China-Russia security cooperation will top the agenda in diplomatic talks this week, deteriorating relations between Turkey and the US will be closely watched, and former cricketer Imran Khan is expected to get to work as Pakistan's new prime minister.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will be in Russia this week to discuss security cooperation. Yang will attend the 14th round of the China-Russia strategic security consultation from August 14 to 17. Beijing and Moscow have stepped up cooperation in recent years as they contend with a challenging geopolitical situation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in April that China and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, must strengthen and prioritize coordination so as to safeguard regional and global peace and stability.

Imran Khan is expected to take the oath of office as the new prime minister of Pakistan this Saturday, with members of his 1992 World Cup winning cricket team and Indian greats invited to the ceremony. He won't be short on tests, with Pakistan facing economic difficulties and a water shortage. Khan will be asked to deliver on pledges to build a corruption-free society, improve trading relations and create 10 million new jobs. Eyes will also be on his approach to Washington, having frequently used anti-US rhetoric on the campaign trail.  

Tensions between Ankara and Washington escalated further last week, with US President Donald Trump tweeting that he would double steel and aluminum tariffs on Turkey after the failure to strike a deal to free an American pastor. The row comes at a critical time for Turkey, which has seen its currency fall by around 40 percent this year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said his country was the "target of an economic war" and argued there had been a "currency plot" against it. Relations between Turkey and Russia are strengthening, meanwhile, and the countries' respective foreign ministers are due to hold talks this week.

Monday: The two Koreas hold high-level talks at Panmunjom to prepare for a third leaders' summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is in Turkey for talks with counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, and Pakistan's new National Assembly will sit for the first time. 

Tuesday: The Supreme Court in the Philippines hears a case challenging President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, and a regional summit in Africa will discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Wednesday: Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will attend the 14th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation, official results from last month's Cambodian elections are expected, and president-elect of Paraguay Mario Abdo Benitez takes office.

Thursday: German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a CDU meeting in Saxony state where the far-right AfD party is surging ahead of elections next year, and a new round of Brexit talks is scheduled.

Friday: The Southern African Development Community bloc heads of state meet in Namibia, a high-level meeting on China-Africa Health Cooperation is scheduled to take place in Beijing, and the second TV debate ahead of Brazil's October presidential election will take place.

Saturday: Imran Khan is expected to be sworn in as prime minister of Pakistan, and Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party holds a congress to prepare for local elections.

Sunday: Tributes will be paid to aid workers around the world on World Humanitarian Day.