Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Australia is doing "whatever we can" to pressure Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. During a meeting with Zelenskyy and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Albanese also confirmed that Abrams tanks pledged to Ukraine last year are now on their way to the war-torn country.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-19/albanese-meets-zelenskyy-and-the-pope-in-rome/105308062Taiwan's expertise in public health and technology is hindered by China's obstruction, preventing it from participating in the international health system. Despite this, Taiwan has demonstrated its commitment to global health during the Covid-19 pandemic and has a wealth of experience in providing medical assistance to countries such as the Philippines through donations of critical supplies and training for medical personnel.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/18/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/teco-taiwan-excluded-from-global-health-assembly-despite-contributions/2115854Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger sanctions on Russia following an attack, stating that Moscow only has the opportunity to continue killing if no pressure is applied. The two countries held their first direct talks since February 2022 in Istanbul, resulting in a prisoner swap agreement of 1,000 each. Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Russia's Vladimir Medinsky will meet next, with the Kremlin stating that the POW swap must be completed before discussing a ceasefire vision. The exchange is expected to happen soon, with Ukrainian military intelligence head Kirillo Budanov expressing hope for its completion next week.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1312683-kremlin-says-putin-zelensky-meeting-possible-only-after-agreementUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Rome, where they discussed defense support for Ukraine and cooperation within the "Coalition of the Willing". The two leaders emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia after recent talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. They also discussed specific sanctions that could compel Russia to stop imposing conditions for an unconditional ceasefire. Zelensky thanked Australia for its comprehensive support, including the delivery of Abrams tanks, which are helping Ukraine's Defense Forces protect against Russian aggression.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3994406-zelensky-albanese-discuss-defense-support-for-ukraine.htmlThe European Union has proposed a defence pact with Australia to deepen military cooperation, seeking to match partnerships with South Korea and Japan. The proposal was made during talks between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Rome. The move comes amid growing concerns about global instability, following the change in US leadership under Donald Trump, who has been threatening allies such as Canada.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/europe-seeks-defence-pact-with-australia-as-tanks-head-to-ukraine-20250519-p5m090.htmlG7 business leaders are urging Canada to lift trade restrictions and invest in critical minerals to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities, as they met in Ottawa before the upcoming G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/18/business/top-business/g7-business-leaders-urge-removal-of-trade-barriers/2115869The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to help Pakistan combat climate vulnerabilities, following its first review of the country's economic reform program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF notes that Pakistan has made progress in stabilizing its economy, reducing inflation, and rebuilding foreign reserves, but risks remain elevated. Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke cautions that global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and domestic vulnerabilities persist. The RSF arrangement aims to bolster Pakistan's resilience to climate shocks by improving water resource management, strengthening disaster response coordination, and enhancing climate-related financial disclosures.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40363253/imf-backs-pakistans-economic-recovery-says-program-implementation-has-contributed-to-improved-financingThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the release of its next bailout package, citing concerns that tensions with India could jeopardize the scheme's fiscal, external, and reform goals.
https://www.ndtv.com/video/after-op-sindoor-pakistan-gets-11-new-conditions-from-global-lender-imf-report-941097?hp#pfrom=home-ndtv_videoUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host EU leaders in London tomorrow as Britain seeks a reset deal that balances concessions with benefits for Britons. The deal aims to boost defence and security cooperation, simplify food trade, and provide faster e-gates for British travellers at EU borders. In return, the UK is likely to agree on a limited youth mobility scheme, a longer-term fishing agreement, and closer ties on energy and carbon markets. Polls show that a majority of Britons regrets voting to leave the EU in 2016, and the government hopes to secure tangible benefits for citizens while maintaining new alliances due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US uncertainty.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/18/uks-starmer-seeks-eu-reset-on-e-gates-food-trade-and-defence-cooperation-balancing-concessions-with-benefits-for-britons/177234