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South Korea's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Thursday to maintain financial stability amid a red-hot housing market and a weakening currency. In a widely expected decision, the Monetary Policy Board of the Bank of Korea (BOK) held its key rate steady at 2.5% during its rate-setting meeting in Seoul. But its policy room has been limited as surging home prices in Seoul and nearby areas have fueled household debt. The government has rolled out a series of measures to cool the real estate market. Most recently, the government designated 21 additional districts in Seoul as speculative zones, bringing all 25 districts in the capital under tougher regulations. The local currency has fallen well below 1,420 per dollar, its lowest level in months, amid the continued strength of the US dollar and uncertainties surrounding tariff negotiations with the United States, and a rate cut could further weaken the won and trigger capital outflows. The local currency opened at 1,431.8 per dollar Thursday, down 2 won from the previous session. Thursday's decision left the gap between South Korea's and the US' key interest rates at up to 1.75 percentage points. At its September meeting, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati held two phone calls on Monday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, discussing the rapid developments in the Gaza Strip and support for security and stability in the region. During the two phone calls, Abdel Aati stressed the critical importance of both parties to the Sharm el-Sheikh pact adhering to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that respecting the agreement represents a fundamental step toward consolidating the ceasefire, permanently ending the war, and alleviating the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip. He also emphasized the need for full access to humanitarian and relief aid to the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The two calls addressed the ongoing preparations for Egypt to host the International Conference on Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development in Gaza next November. The Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed the importance of beginning the implementation of early recovery and reconstruction plans for Gaza as soon as possible, within the framework of a comprehensive vision that preserves the rights of the Palestinian people, in accordance with the Arab-Islamic Plan for Early Recovery and Reconstruction, and US President Donald Trump's Middle East Peace Plan. In turn, the Danish and French foreign ministers affirmed their full support for Egypt's tireless efforts to promote stability in the region, expressing their aspiration to continue coordination with Egypt on issues related to early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.

The State of Kuwait welcomed the agreement reached in Qatar between Pakistan and Afghanistan on an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries. Kuwait expressed hope that this step will help end tensions and strengthen security and stability, in line with the aspirations of the peoples of both countries. In a statement issued on Monday, Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the constructive efforts and tireless endeavors led by Qatar and Turkiye in hosting and sponsoring the negotiations that culminated in the agreement. The Ministry stressed the importance of dialogue and adherence to diplomatic means to resolve disputes and enhance regional and international security.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that despite the major events that have affected the region and the world, the GCC states have established themselves as a fundamental pillar of regional and global security and stability, and as a distinguished model of integration and cooperation among their nations. These remarks were made during a discussion session hosted by the Institute of Arab Gulf States. The event took place on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at its headquarters in the US capital, Washington, in the presence of several ambassadors from GCC and Arab countries, as well as a number of senior officials and specialists. At the beginning of his participation, Albudaiwi expressed his appreciation to the Institute of Arab Gulf States for its role in enhancing the international community's understanding of the region's issues, and its support for developing specialised academic research on the Gulf and its international relations. During his talk, he highlighted the GCC's most prominent achievements in the political, economic, security, and military fields. He pointed out that the Council has unified its positions in international forums, strengthened its strategic partnerships with countries as well as regional and global organisations, and solidified its humanitarian and developmental role at the regional and global levels. Moreover, the Secretary General explained that the GCC states have made tangible steps in diversifying their economies and reducing their dependence on oil by implementing ambitious development visions and investing in renewable energy, technology, tourism, and logistics, in addition to strengthening their economic integration by activating the Gulf Common Market and facilitating the movement of goods, capital, and individuals. Regarding the GCC's vision for the next decade, Albudaiwi underscored that the priorities are to complete the requirements for the Customs Union and Monetary Union, move towards a unified Gulf economy, enhance joint security and defense aspects, lead efforts in energy transition and sustainable development, and empower youth and women as fundamental drivers for the future of their countries. Besides, he underlined the GCC's firm position in support of the Palestinian cause, its rejection of any infringement upon the rights of the Palestinian people, and its emphasis on the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi concluded by emphasising that the GCC is entering a new era defined by integration and global leadership, based on a common vision and a firm political will led by the wise leadership of the GCC states, to achieve the aspirations of its peoples for greater security, prosperity, and well-being.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met the US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the latest developments in Syria and discussed avenues of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States to support stability in the country.

HH the Amir and President of the UAE held a meeting at the Amiri Diwan, where they discussed the close fraternal relations between the two countries & ways to support them across various fields, the regional & international developments & efforts to achieve peace & stability.