Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Efforts toward transition to 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire agreement
Mediators are expected to accelerate efforts to advance toward the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip through negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, as the remains of another Israeli hostage were returned by Palestinian groups to Israel on Wednesday.
Ongoing talks between Israel, Lebanon on ceasefire
Latest developments regarding the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, after civilian-led Israeli and Lebanese delegations gathered for a ceasefire monitoring mechanism meeting in Naqoura, southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to Israeli media.
Middle East and Africa Summit 2025 in UAE
The United Arab Emirates to host the Middle East and Africa Summit 2025 in the capital, Abu Dhabi. During the two-day summit, investors, business leaders, CEOs, and government officials from around the world will take part in panel discussions on AI, technology, health, sustainability, and policy.
The US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack is also scheduled to attend.
UN Security Council delagation's visit to Syria
A delegation of the UN Security Council to visit Syria, in the body’s first official visit to the country, according to local media. High-level representatives from member states are expected to meet President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Deputy UN Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi, and other senior officials.
Trump to host presidents of Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda
US President Donald Trump will greet the Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the White House for the signing of a “historic peace and economic agreement” at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. Kenyan President William Ruto is also due to attend the ceremony. The deal aims to finalize a US-led effort to end hostilities in eastern Congo.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump will later attend the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House.
Top US diplomat to attend health framework signing with Kenyan president
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the signing ceremony of a Health Framework of Cooperation with Kenya’s President William Ruto and other top officials of the East African nation at the Department of State in Washington, DC.
US defense chief to host Swedish counterpart
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will hold talks with Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson at the Pentagon. Support for Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia are likely to be on the agenda in talks between the two NATO allies.
Newly elected member of US House to be sworn into office
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson will hold the ceremonial swearing-in for Representative-elect Matt Van Epps, who will take office after a special election in the state of Tennessee earlier this week.
Briefing at UN on last month’s Central Asian Summit
The Permanent Representatives of Central Asia will brief reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York on the Central Asian Summit of Heads of State that took place in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent on Nov. 16. The main briefer will be the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the UN, Ambassador Ulugbek Lapasov.
Honduras vote count continues
The stalled vote-tally in Honduras’ Nov. 30 presidential election remains extremely tight. At around 80% of votes tallied, Salvador Nasralla holds a narrow lead over Nasry Asfura of less than 15,000 ballots. The count has faced pause over system issues.
European Broadcasting Union discusses Israel's participation in Eurovision
During a two-day winter session in Geneva, the European Broadcasting Union is expected to discuss whether Israel should continue to be allowed to participate in Eurovision. It comes after several countries threaten to boycott the annual song contest over Israeli attacks on Gaza.
German president addresses UK parliament
On the second day of his three-day state visit to the UK, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to address British parliament. His speech is likely to focus on close cooperation and friendly ties between the two countries.
German chancellor meets state premiers
Chancellor Friedrich Merz meets with state premiers in the Federal Chancellery as the leaders are expected to discuss domestic issues, accelerating planning and approval processes, and social policy development.
German foreign minister attends OSCE ministerial council
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul participates in the 32nd Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council meeting in Vienna where the annual gathering brings together foreign ministers from the organization’s 57 participating states.
World Malaria Report 2025
The World Health Organization to launch its World Malaria Report 2025 to provide the latest global and regional estimates on malaria cases, deaths, intervention coverage, and financing.
Putin's state visit to India
Developments as Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day state visit to India, where New Delhi will host the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
This is Putin’s first trip to South Asian nation since Ukraine war began three years ago.
Putin is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before they co-chair delegation-level talks a day later.
The two are expected to discuss energy cooperation amid possible tightening of US sanctions against Russia, Ukrainian settlement, and regional conflicts.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly briefing
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a weekly press briefing via videoconference. The press briefing is anticipated to cover an array of current global political issues, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
European Council president to visit Kazakhstan
European Council President Antonio Costa to embark on an official visit to Kazakhstan's capital Astana. Costa will hold talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to the country's presidential press service Akorda, during which they will discuss prospects for developing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU.
China’s Xi hosts France’s Macron in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosts French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for talks in Beijing with trade, tariffs, wars in Ukraine and Gaza on the agenda.
Macron to hold separate talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang as well as top lawmaker Zhao Leji. Later, Xi and Macron will visit the southwestern city of Chengdu, as the two sides move to boost public diplomacy and people-to-people contacts.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov in Pakistan
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov is in Pakistan on his maiden two-day state visit. It is the 1st such trip in 20 years. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Zhaparov hold bilateral talks to boost ties across sectors. Zhaparov is also set to meet with President Asif Zardari, besides addressing Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum in Islamabad.
Turkish foreign minister to visit Vienna
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend the 32nd Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in Vienna.
THE ECONOMY
Türkiye's foreign trade
TurkStat to release monthly foreign trade data for November. In October, Türkiye's foreign trade posted a deficit of $6.9B in October.
US initial jobless claims
The US to share weekly initial jobless claims figures for last week. In the previous week, the claims fell 6,000 to 216,000.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Rare earths and critical minerals: Central Asia a new ‘arena for global competition,’ say experts
Report on how growing global demand for critical minerals and rare earth elements is drawing the US, China, and Russia into sharper competition across Central Asia.
The story examines Central Asia’s rising importance in the global contest for essential minerals – from rare earth elements to uranium and other strategic resources – as major powers intensify efforts to secure supply chains vital for clean energy, defense, and advanced technologies.
It examines the early stages of resource development, the major investment hurdles, and the political dilemma facing Central Asian governments, with insights from Emil Dzhuraev, a fellow at the Crossroads Central Asia research institute, and Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
Massive floods give new lease on life to Pakistan’s decaying Indus Delta
Report on how this year’s monsoon floods – despite causing major destruction in Punjab – have delivered a rare ecological boost to the Indus Delta in southern Pakistan.
The story explains how the surge of fresh water reaching the delta has helped push back seawater intrusion, improve soil conditions, and restore mangrove habitats. It outlines how coastal communities are benefiting from abundant fish catches and improved agriculture, while environmentalists caution that the relief is temporary without modern water-management reforms and guaranteed minimum river flows.
The report includes comments from local agriculturist Saeed Ahmad Sethar, social worker Iqbal Hyder, and environmentalists Rafiul Haq and Naseer Memon.
