UNITED NATIONS — China’s economy is steadily recovering after the pandemic and remains strong, instilling confidence in its economic future, according to a United Nations economist.

The United Nations on Tuesday released a mid-year update of its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023 report, which projected China’s economy will grow 5.3 percent this year, up from the 4.8 percent forecast in January. (UN-China-Economy)

– – – –

CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi met with visiting Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on Wednesday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral military ties, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian presidency.

The two sides agreed on further developing the security cooperation between the two countries, the statement said. (Egypt-Italy-Meet)

– – – –

PARIS — The Court of Appeal of Paris on Wednesday upheld a prison sentence of three years, including two suspended, against former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling.

According to the court ruling, Sarkozy will only need to serve one year of house arrest with an electronic bracelet, and his civil rights will be deprived for three years. (France-Former President-Sentence)

– – – –

ABUJA — Nigerian police on Wednesday confirmed 30 local people were killed in recent deadly attacks on two neighboring villages in the country’s central Plateau state.

Alfred Alabo, the spokesman for the police in Plateau, said in a statement that at least five suspects in connection with the attacks have so far been arrested, as more policemen have been deployed to the Fungzai and Kubat villages in the Mangu local government area of the state, following the overnight attacks by gunmen late Monday. (Nigeria-Attacks-Casualties)

– – – –

DAKAR — China stands ready to expand practical cooperation with Senegal and will continue to contribute positively to Africa’s peace and development, visiting top Chinese legislator Zhao Leji has said.

Zhao made the remarks during his meeting with Senegalese President Macky Sall. (China-Senegal-Visit)

– – – –

BUDAPEST — The Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) is excited to take part in the upcoming third China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair and showcase Hungary’s unique and innovative products and services to the Chinese market.

Zsanett Ihasz, manager of Chinese relations at HEPA, hopes the expo will be a powerful platform for Hungary to showcase its exceptional products and services to the Chinese market. The central European landlocked nation is this year’s guest of honor. (Hungary-China-CEEC)

– – – –

QUITO — Ecuador’s National Assembly on Tuesday opened the impeachment trial against President Guillermo Lasso, who is likely to be stripped of office for embezzlement.

The hearing began at 10:00 a.m. local time (1500 GMT), with the presence of 109 of the 137 assembly members that comprise Congress, where the opposition holds a majority of seats.

Lasso, a 67-year-old former banker, is accused of knowingly allowing graft through government contracts to private companies in the oil sector. (Ecuador-President-Impeachment)