ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
1st phase of Gaza ceasefire deal
The ongoing implementation of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, as the Palestinian group is expected to return more bodies of Israeli hostages after returning four others on Monday, as well as 20 living hostages previously, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Jordanian king starts Europe tour
Jordan’s King Abdullah II starts a European tour that includes stops in Italy, the Vatican, Hungary, and Slovenia to boost cooperation and discuss regional stability, according to a statement from the Jordanian Royal Court. His first stop will be Italy, where he will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The duration of his visit has not been specified.
EU defense ministers to gather in Brussels
The EU Foreign Affairs Council, together with defense ministers, will meet in Brussels on Oct. 15 to exchange views on defense readiness. Recent EU defense developments focus on countering security threats from Russia, especially drones. The EU is building a “drone wall” along its eastern border, using Ukrainian expertise to detect and intercept UAVs. Defense spending rose to around $420 billion in 2024, and the EU aims to strengthen joint capabilities and industry.
Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at NATO headquarters
The UK and Germany to convene the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The detailed program has not yet been announced, but the meeting is expected to discuss further military support to Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.
NATO defense ministers’ meeting
Defense ministers of NATO members will meet at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, chaired by Secretary General Mark Rutte. The detailed program has not yet been announced, but allies are likely to discuss NATO's defense and deterrence, the Russia-Ukraine war, and European security.
Rutte and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will deliver opening remarks, followed by joint statements with Ukrainian and allied defense officials. Official remarks and reactions from Ukrainian officials.
EU Commission president to visit North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit the Western Balkans, meeting with the leaders of North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia. Serbia and North Macedonia are EU candidate countries, while Kosovo is a potential candidate.
US Secretary of State Rubio to host Mexican counterpart De la Fuente
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations Juan Ramon de la Fuente at the Department of State. The closed-door talks are a follow-up to Rubio’s visit to Mexico last month and will be part of a cooperation mechanism between the two countries.
Trump to hold news conference with FBI chief
US President Donald Trump will participate in a news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel in the Oval Office. He will then host a ballroom dinner at the White House.
US government shutdown
The federal government shutdown in the US hits the two-week mark since it began on Oct. 1, with no end in sight. Both Republicans and Democrats continue to accuse each other of obstructing progress on reopening the government. Senators are due to hold a further vote on a House-passed Republican resolution to end the shutdown.
Erdogan to receive South Africa's Vice President Mashatile
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will receive South Africa's Vice President Paul Mashatile during his visit to the Turkish capital Ankara.
Turkish foreign minister to host Portuguese counterpart
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with Portuguese State and Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, who is on a working visit to Türkiye.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold a regular weekly briefing via teleconference to discuss current foreign policy issues. She is expected to address international developments and respond to media questions.
Developments in Russia–Ukraine war and military situation
Developments from the frontlines as Russian and Ukraine drone and missile attacks continue against each other's cities and infrastructure. Both sides are expected to issue regular updates, with international actors calling for restraint.
Moscow to host Russian Energy Week international forum
Russia's capital Moscow to host the 2025 edition of the Russian Energy Week international forum on Oct. 15-17. The forum, to be held for the eighth time, will seek to develop multilateral energy cooperation and demonstrate the prospects of the Russian fuel and energy complex.
The plenary session of the event will also be attended by President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to speak at the event.
Syria's transitional president to visit Moscow
Syria's transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa is scheduled to visit Moscow on Wednesday, according to information obtained by an Anadolu correspondent from sources close to the Syrian government. This will be his first visit to Russia.
Developments in Madagascar amid president’s impeachment, army takeover
Developments in Madagascar to be monitored amid military takeover. The Army Personnel Administration Center, a military unit, announced that it suspended the Constitution and seized power after the parliament adopted a motion to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.
French presidential diplomatic advisor visits China
French president's diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne visits China. Bonne is scheduled to hold a new round of China-France Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Japan’s opposition moves to unify against ruling party
Japan’s opposition bloc meets to decide whether to stand a single candidate against ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s newly elected leader Sanae Takaichi, to elect a new premier.
Amid tariffs tensions, Taiwan pitches itself as asset-management capital
Taiwan launches the first-of-its-kind program to pitch the island as asset-management capital in Asia. It comes amid economic tensions triggered by US tariffs. Taipei holds "Taiwan Week" programs to attract global funds with liberalization moves.
THE ECONOMY
Turkish central government budget
Turkish Treasury to release central government budget balance data for September. In August, the balance posted a surplus of $96.7B.
US inflation
The US to announce monthly inflation figures for September. In August, the annual inflation was 2.9%. Due to federal government shutdown, data releases may be delayed.
SPECIAL REPORTS
EXPLAINER - Madagascar in turmoil: What is happening and why?
Report on the shifting political landscape in Madagascar, where an elite military unit has now claimed power after Parliament voted to impeach President Andry Rajoelina.
The story unpacks the roots of the crisis, which began in late September over issues such as chronic water and electricity shortages and evolved into nationwide protests demanding the president’s removal, anti-corruption measures, and political reform.
The report also examines Rajoelina’s own rise to power and the turbulent history of politics in Madagascar, and looks at the possibilities of what could happen next in the island nation.
Pakistan’s mineral wealth draws global powers amid race for critical resources
Report examining how Pakistan’s vast untapped mineral deposits are emerging as a new geopolitical battleground in the global race for critical minerals.
The story charts the growing interest from powers such as the US, China, Saudi Arabia, and Japan in sites such as the Reko Diq copper-gold project, which holds one of the world’s largest undeveloped reserves valued at tens of billions of dollars. It also details Pakistan’s steps to advance its minerals sector, including the launch of a hyperspectral satellite to map hidden resources.
The report includes comments from Ayla Majid, an expert in project development and financial advisory, energy analyst Muhammad Saad Ali, and security analyst Amir Rana.