MORNING NEWS BRIEF [July 15, 2021]

HOT NEWS

1. Armenian FM accused Azerbaijan for fueling the tension after placing their armed forces on their territory and that this provocative move undermined regional peace and security. Source: TASS
2. Iran said it could enrich uranium up to 90% purity if the nuclear reactors needed it, but it still sought the revival of a 2015 deal which would in return lift the sanctions. Source: The Jerusalem Post
3. Russia and Pakistan discussed the necessity of a political settlement in Afghanistan as both sides have agreed to work closely to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all spheres. Source: Anadolu Agency

WORLD

1. The UAE officially inaugurated its embassy in Israel, a move that came after the two countries’ mutual agreement which aimed to normalize their diplomatic relations. Source: Times of Israel
2. Taliban fighters in Afghanistan seized control of a major border crossing with Pakistan during a rapid advance across the country after the U.S. forces withdrawal. Source: Reuters
3. Poland rejected the EU’s attempt to reform their judicial branch as it was not suited to the primary law of the union, on the stance that it was not in line with Polish constitution. Source: CGTN

REGIONS

1. Indian FM stressed that Chinese counterpart agreed to seek for mutual solutions to the prolongation of the tension at the border as it was not in the interest of both parties. Source: The Straits Times
2. The U.S. urged ASEAN to restore democracy in Myanmar and rejected China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, stressing its stance with the nations at odds with Beijing. Source: The Globe and Mail
3. Several areas in China will start vaccinating teenagers against COVID-19 this month by aiming to have fully vaccinated all eligible in the age group of 12 to 17. Source: CNA

CAMBODIA

1. Cambodia acknowledged the significance of ASEAN-US strategic partnership and called on the U.S. to contribute to ASEAN’s efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: The Phnom Penh Post
2. Cambodia and India discussed agricultural cooperation as the Kingdom lauded the Indian support and sought to foster more investment cooperation in the agricultural sector. Source: Khmer Times
3. According to KITA, the two-way trade between Cambodia and South Korea reached USD377 million in the first five months of this year, a year-on-year surge of almost 6.2 percent. Source: The Phnom Penh Post