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Russia says regional free trade pact with Iran possible by year-end

19 June 2023; MEMO: A free trade zone agreement between Iran, Russia and several countries that cover the vast Eurasian region, spreading from the borders of Eastern Europe to Western China is possible by the end of the year, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Monday.

Spain, Jordan move toward strategic partnership

19 June 2023; MEMO: Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, and King Abdullah II of Jordan agreed on Monday to begin work towards forging a strategic partnership, setting a new course in bilateral relations, Anadolu Agency reports.

Meeting in Madrid, the leaders signed a joint declaration dedicated to enhancing bilateral ties and collaborating on international stability and prosperity.

If grain deal ends, UN pledge on Russia exports will go on - Russian official

19 June 2023; MEMO: Russia's deputy Foreign Minister said on Monday that, even if a deal allowing shipments of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea ends, Russia's agreement with the United Nations to ease its own exports will stay in force, Russian state news agency, RIA, reported on Monday.

Blinken and Xi pledge to stabilize deteriorated US-China ties, but China rebuffs the main US request

BEIJING (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met on Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping and said they agreed to “stabilize” badly deteriorated U.S.-China ties, but America’s top diplomat left Beijing with his biggest ask rebuffed: better communications between their militaries.

After meeting Xi, Blinken said China is not ready to resume military-to-military contacts, something the U.S. considers crucial to avoid miscalculation and conflict, particularly over Taiwan.

Israel gives nod to Gaza Marine gas development

18 June 2023; MEMO: Israel gave preliminary approval for the development of a gas field off the Gaza Strip on Sunday while saying it would require security coordination with the Palestinian Authority and neighbouring Egypt, reports Reuters.

If concluded, the agreement would be a boost for the cash-strapped Palestinian economy.

Egypt's Sisi to visit Turkiye at Erdogan's invitation

18 June 2023; MEMO: Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi is to embark on an official visit to Turkiye following an invitation by his Turkish counterpart and recently re-elected President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

News of Sisi's visit was disclosed by Ambassador Salih Mutlu Sen, who currently serves as Ankara's charge d'affaires in Cairo, Daily Sabah reported on Friday.

Intel to invest $25bn in Israel factory in record deal, says Netanyahu

18 June 2023; MEMO: US chipmaker Intel Corp INTC.O will spend $25 billion on a new factory in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, calling it the largest-ever international investment in the country, reports Reuters.

The factory in Kiryat Gat is due to open in 2027, to operate through 2035 at least and to employ thousands of people, Israel's Finance Ministry said. Under the deal Intel will pay a 7.5% tax rate, up from the current 5%, the ministry added.

Turkish, Dutch, US defense chiefs hold talks on sidelines of key NATO meeting

17 June 2023; MEMO: Turkiye's top defense official held separate talks on Friday with his Dutch and US counterparts on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels, according the Turkish National Defense Ministry, Anadolu reports.

In the meetings, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler discussed bilateral and regional defense, security, and defense industry cooperation with the Netherlands' Kajsa Ollagren and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the ministry said in a statement.

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