Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, global developments included new defence and security partnerships, shifts in diplomatic relations, evolving foreign policy, military preparedness, energy cooperation, and expanding economic ties across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

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Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan sign trilateral joint defence agreement

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a framework for closer trilateral security and defence cooperation amid heightened regional tensions.

Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all, strengthening their commitment to collective security. 

The leaders said the agreement aims to promote regional peace, security and stability through closer strategic coordination. The deal follows expanded Saudi–Pakistan defence cooperation and wider efforts to strengthen regional security partnerships.

Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia’s president

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as President of Colombia in Cali on Friday (7 Aug), becoming the first president to take office outside Bogotá in decades. The former lawyer and businessman pledged a tougher security strategy against illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and illegal mining, replacing his predecessor’s approach of negotiations.

President Abelardo de la Espriella also announced Colombia would join the Shield of the Americas regional anti-drug coalition, restore diplomatic relations with Israel, and end diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua. The inauguration took place under heightened security and amid demonstrations by both supporters and opponents, reflecting political divisions as Colombia enters a new phase in its domestic security and foreign policy.

Separately, the US State Department said Washington plans to provide US$1 billion in security assistance to Colombia, signalling support for the new administration’s security agenda. 

Taiwan launches Han Kuang military exercise; Japan publishes 2026 defence white paper

Taiwan has launched its annual 10-day Han Kuang military exercise to test command, operational coordination and national resilience under simulated wartime conditions. More than 20,000 reservists are participating, with drills covering fighter jet dispersals, naval operations, equipment relocation, civilian resilience and temporary mobile internet restrictions to assess communications during disruption.

Meanwhile, Japan published the digest edition of its 2026 Defence of Japan white paper. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan faces its most severe security environment since the Second World War. The report outlines plans to maintain defence spending at around 2% of GDP, revise key security documents, modernise the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and strengthen cooperation with the United States and other partners.

US and Paraguay sign civil nuclear cooperation agreement; Serbia and Ukraine agreed to deepen economic cooperation

The United States and Paraguay signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation during talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Paraguay Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano in Washington. The agreement expands cooperation on civilian nuclear technology, energy and scientific research while reinforcing nuclear safety and non-proliferation standards.

Meanwhile, Serbia President Aleksandar Vučić and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to deepen Serbia–Ukraine economic cooperation, aiming to conclude a free trade agreement by the end of 2026. Serbia reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and EU aspirations, pledged €2 million for Ukraine’s energy sector, and signed a memorandum on animal health and food safety. Both leaders said military cooperation was not discussed.

Brazil and Argentina downgrade diplomatic ties; Peru and Mexico restore relations

Brazil and Argentina downgraded diplomatic representation after a dispute triggered by comments from President Javier Milei about President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with both countries recalling their ambassadors and operating at chargé d’affaires level. Argentina described the row as reflecting political and ideological differences despite Brazil remaining its largest trading partner.

Meanwhile, Peru and Mexico agreed to restore diplomatic relations after Peru granted safe-conduct for former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez to travel to Mexico following the granting of asylum. Foreign Minister Carlos Espa confirmed her departure, while Peru reserved the right to seek her future extradition. The move fulfils a pledge by President Keiko Fujimori to normalise ties after diplomatic tensions dating back to 2023.

Tanzania, Uganda advance East African energy hub; Jamaica and Ghana expand bilateral ties

Tanzania and Uganda signed an MoU with Vitol Bahrain to develop Tanga into a regional energy hub, supporting petroleum storage, fuel trading, logistics and investment across East Africa.

The agreement, witnessed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, was signed by the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Vitol Bahrain. The project complements the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, with Uganda’s first crude exports expected later in 2026.

Meanwhile, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness signed agreements to strengthen Jamaica–Ghana cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, health, defence and education, while advancing plans for direct air services and broader Caribbean–Africa economic links

Thailand strengthens defence, trade and ASEAN cooperation with Indonesia; Deepens bilateral ties with Myanmar

Thailand deepened regional diplomacy through separate agreements with Indonesia and Myanmar, expanding cooperation on security, trade and economic development.

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto endorsed the Thailand–Indonesia Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2026–2030), covering defence, trade, food and energy security, education, AI skills, tourism and ASEAN cooperation. Discussions also addressed Myanmar, the Thailand–Cambodia situation, the Middle East and OECD engagement.

Separately, Charnvirakul and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed Thailand–Myanmar cooperation on border security, combating transnational crime, trade, infrastructure and labour mobility. Both governments aim to increase bilateral trade to US$12 billion while strengthening collaboration through ASEAN, BIMSTEC and ACMECS.

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