Singapore's economic growth forecast has been downgraded to between zero and 2.0 per cent due to potential downside risks from US tariffs worldwide. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong warned of a possible recession, citing significant uncertainty and challenges ahead. The country is vulnerable to a global economic slowdown caused by high levies on other countries. Companies with manufacturing operations in China or selling to manufacturers there are seeing cancelled orders. Task force members, including Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, have vowed to provide support for companies, workers, and Singaporeans if necessary, citing the country's planned fiscal resources and past reserves.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2025/04/17/singapore-cannot-rule-out-recession-due-to-us-tariffs-says-dpm-gan/173365Singapore's economy may be significantly impacted by the tariffs, with slower growth potentially leading to fewer job opportunities and smaller wage increases. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that higher retrenchments and job losses could result if companies relocate their operations back to the US. Chief economist Ms Selena Ling of OCBC also expressed concerns about the broad-based nature of the tariffs affecting Singapore's shipping, logistics, and financial hub activities, particularly in Southeast Asia where China's slower trade and economic growth may have a ripple effect.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-non-oil-domestic-exports-rise-march-enterprise-sg-nodx-5070851South Korea and the United Arab Emirates have signed an agreement allowing the UAE Air Force to visit South Korean units operating KF-21 fighters, with the aim of observing air drills involving the aircraft. The agreement was signed by Gen. Lee Young-su, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force, and Maj. Gen. Rashed Mohammed A. Al Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, during a visit to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which manufactures the KF-21 fighters.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/kaan-vs-kf-21-uae-signs-loi-with-s-korea/Ukrainian officials Andriy Yermak, Andriy Sybiga, and Rustem Umerov met with representatives from France, Germany, Britain, and the United States in Paris to discuss a potential full ceasefire, international peacekeepers, and Ukraine's security framework.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/rubio-in-paris-to-meet-macron-on-ukraine-war-208176Ukrainian officials, including Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, have arrived in Paris for talks with other nations to discuss a "coalition of the willing" aimed at supporting Ukraine.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3983055-kellogg-traveling-to-paris-for-ukraine-talks-media.htmlUkrainian officials Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and Andrii Sybiha have arrived in Paris to participate in negotiations with representatives of European nations committed to supporting Ukraine, including France, Germany, the UK, and the US. The meetings aim to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine after the war ends, following a previous meeting on March 27 where 10-12 countries expressed their readiness to join the "coalition of the willing".
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3983009-yermak-umerov-sybiha-arrive-in-paris-for-talks-on-ukraine.htmlThe Intergovernmental Negotiating Body successfully drafted a Pandemic Agreement, marking a significant achievement in multilateral cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The accord aims to enhance global safety through a generational agreement, demonstrating that nations can put aside differences to address shared threats.
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/04/17/switzerland-WHO-pandemic-agreement/9481744861250/The United Nations (UN) is facing unprecedented challenges due to unilateral and bullying acts of power politics. Secretary-General Lin emphasized the need for international cooperation, citing the Security Council as a platform for fostering discussions on the dangers of such actions. He supports multilateralism and reaffirms commitment to the UN Charter's purposes and principles, aiming to build consensus on strengthening the UN's role and protecting the development rights of all countries.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332305.shtmlDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar received UN Under Secretary General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Atul Khare in Islamabad as part of a UN Peacekeeping Preparatory Meeting co-hosted by Pakistan and the Republic of Korea.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358067/pakistan-republic-of-korea-co-hosts-un-meeting