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WAM / Agencies The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the appointment of Mustafa al-Kadhimi by Iraqi President Barham Salih to form a new Iraqi government, expressing its hope that such a move will realise the aspirations of the Iraqi people for security, stability, and continued development. In a statement, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the …

Bloomberg The contraction in China’s foreign trade is set to continue through the second quarter, as global demand remains depressed by measures to curb the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Both exports and imports are forecast to have slumped 10% or more in March, with data due on Tuesday expected to show a continuation of the declines seen in the first two …

Bloomberg There are 70 coronavirus vaccines in development globally, with three candidates already being tested in human trials, according to the World Health Organisation, as drugmakers race to find a cure for the deadly pathogen. The furthest along in the clinical process is an experimental vaccine developed by Hong Kong-listed CanSino Biologics Inc. and Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, which is …

DUBAI / WAM Emirates is planning to operate passenger services to Jakarta, Manila Taipei, Chicago, Tunis, Algeria, and Kabul in addition to the already commenced operation to London and Frankfurt. These services will facilitate residents and visitors wishing to return home. Only citizens of the destination country and those who meet the entry requirements will be allowed to board. Passengers …

Bloomberg Negotiators raced to clinch a historic deal to cut oil supply and stem a devastating price rout, with just hours to go before the market opens. As diplomatic wrangling between Mexico and Saudi Arabia entered a fourth day, a group of Opec+ ministers were due to speak at 5 pm London time. Delegates said some progress had been made …

Emirates Business Etihad Airways announced a series of special passenger flights from Abu Dhabi to Brussels, Dublin, London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita and Zurich, in addition to those previously published. Etihad has been operating special flights which allowed passengers stranded in UAE due to Covid-19 restrictions, opportunity to return home. The flights also support ‘UAE Food Security Program’ by utilising belly-hold …

Bloomberg Russia “sincerely hopes” that a consensus on oil-output cuts will be formalised among the world’s biggest producers as talks to rescue global energy markets continue after Mexico balked at proposed measures, Interfax reports, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Opec+ coalition, including Russia, were closing in on an unprecedented agreement to lower global crude production by about 10% after …

Bloomberg A vaccine against the coronavirus pandemic could be ready by September, according to a scientist leading one of Britain’s most advanced teams. Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, told The Times on Saturday that she is “80% confident” the vaccine would work, and could be ready by September. Experts have warned the public that vaccines typically take …

Bloomberg Australia will increase its oil stock through an agreement with the US to help support the global market, following a video conference with G-20 energy ministers. Energy markets in Australia were operating safely, securely and the government is working with the sector to maintain supply for electricity, gas and liquid fuels, Energy Minister Angus Taylor said in a statement. …

Bloomberg India is set to extend its 21-day nationwide lockdown until April 30 to allow authorities, health workers more time to control growing spread of Covid-19 infections. Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Twitter Prime Minister Narendra Modi — who was meeting with state leaders via video conference on Saturday — made the right decision to extend the lockdown, …