Diplomacy
Leaders and officials of 10 APEC economies arrive in Gyeongju
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Leaders and top delegates from 10 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies have arrived in Gyeongju, South Korea, ahead of the 2025 summit. U.S. President Donald Trump's visit highlights bilateral talks and a special banquet hosted by President Lee Jae Myung. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to honor Korean War veterans at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan.
Trump arrives in South Korea for summits with Lee and Xi
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday from Japan for high-stakes summits with President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Gyeongju. This marks Trump's first Asia trip in his second term, focused on securing trade and investment deals amid market turmoil and tariff threats. The Korea-U.S. summit will center on finalizing a July framework trade agreement.
Egyptian PM welcomes Kuwaiti counterpart at Cairo airport
October 30, 2025 15:06Ramaphosa reaffirms commitment to strengthen SA-Switzerland relations
October 30, 2025 12:44Egypt's foreign minister reaffirms support for UN efforts in Middle East
October 29, 2025 22:02Kuwaiti prime minister arrives in Cairo for economic talks
October 29, 2025 19:59Assault case reinstated against ex-ambassador's wife
October 29, 2025 06:59Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers hold first phone talks since new cabinet launch
October 28, 2025 22:52North Korea tests nuclear-capable missiles despite Trump overtures
October 28, 2025 00:28France quietly resumes Gazan evacuations
Philippines takes over ASEAN chairmanship at Malaysia summit
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
The Philippines officially assumed the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on October 28, 2025, at the close of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the handover from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, setting the stage for Manila to host key meetings in 2026. Marcos expressed hopes to invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manila if South China Sea code of conduct talks conclude successfully by then.
Timor-Leste officially becomes 11th ASEAN member at 47th summit
Timor-Leste has been officially admitted as the 11th member of ASEAN during the 47th Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao appeared emotional as leaders, including President Prabowo Subianto, signed the admission declaration. This membership marks a new chapter for Southeast Asia.
Takaichi and Trump hold first summit in Tokyo
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first in-person summit at Tokyo's State Guest House on October 28, 2025, agreeing to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. The leaders discussed enhancing defense capabilities, economic ties, and steady implementation of tariff agreements, and met with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. They later visited the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka to address American servicemen.
Japan emphasizes financial and food security ties at ASEAN summits
At ASEAN-related summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed her commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in her diplomatic debut. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, attending Monday's meetings, stressed cooperation on financial sectors and food security with ASEAN, China, and South Korea. Takaichi left late Sunday to prepare for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Japan.
Takaichi and Lee vow to strengthen ties in first summit
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung held their first summit on October 30 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, pledging to strengthen ties strained by wartime history. The leaders emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States amid rapidly changing global dynamics. The meeting follows recent summits with U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting efforts to address trade and security challenges.
South Africa signals economic revival amid US diplomatic thaw
South Africa's economy shows positive signs with growth exceeding 1% and removal from the FATF Grey List, while diplomatic ties with the US under the Trump administration begin to improve. Speculation surrounds the appointment of a new ambassador to Washington, and a US ambassador-designate expressed willingness to reset relations despite longstanding grievances. However, challenges like trade barriers and political disputes persist.
UN general assembly approves resolution against blockade on cuba
The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution demanding an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba, with 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions. This vote marks the worst diplomatic support for Cuba in the history of these annual resolutions. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez described it as a victory for his country.
Al-Sisi reaffirms Egypt’s commitment to religious freedom in WCC meeting
President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with a delegation from the World Council of Churches on Tuesday, reaffirming Egypt's firm commitment to protecting freedom of worship and belief, and strengthening interfaith dialogue as a cornerstone for tolerance, coexistence, and peace. The meeting was attended by Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. It highlighted Egypt's diplomatic efforts in global conflicts.
Trump says U.S.–South Korea trade deal is ‘pretty much finalized’ in Gyeongju ahead of Xi meeting
Petra Hartmann Fact checked
On October 29, 2025, President Donald Trump said in Gyeongju that the United States and South Korea had essentially finalized a trade agreement as APEC events got underway, and he voiced optimism about a planned meeting with China’s Xi Jinping amid fraught tariff talks.
North Korea test-fires cruise missiles ahead of Trump's South Korea visit
North Korea announced on Wednesday that it test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea the previous day, a provocation timed just before U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Trump expressed a desire to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his October 29-30 trip, but North Korea's silence has fueled speculation that such a meeting is unlikely.