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.
China's ruling Communist Party official Sun Haiyan stated that China, with its ingrained principle of "harmonious coexistence," is unlikely to transform into a militaristic hegemony that oppresses weaker nations. She attributed this to China's history and cultural genes, which are passed down through generations, contrasting it with countries that have a history of war.
India and Japan are set to sign an agreement to enhance LNG supply security and strengthen economic ties during PM Modi and PM Takaichi's summit in India. Discussions will cover critical minerals, AI, semiconductors, and regional geopolitics, with Japan planning significant investments.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week to strengthen the EU's strategic engagement with both countries. Discussions will focus on energy supplies, regional infrastructure, and economic cooperation, particularly the Middle Corridor trade route.
Venezuela's strongest earthquakes in over a century have killed at least 235, with over 70,000 families affected. Despite initial fears, the country's core oil production and refining infrastructure has largely escaped major damage, though power grid disruptions pose a concern. India, a significant recent importer of Venezuelan crude, faces potential supply delays but no immediate interruption.
South Korea and the UAE held discussions on strategic energy cooperation, focusing on joint oil reserves and nuclear power projects. The meeting also addressed stable crude oil supply and potential new supply routes.
Russia and Laos signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The deal, signed by Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Laos' Minister of Industry and Trade Malaithong Kommasith, paves the way for a Russian-designed nuclear power plant in Laos.
South Korea and Qatar have discussed cooperation in energy and other cutting-edge industries. Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing LNG supply to South Korea, despite previous force majeure declarations due to missile attacks.
South Korea and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the energy resources industry, including crude oil and natural gas. The agreement aims to ensure a stable supply of key resources amid global supply chain volatility.
A Japanese lawmaker, Shoji Nishida, stated that energy cooperation with Russia would benefit Japan, which is facing resource supply issues due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. He believes joint development and resource sharing would be mutually beneficial, and suggested US pressure is preventing the lifting of price caps on Russian oil.
Presidents Lula of Brazil and Sheinbaum of Mexico held a 40-minute video call, reaffirming multilateralism, non-interference, and calling for the lifting of the embargo on Cuba. They also agreed to an energy cooperation deal between Petrobras and Pemex.
India and Venezuela are expanding cooperation, especially in energy, with Venezuela becoming India's third-largest crude oil supplier. Discussions aim for a structured energy partnership, covering upstream and downstream sectors, leveraging Venezuela's vast oil reserves and India's growing demand.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, is in India for the first time to discuss energy cooperation, including oil supply. Her visit also includes a personal pilgrimage to the birthplace of Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, whom she and former president Maduro follow.
Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Europe should aim to restore beneficial economic cooperation with Russia, similar to 20 years ago. Despite acknowledging Russia as a security threat, Hungary prioritizes energy independence through significant projects like the Paks II nuclear plant expansion and gas imports via TurkStream, both involving Russian state companies.
South Korea's First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-ju met with New Zealand's Second Secretary for Foreign Affairs Beejay Cory on May 4th to discuss energy cooperation and regional/international affairs. The meeting highlighted the importance of communication between like-minded countries amidst global uncertainty.
President Erdoğan sent a message to the Baku Energy Week, emphasizing the strategic importance of energy cooperation with Azerbaijan. He highlighted joint projects like BTC, TANAP, and the Iğdır-Nakhchivan pipeline, and expressed hope for future collaborations including Turkmen and Kazakh gas exports and regional green energy initiatives.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Croatian counterpart, Gordan Grlic Radman, met in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in the weapons and energy sectors. They agreed to push for an MOU on public safety and accelerate discussions on a working holiday program.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Seoul to discuss cooperation in defense, energy, and battery sectors. They also agreed to establish institutional foundations for safer travel through a security cooperation MOU and accelerate discussions on a working holiday agreement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23-26 for a Quad meeting, focusing on energy, security, trade, and defense cooperation. The visit comes amid global energy shortages due to the conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting India's oil prices.
Russia and China are expanding their energy cooperation, with joint projects continuing and plans for their expansion being outlined, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. This includes gas supplies, oil, electric power, and coal industries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Putin agreed to increase strategic coordination to counter 'jungle law' in the global order during talks on Wednesday. The move signals a significant dynamic in China-US-Russia relations.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met to deepen bilateral ties, pledging to stabilize energy supply lines and expand cooperation with other Asian partners.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed Tuesday to enhance cooperation on supply chains and securing crude oil and LNG amid Middle East instability.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to meet Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss Middle East situation, energy cooperation, and trade.
