Philippines NA approves draft state budget for 2016
The National Assembly of the Philippines on December 17 approved a draft state budget for 2016.
Japan, Indonesia hold first security talks
Japan and Indonesia agreed to enhance cooperation in transferring defence equipment and technology during their first “two-plus-two” security dialogue in Tokyo on December 17.
After half a century, US and Cuba to resume scheduled flights
The United States and Cuba have agreed to restore scheduled commercial airline service for the first time in more than five decades in a deal allowing 110 round-trip flights a day between the former Cold War foes.
UN Security Council puts sanctions focus on Islamic State
The UN Security Council warned on December 17 that some countries are failing to implement long-standing sanctions against Islamic State, as an unprecedented meeting of finance ministers put the global focus on cutting off the militant group's funds.
Philippines to continue effective participation in ASEAN-led activities
The Philippines will continue to ensure the effectiveness of its participation in ASEAN-led activities, the country’s Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril G. Santos told the Vietnam News Agency in a recent interview.
US-Cuba: a year after normalizing relations
(VOV) - Today a year ago, US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro began restoring normal diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of confrontation. Over the past year, the process of normalizing relations has moved steadily forward.
Rouhani: UN's closure of probe into Iran's nuclear past is political victory
President Hassan Rouhani said on December 16 a UN watchdog's closure of investigations into Iran's past nuclear activities is a political victory for the country, lifting the main obstacle to implementing Tehran's deal with world powers.
Cuba says Obama welcome to visit but not to meddle
US President Barack Obama is welcome to visit Cuba but not to meddle in its internal affairs, a senior foreign ministry official said on December 16 on the eve of the first anniversary of the two countries' historic rapprochement.
Exclusive: US supplies Syrian fighters ahead of push for Islamic State town
The United States has delivered a fresh supply of ammunition to Syrian Arab fighters ahead of an expected stiff battle with Islamic State as they push toward the Syrian town of al-Shadadi, a key logistics hub for the group, US officials tell Reuters.
Russia- Montenegro tensions over Montenegro joining NATO
(VOV) - NATO’s membership offer to Montenegro has caused an angry reaction by opposition parties in Montenegro. It has also strained relations between Montenegro and Russia.