During a visit to China, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari assured that his country's enduring friendship with China will not be broken by terrorist attacks. Despite recent attacks targeting Chinese workers in Pakistan, Zardari emphasized the unshakable bond between the two nations, which has been vital for initiatives like the belt and road initiative. Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed Zardari's sentiments, highlighting their cooperation in the China-Pakistan economic corridor and other ventures.
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Israeli strikes killed at least nine Palestinians, mainly women and children, in Gaza as the war continues. Efforts for a ceasefire have failed, and over 45,000 Palestinians have died. The harsh winter conditions worsen the situation for displaced Gazans, with infants dying from hypothermia.
Elon Musk's claim of saving $55 billion by reducing US federal government expenditures faces scrutiny. Errors, outdated data, and inflated figures are identified in the reported savings, raising skepticism about the accuracy and legitimacy of the reduction efforts.
A federal court has denied a request to block the release of a report by special counsel Jack Smith on his investigation into President-elect Trump's alleged 2020 election interference and retention of classified records. The court also rejected appeals from Trump aides accused of obstructing the FBI's separate investigation into classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago.
Namal Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was indicted by Colombo's high court for alleged misappropriation of funds from an Indian investment before 2015. He was released on bail, with the case scheduled for March 27. The Rajapaksa family claims the charges are part of a political witch hunt, as they face revived corruption investigations under the new NPP government.
In her statement on Syria, Tulsi Gabbard did not mention Assad whom she met in 2017, and said she stands in full support of what President-elect Donald Trump said on Syria. Donald Trump said whatever is happening in Syria is not America's fight and US military should stay out of it. Trump said Assad did not deserve US support to stay in power after his government collapsed and Assad left the country.
Pakistan has agreed to a ten-year $20 billion loan plan with the World Bank to boost its economy. The plan aims to encourage private-sector investment and enhance climate resilience. Key focus areas include energy, water, agriculture, finance, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism despite the ongoing political crisis.
Steve Bannon said Barack Obama initially gave a cold shoulder to Donald Trump at the funeral service of Jimmy Carter though later they were seen chitchatting. Bannon condemned Bush for not even acknowledging Donald Trump and walking past him. "Bush walked past Trump, the man fixing the mess he created, without an ounce of humility,†Bannon said. "This is who they are — arrogant, out-of-touch elites.â€
China is set to host Russia and Iran for trilateral discussions on Tehran's nuclear program this Friday. The meeting will involve senior foreign ministry officials from the three countries, focusing on the nuclear issue, lifting sanctions, and discussing regional and international developments.