Category: Flash News

On February 18th, recent earthquakes have occurred frequently in the famous Greek tourist destination of Santorini Island and its surrounding waters. According to monitoring data from the European Mediterranean Seismological Center, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the waters near Santorini Island at 9:49 am local time on the 17th. Many people living and working on the island have expressed that frequent earthquakes make them feel physically and mentally exhausted. Since February 1st, there have been approximately 1300 earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 or above near the island of Santorini. On the 16th, experts from the Greek earthquake monitoring agency held a meeting. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Defense issued a statement after the meeting stating that the frequency and intensity of seismic activity near Santorini Island are showing a relative downward trend. However, relevant departments remind the public not to relax their vigilance.

On February 18th, EU Economic Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the trade uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on the EU has had a negative impact by curbing investment. He said at a press conference after the Eurozone finance ministers’ meeting in Brussels on Monday that the new round of rising energy prices in recent months has also dragged down output. Nevertheless, Dombrovskis stated that a resilient labor market and a “still on track” inflation slowdown should contribute to a gradual recovery in growth momentum, although the magnitude may not be as high as previously expected. We expect the EU economic growth rate to be slightly lower than our expectations in the autumn forecast, “he said. The European Commission predicted in mid November that the EU’s economic growth rate will accelerate to 1.5% this year, and the eurozone will accelerate to 1.3%.

On February 18th, multiple Israeli media outlets quoted an Israeli official as saying that the Israeli military will continue to stay in five strongholds in southern Lebanon after the withdrawal deadline expires on the 18th. The official, who declined to be named, stated that Israel’s decision has been coordinated with the United States. He emphasized that Israel will continue to strictly implement the Israel Lebanon ceasefire agreement.

On February 18th, Zhai Jun, the Chinese government’s special envoy for the Middle East issue, met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr during the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman on the 16th. Zhai Jun stated that China and Oman have a traditional friendship. In recent years, political mutual trust between China and Arab countries has been continuously consolidated, and pragmatic cooperation in various fields has steadily advanced. China is willing to deepen exchanges at all levels with Afghanistan, continue to firmly support each other on issues related to each other’s core interests, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen communication and coordination in regional and international affairs, and promote further development of China Afghanistan relations. Badr stated that the friendship between Afghanistan and China has a long history and strong strategic mutual trust. The Afghan side will firmly adhere to the One China principle, and is willing to continuously deepen friendly cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, investment, science and technology, strengthen communication and coordination on regional and international affairs, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

On February 18th, Keith Kellogg, the US government’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia who is currently visiting Brussels, Belgium, said on the 17th local time that he will listen to everyone’s discussion points on how to end the Ukrainian crisis. Kellogg reiterated on the same day that it is unreasonable to involve everyone in the Ukrainian negotiations. Kellogg said on the same day that his trip to Ukraine is still being finalized and he is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Earlier that day, Zelensky stated that Kellogg would visit Ukraine on the 20th of this month. Zelensky stated that Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine will last for at least two days, during which he will inspect the front lines with Kellogg.

On February 18th, Hamas hinted at its willingness not to participate in the management of Gaza after a ceasefire with Israel. This statement comes at a time when US leaders are pushing for an extension of the initial ceasefire and agreeing on a permanent end to hostilities. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasim told Al Arabiya TV, “Hamas does not need to participate in the next stage of political and administrative arrangements in Gaza, especially if it is in the interest of our people

On February 18th, Russian Presidential Assistant Ushakov stated on February 17th local time that the talks held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, will be bilateral talks between Russia and the United States. Ushakov stated that the agenda of the US Russia Saudi Arabia Riyadh talks is to reach an agreement on how to initiate negotiations on the Ukraine issue. Previously, the Russian side had held telephone consultations with the US side regarding negotiations in Riyadh. He also said that Dmitriev, the general manager of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, may participate in the negotiations as a member of the Russian delegation.

On February 17th, the fourth high-level meeting of the League of Nations to implement the “two-state solution” was held in Cairo. The meeting on that day was chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdul Ati and attended by representatives from 35 countries and international organizations. At the meeting, the attending representatives focused on discussing the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in implementing the “two-state solution” and the impact of Israel’s restrictive laws on it. Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Liao Liqiang pointed out in his speech that China is highly concerned about the current situation in Gaza and appreciates Egypt’s mediation efforts to promote the achievement of a ceasefire agreement. The international community should promote the complete and continuous implementation of the agreement. He also mentioned that Gaza is an inseparable part of the Palestinian territory, and future arrangements for Gaza should respect the will of the Palestinian people, comply with international law and United Nations resolutions, and listen to the reasonable concerns of regional countries. China supports the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in playing an active role in the post-war governance and reconstruction of Gaza. Any actions that target, restrict, or obstruct the work of the Agency are detrimental to the political resolution of the Palestinian issue. He emphasized in the end that the “two-state solution” is the only realistic way to resolve the recurring conflict between Palestine and Israel. China calls on the international community to make good use of platforms such as the International Alliance for the Implementation of the Two State Solution, consolidate greater consensus, and promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible. The Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Lazzarini, also attended the meeting that day and had a separate meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdullati.

On February 17th, Slovak Prime Minister Fizo questioned European Council President Costa over the phone, as the highest official of the European Union, why he accepted the invitation to attend the Paris Conference. Fizo stated that attending such meetings without any authorization “does not contribute to enhancing trust within the EU”.

On February 17th, NATO Secretary General Rutte issued a statement saying that he met with Keith Kellogg, the US government’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, in Brussels on the same day, and the two sides held consultations on the Ukraine issue. On the same day, the President of the European Commission von der Leyen also met with Kellogg in Brussels.