Briefly

CHINA

Dominican PM to visit China: Foreign Ministry

Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit will pay a seven-day official visit to China beginning on Saturday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday that the Caribbean country is a good friend and partner of China in the region. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago, the bilateral relationship has enjoyed steady growth, he said. Lin said he believes that the upcoming visit will further enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, cement traditional friendship and bring the China-Dominica relationship to a new level.

VIETNAM

State media says president has resigned

Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong has resigned, state media announced on Wednesday, saying he was guilty of "violations and shortcomings". "Fully aware of his responsibility to the party, state and people, he submitted his resignation from his assigned positions," the Vietnam News Agency said, adding that the ruling Communist Party's central committee had accepted the resignation.

PAKISTAN

Gunmen open fire at port; 2 attackers killed

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at Pakistan's Gwadar port authority complex in its restive Balochistan Province, Geo News reported on Wednesday. Two attackers were killed in retaliatory fire by security personnel, the TV channel said, adding that a blast preceded the firing. Gwadar's deputy commissioner and police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

IRELAND

Varadkar says he will quit as prime minister

Leo Varadkar on Wednesday announced that he was stepping down as Ireland's prime minister and leader of the Fine Gael party in the governing coalition for personal and political reasons. "I am resigning the presidency and leadership of Fine Gael and will resign as Taoiseach (head of the government) as soon as my successor is able to take up that office," Varadkar told reporters gathered outside government buildings in Dublin.

China Daily - Agencies