Category: Politics

On Monday, the British Foreign Office announced the launch of three strategic assessments aimed at increasing the country’s worldwide impact and international position. By the end of the year, the external expert-led reviews should be complete. They are part of the UK’s broader efforts to rebalance its foreign policy in response to changing global dynamics.

These studies will look at major issues crucial for Britain’s future on the global stage. The first priority will be to reinforce Britain’s diplomatic partnerships to better adapt to geopolitical shifts. The second assessment will look at how to improve the nation’s aid and development efforts, ensuring that its contributions are effective.

Finally, the final review will look into how to better align Britain’s foreign policy with its economic and trade goals, maximising gains across all sectors.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said: “These reviews will help us shape a comprehensive strategy that increases the UK’s global impact, fosters international growth, and ensures that development and diplomacy work together seamlessly.”

Since taking office in July, the Labour government has emphasised long-term peace and security in the Middle East as a top foreign policy goal.

On Tuesday, Turkey will discuss the Israeli war in Gaza and regional relations during the Arab League ministerial meeting in Cairo for the first time in 13 years. While Turkey has condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza and supported efforts to accuse Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, its relationship with the Arab League has been strained.

Despite better relations with Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Ankara remains at odds with other members, most notably Syria. Turkey’s participation in a joint contact group formed by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) attempts to bring an end to the Gaza conflict. The invitation issued to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan demonstrates increased interest in Turkey’s regional role and the deepening of ties with Arab League countries, according to the source.

To address ongoing regional difficulties, Turkey aspires to strengthen institutional ties and promote collaboration with the Arab League.

Meanwhile, Ankara and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are in talks to finalise a free-trade agreement by the end of the year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Islamic nations to form a united front against Israel’s “expansionism.”

Turkey last attended an Arab League conference in 2011, when then-Prime Minister Erdogan addressed the organisation in Cairo.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited AEM Holdings Ltd., a renowned semiconductor business, to explore partnerships in the semiconductor and electronics industries. Modi emphasised India’s growing presence in the sector and expressed his commitment to increasing possibilities for young people.

“Semiconductors and technology are critical for India-Singapore cooperation. “I look forward to working with you to grow this industry,” PM Modi said on X. Both leaders were briefed on AEM’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain, and they discussed strategies to increase India-Singapore cooperation in advanced manufacturing.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two prime ministers also met with Indian and Singaporean interns from the CII-Enterprise Singapore India Ready Talent Programme, as well as Indian engineers employed by AEM. Modi emphasised the need to promote human potential and creativity through such initiatives.

The Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association presented its ecosystem, highlighting possible collaborations with India. During the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, both countries decided to strengthen cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing. A Memorandum of Understanding for the India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership was also inked.

Modi encouraged Singaporean firms to join SEMICON India 2024, which will be held in Greater Noida in September, highlighting India’s commitment to the sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Singaporean CEOs and other prominent business leaders to explore opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. He asserted that he believes India’s reforms to boost investment and innovation will strengthen bilateral ties.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Interacted with top business leaders and CEOs in Singapore. We discussed ways to enhance economic linkages, focusing on reforms that will encourage investment and innovation.”

Goh Chok Tong, Singapore’s Emeritus Senior Minister and former prime minister was also a guest of honour during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. They discussed the potential for increased cooperation between India and Singapore in length. To ignite the “India Fever” in Singapore, PM Modi praised Goh’s expertise and acknowledged his value to the country.

The most important result of the visit was the opening of an Invest India Office in Singapore, which will assist investors from Singapore in a variety of industries. The program, according to Jaideep Mazumdar, MEA Secretary East, is well-timed because it gives CEOs a better understanding of the investment climate in India.

In addition, four MOUs were inked, addressing collaboration in the areas of digital technologies, education, healthcare, talent development, and semiconductors.

Thailand received a new cabinet after King Maha Vajiralongkorn confirmed 35 members led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday. Paetongtarn took office on August 16, following Srettha Thavisin’s removal after a court determined that he broke ethical regulations by choosing a Cabinet member with a criminal record. Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in 2006 but remains prominent in politics.

Paetongtarn leads the Pheu Thai Party, which took power after the Senate rejected the Move Forward Party’s prime minister nominee despite having a majority in last year’s election. The new Cabinet includes Deputy Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul, Pichai Chunhavajira, and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, all of whom were part of Srettha’s ministry.

After the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party left the government, there was discussion about the next cabinet’s composition. The Democrat Party, Pheu Thai’s long-time opponent, has entered the government, with leader Chalermchai Sri-on designated Natural Resources Minister. Thaksin’s ousting in 2006 sparked a protracted political battle between his loyalists and conservative groups.

Srettha’s demise necessitated a thorough screening of Paetongtarn’s selections. Notably, Srettha’s Deputy Interior Minister, who was previously accused of murder, was replaced by his daughter, and Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, a convicted drug trafficker, also lost his seat.

During his first bilateral visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that relations between the two countries will be elevated to an “Enhanced Partnership.” At a banquet celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah invited PM Modi to highlight the strong historical ties between the two countries.

PM Modi emphasised the importance of increasing economic, scientific, and strategic collaboration. He and the Sultan discussed long-term LNG cooperation and agreed to strengthen partnership in the space sector through satellite development and remote sensing. They also announced the start of direct flights between the two countries to increase connectivity.

PM Modi also discussed future cooperation in agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, technology, and cybersecurity. Training and capacity building will be the primary emphasis of partnership in the defence sector. The Prime Minister commended Brunei’s “Vision 2035” growth strategy and recognised the Indian community’s substantial contributions.

During his visit, he underlined India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and the Indo-Pacific agenda, emphasising compliance with international norms such as UNCLOS. PM Modi also inaugurated the Indian High Commission’s new Chancery in Bandar Seri Begawan and paid a visit to the Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi visited Ankara on Wednesday for the first time in 12 years to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking a significant step towards normalising relations between Egypt and Turkey after a decade of conflict. The leaders will co-chair the inaugural session of the High-Level Strategic Collaboration Council, which aims to improve bilateral collaboration.

According to the Turkish presidency, the summit would evaluate all aspects of Egypt-Turkey relations and discuss new ways to strengthen the partnership. Several agreements are expected to be reached throughout the negotiations. In addition to bilateral talks, the leaders will discuss major regional and global concerns, such as Israeli attacks in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

This visit follows Erdogan’s journey to Cairo in February, which signalled a thaw in relations after years of enmity. Tensions between the two countries rose in 2013 following the ouster of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a close friend of Turkey’s government. Both countries expelled their ambassadors as relations deteriorated.

Efforts to repair ties began in 2020 when Turkey sought to improve relations with regional rivals such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The warming in relations reflects broader regional realignments, as both governments seek greater stability and collaboration.

On Thursday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss ways to boost post-Brexit cooperation with Europe. Paris was the second stop on Starmer’s tour of key EU capitals, after Berlin, when he launched treaty talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Macron greeted Starmer warmly with a hug and a handshake, signalling a positive start to their conversations.

France, like Germany, is an important security partner for the United Kingdom, with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and one of Western Europe’s nuclear-armed states. Both countries have shown strong support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion. However, migrant crossings from France to the UK continue to be a sensitive subject.

Despite continuous cooperation between respective security agencies, migrant arrivals in the UK have hit a new high this year, with 13,500 arriving in the first six months alone.

Starmer intends to strengthen EU connections, to sign a pact with Germany by the end of the year. However, obstacles remain as Scholz’s weak coalition prepares for regional elections and Macron grapples with parliamentary deadlock caused by a hung parliament.

On Thursday, France’s President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to Belgrade to boost ties with Serbia and encourage it to align with the European Union, as Serbia attempts to strike a balance between the EU, Russia, and China. During his two-day visit, Macron met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to discuss a variety of issues, including the purchase of France’s Rafale fighter jets, energy cooperation, and advances in AI.

This is Macron’s second meeting with Vucic this year, following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Belgrade in May, highlighting Serbia’s key location on the EU’s outskirts. In an op-ed in Serbia’s Politika daily, Macron emphasised that Serbia’s independence could be secured “only under the auspices of the EU,” dismissing the idea of Serbia navigating its course between the global powers.

While the EU is Serbia’s largest investor, the country has been unwilling to impose sanctions on Russia, despite cutting military cooperation following the invasion of Ukraine. Serbia’s military uses Soviet technology but also incorporates Western equipment, such as France’s Mistral missiles. Serbia strives to diversify its energy sources, although it remains highly reliant on Russian gas.

Vucic noted ongoing negotiations with Macron about future energy and AI cooperation and prospective bilateral agreements.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed in Berlin to pursue an ambitious bilateral treaty aimed at re-establishing UK-EU relations. This treaty will address issues ranging from defence to trade and try to move beyond the strained ties that existed under the previous Conservative government.

Starmer, who assumed office last month, emphasised the significance of repairing partnerships with European allies to help Britain’s economy develop.

The proposed pact aims to improve collaboration in science, technology, business, and culture while expanding trade. However, Starmer noted that this reset does not imply reversing Brexit or rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union, but rather forging greater cooperation on a variety of fronts, including the economic and defence.

Germany applauded the initiative, recognising the UK’s critical role in addressing Europe’s difficulties.

Following a joint announcement in July, the two nations hope to finalise the cooperation treaty early next year, as well as a new defence deal. Concerns over a potential drop in US military backing for Ukraine, particularly if former US President Donald Trump is re-elected, are also fuelling calls for closer Anglo-German defence collaboration.

Starmer intends to improve connections with France by engaging with President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders during his visit to Paris.