congo, her seven-year-old son feigned indifference: "Leaving tomorrow? Okay, see you later." Her eldest daughter hugged her and asked her to stay "just five more minutes."

After the chaos of the evacuation from the DRC, the boy—now a teenager—cries every time his mother leaves: "Don't go. You don't have to work. Daddy will take care of us."

In response, she assures: "It's not just about the money. I'm doing this for myself—and for all of us."

This Wednesday, in New York City, Kemi took the stage to accept the Trailblazer Award. A few celebratory minutes—applause, a photo op, congratulations… And then she'll return to her work routine: drawing up plans, filling out forms, morning checks—and the long, hard fight to prove that the world doesn't end behind prison walls.

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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Top Stories of the Day | Wednesday: Gaza, Madagascar, Haiti, Yemen

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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October 8, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: 83 percent of buildings in Gaza City were damaged, the Secretary-General spoke about the violence in Madagascar, more than 3 million children in Haiti need aid, and the detention of UN employees in Yemen.

The Gaza crisis

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that Israeli military operations are continuing in Gaza City, making the already dire humanitarian situation even more dangerous. The UN Satellite Centre published a preliminary analysis on Wednesday, according to which 83 percent of all structures in the city have been damaged, including approximately 81,000 housing units. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies on the ground warn that many people are unable to leave the northern enclave due to security conditions.

Protests in Madagascar

Secretary General Antonio Guterres The UN Secretary-General's press service stated today that he is closely monitoring the situation in Madagascar. Guterres is deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction that have occurred since the youth protests in the country began on September 25. He expresses his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and calls on the authorities to uphold international human rights standards. The Secretary-General also emphasizes that protests must proceed peacefully, with respect for human life, property, and the rule of law. The UN chief called for dialogue to develop a constructive path forward.

Children of Haiti

The number of children forced from their homes by violence in Haiti has nearly doubled in the past year. Currently, 680,000 young people are internally displaced, according to a new report from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). A total of 3.3 million children—the highest number ever recorded—require humanitarian assistance. Cases of acute malnutrition, underage recruitment by armed groups, gender-based violence, and other child rights violations have increased.

UN staff in Yemen

UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric announced today at a press briefing in New York that, following the confirmation of another UN employee's detention in Yemen the previous day, the country announced his release today. According to the UN, the total number of UN staff members currently detained by the Houthis stands at 53. Some of them have been held since 2021.

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.