Tunis
29 April 2017
(QNA)

Qatar Media Corporation has won two prizes in the 18th session of the Arab Radio and TV Festival which concluded in the Tunisian city of Hammamet last night.

Qatar Television's program "Besaraha" won the first prize in the talk show category of the main television competitions, while "Al-Watar Al-Khames" program won the second prize in the entertainment and artistic programs category.

The 18th session of the Arab Radio and TV Festival, organized by Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), kicked off in Hammamet last Tuesday, with participation of delegations representing radio and television organizations, a number of satellite channels, private radio stations and owners of technical equipment, in addition to the most famous stars of Arab drama and cinema.

The session celebrated Al-Quds City as the capital of Arab States Broadcasting Union Community (ASBU) for 2017.

Paris
28 April 2017 (QNA)

Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz AL Kuwari, advisor at the Emiri Diwan and Qatar's candidate for the Director General post at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), presented his vision for the organization in presence of 58 members of UNESCO's Executive Board chaired by Germany's Michael Worbs.

Dr AlKuwari stressed UNESCO's mission in establishing peace, saying that UNESCO was founded for peace and it should carry on for it. He said that throughout his educational and professional career, he was able to learn and talk with different cultures, and live the wealth of humanitarian experience in building civilizations and constantly looking for peace.

The UNESCO spirit means the right of any civilization to be at the top of the organization, he said, adding that the Arab civilization, like any other civilization, has this right.

He touched on the current challenges of UNESCO, saying that despite the numerous successes, there is a decline in public awareness of its role, which affected cooperation with it. He said that some challenges are political due to the lack of consensus that most of UNESCO's decisions were based on, which resulted in the current financial crisis.

Dr. Al Kuwari spoke about the role of education and the need to provide it to all deprived children across the world because there is no development with out education and the participation of literate women, highlighting the importance of critical education and the development of programs to instill humanitarian values such as tolerance and interaction among civilizations so as to dry up the intellectual sources of terrorism.

On UNESCO's role in areas of Science and Technology, challenges and benefiting from its experts and scientists, told his program of partnering with scientific groups to establish UNESCO as a home for scientists and experts from all over the world.

Dr. Al Kuwari said the space must be given to such talents in order to create innovative scientific and knowledge products so as to address the problems of development through technological research, highlighting the role of sciences in deepening ties between scientists and experts in issues related to humanitarian issues so as to work to limit the impacts of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes as well as climate change and water problems.

He touched on his vision for the importance of world heritage, promising to carry on preserving it and protecting it from destructive hands and calling for legislation to protect mutual heritage as UNESCO serves as the legitimate incubator for such laws.

The Qatari candidate highlighted UNESCO's role in dialogue among civilizations and means of boosting it through contacting global intellectuals, knowledge circles and open media as well as using modern technology to communicate with young people and encourage them to realize the goals of UNESCO, stressing the organization's mission in protecting freedoms, establishing freedom of expression, defending journalists and innovators who face aggression in conflict zones.

Dr. Al Kuwari said he will do his best to develop the organization by cooperation with the General Conference, the Executive Board and staff, whom, he said, must have all obstacles removed so that they can do their job and achieve its noble goals.

He proposed a fund for small industries to support deprived and needy countries, saying that he discussed the idea with a number of businessmen and they are ready to contribute, adding that the fund will be active from day 1 if he were to be elected director general.

UNESCO's current crisis is political rather than financial. the Qatari candidate said, adding that it should be handled through a comprehensive strategy. He said decisions were used to be made through consensus and this approach must revive by electing a neutral director general.

After presenting his program to the Executive Board, Dr. Al Kuwari listened to the comments and questions of board members on challenges facing the organization and the candidate's vision to address them.

Asked about measures he would take to achieve good governance for the organization, Dr. Al Kuwari said there is a need to re-consider the reforms that UNESCO did through consensual mechanisms for decision-making, noting that he received many complaints during his visits to many countries about the politicization of the organization, which, he said, calls for reform. He promised that member states will be given time to negotiate so that the final decision is accepted by all.

As for the means to de-politicize the organization while Dr. Al Kuwari himself belongs to the Arab region while there is an Arab-Israeli conflict, the Qatari candidate said the de-politicization of UNESCO isn't an easy matter but at the same time responsibility must be shouldered instead of boycotting because that too would be an act of politicization.

Dr. Al Kuwari said he respects the decisions of the organization and being a director general necessitates being neutral, noting that he has previous experience in managing international issues at the United Nations as he was elected vice president of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination as well as serving as president of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for four years.

A number of questions touched on the situation in African and Caribbean countries and the conditions of education there. Dr. Al Kuwari stressed his attention to these areas so that education would be accessible to all, especially in Africa, besides working to offer programs that ensure education for girls in a way that brings positive impact on future development and labor market. He underlined Qatar's efforts in cooperation with the U.N. to launch the 'Educate A Child' program that helped in the education of 10 million children around the world, promising that education, particularly in Africa, will receive special attention as the cornerstone of development by cooperation between UNESCO and the African Union to achieve the best outcome.

On how to handle the current financial crisis, the Qatari candidate said he is working through his diplomatic ties to convince the countries that haven't paid their financial dues to the organization as well as creating attractive UNESCO programs in the fields of education and culture to encourage strategic sponsors and partners. He also proposed a Davos-like conference to discuss means of solving problems and finding the proper solutions, adding that he will hold talks with the United States to discuss its responsibilities towards UNESCO in terms of achieving the organization's goal of global peace.

UNESCO has a significant role in combating terrorism, the Qatari candidate said, noting that military action isn't enough and UNESCO plays a major role in this regard because terrorism can't be eradicated without overcoming poverty and ignorance, boosting awareness of the importance of education, and spreading multi-cultural-ism.

Dr. Al Kuwari said that Qatar nominated him out of its belief in the role of UNESCO in establishing peace as well as the organization's interest in humanitarian heritage. He added that Qatar hosted in 2015 the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee and called for establishing a fund to protect humanitarian heritage and donated $10 million at the time.

He added that the position is not the goal for him or Qatar but rather serving the international society and working to implement new programs that contribute to spreading peace, awareness and empowering the innovative energy of youths.

The Qatari candidate's program presentation came during the first stage of choosing the organization's director general. The Executive Board finished the first stage of the process, with none candidates running for the post.

IHS Jane's
Int'l Defence Review
27 April 2017

The US Air Force (USAF) has completed a six-year upgrade programme for the McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender aerial refuelling fleet, with delivery of the final aircraft back to Travis Air Force Base (AFB) in California.

Delivery of the 59th and final KC-10A to go through the flight management system modification process that began in 2011 took place on 28 March but was not announced by the USAF until 19 April.

As noted by the USAF, the modification involved replacing the legacy Flight Management System (FMS) 800 with the new Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system, which "modernises the aircraft, increases mission effectiveness, and improves fuel efficiency."

"The previous FMS 800 system used gyroscopes to display functions and status of the aircraft, such as the accelerometer. These gyroscopes would often overheat and require maintenance," the USAF said, adding, "The CNS/ATM replaces the old gyroscopes with an infrared laser system. The system increases accuracy while generating significantly less heat, which in turn increases fuel efficiency for the aircraft."

The modernisation work took place at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma, and took several months for each aircraft to be completed.

The USAF currently fields 510 tankers in the form of 59 McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extenders; 342 Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers; 54 KC-135T Stratotankers; 18 Lockheed Martin MC-130H Combat Talon IIs; and 37 MC-130J Commando IIs. Even with the MC-130H/Js that are reserved for special mission duties, this is only about half of the capacity that the commander of the US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) says is needed.

Speaking before Congress in April, General Darren McDew went so far as to say that the shortfall in the USAF's air-to-air refuelling capacity is causing him 'to lose sleep at night'.

As such and noting a 14-month delay to the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, Gen McDew said that plans to retire the KC-10A from 2019 to 2024 are being reconsidered.

English Daily 'The Peninsula'
Qatar
26 April 2017

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar Dr Bahia Tahzib-Lie has said that Dutch companies are “big investors” in Qatar and fully committed to Qatar National Vision 2030.

She was talking to 'The Peninsula' on the eve of National Day of the Netherlands which was marked yesterday. The embassy celebrated the National Day of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Doha, on the occasion of the 50th birthday of King Willem Alexander.

The function was attended by Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi.

“In the Netherlands, his birthday (27 April) is a national holiday called King’s Day. It is a day when everyone goes out on the streets dressed in orange outfits. There are fun festivities for children on the streets and many concerts in public spaces.”

This year, the King’s Day was marked in Doha with a special theme “Flowers and Art”. “Flowers and art form an important part of our cultural identity and heritage. We Dutch are passionate about sharing our flowers and art with everyone,” the ambassador said when asked about the reason behind the selection of theme.

She said that it was a pride for Netherlands to host one of the world’s largest flower gardens – the Keukenhof – and being the world’s leading supplier of flowers, plants and trees.

The ambassador said the Dutch government wanted to promote the interest of Dutch businesses abroad through economic diplomacy. “Qatar aims to diversify the country’s economy by creating a balance between an oil-based and a knowledge-based economy. Dutch companies in Qatar have a diversified presence in different business sectors such as education, healthcare, energy, engineering & architecture, maritime, logistics, agriculture, horticulture and several kinds of consultancy services.”

Tahzib-Lie said that bilateral trade relations reached around €1bn during 2015. “Dutch exports amount to €440m which is increasing gradually and the Dutch imports are worth €556m which is mostly related to LNG.”
She said that there are a number of Qatari companies operating in the Netherlands: Muntajat BV (marketing and sales of petrochemicals), Qatar Petroleum International BV’s, Lusail BV in Valkenswaard at Jan Tops (equestrian), Qatar Holding etc.

The ambassador sees huge scope for cooperation in healthcare between the two countries. “Qatar has the fastest growing healthcare market in the region. Qatar National Vision 2030 is to ensure comprehensive world-class health care systems for the whole population. The Netherlands is a major player in the global life sciences health industry with a strong technological position in molecular imaging, medical informatics, biopharmaceuticals, human and veterinary vaccines, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, medical technology, and health infrastructure. The Dutch sector is in a position to collaborate, cooperate and form coalition with Qatari counterparts.”

Tahzib-Lie thinks Qatar and the Netherlands have some “striking similarities”. “Both countries are relatively small in size but with great ambitions, open to the sea, outward-looking and share an unstoppable drive for innovation.”

Moreover, she observed, both Qatar and the Netherlands were open to diversity. “In the Netherlands, we stand for a multi-colour, multi-cultural, multi-religious society. For example, our cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam are home to about 180 nationalities.”

“It’s great to see that Qatar and the Netherlands connect, inspire and complement each other across a wide range of sectors like energy, infrastructure, sports, education, and health-care. Dutch companies are big investors in Qatar and fully committed to Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Sustainability, she said, was an integral part of many Dutch companies. “In Qatar, several companies are actively contributing to developing sustainable technologies and more efficient use of resources – including the use of water – like Arcadis and Shell.”

“Healthy and nutritious food as well as clean water will be more important than ever. The Dutch have a centuries-old reputation for producing high-quality food and clean drinking water. The Netherlands is the world’s 2nd largest agri-food exporter and a global leader in sustainable water supply solutions. One specific example is the ‘Mega Reservoir Project’ by Dutch company Arcadis. The project intends to increase water storage and security while providing seven days of strategic water storage to fulfill the need and demand for water across Qatar due to the country's rapid and continuous growth and development,” she said.

With a palpable sense of national pride, she said that in Qatar, Dutch artists were active too. “A Dutch architect has designed the Qatar National Library building and the headquarters of Qatar Foundation. A Dutch designer designed the exquisite interior of the soon to be opened Mondrian hotel in Doha. And the Sheikh Faisal Museum has a Dutch Director.”

Also in the field of peace and international justice, she said, the Netherlands valued the partnership with Qatar. “Our two countries work well together in international fora, including the UN, to advance the international legal order.”

Citing an example, the ambassador said: “The Netherlands is an active supporter of the initiative of Qatar (and Liechtenstein) within the UN to establish the new database to collect evidence of the most serious crimes committed in Syria, with the aim to ensure accountability in the future.” She said that the Netherlands had also announced a contribution of €1m right after the resolution on this UN database was passed.

“In 2018, the Netherlands will have a seat in the UN Security Council. We will be motivated and committed to continue working towards peace and justice with Qatar and other international partners.”

Regarding cooperation in education sector, she said that several MoUs had been signed between Qatar Universities and Dutch Universities. “The latest one was between The Hague Institute for Global Justice and the Hamad Bin Khalifa University. The cooperation will be on issues for which The Hague Institute is known for: rule of law, global governance and conflict prevention.”

The Dutch ambassador said that Stenden University, established in Qatar in partnership with Faisal Holding, was providing international business, tourism and hospitality management degrees with more than 500 Alumni graduates.

She said that number of Qatari tourists visiting the Netherlands was on a steady rise with every passing year. “As many as 1,967 visas were issued in 2015, 2,430 visas were issued in 2016 and in the first quarter of 2017, the number of visas issued has touched 1,042.”

Sant’Agata Bolognese
Dubai, UAE
27 April 2017

With the inauguration of the largest Lamborghini showroom in the world in Dubai Automobili Lamborghini is preparing its international dealer network for the future.

The new showroom and service centre, located in Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 41, Dubai, UAE is one of twelve Lamborghini sales points within the dealer network in the Middle East and Africa.

With a total surface of 1.800 square meters over 3 floors the showroom and service centre environment reflects the need for increased space as Lamborghini expands its model line-up and plans to double sales with the launch of its new SUV by 2018.

Doha
27 April 2017

Emir Cup 2017 will be played on 19 May 2017 at Khalifa Int'l Stadium Doha with a new look, new technologies & a new legacy.

Expatriate communities living in Qatar in collaboration with Community Out-reaching Department of Supreme Committee will be organising a colorful Family Festival before the start of the final football match between participating Qatari clubs.

A family zone displaying almost 25 countries cultural items, traditional food stalls and stage performances by various communities are being planned.

It is expected to attract around 40,000 people since being Friday, weekly holiday in Qatar expected soft opening with fireworks and long years to remember shows.

This accomplished 40,000-seat arena already has an illustrious hosting history, having previously welcomed the Asian Games, the Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, among other events. Over the years it has developed into a worthy ambassador for the Middle East, symbolising sporting excellence in all its forms. For people in Qatar and the region, Khalifa International Stadium is an old friend, a familiar face which brings communities together.

Built in 1976 in Al Rayyan, Khalifa International Stadium has long been the beating heart of the country’s sporting tradition – and the gatekeeper to its promising future.

It is now being redeveloped by Aspire Zone Foundation, one of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s key stakeholders, ready to host matches through to the quarter-final stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™. Located at the centre of all the 2022 venues, the stadium will play a pivotal role in this tournament, whose unique geography and advanced transport systems will make it the best-connected international football competition ever.

Istanbul
27 April 2017
(MOE&I/Petra)

Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, State of Qatar led the delegation of the State of Qatar to the Eighth Atlantic Council Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey on 27 and 28 April.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a speech on the second day of the annual conference in Istanbul.

HE Dr. Al-Sada addressed on the occasion on global and regional energy issues.

On the sidelines of the conference, he met Mrs. Mary Bruce Wurlick, Special Envoy of the US Department of State for International Energy Affairs and Frederick Kemp, Executive Chairman of the Atlantic Council and senior officials of the Council.

Since its establishment, the Council has organized programs to study and discuss political, economic and security issues in the Americas, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.

The Council is developing these programs with the conviction that closer transatlantic relations are the main engine through which progress can be made in establishing a strong global system.

Doha, Qatar
26 April 2017
(MOI PR)

Qatar has topped in implementing civil aviation security standards, according to official results released by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This was announced during a press conference held at Hamad International Airport on Wednesday, 26 April 2017.

Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al-Subaiei, Chairman of Qatar Aviation Authority, Brig. Essa Arrar Al Rumaihi, Director Airport Security Department, Col. Muhammad Rashid Al Mazroui, Director Airport Passports Department and Engineer Badr Muhammad Al Meer, HIA Chief Operating Officer attended the press conference.

Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al-Subaiei said that the great support that the civil aviation system in Qatar receives from Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications has made great impact on achieving noticeable position in the world that reflected in the results of the ICAO Universal Security Audit released in last February.

The results highlighted that the State of Qatar scored 99.1 percent in applying the guidelines of annex 17 on Safeguarding International Civil Aviation against Acts of Unlawful Interference. Qatar also scored 96.76 percent in implementing safety management and a 100 percent in annex 9 on facilitation.

He said that this achievement was accomplished as a result of concerted efforts of security bodies in the airport, being the Ministry of Interior represented by the Airport Security Department and Airport Passports Department in the forefront, which had the key role in this excellent attainment. The competent authorities have maintained to keep all global measures that meet current standards as well as the airport has been prepared to respond quickly to any future developments in various fields, he said.

He said that the achievement of HIA Qatar was an important step towards realizing Qatar National Vision 2030 and it emphasized that Airport was one of the safest in the world.

Brig. Essa Arrar Al Rumaihi said that this achievement was regarded as a great success in all standards when compared Hamad International Airport to the previous Doha International Airport in terms of the size of buildings and the number of passengers as well as the existing security systems and human resources operating at the airport. He noted that these things have posed a security challenge to the concerned authority since the opening of Hamad International Airport, where the Ministry of the Interior endeavoured to provide enough security cadres and train them to carry out their security duties at its best.

He stated that Qatar's achievement to this high international rank was a boosting element for them to maintain the level of civil aviation security. This will be retained by keeping pace with the security developments related to aviation security through the use of modern equipment and raising the efficiency of the human elements capable of dealing with the modern security system.

He also pointed out that the State of Qatar has made a significant leap in the field of civil aviation security through the efforts of Airport Security Department, which adopted a number of new inspection devices inside the airport. These devices contributed to enhancing the security aspect inside the airport by facilitating the movement of passengers eliminating queues during their entry to the airport. These devices are being used for the first time in the world at Hamad Airport and are meant for individual inspection and luggage searches and are linked to cameras to detect any obstructions with passengers. The airport security personnel were also trained on how to use and benefit from them, he said.

He stressed that the Airport Security Department is working to complete its new vision by implementing the smart traveler system in cooperation with the authority of Hamad International Airport and the Airport Passports Department. By this the traveler can complete all travel procedures electronically without the need to interfere any human element, passing on the inspection devices and then completion of procedures of travel, weighing bags, issuance of boarding pass to pass through the e-gates and then boarding the plane so that the passenger is dealt with security without the presence of security staffs. This system will make easier for the traveler to complete the travel procedures in a healthy atmosphere and sophisticated electronic methods.

Brig. Al-Rumaihi said that the department has developed future plans to take care of the human element within the department, as the individual is the basis of development. He added that department has so far trained more than 1,000 security personnel to learn all the tasks of security work inside the airport in addition to attracting Qatari citizens from the secondary campaign and introduce them in various courses of foundation, specialization and advancement.

Col. Muhammad Rashid Al Mazroui told on the occasion that during first quarter of the year, there is increase in the number of passengers who used electronic gates, which registered 850,000 passengers, that was achieved by the great efforts exerted by all bodies working at the airport.

He highlighted the plans of the Passports Department to facilitate procedures for passengers and the implementation of the electronic system to end all travel procedures safely through the modernization of entry and exit dealings.

He noted that the Department now has the latest systems in the process of checking the travel documents, through sophisticated devices which can identify any fraud attempts, including technological devices with high capabilities. These devices can identify the places of fraud also the database of the devices is constantly updated to keep pace with passports of all types and forms.

Riyadh
26 April 2017
(QNA)

Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani met here with the Custodian of the Two Holy Masajid King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, at the Erga Palace in Riyadh, this evening.

During the meeting, they reviewed strong bilateral brotherly relations and exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest.

Seoul
26 Apr 2017
(Yahoo/Reuters)

The U.S. military moved parts of an anti-missile defense system to a deployment site in South Korea on Wednesday amid heightened tensions over North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs, triggering protests from villagers and China.

The top U.S. commander in the Asia-Pacific, Admiral Harry Harris, told the U.S. Congress the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system would be operational "in coming days."

The earlier-than-expected steps to deploy system were denounced both by China, and the frontrunner in South Korea's presidential election on May 9.

South Korea's defense ministry said elements of THAAD were moved to the deployment site, on what had been a golf course, about 250 km (155 miles) south of the capital, Seoul.

It said South Korea and the United States had been working to reached "early operational capability" and the battery was expected to be operational by the end of the year.

Harris, testifying before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, said THAAD "will be operational in the coming days."

The United States began moving the first elements of the THAAD system to South Korea in March after North Korea tested four ballistic missiles.

The Pentagon says the system is critical to defend South Korea and U.S. forces, and that that is its sole purpose.

China complains that the system's advanced radar can penetrate deep into its territory and undermine its security, while it will do little to deter the North.

"China strongly urges the United States and South Korea to stop actions that worsen regional tensions and harm China's strategic security interests and cancel the deployment of the THAAD system and withdraw the equipment," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a briefing.

"China will resolutely take necessary steps to defend its interests," Geng said, without elaborating.

Seoul has accused China of discriminating against South Korean companies in China in retaliation for the deployment.

China is North Korea's sole major ally and its support is seen as crucial to U.S.-led efforts to rein in Pyongyang.

Moon Jae-in, a liberal politician expected to win South Korea's election, has called for a delay in THAAD deployment, saying the new administration should make a decision after gathering public opinion and more talks with Washington.

A spokesman for Moon said moving the parts to the site "ignored public opinion and due process" and demanded it be suspended.

Television footage showed military trailers carrying equipment, including what appeared to be launch canisters, to the battery site.

Protesters shouted and hurled water bottles at the vehicles over lines of police holding them back.

'WE WILL FIGHT'

More than 10 protesters were injured, some of them with fractures, in clashes with police, Kim Jong-kyung, a leader of villagers opposing the deployment, told Reuters.

Kim said about 200 protesters rallied overnight and they would keep up their opposition.

"There's still time for THAAD to be actually up and running so we will fight until equipment is withdrawn from the site and ask South Korea's new government to reconsider," he told Reuters.

A police official in the nearby town of Seongju said police had withdrawn from the area and were not aware of any injuries.

Washington and Pyongyang have stepped up warnings to each other in recent weeks over North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and missiles in defiance of U.N. resolutions and concerns that Pyongyang may soon conduct a sixth nuclear bomb test.

North Korea's nuclear and missile threat is perhaps the most serious security challenge confronting U.S. President Donald Trump. He has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile.

North Korea has vowed to strike the United States and its Asian allies at the first sign of any attack.

The United States is sending the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it will join the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea on Tuesday. South Korea's navy has said it will hold drills with the U.S. strike group.

Harris said the carrier was in the Philippine Sea, within two-hours striking distance of North Korea "if called upon to do that".

Washington has said all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones, but officials have stressed that the current focus is on stepped-up sanctions, which are expected to be discussed at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Friday chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Chinese support for new sanctions is vital given that it is North Korea's biggest trading partner.

North Korea's foreign ministry denounced the planned meeting, saying the United States was "not morally entitled" to force member states to impose sanctions. It called the U.S., attempt to make North Korea give up its nuclear weapons through military threats and sanctions "a wild dream" and like "sweeping the sea with a broom".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday urged all sides to ease tensions between North and South Korea and work towards a peaceful solution in the region through negotiations.

"Security and stability is quite fragile and there is a great danger that a new conflict, or incidents could happen at any time," he said.

U.S. officials say Washington sees no value in returning to international talks on North Korea until Pyongyang shows it is serious about denuclearization.