The Malaysia-Singapore JS-SEZ, a special economic zone between two countries, marks an initial step towards closer integration between ASEAN economies. The agreement aims to pool resources and leverage each country's strengths, with the goal of realising the potential of the large ASEAN market. To bring this SEZ to life, a high-level committee will develop a blueprint, which will facilitate joint promotion and administrative infrastructure for investments. The Iskandar Malaysia Facilitation Centre in Malaysia has already been established to expedite bureaucratic processes. By 2025, physical details of the vision for each node are expected to be implemented. To ensure long-term success, steps are being taken to address concerns about the project's political viability.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/johor-singapor-special-economic-zone-rafizi-ramli-malaysia-economy-minister-4847491European officials have expressed outrage over Elon Musk's statements supporting the radical right in the UK and Germany. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Barrot called on the European Commission to protect member states from external interference, warning that if it fails to do so, responsibility will be handed back to individual countries. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Musk of inciting hatred and attacking institutions, while French President Emmanuel Macron described his views as supporting a "reactionary international" that threatens European democracies.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/940259-blinken-musk-has-the-right-to-express-his-position-like-any-american-citizenOmani Foreign Minister Badr Bin Hamad Busaidi commended the strong ties between Jordan and Oman, highlighting mutual trust and respect that underpin their relationship. He noted extensive cooperation and partnerships across various sectors, citing positive outcomes from Omani students pursuing education in Jordan and the contributions of Jordanian professionals to Oman's educational progress.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/omani-fm-commends-ties-jordan-urges-collective-action-regional-issuesPakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram, expressed concern over North Korea's recent ballistic missile test, calling it detrimental to regional and international peace and security. He stated that Pakistan supports the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and the implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions. Akram urged the Security Council to revive dialogue and reduce tensions in the region. The test was detected by South Korea's military as an intermediate-range ballistic missile, which North Korea claimed was a new type of hypersonic glide vehicle designed to break through enemy defenses.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1270395-pakistan-urges-for-dialogues-after-n-korea-launches-missile-amid-soaring-tensionsPakistan's security experts have recommended that the country engage with the Taliban leadership in Kandahar to address concerns about the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in Afghanistan. The experts believe that talking directly to the Taliban supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, can help resolve issues such as cross-border terrorism and trade. They argue that this channel of communication is crucial for resolving outstanding issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The experts also noted that the TTP has changed its operational strategy by reducing attacks on civilians and increasing attacks on security forces. They suggested that Pakistan's counter-terrorism policy needs to be holistic, involving local communities in addition to kinetic operations. Some experts argued that there was no harm in restarting the dialogue process with the TTP. However, not all experts agreed on this approach. The President of the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), Muhammad Amir Rana, opposed the idea of restarting talks with the TTP, arguing that it would give legitimacy to militancy and provide fuel to it. He emphasized that the TTP is an existential threat to Pakistan and there should be zero tolerance for the group. The experts also discussed other issues such as the negative role of social media in intensifying conflict in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the need for Pakistan to work with China to evolve projects that benefit local communities. They highlighted the importance of a civilian-led approach to resolving conflicts in Pakistan. Overall, the experts emphasized the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing security challenges in Pakistan, involving both military and civilian efforts, as well as engagement with regional stakeholders.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341795/country-should-engage-with-kandahar-based-taliban-leadership-suggest-expertsAmbassador Sohail Mahmood praised Japan's role as a key partner in Pakistan's development journey, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, climate change, and cultural exchanges. He also emphasized the importance of academic and policy dialogues between the two countries. Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi expressed hope for continued cooperation to address regional and global challenges, while appreciating efforts by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) to foster mutual understanding through scholarly exchanges. Prof Dr Kawashima Shin discussed Japan's modernization and its evolving role in regional geopolitics, highlighting its commitment to peace, democracy, and regional cooperation. He emphasized Japan's dedication to fostering economic and cultural ties within the region and maintaining open dialogues with neighboring countries to ensure stability.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) has announced a joint maritime exercise with the coast guards of Australia, India, Japan, and the US to enhance interoperability and maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise is part of the Quad's efforts to promote a rules-based maritime order, which is increasingly important due to growing complexities in the area. This initiative will be followed by separate exercises between the US and Japan, as well as the US and Philippines, in March 2025 and June 2025 respectively.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/10/opinion/columns/quad-coast-guard-exercise-2025-strengthening-regional-maritime-security-cooperation/2036293The Romanian Army, along with allied and partner forces, will conduct a series of military exercises called Steadfast Dart (STDT 25) from February 10-21. Led by the Joint Force Command Naples, the exercise aims to test NATO's reaction and response capacity in crisis situations through specific peacetime alerting, deployment, and integration activities. The goal is to increase Romania's defense capabilities, deterrence, coordination, and reaction time, as well as enhance military interoperability and mobility with NATO and the US strategic partnership.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/mapn-approximately-15-000-military-will-take-part-in-international-exercises-in-the-first-half-of-the-year/111982A group of six former CIA officers have analyzed intelligence on the GRU's operations in Afghanistan, confirming existing US intelligence community views that Russia has been involved in destabilizing efforts in the region. The analysts found evidence of Russian interference, which contradicts previous claims by some that such actions were exaggerated or fabricated for political reasons.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/09/russias-gru-paid-taliban-to-target-us-forces-in-afghanistan-insider-a87540