Belarus wants benefits in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, China says US is "making mistakes on top of mistakes", BRICS will not turn its back on Syria

The World and Vietnam Newspaper highlights some of the day's outstanding international events.

South Korea's National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14. (Source: Kyodo)

Europe

* Belarus wants to participate in future Russia-Ukraine peace talks , as it is important for Minsk to receive guarantees of its own security, Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Yury Ambrazevich said on December 16.

“From the very beginning, Belarus has taken steps to promote peace and prevent the escalation of violence in Ukraine. This is why we have insisted from the very beginning that we deserve a place at the negotiating table when the negotiations on Ukraine begin,” he said.

Stressing that the final agreements must take into account Minsk's interests in particular, the diplomat said: " Belarus more than anyone else is interested in resolving the conflict peacefully as soon as possible." (TASS)

* The European Union (EU) has adopted new rules on the import, export and transit of arms, aimed at plugging loopholes exploited for illegal arms trafficking, while facilitating legal arms trade and transport. (AFP)

Asia-Pacific

* The US plan to increase tariffs by 25% on many imported goods from China is a "mistake on top of a mistake", in the context that Washington targets products including important components of solar panels.

Beijing called on Washington to "immediately correct its wrong actions and cancel the additional tariffs on China," and said it would "take necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests." (THX)

* South Korea sets first hearing in impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol for December 27.

South Korea's interagency investigation unit is seeking to summon President Yoon Suk-yeol for questioning this week in connection with the imposition of martial law earlier this month, the agency said on Friday.

A South Korean military court on the same day issued an arrest warrant for the head of the military's Special Operations Command for his role in imposing martial law. (Yonhap)

* Malaysia and Thailand reaffirmed their common stance on the East Sea issue at a joint press conference between the two countries' prime ministers, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim and Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who are on an official visit to Kuala Lumpur.

Accordingly, the two prime ministers emphasized the importance of fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) in a comprehensive manner and promptly completing an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The two leaders called on all parties to resolve the East Sea issue peacefully and constructively, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). (The Star)

* The Philippine Senate has ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan. The RAA, the first of its kind that Japan has signed in Asia, facilitates the entry of equipment and troops for combat training and disaster response, helping to boost military cooperation between Manila and Tokyo. (Reuters)

* The Philippines wants to sign an agreement with Canada to promote joint operations with the North American country's Coast Guard. (The Global and Mail)

* Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived in India on his maiden foreign trip as head of state, pledging to strengthen ties between the two neighbours.

President Dissanayake said he had "productive discussions" with his host country counterpart, focusing on enhancing India-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, increasing investment opportunities, promoting regional security and boosting key sectors such as tourism and energy. (AFP)

* The US warship USS Savannah (LCS 28) docked in Cambodia on December 16, marking the first visit by a US warship since 2016. The LCS 28 will stay in Cambodia for five days, until December 20, at the autonomous port of Sihanoukville, about 20 kilometers from Ream naval base. (AP)

* Bangladesh will hold a general election in late 2025 or early 2026, interim government head Muhammad Yunus said on December 16. (AFP)

Middle East-Africa

* The BRICS group of leading emerging economies will consider Syria's application for membership if the new government in the Middle Eastern country accepts it, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.

BRICS does not "pressure anyone into anything", he asserted, treating every choice with respect.

Earlier, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Bashar Jaafari said that Damascus is "engaging in serious discussions" on BRICS membership. (TASS)

* Syria will reopen its embassy in the United States on December 16, the opposition's Syria TV channel reported. The opposition also held diplomatic contacts with UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, who is visiting Damascus on December 15. (Sputnik)

* Israel has no intention of confronting Syria and its policies toward Damascus will be determined by the changing realities in the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on December 15. He also noted that Israel's actions in Syria are aimed at deterring potential threats and terrorists. (Times of Israel)

* The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its 66th Summit in Abuja, Nigeria on December 15.

The meeting focused on promoting regional economic integration and ensuring institutional stability, addressing pressing issues such as the rise of terrorism in the Sahel region and political instability in member states.

ECOWAS is trying to persuade Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to reverse their decision to leave the bloc early next year. (AFP)

America

* Brazilian President Lula da Silva appeared healthy at a press conference at the hospital where he had undergone two brain hemorrhage surgeries in the city of Sao Paulo. He also said he had been discharged and returned to work as usual.

The leader demanded severe punishment for those accused of planning a coup in 2022, saying the right to defense must be guaranteed.

In connection with this coup, the investigative agency arrested retired General Walter Braga Netto, former Chief of the Cabinet Office and former Minister of Defense, and Vice Presidential candidate of former President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) on December 14. (Reuters)

* US President-elect Donald Trump nominated many officials in the upcoming administration, specifically, Mr. Troy Edgar, former Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director of Finance of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the first Trump administration, was nominated as First Deputy Secretary of DHS.

Mr. Trump also announced that businessman and major political donor Bill White, 64, will serve as the US Ambassador to Belgium in his incoming administration.

The US President-elect nominated Mr. Richard Grenell, 58 years old, former acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in the first Trump administration, as Special Envoy in charge of special missions - a new position in the upcoming administration that does not need to be approved by the Senate. (Fox News)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tin-the-gioi-1612-belarus-muon-loi-ich-trong-hoa-dam-nga-ukraine-trung-quoc-noi-my-sai-lam-chong-chat-brics-se-khong-quay-lung-voi-syria-297614.html