live UN halts Strait of Hormuz escort operations after reported attack on cargo ship
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near...
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s first visit to Malaysia in 30 years sealed a raft of deals on energy, halal industry and tourism. Both nations say the trip launches a “strategic partnership” to match their fast-growing economies.
Zhaparov’s journey to Kuala Lumpur, the first by a Kyrgyz leader since the 1990s, followed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s 2024 stop in Bishkek and produced a joint statement on forging a strategic partnership. Trade has already surged six-fold to $9.4 million in early 2025, led by Kyrgyz gold exports, and fresh agreements cover tourism, healthcare, digital tech and youth policy.
Bishkek invited Malaysian capital and know-how for its flagship Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower project and dozens of small HPPs, while Kuala Lumpur will work with Kyrgyz agencies to build halal parks and expand food exports. Lawmakers pledged closer inter-parliamentary ties, and business leaders signed MOUs spanning a halal meat park, gold sales and clean-energy ventures.
Both sides now focus on turning the paperwork into projects, with Zhaparov inviting Anwar to Kyrgyzstan for a follow-up visit.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Japan's northeast coast on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued, no injuries were immediately reported and no irregularities were found at nuclear facilities, the authorities said.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to seven years in prison on Friday (26 June) after a court found her guilty of accepting luxury gifts in return for political favours.
At least 235 people have been confirmed dead one day after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped under rubble and tens of thousands are unaccounted for, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Power was fully or partly cut across the Russian-held part of Ukraine’s Kherson region early on Friday (26 June), according to the Moscow-installed governor Vladimir Saldo.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has warned Ukraine not to try to draw his country into the war, saying any such move would change the conflict "instantly".
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