The Indonesian government has welcomed its full membership in the BRICS organization, a strategic partnership comprising nine countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that it is committed to actively contributing to the organization's agenda, particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and public health. The country aims to play a role through BRICS in promoting a more inclusive and equitable global order, and is dedicated to working with other members for a just, peaceful, and prosperous world. Indonesia's involvement reflects its increased active role in the global arena and momentum towards increasing multilateral cooperation.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340666/indonesia-to-tap-brics-for-mining-export-says-ministry?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightThe UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed strong opposition to actions that aim to alter the status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, citing concerns over escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts in the region. The ministry emphasized the need for international support to advance the Middle East peace process and end practices that hinder a two-state solution. It also urged the United Nations and Security Council to address long-standing issues and conflicts in the region, highlighting the importance of regional peace for sustainable stability and development.
https://www.emirates247.com/world/uae-strongly-condemns-israeli-accounts-publishing-of-alleged-maps-including-parts-of-occupied-palestinian-territory-jordan-syria-lebanon-2025-01-08-1.736090The US State Department has stated that legal proceedings against Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, are matters for the Pakistani courts to decide. Despite this, members of the United States House of Representatives have urged President Joe Biden to advocate for Khan's release from prison, citing concerns over mass arrests and restrictions on social media in Pakistan. The State Department acknowledged that human rights are a significant part of US-Pakistan relations and stated that they continue to call for the rule of democratic principles, constitutional and human rights in Pakistan.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/584071-legal-action-against-imran-khan-to-be-decided-by-pakistani-courts-us-state-deptIndonesia has taken on a more prominent role in global affairs, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with its commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to create a fairer and more inclusive global structure. This development is significant given Indonesia's growing influence, particularly within the BRICS grouping, which was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/indonesia-welcomes-its-entry-into-brics-bloc-204440The United States has agreed to transfer a range of military equipment to Israel, including air-to-air missiles for fighter jets and helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, JDAM ammunition kits, and 500-pound bombs. The deal aims to provide long-term support for Israel's security, with some equipment expected to be delivered directly from Pentagon warehouses within the year, while others will take longer to arrive. The transfer requires approval from the US House of Representatives and Senate foreign affairs committees.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/939140-farewell-biden-sells-israel-an-arms-package-worth-8-billionThe Biden administration is planning to notify Congress about a new military aid package worth billions of dollars for Israel, which includes medium-range air-to-air missiles and artillery shells to help defend against airborne threats. The sale would add to the $17.9 billion in military aid already provided to Israel since the war began on October 7, 2023. Despite criticism from lawmakers such as Senator Bernie Sanders over civilian casualties, the administration has decided not to limit arms transfers at this time. The package is expected to be reviewed by leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before a final decision is made.
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-notifies-congress-of-planned-8-billion-weapons-sale-to-israel/7924437.htmlTensions between Poland and Hungary have escalated since the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist coalition defeated the PiS party in late 2023, with both countries taking opposing stances on the European response to Russia's war in Ukraine. The Hungarian ambassador was invited to a gala event in Poland despite the strained relations, but the Hungarian Foreign Affairs Ministry responded sharply to Poland's decision, with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó calling it "pathetic and childish".
https://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-envoy-not-welcome-poland-eu-council-presidency-gala/Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar hosted a reception for the representatives of the "Big Five" (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States) at the Foreign Office in Islamabad. The event was attended by heads of resident missions of UN Security Council member states and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with all UNSC members and the broader UN membership to bridge divides, foster consensus, and uphold the UN Security Council's mandate. A change of guards at the Foreign Office took place during the day, with Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan being appointed as the new Spokesperson for the Foreign Office. Khan has served in various capacities, including as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Diplomatic Adviser to the Speaker National Assembly. Pakistan and India exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations and facilities on January 1, as per an agreement that entered into force in 1991. The list provides for both countries to inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 of each calendar year. The two nations also exchanged lists of prisoners in each other's custody, with Pakistan handing over a list of 266 Indian prisoners (49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen) to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. India shared the list of Pakistani prisoners in its jails, totaling 462 Pakistanis (381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen). Pakistan requested India to expedite the release and return of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences in Pakistani jails. India also sought immediate consular access to 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani custody believed to be Indian nationals.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1267784-pakistan-seeks-peaceful-resolution-of-all-issues-on-unsc-agendaDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar hosted a reception at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad to mark Pakistan's term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2025-2026. The event was attended by heads of resident missions from UNSC member states and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senator Dar emphasized that with its eighth election, Pakistan brings experience and a commitment to the UN Charter's principles and purposes to the Security Council.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40340607/non-permanent-member-of-unsc-dar-hosts-reception-to-mark-beginning-of-pakistans-term