The Kansong Art Museum in Seoul officially handed over two Qing dynasty lion sculptures to China, marking the implementation of a diplomatic agreement signed by Presidents Xi Jinping and Lee Jae Myung. The return symbolizes noticeably improved bilateral ties after a decade of strained relations.
Chinese and Australian diplomats, Wang and Wong, met in Manila, with China urging Australia to uphold non-interference and abandon double standards, while both sides expressed a desire for positive growth in relations despite disagreements.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced a deal allowing the US Coast Guard to patrol its waters with local police, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation with the US. This comes despite deepening ties with China, and Wale also signed a Letter of Intent for the Peace Corps' return.
US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, citing unfair discrimination against American products. The move, under Section 338 of the Trade Act, exempts some items but applies to many previously protected under the expired USMCA, escalating trade tensions and economic uncertainty.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing, urging the two nations to strengthen bilateral relations to bolster their socialist endeavors and modernization. The meeting coincided with the 65th anniversary of a friendship treaty between China and North Korea.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Australian Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and PM Anthony Albanese during his visit to Australia. They discussed bilateral ties, defense, maritime security, and civil nuclear energy, sealing several pacts to enhance cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, stating India is developing 6G technology and aiming for developed nation status. He emphasized the strengthening of India-Australia relations, crediting the diaspora for their role.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi in Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday. They discussed bolstering bilateral ties and trilateral cooperation with the U.S., including denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and SMR deployments in the Indo-Pacific.
Indonesia plans to integrate with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and use its digital public infrastructure as a blueprint for its own ecosystem. The collaboration extends to commerce, digital identity, and public services, with potential for export across the ASEAN region.
US reportedly waged a diplomatic campaign to deter countries from attending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral in Tehran. At least 13 nations allegedly scaled back or withdrew participation following US pressure, with some citing potential cuts in aid.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani to discuss energy, trade, investments, connectivity, and security. They also addressed West Asia conflict dynamics, with Jaishankar thanking Qatar for the safety of the Indian community.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit and met with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. The leaders will hold their annual summit to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, with a focus on government and private sector participation, including the Japan-India Economic Forum. They will also inaugurate a new Maruti Suzuki manufacturing facility.
India and Seychelles have signed 19 agreements during PM Modi's state visit, enhancing cooperation in defense, maritime security, digital payments (UPI), space, healthcare, and more, marking a deepened strategic partnership.
India and the UK are optimistic about their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), set to take effect on July 15. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, leading a large business delegation in the UK, expressed confidence that the pact will significantly boost bilateral trade and strengthen their partnership.
Russian Ambassador to Ankara, Sergey Vershinin, emphasized the continuous dialogue between Presidents Putin and Erdogan as crucial for strong Russia-Turkey relations, also noting the upcoming launch of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant's first reactor this year.
Eligible Filipino passport holders can now get a UAE visa on arrival starting June 25, simplifying entry for tourists and business travelers. This move reflects strong bilateral ties and the large Filipino community in the UAE.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Iran's Deputy Secretary for Defence Affairs Ghadir Nezamipour in New Delhi. Discussions focused on the Middle East security situation, BRICS cooperation, and bilateral ties, held on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting.
Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tarique, met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss recruiting more Bangladeshi workers and reopening the labour market. Key issues included undocumented workers, repatriation, and ensuring transparent, fair, and affordable recruitment processes to prevent exploitation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will visit Seoul on June 30 to meet with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations, the Ukraine-Russia war, and the issue of North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukrainian forces who wish to defect to South Korea.
India and the UK will implement their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) from July 15, aiming to expand market access, reduce tariffs, and deepen cooperation. The pact is expected to open a market worth over $500 billion for Indian exporters and includes provisions for the automotive and spirits sectors.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France and agreed to advance their bilateral ties to a new level. They aim to strengthen cooperation in economy, culture, and society, acknowledging past underutilization of their countries' potential.
Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov stated that Russia and China offer an exemplary model of cooperation between two major neighboring powers, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their ties which serve national interests and promote a multipolar world order.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella met with Korean President Lee Jae-myung, praising South Korea's industrial excellence and the growing appeal of K-culture among young Italians. The leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a 'special strategic partnership' with a joint action plan for 2030.
An EU-China meeting planned for June 23 in Beijing has been postponed indefinitely. Olof Skoog, deputy secretary general of the EU's External Action Service, was scheduled to visit Beijing to prepare for a potential visit by Kaja Kallas. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed communication channels remain open.
