In Geopolitics Today: Thursday, December 15th
First EU-ASEAN Summit Takes Place in Brussels, Turkey Proposes Trilateral Security Talks with Russia and Syria, and other stories.
Fighting Erupts at Pakistan-Afghan Border
Intense fighting has recently broken out between Pakistani and Afghan border forces. This is reportedly the second time in less than a week that small arms and artillery fire has been exchanged between the two countries.
Heavy artillery fire is said to have commenced at around midday local time near the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing. The Afghan Ministry of Defence has accused Pakistani forces of being the first to open fire, while the Pakistani military accused Afghan authorities for the “unprovoked and indiscriminate” fire.
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First EU-ASEAN Summit Takes Place in Brussels
A commemorative summit between leaders of the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has concluded today in Brussels.
Given the increased market share that ASEAN occupies in the EU's trade balance, Brussels will face tough negotiations in attempting to secure a favourable trade agreement. The growing economic power of ASEAN members will translate into a strong position to demand concessions from the EU before agreeing on any long-term strategic partnerships with Brussels.
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European Parliament Suspends Legislation Related to Ties with Qatar
Following corruption allegations within the heart of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament have voted to suspend access into EU premises for all Qatari representatives.
Qatar is suspected of having offered “large sums of money" and “substantial gifts” to influence European decision-making. MEPs asked for a suspension of the access issued to “representatives of Qatar” while they also put on a stop to all work on “legislative files” relating to Qatar.” This effectively freezes the EU-Qatar aviation agreementad as well as visas for Qatari and Kuwaiti citizens
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Egypt Assumes Command of Task Force 153
The Egyptian Navy has assumed leadership of the new multinational Combined Task Force 153 (CTF-153) in the Red Sea. The US Navy officially handed over command responsibilities to Egypt during a ceremony held in Bahrain earlier this month.
The transition marks the first time the Egyptian Navy has assumed command of an international Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operational staff since joining the initiative in 2021 as its 34th member. CTF-53 was officially created to combat maritime security threats, such as smuggling and other illicit activities. In addition the multinational force is meant to provide improved military capacity building in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden.
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Turkey Proposes Trilateral Security Talks with Russia and Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he has proposed to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that a trilateral mechanism with Russia and Syria be established to accelerate diplomacy between Ankara and Damascus.
Turkey is signalling an interest in normalising ties with Syria and a series of meetings between Turkey, Russia, and Syria to revisit long-strained relations now appears likely in the coming months. Erdogan has been cited as outlining a plan that involves gradual normalisation, involving meetings between ntelligence agencies, then defense ministers, and then foreign ministers.
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