Briefly

RUSSIA

Putin, Biden to hold phone call: Kremlin

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden were to have a phone conversation later on Thursday, the Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday. Putin said hours ahead of telephone talks that he is "convinced" that "effective dialogue" between Moscow and Washington is possible. "I am convinced that … we can move forward and establish an effective Russian-American dialogue based on mutual respect and consideration of each other's national interests," Putin said, according to a Kremlin statement carrying his holiday messages to world leaders. Putin and Biden met via video link on Dec 7 with their focus on the Ukrainian situation. After the talks, Russia sent a draft agreement to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and a draft treaty to the United States, both on security guarantees in Europe for Western countries to consider.

EGYPT

Country joins BRICS development bank

The BRICS New Development Bank says Egypt will become a member. The bank will provide Egypt with a new platform to foster collaboration with BRICS countries on infrastructure and sustainable development, as well as with other emerging economies and developing countries. Membership of the bank becomes effective once the admitted country completes its domestic processes and deposits the instrument of accession. Egypt is the fourth new member admitted to the bank, after Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay, further expanding the bank's global outreach. Since the bank was established six years ago it has approved about 80 projects for its members, with a total portfolio of $30 billion. The projects cover sectors including transport, water and sanitation, clean energy, digital infrastructure, social infrastructure and urban development.

INDONESIA

7.3-magnitude quake rocks Banda Sea

An earthquake measuring 7.3 magnitude hit the Banda Sea in the eastern part of Indonesia on Thursday, and minor damage was reported, the country's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said. Two houses collapsed and some other minor damage was reported in Southwest Maluku, but the quake triggered no tsunami, the agency said. The earthquake took place at 1:25 am local time with the epicenter in the sea, 132 kilometers east of Tiakur city and 183 km under the seabed, the agency said.

Xinhua - Agencies