International Relations
NewsFeed

April 5, 2025

Trump Ends Parole Program for Ukrainian Refugees

US President Trump has not terminated the U4U parole program, which provides temporary protection to Ukrainians in the US. In a recent statement, Trump said he would make a decision on ending the status "very soon," but emphasized that his goal is not to harm anyone. However, on his first day back in office, Trump ordered the shutdown of all broad parole programs, including the "Uniting for Ukraine" program, which affects Ukrainians already in the US and prevents them from renewing their two-year protection or work permits.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/please-depart-us-immediately-email-mistake-stuns-240000-ukrainian-refugees-13877516.html

April 5, 2025

Turkey Hosts Global Forum with 140 Countries

Turkey is hosting a forum that will bring together representatives from over 140 countries, including 18 heads of state and government, foreign ministers, parliamentary speakers, international organization officials, scholars, experts, and students. The event has already secured confirmations from high-profile attendees such as Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/962019-antalya-gathers-diplomats-from-over-140-countries

April 5, 2025

US Leaders Pledge Trade War Avoidance Pact

US leaders discussed maintaining strong relationships with like-minded countries to ensure mutual security and economic stability. They agreed that a full-scale trade war would be detrimental to everyone involved, and will maintain close communication in the coming days.

https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/europe/uk-pm-keir-starmer-talks-world-leaders-stocks-fall-after-trumps-tariffs-1108226

April 5, 2025

US Trade Policies Boost China's CPTPP Bid

The US president's trade and tariff policies are prompting East Asia and Europe to strengthen their economic ties, potentially leading to a Europe-Asia alliance through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). China is seen as a key beneficiary of this shift, with Professor Yuqing Xing arguing that the Trump administration's changes have created a favorable environment for its application to join the CPTPP. Meanwhile, there is debate within the European Union over whether it should also join the trade pact, which could create one of the world's largest and most dynamic free-trade areas if successful.

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3305128/trump-could-end-making-asia-not-america-great-again?module=top_story&pgtype=section

April 5, 2025

Uzbekistan Hosts Samarkand Initiative Climate Talks

The event brought together high-level officials from Central Asia, the EU, international organisations, and experts from various regions to discuss the Samarkand Initiative for Solidarity in the Name of Common Security and Prosperity. Uzbekistan's president announced the initiative in 2022, aiming to create a global dialogue platform to address pressing challenges. The climate change minister met with UAE Minister Sohail Al Mazroui and Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power CEO Mohammad Abunayyan, among others, to discuss climate resilience, green financing, and regional cooperation on environmental sustainability.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/598587-climate-change-minister-meets-global-leaders-at-samarkand-climate-conference

April 5, 2025

WTO Boosts Trade, Economic Growth for US, EU, China

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has played a crucial role in promoting free and fair trade among its member countries, including the US, EU, China, India, and Japan. The WTO's rules-based system has helped to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, increasing global trade volumes and economic growth. For example, the WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) has protected intellectual property rights for companies like Pfizer, which has benefited from its patent protection in countries such as India. The WTO's efforts have also contributed to sustainable development by promoting environmentally friendly practices and reducing poverty through trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which benefits countries like Rwanda and Burundi.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331500.shtml

April 5, 2025

WTO Warns of Trade Tensions' Devastating Impact

The US-imposed tariffs are expected to disproportionately affect vulnerable economies, according to a warning from global leaders. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has expressed concerns that the escalating trade tensions will hinder growth and development in countries like South Africa and India, which rely heavily on international trade. The WTO's warning comes as major powers, including the US, China, and the EU, move forward with new trade measures that could further disrupt global supply chains.

https://www.tbsnews.net/world/global-economy/nobody-wins-trade-war-un-chief-1108281

April 5, 2025

Zelensky Meets French-British Generals in Kyiv

French-British delegation visits Ukraine to maintain strong support for the Armed Forces, discuss long-term strategy for army transformation and security guarantees within an international coalition. President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with French and British general staffs in Kyiv on April 4 to discuss military contingent deployment. Ten to twelve countries are ready to join the "Coalition of the Willing" to support Ukraine, according to Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the President's Office.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3978806-french-and-british-chiefs-of-staff-meet-zelensky-dm-umerov-and-cinc-syrskyi-in-kyiv.html

April 5, 2025

Anwar Ibrahim Meets Trump Allies in Melaka

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reached out to individuals with strong connections to US President Donald Trump during the Madani Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration in Melaka International Trade Centre, urging caution and negotiation over the recent tariffs imposed by the US on Malaysia. Anwar believes that collective action from ASEAN countries is necessary to defend economic interests affected by the tariffs, which have triggered widespread concern globally. He expressed confidence in pursuing negotiations and diplomacy to resolve the uncertain global trade landscape, particularly for Malaysia's heavily reliant sectors such as tourism and semiconductor exports to the US.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/04/05/anwar-to-hold-talks-with-trump039s-close-associates-over-tariffs