Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned US President-elect Donald Trump against risking war with Iran in a televised interview. He stated that Iran does not seek nuclear weaponry, but is concerned about the possibility of US-endorsed Israeli military strikes on its nuclear sites. Despite this, European powers are reportedly serious about resuming negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, which was eased in 2015 in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, leading Iran to roll back on its commitments.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/01/15/irans-president-pezeshkian-urges-trump-to-avoid-war-denies-nuclear-weapon-ambitions/163290The Philippines and Japan have signed a reciprocal access agreement, marking a significant step forward in their bilateral defense relationship. The agreement comes at a time of increasing tension in the western Pacific, as the Philippines has sought to strengthen its ties with other countries amid concerns over China's growing influence in the region. The Philippines' top diplomat has also stated that the country will pursue "confidence building measures" with China following a recent maritime clash, but is not blind to recent incidents in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, Indonesia has officially become the first Southeast Asian member of the BRICS grouping, reflecting President Prabowo Subianto's more proactive approach to foreign policy. Japan aims to bolster its capabilities to defend and recapture remote islands, particularly in its southwestern Nansei island chain.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/japan-gravely-concerned-about-south-china-sea-tensions-fm-says/The Philippines expressed its willingness to address the South China Sea conflict with China through dialogue, as stated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a meeting held in Xiamen, Fujian, a city considered the hometown of many Chinese Filipinos. The 10th meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea was convened to discuss the issue.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/17/news/ph-reiterates-willingness-to-settle-south-china-sea-row-through-dialogue/2040310Poland has announced its intention to advocate for continued EU support for Ukraine, specifically requesting stable budgetary financing through the Ukraine Facility and exceptional macro-financial assistance. The country also aims to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure, demine areas, and address other pressing needs. Poland and Ukraine have committed to jointly rebuilding and restoring the country with international involvement from EU states and institutions. This effort is part of a broader push for constructive historical dialogue based on democratic values and a shared European future.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3949096-poland-to-facilitate-launch-of-ukraines-first-eu-membership-cluster.htmlPoland has taken over the presidency of the European Union (EU) and plans to prioritize strengthening cooperation with India, its strategic partner in Asia. Polish Charge d' affaires to India, Sebastian Domzalski, stated that economic development and progress will be a key focus area for Poland during its six-month term as EU president. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland last year contributed to the bilateral relations between the two nations and regional cooperation. Poland aims to work closely with India on a free trade agreement and is planning to hold an EU-India summit early this year.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ndtv-exclusive-poland-to-push-for-fta-between-india-and-europe-7487312The Polish government has taken over the EU presidency at a critical time, citing concerns about Russia's war with Ukraine, rising tensions, migration pressures, and declining European competitiveness. Poland aims to strengthen security in various areas, including external, internal, information, economic, energy, food, and health, as reflected in its slogan "Security, Europe!". The Polish Presidency has identified seven key priorities, although they are not specified in the provided context.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/agenda/briefing/2025-01-20/0/prime-minister-tusk-to-present-the-priorities-of-poland-s-council-presidencyIndonesian President Prabowo Subianto will visit India on January 25-26 as the chief guest for the country's 76th Republic Day celebrations. This is his first visit to India as president and comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who views Indonesia as a key strategic partner in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. The two countries have warm and friendly ties spanning over millennia, with both leaders set to discuss regional and global issues during their meeting.
British Columbia Finance Minister Carole James' counterpart in New Brunswick, Blaine Higgs, was not present at the meeting with premiers from across the country on Wednesday. However, Premier Doug Ford of Ontario and Quebec's François Legault were among those who attended. The meeting came as a response to US President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10960598/eby-trudeau-premiers-trump-tariff/Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host Iranian counterpart Massoud Pezeshkian for talks in Russia on January 17, where they will finalize a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. The meeting and subsequent signing of the deal are expected to take place on that day.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/942195-iran-russia-pact-does-not-include-a-mutual-defense-clause