U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders isn't a condition for him to meet with Russian President Putin in what would be their first in-person encounter in Trump's second term. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shortly before Trump's Oval Office remarks that "the Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the President is open to this meeting."
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U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders isn't a condition for him to meet with Russian President Putin in what would be their first in-person encounter in Trump's second term. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shortly before Trump's Oval Office remarks that "the Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the President is open to this meeting."
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U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders isn't a condition for him to meet with Russian President Putin in what would be their first in-person encounter in Trump's second term. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shortly before Trump's Oval Office remarks that "the Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the President is open to this meeting."
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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.
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.
mitv
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,
(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
(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
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country's security cabinet has approved a military plan to take control of Gaza City amid the continuing conflict with Hamas. The announcement issued by the office on Friday morning said the security cabinet had approved the prime minister's proposal for defeating Hamas. It also said the Israel Defense Forces will prepare to expand the military operation in Gaza City.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country's security cabinet has approved a military plan to take control of Gaza City amid the continuing conflict with Hamas. The announcement issued by the office on Friday morning said the security cabinet had approved the prime minister's proposal for defeating Hamas. It also said the Israel Defense Forces will prepare to expand the military operation in Gaza City.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country's security cabinet has approved a military plan to take control of Gaza City amid the continuing conflict with Hamas. The announcement issued by the office on Friday morning said the security cabinet had approved the prime minister's proposal for defeating Hamas. It also said the Israel Defense Forces will prepare to expand the military operation in Gaza City.
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he would write to the Election Commission, asking it to organize the general election in February 2026, before Ramadan.
"Now it is time for us to fulfil our final duty: holding the election. Following this address on this momentous day, we will enter the final and most important chapter of our responsibility. We will begin the process of handing over power to an elected government," the chief adviser said in his address to the nation on Student-People Uprising Day.
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he would write to the Election Commission, asking it to organize the general election in February 2026, before Ramadan.
"Now it is time for us to fulfil our final duty: holding the election. Following this address on this momentous day, we will enter the final and most important chapter of our responsibility. We will begin the process of handing over power to an elected government," the chief adviser said in his address to the nation on Student-People Uprising Day.
Yunus added that on behalf of the interim government, he would send a letter to the chief election commissioner, requesting that the Election Commission organize the national election in February 2026, before the upcoming Ramadan.
"I ask all of you to pray that the election is held smoothly, so that all citizens of this country can move forward successfully in building a new Bangladesh. On behalf of the government, we will provide all necessary support to ensure that the election is fair, peaceful and festive.
"From tomorrow, we will begin our mental and institutional preparations to ensure that this election becomes memorable in the nation’s history, for its joyous spirit, for peace and order, for voter turnout, and for the atmosphere of harmony and sincerity."
In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of February 17.
Ref : DakhaTribune
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he would write to the Election Commission, asking it to organize the general election in February 2026, before Ramadan.
"Now it is time for us to fulfil our final duty: holding the election. Following this address on this momentous day, we will enter the final and most important chapter of our responsibility. We will begin the process of handing over power to an elected government," the chief adviser said in his address to the nation on Student-People Uprising Day.
Yunus added that on behalf of the interim government, he would send a letter to the chief election commissioner, requesting that the Election Commission organize the national election in February 2026, before the upcoming Ramadan.
"I ask all of you to pray that the election is held smoothly, so that all citizens of this country can move forward successfully in building a new Bangladesh. On behalf of the government, we will provide all necessary support to ensure that the election is fair, peaceful and festive.
"From tomorrow, we will begin our mental and institutional preparations to ensure that this election becomes memorable in the nation’s history, for its joyous spirit, for peace and order, for voter turnout, and for the atmosphere of harmony and sincerity."
In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of February 17.
Ref : DakhaTribune
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday that the plight of hostages held in Gaza should top the global agenda, ahead of a UN Security Council session on the issue. "The world must put an end to the phenomenon of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and center on the world stage," Saar told a press briefing.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday that the plight of hostages held in Gaza should top the global agenda, ahead of a UN Security Council session on the issue. "The world must put an end to the phenomenon of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and center on the world stage," Saar told a press briefing.
"He would head to New York tonight to participate in a special UN Security Council session that he initiated, taking place on Tuesday on the situation of the hostages," the Minister added. The UN session was called after Palestinian militant group Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad had published last week three videos showing two hostages who appear weak, causing deep shock and distress in Israel.
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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday that the plight of hostages held in Gaza should top the global agenda, ahead of a UN Security Council session on the issue. "The world must put an end to the phenomenon of kidnapping civilians. It must be front and center on the world stage," Saar told a press briefing.
"He would head to New York tonight to participate in a special UN Security Council session that he initiated, taking place on Tuesday on the situation of the hostages," the Minister added. The UN session was called after Palestinian militant group Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad had published last week three videos showing two hostages who appear weak, causing deep shock and distress in Israel.
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Retired Israeli security officials call on their current colleagues to put an end to the war in Gaza. "Agency heads must stand bravely in front of the prime minister and the cabinet and say their piece in the most truthful way possible about this war, about its futility," says ex-head of Shin Bet Nadav Argaman.
Retired Israeli security officials call on their current colleagues to put an end to the war in Gaza. "Agency heads must stand bravely in front of the prime minister and the cabinet and say their piece in the most truthful way possible about this war, about its futility," says ex-head of Shin Bet Nadav Argaman.
A letter signed by 550 retired Israeli security officials was published as well, calling on US President Donald Trump to help end the war launched in October 2023 in response to the attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
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Retired Israeli security officials call on their current colleagues to put an end to the war in Gaza. "Agency heads must stand bravely in front of the prime minister and the cabinet and say their piece in the most truthful way possible about this war, about its futility," says ex-head of Shin Bet Nadav Argaman.
A letter signed by 550 retired Israeli security officials was published as well, calling on US President Donald Trump to help end the war launched in October 2023 in response to the attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
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Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr said his visit to India reaffirms the strengthening bilateral partnership between the two nations Tuesday. “It is a reaffirmation of the alliance and the partnership that we are strengthening,” the Philippines President said on the sidelines of a ceremonial reception accorded to him at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex in New Delhi.
Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr said his visit to India reaffirms the strengthening bilateral partnership between the two nations Tuesday. “It is a reaffirmation of the alliance and the partnership that we are strengthening,” the Philippines President said on the sidelines of a ceremonial reception accorded to him at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex in New Delhi.
On his arrival, he was received by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was also accorded a guard of honour during the ceremony.
Marcos arrived in India on August 5 on a five-day visit. He will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi later today. His visit comes as India-Philippines diplomatic relations reach their 75th anniversary this year.
The Philippines’ President asserted that the Manila wants to build existing ties with New Delhi and explore “many opportunities” that have arisen in the past few years.
“We used to refer to the Asia Pacific region, we now refer to it as the Indo-Pacific region, which is, I think, a correct evolution of the understanding because of the global nature of all the politics, all the trade and all of the economy,” the Philippine president said.
He added: “And I want to build upon what we already have, but certainly to explore many opportunities that have arisen in the past few years because of the new technologies and the changing state of the global economy and the geopolitics around us now.”
The Ministry of External Affairs said that this visit will be an opportunity for both countries to set a path for “future bilateral cooperation and to engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest”.
Ref : The India Express
Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr said his visit to India reaffirms the strengthening bilateral partnership between the two nations Tuesday. “It is a reaffirmation of the alliance and the partnership that we are strengthening,” the Philippines President said on the sidelines of a ceremonial reception accorded to him at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex in New Delhi.
On his arrival, he was received by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was also accorded a guard of honour during the ceremony.
Marcos arrived in India on August 5 on a five-day visit. He will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi later today. His visit comes as India-Philippines diplomatic relations reach their 75th anniversary this year.
The Philippines’ President asserted that the Manila wants to build existing ties with New Delhi and explore “many opportunities” that have arisen in the past few years.
“We used to refer to the Asia Pacific region, we now refer to it as the Indo-Pacific region, which is, I think, a correct evolution of the understanding because of the global nature of all the politics, all the trade and all of the economy,” the Philippine president said.
He added: “And I want to build upon what we already have, but certainly to explore many opportunities that have arisen in the past few years because of the new technologies and the changing state of the global economy and the geopolitics around us now.”
The Ministry of External Affairs said that this visit will be an opportunity for both countries to set a path for “future bilateral cooperation and to engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest”.
Ref : The India Express
The Union Election Commission has approved the Rakhine Nationalities Party, with its headquarters located at No. 49, U Ottama Road, Central Ward, Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State for registration as a political party in accordance with Section 9 of the Political Parties Registration Law, effective from August 4, 2025. The registration number for the Rakhine Nationalities Party is (58).
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The Union Election Commission has approved the Rakhine Nationalities Party, with its headquarters located at No. 49, U Ottama Road, Central Ward, Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State for registration as a political party in accordance with Section 9 of the Political Parties Registration Law, effective from August 4, 2025. The registration number for the Rakhine Nationalities Party is (58).
mitv
The Union Election Commission has approved the Rakhine Nationalities Party, with its headquarters located at No. 49, U Ottama Road, Central Ward, Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State for registration as a political party in accordance with Section 9 of the Political Parties Registration Law, effective from August 4, 2025. The registration number for the Rakhine Nationalities Party is (58).
mitv
Donald Trump confirmed Sunday his special envoy Steve Witkoff would visit Russia in the coming week, ahead of a deadline the US President has set for imposing fresh sanctions on Moscow.
Speaking to reporters, Trump also said that two nuclear submarines were deployed in the region following an online row with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump did not mention the exact deployment location nor elaborate whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. It was kept secret by the US military.
Donald Trump confirmed Sunday his special envoy Steve Witkoff would visit Russia in the coming week, ahead of a deadline the US President has set for imposing fresh sanctions on Moscow.
Speaking to reporters, Trump also said that two nuclear submarines were deployed in the region following an online row with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump did not mention the exact deployment location nor elaborate whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. It was kept secret by the US military.
mitv
Donald Trump confirmed Sunday his special envoy Steve Witkoff would visit Russia in the coming week, ahead of a deadline the US President has set for imposing fresh sanctions on Moscow.
Speaking to reporters, Trump also said that two nuclear submarines were deployed in the region following an online row with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump did not mention the exact deployment location nor elaborate whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. It was kept secret by the US military.
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