The eyes of the world turned to Busan this week as Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the APEC Summit their first face to face meeting in six years. It was more than just a diplomatic encounter; it was a moment that carried the weight of history and the hope of renewal.

After years of distance, the two leaders sat across from each other once again, aware that their words could influence the course of the global economy and the tone of international politics. In an era of rising tensions and fractured communication, this meeting signaled that the door to dialogue is still open and that engagement remains the only path toward stability.

President Xi Jinping arrived in Busan with a message of confidence, balance, and long term vision. He once again outlined China’s enduring philosophy: cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division, and shared prosperity over zero sum rivalry. His words reflected a deep conviction that development is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all nations.

The tone of the conversation between the two leaders was described as frank, calm, and forward looking. Both sides recognized that their countries’ destinies are intertwined economically, strategically, and globally. Discussions touched upon trade, climate, and the need to restore stability to a world facing economic headwinds. The emphasis was not on competition, but on responsibility.

For President Xi, this was more than a bilateral engagement. It was a reaffirmation of China’s role as a stabilizing force in uncertain times a country that seeks to build bridges even when global politics tests their strength. His approach was anchored in respect, patience, and the belief that cooperation is not weakness, but wisdom.

Under President Xi’s leadership, China has emerged as a pillar of consistency and confidence in a rapidly changing world. While others resort to protectionism or isolation, Beijing has chosen the path of openness and reform. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative embody a vision where prosperity is shared, where growth is inclusive, and where nations, big or small, move forward together.

It is this steady, principled diplomacy that has earned President Xi recognition as one of the most influential leaders of the modern era. His call for a community with a shared future for mankind is not a slogan, but a roadmap for cooperation one that has guided China’s foreign policy and inspired confidence in developing countries seeking equitable partnerships. Xi’s vision has transformed China from a participant in globalization to a driving force for peace, stability, and progress across continents.

The Busan meeting was, in every sense, a win win situation for China and President Xi. By engaging constructively with Washington, Beijing demonstrated maturity, foresight, and strength showing the world that China’s diplomacy is guided not by confrontation but by confidence. The meeting reinforced China’s position as a responsible global player, capable of managing great power relations with balance and dignity. It also underscored that dialogue, when led with wisdom and patience, can turn challenges into opportunities for cooperation.

The timing of the meeting carried its own significance. Six years have passed since their last direct conversation. In that time, the world has changed dramatically pandemics, trade disruptions, and shifting alliances have reshaped international relations. Yet, in Busan, the image of the two leaders shaking hands again sent a quiet but powerful message: that communication is still stronger than confrontation.

For the Asia Pacific region, the meeting also reaffirmed APEC’s central role as a platform for dialogue and shared progress. Amid global uncertainty, Busan became a symbol of continuity a place where two of the world’s most influential nations showed that diplomacy can still triumph over discord.
Observers noted that President Xi’s words carried a tone of steady leadership and strategic optimism. His vision of a “community with a shared future for mankind” once again found resonance reminding the world that peace and prosperity must be pursued collectively, not competitively.

As the summit concluded, one message echoed beyond Busan: when China and the United States talk, the world listens and when they cooperate, the world benefits.
The Xi–Trump meeting in Busan may not have resolved every issue, but it rekindled something essential the willingness to understand, to engage, and to believe that dialogue can shape a better tomorrow.
In a time of uncertainty, that is perhaps the most important outcome of all.

SAMBURU: “God, God, God, protect them,” chanted two herders, their eyes following a dozen camels rushing toward acacia trees, oblivious to the dry riverbed in northern Kenya where it hasn’t rained since April.

Sitting on the edge of a nearby well, Chapan Lolpusike recounted how his cows and oxen “all died” following the worst drought in four decades, caused by a succession of poor rainfall in 2021 and 2022.

After that, the herder made a sweeping change.

“We no longer have cattle at home. We only raise camels,” said Lolpusike, a member of the semi-nomadic Samburu community.

Camels can graze on dry grasses, go more than a week without water, and produce up to six times more milk than cattle — making them an increasingly necessary option in northern Kenya, an area particularly vulnerable to climate change.

Samburu county officials launched a camel programme in 2015 following several droughts that killed off at least 70% of the cattle in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.

The die-off had a devastating impact on malnutrition among local pastoralists.

Around 5,000 Somali camels — a larger and more productive breed than the native herd — have since been distributed, including 1,000 in the last year.

Camels for every family

Lolpusike, who previously knew nothing about camels, received some in 2023.

In his manyatta — a hamlet of rectangular huts nestled in a shrubby savannah — a dozen camels lay peacefully chewing dry grass.

The goal is for every family in the county to have their own, said village administrator James Lolpusike (no relation).

“If the drought persists, the cattle will not be anywhere anymore,” he said.

Camel herds are at high risk of disease that could lead to losses.

But there are clear, positive changes as they become a regular sight in the region, including healthier children, said the village administrator.

They are certainly popular in the community, for the fact they can be milked up to five times a day.

“Cows are only milked when the grass is green,” said Naimalu Lentaka, 40.

“Camels… during the dry season, they are still milked, and that’s the whole difference.”

Families now “depend on camels, on those who own them,” she added.

Racing stars

Camel milk and human breast milk have similar nutritional and therapeutic properties, according to a 2022 study by Meru University in Kenya.

Camel milk contributes up to half the total nutrient intake during droughts among pastoral communities in the north.

The animal is already a star in the region, thanks to a famous endurance race.

At the Maralal International Camel Derby in late September, around 40 camels frolicked before a cheering crowd.

The winner covered 21 kilometres (13 miles), the equivalent of a half-marathon, in one hour and 22 minutes.

But organisers said the event — whose theme was “peaceful cultural interactions” — was primarily about bringing together communities that used to fight over resources, since, among their many virtues, camels are also a symbol of peace.

Moving cattle herds to more fertile areas during the dry season can spark conflict between herders that have claimed hundreds of lives over the years.

Camels are happy to stay where they are.

Even this hardy animal needs some water, however, so locals still pray for rain.

“We only pray the situation doesn’t get worse,” said James Lolpusike.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced amendments to Umrah visa regulations, Al Arabiya reported, citing sources. 

Moving forward, visas will be automatically cancelled 30 days after issuance if the pilgrim has not entered Saudi Arabia within that period. 

The policy takes effect next week. The validity of the visa before entry is reduced from three months to one month from the date of issuance. 

There is no change to the permitted length of stay once the pilgrim arrives, it remains three months.

Managing rising pilgrim flows

Ahmed Bajaeifer, adviser to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, told Al Arabiya the measure comes as the ministry prepares for a significant rise in Umrah pilgrims following the end of summer and a drop in temperatures in Makkah and Madinah. 

The aim is to better manage crowds and prevent overcrowding in the two holy cities.

Record momentum this season

According to Al Arabiya, more than four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims since the new Umrah season began in early June. 

Compared to previous seasons, this year’s Umrah season is achieving a record number of international pilgrims within just five months of its launch.

Earlier expansion of eligibility

Last month, authorities announced that visitors holding all different categories of visas will be allowed to perform Umrah during their stay in the kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, The News reported. 

The visas include personal and family visit visas, electronic tourist visas, transit or stopover visas, work permits, and other types. 

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the initiative reflects the kingdom’s commitment to facilitating the arrival of Muslims from across the globe, enabling them to perform their religious duties with comfort and peace of mind.