World leaders

G20 leaders pledge to avert economic catastrophe

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the country should not be allowed to "descend into chaos".

The virtual summit came as the UN urged world leaders to put billions of dollars into the Afghan economy.

US President Joe Biden stressed that aid should be provided via independent international organisations and not directly to the ruling Taliban.

But so far the money forthcoming has largely been counted in millions, just to provide emergency food and medicine.

World leaders deny wrongdoing after leaks

Dubbed the Pandora Papers, the 12 million files constitute the biggest such leak in history.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein are among some 35 current and former leaders linked to the files.

Both have issued statements saying they have done nothing wrong.

Jordan's royal palace said it was "not unusual nor improper" that King Abdullah owned property abroad.

Leaked documents show the leader secretly spent more than £70m ($100m) on a property empire in the UK and US since taking power in 1999.

World leaders promise one billion Covid vaccine doses for poorer nations

At the end of the G7 summit in Cornwall, the PM said countries were rejecting "nationalistic approaches".

He said vaccinating the world would show the benefits of the G7's democratic values.

There was also a pledge to wipe out their contribution to climate change.

After the first meeting of world leaders in two years, Mr Johnson said "the world was looking to us to reject some of the selfish, nationalistic approaches that marred the initial global response to the pandemic and to channel all our diplomatic, economic and scientific might to defeating Covid for good".

Prince Philip: World leaders and royals send heartfelt sympathy

Europe's royal households and Commonwealth leaders alike praised his exceptional public service.

Joe Biden described the duke as a "heck of a guy", and all living former US presidents also sent tributes.

Pope Francis paid tribute to his "devotion to his marriage and family".

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church also noted the prince's "commitment to the education and advancement of future generations".

World leaders urged not to COP out of climate action in Madrid

Political leaders, diplomats and negotiators are meeting for two weeks of talks amid a growing sense of urgency.

It began with the bang of a gavel in a cavernous hall on the outskirts of Madrid.

The latest round of UN climate talks. More than 25,000 people, more than 50 heads of state.

And an urgent call to action from the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.

World leaders congratulate rescue mission of 12 Thai boys and coach

The last five survivors of the ordeal were brought out safely by the rescue team on Tuesday (Jul 10), joining eight others who were rescued in a similarly risky mission on Sunday and Monday.

United States President Donald Trump tweeted his congratulations: "On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the Thai Navy SEALs and all on the successful rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the treacherous cave in Thailand. Such a beautiful moment - all freed, great job!," he said.