Weekly Roundup

Welcome to a brand new week!

Here The Diplomatic Insight’s “Weekly Roundup” brings you its compelling publications and extensive coverage from across the globe, published within a week.?

Europe

Reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing the Sahel Region in its foreign policy, Belgium adopted Integrated Strategy for the Sahel Region. It would help the two foster collaboration and also achieve shared objectives of security, human rights, and the rule of law, among others.

On the sidelines of the NATO Summit, the Canadian Prime Minister met with the New Zealand counterpart and the Turkish President. He expressed his gratitude to New Zealand for its support in fighting the wildfires in Canada while emphasizing the need for a collective effort to deal with the consequences of climate change globally. On the other hand, he applauded Turkey’s decision to accept Sweden's accession to NATO while reaffirming the firm commitment of both states to enhancing mutual collaboration.

South Asia- Eurasia

Pakistan and China celebrated the 10th anniversary of CPEC, a landmark agreement aimed at the socio-economic transformation of both countries. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif addressed the ceremony, highlighting the project's transformative impact while stressing continuous efforts to tap its full potential.?

Moreover, embarking on the path of mutual collaboration in climate change and renewable energy resources, Pakistan and UAE discussed bilateral, regional, and global climate change issues. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for UAE’s COP28 presidency.?

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif virtually participated in the first high-level forum on Global Development Initiative (GDI),? stressing the importance of international cooperation for socioeconomic development, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable development and prosperity.??

Whereas to address the issues of religious hatred, such as the rising incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran, UNHRC commenced urgent debate on religious hatred. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto emphasized the importance of mutual respect, tolerance, and international collaboration to deal with acts of religious hatred while addressing virtually at the debate.?

After another landmark victory, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev continued his tenure till 2030. This marks the firm commitment of the President and the trust of its people in him for Uzbekistan's development and prosperity. The new era of the President has begun with renewed hope and the relentless commitment of the President to serve in the best interests of his people.?

East Asia

To alleviate the tensions between two economically interdependent global powers and to ensure fair trade practices and competition for Americans, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen paid a visit to China.? The two sides conducted discussions to promote cooperation and shared interests in the economic sector.

Additionally, after a year into his Presidency, the Sri Lankan President embarked on his first visit to China to attract investments for different projects and foster trade collaboration between the two sides in order to fulfill the goal of sustainable development of Sri Lanka.

Middle East

Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Fuad Hussein, in a meeting with diplomatic staff of the Iraqi embassy following the NAM meeting, appreciated the efforts of the consular section in providing services to the Iraqi community. Moreover, the staff also underlined the importance of the adoption of values such as political openness and international integration, noting their positive impacts on Iraqi diplomacy.

Furthermore, the UAE Foreign Minister held discussions with the US Secretary General, where both expressed firm commitment to peace in Yemen and humanitarian assistance to? Syria along with reaffirming their determination to ensure regional peace and stability.

Americas

The US Secretary of State discussed the Ukraine and Russian conflict with the South African Foreign Minister while appreciating the peace efforts by the seven-nation delegation of African leaders. Secretary Blinken also highlighted the US's efforts in supporting Ukrainian independence and territorial integrity.?

Whereas, after ending decades of relationship with Taiwan, Honduras has negotiated a Free Trade Agreement with China to foster economic and commercial ties and strengthen existing relations with China.

Africa

During a three-day visit to Ghana, President Hakainde Hichilema, the President of Zambia met with Nana Akufo Addo, the President of Ghana to strengthen the ties between the two countries. Moreover, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to increase exports, tourism, cultural activities, youth development, science, and technology.

Later on, on the occasion of the 50th Independence Day, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame received Bahama's highest honor, the Order of Excellence. He expressed his gratitude and highlighted the development of the Bahamas since its independence under the management of skilled leaders.

Multilateral Institutions?

During the inauguration ceremony of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Union Commission, discussed Spain’s upcoming plans for the month with EU commissioners. The main priority areas set by the Spanish President include EU green energy transition, reindustrialization, social and economic justice, and consolidation of European unity.

During the 44th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors meeting (ASEFBoG44), Ekkaphab Phanthavong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) along with delegates from across Asia and Europe, explored the expansion of cultural and people-to-people connections through Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) initiatives. The high-level meeting served as a platform to devise strategies to enhance cross-regional ties.

On the other hand, the European Union (EU) and New Zealand have officially signed their Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement includes substantial reductions in duties for EU companies and a projected increase in bilateral trade of up to 30% within a decade.?

Furthermore, both the EU and New Zealand have pledged to uphold the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement and core labour rights, demonstrating their shared commitment to environmental responsibility and social progress.?

During a two-day ministerial meeting of the coordination Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), several important documents were adopted. The meeting highlighted the successes and developments of NAM over the years, from the development of the NAM Parliamentary Network and the Youth organization to the recent membership of South Sudan.

Lastly, during the press conference held for the ASEAN-Japan Special Meeting of Justice Ministers (AJSMJ), Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), discussed the key issues, including combating transnational crimes, promoting human rights, and sharing best practices in judicial reforms.?

Furthermore, collaborative initiatives were agreed upon to combat emerging challenges such as cybercrime, terrorism, and money laundering.

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