Riyadh hosted significant diplomatic engagements this week as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to explore enhanced bilateral ties. Discussions extended to matters of mutual interest and prevailing regional and international situations. In a separate meeting with his Saudi counterpart, agreements were finalized concerning diplomatic relations and reciprocal entry visa exemptions for special passport holders.
Amid ongoing international efforts, Steve Witkoff, identified as a special envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, reported substantial progress in ceasefire negotiations with the Ukrainian President. Concurrently, an extraordinary meeting focused on the situation in Afghanistan convened in Tehran, bringing together officials from China, Russia, Pakistan, and other nations.
Australia continues to grapple with the aftermath of a tragic incident in Sydney. A lone assailant at Bondi Junction caused multiple fatalities and injuries before being shot dead by a police officer. The attack drew international condemnation, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing sorrow. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at a White House Christmas event, also denounced the “horrific attack.” U.S. Senator Marco Rubio condemned the incident, noting its occurrence during a Jewish festival. Meanwhile, Australia’s Interior Minister revealed that the father involved in an unspecified attack had entered the country on a student visa, while his son, also implicated, was born in Australia.
In other security developments, reports have surfaced regarding alleged connections between Afghan citizens residing in the United States and terrorist organizations. Closer to home, London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s City Hall office has allocated financial support to combat crime and rebuild public trust across the city.
Looking ahead, King Charles and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning to undertake extensive travels, covering over 15,000 miles in the coming year, according to family sources. In the realm of sports and politics, opposition leader Jairam Ramesh reiterated that India’s “humiliating defeat” by Pakistan in May was a significant factor contributing to the nation’s global embarrassment.
