Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

⁠Implementation of Gaza ceasefire deal

Ongoing implementation of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which includes the handover of additional hostage bodies by Hamas after its release of 20 captives and 10 bodies in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Afghan delegation to visit Doha for ceasefire talks with Pakistan

An Afghan government delegation is expected to head to Doha to discuss extending the 48-hour ceasefire and resolving outstanding issues with Pakistan.

Challenges surrounding reopening Rafah crossing border for aid flow, passengers

The issue of reopening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to resume the flow of humanitarian aid and allow passenger movement, with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz saying it could take place on Sunday.

UN agencies' briefing in Geneva

The UN Information Service holds a biweekly press briefing for UN bodies, providing updates from UN agencies on the most pressing issues around the world. The latest updates from Gaza are expected to top the agenda.

Trump to host Zelenskyy at White House

US President Donald Trump will meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House for a bilateral lunch. The meeting comes as Kyiv has been pushing for long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles and after a phone call between Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during which the two agreed to meet in Hungary.

UN Security Council to vote on Haiti sanctions renewal

The UN Security Council will vote on a draft resolution renewing the sanctions regime on Haiti for a year, with an annex adding four individuals to the sanctions list. The draft resolution was authored by Panama and the US, the co-penholders on Haiti. The sanctions regime includes a targeted asset freeze, travel bans, and arms embargo measures. The sanctions regime targets those determined to be involved in armed violence, arms trafficking, rights abuses, sexual violence, obstruction of aid, or attacks on UN personnel.

5th Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum to conclude

The fifth edition of the Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) to conclude in Istanbul. The event will feature panels and keynote speeches by high-level guests, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, African Union Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, Mining Commissioner Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat.

Turkish foreign minister's meeting with German counterpart

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to host his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in the capital Ankara.

⁠Reactions to Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at White House

Reactions from Moscow, Kyiv and others will be followed as Trump and Zelenskyy meet in Washington, DC, just a day after the US president spoke to Putin.

Madagascar’s military leader to be sworn in as interim president

Madagascar’s military leader, Col. Michael Randrianirina, is set to be sworn in as transitional president before the Indian Ocean nation’s High Constitutional Court. Randrianirina led an elite army unit that suspended the Constitution and seized power after President Andry Rajoelina fled the country amid youth-led anti-government protests, citing safety concerns.

Bangladesh signs historic charter

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and seven members of the National Consensus Commission ink a historic charter, 'July National Charter-2025,' which outlines the political history of Bangladesh to implement reform agendas.

THE ECONOMY

Eurozone inflation

Eurostat to release final monthly consumer inflation figures for September. Preliminary estimates showed that inflation rose to 2.2% last month.

SPECIAL REPORTS

EXPLAINER - 'Drone Wall': New EU plan to protect borders from potential incursions

Report on the EU’s “European Drone Defense Initiative,” initially called "Drone Wall," which seeks to protect the bloc's eastern border from potential Russian drones.

The story outlines how the initiative emerged following reported multiple drone incidents in the EU and NATO airspace, particularly in Poland and the Baltic states.

The report also explores skepticism among some EU member states regarding its political implications, practical implementation, and funding challenges.

EXPLAINER - China’s 5-year plan talks focus on stability, high-quality growth

Report on the 4th plenum of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee, starting Oct. 20, where President Xi Jinping and top leaders will outline the Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) centered on stability and high-quality growth.

The story highlights expected priorities such as boosting homegrown technology – including semiconductors and AI – advancing manufacturing, and reducing internal market barriers.

The report features insights from analysts Martin Jacques, Einar Tangen and Andrew KP Leung.