European Union leaders are discussing new US trade deal proposals at a summit in Brussels, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying "all options remain on the table" as time runs out to find a common position before tariffs expire on July 9. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants a quick and simple deal, while French President Emmanuel Macron insists on a balanced agreement that won't be seen as a weakness. The EU is considering a tax on digital advertising to hit US giants like Google and Microsoft, and exploring new trade cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries to reform the World Trade Organisation.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/eu-leaders-discuss-new-us-trade-proposal-deal-clock-ticks-down-5206436The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has established a network of secured sites in the enclave to distribute food and aid, bypassing Israeli restrictions. The GHF's efforts have been praised by critics, including Johnnie Moore, director of the organization, who described them as "absolutely incredible" and "should be applauded". In contrast, the UN and major aid groups have refused to work with the GHF due to its limited scope, which only provides food in areas approved by Israeli troops.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2025/06/26/us-to-provide-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-with-30-million/UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a humanitarian truce in El Fasher, Sudan, to facilitate aid distribution. The war between the Sudanese army and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people, with UNICEF estimating that 61,800 children have been internally displaced since the conflict began. El Fasher, a city 800 kilometers southwest of Khartoum, is under military control and has seen repeated violence, with the RSF attempting to capture it for over a year to consolidate its grip on the Darfur region.
https://thestar.com/news/world/africa/sudans-military-accepts-un-proposal-of-a-weeklong-ceasefire-in-el-fasher-for-aid-distribution/article_1514a60a-a26b-523c-b37d-6b99bc6e9469.htmlAsim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday to brief him on Pakistan's work programme during its presidency of the UN Security Council. During the meeting, Iftikhar discussed the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and emphasized that member states are committed to promoting peace and security. He assured that Pakistan's proceedings as President of the UNSC will be conducted openly, transparently, and consultatively.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40369855/historic-moment-pakistan-to-assume-unsc-presidency-next-monthIndian lawmakers engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour discussion with four experts to mend ties with Bangladesh. The meeting included former National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon and former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, among others. They emphasized the shared cultural heritage of India and Bangladesh, citing Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Islam as examples. The lawmakers suggested a soft launch of cultural diplomacy through West Bengal to ease tensions between the two nations. They also raised concerns about China's influence in Bangladesh and illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mps-across-party-lines-in-parliamentary-panel-support-forward-looking-policy-for-bangladesh/article69745963.ecePakistan's Defence Minister Asif has reiterated the country's stance on global and regional issues, including terrorism in Indian-administered Kashmir (IIOJK) and Balochistan, which he claims are sponsored by India. During a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Asif called for collective action against terrorism, urging member countries to refrain from politicizing anti-terrorism efforts. He also condemned terrorist attacks in IIOJK and Balochistan, blaming India for sponsoring such attacks. The SCO's joint declaration will only be issued if all member countries agree to sign it.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/611117-india-declined-to-sign-sco-joint-statement-after-being-denied-second-turn-to-speak-says-asifPakistan's Defence Minister Asif has reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) principles and objectives, while also condemning terrorism as a common threat that needs collective action. He urged member countries to refrain from politicising anti-terrorism efforts and called on states to hold each other accountable for sponsoring terrorist attacks in regions like Indian-administered Kashmir and Balochistan. Asif emphasized the importance of a peaceful Afghanistan for regional stability and sustainable prosperity, and stressed that unresolved conflicts in Kashmir pose a constant threat to global peace and security.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1324917-khawaja-asif-says-indian-counterpart-refused-to-sign-sco-statement-over-speaking-turnPakistan has welcomed a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, confirming its jurisdiction in proceedings related to the Indus Waters Treaty with India. The ruling comes after hearings held at the Peace Palace in July 2024 and paves the way for Pakistan's case on the merits of the dispute. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan's readiness to engage in a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu & Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40369954/pakistan-welcomes-indus-waters-arbitration-ruling-urges-dialogue-with-indiaRwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed an agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries. The deal calls for Rwanda to end its "defensive measures" taken against the FDLR, a group linked to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, while the DRC seeks to neutralize the FDLR. The agreement also establishes a joint security coordination body to facilitate the return of refugees and secure mineral rights in the DRC, which has significant mineral reserves including lithium and cobalt. US President Donald Trump has taken credit for the diplomacy leading to the deal, which he believes will grant the US access to these resources. However, critics, including gynecologist Denis Mukwege, argue that the agreement benefits Rwanda and the US at the expense of justice and Congolese sovereignty.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/rwanda-dr-congo-sign-peace-deal-in-us-after-rebel-sweep/article_274c25f1-7888-5b0d-815a-05fbcf3a61d9.html