A coalition of organizations and community members, led by the American Coalition for Syria, met to discuss priorities for rebuilding a free, democratic, and prosperous Syria. The key objectives included reopening the US Embassy in Damascus, lifting sanctions, promoting economic recovery, ensuring humanitarian aid, and fostering unity among Syrian groups. Additionally, they aimed to address destabilizing actions from external actors, support transitional justice, and engage the Syrian diaspora in governance reforms. The meeting represented a renewed partnership between the US government and Syrian-Americans, with organizations such as Emgage, Syrian Christians USA, Tecore Networks, Americans for Free Syria, and the Syrian American Council participating.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/syrian-americans-and-the-honorable-antony-j-blinken-the-secretary-of-state-convene-in-washington-dc-to-discuss-syrias-future-post-assad-302342194.htmlUkrainian officials believe that with increased military support from Europe, particularly from key partners such as the UK and Norway, they will be in a stronger position to negotiate an end to the war. This would allow for a resolution that takes into account both Ukrainian interests and European security concerns.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3944816-ukraines-european-and-euroatlantic-integration-should-be-simultaneous-german-expert.htmlIndia is seeking support from Russia, France, and the US to counter Pakistan's moves on Kashmir. India considers Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of its sovereign territory and opposes international interference in the matter. Pakistan has taken a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, which labels individuals and groups as terrorists and imposes sanctions. As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Pakistan aims to promote peace and stability, while also opposing unilateral use of force and supporting UN peacekeeping efforts.
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/pakistan-non-permanent-unsc-seat-why-bad-for-india-13849379.htmlPakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, addressed a news conference highlighting the government's efforts to enhance the country's diplomatic footprint through bilateral and multilateral engagements. The government has made significant strides in this regard, including Pakistan's participation in international events such as the Nuclear Energy Summit, World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia, and OIC summit in Gambia. These interactions have led to increased investment opportunities, with indications of around $29 billion coming into Pakistan from countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan. The government has also made progress in addressing economic challenges, including reducing the policy rate to 13% and inflation below 5%. Additionally, remittances, foreign exchange reserves, and exports have seen an increase. Pakistan's participation in the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for two years will further enhance its diplomatic outreach and efforts towards dispute resolution and upholding the UN charter.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40340758/efforts-underway-to-make-nuclear-pakistan-an-economic-power-darIndia has positioned itself as a partner for addressing global challenges under PM Modi's leadership, exemplifying principles of inclusivity and shared progress. The country has demonstrated its commitment to national security with a defence budget of $81 billion and is focusing on self-reliance in critical sectors like defence manufacturing and emerging technologies. India has also extended financial and technical support to stabilise economies in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while engaging in calibrated diplomacy with Bangladesh amidst political unrest. To safeguard its core interests, India needs more proactive engagement with all stakeholders in Bangladesh. In 2025, India must continue leveraging its strengths while addressing emerging challenges, including managing China's assertiveness and ensuring regional stability through sustained engagement with Quad partners and multilateral forums like BRICS and the SCO.
https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/india-must-play-to-its-strengths-in-2025-by-h-v-shringla-7382888The Israeli army continues to wage a war in Gaza, killing over 45,550 victims, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023. The conflict has led to international condemnation, with the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire. In response, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant face arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1959210/former-israeli-defense-minister-yoav-gallant-resigns-from-politicsPakistan'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-agendaPakistan's Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has reaffirmed the country's commitment to upholding UN resolutions and promoting regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan. Pakistan is set to begin its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council for two years, starting from 2025-26. The envoy emphasized that Pakistan will continue to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to address long-standing conflicts and promote cooperative multilateralism. He highlighted the country's efforts to combat terrorism and improve security, while also underscoring its commitment to progress and stability. Pakistan is set to preside over the Security Council in July and has been allocated a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/583099-pakistan-begins-two-year-term-at-unsc-as-non-permanent-memberPakistan will assume a key role in the United Nations Security Council in July, allowing it to set the agenda and facilitate dialogue on pressing global issues. As part of its two-year term, Pakistan will also join the Daesh and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, where it can highlight cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan linked to these groups. This position gives Pakistan significant influence in imposing sanctions on individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. However, Islamabad's diplomatic efforts may be hindered by the polarized state of global politics and its own longstanding support for Palestine and Kashmiri self-determination, which face entrenched geopolitical obstacles.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/01/02/pak-begins-2-year-term-as-unsc-member