AFP, Moscow
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will make his first visit to Moscow next week, Russia’s foreign ministry said Wednesday, as the Kremlin looks to improve ties with Donald Trump’s administration.
The ministry said the visit on April 11-12 would include talks with counterpart Sergei Lavrov covering international security, including the fight against Islamic State and conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.
China cancels Australian
lawmakers’ trip
AP, Canberra
China canceled a visit by Australian lawmakers to meet law enforcement officials after Australia joined 10 other countries in signing a letter questioning Beijing’s treatment of human rights lawyers.
Craig Kelly, chairman of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement, said Thursday he had not been given details of why he could not lead his three committee colleagues on the trip.
Thai King endorses new constitution
AP, Bangkok
Thailand’s king has signed the country’s new constitution, the 20th charter since the absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932.
King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun endorsed the document Thursday in an elaborate ceremony at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall attended by senior members of the country’s military government.
Russia, Turkey hold naval drills
Newsweek
Russia and Turkey held joint naval drills in the Black Sea region Wednesday as the nations found themselves aligned with opposing sides in conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet joined the Turkish navy in the strategic body of water, which has been a source of heightened tensions due to parallel military exercises by Russia and members of NATO, of which Turkey was a part. Russia deployed its Kalibr cruise missile-equipped Admiral Grigorovich frigate, Udaloy-class Vice Admiral Zakharin destroyer and Raptor patrol boat to participate in the operations while Turkey sent its Barbados frigate and the Ada-class Buyukada corvette.
