President Prabowo Subianto and Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko launched the Roadmap for Strengthening Indonesia-Belarus Cooperation 2026–2030 as a framework for developing bilateral relations over the next five years.

2.INDONESIA EYES HIGHER REGIONAL WELFARE IN 2027 BUDGET PLAN -- ANTARA

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The Budget Committee of the Indonesian House of Representatives (Banggar DPR RI) has stated that the regional transfer funds (TKD) policy in the 2027 State Budget Draft (RAPBN) will focus on increasing regional welfare.

LAOS

1.MEKONG RIVER UPGRADING COMPLETED -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Mekong River Integrated Management Project Phase II, which is now complete, will help prevent floods and improve the landscaping in Vientiane. The project will develop the riverbank into an attractive tourism and recreation spot. 

2. LAWMAKERS DEBATE ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC WOES -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The National Assembly on Thursday discussed policies on poverty reduction, clean energy and natural resources. The government wants to strengthen cooperation between the executive and legislative branches to address socio-economic challenges.

MYANMAR

1.GROWING ECONOMIC TIES WITH BELARUS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Myanmar and Belarus held high-level talks to enhance economic cooperation and investment. The talks focused on collaboration in industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and humanitarian areas, which will boost bilateral ties. 

2.SCRUTINISING UNDERAGE RECRUITMENT IN MILITARY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Officials reviewed measures to prevent the recruitment of individuals under 18 into the army and to improve screening measures. Underaged persons mistakenly recruited during recent intakes have been returned to their respective families.

PHILIPPINES

1.PHILIPPINES, CANADA INK DEALS TO BOOST ENERGY, LABOR, TOURISM, CULTURAL TIES -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney witnessed Thursday (Canada time) the signing of four key agreements aimed at strengthening energy, labor, tourism, and cultural cooperation between Manila and Ottawa.

2.MARCOS, CARNEY SEEK CONCLUSION OF PHILIPPINES-CANADA FTA TALKS IN 2026 -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday (Canada time) reaffirmed their commitment to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) before the end of 2026.

THAILAND

1. ANUTIN REVEALS LOCAL CIVIL-SERVICE EXAM FRAUD PROBE, 4 GROUPS IMPLICATED -- THE NATION

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says a fact-finding probe has uncovered irregularities in a local civil-servant recruitment exam, with four groups implicated and five DLA officials facing disciplinary allegations.

2. COURT JAILS EIGHT FOR ILLEGAL SURROGACY -- BANGKOK POST

The Criminal Court has sentenced four obstetricians and four brokers to prison terms of up to 15 years for their roles in a transnational commercial surrogacy network, ruling that they treated the human body as a commodity and deliberately circumvented the law.

VIETNAM

1.JAPANESE BANK SUPPORTS VIETNAM’S GROWTH -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation has pledged to continue supporting Vietnam's development goals. Japan and Vietnam have strong cooperation in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and green transition.

2.VIETNAM-EUROPEAN TRADE PACT ELEVATE RELATIONS -- VIETNAM NEWS 

Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement. It will mark a new chapter in bilateral cooperation to promote trade and investment between the two economies.

-- BERNAMA