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BRUSSELS/ISTANBUL, May 21 -- Italy summoned Israel's ambassador to protest the treatment of activists involved in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and demanded the immediate release of nationals still being held, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, Anadolu Ajansi reported. The Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia, summoned Jonathan Peled and conveyed the Italian government's "strong protest" over the matter, according to a statement from the ministry. During the meeting, Guariglia requested the immediate release and swift return to Italy of all Italian citizens still detained. Reiterating Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's position, Guariglia said the events were "unacceptable", particularly as the individuals involved were unarmed and had no violent intentions. "He also highlighted the gravity of the intervention in international waters and expressed strong outrage at the images released in recent hours," the statement said. The ministry added that Italy reserves the right to consider appropriate political initiatives, including at the European level. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Tajani criticised the incident. "The images of Israeli (National Security) Minister (Itamar) Ben-Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates their human dignity," they said in a joint statement. The Italian government said it was taking immediate steps at the highest institutional levels to secure the release of Italian citizens involved in the incident. Rome also demanded an apology over the treatment of activists and what it described as disregard for its explicit requests. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also wrote on the social media platform X that Ben-Gvir's actions do not serve Israel’s interests. "We take pride in other things, Minister. We take pride in having always treated your fellow citizens with respect, and we are not in the habit of arresting people in international waters. Rather, we rescue them when they need help," Crosetto added. The remarks came after a video posted by Ben-Gvir on social media showed detained activists zip-tied and forced to kneel after being detained by Israeli forces in international waters. The Global Sumud humanitarian aid flotilla said Tuesday that all 50 vessels in its aid convoy had been seized by Israel. -- BERNAMA

Italy Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Treatment Of Gaza-Bound Flotilla Activists, Demands Release Of Citizens

BRUSSELS/ISTANBUL, May 21 — Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador to protest the treatment of activists involved in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and demanded the immediate release of nationals still being held, .... read more

INDONESIA 1. INDONESIA'S PRABOWO NAMES SOES SOLE EXPORTERS FOR KEY COMMODITIES -- ANTARA Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new government regulation requiring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to become sole exporters of several natural resource commodities, including palm oil, coal, and ferroalloys. 2. ASEAN DIGITAL PACT COULD LIFT INDONESIA'S ECONOMY TO US$600 BLN: AIRLANGGA -- ANTARA Indonesia’s digital economy could expand to US$600 billion through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said on Wednesday. LAOS 1. VIETNAM-LAO EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION STARTS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Vietnam broke ground on a 60-kilometre expressway costing US$910 million (RM3.6 billion) that connects the Lao border. The corridor will improve overland links to Vietnamese seaports that will expand trade and tourism. 2. PREPARING FOR LDC GRADUATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao is preparing to exit the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by focusing on rural development to improve living standards. Poverty reduction, strengthening governance and combating corruption will be given top priorities. MYANMAR 1. IMPROVING RURAL WOMEN’S ECONOMIC STATUS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Small-Scale Industries Department will implement the rural family income improvement project in 214 villages. Sewing and food production courses will be conducted to uplift the economic well-being of rural women. 2. SOLAR-POWERED STREETLIGHTS FOR VILLAGES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government will provide solar streetlights to 41 villages in Shan state. The initiative aims to enhance the socioeconomic status of rural residents and narrow the urban-rural development gap. PHILIPPINES 1. BILL EXTENDING PRC ID VALIDITY TO 5 YEARS APPROVED ON FINAL READING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY In a major win for millions of Filipino professionals, the House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on third and final reading a measure extending the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years, easing renewal burdens and cutting red tape in government transactions. 2. HOUSE OKS KALINGA BILL, EYES FASTER RESPONSE TO FUEL CRISES, INFLATION -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the Kalinga Act, a proposed national emergency response and resiliency framework that would allow the Marcos administration to move faster against fuel-driven inflation, energy supply risks and shocks that threaten food, transport, livelihood, and essential services. SINGAPORE 1. SINGTEL LOGS 12 PCT RISE IN ANNUAL EARNINGS HELPED BY REGIONAL ASSOCIATES - CNA Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) reported a 12 per cent rise in annual underlying profit on Thursday, driven by strong contributions from India's Bharti Airtel and other regional associates. 2. BABY FOOD FROM IRELAND RECALLED DUE TO POTENTIAL MOULD GROWTH AND SPOILAGE: SFA -- THE STRAITS TIMES A recall for a baby food product from Ireland is ongoing due to potential mould growth and spoilage, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said. THAILAND 1. THAILAND REVEALS 93 COUNTRIES LOSING 60-DAY VISA-FREE ENTRY -- THE NATION Thailand’s Cabinet has approved ending 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries, with most set to return to 30-day stays. 2. GOVT TO PURGE STATE SECRETS -- BANGKOK POST Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered all state agencies to fully disclose public information and eliminate unnecessary secrecy as part of a nationwide anti-corruption campaign launched in cooperation with the private sector. VIETNAM 1. SMART FISHING PORT AT GIA LAI -- VIETNAMPLUS Gia Lai province will build a smart fishing port at Tam Quan to modernise its seafood industry and improve export standards. The port will deploy digital tools, automation and data analytics to manage fleets and track marine catch. 2. ASIAN HACKATHON ATTRACTS OVER 400 TEAMS -- VIETNAMPLUS The Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 has attracted 439 teams, with about 1,440 contestants from 22 countries. The 36-hour in-person hackathon is scheduled from July 2 to 5 at VinUni University in Hanoi. -- BERNAMA

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 21, 2026

INDONESIA 1. INDONESIA’S PRABOWO NAMES SOES SOLE EXPORTERS FOR KEY COMMODITIES — ANTARA Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a new government regulation requiring state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to become sole exporters .... read more

Victory Monument in Bangkok

INDONESIA 1. PERTAMINA NRE EYES RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH — ANTARA A subsidiary of state-owned oil company Pertamina, Pertamina NRE (New & Renewable Energy), is exploring collaboration in Bangladesh’s .... read more

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UN Chief Welcomes Extension Of Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

STANBUL, May 17 2026– UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday welcomed the extension of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel following talks mediated by the US. “The Secretary-General welcomes the .... read more

Most Crew Members Aboard MV Hondius To Undergo Quarantine In Rotterdam Upon Arrival

THE HAGUE, May 16 2026 — The Dutch government announced on Friday that the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius is expected to arrive at the Port of Rotterdam next Monday, .... read more

Federal Reserve Names Jerome Powell Chair Pro Tempore Pending Kevin Warsh Swearing-in

WASHINGTON, May 16 2026 — The US Federal Reserve Board announced Friday that Jerome Powell will serve as chair pro tempore of the central bank following the conclusion of his .... read more

Minister of Works who is also AFPPD Malaysia President Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that as host to the AFPPD Global Secretariat, Malaysia is now in a better position to serve as a regional centre for the engagement of parliamentarians on issues of demographic resilience, reproductive health, gender equality, youth empowerment and sustainable development. "This achievement is also very significant for Malaysia. "I extend my deepest congratulations to Ipoh Timor Member of Parliament Howard Lee, who is also the Secretary-General of AFPPD Global and Deputy President of AFPPD Malaysia, for his leadership in ensuring that this important achievement was successfully realised," said Nanta in a Facebook post today. The status confirms Malaysia's growing role as a trusted partner in international cooperation involving members of Parliament and United Nations-related agencies. AFPPD Malaysia hopes to continue to support AFPPD Global in translating this recognition into meaningful efforts for the benefit of the people of Asia and the Pacific. AFPPD comprises 30 national committees made up of parliamentarians in the Asia Pacific and Central Asia regions, and serves as a forum to recommend and coordinate policies with the goal of creating a better future for all people in the region, especially vulnerable groups including women, children and youth, as well as the elderly. AFPPD organizes meetings and seminars for members of Parliament more than 10 times a year based on an activity plan adopted at the general meeting, with funding from various stakeholders including UNFPA. -- BERNAMA

AFPPD Global receives UNFPA Implementing Partner status

PUTRAJAYA: The Global Asian Parliamentarians’ Forum on Population and Development (AFPPD) has been granted Implementing Partner status by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through an agreement signed on May .... read more

WASHINGTON, May 14 -- US Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Washington is "making progress" in negotiations with Iran while stressing President Donald Trump's red line that Tehran must never have a nuclear weapon. "I spent a good amount of time on the phone with both Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff this morning and a number of our friends in the Arab world this morning. I think that we are making progress," Anadolu Ajansi reported Vance told reporters when asked if the US is still engaging with the Iranians after Trump called Tehran's response "unacceptable." "The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president's red line? And the red line is very simple. He needs to feel confident that we've put a number of protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon," Vance said. "I thought we made some progress in Pakistan, but we've made more since then," he said. "The President has set us off on the diplomatic pathway for now, and that's what I'm focused on," he added. Asked about Trump's remarks that he does not think about "Americans' financial situation" when negotiating with Iran, Vance responded: "I think that's a misrepresentation of what the president said." "I agree with the president. Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. We're obviously engaged in a very aggressive and very engaged diplomatic process to try to ensure that that doesn't happen," he added. Vance said the ultimate aim was to give the American people assurance that Iran would never obtain nuclear weapons, describing the current diplomatic track as the president's chosen pathway for now. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a set deadline. On Sunday, Iran sent Pakistan its response to a US proposal for ending the war, but Trump dismissed it as “totally unacceptable.” -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Vance Says US ‘making Progress’ On Iran Deal

WASHINGTON, May 14 — US Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that Washington is “making progress” in negotiations with Iran while stressing President Donald Trump’s red line that Tehran must .... read more

GENEVA, May 14 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday that no new deaths from the cruise-ship-linked hantavirus outbreak have been reported since May 2, while the global public health risk remains low. Anadolu Ajansi repoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X that a total of 11 cases have so far been reported to the agency as of May 12. According to Tedros, eight of those cases have been laboratory-confirmed as infections caused by the Andes virus. Hantavirus is a rare disease usually transmitted through infected rodents or their droppings, though the strain responsible for this outbreak, the Andes virus, can also spread between humans with prolonged close contact, often in enclosed settings. He added that one additional case remains under further laboratory testing. “WHO continues to assess the risk to the global population as low,” Tedros said. The WHO chief also said the agency remains in close contact with experts from all involved countries and continues to receive weekly health reports concerning passengers and crew through official International Health Regulations channels. Tedros said international coordination efforts remain ongoing to support measures aimed at protecting public health. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

WHO Chief Says No New Deaths Reported In Hantavirus Outbreak Since May 2

GENEVA, May 14 — The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Wednesday that no new deaths from the cruise-ship-linked hantavirus outbreak have been reported since May 2, while the global public .... read more

INDONESIA 1.PRESIDENT PRABOWO ORDERS TASK FORCE TO SPEED UP DEREGULATION EFFORTS -- ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto has instructed State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi to prepare the formation of a special task force aimed at accelerating deregulation efforts. 2.INDONESIA CONFIRMS US NAPHTHA SHIPMENT ARRIVING IN MAY 2026 -- ANTARA Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed that imports of naphtha, the main raw material for plastic resin, are scheduled to arrive in mid-May 2026. MYANMAR 1.ENGAGING LUCRATIVE INDIAN TOURISM MARKET -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Myanmar Tourism Federation will hold roadshows in at least five major Indian cities to showcase tourist destinations. These extensive campaigns are to promote long-term sustainable tourism in the Indian market. 2.INCREASING LIVE SEAFOOD EXPORTS TO RAISE REVENUE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Authorities are planning to export more live marine products that will generate lucrative revenue for the country. Live lobsters, shell crabs and shrimps are in high demand in overseas markets for their freshness. PHILIPPINES 1.MARCOS: NO STATE FORCES IN SENATE SHOOTING, NO ORDER TO ARREST BATO -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Wednesday night said no state security forces were involved in the shooting incident inside the Senate complex and denied reports that government agencies had been ordered to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. 2.MAGNITUDE 5.5 QUAKE JOLTS PARTS OF CAGAYAN -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted Dalupiri Island in Cagayan province on Thursday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). SINGAPORE 1. RULE OF LAW BOOSTS SINGAPORE'S SOCIAL FABRIC; GOVERNMENT'S JOB IS TO REFLECT SOCIAL VALUES IN LAW: EDWIN TONG The rule of law is a framework for strengthening Singapore's social fabric because it is "the basis on which we believe that no one is above the law, and so no segment of society will rise ahead or fall behind because of who we are", Law Minister Edwin Tong said on Wednesday. 2. SINGAPORE TO TRIAL MULTI-CANCER EARLY DETECTION TESTS AND TARGETED CANCER SCREENING -- THE STRAITS TIMES A clinical study involving 1,000 people at higher risk of cancer due to genetic factors or pre-cancerous conditions will be carried out in the second half of 2026 to evaluate the use of popular multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests. THAILAND 1. ACTUAL INVESTMENT JUMP STRENGTHENS THAILAND'S GROWTH OUTLOOK -- THE NATION Thailand’s actual investment rose 18% to 260 billion baht in Q1 2026, as the government pushes BOI Fast Pass and 3% plus GDP growth. 2. FUEL CRISIS RESULTS IN FEWER FLIGHTS FOR THAI PILOTS -- BANGKOK POST Pilots in Thailand have begun to feel the impact of reduced flights, as some low-cost carriers have announced a 20% cut in allowances and reduced productivity pay to cope with rising operational costs. VIETNAM 1.EMPOWERING STUDENT STARTUP ENTREPRENEURS -- VIETNAMPLUS The Education Ministry will implement a student entrepreneurship programme to develop a comprehensive startup ecosystem across the education sector. The new plan shifts focus from individual startups to an integrated and sustainable model. 2.UPGRADING CROSS-BORDER CRIME PREVENTION CENTRE -- VIETNAMPLUS Vietnam Customs is strengthening the Narcotics Targeting Centre by equipping it with modern surveillance equipment to tackle cross-border crimes. The centre will focus on the trafficking of narcotics, emerging psychoactive substances and hazardous chemicals smuggling. -- BERNAMA

Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 14, 2026

INDONESIA 1.PRESIDENT PRABOWO ORDERS TASK FORCE TO SPEED UP DEREGULATION EFFORTS — ANTARA President Prabowo Subianto has instructed State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi to prepare the formation of a special .... read more

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