WEF special meeting focuses on int'l cooperation for resilient global economy

Prominent figures attending a special meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have called for building a more resilient global economy through enhanced international collaboration, citing the formidable geographic and economic challenges facing the world.

The two-day special meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy for development opened on Sunday, bringing together more than 220 participants from over 60 countries and regions as well as international organizations.

In his opening speech, WEF president Borge Brende emphasized the urgency for international cooperation and targeted dialogues, given the escalating geopolitical tensions and deepening socioeconomic disparities that have widened global divides.

He said this special meeting provides an opportunity for leaders from various industries and regions to explore solutions to address these challenges.

"Many of the challenges are interconnected, all require cooperative solutions to solve. It is only by coming together we can chart a course toward a more secure, stable and sustainable future," said Brende.

Meanwhile, Faisal Alibrahim, Saudi Arabian Minister of Economy and Planning, also stressed the significance of revitalizing international cooperation at the meeting.

The minister said that growth is the foremost priority and that energy plays a crucial role in the economy, necessitating responsible production and consumption.

"We cannot allow a world where some have access [to energy] when others do not. We must invest in clean and renewable solutions, and we must do everything we can to balance the energy trilemma of security, equity and sustainability," said Alibrahim.

On the same occasion, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva called on countries to consider sustainable approaches to address debt issues.

She stressed the need for reflection on the high levels of debt in the United States and emphasized the importance of greater financial responsibility.

Georgieva also expressed the importance of promoting trade and facilitating better capital flows.

WEF special meeting focuses on int'l cooperation for resilient global economy

WEF special meeting focuses on int'l cooperation for resilient global economy

WEF special meeting focuses on int'l cooperation for resilient global economy

WEF special meeting focuses on int'l cooperation for resilient global economy

WEF special meeting focuses on int'l cooperation for resilient global economy

Israeli troops expanded their operation in Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip, on Tuesday with tanks advancing towards the city center amid heavy gunfire.

Following hours of intense air and artillery bombardment of Rafah on Monday night, the Israeli ground offensive has forced tens of thousands of residents to flee.

"Based on the most recent information available, the Israeli armed forces have begun advancing towards the so-called 'red zone' in Rafah, which refers to the eastern neighborhoods near the city center. Eyewitnesses stated that the Israeli tanks entered the neighborhoods and engaged in clashes with armed personnel. At present, it remains uncertain whether these developments indicate the beginning of a full-scale Israeli offensive on Rafah," said Zhao Bing, a reporter from China Media Group (CMG).

"Although Israeli officials, including Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, had previously used terms such as targeted 'precision' actions to describe the Israeli military operations in Rafah, there are evident signs that the Israeli offensive is expanding. On Monday, the Israeli military announced that it had been attacking Hamas and other targets in the eastern parts of Rafah, particularly the border areas near Egypt. However, reports from Palestinian media indicated that Israeli forces carried out airstrikes and artillery shelling on dozens of residential buildings in the eastern neighborhoods of Rafah, leading to dozens of casualties and injuries," he said.

As Israel presses ahead with its military attacks in Gaza, the Egyptian government is considering downgrading its diplomatic relations with Israel, according to local media.

"The Israeli military operation has caused disapproval and concern in Egypt, which has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid supplies through the Rafah crossing. Local media, citing Egyptian officials, reported that Egypt is even considering downgrading its diplomatic relations with Israel," said Zhao.

"Regarding the Rafah crossing on the Gaza side currently occupied by the Israeli military, Israeli media reported on Monday, citing multiple sources, that Israel last week, through the United States, requested the Palestinian government to send personnel to work at the Rafah crossing. However, the Palestinian side declined. It is reported that Israel, under international pressure, hopes to reopen the Rafah crossing with the assistance of Palestinian entities unrelated to Hamas. However, as far-right officials within the Israeli government strongly oppose cooperating with Palestine, the country specified that the Palestinian personnel could not participate as representatives of the Palestinian government but only under the guise of the 'Local Aid Coordination Committee.' This decision has caused strong dissatisfaction among the Palestinians," he said.

On Tuesday night, an Israel Defense Forces spokesman issued a new "evacuation order" for multiple areas west of Jabalia in northern Gaza, requiring local people to evacuate to the west of Gaza City.

Israeli forces expand operation in Rafah