Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, July 31, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Aftermath of mega earthquake off Russia

Monitoring situation across Asia, along Russian as well as US coasts in the aftermath of massive 8.8 earthquake which struck off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, generating tsunami waves, triggering evacuations of millions and damaging properties and businesses. Tsunami warnings were issued in Hawaii, Japan, China and several Pacific nations.

Worsening famine in Gaza under Israeli blockade

The deepening famine across the Gaza Strip—driven by Israel’s ongoing siege and ineffective aid distribution—which is causing a sharp rise in malnutrition-related deaths, particularly among children, prompting widespread international condemnation and urgent calls for intervention.

US Mideast envoy’s expected visit to Israel

Developments after White House envoy Steve Witkoff's anticipated visit to Israel, the first time in nearly three months, amid a deadlock in Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations and an escalating humanitarian catastrophe. Witkoff is also expected to visit Gaza and inspect aid centers run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Trump to speak with Mexican counterpart on trade

US President Donald Trump to speak by phone with his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum as a Friday deadline to avoid a 30% tariff nears if there is no agreement between the US and its largest trade partner.

US’ Rubio to host South Korean counterpart following trade deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the Department of State following a tariff agreement between the two countries. They are expected to discuss mutual issues, such as North Korea, and preparations for an upcoming leader-level summit.

Appeals court to hear Trump tariff case

A federal appeals court will hear arguments on whether the Trump administration lawfully used emergency powers to impose tariffs. A lower court had blocked the move, but the appeals court paused that decision while the case plays out.

Finland hosts conference on Helsinki Final Act

Finland hosts conference marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act which was signed to improve relations between the Eastern and Western blocs during the Cold War by addressing security, economic, and humanitarian issues. Key speakers include Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (via video), and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (via video). Latest global developments are expected to be addressed during the conference.

Ukraine's parliament to consider President Zelenskyy’s new anti-corruption bill

Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, to consider President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s new anti-corruption bill on restoring the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Zelenskyy submitted a new version of the bill, initially signed into law last week, to parliament on July 24 after major public protests on the original bill, which the president had signed into law two days earlier.

Russia's president to hold talks with Laotian counterpart in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold talks with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith in Moscow, who arrived in Russia on an official visit. The meeting is expected to address current issues in bilateral trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. A number of bilateral documents are also expected to be adopted as a result of the talks.

Russian, Syrian foreign ministers to hold talks in Moscow

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to hold talks with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani in Moscow. The talks are expected to touch on the current situation in Syria, as well as other regional and international issues.

Ethiopia set for massive tree plantation drive, targeting 700M seedlings in a day

Ethiopia to launch a major tree planting campaign aiming to plant 700 million seedlings in a single day. The effort is part of the broader Green Legacy Initiative, which has already seen over 40 billion trees planted in six years and targets 7.5 billion more this rainy season.

UN to launch ocean center in Ghana

Ocean Centers Ghana to be launched in the capital Accra. Supported by the UN Global Compact and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Ocean Centers initiative focuses on accelerating local solutions for ocean safety, sustainability, and ethical business.

China’s Foreign Ministry news conference

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold regular news conference in Beijing.

Australia moves to recognize Palestine

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to announce decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state. Albanese has reportedly expressed such an intention to his ruling Labor Party and is preparing ground for "historic" shift in Australia’s foreign policy on Palestine. However, the date for such an unprecedented move remains unknown.

Foreign Ministry news conference in Islamabad

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Islamabad. Anadolu correspondent in Islamabad to attend and ask question: What are expectations from Iranian president's trip to Pakistan? Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is due to visit Pakistan on Aug. 2 for a two-day trip.

THE ECONOMY

Türkiye's foreign trade

Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) to release monthly foreign trade figures for June. In May, Türkiye posted a foreign trade deficit of $6.65B.

Türkiye's foreign tourist arrivals

TurkStat to share monthly foreign tourist figures for June. In May, foreign arrivals fell 1.81% year-on-year.

Germany's inflation

Destatis to share monthly consumer price index (CPI) figures for July. In June, consumer prices were up 2% yearly, while it posted no change monthly. The markets expect the CPI to ease to 1.8% yearly in July. The country will also announce unemployment rate figures for July.

US initial jobless claims

US to announce initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the claims were down 4,000 to 217,000. Markets expect them to rise to 222,000.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Gaza reshapes UK policies and politics as Europe realigns

Report examining how Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza is reshaping British politics, from foreign policy to domestic political alignments.

The story highlights Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s major policy shift toward potential recognition of Palestinian statehood amid pressure from within his party, civil society, and international groups over British support to Israel.

The report includes comments from experts, including Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at King’s College London, and Galip Dalay, a senior consulting fellow at policy think tank Chatham House.