ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Saturday, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement that a meeting with Vladimir Putin will be held Aug. 15; Armenia and Azerbaijan signing a peace "roadmap" at a White House ceremony; and the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Israel's plans to occupy Gaza City  

TOP STORIES

• Trump to meet with Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15

US President Donald Trump announced he will meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Aug. 15 in the American state of Alaska.

"The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska," Trump said on Truth Social.

"Further details to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added.

• Armenia, Azerbaijan ink peace 'roadmap' during White House ceremony

The South Caucus nations of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace "roadmap," which US President Donald Trump said is intended to end decades of conflict.

Trump said by signing the accord, both nations "are committing to stop all fighting forever, open up commerce, travel and diplomatic relations and respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"With this accord, we've finally succeeded in making peace," Trump told reporters in the State Dining Room, where he was flanked by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Premier Nikol Pashinyan.

• UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Israel's plans to occupy Gaza

The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency session following Israel's decision to "take control of Gaza City," which has drawn widespread condemnation.

According to information obtained by Anadolu, the emergency session was requested by the permanent missions of the UK, Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia.

Diplomatic sources said the meeting has been endorsed by all members of the Council except Panama, which is its current chair, and the US. 

NEWS IN BRIEF

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced alarm about Israel's decision to "take control of Gaza City," warning that it marks a "dangerous escalation" that could deepen the catastrophe for Palestinians.
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Israel to immediately halt its plan for a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, warning it would violate international law and cause further mass suffering.
• Türkiye welcomed progress toward "lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” following a trilateral peace roadmap the two South Caucasus nations signed with the US.
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said geopolitical risks are clearly seen that began with a genocide in Gaza, and have increased with Israel's attacks on Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, and Syria.
• The US reaffirmed its opposition to recognizing a Palestinian state, setting the stage for diplomatic discussions with the UK, which recently decided to recognize Palestinian statehood.
• The Pakistani military said it thwarted an infiltration bid by militants along the border with Afghanistan, killing at least 33 in southwestern Balochistan province, according to a statement.
• Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has served in the position since 1994, pledged not to seek another term.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed prospects for a settlement in Ukraine in a call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, according to reports.
• China expressed "serious concern" over the Israeli decision to occupy Gaza and urged Tel Aviv to immediately cease its "dangerous actions."

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• WTO raises global trade growth forecast this year, decreases for 2026

The World Trade Organization (WTO) raised its forecast for global trade growth this year to 0.9%, warning that the US' high tariffs will put pressure on trade in 2026.

The previous WTO report, published following US President Donald Trump's "Independence Day" tariff announcements on April 2, predicted that tariffs would cause global trade to contract 0.2% this year.

The forecast was significantly lower than the WTO's estimate of 2.7% growth before tariffs were imposed.  

• Türkiye's GDP to exceed $1.4T at end-2025, trade minister says

Türkiye's national income increased from $238 billion in 2002 to $1.32 trillion last year, the Turkish trade minister said, adding: “We will hopefully exceed $1.4 trillion by the end of this year."

Speaking at an event in Istanbul, organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK), Omer Bolat said the Turkish economy has grown at an average annual rate of 5.3% over the past 22 years since the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party took office.

"Our country has been among the fastest-growing economies in the world over the past 10 years," he said.