South Korean President-elect Lee Jae-myeon and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a phone conversation to discuss measures to boost bilateral ties. According to reports, the South Korean presidential spokesman and the Japanese Foreign Ministry both acknowledged the call. The discussion followed both leaders' expressions of interest in continuing coordination on issues related to North Korea. President Lee, who was elected last week as a left-leaning leader, stated that pragmatism will be essential to his diplomatic strategy. He emphasised the significance of continuing security co
Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs in the UAE Federal National Council (FNC), met with Senator Davi Alcolumbre, President of the Senate of the Federative Republic of Brazil, during the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at the National Congress in Brasilia. Sara Falaknaz, a FNC member, and Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, the UAE Ambassador to Brazil, attended the meeting. Senator Alcolumbre praised the UAE parliamentary delegation's active involvement and stressed the importance of strong parliamentary connections that promote bilateral cooperatio
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid his first official visit to the Philippines and met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both leaders indicated strong support for increased regional cooperation on renewable energy. They promised to accelerate development on the ASEAN Power Grid and increase attempts to use carbon markets to drive long-term economic growth. At a joint news conference, President Marcos appreciated Singapore for its support following last year's typhoon disasters and reaffirmed both countries' commitment to climate adaptation actions, although particular measures w
The Philippine and US militaries recently conducted their seventh joint maritime drills in the South China Sea. This drill, meant to improve mutual collaboration and interoperability, took place in the waters off the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Zambales, avoiding any disputed maritime features. According to an official release, the marine cooperative activity (MCA) sought to strengthen both countries' commitment to international law and regional security. The joint drills included coordinated operations near shorelines and fire support exercises, demonstrating the increased collabo
India and the US are engaged in high-level negotiations in New Delhi to finalise an interim trade deal, with the focus on tariff reductions in agriculture and automobiles. A senior US delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative began two days of closed-door discussions with Indian trade officials, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, according to government sources. Talks are centred on tariff cuts and proposed benefits for Indian businesses, with an announcement expected by the end of the month, ahead of President Trump's July 9 deadline, according to one offic
The UAE has strengthened its position in the regional defence industry by negotiating a contract for AED 9 billion ($2.45 billion) with Kuwait's Ministry of Defence. EDGE, the UAE's advanced technology and defence group, announced an agreement to supply Kuwait with Falaj 3 class 62-meter missile boats, increasing Kuwait's naval capabilities. Although the exact number of vessels is unknown, EDGE confirms it is the region's largest-ever naval shipbuilding export. As the prime contractor, EDGE will be in charge of the whole project, from design and construction to sea trials and delivery. The
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Abu Dhabi, renewing their call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. During high-level discussions at Qasr Al Shati, they emphasised the significance of stepping up efforts to achieve a "just and comprehensive peace" based on a two-state solution, highlighting the international community's essential role in advancing this aim. Sheikh Mohamed and President El Sisi also discussed ways to strengthen the UAE's long-standing collaboration with Egypt, demonstrating their commitment to preserving strong
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, to discuss ways to boost bilateral trade ties. The conversation focused on capitalising on India's tremendous prospects in the maritime sector, which has been designated as a significant growth area. Goyal emphasised that improving commercial connections with Singapore is consistent with India's overall aims of global economic integration and sectoral growth. The minister, who is now on an official visit to France, is meeting with European leaders and bus
Thailand has strengthened its medical ties with Bahrain and Indonesia through strategic Memorandums of Understanding. The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University recently signed an agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). The agreement, inked on May 23rd, aims to expand educational, research, and clinical prospects for the two major institutions. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, both suppo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s 81st Annual General Meeting, which took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This significant occasion marks the return of the IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) to India after 42 years, the last being held in 1983. The summit, which runs from June 1 to June 3, has drawn over 1,600 people, including global aviation CEOs, top officials, and members of the international media. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised India's position as the world's third-lar