Anadolu Agency's Morning Briefing - Dec. 5, 2021

ANKARA (AA) - Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments in Turkey, around the world, and the coronavirus pandemic.

- Developments in Turkey, coronavirus pandemic and other news

Turkey’s foreign minister praised the country’s relations with Italy, saying both countries work together for regional peace and stability.

Turkey reaffirmed its willingness to de-escalate rising tension between Moscow and Kyiv amid concerns about Russia’s military build-up near the border with Ukraine.

Six terrorists were "neutralized" in a domestic anti-terror operation in eastern Turkey, according to the Interior Ministry.

An explosive device was found under the private car of a police officer assigned to provide security to the Turkish president's rally in southeastern Turkey, said sources.

Turkey has administered more than 120.8 million coronavirus vaccine doses since it launched an immunization drive in January, according to the latest figures.

Separately, the Health Ministry recorded 20,374 new virus cases, 228 related deaths and 19,463 recoveries in the past 24 hours.

- World

Azerbaijan handed over 10 captive soldiers to Armenia in exchange for minefield maps, according to Baku’s State Security Service.

Police in Pakistan arrested close to 120 people believed to be involved in Friday’s lynching of a Sri Lankan factory manager on allegations of blasphemy.

Brazil's Supreme Court opened a probe into remarks by President Jair Bolsonaro, who argued that coronavirus vaccines may raise the chance of contracting AIDS.

Gambia is holding its first presidential election since the 2016 defeat of strongman Yahya Jammeh, with two main contenders up for the top spot.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of a Gulf tour that includes stops in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

The parents of a teen charged with killing four students in a mass school shooting in the US state of Michigan made their first court appearance, hours after being caught hiding in a warehouse basement in Detroit.

South Africa and Ghana signed cooperation agreements aimed at bolstering ties.