Welcome to the Weekly Brief by tut0ugh. This past week, BRICS leaders met in New Delhi, Yemen’s conflict intensified, and countries announced new defence, trade and diplomatic agreements worldwide.
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BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as expanded bloc pushes for greater global influence
The 18th BRICS Summit is set to conclude in New Delhi today (13 Sep), with leaders adopting the New Delhi Declaration outlining cooperation on global governance, trade, development, security and economic resilience.
Hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit has brought together leaders from the expanded BRICS grouping, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.
The declaration called for reform of international institutions, stronger representation for developing economies and greater cooperation on finance, technology, health, food and energy security. Leaders also urged diplomacy and restraint over conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East.
The summit highlights BRICS’ ambition to strengthen its role as a platform for the Global South and promote a more multipolar international system, although differing national interests remain a challenge for deeper coordination.
Yemen conflict escalates as Houthis expand Red Sea control
Yemen’s conflict has intensified after Houthi forces made advances along the Red Sea coast, including the capture of strategic Mayun (Perim) Island near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route.
The escalation has coincided with renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks caused damage and injuries, with Riyadh saying the strikes originated from Iraq.
The developments have increased concerns over regional security, maritime trade and global energy supplies as fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed groups intensifies.
UK announces sanctions on Israeli settlements; Israel expands diplomatic ties with Nauru and Slovenia
The UK Government announced a new sanctions regime targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including restrictions on goods produced in settlements and measures against individuals and companies linked to settlement expansion.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK considers the occupation unlawful and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution alongside international partners.
Israel criticised the measures, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar describing them as unjustified and announcing diplomatic responses, including the closure of the UK consulate in Jerusalem.
Separately, Nauru opened its first embassy in Jerusalem, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Nauruan Vice President and Foreign Minister Lionel Aingimea attending the inauguration.
Israel also opened its first embassy in Slovenia, where Gideon Sa’ar and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer signed a cooperation agreement covering education, science, culture and other sectors.
EU, Greenland and Denmark sign renewed Joint Declaration, backed by €200m investment
The European Union, Greenland and Denmark renewed their partnership through a joint declaration signed in Nuuk, backed by a €200 million Global Gateway investment package announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Signed by Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and President von der Leyen, the agreement expands cooperation on infrastructure, clean energy, education, fisheries, digital connectivity and critical raw materials.
The investment, covering 2026 and 2027, aims to support Greenland’s economic development while strengthening EU engagement in the Arctic, where strategic competition and interest in resources continue to grow.
AfD wins largest share in Saxony-Anhalt election; Serbia calls snap parliamentary vote
Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt’s state election, winning 43.8% of the vote and 39 of 83 seats, according to preliminary official results. The party fell three seats short of the 42 needed for an outright majority.
The CDU finished second with 17.2%, while voter turnout reached 77.8%. AfD state leader Ulrich Siegmund described the result as a mandate to govern, but other major parties have ruled out coalition cooperation with the party.
The result represents the AfD’s strongest performance in a German state election and is expected to influence wider debate over Germany’s political direction, coalition dynamics and the future of mainstream party strategies.
Separately, Serbia will hold a snap parliamentary election on 25 October after President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament.
The vote follows prolonged anti-government protests and is expected to shape Serbia’s domestic politics, EU accession path and foreign policy balance between global partners.
US expands security partnerships with Ecuador and Peru through regional cooperation agreements
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined expanded cooperation with Ecuador during talks with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister of Human Mobility Roberto Kury Pesantes in Quito, focusing on security, economic development and organised crime.
Washington announced plans for additional assistance, including $45 million in security support, maritime equipment and a $10 million initiative targeting illegal mining and illicit finance.
Separately, Rubio and Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori announced closer cooperation on security, trade and regional issues during talks marking over 200 years of diplomatic relations.
Peru confirmed it would join the US-led Shield of the Americas initiative, strengthening regional efforts against transnational crime while expanding economic and institutional cooperation.
UAE strengthens Germany partnership; Algeria ends diplomatic relations with Abu Dhabi
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted the first state visit by a UAE president to Germany, meeting Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The countries launched a Strategic Dialogue covering defence, trade, energy, technology and sustainability, alongside a €40 billion UAE investment package and 29 business agreements valued at over €9.356 billion.
Separately, Algeria announced it was ending diplomatic relations with the UAE, citing what it described as hostile actions. Abu Dhabi expressed hope the decision would be temporary.
The dispute reflects wider regional differences between the two countries over foreign policy, including approaches to conflicts, alliances and regional influence.
France deepens partnerships with South Korea and Vietnam
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to expand cooperation in defence, technology, trade and energy during talks in Paris marking 140 years of diplomatic relations.
The countries will strengthen military information sharing, explore logistics cooperation and expand collaboration in AI, quantum technology, semiconductors and nuclear energy, with a goal of increasing annual trade to US$20 billion by 2030.
Separately, France and Vietnam agreed to accelerate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through a 2026–2028 action plan covering defence, science, technology, space, energy and sustainable development.
Both sides reaffirmed cooperation on international law, ASEAN-EU ties and regional stability, including freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Canada strengthens long-term Ukraine ties as Oman and Rwanda deepen strategic partnership
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a declaration outlining plans for a 100-year strategic partnership covering defence, economic recovery, energy, innovation and reconstruction.
Canada reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, NATO and EU aspirations, while both sides aim to finalise a formal partnership agreement by December 2026.
Separately, Oman and Rwanda agreed to expand cooperation in investment, trade, energy, tourism, logistics and finance following a visit by President Paul Kagame.
The countries will establish new diplomatic and business frameworks, including embassies, joint committees and agreements on taxation, visas and technical cooperation.
Russia-Saudi Arabia mark centenary of diplomatic ties; Moscow and Hanoi expand strategic partnership
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held talks in Moscow on bilateral relations, energy cooperation and regional security, marking 100 years of diplomatic ties.
The ministers reaffirmed coordination through OPEC+ and discussed issues including Gaza, Yemen, Syria, Ukraine and Gulf security.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam To Lam oversaw agreements expanding Russia-Vietnam cooperation in energy, technology, trade and investment.
The deals include oil reserve cooperation, nuclear energy, AI and scientific research initiatives, as both countries seek to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
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