Global Beat is your weekly stop for news from around the world. Join us every Friday morning for important stories you should know about.

This week, Afghanistan faces election violence; the United States, Canada, and Mexico reach a trade deal; the United States indicts Russian officials for cyber attacks; and more.

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Americas

After almost a year of deliberations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, negotiators finally reached an agreement on Sunday to update the 25-year-old NAFTA trade deal. Renamed "USMCA," the revamped deal places modifications on several previous NAFTA agreement points, namely concerning tightening the manufacturing requirements of the automobile industry and expanding the dairy exchange market between Canada and the United States. The new trade pact marks an important milestone for the diplomatic relationship between the three countries, especially as President Trump has repeatedly threatened to increase tariffs and to exclude Canada from the deal should negotiations fail.

Also check out:

• Canada is not inviting the United States or China to WTO reform meeting – BBC

Central & South Asia

At least 13 people were killed and 25 others wounded in an apparent suicide explosion that was carried out in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province during an election campaign rally. The attack, which was later claimed by the Islamic State, is among several others that have targeted parliamentary candidates ever since campaigning began for the elections scheduled for October 20. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attacks, stating, "deliberate targeting of civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law."

Also check out:

• Pompeo stresses Pakistan's role in bringing Afghan Taliban to talks – The Express Tribune

China & East Asia

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo heads to North Korea this weekend to continue discussions on denuclearization. The trip comes after President Trump told a crowd of supporters that he and Kim Jong Un "fell in love" after corresponding with one another. But despite the positive rhetoric, North Korea is stressing its desire for sanctions to be lifted in order to move forward with denuclearization. The official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea wrote on Sunday, "It is a contradiction that the United States is talking about the dialogue with its partner while ratcheting up sanctions and pressure on it."

Also check out:

• Amid trade spat, U.S.-China military tensions soar – Economic Times

Europe & Russia

Seven Russian intelligence officials were indicted over alleged cyber attacks, the U.S. Justice Department announced this week. The officers were charged with hacking anti-doping organizations after reports of Russia’s athletic doping scandal surrounding the Olympic Games. Cyber attacks were also leveled against a nuclear energy company and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Also check out:

• Seeking Brexit deal, EU eyes compromise on Irish border – Reuters

Middle East & North Africa

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the termination of the 1955 Treaty of Amity with Iran on Wednesday, calling it an "absolute absurdity." The decision came after the United Nations’ International Court of Justice ruled on Wednesday in favor of Iran, ordering the United States to lift some sanctions which would be an "impediment" to humanitarian aid efforts. The terminated treaty was created to encourage "mutual trade and investments" and has "provided the legal framework for bilateral relations" between the two countries.

Also check out:

• Russia delivers S-300 missile system to Syria – Al Jazeera

Southeast Asia & Oceania

An encounter between the American USS Decatur guided-missile destroyer and a Chinese navy destroyer within miles of the Gaven and Johnson reefs is raising concerns over the stability of the South China Sea. The event occurred when the Chinese navy approached the Decatur to order its departure from the region, while the American ship was conducting a "freedom of navigation operation." China condemned the United States for "threatening China’s sovereignty and security," while a spokesman for the U.S. Pacific Fleet said, "our forces will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows."

Also check out:

• Indonesia tsunami: death toll rises as volcano adds to woes – The Guardian

Sub-Saharan Africa

As part of her first solo trip abroad, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump is visiting Africa for the first time on a mission to promote children’s welfare and her "Be Best" campaign, examine the U.S. development in the region, and support tourism and wildlife conservation efforts. Her first stop in Ghana included visiting sites of historical significance, such as Cape Coast Castle where African slaves were grouped throughout the 17th century and kept in brutal conditions before being sold and shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas. The first lady asked the permission of a local traditional ruler to visit the castle during a meeting that took place in the "Obama Hall" that received its name following President Obama’s 2009 trip to Africa with his family. Trump is also scheduled to visit Kenya, Malawi, and Egypt during her trip.

Also check out:

• Dozens killed in Ethiopia ethnic clashes – Al Jazeera

Stay informed. We’ll see you here again next week.