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Category: International

  • Trump announces King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s 2027 state visit to the U.S.

    Trump announces King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s 2027 state visit to the U.S.

    NORTH AMERICA, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to the United States from 27 to 30 April 2027.

    As part of what the President described as a “historic occasion,” a state banquet will be held at the White House on the evening of 28 April. The visit coincides with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    In a statement released on Tuesday via his Truth Social account, Trump wrote: “Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a Historic State Visit from April 27-30th, which will include a beautiful Banquet Dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28th. This momentous occasion will be even more special this year, as we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of our Great Country. I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!”

    However, earlier in the day, Trump criticised the United Kingdom and other NATO allies for failing to join U.S. efforts in the ongoing conflict with Iran, particularly in securing the Strait of Hormuz. He accused them of complaining about rising oil prices while refusing to take military action.

    “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” Trump said.

    It remains unclear how the forthcoming state visit will accommodate these political conundrums arising from the war in the Middle East, as Trump has been openly critical of England’s neutral position.

  • Israel declares indefinite security zone occupation in Southern Lebanon

    Israel declares indefinite security zone occupation in Southern Lebanon

    INTERNATIONAL, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Tuesday that Israel will establish and maintain a “security zone” in southern Lebanon extending up to the Litani River. The measure would prevent the return of more than 600,000 displaced residents and involve the demolition of villages near the border.

    Following a high-level military assessment, Katz confirmed that Israeli forces will remain permanently deployed in the zone, enforcing strict control measures. He stressed that the initiative is designed to neutralise Hezbollah’s capabilities, sever Lebanon from Iranian influence, and fundamentally reshape the security environment in the region.

    The move follows the inability of Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah, which had been a condition for the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah during the height of the war with Hamas. Israel has declared Hamas militarily defeated, but now faces repeated attacks from Hezbollah, which joined the conflict alongside Iran in the broader confrontation involving Israel and the United States.

    The plan would extend Israeli presence far beyond the UN-demarcated Blue Line, established in 2000 to confirm Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The Litani River, Lebanon’s longest at roughly 170 kilometres, has long been central to Israeli-Lebanese disputes and security proposals.

    Cross-border hostilities reignited on 2 March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, breaking a ceasefire that had held since November 2024. Israel responded with intensified airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon.

    In a related development, the Israeli military reported overnight strikes on weapons production facilities in Tehran, marking the 31st consecutive day of Israeli-U.S. operations targeting Iran.

  • UNIFIL confirms death of two peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

    UNIFIL confirms death of two peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

    INTERNATIONAL, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has announced the killing of two peacekeepers in southern Lebanon on Monday.

    According to a statement by UNIFIL, “the two peacekeepers were tragically killed in south Lebanon today, when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan. A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and a fourth was also hurt.”

    UNIFIL noted that the incident was the second fatal attack in 24 hours, stressing: “We reiterate that no one should ever have to die serving the cause of peace.”

    The body extended its “sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those brave peacekeepers” and confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion.

    The mission reiterated the urgent need for all actors to uphold obligations under international law and ensure the safety of UN personnel and property. It warned that “deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may constitute war crimes.”

    “The human cost of this conflict is far too high. The violence, as we have said before, must end,” the statement added./

  • US Congressman warns Nigeria of severe consequences after Jos attack

    US Congressman warns Nigeria of severe consequences after Jos attack

    INTERNATIONAL, 30 March 2026 (NPA) — US Congressman Riley Moore has warned that Nigeria’s relationship with the United States could face “significant consequences” if there is a repeat of the killings in Jos North, Plateau State, where over a dozen people were massacred on Sunday.

    In a statement on Monday, Moore — who served on a Congressional inquiry into alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria and had previously made recommendations to President Trump on resolving the issue — alleged that “radical Islamic terrorists opened fire on the Christians in Jos before hacking them to pieces with machetes.”

    He described the attack as “sickening and unacceptable,” but added that it was “not surprising,” claiming it followed a regular pattern of assaults.

    The statement read in part: “This tragedy follows a pattern of radical Islamic terrorists massacring Christians on Holy Days. In fact, terrorists have attacked Christians in Nigeria on every single holy day in recent memory, except for last Christmas — when President Trump sent 12 tomahawk cruise missiles to stop them.”

    Moore further warned:“Abuja knows this pattern and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter. If they don’t take this threat seriously and mobilise to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, blood of these martyrs will be on their hands, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”

  • Global migration crisis: 22 migrants die off Greek coast 

    Global migration crisis: 22 migrants die off Greek coast 

    INTERNATIONAL, 29 March 2026 (NPA) — At least 22 migrants have died this week off the Greek coast after spending six harrowing days adrift in a dinghy bound for Europe. A total of 26 survivors, including a woman and a child, were rescued on Friday by a European border agency vessel and taken to a hospital in Heraklion, Crete.

    Reports indicate the boat departed Tobruk in eastern Libya on 21 March, but poor weather, combined with a lack of food and water, contributed to the deaths, according to the Greek coastguard.

    This tragedy comes against the backdrop of alarming global statistics. In 2025, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 7,667 migrant deaths or disappearances worldwide, with Africa’s sea routes among the deadliest. The Mediterranean crossing alone claimed 2,108 lives, while another 1,047 migrants perished attempting to reach Spain’s Canary Islands.

    The report noted that an average of 21 migrants died every day in 2025, though experts believe the true toll is higher due to unrecorded cases. Human rights groups argue that restrictive border policies push migrants onto more hazardous routes, increasing fatalities.

    The 2025 figures reveal a devastating toll of nearly 8,000 deaths worldwide, with African sea crossings disproportionately lethal. The Mediterranean and Canary Islands routes alone accounted for more than 3,100 lives lost, underscoring the urgent need for safer migration pathways, stronger rescue operations, and international cooperation to address the crisis.

  • China–South Africa forum sparks optimism as zero‑tariff policy boosts trade

    China–South Africa forum sparks optimism as zero‑tariff policy boosts trade

    ABUJA, 29 March 2026 (NPA) — A China–South Africa trade forum held in Cape Town on Friday has raised confidence in deeper bilateral cooperation following China’s zero‑tariff measures for 53 African countries.

    Jointly organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the forum drew over 350 political and business representatives, including 70 Chinese and 110 South African executives. Talks centred on agriculture, manufacturing, energy, mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics.

    South Africa’s Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams said the zero‑tariff policy would allow African products duty‑free access to China, attracting more investment. She noted that China has long been South Africa’s largest trading partner, while South Africa remains China’s top partner on the continent. “It’s a win‑win situation,” she said.

    Russel Brueton of Wesgro stressed that China will remain a key market for local exporters, adding that easier trade will drive inclusive growth and job creation. He welcomed the policy as a major opportunity for South African products to reach new buyers.

    Chinese companies also expressed optimism. Wang Jian of Aberdare Cable said zero‑tariff measures would cut costs and stabilise raw material supply. Shenzhen Skyworth’s Chairman Fan Ruiwu highlighted opportunities in photovoltaics, energy storage, and new energy vehicles, predicting stronger two‑way investment.

    Lu Ping of Hainan Free Trade Zone Dehang Group said the policy framework offers “early harvest” gains, linking South Africa’s speciality industries with China’s free trade port advantages. Cultural and tourism exchanges are also expected to benefit, with Beijing Green and Blue Culture Media’s Xiao Meng calling the move a platform for deeper cooperation.

  • UN Chief appoints envoy to lead Middle East peace efforts, says war out of control

    UN Chief appoints envoy to lead Middle East peace efforts, says war out of control

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the escalating Gulf war is “out of control”, urging all sides to step back and allow diplomacy to prevail, as he announced the appointment of a senior envoy to spearhead peace efforts.

    Speaking outside the UN Security Council in New York, Mr Guterres said the conflict had spiralled far beyond expectations. “The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock,” he declared.

    He confirmed the appointment of veteran diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN efforts, focusing on mediation and assessing the conflict’s far-reaching impacts, particularly on energy markets reliant on the Strait of Hormuz.

    Mr Guterres urged the United States and Israel to end the war and called on Iran to halt attacks on neighbours. He stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait must be respected, warning that disruption is choking vital supplies of oil, gas, and fertiliser.

    Highlighting the humanitarian toll, he said civilians across the region were “enduring serious harm and living under profound insecurity”. He called on Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel and on Israel to cease strikes hitting civilians the hardest.

    The Secretary-General also cautioned against global fallout, noting markets are “in turmoil” and humanitarian operations are constrained. He warned that fertiliser shortages threaten food security and soaring energy prices risk fuelling inflation and poverty worldwide.

    Despite mounting tensions, Mr Guterres insisted there remains a path forward: “Diplomacy must prevail. War is not the answer… Full respect of international law is the way out.”

  • Zelenskyy secures defence pact with Qatar as US-Israel-Iran war escalates

    Zelenskyy secures defence pact with Qatar as US-Israel-Iran war escalates

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 28 March 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Doha as part of his country’s ongoing security support to Gulf states battered by waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks in the wake of the United States–Israel–Iran conflict.

    Ukraine, hardened by years of Russian aggression, has emerged as a sought-after partner in countering Iran’s cheap drone swarms across the Middle East. On Saturday, Zelenskyy met the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani also in attendance.

    Earlier, Zelenskyy was also in Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional security cooperation and the strengthening of defence ties.

    In a statement, Zelenskyy confirmed that both sides agreed on a decade-long defence partnership. Chiefs of the General Staff signed an accord covering joint defence industry projects, co-production facilities, and technological collaboration between companies. “I provided an update on the security situation in Ukraine, the ongoing Russian attacks, and Russia’s close cooperation with the Iranian regime. Strengthening air defence is a priority for us, and we count on support from our partners,” Zelenskyy said.

    He expressed gratitude for Qatar’s warm reception and readiness to cooperate, describing the agreements reached as “concrete steps” towards protecting lives and enhancing regional security.

  • King Charles tours Oxford Photovoltaics, praises groundbreaking solar innovations

    King Charles tours Oxford Photovoltaics, praises groundbreaking solar innovations

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The King of England, His Majesty King Charles III, today visited Oxford Photovoltaics, a pioneering renewable energy company based at the Oxford Science Park in Oxfordshire. The firm, a spin‑out from the University of Oxford, has earned global recognition for its cutting‑edge work in solar technology, particularly in the development of perovskite solar cells.

    During the visit, the King described Oxford Photovoltaics as a trailblazing enterprise, noting that its advanced solar panels are capable of converting a broader spectrum of sunlight into clean, affordable energy compared with conventional models. This innovation positions the company at the forefront of efforts to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

    According to a statement released by the Royal Family, His Majesty met members of staff, toured the company’s research and production facilities, and observed the technology in action. Oxford Photovoltaics, headquartered in Oxfordshire with additional operations in Germany, continues to expand its influence as one of Europe’s leading solar technology firms, combining academic research with industrial application to deliver solutions that address climate change and energy security.

  • Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defence cooperation pact

    Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defence cooperation pact

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — Ukraine has signed a landmark defence cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, positioning itself as a global security partner following its battlefield experience in the war with Russia.

    The document, signed as part of the meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, establishes a framework for future contracts, technological collaboration and investment, while strengthening Ukraine’s role as a security donor.

    In a statement on Friday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to share its expertise and defence systems with Saudi Arabia to enhance the protection of lives. “Now into the fifth year, Ukrainians are resisting the same kind of terrorist attacks – ballistic missiles and drones – that the Iranian regime is currently carrying out in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he noted.

    The Ukrainian leader added that discussions also covered the wider Middle East and Gulf situation, Russia’s support for Iran, developments in fuel markets and prospects for energy cooperation.