World News in Brief: October 3
One U.N. peacekeeper was killed and four more were severely wounded when their convoy hit an improvised explosive device in northern Mali on Saturday, the United Nations' force in Mali said.
Iran asked US to unfreeze US$10 bln to show good will, Iran official says
Iran's foreign minister said on Saturday that US officials tried to discuss restarting nuclear talks last month, but he insisted Washington must first release US$10 billion of Tehran's frozen funds as a sign of good will.
Vietnam supports equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution, human rights protection
NDO/VNA - Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN has underlined that it is necessary to enhance global solidarity, promote the production and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccine at a reasonable cost in a timely and universal manner across the world.
Thailand on track to achieve export target of 6 million tonnes of rice
NDO/VNA - Thailand is on track to meet its target of exporting 6 million tonnes of rice this year thanks to factors such as higher output, a weaker baht and an anticipated upstick demand.
Global COVID-19 deaths hit 5 million as Delta variant sweeps the world
Worldwide deaths related to COVID-19 surpassed 5 million on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, as the Delta variant causes a surge in fatalities, mainly among the unvaccinated.
British military to help with fuel deliveries from Monday
Britain will deploy almost 200 military tanker personnel, 100 of which are drivers, from Monday to assist with fuel deliveries to gas stations and help address a shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, the government said on Friday.
ASEAN-EU to resume free trade deal negotiations
NDO/VNA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to resume free trade agreement (FTA) talks with the European Union after negotiations were suspended since 2009, the Bangkok Post reported.
Singapore to launch new digital platform to fight illicit banking transactions
NDO/VNA – The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced on October 1 that it will launch a data and information-sharing platform, named Cosmic, to prevent money laundering, terrorism funding and proliferation financing.
ROK submits bill on RCEP for parliamentary approval
NDO/VNA – The Republic of Korea (ROK) said on October 1 that it has submitted a bill to the National Assembly to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Laos extends lockdown order for 15 more days
NDO/VNA – The Lao Government has decided to extend lockdown order, the 11th of its kind since April 14, for additional 15 days, starting from October 1.
Indonesia committed to increasing use of green energy in industry
NDO/VNA – The Indonesian government is committed to build an industry based on green energy, Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia has said.
ASEAN ministers vow to enhance cooperation on transnational crime
NDO/VNA – The 15th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC 15), which was held online from September 28 - 30 under the chair of Brunei, adopted a declaration on combating transnational crime in the post-pandemic period.