Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠Trump continues Gulf tour

US President Donald Trump is on the second and final day of his visit to Saudi Arabia as part of a four-day tour of Gulf countries. The visit focuses on regional tensions, defense cooperation, investment, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Riyadh is set to host the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)–US summit, bringing together Trump and leaders of the GCC member states: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Statements from Trump and GCC leaders are expected, along with the signing of several agreements among the participating nations. A final statement outlining the outcomes of the summit will also be released.

Trump’s itinerary, which began on May 13 and will conclude on May 16, includes visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The tour marks Trump’s first trip to the region since taking office in January.

⁠Resumption of Gaza ceasefire talks

Developments after an Israeli delegation arrived in the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday to hold negotiations on a potential agreement for a hostage exchange and ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip.

The team’s arrival comes a day after Hamas handed over the Israeli American captive Edan Alexander as part of broader efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid access.

Statements and updates are expected from Israeli, Qatari officials, US and Egyptian mediators along with potential announcements from Hamas.

⁠Growing famine risk in Gaza as Israel continues to block aid

The growing famine risk in the Gaza Strip with Israel continuing to block aid as the humanitarian situation is teetering on the edge of a full-scale humanitarian collapse. The entire territory is now effectively classified as a “famine zone.”

Malnutrition among children is surging, and relief organizations are warning of a spike in preventable deaths. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the blockade is causing “irreparable harm” to the lives of countless Palestinians.

Sanitation infrastructure is failing, increasing the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases - especially among children and displaced families - as access to safe water dwindles.

The UN and humanitarian groups continue to call for immediate and unhindered access to Gaza to prevent a total humanitarian collapse.

⁠Escalation in Sudan’s conflict after drone strikes on Port Sudan

Developments after Sudan’s conflict escalated as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the strategic city of Port Sudan with drones, alongside deadly shelling in El-Fasher, North Darfur.

More attacks by the RSF are expected with the Sudanese army’s responses. Humanitarian fallout, international responses, and statements from global organizations will be closely monitored.

Turkish President Erdogan's remarks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend Justice and Development (AK) Party's group meeting. He is expected to speak on domestic and global issues, including Gaza and Russia-Ukraine war.

Informal NATO meeting in Türkiye’s Antalya

An informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers will be held in Türkiye’s southern Antalya province. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is expected to attend the meeting.

Council of Europe foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg

Council of Europe foreign ministers meet for Session of the Committee of Ministers. The ministers are expected to discuss EU policies in Ukraine-Russia war, Gaza, as well as other foreign matters.

German chancellor Merz meets UN chief Guterres

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to host UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin.

They are expected to discuss international issues, Germany's contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, global development initiatives, and ongoing humanitarian efforts. Merz and Guterres to hold a joint press conference following their meeting.

Merz to address German parliament

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver a government statement in the German parliament on domestic and international matters. He is expected to outline the government's measures to curb irregular migration, brief lawmakers on his recent visits to Paris and Brussels, and comment on the latest developments in Ukraine and the Middle East.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.

US House Committee hearings

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to appear before the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s appearance comes as he continues to overhaul the US’s leading health agency, imposing controversial new policies. Kennedy will also testify before a Senate committee.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to appear before the US House Committee on Homeland Security. Testimony comes as Noem leads the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on migration to the US.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons to appear before the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Lyons is expected to face questions over the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

UN Security Council meeting

UN Security Council to meet for a briefing on the Middle East followed by consultations on Yemen after the US and Houthi rebels mutually agreed to halt attacks.

Canadian premier to chair inaugural Cabinet meeting

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to convene his Cabinet for first time since winning national elections last week.

Australian Premier Albanese pays official visit to Indonesia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pays 2-day official visit to Indonesia, his first overseas trip since being re-elected for a second term. The visit is part of the annual leaders’ meeting between Australia and Indonesia.

During the trip, Albanese is set to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss bilateral ties, with a focus on key economic areas, including food security, energy, and trade.

Borders silent as Pakistan, India respect ceasefire

Following developments as India and Pakistan respect US-mediated ceasefire. Borders have remained calm and people are returning to their homes along the Line of Control in disputed Jammu and Kashmir. At least 76 people have been killed on two sides of divided Kashmir.

Millions wait for Philippines election outcome

Following the outcome of the mid-term election in Philippines after millions of people voted to elect over 18,000 officials, including mayors, governors and lower house lawmakers.

Pakistani court hears petition seeking ex-Premier Khan's release

Islamabad High Court hears a petition seeking release of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan on parole. The petition has been filed by the chief minister of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is governed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.

⁠Putin to hold talks with Malaysian prime minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who will be in Russia on an official visit.

The two leaders will focus on bilateral cooperation in politics, trade, and economy, outline further steps aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries, and exchange views on pressing international and regional matters.

Russian Foreign Ministry to hold weekly press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing in Moscow on current issues of foreign policy. She will also hold a Q&A session.

SPECIAL REPORTS

TIMELINE – How the Russia-Ukraine war has unfolded

Report on the major developments in the Russia-Ukraine war over the past three years as hopes for a ceasefire grow with the upcoming talks in Istanbul.

The story presents a chronological overview of the war, listing all key events since the conflict erupted in late February 2022, including major Russian and Ukrainian offensives, diplomatic efforts for a halt to hostilities, and other related events.

The report also details the latest developments in the ongoing diplomatic blitz for a potential ceasefire, including statements from Russian, Ukrainian, American, and Turkish governments about the significance of the talks expected to be held in Istanbul.

UK government has to fulfill its responsibilities, suspend arms exports to Israel: Legal experts

Report on a new case against the UK government over its continued arms exports to Israel, with a four-day hearing now underway at the high court in London.

The story presents details of the case filed by the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) and Palestinian rights group Al-Haq, who argue that the UK is violating its international legal obligations by supplying weapons while Israel carries out war crimes in Gaza.

The report includes an interview with Shawan Jabarin, the director of Al-Haq, who emphasizes the gravity of the charges against the UK government and explains why Britain must be held accountable and obliged to fulfill its responsibilities under international law.