UAE Election to UNSC 
Arab and Gulf states hailed UAE’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Bahrain’s Shura Council Chairman said this confirms the country’s dedicated efforts to promote global peace and security. The UAE is one of the five countries elected to sit as a non-permanent member of the council in 2022 and 2023.

US-Russia Relations 
In an interview before meeting US President Joe Biden next week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said US-Russia relations are at their lowest point in years. Putin and Biden will meet in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues.

Venezuelan Payments to COVAX 
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demanded the US release the funds the country paid for vaccines through the COVAX scheme. Altogether, Caracas has made 12 payments for a total sum of over $100 million. Maduro stressed that the COVAX facility has received enough Venezuelan funds to begin vaccine shipments.

UK to Delay Lockdown Easing 
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to delay the lifting of remaining COVID-19 restrictions in England for a month after Chris Whitty, the country's chief medical adviser, urged him to postpone the move following a surge in coronavirus cases. Johnson is due to make an announcement on Monday.