Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, global developments spanned AI governance efforts, rising US–Iran tensions, major diplomatic agreements, defence cooperation, and expanding economic partnerships across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

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29 countries establish World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation in Shanghai

Twenty-nine countries have signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), an intergovernmental body aimed at expanding international cooperation on artificial intelligence governance.

The organisation, headquartered in Shanghai, will focus on promoting safe, fair and human-centred AI development. Founding members include Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres attending the signing ceremony.

Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global cooperation on AI, saying the technology should not be controlled by a single country. The initiative comes amid growing international competition over AI development, regulation and technological influence.

US launches eighth consecutive night of strikes on Iran as conflict intensifies

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces launched their eighth consecutive night of strikes on Sunday (19 Jul) on Iranian military facilities after an attack that killed two US service members and left others injured or missing. According to Iranian media, strikes targeted locations in Hormozgan and Khuzestan provinces, while Iranian authorities reported no casualties or major damage to civilian infrastructure.

Iran’s military said it retaliated by targeting US military assets in Kuwait, while the  Iranian Supreme Leader warned of further consequences if US attacks continue. The latest exchanges have heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides accusing each other of escalating the conflict as concerns grow over regional security and prospects for diplomacy.

UK and EU sign Gibraltar treaty to strengthen trade and border cooperation

UK Minister of State Stephen Doughty and European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič signed a UK–EU treaty on Gibraltar in Brussels, with the support of Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. The agreement aims to provide long-term economic and trade certainty while safeguarding British sovereignty and UK military operations.

The treaty introduces measures to ease the movement of people and goods across the Gibraltar–Spain border, supporting jobs and economic growth following Brexit. The UK and EU began provisional application of the agreement on 15 July 2026, pending completion of their respective ratification procedures.

Germany strengthens defence ties with France; Germany and Algeria adopt strategic partnership

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to strengthen Franco-German defence cooperation, including missile defence, long-range strike capabilities and closer nuclear coordination within NATO. The leaders also called for greater dialogue with China on trade imbalances while seeking to avoid a trade conflict.

Meanwhile, Merz and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune adopted a Joint Declaration on a Strategic Agenda to expand cooperation in trade, energy, security, innovation and sustainable development. The agreement supports closer economic ties, renewable energy projects, research collaboration and enhanced dialogue on regional security and migration.

China and Kazakhstan deepen strategic partnership; Fiji and New Zealand renew Pacific cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the China–Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership, with talks focusing on artificial intelligence, digital technology, trade, energy, transport and multilateral cooperation

Meanwhile, Fiji and New Zealand renewed their Duavata Partnership for 2026–2030, establishing a new five-year framework for cooperation on regional security, climate action, sustainable development and trade. The agreement also reinforces coordination through the United Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum and other multilateral institutions, while supporting resilience and long-term prosperity across the Blue Pacific.

Singapore and Malaysia strengthen economic partnership; Türkiye and Egypt expand defence cooperation

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam reaffirmed the strength of Singapore–Malaysia relations during his first state visit to Malaysia, highlighting closer economic integration through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link. He said growing cross-border cooperation and strong people-to-people ties continue to support a resilient bilateral partnership.

Meanwhile, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Egyptian Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Ashraf Salem Zaher signed two letters of intent in Ankara to expand military and defence industry cooperation. The agreements build on recent joint exercises and reflect continued efforts by both countries to strengthen defence collaboration and strategic ties.

Russia expands diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan, Guinea-Bissau and Chad

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held separate talks in Moscow with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister Fatumata Jau, and Chad’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, reaffirming Russia’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation with partner countries.

The meetings focused on expanding trade, investment, energy, transport, education and humanitarian cooperation. With Azerbaijan, the ministers signed a 2026–2027 consultation plan and reviewed the International North-South Transport Corridor. 

Talks with Guinea-Bissau and Chad centred on economic partnerships, African security, multilateral coordination and preparations for the Third Russia–Africa Summit in October, while reaffirming support for closer bilateral relations.

Iraq, Syria sign pipeline agreement; Saudi-Houthi missile exchanges raise regional tensions

Iraq and Syria have signed a memorandum of understanding to restore the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, linking Haditha to Syria’s Mediterranean port of Baniyas. Chevron will oversee the project, with a consortium conducting feasibility studies to expand Iraq’s oil exports to Europe and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional instability.

Separately, missile exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement have ended four years of relative de-escalation. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group targeted Abha International Airport, while Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles. The escalation has renewed concerns over Red Sea security, regional stability and Yemen’s peace prospects.

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