I refer to your editorial Trump-Kim summit: A meeting of maverick minds in Singapore (June 10): let us hope that these two mercurial personalities of our times sign a peace accord that reduces the threat of a nuclear war.
Perhaps a slightly less hyped meeting might have been more pragmatic. In the 1960s the United States's relationship with China was frosty.
Then Henry Kissinger, national security adviser to then US president Richard Nixon, made a secret visit to China in July 1971 to break the ice and lay the foundations of a new association.
I was at university that year and remember the whole world being totally stunned that Mr Kissinger had actually visited China.
The following year, Mr Nixon visited China for a week to mend relationships.
That visit is considered a milestone for it helped forge a crucial relationship against the backdrop of the Cold War.
Since then, the US and China have done a lot of business together. The important point is that these visits to China and the mending of ties were undertaken without any bugle blowing.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Abandoning pets should be treated as a criminal offence
I write in response to your editorial There should be zero tolerance towards animal cruelty (10 June): The National's editorial was a meaningful read. The quote by Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi was apt and also true.
A country's moral progress is indeed determined by the way its animals are treated.
Abandoning pets should be treated as an offence and those engaging in such activity should be severely punished.
K Ragavan, Denver
For pupils, sleep is vital throughout the year, not just at exam time
I refer to Nick Webster's article Lack of sleep during stressful exams has 'serious repercussions for pupils' (June 10): the issue of inadequate sleep is not just relevant during exam times but throughout the year.
Zahid Khokhar, Abu Dhabi
Despite the criticism at G7 summit, Trump always gets his way
With reference to your article European leaders back Trudeau in G7 aftermath and criticise Trump (June 11): no matter what G7 leaders say, I believe Donald Trump will still get his way.
Name withheld by request
It's time for a blanket ban on plastic bags
I refer to Gillian Duncan's article Spinneys considers charging for plastic bags (June 10): free plastic bags do untold damage to the environment. They don't become acceptable to use just because we're made to pay for them. Banning them completely would be a better idea.
Justin Webb, Dubai
Let's get rid of the plastic bags at the fruit and veg counters at the same time. What's wrong with paper ones (although recyclable paper now), just like the old days?
Louise Halmkan Slantenburg, Dubai
If you go…
Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.
Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days.
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: from Dh155,000
On sale: now
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
UAE cricketers abroad
Sid Jhurani is not the first cricketer from the UAE to go to the UK to try his luck.
Rameez Shahzad Played alongside Ben Stokes and Liam Plunkett in Durham while he was studying there. He also played club cricket as an overseas professional, but his time in the UK stunted his UAE career. The batsman went a decade without playing for the national team.
Yodhin Punja The seam bowler was named in the UAE’s extended World Cup squad in 2015 despite being just 15 at the time. He made his senior UAE debut aged 16, and subsequently took up a scholarship at Claremont High School in the south of England.
More from Neighbourhood Watch
RESULT
Bayern Munich 0 AC Milan 4
Milan: Kessie (14'), Cutrone (25', 43'), Calhanoglu (85')
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Nick's journey in numbers
Countries so far: 85
Flights: 149
Steps: 3.78 million
Calories: 220,000
Floors climbed: 2,000
Donations: GPB37,300
Prostate checks: 5
Blisters: 15
Bumps on the head: 2
Dog bites: 1
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
Match info
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO
Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday
Race venue: Suzuka International Racing Course
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Number of Laps: 53
Watch live: beIN Sports HD
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Read more about the coronavirus
UNpaid bills:
Countries with largest unpaid bill for UN budget in 2019
USA – $1.055 billion
Brazil – $143 million
Argentina – $52 million
Mexico – $36 million
Iran – $27 million
Israel – $18 million
Venezuela – $17 million
Korea – $10 million
Countries with largest unpaid bill for UN peacekeeping operations in 2019
USA – $2.38 billion
Brazil – $287 million
Spain – $110 million
France – $103 million
Ukraine – $100 million
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Women & Power: A Manifesto
Mary Beard
Profile Books and London Review of Books
