Hello, Kawan HI! Welcome back to “7 Days, 7 Issues, 1 World: HI UNPAR International Roundup.” This week, the international community was once again marked by various developments, ranging from conflict and diplomatic dynamics in the Middle East, trade and political relations among major powers, to developments in economic cooperation across Asia and Europe.
On Wednesday (23/9), the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, once again drew attention after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the meeting amid the war with the United States. Iran’s delegation was smaller this year and was subject to travel and activity restrictions while in the United States. His arrival came after President Donald Trump stated that a major decision regarding Iran could be made soon. Meanwhile, on Thursday (24/9), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly, defending Israel’s actions in the war in Gaza and Iran. Several diplomats walked out of the room when Netanyahu began speaking as a form of protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
On Thursday (24/9), Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Colombia had officially decided to sever diplomatic relations with Iran. The decision was taken due to security concerns, alleged links between Iran and terrorist and narco-terrorist groups, human rights violations, and obstacles to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) efforts to verify Iran’s nuclear program.
In another development, relations between the United States and China once again came into focus after US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington to discuss trade, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. The two countries also agreed to extend their trade agreement for another 11 months, until January 10, 2027.
In Asia, the European Union and the Philippines reached an initial free trade agreement that would eliminate more than 94 percent of tariffs on both sides. The agreement is expected to become a full-fledged deal within the next few months and covers EU exports such as machinery, equipment, vehicles, as well as food and agricultural products such as meat and dairy products. The agreement is part of the European Union’s efforts to expand its markets and investment in Southeast Asia to reduce the impact of US tariffs.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Ethiopia has intensified again after the Ethiopian government and the group controlling Tigray accused each other of launching attacks, raising concerns over a possible return to large-scale conflict. The conflict, which ended in 2022, has once again escalated after both sides accused each other of violating the peace agreement.
On the other hand, China continues to strengthen its economic connectivity with Southeast Asia through the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal in China, which can accommodate vessels of up to 5,000 tons and shortens the shipping distance from southwestern China to the sea by more than 560 kilometers.
From Europe, Pope Leo XIV is set to make an official visit to France, with sexual abuse by members of the Church and assisted-dying regulations among the issues receiving attention. He is also scheduled to meet with survivors of sexual abuse and visit organizations supporting migrants.
Source:
Bekit, Teklemariam. “Ethiopia and Tigray accuse each of launching offensives, fuelling fears of new war”. BBC. 25 September 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cry8zwwq21pxo.
Bradley, Matt., dan Cork Siemaszko. “Israel’s Netanyahu takes the U.N. stage facing global isolation and a fight for his political future”. NBC News. 25 September 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/israel/israel-netanyahu-united-nations-general-assembly-gaza-iran-war-rcna599576.
“EU reaches initial free trade deal with Philippines in pivot to Asia”. CNA. 22 September 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/eu-reaches-initial-free-trade-deal-philippines-in-pivot-asia-6401041.
Gallen, Claire. “Pope Leo in France: The issues on the table”. ABS CBN. 25 September 2026. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/9/25/pope-leo-in-france-the-issues-on-the-table-1107.
Iswara, Aditya Jaya. “Kanal Pinglu China Pukau Pakar Filipina, Kapal 5.000 Ton Bisa Lewat”. Kompas. 21 September 2026. https://internasional.kompas.com/read/2026/09/21/180000170/kanal-pinglu-china-pukau-pakar-filipina-kapal-5000-ton-bisa-lewat.
“Kolombia Putus Hubungan Diplomatik dengan Iran, Apa Alasannya?” CNN Indonesia. 25 September 2026. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20260925153731-134-1408201/kolombia-putus-hubungan-diplomatik-dengan-iran-apa-alasannya.
Stockwell, Billy., dan Jennifer Hansler. “Iran to attend UN assembly in New York — even as peace with US remains elusive”. CNN. 23 September 2026. https://edition.cnn.com/2026/09/21/middleeast/iran-president-un-general-assembly-new-york-int.
“Trump welcomes Xi to Washington as US, China agree to extend trade truce”. Aljazeera. 23 September 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/23/trump-meets-chinas-xi-jinping-at-us-airport-on-arrival-for-three-day-trip.