Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich slams Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to conquer Gaza City as half-hearted in a video posted online. Israel's far right pressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to go harder against Hamas, ahead of a UN Security Council meeting Sunday on the premier's plan to conquer Gaza City.

Over 22 months into the war in Gaza, Israel is gripped by a yawning divide, pitting those calling for an end of the conflict along with a deal for the release of the hostages against others who want to see Hamas vanquished once and for all. The debate has only intensified after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet announced plans Friday to expand the conflict and capture Gaza City.

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Former Chadian Prime Minister Succes Masra was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a criminal court on Saturday in the capital N'Djamena.

Masra was found guilty of inciting the public to hatred and hostility, according to the ruling handed down by Chad's criminal court. Masra was arrested in May after a government probe alleged that he incited people to violence, which led to the death of 42 people in clashes in Mandakao village in the southwestern province of Logone Occidental.

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Ukrainian and European officials have met US Vice President JD Vance in Britain, apparently to convey their position on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

This comes ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said on Saturday that he had a series of phone calls with leaders of Britain, France and other countries. Zelenskyy said Europe's voice must be taken into account in negotiations to reach a ceasefire.

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Armenia and Azerbaijan have committed to a lasting peace after decades of conflict, US President Donald Trump said Friday as he hosted the leaders of the South Caucasus rivals at a White House signing event. Armenian Prime Minister and Azerbaijan's President said Trump's mediation should earn him a Nobel Peace Prize -- an award the US leader has been vocal about seeking.

Trump said at the event that “the two republics are committing to stop all fighting forever, open up commerce, travel and diplomatic relations and respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Trump added the two leaders would have a "great relationship,".

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The PaO National Unity Party, which has established its headquarters at No. (9/34), (A) on Kyar Inn Taung Paw Road in Yadana Dipa Ward of Pa-An in Kayin State, has been officially approved to register as a political party in accordance with Section 9 of the Political Parties Registration Law, on 8th August. The registration number of the PaO National Unity Party is (60). The notification was signed by Than Soe, Chairman of Union Election Commission.

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US President Donald Trump said he will meet Russian President Putin on August 15 in Alaska.  Trump made the announcement on social media on Friday, describing the summit as a "highly anticipated meeting." Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov also confirmed the summit plan when he spoke to reporters on Saturday.

Ushakov said the presidents will undoubtedly focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. He also said that the economic interests of the US and Russia overlap in Alaska and the Arctic, and prospects for the implementation of large-scale and mutually beneficial projects can be seen.

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Turkish President Erdoğan addressed the 38th Ordinary Financial General Assembly of the Foreign Economic Relations Board and the “Respect for Masters” Award Ceremony on Friday. He stated that Türkiye follows a foreign policy centered on conscience, justice, and the value of human life. He also emphasized that Türkiye has become a sought-after player at peace negotiation tables worldwide.

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Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrives at the Kremlin to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The pair are set to discuss the development of bilateral relations, as well as key regional and international issues. Putin names the United Arab Emirates as a potential location for an upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed Thursday to extend a ceasefire deal that followed five days of hostilities along their border last month. The joint statement signed by Thai Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha said they agreed to continue a freeze on border troop movements and patrols.

The statement scheduled another meeting within a month and both sides would also agree to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news in order to de-escalate tensions.

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(8 August 2025)

Esteemed Citizens of Myanmar and the Peoples of ASEAN,

On the auspicious occasion of the 58thAnniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all citizens of Myanmar and the peoples across ASEAN Member States, as we commemorate the 58th anniversary of our shared journey toward peace, prosperity, and regional unity. I wish all our peoples continued peace, development, and prosperity in the years ahead.

Since its inception in 1967, ASEAN has remained steadfast in its mission to promote regional peace, stability, development, and shared prosperity. With our combined efforts, wisdom and vision of the Member States, ASEAN has grown into a robust regional community promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. Myanmar is proud of being an integral part of this journey and steadfast in upholding the ASEAN Charter, recognizing its vital role in ensuring that our collective vision for a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia.

ASEAN was established in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Myanmar and Laos in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. This remarkable journey reflects the collective path undertaken by ASEAN member states, and we recall with honour and record with appreciation that, through our joint efforts, we all have driven ASEAN's growth and accomplishments across political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions.

As ASEAN commemorates its 58th anniversary, it has transformed Southeast Asia from a region once marked by conflict and division into one of cooperation, peace, and growing prosperity.Key milestones in ASEAN's history include the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015, built on political-security,economic and socio-cultural pillars in the region.ASEAN has taken a leading role in fostering dialogue, security cooperation, and regional integration through key forums such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), ADMM-Plus. Additionally, it is with a matter of satisfaction to note that the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 is in good progress.

The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for ASEAN Community Vision 2045— a time to review achievements, recalibrate priorities, and chart a comprehensive strategy to achieve the goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 - “Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic, and People-Centered ASEAN”. It serves as a launchpad for ASEAN to reaffirm its commitment to unity, sustainable development, economic dynamism, and regional peace— ensuring that by 2045, ASEAN is a globally respected and thriving community.

The Association must be competitive, robust, responsive, and well-connected in the face of fast changing geo-politics and the world economic trends. With this backdrop, it is obvious that the theme of the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, resonates well with our shared commitment to regional peace, security, stability, and development. In order to strengthen ASEAN's crucial role in engineering the regional security architecture, we must work together to consolidate ASEAN's centrality and unity.

Our unity, anchored in the ASEAN Charter — which enshrines territorial integrity, national sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful resolution of disputes, good governance, and multilateral cooperation— remains ASEAN’s guiding beacon. In the face of complex regional and global challenges— geopolitical shifts, economic disruptions, and climate-related crises— ASEAN has shown adaptability and resilience by collectively charting pathways forward.

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the Charter’s principles, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation — the core instrument in its relations with the Dialogue Partners. Myanmar stands firm in its commitment to ASEAN’s unity and centrality, guided by the principles and aspirations of the ASEAN Charter. Despite the diverse political, cultural, and economic landscapes of our Member States, ASEAN’s strength lies in our ability to work together in unison while respecting each nation’s sovereignty.

The principle of non-interference, as outlined in the ASEAN Charter, ensures that we address regional challenges without external imposition, preserving the integrity of our collective decision-making of consensus. Myanmar stands firmly with ASEAN in rejecting any form of external interference.

Esteemed Citizens of Myanmar and the Peoples of ASEAN,

As we commemorate the 58th Anniversary of ASEAN, let us reaffirm our commitments to the ideals of unity in diversity, collective resilience, and shared prosperity. Let us celebrate this year’s Anniversary of ASEAN not only with pride in our past achievements, but also with collective resolve to safeguard peace, foster prosperity, and nurture the cultural richness of our region.

I wish all our peoples across the ASEAN Member States continued success, peace and prosperity in the years ahead. May the enduring spirit of ASEAN continue to live collectively in the hearts of our peoples.

                                                   Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu

                                                Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing

Chairman, State Security and Peace Commission

of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar