(Photo: BBC)SUNA said the boat sank because of a technical failure. Civil Defence Forces were searching the waters for the bodies of the missing children, the agency added. Sudan suffers monsoon rains which regularly last from June to November and cause the Nile and its tributaries to overflow. In August 2013, floods killed 50 people, most of them in Khartoum. The floods, the most serious to hit the Sudanese capital in 25 years according to the UN, effected hundreds of thousands of people. One of the world's longest rivers, the Nile is formed from two major tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, which meet just north of Sudan's capital, Khartoum.The Nile is an important transport route for people and goods in the African nation./. Compiled by BTA … [Read more...] about 22 children dead in Nile boat shrinking
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Mario Abdo Benitez sworn in as Paraguay’s President
Newly-elected President Mario Abdo Benitez and his spouse (Source: AP)Mr. Benitez took the oath of office for the next five years in a ceremony attended by several foreign chiefs of state. He pledged to work with the opposition to push through reforms. Abdo Benitez is also expected to maintain the economic policies of his colleague and predecessor, Horacio Cartes, that saw Paraguay’s economy expand by over 4% last year. "I hope I can demonstrate through my conduct that I will be a leader who considers the future of his country, in whom you can trust," he said. "We are going to build an independent and courageous justice so that impunity ends," Mr. Binitez added. Mario Abdo Benitez, born in 1971, is a Paraguayan politician. He was a former President of the Senate of Paraguay./. Compiled by BTA … [Read more...] about Mario Abdo Benitez sworn in as Paraguay’s President
Singapore, Malaysia hold talks on joint high-speed rail project
The meeting between the two sides took place last week after the Singaporean government repeatedly asked Malaysia for a response, clarifying its position on the USD28 billion project.Source: VNAMalaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the meeting was held to solve issues related to the rail project, adding that a detailed report will be presented to the Malaysian Cabinet later this week.Speaking before the Singaporean Parliament on July 9th, Minister of Transport Khaw Boon Wan said Singapore had sent a diplomatic note to Malaysia in order to seek immediate clarification of Malaysia’s position on the project.If Malaysia unilaterally causes the project to be terminated, Singapore will request compensation for costs incurred in accordance with the binding agreement signed between the two countries and international law, he added.According to Khaw Boon Wan, Singapore has already spent more than SGD250 million on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore HSR project, with the expenditure … [Read more...] about Singapore, Malaysia hold talks on joint high-speed rail project
Tien Yen to organize chicken food festival
Photo for illustration (Source: qtv.vn)As part of the 2nd Culture and Sports Week 2018 of ethnic minorities in Quang Ninh’s northeastern region, it introduces and promotes the brand name of Tien Yen chicken, as well as honour the brand name of Tien Yen chicken in particular and the special features of the food culture of Tien Yen in general to visitors. The festival is organized in the form of displaying beautiful trays of banquet, dishes made from Tien Yen chicken. In addition, Tien Yen district also organizes a number of activities such as chicken fashion show, skits about chicken, dance sports, and screening legendary videos about chicken./. BTA … [Read more...] about Tien Yen to organize chicken food festival
UN hails VN’s efforts in protecting, care for children
National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan receives UN Resident Coordinator and UN Development Programme (UNDP)’s Resident Representative Kamal Malhotra, Ha Noi, August 15, 2018 - Photo:quochoi.vn Ms. Ngan highly spoke of the support of the UN and UNDP for Viet Nam’s socio-economic development as well as the contributions of UNICEF to the sustainable growth and the protection of children’s rights in the country. Viet Nam was the first country in Asia and second in the world ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, said Ms. Ngan, adding that the nation has been praised from the international community as one of nations with strong political commitments and positive measures in establishing laws, policies and national programs for launching the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. To overcome consequences and respond to realistic … [Read more...] about UN hails VN’s efforts in protecting, care for children
Gov’t welcomes unprecedented recommendations: PM
Photo: VGP Addressing a plenary session, themed “Promoting diplomacy in service of development in the period of extensive international integration”, the PM extended his greetings to the diplomats, who have strived to connect Viet Nam and friends worldwide, while underscoring the significant contributions of foreign affairs to the country’s achievements so far. The resources from inside and outside the country have contributed to shifting economic structures and constantly brought about high growth rates, he said, stating that Viet Nam is the only ASEAN nation to foster strategic partnership and comprehensive partnership with the five permanent member of the UN Security Council, the entire Group of Seven (G7), and 13 of the Group of 20 (G20) countries. The leader noted that the diplomatic sector has taken drastic action, thus contributing to expanding the markets and taking advantage of resources in service of the country’s development demand. … [Read more...] about Gov’t welcomes unprecedented recommendations: PM
Vienna named world’s most liveable city in 2018
Vienna is named world’s most liveable city in 2018 (Source: Erasmusu.com)Melbourne, Australia, was dislodged by Vienna, which reached the top spot for the first time. The capital of Austria scored 99.1 points out of 100, while Melbourne scored of 98.4. Osaka in Japan was ranked third, followed by Calgary (Canada) and Sydney (Australia). The ranking considers 30 qualitative and quantitative factors to rank 140 cities in order of best living conditions. Those factors include benchmarks such as health care, education, infrastructure, stability and culture/environment, among others. The cities are scored overall from ideal to intolerable on a 100-point scale. The ten most liveable cities in 2018 1. Vienna, Austria 2. Melbourne, Australia 3. Osaka, Japan 4. Calgary, Canada 5. Sydney, Australia 6. Vancouver, Canada 7. Tokyo, Japan 8. Toronto, Canada 9. Copenhagen, Denmark 10. Adelaide, Australia Compiled by BTA … [Read more...] about Vienna named world’s most liveable city in 2018
US Secretary of Defense visits South America
U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis (Source: Kyodo/VNA)The White House has declared 2018 the “Year of the Americas,” and the Secretary's trip underscores the Department's strong defense ties with Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, officials said, adding that these relationships are critical to a collaborative, prosperous and secure Western Hemisphere. Mr. Mattis began his trip in Brazil. He met in Brasilia with Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes and Defense Minister General Joaquim Silva e Luna, with whom he addressed human rights issues and the role of both countries in peacekeeping missions. According to a statement released by the Pentagon, during their meeting, Mattis and Nunes addressed a "wide range of defense issues." The Secretary will then visit Argentina, where he will meet with senior defense officials to discuss defense issues of mutual interest. His third stop is Chile, to exchange strategic perspectives with senior officials. Mattis concludes his … [Read more...] about US Secretary of Defense visits South America
Cuba begins public debate on Constitutional draft
Photo for illustration (Source: AFP)Citizens will be able to discuss the new constitution at 135,000 forums until November 15th. They will present their conclusions to the 33 lawmakers writing up the final version, which will be submitted to a referendum in February 2019. The Cuban National Assembly last month approved a draft amendment to the 1976 Constitution, including amendments that would pave the way for the recognition of private small businesses and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The draft of the new national charter, which includes 224 articles, has already been approved by the Cuban legislature. The current constitution was written in 1976. Since 2010, Cuba has undergone a series of market reforms aimed at boosting the island’s economy. The National Assembly proposed a number of constitutional reforms last month, including presidential term limits and the legalization of same-sex marriage, as the country moves to decide its political … [Read more...] about Cuba begins public debate on Constitutional draft
The two Koreas to hold third summit in Pyongyang
Representatives of the DPRK and the RoK met in the village of Panmunjom on August 13th (Photo: Yonhap)The decision was made during the high-level talks at the border village of Panmunjom on August 13th. RoK’s presidential office Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said the DPRK and the RoK launched high-level talks to discuss detailed for the event. DPRK’s leader Kim Jong-un and RoK President Moon Jae-in met in April and May at the border truce village of Panmunjom, within the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries, and agreed that the next summit would be held in the DPRK capital in autumn. A RoK delegation led by Minister of Unification Cho Myoung-gyon began the latest round of talks with counterparts led by Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the DPRK’s reunification committee. "As the Pyongyang summit of the leaders of the DPRK and RoK is being pursued, I believe that we can give the concrete answers to problems that the people hope and wish for," Ri … [Read more...] about The two Koreas to hold third summit in Pyongyang