A Nepali citizen has died and 15 others have been injured so far during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

Belarus is deepening cooperation with countries of the Global South, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov said on Wednesday.

MUSCAT/TEHRAN, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said on Wednesday received a phone call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, the Omani Foreign Ministry said.The two sides explored ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, and discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, said the ministry.The Omani Sultan reiterated Oman's firm position rejecting attacks that targeted the country, and affirmed that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard its security and stability, said the ministry.Both sides stressed the importance of halting escalation and promoting dialogue and diplomatic engagement in order to avoid repercussions that could affect regional security and stability, it said.Meanwhile, a statement published on Pezeshkian's office said that the Iranian president stressed in the phone call Iran's respect for and the special importance it attaches to all neighboring and regional countries.However, it is emphasized that any attack against Iran from U.S. military bases located in the territory of regional countries will not be acceptable under any circumstances, Pezeshkian said, noting that areas directly participating in the attacks on Iran are seen as Iran's military targets.Pezeshkian said Iran is determined to promote all-out relations and cooperation with its neighbors, especially Oman, adding that the country will conduct thorough and complete investigations into the incident at the Port of Salalah in Oman.Earlier in the day, a security source told Oman News Agency that multiple unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted and brought down in Oman, while several drones struck fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah. No casualties were reported following the incident.The attack came amid escalating tensions across the Middle East following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran t...

BAGHDAD, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud discussed regional developments during a phone call on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of joint action to end the war.A statement by al-Sudani's media office said that the two sides affirmed the importance of joint action and coordination to stop the war and find peaceful solutions to all crises, away from military options that threaten regional and international peace.Al-Sudani stressed that Iraq is committed to exerting every possible effort to end the war, noting its negative repercussions on the regional securityHe also reiterated Iraq's rejection of being used as a launching ground to target any country, just as it rejects the targeting of its own territory.For his part, the Saudi crown prince commended Iraq's efforts to preserve the security and stability of the region and the world, it said.The call came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. assets across the Middle East.

BRASILIA, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Brazil and South Africa have reached a defense cooperation agreement, following an official visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Brazil, the official Brazilian gazette reported Wednesday.The agreement promotes research, development, and logistical support. It also facilitates high-level delegation visits, military personnel exchanges, and joint participation in military seminars and courses.A Joint Defense Committee will be created to implement the agreement and will hold annual meetings alternately in the two countries.During Ramaphosa's visit on March 9, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stressed the principle that Brazil and South Africa should develop their own defense capabilities.Lula said that they think of defense as deterrence, and if they do not prepare themselves in this regard, they run the risk of being invaded.Both presidents expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, underscoring international dialogue as the only path toward a lasting solution.

Ecuador's armed forces announced Wednesday the dismantling of infrastructure and equipment used for illegal mineral extraction in the northern border province of Carchi.