Intense diplomatic activity foreshadows the strategic stakes of the NATO Chicago Summit

"France has shown great leadership" on a number of issues, told US President Barack Obama. He was meeting, at the White House, for the first time and on his invitation, the new President of France, François Hollande. Obama said most of their discussion centered on the situation in the eurozone about which they "agree that this is an issue of extraordinary importance not only to the people of Europe, but also to the world economy." Of course, the situation in Afghanistan was also discussed in anticipation of the NATO meeting in Chicago this week-end. Hollande reminded Obama of his...

Access to foreign advanced dual-use technology assists China’s civilian economic integration into the global production and research and development (R&D) chain. To do so, the report reads, Chinese actors are the world’s most active and persistent perpetrators of economic espionage. As a result, Chinese attempts to collect U.S. technological and economic information will continue at a high level and will represent a growing and persistent threat to U.S. economic security. The nature of the cyber threat...
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Germany pledges additional millions for Sahel region food insecurity, more still needed

In connection with the heads of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres' visit to Niger, the UN warned again last week of the need to address funding gaps in the Sahel region in order to boost food security and development in the region. The Horn of Africa experienced a food crisis last year that left an estimated 13 million people dependent...

Japan offers development support to Egypt, asks for all trade barriers to be removed

Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba met with his counterparts in Egypt last week to discuss cooperation efforts. Egypt thanked Japan for its assistance in the construction of an opera house, a pediatric hospital in Cairo, the Suez Canal Bridge, E-JUST, and the Cairo Metro Line No.4, among other projects. Egypt also commended the Gemba for making his visit during a critical period...

U.S.-Canada to expand and streamline NEXUS expedited entry

The U.S. and Canada announced last week plans to expand its NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing by border officials across the U.S.-Canada border at designated air, land and marine locations. It also works to reduce wait times and address threats. The changes announced include increasing benefits to NEXUS members, streamlining the NEXUS membership renewal process...

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UN finds little progress in Guinea-Bissau peace process

The UN Security Council (UNSC) has reiterated its readiness to consider targeted sanctions against those involved in last month's military coup in Guinea-Bissau if the situation is not resolved. It may also consider imposing targeted sanctions against those hindering the dialogue process. The Council is additionally concerned about reports of looting and human rights abuses. The Council...

Jordanian-Saudi relations build up on common themes

Jordanian King Abdullah met with Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz last week to discuss Jordanian-Saudi ties. Jordan is keen on building ties between the two countries that serve each others interests and to advance regional peace and stability. The two also discussed developments in the Arab world. Jordan and Saudi Arabia frequently exchange visitors and letters, with...