Here are brief international news highlights for the readers of thepadma24.com 

Trump says he has a very good relationship and communication with Kim Jong Un

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that he remains in contact with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and that they share a very good relationship.

Ebola spreads in Congo, 65 dead

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Strong earthquake strikes northern Japan

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Friday (May 15). According to the country’s meteorological agency, no tsunami warning was issued and no major damage was immediately reported.

Rescue operation continues for missing Italian citizens in the Maldives

Rescue teams continued a second day of operations in the Maldives following a serious diving accident involving four missing Italian citizens.

India could become a long-term mediator between Iran and the UAE: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov strongly criticized the United States and Israel over the growing crisis in West Asia. He also accused Washington and Tel Aviv of destabilizing the region through what he called “unprovoked aggression” against Iran.

Century-old mosque in India declared a temple

The Madhya Pradesh High Court in India has declared the Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The court overturned a 2003 directive by the Archaeological Survey of India that had allowed Muslims to offer Friday prayers at the Bhojshala premises.

Nahyan and Modi meet in the UAE, sign multiple agreements

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday (May 15). Several agreements were signed between the two countries covering defense cooperation, energy security, infrastructure, and investment.

CIA chief visits Cuba, proposes $100 million in aid

The Central Intelligence Agency has renewed a proposal for $100 million in assistance to Cuba. Following the renewal, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana and met officials from Cuba’s Interior Ministry.

Russia acting as a security guarantor: Ali Bagheri

Ali Bagheri has said that Russia is acting as a security guarantor through its initiatives at the United Nations amid the Middle East crisis. He made the remarks after meeting Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary Alexander Venediktov on Thursday (May 14).