A political expert, Zakhorodny, suggests that the European Union and China should participate in Ukraine-Russia negotiations alongside the US, as Moscow views American involvement as crucial. If the US withdraws, Russia would sever ties with the Americans. Zakhorodny believes Russia's main goals are to host a peaceful parade on May 9 and remain in the negotiation process. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is necessary but requires significant effort, as Putin has no planned trip to Saudi Arabia during this time.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968911-only-china-can-stop-the-war-in-ukraineIranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is set to meet with Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, during a visit to Islamabad. The meetings aim to reduce tension in the subcontinent, which has been heightened following an attack. Zarif will also discuss regional and global developments with Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) and exchange views on strengthening bilateral cooperation. The visit reflects Iran's close relations with Pakistan and comes amid India's refusal to rule out third-party mediation in Kashmir.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/603215-irans-foreign-minister-arrives-in-islamabad-amid-pakistan-india-standoffThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) is increasing its funding for food and nutrition security in Asia and the Pacific, with a total commitment of $40 billion by 2030. ADB President Masato Kanda announced this expansion during the bank's 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, building on an initial pledge of $14 billion made in 2022, with an additional $26 billion to be allocated.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/06/business/top-business/adb-boosts-food-security-support-to-40b/2105912Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda emphasized the opportunities for building a more resilient and sustainable future in Asia and the Pacific amidst uncertainties such as external shocks, debt burdens, and climate change. The ADB's 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Milan, Italy, highlighted four focus areas: scaling up financing for food systems transformation to $40 billion by 2030, investing in digital technologies for education, finance, and markets, modernizing energy systems with a potential commitment of up to $10 billion for the ASEAN Power Grid, and deepening investments in infrastructure and climate resilience. ADB aims to increase private sector financing four-fold to $13 billion annually by 2030.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40361095/adb-president-calls-for-collective-action-to-solve-complex-challengesAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed willingness to continue discussions with his US counterpart, indicating a potential improvement in relations after recent tensions over AUKUS and tariffs.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/federal-election-2025-donald-trump-praises-anthony-albanese-on-win/3e750e16-4d1e-487e-a5ef-5e43d8b9734aAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a "warm conversation" with US President Donald Trump about tariffs and the Aukus defence pact after his re-election, with Trump praising their "good relationship" and describing Albanese as "very nice".
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3309061/australias-albanese-has-warm-conversation-trump-aukus-and-tariffs?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChina dominates the global solar panel market, producing eight out of ten panels, and controls 80% of the manufacturing process. The new US tariffs will make it "practically impossible" for Chinese solar exports to reach the US market commercially. This could accelerate the energy transition in Southeast Asia, where China plans to "supercharge efforts" in regional markets and push for green energy adoption. Analysts warn that countries like Malaysia are moving too slowly to transition from fossil fuels, risking missing out on opportunities provided by declining renewable energy costs. The tariff regime presents a double opportunity for the region, allowing local solar industries to focus on domestic transitions and driving a new market as a hedge against external volatility.
https://www.forbesindia.com/article/news/will-3500-percent-us-solar-tariffs-become-silver-lining-for-asian-energy-transition/95912/1A high-profile Chinese business delegation, led by David Zhu, visited the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) to explore collaboration opportunities in various sectors. The delegation included notable figures such as Musar Yang from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC). China invited Pakistani businesses to display their products in its wholesale market network, which provides access to millions of Chinese consumers without trade entry barriers. Nazir Hussain, president of PCJCCI, welcomed the delegation and facilitated a full-day programme of business dialogues and B2B networking sessions. The event aimed to build trust, exchange ideas, and identify mutually beneficial partnerships between Pakistan and China, with a focus on technology localization and cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1308629-chinese-delegation-explores-cooperation-with-pcjcciIran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, visited Pakistan on Monday to mediate in the escalating tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir last month.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/06/world/asia-oceania/irans-fm-to-mediate-in-pakistan-india-conflict/2105573