Australia and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark 50-year treaty to cement their partnership under the AUKUS nuclear submarine programme.
The agreement, known as the Geelong Treaty, was signed in the Australian city of Geelong and is set to reshape the countries’ long-term maritime defence strategy.
The treaty underpins joint efforts to develop and operate a new class of nuclear-powered submarines. Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called it one of the most significant agreements between the two nations since Federation. Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey said it would build the most advanced attack submarines either country has ever had, strengthen NATO and bolster security in the Indo-Pacific.
The AUKUS pact, first announced in 2021, also involves the United States. Its goal is to enhance security in the Indo-Pacific, widely seen as a response to China’s growing influence. The project remains under review after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an assessment to ensure it aligns with his “America First” agenda, though bipartisan support in Washington continues.
Australia has reaffirmed its commitment with a further $525 million payment to the U.S., while the UK is expanding its submarine industry to meet AUKUS goals. The Geelong Treaty marks a decisive step forward despite ongoing debates over the pact’s future.
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.
Kuwaiti authorities have detained U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has not been seen for six weeks, according to a media watchdog, as Gulf states intensify a crackdown on war-related filming and online posts.
Baku has hosted a major regional conference focused on strengthening the role of women in economic development, leadership and sustainability across Asia.
Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has warned that the ongoing regional conflict could escalate further, describing the Iran–U.S. ceasefire as “fragile.”
A preliminary round of Lebanon-Israel talks has concluded in Washington, marking a tentative diplomatic step as regional tensions rise. The development comes as the United States launches a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Greenland’s prime minister has appointed his predecessor to oversee foreign affairs, as pressure from Washington intensifies over the Arctic island’s future.
Spain’s plan to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants is facing early resistance, with immigration officers warning they may strike over a lack of preparation and resources.
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.
A now-deleted artificial intelligence (AI) generated image by the U.S. President has sparked immense backlash across the political divide. It comes as Trump and the Pope continue their fued over the U.S.-led war in the Middle East.
France is set to vote on a controversial law targeting what it calls “new forms” of antisemitism, sparking sharp divisions and raising concerns over free speech, criticism of Israel and the protection of Jewish communities.
Hungary’s election winner, Péter Magyar, said on Wednesday his cabinet could be sworn in by mid-May, with Magyar taking office as prime minister, and pledged swift action to unlock billions in suspended European Union funding.
A former NATO chief and senior figure the UK's ruling Labour Party has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing his government of failing to adequately fund defence.
Russia has signalled it is ready to increase energy supplies to China, underscoring deepening ties between the two powers ahead of an expected visit by President Vladimir Putin.
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