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-warPakistan is facing a critical situation due to the US's imposition of tariffs on its exports, which could destroy demand in the US market and cause price wars among exporters. The country needs to work with US buyers to negotiate tariff reduction and carve-outs from the 29% levy, or explore the US tax provision that allows for a tariff offset based on the value of American content in Pakistani exports. With a 90-day reprieve, Pakistan should focus on sharp exporters who can lead the effort and secure funding from the Export Development Fund (EDF). Importing essential goods like Boeing aircraft, F-16s, HIMARS, and energy resources could also be a viable option to mitigate the impact of the tariffs.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358030/trump-tariffs-it-aint-over-till-its-overPakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 27-28, marking the first time a Pakistani Foreign Minister will be visiting since 2012. The visit comes after the first talks between the two nations in over a decade, held in 2010.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/bangladesh-demands-us-432-billion-apology-for-1971-genocide-from-pakistan/Pakistani Foreign Minister Dar is set to visit Dhaka, marking the first such visit by a Pakistani foreign minister since 2012. The visit comes after years of warming ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with bilateral trade resuming in February following decades of disruption. Last year, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Bangladeshi leaders twice, including at the United Nations General Assembly and the D8 Summit in Egypt. As part of these efforts, direct private trade began in November 2024, with a container ship sailing from Karachi to Chittagong for the first time in decades.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/a-first-in-15-years-pakistan-foreign-secretary-baloch-meets-counterpart-in-bangladesh-13880767.htmlSingapore's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has unveiled its campaign manifesto ahead of the May 3 polls, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warning that the global instability brought by US tariffs is a "critical juncture" for the country. Wong stated that the PAP will not gamble with Singapore's future and will be upfront and transparent in highlighting the challenges ahead. The party has introduced 32 new candidates, including 13 women, to lead the nation forward, as it seeks to secure a brighter future for Singaporeans amidst a "changed world" and a "full-blown trade war" between the US and China.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ge2025-pap-manifesto-lawrence-wong-5070251Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that discussions with a US congress delegation have sparked interest in potential new investments by American companies in Romania.
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/pm-ciolacu-discussions-with-us-congress-delegation-also-tackled-new-investments-of-american-companies-in-romania/113563US national security aides, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss ending the Ukraine war and averting an Iran conflict. The talks come as US President Donald Trump has been growing frustrated with Russia and Ukraine over the ongoing bloodshed, and has threatened military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. European leaders are concerned that Trump's diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin may be seen as a sign of goodwill being mocked by Moscow, which was criticized for its deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. Rubio will also meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to discuss Ukraine and Iran's nuclear program, while Witkoff plans to fly to Rome for further talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about a potential deal.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358110/marco-rubio-witkoff-head-to-paris-to-discuss-ukraine-iran-with-europeans