SYRIA: Foreign minister Faisal Mekdad began a three-day official visit to Tunisia on Monday meant to restore diplomatic relations that have been cut off since 2012 following the civil war in the country.

Mr Mekdad had a meeting with Tunisian counterpart Nabil Ammar shortly after his arrival on Monday evening. No details were disclosed about the talks and Mr Mekdad’s schedule for the rest of his visit.

CHINA: A fire at Beijing Changfeng Hospital in China today left 21 dead with dozens more evacuated, Chinese media reported.