Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has pledged support for Ukraine's peace efforts during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Brussels. The talks aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in their shared goal of achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250404/p2g/00m/0in/007000cKirill Dmitriev, a special representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, held meetings with US administration officials and lawmakers on US soil after sanctions were lifted for him to enter the country. The meetings took place during his first visit to the United States since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3978258-trumps-entourage-warns-him-against-calling-putin-until-russia-ceases-fire-in-ukraine-media.htmlJapanese, US, and South Korean officials have expressed serious concerns over North Korea's recent moves, as they gathered in Brussels for talks. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the two Koreas and their neighbors. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul met to discuss the situation, with a focus on North Korea's nuclear program and its potential impact on regional stability.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250404/p2g/00m/0in/006000cMalaysia can leverage its position as Asean chair and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to mitigate the impact of US President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs on 48 nations. Business groups, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia and the Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia, are urging the government to speed up development of the JS-SEZ and promote trade among Asean nations and other countries such as China and Africa. The groups also recommend adjusting the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP) to make it more competitive in light of the tariffs. Datuk Koong Lin Loong, treasurer-general of ACCIM, noted that certain sectors may be exempted from the tariffs, while Datuk William Ng, national president of Samenta, emphasized the need for Malaysia to focus on its production costs and research and development to remain competitive.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/04/time-to-capitalise-on-the-js-sez-and-speed-up-talks-on-trade-pactsPakistan is seeking to enhance trade volume with the US, with Ambassador Sheikh stating that the country ranks second after the US in freelancing among Pakistani youth. The upcoming negotiations under Trade and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs) will focus on tariffs and bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the IT sector. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's plan to reduce electricity rates is expected to help local industries compete globally by lowering production costs. However, the US government has not yet made a final decision on visa and travel restrictions for Pakistanis, with Ambassador Sheikh confirming that Pakistan will continue to cooperate with US authorities on international laws.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1297783-pakistan-to-engage-in-constructive-diplomacy-with-us-on-tariffs-envoyThe Philippines aims to capitalize on lower US tariffs imposed on its exports compared to Asian neighbors by strengthening economic ties with a long-time ally. Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque plans to engage in dialogue with her US counterpart, seeking "proactive engagement" with the nation's top export market.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/04/philippines-trump-tariff-benefits/Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced that two special envoys are in talks with US representatives from the Trump Administration. Interim President Ilie Bolojan is aware of this meeting, which will focus on discussions about Visa Waiver policies.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/two-special-envoys-are-in-the-us-to-discuss-first-of-all-visa-waiver/113354US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited NATO headquarters in Brussels, meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, to reassure allies about the US commitment to NATO while urging European allies to increase defense spending.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-visits-nato-to-reassure-commitment-to-european-allies-but-asks-for-more-defense-spending-foreign-ministers-meeting-brussels-potus-trump-trad-tariffs-ambassador-matt-whitaker-chief-mark-rutte#US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reassured North Atlantic allies that the US remains fully committed to the military alliance, calling concerns about a potential withdrawal or scaling back "hysteria and hyperbole". This comes ahead of a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, where discussions on defence spending, the war in Ukraine, and relations with Russia are expected.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/talk-of-trump-leaving-nato-is-hysteria-and-hyperbole-rubio-tells-europe-20250404-p5lp2g.html