World Population Day will fall on July 11; the Qatar emir will visit White House amid Gulf tensions; Bastille Day celebrations will be held in France; and the EU-Ukraine summit will be held in Kiev.
These are the international events under the spotlight for the week starting July 8.
July 11: World Population Day
From top to left: Isaac, Jac and Jorj. A young mother has beaten odds of 25,000 to one and given birth to rare non-identical triplets – while taking the pill. [Photo/IC]
World Population day is an annual event observed on July 11 that seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.
The Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme established the event in 1989. It was inspired by public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, the approximate date on which the world's population reached five billion people.
World Population Day aims to increase people's awareness on various population issues such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights.
Qatar emir to visit White House amid Gulf tensions
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (center) will visit the White House on July 9 for meetings with US President Donald Trump. [Photo/Agencies]
Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will meet with US President Donald Trump on July 9, the White House announced Friday.
The emir will meet Trump in Washington for talks on regional politics, as well as security and counterterrorism cooperation, according to the announcement, amid a US effort to build pressure on Iran.
"The visit will build on the longstanding partnership between the United States and Qatar and further strengthen our already substantial economic and security ties," the White House said.
Bastille Day celebrations
Fireworks explode in the sky around the Eiffel Tower, in a picture taken from the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck, at the end of Bastille Day events in Paris, France, July 14, 2018. [Photo/Agencies]
Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on July 14 each year. It is celebrated to commemorate the nation's motto of liberty, equality and fraternity. The day is celebrated with fireworks and large parades all across France.
The French national day is the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fete de la Federation, which celebrates the unity of the French people on July 14, 1790.
The most notable parade that takes place is the large military parade that occurs in the nation's capital, Paris, involving over 4,000 soldiers, 200 vehicles and 100 aircraft.
Observing the holiday isn't limited to France. It also is celebrated in a number of nations, like South Africa, Canada, India and in parts of the US.
EU-Ukraine summit to be held in Kiev
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Tusk. [Photo/consilium.europa.eu]
At the 21st EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev on July 8, leaders will reaffirm the strength of the political and economic ties between the EU and Ukraine. They will also discuss the way forward for EU-Ukraine relations.
European Council President Donald Tusk and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will represent the EU at the summit. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will represent Ukraine. This will be the first summit that he attends following his election in April 2019.
President Zelenskyy on June 5 met with Donald Tusk in Brussels as part of his first foreign trip.
