On January 11, 2025, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic announced a forthcoming strategic dialogue with the United States, initiated by US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma's visit. This dialogue aims to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of economy, energy, and security, amidst existing US sanctions on Serbia's oil company NIS, which is majority-owned by Russia's Gazprom Neft.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the capture of two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, who had been fighting alongside Russian forces. The soldiers, who survived their injuries, are now in Kyiv and cooperating with Ukrainian investigators. Zelensky emphasized the significance of this capture, as it provides evidence of North Korea's involvement in the conflict.
In Lebanon, Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss border security and cooperation. This marks the first visit of a Lebanese Prime Minister to Syria since 2010. Mikati and the new Syrian leadership expressed intentions to improve bilateral relations and address issues like the Syrian refugee crisis, which has significant implications for both nations.