Sri Lanka has informed the United States and Japan to have direct dialogue regarding matters of their own geopolitical concerns but not those of any third party, Daily Mirror learns.

The Sri Lankan couple, who had been arrested to assist a probe into the discovery of three bodies in a house in Malaysia recently, had their remand extended on Friday, the New Straits Times reported.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldives appeared headed for defeat in the presidential runoff on Saturday, according to initial results of a race that was proving to be as much a referendum on the competition between India and China for influence as it was a chance to determine the small island nation’s next leader.

The US is urging Serbia to withdraw what it says is a large military build-up on the country's border with Kosovo.

Singapore’s population grew 5% to a record 5.92 million at mid-2023 from a year ago, according to a government report, posting its fastest increase since 2008 as the city-state attracted more foreign workers.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said his country is serious about building closer ties with India despite an ongoing diplomatic row.

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 50 injured in an explosion in Pakistan, police tell the BBC.

Taiwan has unveiled its first domestically-made submarine as it bolsters its defences against a possible Chinese attack.