Kılıçdaroğlu faces first hearing in insult case

The first hearing in the case against former main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, accused of “insulting a public official,” was held on Nov. 22.

Kılıçdaroğlu, who faces up to 11 years and eight months in prison along with a potential political ban, was welcomed…[Read more]

Türkiye reaffirms support for ‘honorable’ Palestinian resistance

Türkiye remains steadfast in its support of Palestine’s “honorable resistance”, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz told Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in a phone call on Friday.

“Under the leadership of our President Mr. (Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan, we will resolutely co…[Read more]

Ankara attack disrupts talks between the PKK and Turkish government

Turkey likely to maintain military pressure on the Kurdish armed group while keeping the door open for dialogue

Efforts to initiate dialogue between Turkey’s government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) appear to have been disrupted following an attack by the armed group o…[Read more]

5th-century amulet depicting biblical figure King Solomon spearing the devil discovered in Turkey

Archaeologists in Turkey say they have discovered an ancient amulet depicting a Biblical figure in a battle against the devil.

The rare artifact was found during an ongoing excavation project in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city near Karabük, and…[Read more]

Fund-raisers in Tokyo generated 942 million yen for parties in ’23

Some 108 organizations held 274 political fund-raising parties in Tokyo in 2023, generating 942.21 million yen ($6.1 million) in total, a political fund balance report showed.

The report was released by the Tokyo metropolitan government’s Secretariat to Election Adm…[Read more]

Tokyo inflation likely exceeded BOJ’s 2% target again in November – Reuters poll

Consumer inflation in Tokyo for November likely surpassed the Bank of Japan’s 2 per cent price target following a reduction in fuel subsidies and with an increase in food costs, a Reuters poll showed on Friday.

The core consumer price index (CPI) in Tokyo, a leading…[Read more]

India, Japan Discuss Defense Pact to Boost Military Cooperation, Tech Ties

The proposed pact was discussed at a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani that took place on the sidelines of a regional security conclave in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

India and Japan on Friday deliberated on…[Read more]

China to allow 30-day visa exemption for Japan visitors from Nov. 30

China said Friday it will restart its unilateral visa-free arrangement for short-term Japanese visitors on Nov. 30, allowing stays of up to 30 days, a measure believed to be aimed at promoting tourism and trade amid a downturn in the world’s second-largest economy.

The…[Read more]

Xi Jinping said China is ready to boost China-France ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Tuesday that China is committed to continuing the steady and positive progress of its relationship with France, News.azreports citing Xinhua.

China is willing to work with France to make greater contribution to the sound development of China-Europe…[Read more]

French farmers escalate protests against EU trade deal with South America’s Mercosur

French farmers launched new protests Tuesday against a proposed deal between the EU and the four South American countries of the Mercosur trade bloc. The French government is strongly opposed to the deal but protesters want French President Emmanuel Macron to do…[Read more]

Charles Dumont, composer of Édith Piaf’s Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien, dies at 95

Singer-songwriter also composed melodies for stars including Dalida, Jacques Brel and Barbra Streisand

Charles Dumont composed melodies for French and international stars ranging from Dalida to Jacques Brel, Juliette Gréco and Barbra Streisand. But the sin…[Read more]

Gisèle Pelicot slams ‘macho’ society that ‘trivialises rape’ in closing statement

In her closing statement of the mass rape trial that has sent shockwaves across the country, survivor Gisèle Pelicot said it was time for “macho” society that “trivialises rape” to change. “I’ve lost 10 years of my life that I’ll never make up for,” she added…[Read more]

World’s first wooden satellite, developed in Japan, heads to space

The world’s first wooden satellite, built by Japanese researchers, was launched into space on Tuesday, in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration.

LignoSat, developed by Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry, will be flown to the International Spa…[Read more]

Britain remains on board next-generation fighter jet plan with Japan, Italy

The British government has decided to remain on board a joint fighter jet development program with Japan and Italy following a review of defense expenditure, amid speculation the plan could be axed, a source close to the matter said Saturday.

The Labour government under…[Read more]

Japan plans automated cargo transport system to relieve shortage of drivers and cut emissions

Japan is planning to build an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, dubbed a “conveyor belt road” by the government, to make up for a shortage of truck drivers.

The amount of funding for the project is not yet set. But it’s seen…[Read more]

Gaza truce talks hit major snag after Qatar suspends mediation role

Qatar has paused its mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, stating Saturday that it will only resume when both Hamas and Israel demonstrate genuine commitment to negotiations, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The Gulf emirate, which has hosted…[Read more]

Turkey, Greece top diplomats meet to help mend ties between regional rivals

Athens and Ankara say no magical solution is reached in their latest talks but dialogue will continue.

Turkey’s top diplomat has agreed with his Greek counterpart in Athens to keep dialogue moving forward with the goal of resolving longstanding issues that have brought t…[Read more]

Türkiye expects Washington to ease, remove trade hurdles

Türkiye expects the new administration under Donald Trump’s presidency to remove some trade barriers, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has said.

He noted that the bilateral trade volume almost doubled compared to five years ago to $35 billion.

Türkiye and the United States had set a target of re…[Read more]

Erdoğan calls for national unity to honor Atatürk’s legacy

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for national unity on the 86th death anniversary of modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, urging all segments of society to come together and strengthen Türkiye’s cohesion.

“Let us together face and overcome the threats before us t…[Read more]