International Relations NewsFeed

ASEAN-UK Partnership Fights Southeast Asia's Health Threats

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Kingdom have launched the ASEAN-UK Health Security Partnership Program, a five-year initiative to enhance Southeast Asia's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats. Funded by the UK, the program will provide grant funding for projects aimed at improving health systems, expanding access to healthcare, and tackling emerging threats such as climate change. The program will collaborate with global partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address antimicrobial resistance through a "One Health" approach. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General, and UK Ambassador Sarah Tiffin welcomed the partnership, emphasizing its significance in building pandemic preparedness and resilient healthcare systems.

https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/09/asean-uk-launch-five-year-health-security-partnership-program-to-strengthen-regional-health-resilience/

Erdogan Signs Energy Deal with Pakistani Officials

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Pakistan has led to significant agreements between the two countries. A joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar saw the signing of a deal between Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Pakistani national oil companies, allowing for joint exploration of offshore zones. The agreement is seen as a major step forward in energy cooperation. Islamabad and Ankara have agreed to bolster cooperation in areas such as economy, defense industry, energy, and infrastructure. Turkish companies will participate in the privatization of power distribution companies and establish a special economic zone for Turkish entrepreneurs in Karachi and Istanbul. A joint ministerial commission has been revived after an 11-year hiatus, with Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler set to co-chair it.

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/fm-turkish-firms-to-begin-energy-exploration-off-pakistan-211289

Graham Pushes Tariffs on Russia's Energy Buyers

Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing for a tough sanctions bill that targets not only Russia but also countries like China and India that buy Russian energy products financing Vladimir Putin's war machine. The bill, backed by over 80 co-sponsors in the Senate, proposes a 500% tariff on imports from any country purchasing Russian oil, gas, or uranium. Graham is in close contact with President Trump, who has confirmed to review the legislation, and the Senate is awaiting a signal from the White House to bring it to a vote.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4012983-us-senate-will-soon-approve-tough-sanctions-against-russia-china-india-graham.html

Lula da Silva Meets Modi in New Delhi

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed several agreements during their state visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The agreements include a deal on combating international terrorism, exchanging classified information, renewable energy cooperation, agricultural research, digital solutions for transformation, intellectual property, mutual legal assistance in civil matters, defense industry cooperation, sports cooperation, archival cooperation, and a cultural exchange program. The leaders aimed to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, aligning with their countries' foreign policies as co-architects of a fairer world.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-brazil-pact-pm-modi-lula-push-for-united-front-against-terror-unsc-reform-read-joint-statement-13904490.html

Ministry Seeks Global Cooperation on Maritime Security

The Ministry is urging increased cooperation among regional and international partners to enhance maritime security, protect waterways, and foster global peace and stability, aligning with international laws and agreements.

https://www.emirates247.com/world/bahrain-commends-uae-s-efforts-in-rescuing-commercial-ship-crew-in-red-sea-2025-07-09-1.739774

Putin Launches Air Attack on Ukraine After Trump Call

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent actions have raised concerns about his intentions regarding peace in Ukraine. He recently launched a large-scale air attack on Ukraine, which comes just hours after a phone call with US President Donald J.

https://www.rawstory.com/trump-putin-2672974352/

Putin Visits Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea comes amid strengthened diplomatic ties, following the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in 2023 with Kim Jong-un. This is Sergei Shoigu's third trip to Pyongyang in less than three months, as relations between Moscow and Pyongyang intensify, focusing on security and military coordination. Western sources suggest that North Korea is providing military support to Russia in its war against Ukraine, drawing international attention to the growing partnership.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/984684-russian-foreign-minister-sergei-lavrov-to-visit-north-korea-july-11-13

Russia, China, Iran, North Korea Form Shadow Alliance

Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are not part of a formal alliance but instead engage in opportunistic and transactional cooperation on common goals, such as challenging the US-dominated world order. They have shown similar reactions to the Israel-Iran war, mirroring the Entente system. The four countries aim to achieve global impact through joint efforts, with each pursuing their regional sphere of interest while supporting others to some extent. This cooperation poses a real and serious threat to US national security as it seeks to limit the US's role, power, and influence worldwide.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/984678-why-russia-and-china-did-not-come-to-the-aid-of-iran

Saudi Arabia Re-Establishes Ties with Iran in 2023

Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic relations in 2023 after a break that began in 2016, with China playing a key role in brokering the deal. Saudi Arabia has taken a more conciliatory approach to regional diplomacy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), condemning Israeli strikes on Iran as "aggressions" and a violation of international laws. The two nations also expressed concern over US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stating that Saudi officials, including FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman, held fruitful conversations about bilateral relations and regional developments.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1327309-in-meeting-with-iranian-fm-saudi-arabias-mbs-hopes-for-regional-stability