Trump signs 0 Billion in agreements with UAE

Today's headlines: Polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea; Ceasefire between India and Pakistan holds; Malaysia’s economy slows down; Multiple arrests in Thailand linked to building collapse during earthquake.

USA – GULF

After visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, US President Donald Trump met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and announced agreements worth over 0 billion between the two parties. These include a .5 billion deal between Boeing and Etihad Airways. Furthermore, the UAE will invest .4 trillion in artificial intelligence in the United States over the next ten years, according to the former tycoon. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue in the Gaza Strip, and clashes between settlers and Palestinian fighters persist in the West Bank.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The World Health Organization has announced a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea, calling for an immediate vaccination campaign. Samples of the virus were detected in two healthy children during routine screening in Lae, a coastal city in the northeast of the country, where less than half the population is immunised.

THAILAND

Premchai Karnasuta, chairman of the Italian-Thai Development Company, presented himself at a Bangkok police station after being accused—along with several engineers and designers—of professional negligence in relation to the collapse of a building during the earthquake on 28 March, which also affected Myanmar. At least 92 people have been confirmed dead. Several local media reports have also highlighted the role of the Chinese partner in the Italo-Thai joint venture, the company China Railway No. 10.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia’s economy grew by 4.4% in the January–March quarter compared to the previous year, marking the slowest growth rate in the past 12 months, according to official figures released today by the country’s central bank. According to Nikkei Asia, the data point to a slowdown across various industrial sectors: export growth fell to 4.1% in the period under review from 8.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024, mainly due to a drop in mining shipments. GDP growth for 2025 is expected to hover around 4%.

INDIA – PAKISTAN

The ceasefire between India and Pakistan will be extended until 18 May, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said today, adding that the truce “will ultimately lead to dialogue, and it will be a composite dialogue.” Meanwhile, the Indian army confirmed it would continue cooperating with Islamabad “to lower the alert level.”

RUSSIA

In several cities and towns in the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, busts of Joseph Stalin are being exhumed or re-carved. These monuments often do not receive permits for public display and are instead installed in private gardens and courtyards, in what is being referred to as “popular re-Stalinisation”, spreading across various regions and at different levels.

TAJIKISTAN

Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rakhmon, has signed a decree removing criminal liability for likes and reactions on social media—even on websites deemed extremist or dangerous to public order. This amends the 2018 law that imposed prison sentences of 10 to 15 years for such online activity. The release of over 1,500 people convicted under the previous legislation is now expected.

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