West African countries to investigate Nigeria border closure
West African countries have agreed to conduct an investigation into the impact of Nigeria’s decision last year to close off its land borders to trade, Nigeria’s presidency said on Monday.
Merkel supports Kramp-Karrenbauer in her desire to remain defense minister: spokesman
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer wants to remain German defense minister and Chancellor Angela Merkel supports her in that, a spokesman for the German government said on Monday.
Factbox: Countries evacuating nationals from China coronavirus areas
A growing number of countries around the world are evacuating or planning to evacuate diplomatic staff and citizens from parts of China hit by the new coronavirus.
Cambodia garments, possibly losing EU trade status, now hit by coronavirus
At least four textile factories in Cambodia may suspend operations because of delays to the supply of raw materials from China caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the labour ministry said on Monday.
Alibaba offers $2.86 billion in loans to firms hit by coronavirus outbreak
Alibaba Group Holdings said on Monday its affiliate Ant Financial’s MYBank unit would offer 20 billion yuan ($2.86 billion) in loans to companies in China in light of the coronavirus outbreak, with preferential terms for Hubei firms.
Pope trip to Malta in May to spotlight migrants’ plight
Pope Francis will make the first trip by a pontiff in 10 years to the tiny Mediterranean island nation of Malta in May, where he is expected to defend the rights of migrants trying to reach Europe.
Malaysia says yet to decide on new search for MH370
Malaysia on Monday said it has yet to decide on launching a new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which went missing with 239 people on board nearly six years ago, following a report that a new effort to find the plane could be mounted.
Oscars, movies help pass the time on cruise ship quarantined in Japan
Some cruise ship passengers savored lavish meals; others watched movies or were glued to the live Academy Awards broadcast. The lucky few whose turn it was to get fresh air paced the decks, reveling in a glimpse of blue sky.
Merkel protegee Kramp-Karrenbauer won’t run for chancellor: source
The woman who had been expected to become Germany’s next chancellor has decided not to run for the top job, a source in her Christian Democratic party (CDU) said on Monday, throwing into confusion the race to succeed Angela Merkel.
Merkel protegee will remain CDU chair until a chancellor candidate is found: source
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the leader of Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) who on Monday said she would not run for chancellor next year, will remain chair of the party until another candidate is found, a party source said.
