USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)’s Post

The 73-year anniversary of Pakistan-China bilateral diplomatic ties is observed on May 21. Here are my takes on the highs and lows, as well as successes and expenses, that both countries have encountered. https://lnkd.in/dFdiJFxB

Hintsa Andebrhan: #EthiopiaSomaliland Ethiopia's potential recognition of Somaliland might offer maritime advantages but comes with diplomatic costs. Such a move could challenge the African Union's principles on territorial integrity and border respect, drawing scrutiny from African states and international bodies. How Ethiopia navigates this diplomatic tightrope could define its regional standing for years to come. Read more: https://ow.ly/Rs2O50Qqfuv

On March 8, Panama and the Cook Islands established diplomatic relations through the exchange of diplomatic notes. This method was distinctive, considering the norm is to sign a Joint Communiqué. The “free association” of the Cook Island with New Zealand—where the latter carries defense and foreign affairs on behalf of the former—may explain the chosen methodology. It is also worth noting that the Cook Islands has formalized relations with only three other states in Latin America: Peru, Brazil and Chile. Be that as it may, these new diplomatic ties bring Panama closer to the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) and its members. In light of the shared commonalities, some of the potential areas for political and commercial cooperation include: maritime services, tourism and trade. https://lnkd.in/eyZPCH2g

📣New Issue Brief: China's Foreign Missions in the United States. The report provides an overview of publicly available information about the United States’ policies on foreign missions, designated Chinese entities, and China’s response to these requirements. In addition to its official embassy and consulate missions, China operates a number of other foreign missions, such as state media outlets and united front-linked entities, which support its effort to influence the U.S. public and federal, state, and local leaders. https://lnkd.in/eW6gjiHK

A succinct round-up of the #india #australia #ministerialdialogue. Going into 2024, we are likely to see the ties in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific #FOIP go even deeper and become much wider amid persisting geopolitical uncertainties across the world. The upcoming #elections in some of the critical states of the world will lend further momentum to such values and norm-based camaraderies, especially as they create a more durable basis for securing the #geopolitical and #geo-#economic interests of their stakeholders. #risk #intelligence #geopolitics #apac #indopacific #quad

🇦🇲🇰🇼 Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Kuwait Within the framework of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdallah Ali Al-Yahya. Ararat Mirzoyan congratulated Abdallah Ali Al-Yahya on his appointment as minister and expressed his readiness to enrich the bilateral agenda with joint efforts. The interlocutors discussed issues related to the expansion of the political dialogue between the two countries, expressing readiness on both sides to take practical steps to realize the existing potential in various fields. It was emphasized on both sides that friendly ties and contacts between the two peoples have already created good foundations, and high-level mutual visits can give additional impetus to the emerging agenda. Issues of regional security were discussed. Minister Mirzoyan presented to his colleague the latest discussions in the process of regulating relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the position of RA in 1991. On the basis of the Alma-Ata Declaration, a clear commitment to the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and the importance of ensuring greater clarity in the further process of delimitation.

Delighted to share my recent interview with TaiwanPlus about the new Paraguayan president, Santiago Peña, and the role of Taiwan in Paraguayan society. We delved into the key advantages and disadvantages of maintaining Taiwan as a partnet and how Taiwan's presence is shaping various aspects of Paraguay's development. A big thank you to Sally Jensen for this insightful conversation. https://lnkd.in/dDUwTfgx #foreignpolicy #paraguay #taiwan #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #TaiwanParaguayRelations 🤝🌐