US envoys to visit Russia, Ukraine over weekend: report
US negotiators will visit both Ukraine and Russia in a bid to end the conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says.
diplomacy
Pacific pushback but no condemnation over China missile
A statement by Pacific leaders expressing concern over China's missile test is being viewed as a sign of pragmatism as nations walk a diplomatic tightrope.
Taiwan defends role at Pacific summit as China rages
Australia has backed the right of Pacific nations to set their own rules after China raised opposition to Taiwan's presence at the forum summit in Palau.
Twelve dead as Russia strikes Kyiv region for sixth day
Russia has bombarded Ukraine's capital of Kyiv for a sixth successive day, killing at least 12 people.
Howzat: Australia funds Pacific sport on road to 2032
Australia lacked a sports diplomacy strategy leading into the 2000 Sydney Olympics but is set on maximising leverage from the upcoming Brisbane Games.
Pacific summit underway in Palau without key leaders
Anthony Albanese, Chris Bowen and Pat Conroy are leading Australia's diplomatic effort at this year's Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting.
Russian barrage on Kyiv enters fifth day, toll at 38
Russian forces have relentlessly battered Kyiv and nearby cities for a fifth straight day.
Pacific wants climate, development focus at summit
While the Pacific is often pitched as a geopolitical battleground, the region's leaders and advocates urge a focus on improving lives on the ground.
Iran urges other countries not to join US sanctions
Iran's government has urged countries against implementing US sanctions while the foreign minister says getting diplomacy "back on track isn't impossible".
Twenty-seven killed in Russian attack on Kyiv region
At least 27 people have been killed following a Russian drone strike near Kyiv, officials say.
Iran war diplomacy turns to reopening Strait of Hormuz
Iran is preparing a list of conditions to allow traffic to flow through the Strait of Hormuz after Qatari meditators pressed Tehran on freedom of navigation.
Family of slain Gaza aid worker ‘waiting for justice’
The family of aid worker Zomi Frankcom who was killed by an air strike in Gaza has hit out at Israel's decision not to further investigate her death.
Trump’s N Korea meeting denied by sister of Kim Jong-un
Donald Trump has flagged plans to meet with Kim Jong-un but the North Korean leader's sister denied any communications between the leaders.
Fiji signs up to Pacific Rugby League Partnership
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has signed his nation up to the landmark Pacific Rugby League Partnership.
Trump envoy discusses Gaza plan with Netanyahu
US negotiator Jared Kushner has held a rare meeting with the Hamas chief in Egypt in an attempt to make progress on the stalled Gaza ceasefire.
Colombia asks Trump for tariff relief post-quake
Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked US President Donald Trump to suspend tariffs to help Colombia recover from a devastating earthquake.
Six dead as Ukraine launches massive aerial attack
A large-scale Ukrainian attack has struck industrial infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Samara region.
Albanese says his ‘melons’ hand gestures misinterpreted
The prime minister insists his comments and hand gestures about the Japanese prime minister gifting him two melons have been incorrectly characterised.
‘As a friend’: Albanese pushes Trump to axe tariffs
US President Donald Trump will consider the case to remove tariffs on Australian exports, Anthony Albanese says, following a phone call between the leaders.
‘Melongate’ row rolls on as police urged to investigate
The prime minister has repeatedly dodged calls to apologise over comments made about a gift of melons from his Japanese counterpart.
New attacks on shipping as Iran war talks hit impasse
US military says it has fired on a ship in Gulf of Oman to enforce its blockade of Iranian ports.
Trump demands Iran pay compensation for deaths
Hopes have faded for an imminent deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as US President Donald Trump demanded Iran pay compensation.
Iran ties Hormuz reopening to US concessions on demands
President Donald Trump says the US was "low-keying" it with Iran, as a Tehran deal with Oman defining new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz inches closer.
Canberra and Manila expect defence agreement this year
Already strong military relations between Australia and the Philippines will be boosted further by a defence cooperation agreement on track for signing soon.
Myanmar’s leader in Thailand on legitimacy quest
Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing is visiting Thailand as part of the junta chief-turned-president's efforts to win political acceptance on the world stage.
US and Iran having ‘very good discussions’, Trump says
The US an Iran have held positive all-day talks, Donald Trump says, while claiming the the Strait of Hormuz is going to be open "very soon".
Status of US-Iran talks uncertain as ship hit in Hormuz
A cargo ship has reported being struck in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US and Iran make opposing claims about whether they are holding talks.
Australia assisting man facing death penalty in Syria
Lawyers for a Gold Coast man facing a possible death penalty in Syria are seeking to ensure his rights are protected as federal authorities provide assistance.
‘Positive’: Netanyahu, Trump hold first talks since war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held talks with US President Donald Trump, which the White House described as "positive and productive".
‘Pro-Israel forces’: union explains conference backdown
Labor powerbrokers believe a show of unity at its conference is a sign of the party's strength, but some members say a lack of debate is damaging long term.
‘Ludicrous’ US levy slammed for free-trade deal breach
Australian businesses have reacted angrily to the Trump administration's higher tariffs on the nation's exports, as Canberra vows to push for their removal.