On Tuesday, July 8, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský will meet at the Černín Palace with Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, who will return to the Czech Republic for a bilateral visit after less than three years. The main topics of the ministers’ meeting will include relations between the Czech Republic and Croatia, strengthening mutual trade and investment ties, and Russian aggression against Ukraine. The heads of diplomacy will also discuss developments in Europe, with an emphasis on the Western Balkans region, the enlargement of the…
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Russia first to grant official recognition to Taliban-led Afghanistan govt
MOSCOW: Russia has become the first country to officially recognise the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. Moscow on Thursday accepted the credentials of a new Afghan ambassador, marking a major step in diplomatic ties. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects to develop ties and would continue to support Kabul in security, counter-terrorism and combating drug crime. It also saw significant trade and economic opportunities, especially in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure. “We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic…
Read MoreTrump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax cuts head to signing as Congress clears bill
US President Donald Trump will sign his sweeping tax-cut and spending bill on Friday at 5pm ET (3am PST Saturday), after a narrow Congress win, a major agenda boost that hands big breaks to corporations and the wealthy while endangering health coverage for millions. The 218-214 vote amounts to a significant victory for the Republican president, which will fund his immigration crackdown, make his 2017 tax cuts permanent, and deliver new tax breaks that he promised during his 2024 campaign. It also cuts health and food safety net programmes and…
Read MoreTrump says no Ukraine breakthrough in Putin call
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a phone call earlier in the day with Vladimir Putin resulted in no progress at all on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while a Kremlin aide said the Russian president reiterated that Moscow would keep pushing to solve the conflict’s “root causes”. The two leaders did not discuss a recent pause in some US weapons shipments to Kyiv during the nearly hour-long conversation, according to a readout provided by Putin aide Yuri Ushakov. US attempts to end Russia’s war…
Read MoreMinister Lipavský Welcomed Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže in Prague
By Muhammad Sohail On Thursday, 3 July 2025, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže visited Prague for the first time on a working visit. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský discussed with her the current security developments in Europe, the involvement of Czech troops in the Baltic states, support for Ukraine, and defence, security and economic cooperation. During their meeting, the ministers confirmed the closeness of the Czech and Latvian positions. They expressed their interest in deepening cooperation in European policies as well as in the area of defence and security. “In…
Read MoreThe government has expanded the sanctions list
The government today, at the proposal of Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, added Russian citizen Oleg Sergeyevich Osipov to the national sanctions list. Osipov is a close associate of Dmitry Medvedev, has long been spreading extremist statements, and in April made credible threats to Czech citizen Dominik Hašek. He was banned from entering the Czech Republic. Czech diplomacy is also proposing to include him on the EU sanctions list. ” This government puts the safety of Czech citizens first. No one must dare to threaten our people. The Czech Republic is…
Read MoreMinister Lipavský Will Host Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže
On Thursday, 3 July 2025, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže will visit Prague. She will meet with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský to discuss current security developments in Europe, the involvement of Czech troops in the Baltic states, support for Ukraine, and defence, security and economic cooperation. Czechia and Latvia agree on many foreign policy issues, with strengthening NATO’s eastern flank being a priority for both countries. Mutual trade is also growing every year, with Czech companies participating in major contracts in Latvia, for example in the transport and defence…
Read MorePM Shehbaz thanks US for brokering Iran-Israel truce, calls for deeper ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appreciated US efforts, particularly President Donald Trump’s leadership, in securing a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. His remarks came during a cordial phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which both sides discussed bilateral ties and regional developments. According to an official release, the prime minister also thanked Secretary Rubio for Washington’s role in helping facilitate the Pakistan-India ceasefire, calling it a meaningful contribution to regional stability. They agreed to continue working closely to strengthen Pakistan-US relations, with a focus on…
Read MoreIran shuts door on nuclear talks after US strikes, calls damage overstated
TEHRAN: Iran has rejected reports that it plans to restart nuclear talks with the United States and accused Washington of exaggerating the impact of US strikes. The country’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, called the claims baseless and said no talks, agreements, or arrangements had been made. The most serious conflict yet between Israel and Iran disrupted nuclear talks between the two countries. However, President Donald Trump said Washington would hold discussions with Tehran next week, with his special envoy Steve Witkoff expressing hope “for a comprehensive peace agreement”. But Iran’s Foreign Minister…
Read MoreBillionaire Bezo’s wedding celebrations begin in Venice
Famous guests arrived in speedboats on Thursday as billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sachez began their three-day wedding party while protesters demonstrated in St Mark’s square. US reality TV personalities Kim and Khloe Kardashian were snapped climbing into water taxis in stilettos, followed by US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in an all-white outfit, including sensible trainers. Tech magnate Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, have reportedly invited about 200 guests to their multi-million dollar nuptials, which are expected to begin with an open-air soiree in the cloisters of the…
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