Chinese Vice Premier Liu He met with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to discuss key economic and financial issues between the two countries. They discussed global economic and financial development, as well as China's macroeconomic and financial policies. The meeting also touched on bilateral financial cooperation between the two nations.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326727.shtmlNobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai stated that she will continue to speak out against Israel's violations of international law and human rights in Gaza, during a global summit on girls' education hosted by Pakistan. The event was attended by representatives from dozens of countries.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/13/world/americas-emea/nobel-peace-laureate-blasts-israels-gaza-abuses/2037314Malaysia's economy has demonstrated resilience due to its diverse sectors such as commodities, manufacturing, services, and high-tech industries like the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector and semiconductors. The country's data centres have also added to its economic complexity. Despite potential risks from geopolitical tensions and external policies under US President-elect Donald Trump, Amir Hamzah expressed hope for continued principles of free trade, which he believes have contributed to global growth. The ringgit strengthened by nearly 3% in 2024 due to strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, domestic investments, and strategic interventions by government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/01/12/amir-hamzah-malaysia-targets-over-5pc-economic-growth-in-2025/162951Argentina's economy is closely tied to negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a potential increase in funding beyond $44 billion, as well as the country's decision on when to lift its currency and capital controls. The IMF has been working with Argentine Economy Minister Sergio Massa to discuss the terms of a new agreement, which could provide much-needed support for Argentina's economy.
https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/economy/imf-publishes-grim-evaluation-of-argentinas-us44-billion-deal.phtmlHuman rights groups are warning that migrant workers may face risks to their lives while building stadiums and other projects in preparation for the World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The country's laws, which restrict freedoms for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, have also been criticized at the United Nations Human Rights Council. This criticism comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with migrant workers from countries such as Nepal, India, and Bangladesh working on various projects in the region.
https://www.voanews.com/a/world-cup-visitors-will-live-in-a-bubble-not-see-real-life-saudi-rights-activist-says-/7931799.htmlIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed officials to travel to Doha to continue negotiations for a deal to release hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The United States is mediating the talks alongside Qatar and Egypt, which have been ongoing for over a year. The discussions are focused on securing the immediate release of hostages taken during an October 2023 attack on Israel. US President Joe Biden has stated that there has been "real progress" in the negotiations, which were welcomed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum as a "historic opportunity".
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/netanyahu-orders-top-officials-qatar-gaza-hostage-talks-4852256Israeli and Hamas officials have nearly finalized a ceasefire agreement, with 90% of the terms agreed upon. The main point of contention is Hamas' demand for guarantees that Israel will implement the second phase of the deal, which they fear may not be carried out by Prime Minister Netanyahu. US President-elect Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff has been involved in negotiations and met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss the progress. Witkoff emphasized that both sides must show flexibility to reach an agreement, as time is running out due to the recent recovery of two hostages' bodies.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/high-level-israeli-delegation-in-qatar-in-sign-of-ceasefire-progress-204600North Korea is preparing for additional troop deployments to Ukraine due to losses among its forces, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. This move comes as Pyongyang deepens ties with Russia, which has been at war in Ukraine since February 2022. North Korean casualties have already been reported, including several high-ranking officials, such as a general, attributed to Ukrainian missile and drone attacks or training accidents. The decision is seen as part of the country's efforts to aid Russia's war effort, following a New Year's letter from Kim Jong-un praising Russian President Vladimir Putin and referencing a "great victory" in 2025.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/seoul-confirms-ukraine-captured-2-north-korean-soldiers-4852511North Korean forces have been deployed to Ukraine to support Russia's war effort, with Seoul's intelligence agency reporting that nearly 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in combat. The NIS said one soldier went without food or water for four to five days before being captured. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused Russia of expanding space cooperation with North Korea in exchange for its troop contribution in Ukraine, and the US believes that Moscow may be close to formally accepting North Korea's status as a nuclear power.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/seoul-confirms-ukraine-captured-two-north-korean-soldiers/article_4e866dc7-533f-5ab5-99fb-d0eb21b4439c.html