Italy and France reaffirm unity on Middle East and Ukraine crises
In a show of diplomatic unity, Italian and French foreign ministers met in Rome to address global crises, calling for urgent ceasefires and coordinate...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. G7 concludes with no Japan-U.S. trade breakthrough
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Tuesday that Japan and the United States have not reached a comprehensive tariff agreement, with key disagreements persisting between the two economic powers.
Speaking to reporters in Calgary, Ishiba emphasized Japan's commitment to securing a trade deal that is mutually beneficial while staunchly safeguarding its national interests. A central point of contention remains the 25% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Japanese auto imports, a measure Ishiba stated is significantly impacting Japanese companies, particularly in the automotive sector, and has broader implications for the global economy.
2. Trump speaks with Netanyahu after crucial meeting on Israel-Iran conflict
President Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening after meeting with his national security team about the escalating war between Israel and Iran, an Israeli official told Axios.
3. China's Xi signs treaty to elevate ties with Central Asia
China President Xi Jinping signed a treaty to elevate ties with Central Asian nations on Tuesday, as Beijing looks to further deepen cooperation on trade, energy and infrastructure with the resource-rich region.
Since Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing has been stepping up efforts to boost economic links with Central Asian nations traditionally within Russia's sphere of influence, drawn by their strategic location and energy resources.
4. In Bonn, parties fail to reach agreement on Global Stocktake’s call to transition away from fossil fuels
The climate community met in Bonn for the June Climate Meetings, preparing for COP30. On the first day, civil society protests highlighted urgent climate action. Disagreements over agenda items, including trade restrictions and climate finance, delayed the meeting. The EU advocated for broader finance discussions. The meeting resumed on June 17.
A workshop on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) featured 490 indicators, focusing on vulnerable groups and avoiding increased reporting burdens. Delegates discussed a new gender action plan, economic diversification, workforce transition, and a pilot project converting a disused mine into a hydroponic farm. Fossil fuel transitions elicited mixed intentions.
5. Ukraine war latest: Massive Russian attack kills 22, injures 134 in Kyiv
At least 22 people have been killed and at least 134 others injured after a mass Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on June 17.
Ukraine's National Police initially reported 15 dead and 124 injured in the attack, but Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko later revised the death toll to 10. The State Emergency Service subsequently updated the figure to 16 as of 11 p.m. on July 17.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was successfully held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, highlighting the region’s revival and the deepening economic cooperation among member states.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
The U.S. is set to support Lebanon’s military readiness with a $100 million deal to sustain A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, enhancing the Lebanese Armed Forces’ ability to uphold the recent ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
The U.S. unexpectedly recorded a $27 billion budget surplus in June, reversing last year’s deficit. This improvement reflects stronger customs collections and significant cuts in education spending amid ongoing fiscal challenges.
Norway could soon receive a major boost to its airborne defence, as Washington signals readiness to expand military cooperation through a new high-value arms deal.
Top military officials from South Korea, the United States, and Japan held talks in Seoul and urged North Korea to stop activities that destabilise the region, as the three allies conducted a joint air exercise on South Korea’s southern Jeju island.
President Donald Trump toured flood-hit areas in Texas and expanded federal disaster assistance to eight more counties.
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