The US has imposed visa and entry restrictions on Tonga, citing high visa overstays, which has sparked anger and concerns over discrimination and impact on Pacific communities, with critics arguing Tonga poses no security threat and highlighting broader issues of racial and regional bias.
Turkey and Armenia have agreed to simplify visa procedures for their citizens as part of ongoing efforts to normalize relations, including plans to allow free electronic visas for certain passport holders starting January 1, amid longstanding disputes and historical grievances.
Israel has become the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state, establishing full diplomatic relations including embassies and ambassadors, a move that has strategic implications and has been condemned by Egypt and Turkey. The recognition aligns with Israel's broader regional interests and could influence geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
Algeria's parliament unanimously approved a law declaring France's colonization a crime, demanding an apology and reparations, amid strained diplomatic relations and historical disputes over colonial atrocities and restitution of artifacts.
Japan expressed concern to Finland over offensive slant-eye posts by Finnish politicians, leading to an apology from Finland's Prime Minister and diplomatic discussions, amid broader tensions and a related impact on a Finnish-Japanese TV project.
The US has announced a partial suspension of sanctions on Syria following a historic meeting between US and Syrian leaders, including Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a significant shift in US-Syria relations after years of conflict and sanctions, with discussions on Syria's reconstruction and potential coalition against Islamic State.
Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords with Israel, a move seen as symbolic and aimed at boosting the peace initiative originally promoted by President Trump, despite already having diplomatic relations with Israel since 1992. The announcement, praised by Trump as a significant step towards global peace and prosperity, highlights potential increased cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, energy, and food technology, and signals Israel's growing international acceptance.
Kazakhstan is expected to join the Abraham Accords, a move that could expand normalization efforts between Israel and Arab nations, with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff set to announce the development, potentially leading to more countries joining the accords.
Peru has severed diplomatic ties with Mexico after Mexico granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing charges related to a 2022 coup attempt by ousted President Pedro Castillo. The move escalates ongoing tensions between the two countries, with Peru accusing Mexico of interference in its internal affairs.
Peru has severed diplomatic ties with Mexico after Mexico granted asylum to Betssy Chávez, a former Peruvian Prime Minister under investigation for rebellion related to the 2022 political crisis, with Peru accusing Mexico of interference and the latter defending its actions as lawful.
Peru has severed diplomatic ties with Mexico following Mexico's granting of asylum to Betssy Chavez, a former Peruvian Prime Minister involved in the 2022 coup attempt by Pedro Castillo. The move reflects escalating tensions after Mexico's support for Castillo and his family, leading Peru to accuse Mexico of interference and declare its ambassador persona non grata. Castillo and Chavez face criminal charges related to the coup attempt, and the diplomatic fallout marks a significant deterioration in Peru-Mexico relations.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and the interior minister, accusing them of ties to drug trade, amid escalating tensions and deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Colombia, including threats of tariffs and military actions.
Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the U.S. amid escalating tensions after President Trump announced the cessation of aid, imposed tariffs, and made personal accusations against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, following recent military and diplomatic clashes.
US President Donald Trump expressed hope that Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations will soon join the Abraham Accords, which normalize diplomatic relations with Israel, and believes Saudi Arabia's participation would encourage broader regional engagement.
Vladimir Putin admitted that Russia's air defenses were responsible for shooting down an Azerbaijani jetliner in December, which killed 38 people, and pledged to investigate and provide compensation, amid strained Russia-Azerbaijan relations.