The Philippines is looking to strengthen its relationship with the United States, particularly under President-elect Joe Biden's administration, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. In an interview with CNA, Manalo expressed hope that the new administration will continue to support the country's development and security goals. He specifically mentioned the importance of US assistance in areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and maritime security, particularly in the South China Sea.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/cna-exclusive-philippine-foreign-minister-enrique-manalo-hopeful-us-alliance-will-stay-strong-4845851Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed openness to cooperating with the US on Arctic issues, citing legitimate American interests in the region due to international events such as Russia's arming and China's growing interest. He urged calm amid rising tensions, noting that the Danish Realm is open to dialogue with the Americans to ensure their ambitions are fulfilled. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also downplayed the possibility of military force being used by the US in its pursuit of Greenland, calling for cool heads to prevail.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/denmark-says-open-to-dialogue-with-us-on-arctic/article69077976.eceSheikh Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive peace agreement based on the two-state solution to achieve stability and security in the region. He highlighted the importance of concerted efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire and prevent conflict expansion, prioritizing civilian lives and humanitarian aid delivery. The UAE supports mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US to broker a prisoner exchange agreement, which could lead to a permanent ceasefire and safe humanitarian aid delivery. Sheikh Abdullah underscored that building peace is key to establishing lasting stability and fulfilling the aspirations of the Palestinian people for comprehensive development and a dignified life.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-foreign-minister-discusses-escalating-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-with-israel-fmSheikh Abdullah emphasized the importance of prioritizing civilian lives and humanitarian aid in the region, citing the need for a permanent ceasefire and safe aid delivery into the enclave. He also expressed support for Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediation efforts to reach an exchange deal and highlighted the UAE's long-standing solidarity with Palestinians. Additionally, Sheikh Abdullah called for intensified international action to combat extremism, hatred, and racism, promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity instead.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/01/07/sheikh-abdullah-israel-gideon-saar/Huneiti, a representative of the Joint Armed Forces (JAF), emphasized the need for cooperation between Syria and Jordan to address shared border challenges and maintain regional stability. He stated that the JAF is prepared to utilize its resources and capabilities to enhance security and protect the interests of both countries. Meanwhile, Abu Qusra highlighted the historical ties between Syria and Jordan, reaffirming Syria's commitment to strengthening collaboration with Jordan. He also praised King Abdullah for his efforts in promoting peace and stability across the region.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/army-chief-syrian-defence-minister-discuss-security-military-cooperationSouth Korean Foreign Minister Choi had requested that diplomatic efforts between South Korea, the United States, and Japan be maintained. This includes cooperation between Seoul and Washington as well as ties among the three nations.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/south-korea-main-opposition-party-to-file-complaint-against-acting-president-choi/The NUST Institute of Policy Studies (NIPS) organised a seminar on "Pak-US Relations" in Islamabad, featuring a keynote address by Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States. The event was attended by statesmen, former officials, academics, and think tank experts who highlighted the strong potential for bilateral ties between Pakistan and the US. They emphasized the importance of pragmatic cooperation, mutual respect, and adopting a forward-looking approach to strengthen relations. The participants also stressed the significance of increased academic, business-to-business exchanges, and trade linkages in areas such as agriculture, education, ICTs, renewable energy, healthcare, and minerals.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1269529-nust-organises-seminar-to-highlight-strong-pak-us-tiesUS diplomat Amos Hochstein expressed hope that the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon is proceeding in the right direction after meeting with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati and parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri. The agreement requires the Israeli army to withdraw from southern Lebanon over a 60-day period, while the Lebanese army deploys alongside UN peacekeepers in the south and Hezbollah pulls its forces north of the Litani River. Hochstein met with Major General Jasper Jeffers, a US representative on the committee overseeing the ceasefire, and said that despite some delays, he is optimistic about the progress being made. He also urged political consensus in Lebanon ahead of a presidential vote this week, calling it an opportunity to focus on rebuilding the economy and implementing reforms for economic growth and prosperity.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/us-envoy-says-israeli-forces-begin-pullout-from-second-south-lebanon-townSouth Korean officials have expressed concern over a recent missile launch by North Korea, which flew around 1,100 kilometers before falling into the sea. The US and Japan are in close coordination with South Korea about the launch, and Seoul has strengthened its surveillance and vigilance for potential future launches. In a separate development, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with acting President Choi Sang-mok and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, as well as trilateral cooperation with Japan. The meeting comes ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has taken a more isolationist approach to foreign policy and has been critical of South Korea's contributions to the cost of hosting US troops on its soil.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/01/06/north-korea-fires-missile-as-blinken-warns-of-pyongyang-and-russian-cooperation/162213