Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to meet with US top officials, including Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, in Paris today. The talks will focus on Ukraine, where European ministers are expected to urge the US to increase pressure on Russia for an unconditional ceasefire. Mr Witkoff recently met with Vladimir Putin, claiming he received a positive response from the Russian President, but Kyiv and other European capitals have expressed alarm over potential territorial concessions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged his allies to put pressure on Russia to end the war.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14621559/David-Lammy-meet-Donald-Trumps-envoy-talks-Ukraine-hes-briefed-Vladimir-Putin-meetings.htmlLord Khan, a member of the British High Commission, emphasized the UK's commitment to minority groups during his three-day visit to Islamabad. He highlighted the establishment of over 1,000 community-led village forums, which bring together marginalized communities to provide support before tensions escalate. Lord Khan met with Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Nazir Tarar, to discuss shared threats such as climate change and irregular migration. He also spoke at the first Overseas Pakistanis Convention, reflecting on his personal connection to Pakistan and the importance of the 1.6 million Pakistani diaspora in the UK, which has a rich trading partnership with over 200 British businesses operating in Pakistan.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358052/dar-reiterates-commitment-to-multifaceted-pak-uk-partnershipFrench President Macron is leading a coalition of 30 countries in Paris talks to discuss a potential deal with Russia over Ukraine, following Trump's surprise direct talks with Putin. The discussions will focus on a full ceasefire, international peacekeepers, and Ukraine's security framework. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to "permanent peace", while US Senator Rubio is set to meet French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to discuss the Middle East and Iran's nuclear programme. France's Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu will also travel to Washington for talks on Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358179/rubio-in-paris-to-meet-macron-on-ukraine-warMalaysia and China have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies and satellite navigation systems during Chinese President Xi Jinping's three-day state visit. The first MoU involves joint laboratories for research institutions, universities, and enterprises in areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy. Malaysia's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang and Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing signed the agreement with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessing it. The second MoU focuses on cooperation between Malaysia's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) and China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in applying the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/17/whats-in-the-malaysia-china-mous-on-emerging-tech-satellite-navigation/173366Myanmar's military junta head, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, has granted amnesty to nearly 4,900 prisoners, including at least 22 political prisoners, ahead of the country's traditional new year celebrations. The released detainees include Hanthar Nyein, a news producer for Kamayut Media who was tortured during interrogations in Yangon. Thirteen foreigners will also be released and deported from the country. The amnesty is part of a tradition marking Myanmar's Thingyan holiday, which has been overshadowed this year due to a national grieving period following a devastating earthquake that killed over 3,700 people.
https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/17/myanmar-junta-releases-almost-4900-prisoners-in-traditional-near-year-amnestyMyanmar's military government plans to release nearly 5,000 prisoners ahead of New Year celebrations, a move that comes as civil rights groups criticize the junta for arresting thousands of protesters and activists since its 2021 coup. Despite this amnesty, high-profile figures like Aung San Suu Kyi remain detained.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/17/asia-pacific/myanmar-junta-prisoners-amnesty/North Korea criticized the United States for deploying B-1B strategic bombers in a joint military drill with South Korea, according to KCNA. The US deployment has been described as "reckless bluffing" by North Korea's defence ministry spokesperson, who called it a "routine military practice". The B-1B was part of a joint exercise with fighter jets on Tuesday, which North Korea views as a threat to its security, referred to as the Republic of Korea (ROK).
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/north-korea-calls-us-b-1b-deployment-reckless-bluffing-after-joint-drill-8184572North Korea views the allies' drills as a significant threat to its security, describing it as an "open threat" that has raised military tension in the region to an extreme level. The country's Defense Ministry spokesperson warned of "overwhelming deterrence" and plans to make the US recognize its strategic deployment as a "reckless and unnecessary abuse of strength".
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/04/17/North-Korea-overwhelming-deterrence-US-air-drills-B-1B-bombers/6551744881977/Pakistan's textile exports to the US are worth around $2 billion, generating a trade surplus of approximately $3 billion. The proposed 29% tariff by the Trump administration could reduce Pakistan's exports to the US by 20-25%, resulting in a potential loss of $1 billion to $1.5 billion. To avoid this, the Pakistani government needs to engage with the US to cut tariffs on Pakistani textile exports. Slashing imports from the US might be a short-term solution, but it may not yield favorable results as the US aims to stem trade deficits. Pakistan's long-term strategy should focus on exploring new markets, innovating products and services, developing labor skills, and leveraging technology to gain a competitive edge in the global market.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1302085-pakistan-and-the-trade-war