Shawdesh Desk:

“America is back” and is fully engaged in helping resolve issues including the pandemic, climate change and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told the BBC.

In his first international interview, Mr Blinken stressed the importance of worldwide vaccination against Covid-19.

He also criticised China for its lack of transparency in uncovering how coronavirus emerged.

It marks a break with the “America First” policy of Donald Trump.

Mr Blinken was speaking as the leaders of the G7 richest industrialised nations met in virtual session.

(BBC)