Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced increased cooperation and trade with ASEAN members, with trade volume rising from US$6.5 billion to US$16 billion since 2010. He expressed belief in further deepening political and economic ties with the region.
President Lee Jae Myung concluded a trip to the U.S. and South America, focusing on AI cooperation with U.S. tech giants like Nvidia in San Francisco and securing critical minerals with Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The tour aimed to bolster South Korea's AI semiconductor hub vision and diversify mineral supplies.
The OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) voiced concern over ongoing attacks on global energy infrastructure and disruptions to international maritime routes, highlighting their impact on supply, market volatility, and the costly, lengthy restoration process.
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra wrote to Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, urging cooperation on the Cauvery water dispute and support for the Mekedatu reservoir project. This follows renewed tensions after CWMA directed Karnataka to release water, leading to protests and a Supreme Court plea by DMK.
French marine firefighters, aided by local volunteers, battled devastating wildfires in France's Gironde region, which prompted the country's largest evacuations since WWII. The EU is coordinating international support and discussing increased funding for climate-fueled disaster prevention.
In Negeri Sembilan, BN won 18 assembly seats, securing a supermajority of 25 with PN's seven, while PH managed 11. This result, a shift from the 2023 state election, indicates voter dissatisfaction with PH's state administration and raises questions about the political advantage of the federal PH-BN unity government for BN.
President Lee Jae Myung concluded a trip to San Francisco and three South American nations, securing US$950 billion in AI chip supply deals with US tech giants like Nvidia and OpenAI, and expanding critical mineral cooperation with Brazil, Chile, and Argentina to cement South Korea's role as a global AI semiconductor hub.
President Lee Jae Myung concluded his visit to Argentina, agreeing with President Javier Milei to boost cooperation on critical minerals, including lithium, and South Korea's crude oil imports from Argentina. They also pledged to resume FTA talks with Mercosur.
South Korea and Argentina agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, including lithium, and energy, with an MOU signed during a summit between Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Javier Milei in Buenos Aires. They also finalized a double taxation avoidance agreement.
South Korea and Argentina agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, including joint lithium projects, and to resume FTA negotiations with Mercosur. The agreement was reached during a summit between Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Javier Milei in Buenos Aires.
China advocates for global AI governance and cooperation, proposing initiatives like 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries and international application centers, following President Xi Jinping's address at the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated in Buenos Aires that South Korea and Argentina will begin a new era of cooperation, emphasizing the strategic importance of closer bilateral collaboration on critical minerals, energy, and infrastructure, following a summit with President Javier Milei.
The UK's cancellation of a military training exercise in Kenya due to unresolved disagreements over defence arrangements has strained a long-standing defence partnership, highlighting tensions over legal jurisdiction, accountability, and rules governing British forces in Kenya.
China's Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, and FBI Director Kash Patel agree to deepen cooperation against criminal activities, following recent fugitive repatriations and joint efforts on fentanyl, scams, and violent crimes.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sought to deepen cooperation with regional partners at ASEAN-led meetings in Manila, addressing security and economic challenges. However, North Korea's absence from the ARF and limited exchanges with China and Russia highlighted a divided regional landscape.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation to discuss increasing mutual trade, advancing joint projects, and strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership. Putin also congratulated Mirziyoyev on his birthday.
China and Asean foreign ministers released a joint statement in Manila, addressing the ongoing energy crisis and the Middle East conflict, calling for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution, and welcoming US-Iran negotiations.
Japan plans to establish a new unit under its defense ministry to enhance international coordination with allies, aiming to strengthen its capacity amidst a challenging security environment, particularly concerning "military threats" from North Korea, Russia, and China.
The White House announced that a landmark US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement is contingent on Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords and establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, a shift from earlier statements. The deal, which would use US technology, has raised concerns among experts and lawmakers over potential nuclear proliferation risks due to relaxed inspection protocols.
The 21 APEC member economies, including the U.S. and China, issued the "Chengdu statement" on AI, supporting open-source development while emphasizing security, data protection, and intellectual property rights, signaling a move towards increased state oversight in the sector.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized tangible results for shipbuilding cooperation with South Korea, pledging to remove regulatory barriers for Korean firms investing $150 billion in the U.S. sector, aligning with President Trump's results-based model.
Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi visited Iran, signing agreements on foreign affairs, finance, economy, and energy. Talks focused on strategic cooperation, economic projects, and regional coordination, with Iraq reaffirming security commitment and support for Palestine.
A rabbi discusses the resilience and challenges of Jewish communities in Muslim-majority states, advocating for Europe to recognize and support their continued existence, highlighting their historical presence and the shared interest in defending religious freedoms.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian Presidential Special Representative and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, predicts humanity will witness the highest oil prices in history due to an impending energy crisis, as Brent crude surpassed $100 per barrel.
