Malaysia–Brunei Diplomacy: PM Anwar Ibrahim hailed the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation as a boost to “brotherhood” and strategic cooperation, including a disaster-management MoU signed after a meeting with Brunei’s Sultan. Security Cooperation: Pakistan and Malaysia agreed to deepen intelligence sharing and joint work against terrorism, narcotics, illegal immigration, cybercrime, and human smuggling, setting up a joint working group and police training links. Global Trade & Sanctions: Iran’s foreign ministry rejected new US economic sanctions as lacking basis in international law, as Washington prepares fresh measures tied to Iran’s trading partners. Energy & Shipping: With El Niño strengthening, the Panama Canal faces renewed disruption risk, pushing some shipping routes toward longer detours via Africa. Markets & Commodities: Gold ended a strong week up about 5.2%, helped by a weaker dollar and lower Treasury yields, while China’s imports surged 22% year-on-year in early 2026, signaling growing global demand. AI & Development: Tanzania joined a UN-backed Global AI Capacity Development Network to expand AI skills and research, while Poland sees room for deeper China-Poland AI cooperation in healthcare, climate services, and education. Regional Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan signed multiple documents to expand business ties across energy, finance, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing.