China's Ministry of Commerce has pledged to take all-out efforts this year to stabilize foreign trade and attract overseas investment as part of its key goals for 2025. The ministry aims to open up the Chinese market further, deepen international collaboration on supply chain building, and maintain stable foreign trade and capital flows. This move comes as China seeks to mitigate external risks and support its struggling economy. During a visit by British finance minister Rachel Reeves, China and Britain reaffirmed their commitment to deepening financial ties, with Reeves co-hosting the revived China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue alongside Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Beijing.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3294453/china-vows-all-out-efforts-trade-and-fdi-fresh-bid-kick-start-economy?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsThe US and Western countries have severed ties with Afghanistan's government, relocating their embassies, but neighboring nations such as China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia continue to maintain diplomatic relations with the country through their missions in Kabul. These regional powers are maintaining close contacts with the Taliban, a stark contrast to the US and its allies who have refused to engage diplomatically with the group.
https://www.voanews.com/a/malala-yousafzai-asks-muslim-leaders-to-reject-taliban-s-treatment-of-afghan-women-openly-/7933980.htmlIndonesian diplomats are being tasked with creatively promoting the values of Pancasila, a noble philosophy that emphasizes mutual assistance and consensus, in international forums to address global issues. This effort is part of Indonesia's foreign policy strategy, as outlined by the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) new realm, which aims to actualize Indonesian diplomacy through the development agency BPIP. The Pancasila ideology is being promoted by Minister Darmansjah Djumala, who is working with former ambassador Joko Susilo and translator Nabil Ihsan to support Indonesia's diplomatic efforts as outlined in the Asta Cita initiative.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/341098/govt-urged-to-promote-pancasila-values-in-indonesias-diplomacy?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightThe European Union has imposed sanctions on Syria due to ongoing conflict and human rights abuses by the Bashar Assad regime. The measures include economic restrictions, travel bans, and asset freezes. Diplomatic efforts are increasing ahead of a conference in Riyadh, with EU discussions focusing on the potential lifting of sanctions. This decision could have significant consequences for both the Syrian government and EU-Syrian relations, potentially alleviating humanitarian issues but raising questions about its impact on political and democratic reforms in Syria.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/941017-eu-discusses-possible-lifting-of-sanctions-against-syriaThe Indian and Nepali sides have agreed to strengthen their bilateral ties, particularly in the area of trade. The agreement includes a positive consideration of India's request for milk products such as whey and cheese that are not adequately produced in Nepal. Additionally, both countries will work together on initiatives to enhance seamless connectivity between them, including the construction of new Integrated Check Posts and railway links.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/key-india-nepal-meeting-discusses-ways-to-combat-unauthorised-trade/Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Anindya Bakrie met with Pakistani Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore to discuss potential areas for cooperation between the two countries. The four priority sectors identified were food security, energy security, health, and defense, which leverage Pakistan's strengths in agriculture, energy, and healthcare as a significant Muslim nation. To facilitate this cooperation, trade missions and expos are planned for August from both Indonesia and Pakistan.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/341038/kadin-identifies-four-priority-sectors-for-ri-pakistan-collaboration?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightJapanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java to discuss various areas of cooperation between their countries. They agreed on several key points, including increasing collaboration on stable energy supply and supporting Indonesia's sustainable development. In the energy sector, they confirmed cooperation on decarbonization and critical mineral mining projects, such as the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant in South Sumatra, which is operated by a joint venture between Indonesian and Japanese companies. The plant has been producing 85 MW of electricity since 2019 and is expected to expand its capacity with the development of additional units.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/341082/japan-supports-prabowos-energy-self-sufficiency-program-through-azec?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightItalian authorities have declined to prosecute an Iranian citizen, Abedini, for alleged ties to the US government's list of foreign terrorist organizations under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The charges against him were deemed unsubstantiated by the Italian justice ministry. Abedini was accused of providing material support to a terrorist organization and shipping sanctioned items to Iran through his company, which manufactures navigation modules for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps's military drone program.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/iran-says-national-held-in-italy-to-return-in-coming-hoursCanadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has stated that she will not rule out taking countermeasures against the US if President-elect Donald Trump imposes significant tariffs on Canadian imports. This comes as Vice President-elect JD Vance expressed opposition to pardoning individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, which was sparked by Trump's attempts to overturn his election loss.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/trudeau-says-trump-s-comments-on-51st-state-flattering-but-a-non-starter-1.7172936