A White House spokesperson confirmed that finance minister Steven Mnuchin and trade minister Wilbur Ross will not be travelling to Davos. President r had previously said he could not attend WEF’s showcase event that takes place next week.
The pull-out scuppers plans by Switzerland to use the WEF meeting of political and business leaders to revive free trade agreement talks between the two countries that have lain dormant for more than a decade.
WEFExternal link, which runs from January 22-25 this year, has been shorn of several government heads, who have been forced to stay at home to deal with problematic situations in their home countries.
WEF’s Global Risk Report, released on Wednesday, said worsening international relations present a major risk of allowing growing global problems to get out of hand.
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Why Trump’s absence could benefit Davos
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If this year’s World Economic Forum does indeed take place without US President Donald Trump, it won’t matter too much, say some Swiss media.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
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The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
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The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
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The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
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Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
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St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
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Who’s in the WEF in-crowd?
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Making it on the participants list at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting is no easy feat. Who made the cut this year?
Brexit worries to keep Theresa May away from Davos
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UK Prime Minister Theresa May, citing domestic concerns, has followed her French and American counterparts by pulling out of this year’s WEF.
Brazilian president chooses WEF for first overseas trip
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The rightwing Bolsonaro will join US President Donald Trump and many other world leaders in Switzerland from January 21-25. The annual showpiece meeting attracts around 3,000 political and business heads plus leaders in the worlds of science, culture, civil society and religion. Bolsonaro made his announcement during his first television interview since taking office on…
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If this year’s World Economic Forum does indeed take place without US President Donald Trump, it won’t matter too much, say some Swiss media.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.