The Cook Islands said Saturday it has struck a five-year agreement with China to cooperate in exploring and researching the Pacific nation's seabed mineral riches.

New Zealand has declined a proposal from the Cook Islands to issue separate passports for its citizens while allowing them to retain New Zealand citizenship.

By Asif Aydinli

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 11 oil tankers, which, according to British authorities, transport Russian oil and petroleum products to third countries in Russia's interest. The sanctions list was published on the British Treasury’s website. All 11 vessels on the sanctions list are flagged under Gabon, the Cook Islands, and Panama, News.Az reports citing neftegaz.ru.