Asia Syria Germany's Ministry of Transport lifted the landing ban and normalized passenger traffic with Syria from 27 July 2026, thus opening to direct flights Düsseldorf-Damascus today 29 July, Berlin Brandenburg-Damascus and Cologne/Bonn-Aleppo on 1 August
Europe Slovenia The Slovenian Ministry of Health has up to now paid €20.000 in compensation for deaths after vaccination against the coronavirus; 81 requests have been received in 2022, 103 this year
America Saint Lucia The Sea Turtle Fishery is closed as of January 1, 2024, according to Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development decision; the law prohibits harvesting, sale, purchasing and consumption of sea turtles during the closed season
Oceania Vanuatu Vuster Kalhu, farmer in Santo, is expressing his concerns about the growing threat of the fall armyworm and the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles affecting the country's agriculture
Europe Estonia The Bank of Estonia will issue two new commemorative coin series from 2025; both silver coins, one will celebrate Estonian soldiers and the other will start series 'Outstanding Estonian Women' with Lilli Suburg (1841-1923 journalist, writer and feminist)
Asia Maldives A new Act introducing up to MVR 50.000 (almost 3.000€) fine for unlawful strikes carried out by trade unions has been ratified by the Parliament
Asia Iran The release of a Spanish national detained in Iran was a “humane” step, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said; Santiago Sanchez Cogedor was held as protests were roiling Iran after the death in custody of the young Iranian Mahsa Amini
Asia Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission will launch 4th edition of Filmmakers Program this month; continuing to develop Saudi talent in the industry, it aims at training 4.000 people, beginners and professionals, and implement 150 training workshops in 13 regions
Asia Afghanistan Afghanistan, Vietnam and Russia have been named the most dangerous countries for journalists: according to a 2023 report by Reporters Without Borders, there were at least 21 cases of journalists arrested in Afghanistan
Europe Andorra Employers in the country are concerned about the problem they face in meeting the demand for labour; labour turnover can be estimated at 30% up to 50%.
Africa Zimbabwe Over one million tourists were received between January and September 2023, +52% compared to 2022; in 2024, the country will host the 56th Session of ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development
Africa Cape Verde Adê Costa, an artist from Maio island, released his latest single “Storia” on digital platforms, in partnership with musician Mário Lúcio; it portrays "the pain and anguish of Cape Verdean society" and celebrates the importance of hope and sweetness
Africa Comoros The "Mother of the Nation Dialysis Centre" in Mohéli Island was inaugurated by the Emirates Red Crescent; the first of its kind on the island, it is a dialysis ward consisting of 8 dialysis units and a medical warehouse to provide 5.000 sessions annually
Asia Vietnam In response to the persistent power shortages in Northern Vietnam, the Vietnam Electricity Group is considering to import wind power from Laos; all domestic electricity is concentrated in southern Vietnam, with the north in frequent need of power supply