Morning Briefing: Feb. 3, 2025

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday with, including US President Donald Trump mulling tariffs on the EU, Syria's interim president visiting Saudi Arabia in his first overseas trip, and Türkiye rejecting Trump’s proposal to expel Palestinians from Gaza.

TOP STORIES

• Trump mulls tariffs on EU, warns Canada, Mexico over trade imbalances

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration is considering imposing tariffs on the European Union and warned Canada and Mexico over trade imbalances and immigration policies.

Asked if he is considering imposing tariffs on any other countries, Trump confirmed that tariffs on the EU are likely, citing an over $300 billion trade deficit.

“It will definitely happen with the European Union,” he said.

He described the EU’s trade practices as “an atrocity” and hinted at imminent action.

“I wouldn’t say there’s a timeline, but it’s going to be pretty soon,” Trump added.

• Syria's interim president meets Saudi crown prince in Riyadh on 1st foreign visit

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his first overseas trip as transitional leader of the war-torn country.

The two leaders “engaged in broad discussions and talks across all sectors, working to enhance communication and cooperation at all levels, particularly in humanitarian and economic fields.”

Discussions also focused on “comprehensive future plans in the fields of energy, technology, education and health, aiming to establish a true partnership that ensures peace and stability across the region while improving the economic situation of the Syrian people,” Sharaa said.

• Türkiye rejects Trump’s proposal to expel Palestinians from Gaza

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara “completely opposes” US President Donald Trump’s proposal to expel Palestinians from Gaza and send them to other countries.

Fidan said the proposal goes against humanitarian law.

He stressed that everyone should stand against the plan, adding that Ankara supports the recent declaration made in Cairo regarding Palestinians in Gaza.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Hamas Shura Council Chairman Muhammad Darwish and other members of the group's political bureau in the Qatari capital Doha.
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara will not tolerate terrorism in Syria under any circumstances.
• US President Donald Trump said he is cutting future funding to South Africa over alleged land confiscation and mistreatment of "certain classes of people."
• Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino hosted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Panama City and said his country's "sovereignty is not in question" amid President Donald Trump's demand to take control of the Panama Canal.
• German and UK leaders discussed bilateral relations and global issues, including the situation in the Middle East, and underscored the importance of implementing all phases of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
• Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called on Israel and Hamas to start work on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
• Some 46 sick and injured Palestinians left the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing into Egypt for treatment.
• Ukraine claimed that at least 14 people were killed in a Russian missile strike on the city of Poltava a day earlier.
• Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened an emergency meeting following a surge in seismic activity in the Aegean Islands region.
• North Korea slammed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for branding the country a "rogue state" and vowed to take "tough counteraction" against any provocation from Washington.

SPORTS

• Toronto Raptors fans boo American national anthem amid trade war with US

Canadian basketball fans booed America’s national anthem in Toronto after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada.

Fans at the Scotiabank Arena jeered before the Toronto Raptors' home game against NBA team the Los Angeles Clippers.

Canadian fans later cheered loudly when the Canadian anthem "O Canada" began.

BUSINNESS & ECONOMY

• South Korean companies consider relocating plants from Canada, Mexico to US

Major South Korean companies are assessing ways to minimize the impact of new US tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, with some considering relocating production to the United States, officials said.

South Korean electronics giants LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics, which have manufacturing operations in the affected countries, are exploring options to bypass the tariffs.

The battery and automotive industries are also closely monitoring the changing trade dynamics in North America, officials noted.