Canadian officials are preparing for potential retaliatory tariffs from the US, with Alberta's Energy Minister Sonya Savage stating that a list of affected products will be provided on Wednesday. Premier Danielle Smith suggested excluding energy exports from the list could undermine Canada's negotiating position, as it would give the US a trade surplus if they were removed. Meanwhile, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King is leading an economic mission to the northeastern US to promote the island's potato and seafood sectors.
https://thestar.com/news/canada/smith-opposes-blocking-energy-exports-to-u-s-but-ford-wants-to-keep-option-open/article_f154ac0c-9bd7-5ec7-93ad-d18a0386e82b.htmlPakistan's foreign secretary Amna Baloch co-chaired a meeting with China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to discuss the development of CPEC 2.0, a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the project, which aims to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, drive innovation, and enhance environmental sustainability in Pakistan. They highlighted the mutually reinforcing relationship between CPEC 2.0's five corridors and Pakistan's national development framework centered on the "5 E's" - Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy, Environment, and Equity. The meeting also acknowledged the pivotal role of CPEC in promoting regional connectivity, win-win cooperation, and common prosperity through partnerships with other countries.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1271335-china-pakistan-review-practical-cooperationLebanon's President Joseph Aoun met with US General Michael Kurilla to discuss the implementation of a fragile truce between Hizbollah and Israel in southern Lebanon, as a deadline to fully implement the ceasefire terms approached. The two leaders discussed the deployment of Lebanese forces alongside UN peacekeepers in the south, the dismantling of Hizbollah's military infrastructure, and ways to activate cooperation between the Lebanese and American armies. The US has been a key financial backer of the Lebanese armed forces since the country's economy collapsed in 2019. Meanwhile, Israel carried out air strikes against Hizbollah targets in east and south Lebanon on Sunday, killing five people. Aoun also appointed Nawaf Salam, a judge at the International Court of Justice, as prime minister to form a government.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/lebanon-president-us-general-discuss-hizbollah-israel-truceThe Baltic states of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have called on the European Commission to lower the $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil set by the G-7 countries. The group believes that reducing the limit will increase the impact of sanctions on Russia's economy, which relies heavily on oil export revenues. They argue that the current market prices are below the established limit and that the international oil market is now more secure than it was in 2022.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/941297-now-is-the-time-eu-countries-urge-tougher-sanctions-on-russian-oilBangladesh has simplified its visa process for Pakistanis as part of efforts to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries. The move, announced by Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), aims to increase trade and investment between the nations. With a population of 180 million, Bangladesh represents a significant consumer market that Pakistan can tap into, but the trade potential remains largely untapped. Hussain emphasized the importance of collaboration with LCCI to achieve this goal and highlighted the efforts of Dr Mohammad Yunus, chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, for regional cooperation. He also stressed the need for greater collaboration between South Asian countries through revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) to enhance regional trade and cooperation.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/01/12/bangladesh-simplifies-visa-process-for-pakistanis-says-envoyThe US government has expressed concern about Ukraine's manpower shortage and emphasized that it will be a decision for Ukraine to make how to address this issue. The Biden administration is working to provide Ukraine with the necessary munitions, while also considering its own foreign policy position on the matter, as stated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3948164-white-house-discusses-mobilization-in-ukraine-with-trump-administration-representatives-sullivan.htmlThe Japanese government and business community have expressed criticism over President Biden's decision to block a transaction between Japan and the United States, with industry minister labelling it "incomprehensible". The deal, which involves securing the future of the American steel industry, has been granted an extension by CFIUS until June 18, 2025. Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, have called on Washington to clarify its reasoning behind the decision, citing concerns that it may undermine the Japan-US alliance.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40342362/us-delays-enforcement-of-order-blocking-nippon-steel-mergerUS President Joe Biden has announced that a deal to secure the release of hostages and achieve a ceasefire in Gaza is on the brink of being finalised. The agreement, which has been under negotiation for some time, is said to be progressing well with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting with the Hamas delegation in Doha. According to confidential sources, there has been a breakthrough following talks between Qatar's prime minister, Israel's intelligence chiefs and US president-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy. The White House has confirmed that negotiators are "on the cusp" of an agreement, although it is unclear when or if it will be finalised.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/gaza-ceasefire-and-hostage-deal-on-the-brink-of-fruition-20250114-p5l41v.htmlUS President Biden has faced criticism for supporting Israel during its assault on Gaza after a Hamas attack killed over 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 46,000 Palestinians, with much of the enclave destroyed and most of its population displaced. Protesters have condemned Biden's support for Israel outside the State Department, while he claims that US actions have weakened Iran by helping defeat Hamas and Hezbollah, and contributing to the collapse of the Syrian government.
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-defends-foreign-policy-record-despite-ongoing-crises/7935441.html