Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set to visit Ethiopia on Saturday, following a peace deal aimed at easing tensions between the two countries over access to the Red Sea. The deal was brokered by Turkey and signed last month by Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This visit comes after Ethiopia's desire for sea access led to long-standing grievances with its neighbors in the region, particularly following a deal it made with Somaliland, which Somalia views as an attempt to recognize its independence in exchange for a port and military base on the Red Sea.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3294376/somalias-president-visit-ethiopia-over-red-sea-access-mounting-tensions?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionFormer Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga emphasized the need for Japan and the US to strengthen their ties during Donald Trump's second term as President of the United States. In a recent meeting in Washington on January 9, 2025, Suga highlighted the importance of elevating bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in areas such as trade and security cooperation.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250110/p2g/00m/0na/010000cIndonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting Palestine's independence in a speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Central Jakarta. Indonesia has been delivering humanitarian aid and supporting the UNRWA agency to help Palestinians affected by Israeli aggression in Gaza, which has lasted over 460 days and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. Sugiono urged Israel to abide by international law and called for a two-state solution to end the conflict, also requesting an immediate ceasefire. Indonesia is prepared to send more peacekeeping troops if requested by the UN Security Council.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1962380/indonesia-will-not-abandon-palestine-says-foreign-ministerIndonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono has reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and holding Israel accountable for its actions. He highlighted the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced, and emphasized that international law must be upheld without double standards. Indonesia is calling for a two-state solution based on international parameters, including a ceasefire and an independent Palestinian state. The country has also expressed concern over the war in Ukraine and President Prabowo Subianto's efforts to negotiate a peace agreement. Israel's actions have been condemned by the International Criminal Court, which issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340974/indonesia-will-never-leave-palestinian-people-behind-fm?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=top_newsItalian Minister Tajani visited a 1,300-year-old mosque in Syria, describing it as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. He had previously met with European counterparts and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Rome to discuss a "stable and united" Syria. The Italian minister plans to announce an initial development aid package for impoverished Syria, which has been hit by sanctions and war. This move comes as the EU considers lifting sanctions on Syria if its new rulers form an inclusive government that protects minorities, following a visit from German and French foreign ministers to Damascus.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/italy-wants-to-be-a-bridge-between-new-syria-and-eu-204556The Indonesian government has taken action against a sea fence built in Tangerang Regency, which is deemed illegal under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The sea fence, measuring 30.16 kilometers long and stretching along half of the regency's coastline, was found to be harming fishers and coastal ecosystems by local authorities who investigated it last year. Despite a team from the Banten Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency inspecting the area directly, the length of the sea fence continued to grow, prompting complaints from local fishermen since 2023.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1962469/marine-affairs-ministry-seals-30-16km-of-illegal-sea-fence-in-tangerangMalaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is exploring the potential of financial technology (FinTech) to serve as a key instrument in agreements between Malaysia and ASEAN. He highlighted FinTech's role in operationalising trade agreements such as the ASEAN Single Window and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, with the aim of increasing inclusivity for small and medium-sized enterprises. Tengku Zafrul acknowledged challenges including technological accessibility gaps but expressed hope that technology could benefit many Malaysians, particularly in driving economic growth.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/01/11/tengku-zafrul-malaysia-to-use-fintech-in-asean-deals-to-drive-inclusivity-among-smes-and-prosperity-for-all/162801Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met with Witkoff in Doha to discuss the latest developments in the region, specifically efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This comes as mediators have launched a new push to end the conflict and secure the release of dozens of Israeli hostages held captive in the territory, amidst mounting international pressure on Hamas and Israel to negotiate a deal.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/gaza-truce-talks-mediator-qatar-briefs-us-donald-trump-envoy-4851911Foreign leaders are donating to Trump's inaugural fund with the intention of advancing their own interests and bringing attention to specific issues they want to address with the incoming administration. For instance, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking security assistance for his country's northern region and economic investment in its more stable southern region.
https://nypost.com/2025/01/11/us-news/foreign-leaders-jockeying-for-invite-to-trump-inauguration-theyre-all-going-crazy/