ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025
Israel’s security cabinet meeting on Gaza
Outcomes and reactions of the Israeli security cabinet meeting on Gaza, which was held on Tuesday evening to discuss the Hamas response to a proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.
62nd edition of Damascus International Fair
The 62nd edition of the Damascus International Fair to kick off, for the first time since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December. It will see 850 local and foreign companies from 22 countries and will run till Sept. 5. The exhibition will feature activities across the food, technology, construction and chemical sectors, as well as arts and cultural programs. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat will attend the event and also hold bilateral and inter-delegation meetings with Syrian Economy Minister Nidal Al Sha'ar.
German chancellor chairs cabinet meeting
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to chair a cabinet meeting at the Defense Ministry, a rare one as routine cabinet meetings are held at the Federal Chancellery, highlighting the government's focus on security policy amid global threats. Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expected to hold a press conference after the meeting.
Belgian cabinet discusses recognition of Palestine
Prime Minister Bart De Wever convening a key cabinet meeting to discuss Belgium’s position on the recognition of Palestine and measures against Israel over the situation in Gaza.
It comes amid mounting pressure on the government to clarify its position regarding the recognition issue amid divided coalition government on the matter. Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot recently warned that the government faces the risk of a “major crisis” if it does not adopt a firmer stance on Israel and move forward with the recognition of Palestine.
Rubio to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar at the State Department.
UN Security Council to discuss Palestinian question
The UN Security Council will hold its regular monthly open briefing on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.” Ramiz Alakbarov, the deputy special coordinator and resident coordinator at the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), is expected to deliver a brief, possibly followed by civil society representatives. The open briefing is expected to be followed by closed consultations.
Secondary tariffs on India to come into force
An additional 25% tariff on Indian goods imported into the US, announced as a response to India's purchases of Russian oil, is due to take effect, raising tariffs on Indian to goods to 50%.
Turkish president to attend groundbreaking ceremony by defense contractor Aselsan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the Steel Dome Deliveries, Facility Openings, and Ogulbey Groundbreaking Ceremony at Turkish defense giant Aselsan's Golbasi facility in capital Ankara.
Erdogan will also take part in a graduation ceremony of the Gendarmerie and Coast Guard Academy.
Moldova to mark its 34th Independence Day
Moldova to celebrate its Independence Day, which will mark 34 years since the country declared independence from the Soviet Union on Aug. 27, 1991. The country will hold celebratory events on this occasion just over a month prior to a parliamentary election scheduled for next month. Multiple European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will visit the country.
Jordan's king to meet Kazakh president in Astana
Jordan's King Abdullah II will meet Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on a two-day official visit to the Central Asian nation that began on Tuesday. The Jordanian king and the Kazakh president are also scheduled to participate in a business forum.
THE ECONOMY
OECD GDP growth
The Paris-based economic organization to announce economic growth figures for its area for the second quarter. In the first quarter, the OECD economy grew 0.8%.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Germany’s extended border controls: Symbolic politics over real migration solutions?
Report analyzing Germany’s extension of internal EU border controls, raising doubts over their effectiveness and political motives.
The story highlights Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to signal toughness on migration amid far-right pressure, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt extending checks beyond September. It lays out Berlin’s arguments in support of the measures, while also examining tensions with Poland and other EU states, and concerns that domestic politics are eroding collective European cooperation on migration.
The report features comments from Raphael Bossong, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, on the risks and challenges of the stricter border controls.
Ceasefires to peace treaties: Why Armenia-Azerbaijan accord may mark a turning point
Report examining the recently initialed Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, hailed as a step beyond past ceasefires that froze rather than resolved the conflict.
The story explores how the Washington-brokered accord – centered on mutual recognition of Soviet-era borders, renunciation of territorial claims, and a joint implementation commission – differs from past agreements.
The report includes insights from Joshua Kucera, South Caucasus senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, who explains the key distinctions from earlier ceasefires.