G20 summit opens in Johannesburg with calls for multilateralism

The Group of Twenty (G20) Summit opened here Saturday, marking the first time the event is being held in Africa.

Under the theme "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability," the two-day event highlights a pivotal moment for Africa as it seeks to elevate its role in global governance and advance development priorities shared across the Global South.

"The G20 underscores the value and relevance of multilateralism. It recognizes that the challenges we all face can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his opening speech.

Chinese premier urges G20 to uphold free trade, build open world economy

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday urged the Group of 20 (G20) economies to stay committed to solidarity, firmly uphold free trade and build an open world economy in the face of a sluggish global economic recovery.

Li made the remarks while addressing the first session of the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, which focused on inclusive and sustainable economic growth and was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

COP30 approves document calling for global mobilization against climate change

The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) on Saturday approved a document titled "Global Mutirao: Uniting humanity in a global mobilization against climate change" during its closing session.

Ukraine, U.S. to hold consultations on peace plan in Switzerland

Delegations from Ukraine and the United States will hold consultations in Switzerland in the coming days on the possible parameters of a future peace agreement with Russia, Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, said Saturday.

"This is another stage of the dialogue that has been ongoing in recent days and is primarily aimed at aligning our vision for the next steps," Umerov wrote on Facebook.

He stressed that Ukraine is approaching the peace process "with a clear understanding of its interests."

Death toll from flooding in central Vietnam climbs to 72

The number of people killed by severe flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 72 as of Saturday afternoon, local daily VnExpress reported, citing the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority.

Thirteen people remain unaccounted for, according to the report.