National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation on Pakistan's Independence Day, calling it a moment that intensified the joy of freedom celebrations. He praised the sacrifices made by Pakistan's forefathers and the valiant armed forces under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who decisively defeated an adversary many times their size during Ma‘raka-e-Haq. Sadiq emphasized the importance of national unity, courage, and steadfastness shown by the people of Pakistan during the aggression, and urged Members of Parliament to rise above political affiliations to strengthen national stability. He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir, affirming that Pakistan's Parliament will continue to support their struggle for self-determination until their right is achieved.
Singaporean ministers visited India and participated in a roundtable discussion with Indian counterparts, including Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Singaporean delegation also met with President Droupadi Murmu to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Business leaders from both nations attended a forum to strengthen partnerships in areas such as maintenance, repair and overhaul for aviation, nurse training, sustainability industrial parks, and nuclear energy. Singapore is keen on an MRO business that supports multiple airlines, while India wants it to support all airlines. The countries also discussed a potential sustainability industrial park in Rajasthan, which would focus on sustainable waste treatment and cleaner energy sources. Singapore's delegation, led by DPM Gan, met with the Indian government to discuss a process for conducting a project in accordance with rules and regulations. The Singapore team included several ministers such as K Shanmugam, Vivian Balakrishnan, Josephine Teo, Tan See Leng, Jeffrey Siow, while the Indian delegation was headed by Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw. Six Singapore business leaders and 10 Indian business leaders participated in the International Strategic Business Roundtable (ISBR), presenting proposals to facilitate collaboration between the two nations amidst global uncertainty.
Climate consultant Maja Vahlberg from the Swedish Red Cross highlighted the Nordic heat wave as a warning sign of climate change's impact on countries not typically associated with extreme temperatures, such as Sweden.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Fidan stated that Türkiye continues to play a constructive role in resolving conflicts and disputes in Africa through its coordinated foreign policy efforts. The country has established embassies in 44 African countries, with nearly 100 military and security agreements signed, as well as over 230 schools operated by the Turkish Maarif Foundation. Türkiye's trade volume with Africa increased from $4.3 billion in 2002 to $36.6 billion in 2024, representing a ninefold increase. A Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations was also signed between Türkiye and Botswana, emphasizing cooperation based on the win-win principle.
The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has accused the Taliban of diverting international aid by force, blocking minority communities from receiving aid, and colluding with UN officials to seek kickbacks. The allegations are based on input from nearly 90 current and former US officials, UN officials, and Afghans. According to SIGAR, the Taliban use force and regulatory powers to control aid distribution, favoring majority Pashtun communities over minorities. An employee of an Afghan aid organization was killed for exposing food aid diversion to a Taliban military training camp. The report also alleges that UN officials demanded bribes from companies and aid groups for UN contracts, with Taliban officials allegedly splitting the proceeds.
The US has gained a strategic advantage in the South Caucasus region through a revived Silk Route, thanks to a peace deal brokered by former US President Donald Trump between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The agreement allows for the reopening of the Zangezur Corridor, a key route linking Azerbaijan to its Karabakh enclave via Armenian territory bordering Iran. In return, the US will act as security guarantor for Armenia in exchange for a lease to develop and operate the corridor. This development marks the first major US involvement in the region since a 1994 contract with an international consortium that facilitated Azerbaijan's growth into a significant oil and gas exporter through pipelines with Turkey.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and US President Donald Trump joined a call with UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and leaders from across Europe to discuss the war in Ukraine. During the call, Mr. Trump's interventions on the conflict were seen as creating a "viable" chance of a ceasefire.
US President Trump's deal has significantly impacted regional dynamics, particularly in the Caucasus region. By cutting off Iranian access to Europe and the Black Sea, he has restricted Tehran's influence in the area. This move also made Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) dependent on US capital for a corridor, highlighting the strategic importance of the region. Furthermore, the establishment of NATO in the Caucasus puts it at the crossroads of Russia-China and Iran, creating a complex web of alliances that could affect global geopolitics.
The UAE has partnered with Finland to collaborate on polar research, exchanging scientists and researchers and embarking on joint projects to study the effects of climate change on ecosystems and human societies in the Arctic region. The partnership is timely as melting polar ice opens up new maritime transport routes and access to natural resources, including 13% of the world's undiscovered oil and 30% of its gas. The UAE brings valuable experience and expertise from its desert environment and logistics network, while Finland contributes its knowledge of the Arctic climate. This collaboration reflects the UAE's growing commitment to responsible resource management and peaceful exploration of polar regions.