Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
UN declares Gaza as famine zone
Reactions and developments as UN classification system used to determine access to food (IPC) has officially declared famine in Gaza, saying more than half a million Palestinians are facing catastrophic famine conditions, which include starvation, destitution and death.
Bahrain’s king to visit Oman
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa pays a private visit of unspecified duration to Oman starting Saturday. He will meet with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
Europe-wide developments on Russia-Ukraine war
Political developments, official statements, and decisions from European governments and institutions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war amid intensified discussions around peace process, future security guarantees, and territorial exchanges.
Possible Russia-Ukraine presidential summit
Following statements from both Russia and Ukraine about a possible presidential meeting.
Japanese foreign minister to visit Kazakhstan
Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi to visit Kazakhstan as part of Central Asian tour. He is scheduled to meet with his Kazakh counterpart Murat Nurtleu to advance the "Central Asia plus Japan" plan.
Taiwan holds nuclear referendum, 2nd recall vote for opposition lawmakers
Taiwanese voters head to polls for a high-stakes referendum on whether to restart the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant’s second reactor, the last remaining unit in the island’s decades-long phaseout of nuclear energy. On the same day, citizens will also cast ballots in a 2nd recall vote targeting seven opposition lawmakers, underscoring Taiwan’s increasingly contentious political climate.
Pakistan’s top diplomat visits Bangladesh
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visits Bangladesh, in first such trip in past 15 years. Dhaka and Islamabad have seen bilateral ties improve over past one year. A number of bilateral trade and other agreements are expected to be signed during the 3-day trip.
South Korea’s President Lee visits Japan
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung arrives in Tokyo for his 1st visit to Japan since taking office in June. He is scheduled to hold a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on the same day. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties amid pressure from the US over tariffs as well as boosting spending for hosting American troops.
