Category: World

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held her first summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 31 October 2025, affirming a shared commitment to building a constructive and stable bilateral relationship grounded in strategic mutual interests. Diplomatic Engagement at APEC Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Xi Jinping met in Gyeongju, South Korea, on the sidelines […]

The greatest symbol of Halloween is, beyond a doubt, the jack-o’-lantern: a pumpkin with its innards scooped out, a grotesque, smiling face carved into it, and a candle inside. Its flickering light casts ghostly shadows and brings the carved face to life, enhancing the holiday’s distinctive air of mystery and festivity. The type of pumpkin […]

The UK welcomes the renewal of the mandate of EUFOR Althea, which continues to play a vital role in ensuring peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I thank Greece, as penholder, for its efforts on the text. I would also like to thank High Representative Christian Schmidt for his latest report and welcome His Excellency Mr […]

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has reviewed the 127th Infantry Battalion ahead of their deployment to Lebanon, marking one of Ireland’s final contributions to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as the mission approaches its planned conclusion in 2026. Ministerial Review at Custume Barracks On 31 October 2025, Tánaiste Simon Harris […]

Gold prices are on track for a second consecutive weekly decline, pressured by cautious Federal Reserve signals and renewed optimism over U.S.–China trade relations. Market Overview Gold (XAU/USD) fell to a three-week low, trading around $4,116 per ounce as of Friday, 31 October 2025. The decline marks the metal’s second straight weekly loss, driven by […]

Chatham House has launched a new Critical Minerals Initiative to address the geopolitical, economic, and sustainability challenges shaping global mineral supply chains amid rising demand for energy transition and digital technologies. Strategic Focus on Mineral Security On 28 October 2025, Chatham House announced the creation of its Critical Minerals Initiative, a major research workstream housed […]

Minister Timmy Dooley has concluded a successful seafood and agri-food trade mission to China, reinforcing Ireland’s commercial ties and expanding market access for Irish exports in Asia’s largest agri-food economy. Strategic Engagement in Beijing Minister of State for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, wrapped up a multi-day trade mission to China on 31 October 2025, conducted in […]

Saturday, 1 November 2025, marks 32 years since the Maastricht Treaty came into force, formally establishing the European Union and reshaping the political and economic landscape of Europe. Founding Framework of the EU The Treaty on European Union, commonly known as the Maastricht Treaty, entered into force on 1 November 1993, following its signing in […]

Africa’s economic and geopolitical landscape saw major developments this week, from infrastructure financing and energy innovation to rising security concerns and climate-focused investments. Here’s a compact, fact-based continental brief. 🏦 Business & Macro 🇰🇪 KenyaKenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has relaunched its public-private partnership (PPP) transmission line initiative after a previous deal with Adani Group […]

Ireland has delivered emergency food aid to support over 42,000 people in Gaza, as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris reaffirmed the country’s commitment to humanitarian relief amid worsening conditions in the region. Lifeline for Thousands On 30 October 2025, the Irish government confirmed the successful delivery of 8,400 food parcels […]