Australia and Singapore boost energy security ties as Middle East tensions strain fuel supplies
Australia and Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security as global fuel markets come under strain from disruption linked to the...
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met in Baghdad on Tuesday with Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to review security cooperation and future counterterrorism efforts.
A statement from al-Sudani’s office said the talks covered “various aspects of the security and military relationship between Iraq and the U.S., progress in the fight against terrorism, and follow-up on the joint declaration of September 2024,” with both sides reaffirming their commitment to all provisions of the agreement.
On 27 September 2024, Washington and Baghdad agreed to end the U.S.-led coalition’s mission against Daesh/ISIS in Iraq within 12 months, transitioning to bilateral security arrangements by the end of September 2025.
The leaders pledged continued support for Iraqi forces and sustained pressure on the terror group under the new framework.
Sudani and Cooper stressed “the importance of continued dialogue on joint security cooperation at the bilateral level, along with broader discussions on developing the partnership.”
The Iraqi premier said the partnership with Washington has “yielded important results for both countries and contributed to enhancing security and stability locally, regionally, and internationally.”
Cooper praised Iraq as “a model of successful counterterrorism cooperation” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to “building on past achievements, advancing security cooperation, and strengthening strategic communication.”
The U.S. currently has around 2,500 troops in Iraq. The coalition, formed in 2014 to combat ISIS, includes partners such as France and Spain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has given an instruction for Israel to begin peace talks with Lebanon that would also include the disarming of Hezbollah.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Amid fragile calm, António Guterres urged constructive U.S.- Iran talks, while Pope Leo XIV warned violence is spreading. Lebanon's President said an Israeli strike killed 13 security personnel in Nabatieh.
Memorial events were held in Tehran’s main squares on Wednesday (8 April) to mark the 40th day since the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during U.S.-Israeli attacks on 28 February.
Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.
Israeli and Lebanese envoys are set to meet in Washington on Tuesday in a rare U.S.-driven diplomatic effort to halt escalating violence between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
Myanmar’s newly installed president, Min Aung Hlaing, has said his government faces major challenges and must work to restore the country’s international standing, including rebuilding strained ties with Southeast Asia after years of isolation.
An Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing regional tensions, as Pakistan urged all sides to engage constructively. Meanwhile, the United States and Lebanon called on Israel to pause its attacks ahead of planned negotiations.
Afghanistan’s foreign ministry says the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged continued cooperation after talks in Kabul on aid coordination, bilateral ties and job creation.
Uzbekistan is advancing plans to reduce the state’s role in the economy while introducing a VAT refund system for foreign visitors, as part of broader efforts to attract investment and boost tourism.
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