In a decisive statement released by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday (February 07, 2024), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has clarified its stance to the United States regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel. The Saudi Foreign Ministry articulated that such relations depend upon the recognition of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital. This announcement underscores the kingdom’s unwavering position on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the necessity for the Palestinian people to secure their legitimate rights. Read more: ICJ should work to achieve its goal: Palestine Ambassador The statement further demanded an immediate cessation of Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the area. This stance was conveyed amidst discussions on the Arab-Israeli peace process, particularly in response to comments attributed to the US National Security Spokesperson. Saudi Arabia also renewed its appeal to the permanent members of the UN Security Council, urging those who have not yet recognized the Palestinian state to do so promptly. The goal is to ensure that the Palestinian people attain their legitimate rights and to pave the way for a comprehensive and just peace for all parties involved. This development comes in the wake of White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby’s remarks on Tuesday, indicating optimistic signals that Saudi Arabia and Israel are open to continuing normalization discussions. The move would follow in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia’s Gulf neighbors, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. Read more: Silencing Palestinian perspectives: CNN staff criticize network’s pro-Israel bias

Honduras President Xiomara Castro announced Tuesday that her government will seek to establish diplomatic relations with China, which would imply severing relations with Taiwan. Castro said on her Twitter account that she instructed Honduran Foreign Affairs Minister Eduardo Reina to start negotiations with China and that her intention is “to expand the borders with freedom.” Honduras is one of the few remaining allies of Taiwan, and Castro's announcement represents a change on its diplomatic views. Taiwan’s official Central News Agency quoted an unidentified Foreign Ministry official as saying they were “in the process of ascertaining the situation” and had no further details. Also Read: Honduras ex-president Hernández extradited to US China claims self-ruled, democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and sees diplomatic recognition of the island as interference in its affairs. Beijing has isolated Taiwan diplomatically with a long campaign against such recognition under the “one-China” policy. Also Read: US asks Honduras to arrest, extradite ex-President Hernández In January 2022, the foreign affairs minister told The Associated Press that Honduras would continue strengthening ties with Taiwan and establishing a diplomatic relationship with China was not a priority for Castro. It's not clear what made the government change its mind.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun on Wednesday said the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties will be a "springboard" to take Bangladesh-South Korea relations to a new height. Stressing that 2023 will be a milestone to elevate Bangladesh-South Korea partnership to a new height with a series of events, Ambassador Lee wished "wide and active participation" of the citizens of the two countries. "Let’s celebrate it together, let’s make it together and let’s work together for the brighter future of the Korea-Bangladesh ties," he said. The Ambassador was speaking at an event unveiling the 50th anniversary logo which signifies the friendship between Bangladesh and South Korea.  Read more: Dhaka, Seoul to explore untapped potential for brighter future: Ambassador The government of the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh unveiled the official logo for the 50th anniversary of Korea-Bangladesh diplomatic relations in 2023 at the award-giving ceremony of the logo design contest at the premise of the Korean Embassy. Through this event officially a year-long celebration of the 50th diplomatic anniversary began.  Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined the occasion as the chief guest and congratulated the winners. Saber Hossain Choudury, MP,  Ryu Young-oh, President of the Korean Community in Bangladesh, among others, were present. Korea recognized the newly independent Bangladesh in May 1972 and established consular relations in September 1973 and finally diplomatic relations in December 1973. "It is from today that we'll start the year-long celebration of our diplomatic anniversary. There will be many programs and events for the next one year to celebrate our anniversary. Today this ceremony is the start and the first official ceremony for the celebration," said Ambassador Lee. Sharing the three goals or wishes he is having in mind to celebrate this diplomatic year, the envoy said, "First, I wish to document the story and history of our relations during the past five decades." He hoped that this anniversary is not just for the government but for all the people of Korea and Bangladesh. "I do wish that all Bangladesh and Korean people will actively join in our celebration. And it is the very reason why we have implemented this logo design contest," he said. The Ambassador said he is planning to work closely with the Korean community in Bangladesh in line with the celebration. "Already, the Korean community in Bangladesh declared the first week of March as Korean Week and plans to host several celebration events. There will be K-pop performances, a business fair and Korea Cup Golf Tournament," he said. Read more: South Korea opens infrastructure cooperation center in Dhaka

 A growing number of governments are curbing diplomatic ties with Myanmar and increasing economic pressure on its military over the coup last week that erased the fragile democratic progress in the long-oppressed Southeast Asian nation.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem has expressed the hope that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit Bangladesh soon on the occasion of 50 years of Bangladesh-UK diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a $15 million grant for the promotion of Buddhist ties with its neighbor Sri Lanka.

Bahrain on Friday agreed to normalise relations with Israel, becoming the fourth Arab nation to recognise Israel, a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea. reports AP.

Bangladesh and Saint Kitts and Nevis, an island country in the West Indies, have established diplomatic relationship formally by signing a Joint Communiqué.