Syria, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia

Today's three stories you should know

Syria

Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for the second time in less than four months as they try to reach agreement on the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Putin was a longtime ally of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad with Russian military support key to keeping him in power through more than a decade of civil war. Al-Sharaa and Putin, though, have been pragmatic about the relationship since forces led by the former al-Qaeda leader toppled Assad in December 2024. Putin pledged to help rebuild Syria’s battered economy, including potential investment in reconstruction.

More from AP here.

Ethiopia

Twenty-two people have been arrested in Ethiopia accused of smuggling almost 2,000 migrants to Libya in a racket that made them millions. Ethiopia is a key transit point for people trying to reach Europe and the Gulf, who are often scammed and abused. Authorities said the suspects made false promises to the migrants of a new life in Europe before holding them hostage in warehouses in Libya and demanding ransoms from their families. The gang is reported to have made about $13 million. At least two people died and 15 disappeared.

More from Africa News here.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is considering expanding its premium residency program, which is aimed at attracting wealthy individuals to the kingdom, according to a report from Reuters, as Riyadh tries to diversify its economy away from oil and boost foreign investment. The scheme is currently available based on varying criteria, including those buying property worth more than $1 million, executives earning more than 80,000 Saudi riyals ($21,300) per month, and specialized health and science professionals earning more than 35,000 riyals per month. Reuters reported the expansion would target superyacht owners, people looking to move into flagship development projects and top students.

More from Reuters here.