World News: Putin meets Chinese FM Wang Yi, says he expects to see Xi Jinping in Moscow in May

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited Moscow, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and foreign affairs minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and international issues.

During his three-day visit, Wang Yi stated on Tuesday, local time, that both nations are "friends forever, never enemies," emphasizing the enduring friendship between China and Russia.

President Putin underscored the high level of Russia-China relations, calling for the consistent enhancement of strategic cooperation.

Wang also expressed China's readiness to play a "constructive role" in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

It was also confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit Moscow for the Victory Parade in May, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

Ukraine has announced it plans to work with the United States to develop a mutually acceptable minerals agreement, aiming to bolster economic ties and support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on Tuesday local time that Kyiv is working with the U.S. to refine a minerals deal that would see more American business involvement in Ukraine and contribute to the nation's security infrastructure.

The latest U.S. proposal suggests that Ukraine allocate all profits from a fund controlling its resources to repay American wartime aid with interest.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed caution, emphasizing the need for a thorough review before proceeding.

Meanwhile, Germany's Foreign Minister said, during a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, that any minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. must comply with European Union legislation.

In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services initiated significant layoffs on Tuesday local time, affecting approximately 10,000 employees.

This affected workers across various agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health.

The action is part of a broader restructuring plan led by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., aiming to consolidate 28 divisions into 15, to potentially save taxpayers 1.3 billion U.S. dollars annually.

Despite concerns about the nation's capacity to manage health emergencies, Kennedy said the reorganization will enhance efficiency within the department.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.