International Diplomacy

US and Russia begin talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine

The US and Russia are beginning talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are in Riyadh for discussions Washington says will find out if Moscow is 'serious' about an end to the conflict. Neither Ukraine nor any European nations have been invited to the talks.

18 February, 2025

Business / Economics

Japan’s prime minister Ishiba to meet President Trump this week amid tariff concerns

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will hold his first summit with US President Donald Trump on Friday in Washington. This comes as government officials in Japan are concerned that President Trump may expand his tariff policy. Rebecca Bundhun reports from Tokyo.

3 February, 2025

World

G7 leaders focus on Syrian transition and Ukraine support in discussions

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has echoed calls made by Group of Seven nation leaders in support of an inclusive and non-sectarian government in Syria. It follows a virtual meeting on Friday during which they discussed developments in the Middle East and continued support for Ukraine. Caroline Malone is in Washington for us:

16 December, 2024

World

UN special envoy says “tough times” lie ahead for Syrians

The United Nations special envoy to Syria says nothing "must stop" Syria's peaceful transition. Geir Pedersen briefed reporters on Tuesday and says while great opportunity lies ahead for the people of Syria, there are also some grave risks. Jody Jacobs reports for us from the United Nations headquarters in New York.

11 December, 2024

Africa

Nigeria Seeks South Africa’s Support to Join G20 and BRICS

The Nigerian government has officially requested South Africa's endorsement for its bid to join the G20 and BRICS groups of leading economies. According to Duetsche Welle, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the request during bi-annual talks in Cape Town. South Africa, which recently assumed the G20 presidency, has welcomed Nigeria's request. The move highlights the ongoing political and economic rivalry between the two nations.

5 December, 2024

World

UN Security Council convenes urgent meeting on Syria

The United Nations Security Council has convened an urgent meeting to discuss the ongoing escalation of violence in Syria. Renewed fighting surged last week led by the terrorist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and other armed factions which according to the UN has destabilised the frontlines. Our corrspondent Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations in New York.

4 December, 2024

World

Trump to attend Notre Dame reopening in Paris

Donald Trump will travel to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral, his first foreign trip since the US election. The visit comes amid uncertainty over the US president-elect's future relationship with traditional European allies. Ira Spitzer reports.

4 December, 2024

World

China blasts US arms sale to Taiwan

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te kicks off his second day in the United States as China fumes over the stopover that is part of a weeklong Pacific tour to drum up support for the island China also vowed "resolute countermeasures" on Sunday to a recently approved U.S. arms sale to Taiwan. Laura Westbrook reports.

2 December, 2024

Africa

Resolute Mining CEO and Employees Remain Detained in Mali

Resolute Mining's CEO, Terence Holohan, along with two other employees, remained detained in Mali on Thursday, according to diplomatic sources. According to Reuters, the Australian company confirmed on Sunday that the trio had been temporarily detained by government officials in the military-led nation. No further updates have been provided on their situation.

15 November, 2024