Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon, according to a statement released on Thursday.

Syria has reopened its embassy in London, marking another step in its efforts to restore diplomatic relations worldwide following the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad last year.

The Polish foreign ministry has permanently withdrawn its ambassadorial representation to Hungary.

Amid ongoing tensions with archrival India—highlighted by a recent exchange of missiles and drones nearly two weeks ago—Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic engagement with two other neighbors, China and Afghanistan. These efforts could pave the way for the formal restoration of diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul after nearly four years.

Mali says it has cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine, after a military official suggested Kyiv had played a role in deadly fighting near the Algerian border last month.