ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Implementation of Gaza ceasefire deal
The ongoing implementation of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, under which the latter is expected to hand over the bodies of more Israeli hostages after releasing 20 living ones in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Expected reopening of Rafah crossing border for aid flow
The expected reopening of the Rafah crossing border with Egypt for the resumption of the flow of aid amid conflicting reports in Israeli media regarding the reopening.
Palestinian premier holds meeting on Gaza recovery, reconstruction plan in Ramallah
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa will hold a special meeting at his office in Ramallah to discuss the implementation steps of the recovery and reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip following the ceasefire deal, with representatives of the diplomatic corps and relevant international institutions in attendance.
New ambassadors to present credentials to Turkish president
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to receive letters of credentials from newly appointed ambassadors, including Mexico, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and Lithuania.
Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum to be held in Istanbul
Istanbul to host the fifth Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF). The two-day event aims to strengthen the partnership between Türkiye and African nations, with the mutual trade volume expected to exceed $35 billion by the end of the year.
'Drone wall' – European Commission roadmap due
The European Commission is expected to present a roadmap on the creation of a “drone wall” to protect against suspected Russian violations of EU airspace.
EU Commission chief speaks on Mediterranean Pact Initiative
Following the European Commission’s weekly meeting, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver a press statement on the Pact for the Mediterranean -- a new initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation with Southern Mediterranean countries on migration, energy, and regional stability.
It will be followed by a press conference with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica.
EU Commission presents ‘Defense Readiness Roadmap’
Following the European Commission’s weekly meeting, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will hold a press conference with Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius on the ‘Defense Readiness Roadmap.’
The Roadmap aims for EU countries to have at least 40% of their defense purchases organized as joint procurement by the end of 2027.
French National Assembly to examine motions of censure
France’s National Assembly will examine two motions of censure filed by the National Rally (RN) and France Unbowed (LFI) against Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s new government.
The motions come a day after Lecornu, reappointed by President Emmanuel Macron for a second term, announced his new Cabinet.
Ukraine to host Kyiv International Economic Forum
Ukraine will host the annual Kyiv International Economic Forum, bringing together international and Ukrainian representatives from business, government, and society to discuss key economic issues and global trends in a bid to promote Ukraine's integration into the global community.
Moldova to confirm results of recent parliamentary vote
Moldova to confirm the results of its recent parliamentary election on Sept. 28, during which the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity secured a majority in the legislature amid allegations of Russian interference.
Moldova's Constitutional Court will hold a session to confirm the results of vote and validate the mandates of the newly elected members of parliament.
Trump to make unspecified announcement
US President Donald Trump will make an announcement in the Oval Office. No other details have been provided on the content of the announcement.
Rubio to host Brazilian counterpart over tariffs
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at the White House. The closed-door talks come after a phone conversation between Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is said to have asked his US counterpart to lift the 40% tariff on Brazilian imports.
Government shutdown
The federal government shutdown 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. If that fails, they will move onto a procedural vote on a defense appropriations bill.
Developments after Afghanistan, Pakistan cease border clashes
Developments after Islamabad and Kabul declared a 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday following deadly border clashes. Dozens of soldiers and civilians have been killed in recent tensions.
Swedish, Canadian top diplomats visit China
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand pay official visits to China. Stenergard and Anand are expected to hold separate meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Japan’s ruling, minor opposition party leaders meet for coalition ahead of premier vote
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) meets minor opposition Japan Innovation Party for a possible coalition ahead of voting to elect new prime minister.
The ruling LDP faced a major setback after its long-time ally Komeito party upended coalition, triggering race for new coalition as no party commands majority in the parliament.
Sri Lankan premier on first India trip
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visits India as part of a three-day official visit.
This trip marks her first official visit to India to discuss bilateral issues of mutual interest with the Indian leadership.
THE ECONOMY
UK GDP figures
UK to release monthly gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures for August. In July, the economy was stagnant on a monthly basis.
Eurozone foreign trade
Eurostat to announce monthly foreign trade statistics for August. In July, the eurozone posted a foreign trade surplus of $14.4B.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Gaza ceasefire: Unresolved questions and what happens next
Report exploring the pending issues to be addressed in the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The story focuses on unresolved questions such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces, technicalities of the disarmament of Hamas, governance in Gaza, including the role of the Palestinian Authority, the establishment of an International Stabilization Force, and other issues that need to be worked out for sustainable peace.
The report includes comments from Ryan Bohl, senior Middle East and North African analyst at the RANE network, and Israeli analyst Ori Goldberg, who explain the potential challenges and opportunities ahead in the peace process for Gaza.
‘Most interesting time for Japanese politics’: Takaichi’s fractured path amid coalition crunch
Report on Japan’s political developments amid efforts to fill the power vacuum following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The story explains Japan’s current political climate as the LDP and its new head Sanae Takaichi explore ways to woo coalition partners and secure power. It also examines the underlying causes, the shifting dynamics among political parties, and the possible future of Japan’s ruling powers.
The report features insights from Kazuto Suzuki, an academic at the University of Tokyo, and Hiromi Murakami, an associate professor at Temple University Japan Campus.