SANA

Japan's finance minister stated that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not a reflationist, aiming to calm investors who fear her government will spend excessively and pressure the Bank of Japan into keeping interest rates low. Markets have been watchful of Takaichi's fiscal stance, given expectations of expansive spending under her leadership. The remark is an attempt to reassure bond and currency investors that monetary discipline will be maintained.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed a first deputy governor of the Central Bank of Syria, according to the state news agency SANA. The move is being reported as part of ongoing changes to the country's financial leadership as Syria works to rebuild its banking system and economy after years of conflict and sanctions.

Syria says it expects more than $1 billion in foreign capital to flow into newly established banks, according to the state news agency SANA. The announcement points to efforts to rebuild the country's banking sector and attract international investment as the economy stabilises. The exact investors and timeline have not been detailed.

Turkey's foreign minister said Israel is facing growing international isolation and called for diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East. Speaking to Syrian state news agency SANA, he urged dialogue over military escalation in the region. The remarks underline Ankara's effort to position itself as a mediator amid ongoing tensions involving Israel and its neighbours.

A new report links weight-loss programs in teenagers to improved lung function. The finding, circulated by Syrian state news agency SANA, suggests that helping overweight adolescents lose weight may benefit their respiratory health. The news is being picked up in health and fitness coverage, though details of the study, including its size and methods, were not provided in the available reports.