China played a key role in re-establishing diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran after a seven-year hiatus. Chinese President Xi mediated talks with both countries' leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, who praised China's growing influence in regional and international affairs.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1333344.shtmlThe recent statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss have highlighted concerns over countries like China and Russia attempting to abandon international norms and re-emerge as global powers through a more aggressive and unilateral approach, reminiscent of the pre-World War II era. This shift is seen as a threat to the post-war international system, which was established after the devastating conflict that ended in 1945. The "law of the jungle" mentality, popularized by US President Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizes self-reliance and might over cooperation and diplomacy, values that are at odds with the collaborative framework of the United Nations and other global institutions.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1333366.shtmlThe European Union is expected to accelerate sanctions on Russia following recent missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, with a likely smaller package targeting Russian officers, politicians, and ships from the shadow fleet. The move comes as EU diplomats seek solidarity in pressuring Moscow amid the ongoing International Criminal Court investigation into war crimes committed during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. A special tribunal aimed at prosecuting senior Russian and Belarusian leaders is set to be established, with a core group of countries including all EU member states except Hungary and Slovakia, and the G7 minus the US, backing the initiative.
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-journalist-charged-war-criticism-flees-france/33405350.htmlThe Norwegian Refugee Council's head, Jan Egeland, has criticized Israel's plan to control humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza, calling it "fundamentally against humanitarian principles". The Israeli government claims there is enough food in the territory, but international organizations including the UN and NGOs have rejected the plan, which would allow only aid to a few concentration hubs in the south, potentially forcing people to move for supplies. This scheme would exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the World Food Programme has depleted its food stocks and 25 bakeries have closed due to lack of flour and fuel.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/norwegian-ngo-decries-israel-plan-take-over-gaza-aidSenator Musadik Masood Malik met with Azerbaijan's Ambassador Khazar Farhadov to explore cooperation in environmental conservation, climate resilience, and carbon trading. The federal minister proposed joint initiatives on Pakistan's untapped carbon market, while the ambassador reaffirmed commitment to stronger bilateral ties. Pakistan aims to expand investment to $2 billion, with Azerbaijan investing in solar energy projects that could generate returns through international carbon credit sales. The meeting also highlighted opportunities for joint ventures and sustainable development, as Pakistan positions itself as a hub for green industry.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361101/minister-musadik-malik-says-pakistan-seeks-azerbaijan-partnership-on-carbon-trading-climate-resilienceKremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin might consider meeting with US President Donald Trump during a trip to Saudi Arabia later this month, but emphasized there are no specific plans or details on such a meeting. The meeting would be necessary and require preparation at various expert levels, including continued contacts between Moscow and Washington.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/kremlin-says-trump-putin-meeting-necessary-no-specifics-yet-5109396European Council President Donald Tusk criticized leaders from China and Brazil for not acknowledging the threat posed by Russia's actions, particularly in Ukraine. He specifically mentioned Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico as being at risk of being misled due to his differing views on history and modernity. In contrast, Polish and Dutch leaders are aware of where they stand. The event is scheduled to take place in Moscow, with over 20 world leaders expected to attend, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3989556-tusk-no-european-leader-should-attend-moscow-parade.htmlThe United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has stated that a military solution is not an effective solution to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. The UN Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting to address the situation, with discussions scheduled at the UN headquarters in New York. Guterres condemned the attack, emphasizing that perpetrators must be brought to justice.
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/a-military-solution-is-no-solution-united-nations-secy-gen-ant-nio-guterres-weighs-in-on-pahalgam-attack-11746459183193.htmlThe US State Department has declined to comment on the draft document outlining global reforms aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The document, known as FFD4, includes provisions for countries to explore "global solidarity levies" to finance sustainable development, but the US objects to these measures. The US also seeks to delete paragraphs calling for companies to pay tax in the country where economic activity occurs, improving tax transparency, and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The document aims to help poorer nations cope with climate-related disasters and boost economic development using low-carbon energy.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-seeks-to-weaken-un-deal-on-development-finance-internal-draft-shows-13885625.html