MORNING NEWS BRIEF [August 26, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. Putin held a phone call with Xi Jinping as both sides have agreed to step up their efforts to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, security threats and establish peace in Afghanistan. Source: CNA
2. Israeli PM and the U.S. Secretary of State met to discuss the Iran nuclear deal, hostilities in the Gaza Strip as Israel seeks to deepen the enduring ties between the two countries. Source: Sputnik
3. The U.S. will not leave Afghanistan beyond the deadline and use all means to pressure the Taliban to help the remaining citizens, Afghan and the allies flee the country. Source: Al Jazeera

WORLD

1. The EU expressed their concerns following the UK’s decision to appoint a new ambassador to Myanmar may result in de facto recognition of the military regime. Source: The Independent
2. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been invited to a summit hosted by Iraq in Baghdad, aiming to reduce tensions and discuss the Yemen war, Lebanon’s collapse and regional water crisis. Source: The Straits Times
3. The EHCR called on Poland and Latvia to provide aid for Iraqi and Afghan migrants who have been stranded for 2 weeks on the EU border with Belarus. Source: Deutsche Welle

REGIONS

1. North Korea’s supreme people’s assembly will convene a parliament  meeting to discuss economic policy amid the economic crisis that the country has been facing. Source: Reuters
2. Vice President Kamala Harris will pay close attention to issues of worker rights and civil liberties as the human rights activists in the region are known to be challenged. Source: AP
3. Japan will halt the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines after the reports showed that contamination has been found in several unopened lots. Source: CNA

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodian NA confirmed to host the 43rd General Assembly of the AIPA physically in September this year as the Kingdom pledged to strengthen the bloc’s mutual interest. Source: AKP
2. The Cambodian government committed to reform public financial management through FMIS aiming to improve the good governance and transparency of the national budget. Source: Khmer Times
3. Cambodia is negotiating with Indonesian authorities for the return of a tanker which carried 290,000 barrels of oil and unlawfully left the Apsara oil field. Source: Khmer Times