Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Indonesia to strengthen economic and defense ties. He emphasized the importance of the relationship, highlighting Indonesia's projected economic growth. Both leaders lauded growing cooperation, including Australia's support for Indonesia's OECD and trade partnership aspirations. A historic Defense Cooperation Agreement was also spotlighted, enabling enhanced joint activities in maritime security, counterterrorism, and disaster relief.
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Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, detained in Turkey for allegedly "insulting" President Erdogan, has been released and is returning to Sweden, according to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Medin was arrested upon arrival in Istanbul while covering protests sparked by the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and faced additional charges of belonging to a terror organization, which he denied.
Rights groups and NGOs are dragging the UK government to court on Tuesday accusing it of breaching international law by supplying fighter jet parts to Israel amid the war in Gaza. The new Labour government suspended around 30 licences following a review of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law, but the partial ban did not cover British-made parts for the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets.
Donald Trump called for strict sanctions against Iran. He expressed hope for a nuclear agreement during a summit with Gulf Arab leaders in Riyadh. Trump conditioned any deal on Iran ceasing terror sponsorship and halting nuclear weapons pursuit. The US has already imposed sanctions on entities linked to Iran's oil and nuclear sectors.
Prime Minister Modi visited the Adampur airbase in Punjab, interacting with IAF personnel following Operation Sindoor. He lauded the armed forces' service, days after Pakistan targeted the base, which houses the S-400 system and MiG-29s. Wing Commander Singh refuted Pakistan's claims of destroying the S-400. The base, vital in past conflicts, now supports regional connectivity with a civil airport.
Serbian students concluded their ultra marathon from Novi Sad to Brussels, advocating for democracy and accountability in Serbia. They met with EU officials to highlight issues back home, where protests have been ongoing for months. The EU has criticized Serbia's government, withholding aid due to unmet reform obligations, while students push for fair elections.
Karsten Wildberger is appointed to lead Germany's new Ministry for Digitalization. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this surprising decision. Wildberger, formerly of Ceconomy, faces comparisons to Elon Musk. He aims to modernize Germany's digital infrastructure. Wildberger plans to cut regulations. He will focus on efficiency and citizen-oriented services. His success depends on collaboration with state governments.
President Zelenskyy announced he will be in Ankara awaiting Putin for peace talks, a move supported by the US, while Russia remains noncommittal. Ukraine insists on a ceasefire before negotiations, amidst ongoing drone attacks and battlefield preparations. International pressure mounts for a resolution, with European nations discussing further sanctions against Russia.
Delegations from Ukraine and Russia have reached Turkey for peace discussions. This occurs as the war continues. Russia claims to have captured two villages. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Vladimir Putin's absence. He called the Russian delegation a 'dummy'. Russia responded by calling Zelenskyy a 'clown'. Talks are a restart of previous negotiations.
The FDA has approved the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine, but with restrictions, limiting its use to older adults and those over 12 with high-risk medical conditions. This decision follows debates among CDC advisors about targeting Covid shots to the most vulnerable. The new limitations signal a potentially more restrictive approach from the FDA, influenced by skepticism towards vaccines.
US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia amidst efforts to lift sanctions crippling Syria's economy. Sharaa's rise after the overthrow of Assad's regime is complicated by his past al-Qaeda ties and recent violence against Alawites. Despite these challenges, he seeks US support and international recognition, having recently met French President Macron.