Latest news with #regional stability
NHK
a day ago
- Politics
- NHK
Washington, Seoul, Beijing respond to Japan's election
Japan's Upper House election on Sunday was followed with interest by other countries. In the United States, a spokesperson for the State Department said Washington looks forward to continuing to work with Japan's government across a broad agenda of bilateral, regional and global issues. Key among them are regional stability, the defense alliance, economic ties, and the trilateral relationship with South Korea. The Foreign Ministry of South Korea issued a statement saying it will continue to exchange opinions closely with Japan to construct solid and mature bilateral relations. In China, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said it would not comment on Japan's internal affairs. Rather, he said it emphasized the need for dialogue and stability between the two countries.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
US envoy praises Jordan's role in ceasefire efforts in Syria's Sweida region after meeting FM
AMMAN: Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi met on Saturday with US ambassador to Turkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack and his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al-Shaibani to discuss recent developments in Syria, the Jordan News Agency reported. Their discussions had a particular focus on consolidating the fragile ceasefire in the southern Sweida governorate, JNA added. The talks also addressed the importance of enforcing the ceasefire to safeguard Syria's unity, protect civilians and uphold the rule of law, amid concerns over instability and violence in the region. Safadi reiterated Jordan's full support for Syria's security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stressed that peace in Syria remained a cornerstone of broader regional stability. He also expressed appreciation for Washington's diplomatic role, saying: 'The United States plays a key role in bringing about a ceasefire and in protecting Syria's security and stability and the safety of its people.' Safadi underscored the strength of the partnership and cooperation between Amman and Washington on Syria-related issues. The foreign minister went on to condemn repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, denouncing them as 'a blatant violation of international law and a breach of Syria's sovereignty, which threatens its security, stability, unity, and the safety of its people.' For his part, Barrack praised Jordan's leadership in regional affairs. Amman, July 19, 2025 - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, and U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack held a trilateral meeting today to discuss the situation in Syria and efforts to stabilize the… — Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 19, 2025 'Grateful for the partnership of FM Ayman Safadi today as we operationalize the ceasefire in Suwayda,' he wrote on X following the meeting. 'The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan plays a critical leadership role in the region, and we are making positive steps to support a unified, stable Syria at peace with its neighbors, including our Jordanian allies,' he added. The meeting comes amid a renewed diplomatic push to de-escalate tensions in Syria's south, where tribal, political and external dynamics continue to shape the fragile post-Assad regime landscape.
Al Jazeera
6 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
How much of a threat is China to Japan?
Japan has accused China of expanding its military reach and threatening regional stability. For the first time, Tokyo says a Chinese military aircraft entered its airspace. The incident is detailed in Japan's latest defence white paper. It warns Beijing has also ramped up naval and air operations near disputed territories. But China has hit back, accusing Japan of stoking fear. So, is East Asia heading for a new era of military confrontation? Presenter: James Bays Guests: Tomohiko Taniguchi – Professor at the University of Tsukuba, and former special adviser to the cabinet of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Einar Tangen – China specialist and senior fellow at the Taihe Institute Robert Kelly – Professor of international relations at Pusan National University, specialist on international relations of Asia and US foreign policy
Al Mayadeen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Syria, now buffer zone, places 'Israel' on Iraqi border: IOF colonel
In a quiet but significant diplomatic development, Syria and "Israel" have resumed direct and indirect talks with a recent meeting reportedly held in Azerbaijan involving top security officials from both sides discussing regional stability. The Israeli channel Kan noted that the holding of a meeting between Syrian and Israeli officials in Azerbaijan is not surprising, emphasizing that this encounter is neither the first nor the last of its kind. The channel explained that direct and indirect talks and dialogue between Syria and "Israel" have previously taken place under US sponsorship. The channel reported that Azerbaijan recently hosted talks between Israeli officials, including "National Security" Council head Tzachi Hanegbi, and representatives of the Turkish military. Kan also revealed that members of the Israeli Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee were informed about direct communications with Syria, without any mediation. Knesset members were told "Israel" insisted Syria stop attacks on the Druze immediately, calling it a top priority and a condition for continuing security talks. Meanwhile, Reserve Colonel Jacques Neriah of the Israeli military told Channel 12 on Friday that "discussions are underway with Syria, apparently hovering between a non-aggression understanding and a potential new security agreement." Neriah added that "Israel's National Security" Council head represents the Israeli side in these talks, while Syria's Defense Minister Maher Abu Qasra leads the delegation from Damascus, noting that "Israel" is deeply invested in settling with Syria. Neriah, a former advisor to the Israeli prime minister, argued that "Israel" has effectively "pushed Iran's borders away" by leveraging Syria's anti-Tehran regime, achieving this strategic goal without direct intervention after Iran had, in his words, "attempted to move its borders closer to the Golan." He went on, "Now our border effectively stretches toward Iraq, since Syria acts as a buffer between us and Iran," emphasizing that "this is critically important and fundamentally reshapes the entire regional equation." It should be noted that Jacques Neriah, who is of Lebanese descent, served as an advisor to former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and previously held a position in "Israel's" military intelligence division, Aman. On the meetings in Baku, Israeli media outlet i24NEWS reported that part two or three sessions occurred, reportedly including Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Ahmad al-Dalati, the Syrian government's liaison responsible for security coordination with "Israel". On the Israeli side, the delegation included a special envoy from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with senior military and security officials. The discussions focused on finalizing a security agreement between the two governments, addressing regional issues such as what was described as Iranian presence in Syria and Lebanon, as well as Hezbollah's military arsenal and the armament of Palestinian Resistance factions. The future of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon and the fate of displaced Palestinians from Gaza were also reportedly on the agenda. One proposal under consideration is the establishment of an Israeli "coordination office" in Damascus, albeit without formal diplomatic status. This move would represent a significant shift in Syria's long-standing policy of non-engagement with "Israel" and support to resistance groups in the region. The decision to hold the meetings in Azerbaijan, reportedly orchestrated by "Israel" and the United States, was aimed at sending a direct message to Iran amid escalating regional tensions. Read more: Barrack defends Syria comments, claims they are no threat to Lebanon
LBCI
14-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon's FM urges EU support on Israeli withdrawal in Brussels talks
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji met with European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas in Brussels to discuss a range of bilateral issues between Lebanon and the European Union, with a focus on regional stability and economic cooperation. During the talks, Rajji urged the European Union to increase pressure on Israel to withdraw from five disputed border points and other occupied territories in South Lebanon. He also emphasized the EU's key role in supporting the upcoming renewal of the U.N. peacekeeping force mandate (UNIFIL), whose presence remains critical in maintaining calm along the southern border. The foreign minister reiterated his government's commitment to the exclusive authority of the state over arms possession, in line with recent policy declarations. He also updated Kallas on Lebanon's reform trajectory, highlighting ongoing efforts in economic, financial, judicial, and administrative sectors. Another key topic on the agenda was Lebanon's plan to address the long-standing Syrian refugee crisis. Rajji stressed the importance of facilitating the safe return of Syrian nationals to their home country, a priority for Lebanese authorities amid mounting socio-economic pressure. For her part, Kallas reaffirmed the strength of EU-Lebanon relations, stressing the importance of reforms and an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ahead of the upcoming EU-Lebanon Partnership Council meeting scheduled for later this year.
