Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati meets Iranian foreign relations chief Kamal Kharrazi

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati met Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council for Foreign Relations, the state's National News Agency has reported.

The two sides discussed regional issues and relations between Lebanon and Iran. The meeting, on Thursday, was attended by Iran's Ambassador in Beirut Mojtaba Amani.

Mr Kharrazi also met Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Hezbollah, to discuss political developments in the region.

Mr Kharrazi arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday after a visit to Syria where he held a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and other top officials.

In Lebanon, Mr Kharrazi also met Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, Iran's Tasnim News agency reported. The two officials discussed international and regional issues, as well as the political situation in Lebanon.

Mr Bou Habib welcomed the recent agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying it could lead to greater stability and positive changes in the region.

Mr Kharrazi underlined Iran's support for the formation of a strong and capable government in Lebanon without any foreign interference and based on the will and desire of the Lebanese people.

The Iranian official also met Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The meeting touched on the general situation in Lebanon and the region and the relations between the two countries.

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Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now

There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:

1. Rising US interest rates

The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.

Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”

At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.

2. Stronger dollar

High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”

3. Global trade war

Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”

4. Eurozone uncertainty

Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”

The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”

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How to apply for a drone permit

Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request

What are the regulations?

Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

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