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A United Nations agency official has stated that African countries have over $1 trillion in sovereign debt, with some struggling to make payments. The continent is facing challenges in financing, security, and climate change, leading to fiscal stress and a high risk of debt distress for many countries. Climate change is also eroding an average of 5% of Africa's GDP annually, with Mozambique experiencing a 15% loss last year. The official called for reform of the global financial architecture to address Africa's needs and ensure fair treatment by multilateral financial institutions. [Extracted from the article]

Mali has expelled Sweden's ambassador in response to what it calls a "hostile statement" by the Swedish government. Sweden, a major contributor of development aid to Mali, had previously announced its decision to phase out funding by the end of the year, citing concerns over Russia's actions in Ukraine. Mali has been strengthening its relationship with Russia and distancing itself from traditional partners like the US and France since a military takeover in 2020. Last week, Mali also broke diplomatic ties with Ukraine following reports of its involvement in clashes with Malian rebels. [Extracted from the article]

The US is guaranteeing $42 million in loans for Banco de Reservas de la Republica Dominicana, the largest bank in the Dominican Republic. This move is aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries and countering Chinese influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. The loan guarantee will support women entrepreneurs, small businesses, and green lending. The Dominican Republic's economy is expected to grow 4.8% this year, driven by tourism and foreign direct investment. President Luis Abinader will host the next Summit of the Americas in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Niger has cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, following in the footsteps of Mali, due to allegations of Ukraine's support for a Malian rebel group. The move is largely symbolic but demonstrates solidarity with Mali and reflects anti-Western sentiment in the Sahel region. The military rulers in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, who have all overthrown democratically-elected governments, have also severed military ties with France and the US and moved closer to Russia. This shift in alliances is related to Russia's interest in acquiring uranium assets in Niger. [Extracted from the article]

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is reportedly planning to allocate additional foreign aid spending towards initiatives aimed at encouraging people to stay in their home countries rather than migrating to the UK. Up to £100 million ($130 million) may be used to incentivize potential migrants to either remain in their home nations or settle in countries along the migratory route to the UK. The funds will be used to enhance regional economic opportunities, skills, and healthcare access in these countries, with the goal of reducing the attractiveness of the UK job market and welfare system. This shift in aid policy reflects a change in approach from the Labour Party, which previously focused on humanitarian causes, poverty alleviation, and women's rights. The move is part of broader efforts to address the surge in illegal migration, particularly through small boats from France, and to combat people smuggling gangs. [Extracted from the article]

The new prime minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, has emphasized the need for caution in discussions with China regarding national security, particularly in relation to exports of sensitive chip-making equipment. Schoof, who was appointed by the far-right Freedom Party, acknowledged the importance of the Netherlands' partnership with the US and its support for NATO. The new government aims to significantly reduce migration and seek an opt-out from the European Union's migration policy. Schoof replaced Mark Rutte, the country's longest-serving premier. [Extracted from the article]

The Netherlands' new cabinet, led by Geert Wilders' far-right Freedom Party, was sworn in on Tuesday, marking the first time the party has become part of the Dutch government. The cabinet aims to significantly reduce migration and seeks an opt-out from the European Union's migration policy. This shift to the right reflects a broader trend in Europe, where nationalist and far-right parties have gained power. Former spy chief Dick Schoof, who does not hold a party affiliation, has been chosen as the prime minister. The cabinet positions have been divided among the coalition parties, with Wilders' party receiving five ministries. [Extracted from the article]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its growth forecast for Ukraine due to Russian strikes on its power infrastructure, which have negatively impacted the country's economy. The IMF also stated that talks with bondholders are intensifying as a repayment deadline approaches. Despite the economic challenges, the IMF has approved the release of $2.2 billion from Ukraine's aid package. The IMF's funds are crucial for Ukraine, as it plans to receive $38 billion in foreign aid this year. The country's negotiations with bondholders have not yet resulted in a deal, and a debt default could occur if Ukraine fails to make a coupon payment due on August 1. The IMF expects the government to continue with its restructuring strategy in the coming weeks. The ongoing conflict with Russia has led to widespread blackouts and a reduction in economic activity. Ukraine's central bank has already revised its GDP growth forecast for this year, and a revised outlook will be released next month. Ukraine is scheduled to receive two more tranches from the IMF loan by the end of the year. [Extracted from the article]

The chair of the Dutch Parliament, Martin Bosma, has been disinvited from an annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the Netherlands due to his far-right views. Anti-racism groups had demanded the withdrawal of the invitation, citing Bosma's "racist ideology and insulting statements against Afro-Caribbean Dutch people." This incident highlights the growing divide between progressive values and the views of far-right politicians in the country. The commemoration, known as Keti Koti, celebrates the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Caribbean, former Dutch colonies. Prime Minister Mark Rutte has previously apologized for the Dutch role in the slave trade and established an apology fund. Bosma, a loyal ally of Geert Wilders, has been opposed to apologizing for the Netherlands' history of slavery. Wilders' Freedom Party, which secured the most seats in the November election, has always been critical of last year's slavery apology. The new Dutch government, which includes right-leaning parties, will be sworn in on July 2, with former spy chief Dick Schoof taking the prime minister post. [Extracted from the article]

Dutch coalition parties have chosen Eelco Heinen, a member of the liberal VVD party, as the finance minister of the Netherlands. This decision comes after months of negotiations following Geert Wilders' surprise election victory. Heinen is known for his fiscally conservative views and is expected to continue the country's tradition of budget concerns within the European Union. The search for ministers has been challenging, with some controversial appointments and compromises made to form the government. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank has cut its key interest rate for the third time in a row as the country grapples with the economic impact of Russian attacks on its energy sector. The National Bank of Ukraine lowered the rate by 50 basis points to 13%, in line with economists' expectations. The bank cited the damage to infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, as a key risk to inflation and economic development. Ukrainian officials have revised their growth outlook to 3% from 3.6% due to the attacks. The country is expecting financial support from international allies, including funding from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank is expected to lower its key interest rate for the third consecutive time in response to Russian attacks on the energy sector, which have impacted economic growth. Economists predict a half-percentage point reduction to 13%. The attacks have resulted in a significant decrease in power production capacity, leading to a challenging situation. The central bank is under pressure to further lower interest rates due to lower-than-expected inflation. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank has announced the easing of some foreign exchange restrictions for businesses, marking the largest currency market liberalization since Russia's invasion in 2022. The move comes after the approval of a $61 billion assistance package from the US, which includes $7.8 billion in budget support. The new measures include allowing companies to repatriate dividends and make interest payments on foreign loans, as well as easing restrictions on purchasing foreign currency for loan repayments and lifting currency exchange restrictions on services imports. The central bank assures that these changes will not pose additional risks to macro-financial stability or the foreign currency market. [Extracted from the article]

Two Republican hardliners, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, have announced their intention to force a vote on removing House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, House Democratic leaders have pledged to join Johnson's Republican allies in blocking the effort, making it unlikely to succeed. Greene and Massie criticized Johnson for working with Democrats on funding measures and a foreign aid package, while Johnson called their attempt "wrong for the Republican conference, wrong for the institution, and wrong for the country." It remains unclear how much support the rebellion has among Republicans. [Extracted from the article]

Two Republican hardliners are planning to force a vote to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson, but they are likely to be unsuccessful. House Democratic leaders have promised to join Johnson's Republican allies in blocking the effort, ensuring that he will remain in his position. The move to oust Johnson is being driven by ultra-conservative Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who criticizes Johnson's cooperation with Democrats on foreign aid packages and accuses Democrats of supporting him because he gives them what they want. It is unclear how much support the rebellion has among Republicans, but recent departures from the House have left Republicans with a slim majority, making it difficult for them to remove Johnson without Democratic support. [Extracted from the article]

House Democratic leaders have pledged to protect House Speaker Mike Johnson from a potential coup by Republican hardliners. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and two other hardliners have threatened to remove Johnson as speaker because of his collaboration with Democrats on a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. In response, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other party leaders have issued a joint statement, vowing to use parliamentary tactics to block any attempt to oust Johnson. The effort by Greene and her allies has faced resistance from conservatives in the House Freedom Caucus. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank has lowered its borrowing costs by a full percentage point to 13.5% in response to slowing inflation and the receipt of foreign aid to counter Russia's invasion. The move was unexpected, with most economists predicting a half-point reduction. President Joe Biden recently signed off on a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, with assistance expected to begin flowing within hours. The government is projected to receive a total of $38 billion in financial assistance this year, which will boost Ukraine's international reserves. The central bank also revised its forecast for consumer inflation and economic growth due to Russian attacks on energy facilities. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden's campaign plans to continue using its TikTok account despite the recently signed legislation that requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell its stake or face a ban in US app stores. The campaign is implementing advanced security measures, such as posting from separate devices, to protect data security and privacy. TikTok has over 170 million American users, including a significant number of Gen-Z and millennial voters, making it an important platform for Democrats. The White House aims for TikTok to be purchased by a US owner rather than being banned, and there are already American investors interested in acquiring it. The article does not mention whether Donald Trump's presidential campaign plans to use TikTok in the 2024 election. [Extracted from the article]

TikTok has stated that the legislation passed by the US Congress, which would require its Chinese parent company to sell its stake or face a ban in the US, is unconstitutional. The company plans to challenge the legislation in court, believing that the facts and the law are on their side. The legislation is aimed at addressing national security concerns regarding user data and potential influence by the Chinese government. President Joe Biden has signed the legislation, initiating a 270-day countdown for a sale or a ban of the app. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden's campaign plans to continue using its TikTok account despite the recently signed legislation that requires TikTok's parent company, ByteDance Ltd., to sell its stake or face a ban in US app stores. The campaign is implementing advanced security measures, such as posting from separate devices, to ensure data security and privacy. The decision to stay on TikTok is part of the campaign's strategy to reach voters in various arenas, including online. TikTok has over 170 million American users, with a significant number of Gen-Z and millennial voters, which are crucial demographics for Democrats. [Extracted from the article]

TikTok has stated that the legislation passed by the US Congress, which would require its Chinese parent company to sell its stake or face a ban in the US, is unconstitutional. The company plans to challenge the legislation in court, believing that the facts and the law are on their side. The legislation is aimed at addressing national security concerns regarding user data and potential influence by the Chinese government. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation, initiating a 270-day countdown for a sale or a ban of TikTok in the US. [Extracted from the article]

The US House has passed new sanctions on Iran's oil sector as part of a foreign-aid package, with the measure expected to pass the Senate soon. The legislation broadens sanctions to include foreign ports, vessels, and refineries involved in processing or shipping Iranian crude in violation of existing US sanctions. It also expands secondary sanctions to cover transactions between Chinese financial institutions and sanctioned Iranian banks used to purchase petroleum and oil-derived products. The sanctions could impact Iranian petroleum exports and potentially increase the price of a barrel of crude, but they also include presidential waiver authorities. [Extracted from the article]

Support for a Republican revolt against House Speaker Mike Johnson is growing among party hardliners after he backed more Ukraine aid. Ultra-conservative Republican Paul Gosar of Arizona announced his intention to seek Johnson's removal, joining two others. However, it is uncertain whether hardliners can succeed in ousting Johnson, as many Democratic lawmakers have indicated they would help him due to his support for Ukraine aid. Relying on Democrats to maintain his position could weaken Johnson among Republicans and hinder his leadership abilities. [Extracted from the article]

Israel has requested more tank ammunition and tactical vehicles from the US as tensions rise with Iran and amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to anonymous sources. The request, which has not yet been evaluated by the US administration, is reportedly for $1 billion worth of ammunition, vehicles, and mortar rounds. President Joe Biden has expressed unwavering support for Israel's defense, but has faced criticism for not doing enough to mitigate the severity of Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza. The request for additional military aid is separate from the $95 billion funding supplemental request currently being considered by Congress. [Extracted from the article]

US House Speaker Mike Johnson is defying Republican hardliners by moving forward with a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel. President Joe Biden has endorsed the plan and urged Congress to act quickly. Johnson plans to split the aid package, allowing separate votes on assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package also includes provisions such as seizing Russian assets and forcing China-based ByteDance Ltd to divest itself of TikTok. Johnson's decision has faced criticism from conservative critics, but it aims to break a six-month Republican blockade of aid for Ukraine and respond to recent attacks against Israel. Johnson's job is now at risk from the right flank of his own party, with some Republicans seeking his ouster. House Democrats have indicated that they will only support Johnson if the aid package has the same funding as the Senate-passed measure. [Extracted from the article]

US House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing forward with a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel, despite opposition from Republican hardliners who threaten to remove him from his position. President Joe Biden has endorsed the plan and urged Congress to act swiftly. Johnson plans to divide the aid package into separate bills for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The Israel bill also includes funding for global humanitarian relief and refugee assistance. The measures aim to break a six-month Republican blockade of aid to Ukraine and respond to recent attacks by Iran against Israel. However, Johnson's decision to bring up a border security bill separately has drawn criticism from conservative critics. Johnson's job is now at risk from the right flank of his own party, and he may need Democratic votes to remain in power. House Democrats have stated that they will only support Johnson if the aid package has the same funding as the Senate-passed measure. [Extracted from the article]

US House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing forward with a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, despite opposition from Republican hardliners who threaten to remove him from his position. The aid package includes $9 billion for global humanitarian disaster relief and refugee assistance, as well as a provision to seize Russian assets to help cover aid costs. Johnson's plan aims to break a six-month-long Republican blockade of aid to Ukraine and respond to Iran's recent attack on Israel. However, his job is now at risk from within his own party, with some Republicans seeking his ouster. House Democrats have stated that they will only support Johnson if the aid package has the same funding as the Senate-passed measure. [Extracted from the article]

The House of Representatives plans to vote on aid for Israel this week, following Iran's attack. Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the details of the aid package are currently being put together. The House previously failed to pass a standalone aid package for Israel in February, with Democrats expressing concerns about funding Israel alone. Johnson is also considering including funds for Ukraine in the package, and former President Donald Trump supports providing Ukraine with loans instead of grants. Johnson is facing pressure from Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene to prioritize new restrictions on migration across the US-Mexico border before voting on Ukraine aid. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged Johnson to pass the Ukraine-Israel package approved in the Senate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski have both called for aid to Israel and Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, over a quarter of the UK's international aid budget is spent domestically on asylum seekers and refugees. In 2023, the UK spent £4.3 billion on hosting migrants, with more than half of that going towards accommodation for asylum seekers. This has led to concerns that the amount of aid sent overseas for global development is being reduced. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's decision to cut the international aid budget has also raised questions about the UK's global influence and its commitment to supporting programs in poorer nations. [Extracted from the article]

World Central Kitchen, a disaster relief group founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, has reported that several of its workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The group was working to support humanitarian food efforts in the area. The Israel Defense Forces have stated that they are conducting a review to understand the circumstances of the incident. World Central Kitchen has been involved in various disaster response efforts around the world, including providing aid in Gaza and surrounding countries. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, also known as AMLO, dismissed Donald Trump's talk of a border wall as campaign rhetoric in a recent interview. He stated that he did not believe Trump would build the wall and highlighted their successful negotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Lopez Obrador emphasized the need to address the root causes of migration rather than relying on short-term solutions. He also mentioned his government's efforts to be more careful about their southern border and called on other countries to support curbing the flow of migrants. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank has unexpectedly lowered borrowing costs, citing a decrease in inflation and improved expectations of foreign financial assistance. The key rate was cut from 15% to 14.5%, contrary to the expectations of economists. The central bank attributes the rate cut to declining inflation, stable foreign exchange market conditions, and positive developments in the prospects of receiving external assistance. While obstacles such as uncertainty over international financial aid remain, the European Union has approved a €50 billion package for Ukraine, with an initial disbursement of €6 billion expected by April. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank has unexpectedly lowered borrowing costs by reducing the key rate from 15% to 14.5%. This decision was made due to slowing inflation and improved expectations of foreign financial assistance as Ukraine continues to resist Russia's invasion. The central bank believes that a further decline in inflation, stable foreign exchange market conditions, and positive developments in receiving external assistance will pave the way for future easing measures. The central bank expects Ukraine to receive around $10 billion in foreign assistance by May, with the European Union already approving a €50 billion package for Kyiv. President Joe Biden is also working to resolve a dispute in Congress that is holding up over $60 billion in assistance to Ukraine. Despite the decrease in inflation, policymakers had been hesitant to resume the easing cycle due to uncertainty surrounding international financial aid. The central bank also reduced rates for three-month deposit certificates by 1.5 percentage points to 17.5%. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank has unexpectedly lowered borrowing costs, citing a decrease in inflation and improved expectations of foreign financial assistance. The key rate was cut from 15% to 14.5%, contrary to the expectations of economists. The central bank attributes the rate cut to declining inflation, stable foreign exchange market conditions, and positive developments in the prospects of receiving external assistance. While obstacles such as uncertainty over international financial aid remain, the European Union has approved a €50 billion package for Ukraine, with an initial disbursement of €6 billion expected by April. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump suggested providing Ukraine with aid in the form of a loan, rather than as a grant, during a rally in North Charleston. Trump compared this approach to deals he made with athletes who lacked money but had talent. He also urged his allies in Congress to reject a proposal that included tougher border policies with Ukraine funding, instead advocating for a "perfect" deal on immigration. Trump's comments regarding NATO and his opposition to Ukraine aid have been criticized by his political opponents, including President Joe Biden and Nikki Haley, his last major Republican challenger. [Extracted from the article]

Speaker Mike Johnson has demanded direct talks with President Joe Biden to resolve the impasse over border security and Ukraine aid. However, the White House has dismissed Johnson's demand, stating that his position on immigration and foreign aid has repeatedly shifted, making a meeting with the president unproductive. This standoff leaves the path unclear for getting Ukraine aid passed through the House, as Kyiv struggles to repel Russian invaders without fresh supplies of weapons and ammunition from the US. House Republicans have sought to turn back all migrants to Mexico and fund a border wall, which has led to the blocking of war aid for Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump suggested providing Ukraine with aid in the form of a loan, rather than as a grant, during a rally in North Charleston. Trump argued that if Ukraine could repay the loan, they should, but if they couldn't, they wouldn't have to. He compared this approach to deals he made with athletes who lacked money but had talent. Trump's comments come as efforts to approve further assistance for Ukraine remain deadlocked in Congress due to a domestic fight over immigration and border policy. Some Senate Republicans, including Lindsey Graham and Markwayne Mullin, supported the idea of zero-interest loans with no scheduled repayments for Ukraine and other countries. Trump has also criticized NATO and expressed a willingness to allow Russia to act as they please towards countries that fail to meet their funding commitments. These comments have caused concern among foreign capitals regarding the US commitment to global security. Both Nikki Haley and President Joe Biden have used Trump's opposition to Ukraine aid and criticism of NATO allies to criticize his foreign policy. [Extracted from the article]

A bipartisan deal to impose new US border restrictions and provide aid to Ukraine is facing opposition in the Senate, particularly from Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump. The $118.3 billion deal, which was the result of months of negotiations, is now unlikely to pass. Republican senators, including Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Joni Ernst, have expressed doubts about the bill, while Trump has criticized it as a "great gift for Democrats." The House Speaker and other Republican leaders have also declared the deal "a waste of time" and "dead on arrival." The fate of the measure will be determined by a vote on Wednesday. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's central bank has decided to keep its key interest rate at 15% due to "significant risks" to steady financing caused by political infighting that has tied up over $100 billion in foreign aid. This decision was expected by economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The central bank had previously been cutting rates, but further reductions are dependent on the resumption of smooth financial aid from the US and the European Union. While officials remain optimistic about securing assistance, there is concern that the government may face difficulties with the International Monetary Fund if aid isn't approved by the next review in February. The central bank expects foreign aid inflows to resume in the coming months, but external financing is projected to decrease in the future. The bank also updated its economic forecasts, with GDP growth estimated at 5.7% for last year and a lower consumer-inflation outlook for this year. [Extracted from the article]

The future of a US military drone base in Niger is contingent upon the ruling junta's efforts to restore democracy and release the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Following a coup in July, the US suspended development aid and military operations at Air Base 201, its most strategic military asset in Sub-Saharan Africa. If the junta returns the country to constitutional order within the agreed time frame, operations at the $110 million site could resume. The US is also planning to provide an additional $45 million in military equipment and intelligence support to coastal West African states. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico has announced plans to increase deportation flights to countries such as Guatemala, Venezuela, and Honduras, while also promising development assistance to these nations. The decision was made during bilateral migration talks between the US and Mexico, where they also agreed to share information to sanction firms involved in transporting migrants. Additionally, the authorities plan to jointly visit the dangerous Darien Gap and hold a trilateral meeting with Guatemala. The talks also mentioned a future discussion on fentanyl and a possible meeting between President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Congressmen from Texas. [Extracted from the article]

The US and China are engaged in a battle for influence in the Pacific, particularly in the Cook Islands. Chinese state-owned companies have built various infrastructure projects in the region, despite the islands' small size and remoteness. The US is now trying to catch up and demonstrate its commitment to the region, but it faces skepticism from Pacific leaders who prioritize climate change as an existential issue. China's success in the Pacific is attributed to its sustained presence and investment in the region, while the US is seen as having neglected its relationships until recently. The Pacific Islands Forum has become a platform for leaders to address climate change concerns. The Cook Islands, in particular, has experienced shoddy construction by Chinese companies, leading to subpar infrastructure and repair costs. Locals in the Cook Islands are skeptical of both superpowers and their intentions. The US and China have assured the region that they respect its sovereignty and independence, but competition between them remains intense. Pacific leaders are using the attention to draw attention to their messages on climate change and environmental protection. [Extracted from the article]

Ukraine's Finance Minister, Serhiy Marchenko, has expressed concerns about the country's ability to sustain its war effort against Russia's invasion due to insufficient foreign aid. Marchenko stated that the approved funding from foreign donors in January and February will not be enough for Ukraine to manage on its own. The country has been relying on over $110 billion in financial aid from the US and the European Union, but political disputes have caused delays. As the war enters its second year, Ukraine is seeking ways to ensure sufficient liquidity, including relying on domestic resources and assistance from the central bank. [Extracted from the article]

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine reassured the Ukrainian people that the military will hold off the Russian advance, despite facing a shortage of ammunition and questions over foreign aid. Zelenskiy acknowledged that a return of Donald Trump to the US presidency could harm the war effort if the US turns inward. He expressed optimism that the political standoff blocking $61 billion in aid from the US would be resolved. Zelenskiy also discussed the possibility of mobilizing up to 500,000 troops and the challenges and costs associated with it. The Ukrainian leader's recent tour of the Americas and Europe resulted in a European Union agreement to start accession negotiations, but Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocked the EU's aid package. Zelenskiy also mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin's determination to achieve military aims, including holding ballots in occupied Ukrainian regions. The article concludes by noting a decline in public confidence in Ukraine's direction and war effort. [Extracted from the article]

The Pakistani rupee is predicted to be Asia's worst-performing currency for the year, with analysts expecting further losses in 2024. Factors such as high inflation, a trade deficit, and a debt crisis are putting pressure on the rupee. The country's reliance on foreign aid and a dollar shortage are also contributing to its economic challenges. The International Monetary Fund has provided a $700 million payout to help Pakistan avoid default, but concerns remain about the nation's long-term economic stability. [Extracted from the article]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has pledged €4 billion ($4.4 billion) for the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative until 2030. He also stated that Germany will import a significant amount of its green hydrogen from Africa. Scholz emphasized that this investment is not traditional development aid, but rather a mutually beneficial partnership. He urged African leaders to accelerate the creation of an African Continental Free Trade Area, which could become one of the world's largest free-trade zones. Germany is supporting this project as the largest donor. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- China is sharpening its development focus in the Pacific to favor partners and strategic nations, according to new research by the Lowy Institute into investment and aid in the region. Australia remains the largest aid partner for the Pacific, making up about 40% of overall financing, followed at some distance by the Asian Development Bank and China. [Extracted from the article]

Biden and Johnson spoke briefly while the speaker was at the White House, according to a second person with knowledge of the meeting, joined by House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. (Bloomberg) -- Newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson met Thursday with President Joe Biden as the White House pushed Republican lawmakers to act quickly on their emergency requests for additional foreign aid and disaster recovery spending. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- US defense spending rose over the past year at the fastest pace since 2019, helping offset a slowdown in business investment from higher interest rates. National defense expenditures were up 4.9% in the year through September after adjusting for inflation, according to quarterly figures on gross domestic product published Thursday by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. [Extracted from the article]