Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the next round of negotiations with Britain, France and Germany will take place in Rome. The talks aim to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which was abandoned when the US withdrew under Donald Trump's presidency. Iran has insisted that the focus should be on lifting sanctions, while the European trio threatened to reimpose them if no progress is made. The negotiations follow a previous round in Muscat, Oman, where both sides reported progress.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/602522-iran-says-next-nuclear-talks-with-us-set-for-saturday-in-romeJapanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is seeking advice on how to navigate talks with the US under President Donald Trump's administration, amid a national crisis over tariffs. The opposition parties are urging him to prioritize multilateral free trade, with CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda advocating for a strategy that emphasizes Japan's commitment to international cooperation.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/30/japan/politics/dealing-with-trump/Japanese Economic Minister Ryosei Akazawa met with US officials in Washington for tariff talks, emphasizing Japan's commitment to protecting its national interests while seeking a mutually beneficial deal. Akazawa cited losses of $1 million an hour by Japanese automakers due to the 25% tariff, highlighting the need for a solution that allows companies to export without incurring significant losses.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/30/economy/akazawa-tariffs-washington/Japan's defense minister, Ishiba, reaffirmed his country's commitment to its strategic partnership with the Philippines, citing shared democratic values and a desire for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The two nations are set to negotiate a defense pact that would allow for the sharing of confidential information and resources during joint military exercises. Japan has expressed concern over China's aggressive actions in the East and South China Seas, prompting Tokyo to scramble jets in response. Ishiba also highlighted the impact of US tariffs on Japan and the Philippines, which have affected their economies and Japanese companies operating in the region.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/04/30/japan-and-philippines-to-discuss-two-defence-pactsA group of Japanese families met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington to request cooperation and close communication for the early return of their abductees' parents, citing a limited time frame before the generation of the abductees' parents passes away. The meeting was originally scheduled with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio but was canceled due to his attendance at President Donald Trump's speech.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/30/japan/abductees-families-washington-visit/Trump has introduced a range of tariffs during his second term, including modifications made in response to evolving developments. As a key figure in previous trade negotiations, Robert Lighthizer's successor, Katherine Tai, is now overseeing these efforts.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/29/us-news/strategic-uncertainty-looms-over-trump-trade-talks-as-ex-commerce-chief-wilbur-ross-warns-not-to-over-negotiate/South Korea and the Czech Republic have agreed to finalize the construction of the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. The deal was reached after multiple hurdles, including a dispute with US firm Westinghouse over the use of its licensed Generation II System technology. A Korean presidential plane is scheduled to visit the Czech Republic on May 6-8, where officials will discuss the agreement and potential future collaborations.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-30/business/industry/Finalization-of-Czech-nuclear-plant-deal-set-for-May-7/2297398Over 400 leaders from more than 50 countries and territories attended the 55th Annual Global Business Forum in Marseille, France, organized by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). The four-day event, held from April 6-9, brought together WTCA members and their global networks, including business, government, academia, and international organizations.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/over-400-leaders-from-more-than-50-countriesterritories-attend-world-trade-centers-associations-55th-annual-global-business-forum-in-marseille-france/The B4Ukraine Coalition has launched an inquiry into reports suggesting Western brands may re-enter Russia amid a US-Russia diplomatic thaw. McDonald's, led by global chief impact officer John Banner, has stated it will stick to its original framework of five questions when deciding whether to return to the Russian market. Coca-Cola also expressed concerns about sanction regimes and legal hurdles that remain in place, making a return to the market unlikely.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/30/mcdonalds-coca-cola-rule-out-return-to-russia-a88934