Kenya has strengthened its bilateral ties with several countries, including Ghana, South Sudan, and Pakistan. In a recent development, Kenya and Ghana signed seven deals to boost their economic cooperation, with the goal of expanding opportunities for businesses, the private sector, and citizens. Similarly, Kenyan President William Ruto met with his Pakistani counterpart to discuss matters of mutual interest, while also committing to bolster bilateral ties with South Sudan after a meeting with President Salva Kiir.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/business/2025-01-13-kenya-iran-tap-on-peace-engagements-to-strengthen-bilateral-tiesCambodian opposition figure Lim Kimya was killed in a daylight shooting in Bangkok, sparking concerns about the safety of dissidents in Southeast Asia. The killing is believed to be linked to an ex-Thai marine and marks a new reality for those who speak out against their governments. In related news, Cambodia has imprisoned several opposition figures, including Sun Chanthy, the former president of the Nation Power Party, on charges of incitement. Meanwhile, Thailand's treatment of dissidents from neighboring countries is being scrutinized by the UN Human Rights Council. In other developments, Indonesia has become the first Southeast Asian member of the BRICS group, a move seen as part of President Prabowo Subianto's more proactive approach to foreign policy. Japan is also strengthening its military capabilities, particularly in the southwestern Nansei island chain. The thaw in China-India ties may continue in 2025, but it remains to be seen how long this will last. In Sri Lanka, the new president is expected to continue the country's efforts on climate finance for vulnerable economies. In the US, several states are taking action on China, including Texas, Michigan, Hawaii, Florida, and Missouri. Uzbek officials were targeted by a failed plot to manipulate the US sanctions system. Malaysia's Anwar has denied covering up a document permitting ex-leader Najib Razak's house arrest. The Singaporean government is considering intervening in the online scam industry of neighboring countries. China and the US are cooperating on the fentanyl crisis, which could save lives and protect societies.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/killer-of-ex-cambodian-mp-wont-reveal-who-ordered-assassination-thai-police-say/Malaysia has taken over the chairmanship of ASEAN, a regional bloc in Southeast Asia, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the region's trajectory. In China, the pandemic has led to a shift in domestic and international policies, with the country's economy experiencing a significant slowdown. The US, UK, and Canada have imposed sanctions on individuals responsible for major criminal operations in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Indonesia has become the first Southeast Asian member of BRICS, a group of emerging economies. Japan aims to bolster its amphibious capabilities to defend remote islands, particularly in the Nansei island chain. In India, there are concerns about how far the thaw in China-India ties will sustain, especially with the return of Donald Trump to the White House. The US has proposed state legislative actions on China in 2023, including five case studies. Uzbek officials have been targeted by a failed plot to manipulate the US sanctions system. Former Cambodian MP Ekkalak Pheanoi was extradited from Cambodia and questioned by Thai police over his assassination. Malaysia's Anwar denies covering up a document permitting ex-leader Najib Razak's house arrest. China-US cooperation on the fentanyl crisis is possible, and China uses cultural ties to influence Taiwan beyond military tactics and economic statecraft.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/singapore-should-intervene-in-the-regions-online-scam-industry/Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern over China's conduct in the South China Sea after a virtual call with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The discussion focused on China's expansive claims, which overlap with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several countries including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This strategic shipping route is crucial for global commerce, handling around $3 trillion worth of trade annually. A 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling found that China's claims have no basis under international law, a decision China does not recognize.
https://www.voanews.com/a/philippines-files-protest-over-beijing-s-escalatory-actions-in-south-china-sea/7934590.htmlNATO chief Mark Rutte stated that the alliance aims to strengthen ties with the European Union in response to a destabilization campaign by Russia and threats from Iran and China, as well as cyber attacks and nuclear proliferation. He noted that NATO's final spending target may be around 3.6-3.7 percent of GDP.
https://www.politico.eu/article/welfare-finance-nato-boss-european-parliament-mark-rutte-secretary-general-gdp-defense/Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Jam Kamal, stated that a free trade agreement with the UAE could be finalized within two months, pending regulatory details. He also mentioned that Pakistan is working on establishing free trade frameworks with other Gulf nations and strengthening economic ties with Central Asian and African countries. The minister highlighted the significance of the UAE's investments in Pakistan, particularly in port development by Abu Dhabi and Dubai Ports, which are expected to boost Pakistan's trade volume.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1271339-talks-with-uae-under-way-for-pakistanis-visa-facilities-jam-kamalPakistan is strengthening its engagement with African nations, aiming to increase connectivity between the two regions. Sohail Mehmood, Director-General of the Institute of Strategic Studies, highlighted Pakistan's historical support for African liberation struggles and emphasized the importance of comprehensive support from Pakistan to achieve unprecedented levels of connectivity. Asghar Khan Hamid, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that improving information and communication connectivity is essential for strengthening ties between the two regions, citing language barriers as a major impediment. The growing trade volume between Pakistan and Africa, which exceeded $5.6 billion, has also been highlighted as a promising area of cooperation. Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, called for greater engagement across various sectors, including commercial and defence cooperation, intellectual exchanges, and people-to-people contacts, to build enduring cooperation between the two regions.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1271531-african-envoys-for-enhancing-trade-investmentRussian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian officials are set to sign an agreement aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The deal will cover areas such as trade, investment, transport, logistics, and humanitarian aid, according to the Kremlin. This move comes as both Russia and Iran face Western sanctions that restrict their energy industries. Notably, this is not Putin's first such agreement, as he signed a similar treaty with North Korea last year, which includes mutual military assistance in case of an attack or invasion.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/13/russia-iran-to-sign-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-treaty-kremlin-a87592Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have made progress, with a draft deal presented by Qatari mediators to end the war in Gaza. The draft includes a ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange terms, which were discussed at talks held on Sunday in Doha, attended by officials from both sides, including Qatar's prime minister, as well as heads of Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet spy agencies.
https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/talks-over-some-core-issues-for-gaza-ceasefire-made-progress-hamas-18253281