China, U.S. hold candid, constructive talks on trade, TikTok

The Chinese and U.S. delegations engaged in candid, in-depth and constructive communication based on mutual respect and equal consultation regarding economic and trade issues of mutual concern, including TikTok, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

The two sides fully recognized that a stable China-U.S. economic and trade relationship is of great significance to both countries and also has a major impact on global economic stability and development, said Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, at a briefing.

Arab-Islamic summit condemns Israeli attack on Qatar, vows full solidarity

An emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha on Monday strongly condemned Israel's recent attack on Qatar and declared full solidarity with the Gulf state.

In its final communique, the summit, chaired by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, described the Israeli strike on a residential area in Doha as a "flagrant act of aggression" that violated international law and posed a grave threat to regional and global peace.

IAEA conference urges protection of nuclear non-proliferation scheme

The 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened Monday in Vienna, focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology and the urgent need to protect the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

In a message delivered by Ghada Waly, director-general of the United Nations (UN) Office at Vienna, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the IAEA plays a vital role in ensuring nuclear science and technology are used solely for peaceful purposes. "Together, we can ensure that these tools advance development and safeguard humanity," the message said, urging continued efforts to eliminate the threat of nuclear proliferation.

Trump claims U.S. military again strikes alleged Venezuelan drug boat, killing 3

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the U.S. military launched the second strike in two weeks targeting an alleged drug boat from Venezuela, killing three men aboard the vessel in international waters.

"This morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a SECOND Kinetic Strike against positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility," Trump wrote on social media.

Over 3,400 Afghan refugee families return from Pakistan, Iran in 3 days

A total of 3,475 Afghan refugee families, totaling 23,336 individuals, returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran from Friday to Sunday, Afghanistan's High Commission for Addressing Returnees Problems announced on Monday.

The returnees entered the country via key border crossings, including Islam Qala in western Herat province, Torkham in eastern Nangarhar province, Spin Boldak in southern Kandahar province, and Abrisham in western Nimroz province, the commission said.

First 3 ministers of Nepal's interim gov't sworn in

Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel on Monday administered the oath of office to the first three ministers of the newly-formed interim government.

The televised ceremony took place at the Office of the President in Kathmandu.