BEIJING: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he was counting on his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to “bring Russia to its senses” over its war in Ukraine.
The French president, who arrived on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, has made clear he is seeking to dissuade China from supporting Russia’s invasion of its neighbor.
“I know I can count on you to bring Russia to its senses and everyone to the negotiating table,” the French head of state told Xi during a bilateral meeting in Beijing.
And in a joint statement following those talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their call for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow “as soon as possible.”
The two sides also reaffirmed their opposition to the use of nuclear weapons during the conflict.
To coincide with their meeting, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV released a report in which Xi hailed China’s “positive and steady” ties with France as the world undergoes “profound historical changes.”
Macron has said during his trip that Beijing can play a “major role” in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China’s “willingness to commit to a resolution.”
His visit to China — his first since 2019 — comes as Western pressure mounts on Beijing to help push for peace in Ukraine.
Though Beijing is officially neutral, Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion.
While he recently went to Moscow to reaffirm his alliance with Vladimir Putin — framed as an anti-Western front — Xi has not spoken on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Macron, who is accompanied on his visit by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, said he wants to “be a voice that unites Europe” over Ukraine, and that coming to China with her serves to “underline the consistency of this approach.”
In a Thursday morning meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People, Macron stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France “in these troubled times.”
“The ability to share a common analysis and build a common path is essential,” he said.
And in a separate meeting with Li, von der Leyen told the premier that relations between the EU and China had grown “complex in recent years.”
“It is important that we discuss all aspects of this relationship together today,” she said, especially in the current “volatile geopolitical environment.”
Following Macron’s talks with Xi, the pair will give statements to the press, followed by a meeting with von der Leyen and then a state dinner.
Macron will travel to Guangzhou in southern China to meet students on Friday, taking with him a broad delegation of top politicians, business leaders and even celebrities, including composer Jean-Michel Jarre.
Macron appeals to China’s Xi to ‘bring Russia to its senses’
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Macron appeals to China’s Xi to ‘bring Russia to its senses’
- French president Emmanuel Macron: ‘We need to find a lasting peace’
- China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, which helps prop up the Kremlin’s revenue in the face of Western sanctions
Pakistan says ‘fully prepared’ to host Champions Trophy tournament amid India row
- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi meets English counterpart in London to discuss Champions Trophy tournament
- India has refused to travel to Pakistan for Feb. 9-Mar. 19 tournament next year due to political tensions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi this week reiterated that the country was “fully prepared” to host the Champions Trophy cricket tournament next year, despite India’s refusal to send its cricket team to the neighboring country.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the Feb. 19-Mar. 9 Champions Trophy 2025 tournament. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) last week informed Pakistan that India had declined to play any games in Pakistan. The PCB has sought clarification from the ICC on the refusal.
India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions between the two countries. Pakistan was forced to agree to a “hybrid” model for the 2023 Asia Cup through which all of India’s matches were shifted to Sri Lanka. Pakistan has said it will not agree to a similar model for the Champions Trophy.
“Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan is fully prepared for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament,” state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.
Naqvi said this in London after meeting England and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Richard Thompson on Saturday.
Thompson expressed his best wishes to the PCB chairman for the upcoming tournament, the state broadcaster said.
“He said England’s recent visit to Pakistan was a wonderful experience,” Radio Pakistan reported.
Speaking about Pakistan renovating its stadiums ahead of the multi-nation tournament next year, Naqvi said the venues are being upgraded with modern facilities.
While India’s presence is crucial to the commercial success of the ICC event, Pakistan might pull out of the tournament should it be shifted out of the country, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday citing sources.
The ICC is in talks with the PCB and the participating boards before finalizing the schedule of the eight-team tournament.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour kicked off on Saturday after the trophy was displayed at Islamabad’s Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque landmarks.
Pakistani environmentalist turns barren wasteland into urban forest in Karachi
- Masood Lohar says the forest on Clifton beach is home to over 700,000 trees and 140 bird species
- Karachi’s urbanization has put pressure on open spaces, as developers eye every inch for construction
KARACHI: Over three years ago, Masood Lohar, a passionate Pakistani environmentalist, embarked on a mission to breathe new life into a desolate 220-acre landfill on Karachi’s Clifton beach.
Today, the barren wasteland is a thriving urban forest, home to over 700,000 trees and a vibrant community of over 140 bird species that find sanctuary in its lush greenery and an adjacent lagoon.
“This particular place was a dump site,” Lohar said as he pointed to the trees around him, the first of which he planted exactly 46 months ago.
“We cleaned the whole mess and then we started bringing soil from outside and started this plantation.”
Lohar said the Sindh administration supported his venture by granting official permission to work on the forest and allocating Rs50 million ($179,540), which made its development possible.
The site, called the Clifton Urban Forest, is now a flourishing marine ecosystem, home to over 100 plant species, including native mangroves, fruit trees like pomegranates and guavas, and hardy, drought-resistant grass varieties that thrive in Karachi’s harsh climate.
The aim of Lohar’s project is not just beautifying the port city of over 20 million, which often ranks in the world’s top ten most polluted places. The main goal is to restore Karachi’s dwindling marine ecosystem.
The city, home to the Malir and Lyari rivers, once boasted a network of creeks, lagoons, and estuaries, many of them destroyed or severely degraded over the decades by industrial development and unchecked urban sprawl. The Obhayo Lagoon, once the largest in the area, has all but vanished, while other water bodies have been cut off from the sea, reducing biodiversity and making the city more vulnerable to environmental hazards.
Lohar’s initiative has helped restore a fragment of this ecosystem by reviving a small portion of the Obhayo Lagoon.
“Now you can see that it is providing the services of a lagoon,” said the environmentalist, who has documented the sightings of 140 bird species, including lesser and greater flamingos and Siberian ducks, at the Lagoon since he launched the restoration project.
The forest is now also teeming with insects, honey bees, and native beetles, with the small creatures playing an essential role in pollination and supporting the growth of various plants and trees in the area.
Lohar’s commitment to the environment is deeply personal. A former UN program professional, he witnessed and studied firsthand worsening air quality and environmental degradation in Pakistan’s urban centers.
“I knew at that time that the time will come,” he said, referring to now record-high air pollution levels in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Lahore and Karachi.
“You see, the Pakistani cities at this moment are fighting for their breath because the air quality is getting worse and worse. And the other thing is the [seasonal] heatwaves because concrete is the dominant outlook of our cities.”
Urban forests, like the one Lohar has created, are part of the solution, he said.
Mangroves, in particular, have proven highly effective in sequestering carbon and Lohar estimates that his urban forest, a combination of mangroves and terrestrial trees, captures 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions of nearly 1,300 cars.
Yasir Husain, an environmentalist and founder of the Climate Action Center, said that projects like the Clifton Urban Forest were vital, though such initiatives were insufficient to address the broader environmental challenges faced by Pakistan.
“These are just [pilot projects], and the city’s challenge is enormous,” he told Arab News, adding that finding a bird sanctuary in such a stressed environment was a gratifying experience.
“These are tiny projects, if you look at it from a macro perspective of the whole city, but they’re experiments,” he continued, appreciating that urban forests were maintained despite such challenging circumstances.
Yet despite its success, Lohar’s project faces significant challenges, particularly from real estate development.
Karachi’s rapid urbanization has increased pressure on open spaces, with developers eyeing every available inch for construction.
The urban forest itself is at risk from a development project being carried out by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), which Lohar is worried could destroy over 300,000 of the forest’s mangroves.
KDA’s director general did not respond to a request for a comment.
“I’m not sure how that will unfold in the course of time and impact this marine ecosystem project, but I’m sure that it will definitely stress this project,” Lohar said, gesturing toward a marine wall under construction.
“I have gone through a lot of difficulties and resources-wise and the indifference of the corporate sector and the government brings us on the verge of giving up.
Experts call for action as NASA imagery shows ominous smog cloud over Lahore, New Delhi
- Met Office expects smog to persist until mid-December and extend to areas in southern Punjab
- Pakistani official, experts dismiss the claim that smog affecting Lahore is originating from India
KARACHI: Climate experts on Saturday raised alarms over NASA’s latest satellite imagery, which revealed a dense layer of smog stretching between Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s New Delhi, underscoring the severity of an environmental crisis that Pakistan’s meteorological department expects to persist until mid-December and extend to southern Punjab.
Toxic smog has enveloped several cities in the country’s most populous province, particularly Lahore, for over a month, driven by cold air trapping dust, diesel fumes and smoke from illegal stubble burning. In response, the provincial administration has closed schools, restricted heavy transport on specific days and banned access to public spaces such as parks and playgrounds.
The International Air Quality Index classifies values over 300 as hazardous, yet Lahore has consistently recorded alarmingly high levels, reaching up to 1,900 in certain areas in November.
On Saturday, the Punjab government conducted an artificial rain trial using local technology to combat the deteriorating air quality. The development followed days after NASA’s satellite imagery showed a massive gray cloud of smog blanketing Punjab and extending into neighboring India, including New Delhi.
Speaking to Arab News, Pakistan’s Chief Meteorologist, Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, said the visibility of smog from space highlighted its severity.
“This heavy smog in Lahore, which has now extended to south Punjab, is expected to persist until mid-December as no significant rainfall is predicted in the coming weeks,” he said while predicting its movement to southern parts of the province.
“According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 43 percent of pollution is attributed to transportation, while 25 percent is due to industry,” he continued. “However, the Punjab government’s Urban Unit report suggests that transportation, which has seen a substantial increase, contributes 83 percent of pollution.”
Sarfaraz noted until concrete measures were taken to curb these two major sources of emissions, the situation was likely to continue.
He also dismissed the claim that smog affecting Pakistan was mostly originating from India, blaming the local factors for the situation.
“With no rainfall, the moisture generated under these conditions will condense, leading to smog formation, no matter if it stops coming from anywhere,” he explained.
Yasir Hussain, a climate expert and founder of the Climate Action Center, said that NASA’s image and ground-level observations painted a “dangerous” picture.
“This is extremely dangerous for all inhabitants of this area,” he said, adding that air quality was deteriorating year after year.
“Urgent measures are needed to address the primary source of pollution: vehicles burning petrol and diesel,” he added.
Nadeem Mirbahar, a climate expert, emphasized to deal with the local factors causing the problem.
“There was an opinion that smog from India combines with local pollutants to intensify the problem,” he said. “However, a recent study by the Punjab government has identified local sources, primarily transportation, as major contributors.”
“If there’s an Indian or external factor, a specific strategy can be devised for it in long run,” he added. “But the immediate priority lies in addressing local issues.”
Mirbahar maintained air quality exceeding 350 was “catastrophic” and posed serious health risks to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients and the working classes.
“Transportation should be regulated by minimizing its use along with long-term solutions like transitioning to electric vehicles,” he continued. “Increased plantation can also help reduce smog levels over time.”
“The air quality will not improve if pollution-related activities linger,” he added. “Only sustained and significant rainfall can alleviate the situation.”
Zurdo Ramirez beats Billam-Smith by unanimous decision in Riyadh’s Latino Night event
- The Mexican southpaw improved his record to 47-1, including 30 KOs, while the British champ went down 20-2, 13 KOs, after three straight title defenses
- In the opening undercard match, Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf settled for a hard-fought draw against Mexico’s Juan Garcia
RIYADH: WBA cruiserweight title holder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defeated WBO champ Chris Billam-Smith by unanimous decision on Saturday in the main event of Riyadh’s “Latino Night” to become the undisputed world champion in the division.
The Mexican southpaw improved his record to 47-1, including 30 KOs, while the British champ went down 20-2, 13 KOs, after three straight title defenses.
Ramirez showcased his power and precision before a packed crowd at Riyadh’s The Venue, headlining an unforgettable evening that celebrated the rich heritage of Latin American culture and the global appeal of boxing.
Ramirez took control of the fight from the opening bell, using his size advantage and sharp combinations to pin Billam-Smith on the back foot. The British fighter displayed immense heart, landing counter shots and working the body, but Zurdo’s power and precision proved overwhelming.
In his post-fight interview, Ramirez dedicated his victory to his fans and the Latino community. “I’m a proud Mexican and Latino — I will represent the Latino Night very well,” he told Arab News before the fight. And he did!
Riyadh witnessed an electrifying evening of boxing during the Latino Night, a marquee event of the Riyadh Season, celebrating the spirit of Latino culture through sport and entertainment. Fans packed the arena to witness high-octane action and support fighters representing the vibrant legacy of Latin America.
The evening began with an undercard packed with great talent and exciting matchups. Fighters from across the Latin America showcased skill and determination, thrilling the crowd with breathtaking rounds, technical displays, and a few dramatic comebacks. Each bout built anticipation for the night’s culminating showdown.
Ziyad Almaayouf draws with Juan Garcia in opener
Saudi boxer Ziyad Almaayouf delivered a spirited performance in the opening fight, settling for a hard-fought draw against Mexico’s Juan Garcia.
The bout showcased Almaayouf’s sharp boxing skills and Garcia’s relentless pressure, with both fighters trading heavy shots and testing each other’s endurance across all six rounds.
Almaayouf, backed by a passionate home crowd, landed cleaner combinations early in the fight, but Garcia’s aggression in the later rounds allowed him to claw back on the scorecards, leading to a split draw decision.
The result left fans buzzing, with many praising Almaayouf’s resilience and composure under Garcia’s constant attacks.
In a post-fight interview with Arab News, Almaayouf, dubbed “Zizo”, he said that he won the fight tonight despite what the judges decided. “I’m always going to think that I did enough to win the fight. This is just the opinion of two judges.”
“If you go back 10-15 years ago and you ask the world: would they see a Saudi professional boxer standing in the middle of the ring with a tough Mexican fight as such, they wouldn’t believe it,” he added. “But tonight, we showed that can happen.”
He said that the rematch is his next step.
For Garcia, the result marked a testament to his durability and fighting spirit, earning him respect as a worthy opponent in a thrilling opener to an unforgettable night.
Latino Night in Riyadh marked another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global hub for sports and entertainment. By blending cultural celebration with world-class boxing, the event left a lasting impression on fans and participants alike.
As the arena emptied and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had not only won a fight but had also solidified his position as a global ambassador for the enduring legacy of Latino boxing.
Hull clings to one-shot lead over Korda, Zhang at LPGA Annika
- Hull found water at the 18th hole and made bogey but kept the lead alone when Korda three-putted for bogey in near-darkness at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida
MIAMI: England’s Charley Hull fired a two-under par 68 and clung to a one-stroke lead over top-ranked Nelly Korda and China’s Zhang Weiwei after Saturday’s third round of the LPGA Annika tournament.
Hull found water at the 18th hole and made bogey but kept the lead alone when Korda three-putted for bogey in near-darkness at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
“Played pretty solid. I felt like I played well all day,” Hull said. “But finishing in the dark wasn’t that fun. Shame to finish on a bogey but it was a good up-and-down.”
That left Hull on 12-under 198 with US star Korda, a six-time winner this year, shooting 67 to stand second on 199 with Zhang, who fired an LPGA career-low 62 to leap into contention.
“I just felt it was amazing day,” Zhang said. “I don’t know how to play that well today. Just keep patient and just like normal and then I holed a lot of putts. That made me so surprised on some holes.”
Thailand’s Wichanee Meechai and South Korea’s Im Jin-hee shared fourth on 201 with Germany’s Olivia Cowan fifth on 202 and a pack on 203 including Japan’s Minami Katsu, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and Americans Rose Zhang and Bailey Tardy.
World number 12 Hull, a two-time LPGA winner seeking her first tour victory since October 2022, won her fourth Ladies European Tour title — and first in three years — two weeks ago at Riyadh.
Korda, in her first event after a neck injury sidelined her last month, seeks her first victory since June.
Hull opened with a birdie, added another at the par-5 seventh and had three birdie-bogey runs in the final seven holes — at the par-3 12th and par-4 13th, the par-5 14th and par-3 15th and the par-4 17th and 18, where she sank a four-foot bogey putt after a splashdown on her approach.
“It was kind of dark. Then it got the wind up, and I hit a really good 7-iron in and hit it pure. It just come up short in the water,” Hull said.
“Tricky little up-and-down, but my putt, I could barely see the hole. I couldn’t see the break or anything. So it was pretty dark to finish in.”
Korda stumbled early with bogeys at the second and fourth holes but closed the front nine with back-to-back birdies. She added birdies at 11 and 14, birdied 16 and 17 then had a three-putt bogey at 18 after a four-foot par putt miss.
“I had a good middle of the round. Just played some solid golf on the back nine and started hitting my driver a little better,” Korda said.
She wasn’t happy about finishing in the dark either.
“Was a little bit of poor planning by starting so late for us,” Korda said. “Whenever you’re sitting on 18 and the sun is already down, it’s never nice, especially with how slick these greens are and you can’t properly see.
“At the end of the day I’m the one that missed it.”
Zhang, 27, is a five-time China Tour winner whose best LPGA finish was a share of 10th at Portland in 2022.
