This past week, Russia–Ukraine diplomacy resumed, COP31 opened in Türkiye, European leaders addressed security and migration, and countries advanced cooperation on defence, trade, technology and regional stability.
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Russia–Ukraine diplomacy intensifies as talks explore path towards ending war
US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine intensified this week as Russian, Ukrainian and American officials held trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. The discussions marked the first direct Russia–Ukraine negotiations in nine months, although no major breakthrough was reached.
Following the trilateral talks US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner later met Putin before travelling to Ireland to brief Zelenskyy, with discussions focusing on potential next steps, security arrangements and bringing European representatives into future negotiations. The talks produced progress towards a major prisoner exchange, but key disagreements remain over territory, NATO, Ukraine’s future security guarantees and Europe’s role in the process.
The renewed diplomacy comes as fighting continues, with both sides maintaining opposing positions on the conditions for ending the conflict. European leaders have stressed that any future settlement must involve European countries and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.
Alongside diplomatic efforts, European allies are preparing for potential post-conflict security arrangements. The UK and France are leading Exercise Koalicja in Poland, the first major drill of the Multinational Force-Ukraine (MNF-U), involving 2,800 personnel from 11 countries to test logistics, command structures and coordination.
The force would only deploy after hostilities end and at Ukraine’s request, with the aim of supporting the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces rather than acting as a peacekeeping mission.
World leaders gather in Antalya for COP31
COP31 opened in Antalya, Türkiye, bringing together governments, international organisations and climate stakeholders for UN climate negotiations focused on emissions reductions, adaptation, energy transition and climate finance. The summit runs from 9–20 November and is hosted by Türkiye, with Australia leading formal negotiations.
The opening discussions centred on implementing existing climate commitments, expanding renewable energy, strengthening resilience and increasing support for developing countries facing climate impacts. UN climate chief Simon Stiell called for faster action to reduce emissions, while COP31 President Murat Kurum emphasised implementation and cooperation.
Leaders also addressed climate finance and adaptation, with developing countries calling for greater support to manage rising climate risks. The summit takes place amid warnings over record temperatures, extreme weather events and growing pressure to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels.
European Political Community leaders agree new security and migration priorities
European Political Community (EPC) leaders adopted new declarations on European security and migration at the Dublin Summit, outlining priorities for strengthening continental resilience and cooperation. The security declaration reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while stating that decisions affecting European security must involve European countries.
A separate Joint Leaders Statement on Migration committed to a more coordinated approach to reducing illegal migration. Priorities included stronger border preparedness, cooperation with countries of origin and transit, improved information sharing, action against people-smuggling networks and effective returns in line with international law.
The statement was followed by an informal meeting of heads of state or government in Dublin on Friday (13 Nov), where European leaders discussed broader strategic priorities, including artificial intelligence, competitiveness and innovation. The meeting focused on strengthening Europe’s capacity in emerging technologies and enhancing long-term resilience.
G7 Foreign Ministers outline shared approach on global crises and emerging threats
G7 Foreign Ministers issued a joint declaration following their meeting in Paris, reaffirming support for Ukraine, calling for continued pressure on Russia and backing efforts towards a comprehensive ceasefire. Ministers also addressed security concerns in the Middle East, including Iran’s nuclear programme, maritime disruption and conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen.
The statement highlighted cooperation on Indo-Pacific security, Sudan, Haiti and the Horn of Africa, while stressing the importance of maritime security, critical minerals, economic resilience and countering cyber threats. G7 members also committed to strengthening cooperation on artificial intelligence, satellite infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Schools in Europe targeted by hoax bomb threats amid wider wave of disruption
Schools in Italy, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were disrupted after receiving bomb threat emails on Wednesday (11 Nov). Authorities assessed the messages as hoaxes, with no credible danger, explosives or injuries reported, while investigations into their origin continue.
In Italy, more than 6,300 schools received the emails, leading to precautionary evacuations at hundreds of institutions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said there was no immediate threat, while warning the incidents appeared aimed at causing fear and disruption.
The alerts follow other disruptive incidents affecting European infrastructure, including cyberattacks and hoax security warnings, though authorities have not established a link between the cases.
The developments come amid a broader period of social unrest across Europe, with protests and strikes continuing over living costs, housing pressures, public services and political concerns. In France, demonstrations continued into another weekend, while Portugal saw large-scale protests over housing affordability. Spain also experienced its first nationwide general strike in 14 years, focused on rising rents, wages and living costs.
ASEAN leaders meet in Manila amid geopolitical and economic challenges
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are taking place in Manila, Philippines, from 15–17 November 2026, bringing together Southeast Asian leaders and dialogue partners to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and geopolitical challenges. Hosted under the chairmanship of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the summit is centred on the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
Key issues include the Myanmar crisis, tensions in the South China Sea, artificial intelligence, energy security and regional trade. Leaders reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution, while discussions continued on the bloc’s approach towards Myanmar and efforts to maintain regional stability.
The summit also includes meetings with major partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and the United States, reflecting ASEAN’s role as a key platform amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
EU to strengthen Black Sea security; Cyprus leaders agree new crossings
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced new European Union measures to strengthen Black Sea security during visits to Romania and Bulgaria, including expanded maritime surveillance, crisis response support and efforts to counter foreign information manipulation. The package includes €50 million for the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub and further defence funding through EU programmes.
Meanwhile, Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman agreed to open two new crossings across Cyprus’s dividing line during UN-backed talks. The measures aim to build trust and support renewed dialogue, although longstanding disagreements over reunification remain unresolved.
Egypt reopens Tripoli embassy; Pakistan and Sudan strengthen bilateral ties
Egypt has reopened its embassy in Tripoli after a 12-year closure, marking a renewed phase in relations with Libya’s Government of National Unity. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Libyan officials to discuss energy cooperation, healthcare, maritime issues and support for a Libyan-led political process. A health cooperation MoU was also signed.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Sudan signed a visa-free travel agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, alongside plans to expand cooperation on security, cybercrime, police training and institutional development. The agreement was signed by Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sudanese Interior Minister Lieutenant General Babiker Samra Mustafa Ali, reflecting efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
UK and Azerbaijan expand cooperation; Türkiye and Qatar sign defence agreement
The United Kingdom and Azerbaijan signed a Strategic Partnership Declaration on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Dublin, expanding cooperation on defence, trade, energy, education and innovation. The framework includes regional security, clean energy, the Middle Corridor and support for peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Meanwhile, Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani oversaw the signing of a mutual defence agreement in Istanbul, alongside further agreements covering energy, trade and technology. The pact strengthens the Türkiye–Qatar strategic partnership, with leaders highlighting expanded defence industry cooperation and regional stability.
Japan–Vietnam strengthen strategic partnership; China–Thailand expand cooperation agreements
Japan and Vietnam have adopted a new Joint Vision Statement to expand their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, strengthening cooperation on economic security, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, education and defence. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Vietnamese President To Lam also witnessed new bilateral agreements in Tokyo, including initiatives on supply chain resilience, maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul oversaw eight cooperation agreements in Bangkok covering trade, infrastructure, technology, agriculture and security. The agreements included expanded agricultural exports, customs cooperation and measures to combat cybercrime, while both sides reaffirmed deeper economic and regional cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Philippines expands defence and economic partnerships with Australia and Brazil
Australia and the Philippines signed a new Defence Cooperation Arrangement during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Manila, strengthening bilateral defence ties, maritime security, military interoperability and strategic cooperation. The agreement also expands collaboration on maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience and regional security as both countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. oversaw two MoUs covering sustainable agriculture and competition policy cooperation. The agreements also support broader collaboration in trade, investment, energy, science, technology and defence, reflecting Brazil’s efforts to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia and strengthen Philippines–Brazil relations.
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