Russia has strengthened its ties with North Korea since invading Ukraine in February 2022, with over 12,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia and participating in fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. This development was reported by Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Camille Shea at a United Nations Security Council meeting.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/09/asia-pacific/politics/us-north-korea-war-ukraine/Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Langkawi, Malaysia, as part of Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The two leaders are set to discuss strengthening regional cooperation and addressing global challenges. However, the meeting was postponed due to Prabowo's fever, according to Anwar's statement on social media. Despite this, bilateral trade between the two countries remains strong, with a value of US$20.75 billion in 2024, an increase from US$20.69 billion in the same period in 2023. Indonesia is Malaysia's seventh-largest global trade partner and third-largest among ASEAN countries.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340710/prabowo-to-meet-anwar-ibrahim-during-malaysia-visit-on-thursday?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet Japanese diplomat Mr Ishiba on January 10 to discuss economic and defence cooperation between their countries.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/japan-malaysia-relations-ishiba-anwar-set-meet-strengthen-economic-defence-cooperation-4847871Lebanon's President Aoun is expected to face significant challenges in implementing reforms required for a bail-out package from the IMF, despite having the backing of key international partners such as Saudi Arabia, the US and Europe. To navigate these challenges, Aoun will need to balance his relationships with various domestic stakeholders, including Hezbollah, a militant group turned political party with a strong base of support. As he lacks experience in economic matters, Aoun is likely to rely heavily on his advisors for guidance.
https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-parliament-president-joseph-aoun-hezbollah-942ce2e5d5619f072c8b23850ebce7b5Lebanese President Michel Aoun has maintained relations with the US despite criticism from Hezbollah-affiliated media. The US is a major financial supporter of Lebanon's army, which also receives backing from countries like Qatar. An international conference in Paris raised $200 million to support the armed forces, which have been affected by Lebanon's economic crisis and were forced to cut meat from soldiers' meals due to rising food prices. If elected, Aoun would be the fifth Lebanese army commander to become president, following a convention where the presidency goes to a Maronite Christian.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/lebanons-presidential-frontrunner-joseph-aoun-respected-army-chief/article69080236.eceArmenia has strengthened its relations with Western countries while distancing itself from Russia, which has faced criticism for not adequately protecting Armenia from its longstanding conflict with Azerbaijan. This shift in diplomatic ties is a significant development in the region's complex geopolitics.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/940406-tensions-between-russia-and-armenia-are-risingAustria's chances of meeting a crucial EU deadline to submit a spending reduction plan by January 21 are uncertain due to ongoing talks between the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP). If an agreement is not reached, Austria will miss the deadline and risk being grouped with highly indebted countries such as Italy and France. The European Commission had previously delayed punishment for Austria's budget deficit in November, but now expects the country to present a plan to reduce its public spending deficit to below 3% of GDP by January 21. Austrian leader Herbert Kickl has called for a "massive political fire brigade operation" to address the issue, which he described as a "debt conflagration that threatens to consume everything."
https://www.politico.eu/article/austria-eu-punishment-overspending-wwii-far-right-vienna-brussels-ovp-fpo-election-manifesto/At the ASEAN Economic Opinion Leaders Conference, Nazir from BAC Malaysia emphasized the need for a cohesive partnership between the government, private sector, and ASEAN Secretariat to drive regional economic integration. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at enhancing integration among ASEAN members, including the creation of an ASEAN prospectus that would allow companies to raise capital across multiple countries, and the establishment of an ASEAN business entity that could benefit from the free movement of people and businesses within the region. Nazir noted that achieving economies of scale is crucial for ASEAN businesses to compete with global giants like China, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and integration to drive growth.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/01/09/nazir-razak-global-decoupling-offers-significant-opportunities-for-aseanA power struggle is brewing within Donald Trump's inner circle as members debate which European leaders to support ahead of his second term inauguration. Steve Bannon and Elon Musk are at odds, with Bannon accusing Musk of being in China's pocket due to self-serving business interests. This disagreement could lead to chaos in international relations, particularly given the significant influence both men have on Trump's decision-making process.