US plans for Middle East meet cool reception

US President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner said he is "ready to work" with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on a peace plan, a proposal that has been met with both skepticism and refusal in the region before its details are announced.

Vienna meeting agrees to boost oil output

VIENNA - The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed with Russia and other oil-producing allies on Saturday to raise output from July, with Saudi Arabia pledging a "measurable" supply boost but giving no specific numbers.

Nations urged to work together for peace

The United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should adhere to the spirit of the Singapore summit and move in the same direction in order to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula, an expert said.

Saudi women celebrate end of driving ban

RIYADH - Women in Saudi Arabia took to the roads at midnight on Sunday, ushering in the end of the world's last ban on female drivers

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Hotel sector attracts unconventional owners

With increased consumer spending on premium goods and services, the so-called consumption upgrade and the trend toward establishing different levels of hotels, targeting different classes guests - the hospitality industry's segmentation - a growing number of brands from other sectors are making forays into the hotel market, bringing it new, diverse features.

Customized cruise ship to set sail next year

Royal Caribbean International announced in Shanghai last week that it will launch a new cruise ship with upgraded facilities, as well as new itineraries tailor-made for the Chinese market, in 2019.

Shangri-La serves up sustainable seafood

Global hotel chain Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced recently that it is to only serve sustainable seafood in 53 of its hotels in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong this month, as part of its effort to protect the environment and species diversity in the ocean.

Roundup

APPOINTMENT

Peace prospect boosts hopes for growth

Seoul, Moscow and Pyongyang may join hands on a number of major projects involving infrastructure and energy if peace is in place in the region, said the Republic of Korea President Moon Jaein, who paid a visit to Moscow from Thursday to Saturday.

EU and Turkey fight back in trade dispute with US

Turkey introduced new trade tariffs on imports from the United States on Thursday in response to the extra taxes its steel exports now face at the US border.

Trump backs down on immigration policy but legal challenges remain

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday backed down and abandoned his policy of separating immigrant children from their parents on the US-Mexico border, after images of youngsters in cages sparked outrage at home and abroad.