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Ukraine and Germany have agreed on a strategic defence partnership that will enhance cooperation in drone production and bolster Kyiv's air defences. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the deal at a news conference in Berlin.The partnership will grant Germany access to Ukraine's advanced drone technology, developed during its conflict with Russia, in exchange for additional military support from Germany. This cooperation will cover various types of drones, missiles, software, and modern defence systems.In a joint declaration, the two countries stated they will strengthen cooperation in the air defence field. Germany will support Ukraine's drone industry and establish drone co-production ventures. The German defence ministry has agreed to fund contracts for several hundred Patriot missiles from the United States, which Ukraine urgently needs to counter nightly Russian drone and missile attacks.Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude to his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, for the package, which he valued at four billion euros ($4.7 billion). This funding will provide a massive boost for Ukraine's air defence, protecting its cities and critical infrastructure.Ukraine currently has the production capacity to manufacture twice as much military equipment as it is deploying but lacks the necessary funding. President Zelenskyy emphasized that financial constraints hinder Ukraine's ability to scale up production.German Chancellor Merz noted that the deal is mutually beneficial, citing Ukraine's battle-tested military as a valuable asset for European security. The agreement also includes the exchange of digital combat data for developing new weapons systems.The announcement comes as hopes rise that the European Union may soon provide Ukraine with a 90-billion-euro ($105bn) loan, which was blocked by Hungary last month. With the recent election of Peter Magyar in Hungary, who is expected to reverse this stance, Ukraine's financial prospects are improving.The urgency of Ukraine's need for additional arms was highlighted by a missile attack on the city of Dnipro, which killed four people and injured at least 21. Russian troops have also captured territory in the Dnipropetrovsk region and launched attacks in the city of Kherson.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently engaged in high-stakes diplomacy, hosting United States Vice President JD Vance for talks on the sidelines of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran, marking the highest-level engagement between the two nations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense announced the arrival of a Pakistani military force at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the kingdom's Eastern Province, under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed last year. The SMDA commits both countries to treating any act of aggression against one as an act against both, strengthening joint military coordination and raising operational readiness. This development has underscored Pakistan's delicate balancing act in the midst of a war that has destabilized the global economy and led to attacks and deaths in multiple countries. Pakistan has been a central mediator between the US and Iran, hosting their teams and driving attempts to continue talks after a breakdown in negotiations. However, its commitment to militarily assist Saudi Arabia, a key ally repeatedly hit by Iran, poses significant challenges. Analysts suggest that Pakistan's approach carries both logic and risk, as it attempts to sustain both roles using its commitments under the SMDA to create leverage over Iran and deter further strikes on Saudi installations. The continuation of US-Iran talks is crucial for Pakistan, as hostilities restarting could collapse its strategy and force deeper involvement in the conflict. Experts emphasize that Pakistan's window for playing both mediator and Saudi military ally is narrow, and its military deployment must remain strictly defensive, time-bound, and transparently limited to avoid jeopardizing its relationships with both Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a parliamentary majority for his centrist Liberal government, strengthening his hold on power and allowing him to advance his agenda without relying on opposition support.The Liberals now hold 174 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons of Canada after winning key by-elections in three ridings, or electoral districts, on Monday.In a statement following the victory, Carney signalled that affordability and the economy would remain his central priorities. He added that voters had “placed their trust” in his government.“We accept their support with humility, determination, and a clear understanding of what this moment demands for our country,” Carney said on Tuesday.He also announced that Canada will suspend the federal fuel excise tax on petrol and diesel from April 20 to September 7 to help consumers cope with rising prices. The move, Carney explained, is expected to cut petrol prices by about 10 cents Canadian (US$0.07) a litre and diesel costs by four cents (US$0.03).Analysts say the Liberal majority reflects voter concerns about the economy. A former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney is seen as more fiscally savvy than his predecessors.“He is focused on helping Canada survive the economic turmoil, not remaking society,” said Laura Stephenson, chair of the political science department at the University of Western Ontario. “When we’re in tough times like this, there are different calculations being made.”

Sergey Lavrov touched down in Beijing as Washington intensified its pressure on Iran by attempting to block the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries roughly one‑third of China’s oil imports. The Russian foreign minister was greeted with a red‑carpet reception, according to photos released by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both Beijing and Moscow condemned the United States and Israel over their involvement in the ongoing war on Iran, noting that the conflict has already strained China’s energy supplies. China, a major purchaser of Iranian crude, denounced a newly announced U.S. plan to prohibit vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal waters, calling the measure an unjustified interference with international trade. “The Strait of Hormuz is a vital international trade route for goods and energy, and its security and uninterrupted flow serve the common interest of the global community,” Chinese MFA spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday. According to Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, the U.S. hopes that by choking Iran’s trade it can force China to pressure Tehran into returning to negotiations, given that Beijing imports about a third of its oil from Iran. Lavrov also held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the need to prevent any resurgence of hostilities in the Middle East and reiterating Russia’s “unwavering readiness” to assist in a diplomatic settlement. Araghchi relayed details of recent U.S.–Iran talks in Pakistan, which ended without a breakthrough, underscoring the limited diplomatic progress on the issue. The visit comes as China‑Russia relations have deepened since Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Earlier in the week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Lavrov, agreeing that the two capitals would cooperate to de‑escalate tensions in the region. Beijing’s diplomatic calendar this week also featured meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and an upcoming visit by Vietnamese President To Lam, highlighting China’s active role in global diplomacy despite its low‑profile stance on the Iran conflict. Analysts note that China’s restrained approach allows it to position itself as a “reliable, stable and predictable partner” for states seeking alternatives to U.S. influence, especially given its extensive trade ties with Tehran. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, slated to visit Beijing next month, warned he would impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese goods if China provides military assistance to Iran. The claim followed a CNN report citing U.S. intelligence that China might deliver new air‑defence systems to Tehran. Chinese officials dismissed the report as “completely fabricated” and warned of “resolute counter‑measures” should the United States use it as a pretext for additional tariffs.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem reopened on April 9, allowing over 100,000 Muslim worshippers to perform Friday prayers for the first time since the conflict began on February 28. However, the celebrations were marred by an overwhelming Israeli security presence and police violently detaining Palestinian Christian scouts during processions.Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa compound under police protection on April 7 and 12, performing Jewish religious rituals and declaring himself the 'master of the house.' This move was condemned by Jordan's Foreign Ministry as a violation of the site's status quo.In the Gaza Strip, Israeli air strikes and artillery fire continued despite the Iran ceasefire. On April 8, Israeli forces killed Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Wishah in a drone strike, bringing the total number of Palestinian media workers killed since October 2023 to at least 262.The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that 754 Palestinians have been killed and over 2,100 injured since the October ceasefire, with a cumulative official death toll of 72,333 since October 7, 2023. The humanitarian crisis deepens with long bread lines and insufficient aid, while the Nasser Medical Complex faces fuel shortages and rationed electricity.Diplomatic efforts continue, with Hamas discussing the implementation of the ceasefire's second phase with the Board of Peace envoy in Cairo. However, settler violence and Israeli military actions persist, with 34 new settlements approved across the West Bank, bringing the total to 102 under the current government.

President Donald Trump asserted that a diplomatic path remains open for Tehran, even as the United States enforces a naval blockade of Iranian ports and Israel deepens its ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Iran’s leadership denounced the blockade as "piracy" and thousands gathered in Tehran to demonstrate against the restriction on maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Associated Press reported that diplomatic channels are still active; Pakistan has volunteered to host a second round of negotiations in Islamabad later this week. US blockade and protests: The enforcement of the maritime restrictions has provoked Iranian accusations of illegal action and sparked street protests in the capital. Tehran’s legal stance: Iran’s armed forces labeled the blockade unlawful, warning that targeting its ports could jeopardize broader Gulf shipping. IRGC warning: A Revolutionary Guard spokesperson hinted that Iran retains "unused capabilities" and may adopt new tactics if the confrontation escalates. Parliamentary support for the Pope: Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised Pope Leo XIV’s condemnation of the war, describing it as courageous. Russian nuclear staff pull‑out: Moscow has withdrawn most of its personnel from Iran’s sole nuclear power plant, a project built with Russian assistance. Qatar’s mediation call: Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged both Washington and Tehran to engage constructively in mediation. Pakistan’s ceasefire assessment: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the US‑Iran truce is holding, even as weekend talks failed to produce a breakthrough. Shipping disruption: A UN spokesperson warned that there is no military solution and noted that roughly 20,000 vessels are stranded, straining global supply chains, especially for fertiliser. UK push for Lebanese inclusion: London advocated adding Lebanon to the US‑Iran ceasefire framework, which currently omits Hezbollah‑related fighting. US‑Lebanon diplomatic talks: Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors are slated to meet in Washington to discuss halting hostilities. Hezbollah’s rejection: Leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel the planned Washington meeting, reaffirming the group’s opposition to any direct dialogue with Israel. Russia’s uranium offer: The Kremlin reiterated its willingness to accept Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a broader US‑Iran settlement, echoing President Vladimir Putin’s statements. Trump on Iranian outreach: The former president claimed Iranian officials have expressed a strong desire to negotiate, though he did not identify the interlocutors. Trump’s stance on the Pope: He dismissed criticism of Pope Leo XIV as unwarranted, labeling the pontiff "weak" on key issues, including Iran. Threat to Iranian vessels: Trump warned that U.S. forces will neutralise any Iranian fast‑attack ships that approach the blockade zone. Domestic political pressure: Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are pushing for a new vote to limit the president’s war‑making powers, citing rising U.S. fuel prices. Protester arrests in New York: Approximately 90 demonstrators, including whistleblower Chelsea Manning and actor Hari Nef, were detained during a Manhattan traffic‑stop protest against the war and U.S. arms sales to Israel. Israel’s buffer‑zone push: Israeli forces continue ground and air operations in southern Lebanon, razing structures in border towns such as Naqoura to create a security buffer. Hezbollah retaliation: The group has intensified rocket and drone attacks on Israeli positions in locations like Bint Jbeil and Biyyada. Accusations of a "Greater Israel": Hezbollah chief Hassan Qassem accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing an expansionist agenda backed by the United States. Diplomatic tension with Italy: Israel summoned the Italian ambassador after Italy’s foreign minister condemned Israeli attacks on Beirut as "unacceptable". Casualties in Lebanon: Israeli operations have raised the death toll in southern Lebanon since March 2 to at least 2,089, including a recent drone strike that killed two civilians near Nabatieh. Public opinion in Lebanon: Lebanese citizens are divided, with some weary of the conflict and hopeful for diplomacy, while others distrust Israel’s intentions. Canadian casualty: Canada’s foreign minister confirmed that a Canadian national died in southern Lebanon, though details remain scarce. Energy implications: Reuters reported that a Chinese‑owned tanker, sanctioned by the United States, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade, underscoring the challenges of enforcement. Oil market outlook: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that oil prices could keep climbing until "meaningful ship traffic" resumes through the strait.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a "major defence cooperation partnership" with Indonesia during a ceremony at the Pentagon, describing it as a boost to regional stability in the Asia‑Pacific. Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin signed the agreement alongside Hegseth, highlighting the depth of the bilateral security relationship. The partnership commits both nations to co‑develop sophisticated asymmetric capabilities and to pioneer next‑generation defence technologies in the maritime, subsurface and autonomous‑systems domains, while also enhancing operational readiness. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the two armed forces already conduct more than 170 joint exercises each year, a figure that underscores an "active and growing" security tie. Minister Sjafrie expressed enthusiasm, stating that the cooperation should be "enduring for our next generation" and serve the "mutual respect and benefit" of both nations. One day after the signing, Indonesian media reported that Washington is seeking "blanket" overflight access for its military aircraft through Indonesian airspace, a proposal reportedly approved by President Prabowo Subianto. The Indonesian Defence Ministry clarified that discussions are limited to a non‑binding Letter of Intent and that any final agreement must respect Indonesia’s sovereign control over its airspace. Rico Ricardo Sirait, the minister’s spokesperson, emphasized that "authority, control, and oversight over Indonesian airspace rest entirely in our country" and that any regulation will guarantee Indonesia’s right to approve or reject such activities. President Prabowo is slated to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, following recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on oil matters. Earlier this month, his administration introduced fuel‑rationing measures and a work‑from‑home policy for civil servants to conserve energy amid rising global oil prices. Analysts view the new defence pact as a strategic move to strengthen deterrence against potential regional threats while balancing Indonesia’s insistence on maintaining full sovereignty over its airspace. The outcome of the overflight negotiations will likely shape the future scope of U.S. military operations in Southeast Asia.

Senior Chinese diplomat Sun Weidong has been dismissed from his post as vice minister of foreign affairs, in the latest case of a high-ranking official being removed from office by Beijing. The Ministry of Human Resources announced the news in a brief post on its website on Tuesday, citing a decision of the State Council, the highest body of state power in China.The post did not specify why or when Sun had been dismissed, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website shows his last public engagements were meetings with the ambassadors of Brunei and Malaysia to China on March 13. Two days earlier, Sun had met Pakistan’s ambassador to China to discuss bilateral cooperation.Dismissals of this kind in the Chinese government usually indicate high-level disciplinary action and are often followed by news of an investigation. Sun’s dismissal notice included the removal of another official, An Lusheng, from his post as deputy director of the National Railway Administration.Since coming to power in 2012, President Xi Jinping has carried out a wide-ranging anticorruption campaign targeting “tigers and flies”, meaning high- and low-ranking officials. Last year, China investigated more than one million corruption cases and disciplined 938,000 people, according to its Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission.The list of cases involving disciplinary action included 69 provincial or ministerial-level officials, 4,155 bureau-level officials, 35,000 county-level officials, and 125,000 township-level officials, according to the commission’s year-end report. Senior Chinese military officials have also been caught up in Xi’s anticorruption campaign sweeps.

Colombia's Environment Minister, Irene Velez, announced on Monday that the country will cull up to 80 hippos that have been roaming freely in a region near the Magdalena River basin. The decision comes after previous attempts to control the population, including sterilization and capturing the animals, proved too expensive or ineffective.The hippos were introduced to Colombia by infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, when he brought four to his private zoo. After Escobar's death, the hippo population swelled to an estimated 170, with the animals now spotted up to 60 miles from Escobar's former ranch, Hacienda Napoles.Authorities say the hippos pose a threat to villagers who encounter them and compete with native wildlife, such as manatees, for food. Despite local concerns, the hippos have become a tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to the Napoles ranch to spot the animals and buy hippo-themed souvenirs.Animal welfare activists have opposed the culling, citing concerns about the country's history of conflict and the potential for the cull to set a poor example. However, Velez emphasized that the action is necessary to preserve Colombia's ecosystems. The hippos cannot be returned to their natural habitat due to their limited gene pool, which could lead to the spread of diseases.