Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

⁠Israel targeting Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid

The latest developments as Israel continues to kill Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid at Israeli-designated centers in the Gaza Strip. At least 102 Palestinian civilians were killed and 490 injured while seeking humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip in eight days.

The UN is under growing pressure to launch an independent investigation following calls from Hamas and rights groups. Further international reactions, including possible legal or diplomatic measures, are expected in the coming days.

Muslim pilgrims to converge on Mecca for Hajj

Nearly 2 million Muslim pilgrims are expected to gather in Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage from June 4 to June 9, marking one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

Saudi Arabia is expected to deploy tens of thousands of security personnel and volunteers to manage crowd flow, transportation, and emergencies across key Hajj sites, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

Health authorities, following previous outbreaks of seasonal respiratory illnesses, are likely to deploy thermal scanning, real-time surveillance systems, and isolation zones for suspected infections.

⁠Continued fighting between Sudanese army, RSF forces

The Sudanese government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces traded accusations on Tuesday over attack on aid convoy belonging to the World Food Program (WFP) in North Darfur in western Sudan.

The UN is expected to push for an independent investigation into the attack on the WFP convoy and demand accountability. International actors may increase diplomatic pressure on both warring parties to ensure safe humanitarian access in Darfur.

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.

Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels

UK Defense Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius convene the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels. The meeting will focus on international military support to Ukraine.

NATO chief to hold press conference

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to hold a press conference ahead of Thursday's meeting of NATO defense ministers. Rutte will also travel to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

EU-Moldova Association Council meeting

EU High Representative and Vice-President of the Commission Kaja Kallas, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to meet in Brussels to focus on Moldova’s accession as a member state. Following an application by Moldova in March 2022, Moldova was officially granted candidate status by the EU on 22 June 2022.

Trump to sign proclamations

US President Donald Trump will sign a series of unspecified proclamations. The event is currently listed as closed press, but could change.

Rubio hosts Ukrainian officials

Secretary of State Marco Rubio to host Ukrainian Presidential Administration Head Andriy Yermak and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko at the Department of State.

House Committee on Armed Services holds hearing

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to testify before the House Armed Services Committee.

White House official testifies before House panel

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to appear before the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

UN Security Council to vote on Gaza resolution

UN Security Council to vote on draft resolution concerning the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Resolution brought by Slovenia demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into the coastal enclave.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing via videoconference on the latest diplomatic developments.

The press briefing is expected to touch on many global issues, including the second round of direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on Monday and subsequent developments.

Foreign ministers of African Union’s C-10 to convene in Zambia

Zambia to host the 13th ministerial meeting of the African Union’s Committee of 10 (C-10) in the capital Lusaka. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will officially open the meeting. The summit will bring together foreign ministers of Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Namibia, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zambia to discuss reform in the UN Security Council.

South Korea's new president sworn in, names Cabinet, vows to revive economy

Following developments as South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung names first members of his Cabinet with Kim Min-seok as premier and vowed to revive economy and pursue foreign policy based on national interests. Negotiations with US on tariffs, economic recovery, regional security, as well as ties with North Korea remain top priorities for Democratic Party government. Lee won with 49.42% of the votes, out of a total of 79.4% of ballots cast.

South Korea's new president expected to deliver policy statement

South Korea's newly elected President Lee Jae-myung is expected to deliver a policy statement following his win in snap election. The policy address is anticipated to outline the new administration’s key priorities in domestic and foreign policy, including economic recovery, regional security, and relations with North Korea.

The policy will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers for early indications of the president's governing agenda.

North Korea likely to react to South Korea's presidential election

North Korea is likely to react to South Korea's presidential election as the new president is expected to deliver a policy statement in Seoul.

Guatemala's president visits Taiwan

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo to arrive in Taiwan for his first official visit since taking office last year. During his stay, Arevalo to meet Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te to reaffirm bilateral ties. Guatemala is one of the 12 diplomatic allies of Taiwan.

Singaporean prime minister to visit Philippines

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to pay two-day official visit to the Philippines. It is his first overseas trip since being re-elected last month. In Manila, Wong to hold talks with host President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Rains, floods ravage northeastern India

Monitoring ground situation as tens of thousands of people were affected in northeast India due to heavy rains, landslides and floods. At least 36 people have been killed.

THE ECONOMY

EU-US trade talks

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic will hold a bilateral meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the margins of the OECD ministerial council meeting taking place in Paris. The meeting to focus on tariff negotiations between the two parties.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - NATO defense ministers meeting: What’s on the agenda?

Report on the meeting of defense ministers of NATO members due to be held in Brussels on June 5, focusing on recent developments in European defense and the evolving balance of power with the US.

The story presents an overview of the expected agenda items, including joint defense spending, military aid to Ukraine, and strategic autonomy efforts within the EU.

The report also includes statements from key European leaders and assesses how shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly the policies of the Trump administration, are influencing European calls for greater self-reliance and shaping transatlantic defense cooperation.

EXPLAINER - Burundi legislative elections: What you need to know

Report on Burundi’s legislative election set for June 5, presenting details of the main parties and contenders, the voting process, and an overview of the expected outcomes.

The story also presents details of the current political climate in the country and the potential implications of the elections, with President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD–FDD) party likely to retain its hold on power.

The report includes an interview with Rose Mumanya, a Nairobi-based political risk analyst, who explains how the election could impact Burundi’s political stability, governance, and regional relations.