Qatar becomes first Gulf nation to join U.S. visa waiver program

SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Qatar has become the first Gulf country to join the U.S. visa waiver program, allowing its citizens to travel to the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days. This announcement came from the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, which stated that Qatari citizens could apply starting Dec. 1. Qatar's inclusion in the program highlights its strengthening relationship with the U.S., especially in efforts like mediating a ceasefire in

September 25, 2024

Iran ready to renew nuclear talks, criticizes Israel's actions in Gaza

SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the United Nations General Assembly, expressing Iran's readiness to improve relations with the West, particularly concerning its nuclear program. In his first UN speech, Pezeshkian emphasized a desire for a "constructive" chapter in international relations and reaffirmed Iran's willingness to engage with Western countries on the 2015 nuclear deal, provided all parties uphold their commitments.

September 25, 2024

UN General Assembly convenes amid growing concerns of all-out war in Middle East

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - The 79th United Nations General Assembly is opening amid a severe escalation of violence in southern Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 490 people and displaced thousands, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts at the UN, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah risks spiraling into full-scale war. UN diplomats have been holding discussions on various global issues, while Lebanon's Prime

September 24, 2024

Israeli air strikes kill at least 492 people in Lebanon

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Israeli air strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 492 people, making it the deadliest day of conflict in the region in nearly two decades, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The strikes targeted 1,300 Hezbollah positions, aiming to destroy infrastructure built since the 2006 war. Thousands of civilians fled as Hezbollah retaliated by launching over 200 rockets into northern Israel, injuring two. Global leaders are urging restraint, with UN S

September 24, 2024

Biden urges doing everything to avoid escalating Middle East tensions

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - U.S. President Biden announced on Sunday that the U.S. is working to prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East. "We're doing everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out," Biden said, addressing concerns about rising tensions in the region. Biden's remarks followed a surge in violence between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group in Lebanon. On Saturday, Lebanon's health minister, Firass Abiad, reported that more than

September 23, 2024

Gulf states pour billions into Silicon Valley AI startups

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East, especially from oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, are increasingly investing in Silicon Valley's top AI companies as part of efforts to diversify their economies. According to Pitchbook, their funding for AI companies has surged fivefold in the past year. The UAE's AI fund MGX is one of the latest investors in OpenAI's funding round, expected to value the company at $15

September 23, 2024

Qatar Investment Authority targets new growth in Australia, Korea and Japan

SEOUL, September 20 (AJP) - The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the nation's sovereign wealth fund, is currently expanding its presence in Australia, Korea, and Southeast Asia, according to its top executive on Thursday. In addition, QIA is exploring investment opportunities in Japan, particularly in carve-outs from conglomerates and private equity deals, as well as in India's technology sector, Reuters reported. QIA ranks among the world's largest investors, managi

September 20, 2024

UAE president to visit White House to discuss Gaza war

SEOUL, September 20 (AJP) - U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at the White House, with the ongoing Gaza conflict high on the agenda. This marks Sheikh Mohammed's first visit to Washington since taking office in 2022. Key topics include the Gaza war, cooperation on AI, the crisis in Sudan, and other global issues. The UAE has become increasingly critical of Israel's handling of the Gaza war. Having normalized ties with Israel

September 20, 2024

Walkie-talkie explosions at Hezbollah funeral escalate tensions

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - On Wednesday, explosions occurred at a funeral for three Hezbollah members and a child who had been killed by exploding pagers the day before. Walkie-talkies, solar equipment, and other devices detonated during the event, leaving 20 people dead and over 450 injured, as reported by Lebanon's health ministry. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have blamed Israel for Tuesday's initial attack, though Israel has not commented. A representative at

September 19, 2024

UN chief condemns attacks on civilian infrastructure

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of preventing civilian infrastructure from being weaponized after a series of deadly explosions in Lebanon. These blasts, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted wireless communication devices used by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. The explosions killed 12 people, including two children, and injured nearly 2,800. Guterres, speaking from UN headquarters in New York, urged governments to

September 19, 2024