HANOI -- Vietnam's National Assembly (NA) on Monday elected Tran Thanh Man, chairman of the 15th parliament, to lead the country's top legislature for its 16th tenure.
At the first session of the 16th NA, which opened in Hanoi on Monday, Man, a member of the Political Bureau of the 14th Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, won a majority of votes to continue in the post. (Vietnam-NA Chairman)
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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's Foreign Office on Monday said that diplomatic efforts for de-escalation and peace regarding tensions in the Middle East are "ongoing," according to official Pakistan TV.
According to the report, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined to confirm or deny media reports that Islamabad had proposed a framework to help end the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. (Pakistan-Mideast Tensions)
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SINGAPORE -- Economic growth in the ASEAN+3 region, comprising ASEAN member states plus China, Japan and South Korea, is expected to moderate to 4 percent in 2026 and 2027, from 4.3 percent in 2025, the Singapore-based ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said Monday.
The AMRO cited weaker external demand as a key factor, as higher global and sectoral tariffs implemented by the United States begin to take effect. Broad-based tariffs are expected to curb U.S. demand, directly weighing on regional exports and indirectly slowing global trade. (Singapore-ASEAN+3-Growth)
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SEOUL -- South Korea's special counsel on Monday sought a 10-year prison sentence in the appeals court for former President Yoon Suk-yeol on arrest obstruction charges.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded the 10-year prison term in appeal after requesting the same sentence in the first instance. (South Korea-Impeached President) ■
