US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, amid heightened diplomatic efforts following a recent visit by Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to Pakistan. The call comes as India and Pakistan have been engaged in a series of high-level meetings to resolve outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-secy-of-state-rubio-eam-jaishankar-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-de-escalate-tensions-pahalgam-terrorist-attack-let-11746063562126.htmlUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions in Kashmir, telling Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to condemn the recent attack that killed dozens of people in the disputed region. The US wants both countries to work together to maintain peace and security in South Asia, with a focus on re-establishing direct communications between them.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3308618/us-tells-india-and-pakistan-tone-down-kashmir-tensions-avoid-military-clash?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionUS President Trump's tariff policy has led to increased lobbying by companies such as Samsung and Hyundai, with executives including Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Masayoshi Son of SoftBank Group, Ted Ogawa of Toyota North America, and José Muñoz of Hyundai Motor attending a meeting in Seoul. Despite announcing new investment plans, Samsung has not confirmed any new US investment, fueling speculation that Trump may have misinterpreted their statements. The company's chief financial officer, Park Soon-cheol, mentioned considering shifting production to mitigate the impact of tariffs, but this would not involve building a new facility in the US as Trump implied.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-01/business/economy/Trump-says-Samsung-plans-large-US-plant-but-firm-hasnt-announced-anything/2298343The US Senate voted down a Democratic resolution to block Donald Trump's global tariffs, which were announced on April 2 and suspended for 90 days after a market meltdown. The tariffs were part of Trump's trade agenda, with opposition from both parties. Senator Ron Wyden questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the Senate Finance Committee hearing.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/senate-votes-down/4IULHR2YKFCVBPQDS7W74C3P3I/The US Senate rejected a resolution to repeal tariffs implemented by former President Trump as part of his 'Liberation Day' initiative, which were imposed globally earlier this month.
https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/04/30/senate-votes-to-repeal-trump-tariffs/Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors. The UAE's President expressed his support for Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty, while President Aoun thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his kind sentiments towards Lebanon. The two leaders agreed to enhance economic and investment ties, share government best practices, and establish a joint business council. They also discussed regional developments and the Abu Dhabi Fund will send a delegation to explore cooperation projects in Lebanon.
https://www.emirates247.com/world/uae-lebanon-issue-joint-statement-on-visit-of-president-of-lebanon-2025-05-01-1.739045A group of 28 international partners, including the United Nations, has welcomed Somalia's president proposal for a platform that brings together Somali political and community leaders to combat terrorism and establish a democratic federal system of government. The initiative aims to incorporate diverse views and efforts into the country's fight against terrorism and governance reforms.
https://africanews.com/2025/05/01/un-pushes-for-inclusive-somali-dialogue/Indonesia's Sugiono criticizes Israel for its actions in the occupied Palestinian territory, citing violations of international law including closure of humanitarian aid access, destruction of civilian facilities, and forced expulsion of Gazans. He argues that these actions damage the principles of the UN Charter and Geneva Conventions, and that Israel's rejection of its legal obligations as a UN member is a "blatant violation of international law". Sugiono also highlights the Israeli attack on an Indonesian Hospital in Gaza in 2023, which he says contravenes the protection of hospitals, medical personnel, and patients. He urges Israel to facilitate humanitarian assistance and calls for the ICJ to uphold justice for Palestinians, citing Indonesia's support for their right to self-determination as a fundamental principle in modern international law.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2002572/indonesia-accuses-israel-of-violating-international-law-at-icjThailand has cut its economic growth forecast to 2.1 per cent due to the impact of US tariffs and a global slowdown. The country's exports, a key driver of growth, are expected to rise 2.3 per cent this year, down from an earlier forecast of 4.4 per cent. Thailand is negotiating with the US to reduce its tariff rate, which could be as high as 36 per cent if negotiations fail. If the government accelerates budget spending, growth could reach up to 2.5 per cent this year.
https://channelnewsasia.com/business/thailand-finance-ministry-cuts-2025-growth-forecast-21-5102311