Asia Georgia The EU annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World noted “severely curtailed” human rights in Georgia, reduced bilateral political contacts and dialogue between Brussels and Tbilisi amid “significant democratic backsliding”
Asia Mongolia Parliament is reviewing a new $700M loan with India’s Exim Bank to fund increased costs for the Oil Refinery Project, a key initiative since 2017; the deal, at a 1,75% interest rate, includes stricter financial terms and a 20-year repayment plan
Africa Eritrea Members of the Central Region Taxi Owners' Association, the Sawa Construction Company's central office and the National Security Agency office collectively donated 173 units of blood for National Blood Transfusion Service stocks
America Panama The Panama Canal will remain under Panamanian control, reaffirmed Arsenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organization, rejecting US President-elect Donald Trump's hints at using military force to claim the canal
America Nicaragua Nicaragua swore in 2.500 masked "volunteer police" under a controversial reform expanding government control, sparking criticism as exiled opposition calls them "paramilitaries" and decries the move as bolstering Ortega and Murillo's authoritarian regime
America Mexico The University of Mexico’s rector urged Mexico to defend migrant rights against Trump’s policies, announcing actions to support migrants via its US branches while emphasizing the need for public policies to ensure human rights and combat discrimination
Oceania Micronesia The FSM welcomed the Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, for a historic visit from January 18 to 21, 2025; it is the first official visit by an Indian Minister of State to the FSM
Europe Montenegro The government adopted proposals for 14 new heads of diplomatic and consular missions in Montenegro
Oceania Vanuatu At least 12.500 children in Vanuatu have to start the school year in temporary learning centres after earthquakes in December destroyed or damaged over 100 classrooms
America Suriname Suriname welcomed new ambulances for key healthcare institutions, funded by the IDB, as part of its modernization efforts, with more expected from China to meet growing emergency care demands
Asia Uzbekistan The draft state programme for 2025, published for public input, includes an item proposing to assess the degree of corruption propensity of at least 500 senior civil servants and those in reserve for these positions
Africa Libya The acting president of Libya's state-owned National Oil Corporation announced that the company plans to increase daily oil and gas production to two million barrels in the next three years if 'the right funds are made available'
Europe North Macedonia Employees of the Ministries of Culture, the Environment, European Affairs, Digital Transformation, Transport and Communications and the Economy staged a protest, demanding a 30% salary increase and the signing of a collective labour agreement
Asia East Timor The country is set to host the 12th edition of the Sports Games of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, to be held in Dili between 17 and 25 July