Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a new year speech, China, Russia and Iran hold joint naval drills, Croatia presidential election goes to a runoff, and Myanmar embraces 72nd independence anniversary. 

President Xi Jinping's new year address 

Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a new year speech to domestic and overseas audiences on Tuesday. 

In the address, Xi is expected to extend his new year greetings to all Chinese, and best wishes to friends all over the world.  

Xi's addresses usually include a review of the achievements made in the past year and chart out goals to reach in the coming year. 

Croatia presidential race goes to runoff 

Former Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic won the first round of presidential election on December 22, and will compete with incumbent President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic in a runoff on January 5. 

Croatia's president is elected by a majority vote. If none of the candidates obtains over 50 percent of the vote in the first round of voting, a second round will be held on January 5 for the top two candidates. 

According to the State Electoral Commission, with over 99.8 percent of the votes counted as of last Sunday midnight, Milanovic won nearly 30 percent of the votes, followed by Grabar-Kitarovic who garnered almost 27 percent of support. 

Both Milanovic and Grabar-Kitarovic are former diplomats who started their careers at the foreign ministry. 

72nd anniversary of Myanmar's independence 

Independence day is an annual public holiday in Myanmar on January 4. The holiday marks the date in 1948 when Myanmar proclaimed its independence from Britain. 

Festivals and traditional activities will be held across the country to celebrate the anniversary. Men and women may wear the national dress of Myanmar, which consists of a collarless shirt and a skirt. 

Day by day 

Monday: Moldova's president Igor Dodon pays an official visit to Turkey; China, Russia and Iran hold joint naval drills. 

Tuesday: Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers new year address. 

Wednesday: Ninth anniversary of adoption of the euro by Estonia; One year anniversary of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro taking office; World leaders give new year speeches. 

Thursday: A quiet day in politics. 

Friday: A quiet day in politics. 

Saturday: 72nd anniversary of Myanmar's independence. 

Sunday: Croatia presidential race goes to a runoff.