Diary

ANKARA 

Here are the main topics Anadolu Agency’s English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, September 18, 2025 (subject to change depending on developing/breaking stories):

New phase of Israeli offensive in Gaza City

The field and humanitarian situation in Gaza City after the Israeli army said it carried out more than 150 air and artillery strikes in two days, while intensifying bombardment and demolitions to force Palestinians into displacement.

Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza

Developments surrounding the sailing of the Global Sumud Flotilla to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, a day after the Maghreb branch announced it had dispatched 12 of its 23 vessels from Tunisia, while also preparing another ship to set sail soon.

Israel’s Security Cabinet meeting on Gaza City offensive

Israel’s Security Cabinet is anticipated to convene in Jerusalem on Thursday evening to discuss developments in the ongoing offensive to occupy Gaza City.

Trump interview to air

Fox News will air an interview with US President Donald Trump from the UK.

UN Security Council to discuss Syria

The UN Security Council will hold a briefing, followed by consultations, on Syria. Discussions will focus on the political and humanitarian situations in the country.

Canada’s Carney visiting Mexico

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Mexico for talks with President Claudia Sheinbaum in an effort to diversify trade as they both brace for a review of their free trade deal with the US. They are expected to hold a news conference following discussions and a working lunch.

UN press briefings

The United Nations will hold press briefings at noon.

US president meets UK premier

US President Donald Trump will hold talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he concludes his second state visit to the UK. The meeting will be followed by a business reception and a press conference by the two leaders at Chequers, the official country residence of the UK's prime minister.

WHO chief’s press conference on global health issues

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will hold a virtual press conference on global health issues.

General strike in France

A day of strikes and protests has been called for by French unions in response to the Francois Bayrou-led government's public spending plans, which they have dubbed a "museum of horrors."

German Chancellor Merz visits Spain

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in Madrid for his inaugural visit as head of government. The chancellor will meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in the evening to discuss bilateral cooperation, European policy matters, and security issues. Following their talks, the leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference.

'Fears of the Germans' annual survey

An annual report on the fears and concerns of German citizens is released in Berlin. The study, conducted by the R+V Versicherung insurance company, examines Germans' anxieties about the economy, politics, society, health, and the environment.

State of Global Water Resources Report

In Geneva, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will release its State of Global Water Resources Report 2024. The report focuses on the impacts of climate change on freshwater, including streamflow, reservoir, and lake levels, providing insights for policymakers.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman holds press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold a press briefing via videoconference on the pressing issues of foreign affairs. The press briefing is anticipated to cover an array of current global political issues, including the Ukrainian settlement.

Turkish president to engage with Palestinian counterpart

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will officially welcome Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Presidential Complex in Ankara and host a dinner in Abbas's honor following their meeting.

Turkish vice president's visit to Kyrgyzstan

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz will hold a one-on-one meeting with Kyrgyzstan Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev in Bishkek, participate in the inter-delegation meeting of the 12th Kyrgyzstan-Türkiye Intergovernmental Joint Economic Commission (JEC), and attend the signing of the Protocol of the 12th JEC Meeting and other documents, as well as the press conference.

Yilmaz will attend the Kyrgyzstan-Türkiye Business Forum, the Meeting of Heads of Government and Vice Presidents of Member States of the Organization of Turkic States, and the joint meeting with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov within this framework.

Thailand, Cambodia's fresh tension

Developments following renewed tensions between Thailand and Cambodia resulted in numerous injuries on both sides. In July, armed clashes between Southeast Asian nations killed and injured dozens of people.

Statement expected on China’s Xi, Trump contacts

The Chinese Foreign Ministry is expected to issue a statement regarding the scheduled phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

Malawi expected to announce provisional election results

Malawi is expected to announce provisional results following the September 16 general election, which saw tight races between President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika amid ongoing economic challenges. Voting concluded on Tuesday, with final results required within a week.

THE ECONOMY

UK Interest Rate

The Bank of England will release its interest rate decision. Its policy rate is at 4% currently, and market expectations are at the same level for the September meeting of the bank.

US jobless claims

The US will release weekly jobless claims data.

Türkiye's premier tech event TEKNOFEST continues in Istanbul

TEKNOFEST, one of the world's largest technology, aviation, and space events, will continue in Istanbul with competitions, air shows, and innovative tech showcases that captivate millions of attendees.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Echo chambers of the future: AI and the new climate denial crisis

Report on how artificial intelligence is accelerating the spread of climate misinformation, creating echo chambers that erode public trust in science and undermine climate action.

The story highlights findings from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, which identifies misinformation and disinformation as among the world’s most severe threats. It explains how AI could play a role in fighting disinformation, but experts caution that without stronger safeguards and accountability, its rapid advance risks deepening public distrust in both climate science and democratic institutions.

The report includes comments from Victor Galaz of the Stockholm Resilience Center and Viktor Toth, a developer and researcher.

Van Gogh’s world brought to digital life in Istanbul

Report on the multi-sensory exhibition ‘Van Gogh: Chasing the Light’ at Istanbul’s Digital Experience Center, which transforms the artist’s iconic paintings into an immersive journey through virtual reality, interactive displays, and AI-generated visuals.

The story highlights how visitors journey from Van Gogh’s early sketches to his luminous late works via interactive installations, holographic sunflowers, and a virtual reality experience based on his final palette.

The report also highlights how the exhibition, set along the Golden Horn, reflects Istanbul’s embrace of digital culture and art.