China, Brazil strengthen strategic cooperation in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held talks in Beijing on Tuesday, reaffirming their countries strategic partnership and agreeing to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors.

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the leaders emphasized advancing a “China-Brazil community with a shared future.” Xi advocated for coordinated development policies and increased collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, aerospace, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing exchanges in education, culture, and local government, according to Xinhua.

Xi addressed the need of reciprocal support for fundamental interests and urged greater international cooperation to uphold multilateralism, develop global governance, and resist protectionism and unilateralism.

President Lula assured Brazil's commitment to aligning its development program with China's Belt and Road Initiative. He stood for more collaboration in trade, finance, science, and technology. Lula also supported joint initiatives to elevate the voice of the Global South and promote fairness in global development, Xinhua reported.

The leaders witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation agreements in crucial areas such as agriculture, science, digital economy, and media. They also issued joint statements on bilateral cooperation, multilateralism, and the Ukraine crisis.

UN chief urges stronger global backing for peacekeeping

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged member states to increase financing for peacekeeping missions, describing them as a crucial symbol of international collaboration, Xinhua reported.

He emphasized the need for more adaptable and resilient operations at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, as global conflicts and displacement continue to escalate. Guterres also paid respect to the 4,400 peacekeepers who lost their lives while on service.

"We are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge," Guterres said as stated by Xinhua.

The two-day forum gathered representatives from around 130 countries to shape the future of UN peacekeeping.

Trump says US-Saudi bond 'more powerful than ever', after signing $142bn arms deal

US President Donald Trump signed a $142bn (£107bn) defense deal with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a visit to Riyadh, aimed at strengthening US-Saudi ties.

Speaking in the Saudi capital, Trump praised the Crown Prince as "an incredible man" and stated that US-Saudi relations are "more powerful than ever", BBC reported.

Trump also announced the easing of US sanctions against Syria, claiming the move is intended to give the country "a chance at greatness." He stated willingness to deal with Iran, but warned that failure to do so would result in "maximum pressure" and steps to limit Iran's oil shipments.

Trump expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords, which were negotiated by Israel and several Gulf governments during his first administration.

Regarding the ongoing battle in Gaza, Trump remarked that Gazans deserve a better future, but that progress is unattainable if their leaders "kidnap, torture, and target innocent people ", according to BBC.

The visit is part of Trump's four-day diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Elon Musk joins Trump in Saudi Arabia as US seeks billion dollar deals

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and other well-known visitors joined President Donald Trump on his first significant diplomatic trip of his second term, which took him to Saudi Arabia.

Trump was hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a formal lunch in Riyadh. The visit marks the start of a four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aimed at securing major investments in the US economy, according to BBC.