MANILA -- Finance ministers and central bank governors of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday raised concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East and their potential impact on the global economy.
In a joint statement issued after the 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting (AFMGM) held here, the officials said they expressed concerns on rising geopolitical risks, global trade uncertainties, and disruptions to energy markets that may increase volatility in inflation, financial markets, and capital flows. (Philippines-ASEAN-Finance)
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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan has stepped up security and logistical preparations as delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to arrive in Islamabad for high-stakes talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East following a recently announced two-week ceasefire.
The negotiations are expected to bring together senior officials from both countries as part of diplomatic efforts to reach a longer-term settlement after weeks of escalating conflict. (Pakistan-United States-Iran)
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NAY PYI TAW -- Senior General Min Aung Hlaing was officially sworn in as the President of Myanmar on Friday.
The oath-taking ceremony, conducted before the Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament), took place on the sixth day session of the first regular session of the Third Pyidaungsu Hluttaw in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. (Myanmar-President-Oath-taking)
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MANILA -- The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has amplified global geopolitical risks and intensified downside risks for economic growth of developing Asia and the Pacific, according to a new report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday.
The Asian Development Outlook April 2026 projected that under an early stabilization scenario, regional growth of developing Asia and the Pacific is expected to moderate to 5.1 percent in both 2026 and 2027, from 5.4 percent in 2025. (ADB-Report-Middle East)
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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister of France Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday expressed concern over serious ceasefire violations made in Lebanon, the Foreign Office said here.
During a telephone conversation, the leaders underscored the importance of full implementation of the ceasefire and strict adherence to its terms, the office said in a statement. (Pakistan-France-Lebanon) ■
