World Politics Review: Leading Indicators

Canada's FM to Visit Myanmar

2012-03-07T13:34:00.0000000-06:00

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird will visit Myanmar tomorrow for talks with Myanmarese President Thein Sein. Some observers see the visit as a sign that Ottawa will soon lift its punitive sanctions against Myanmar.

China, Sweden to Boost Energy Cooperation

2012-03-07T13:33:00.0000000-06:00

Sweden has established the Nordic New Energy Partners Economic Association (NNEP) as part of a new platform to boost energy technology cooperation with China. The NNEP has already signed several strategic cooperation agreements with Chinese firms.

EU Approves Anglo American $5.1 Billion Takeover of De Beers

2012-03-07T13:31:00.0000000-06:00

The European Union approved the takeover of De Beers, the world’s largest diamond company, by mining firm Anglo American. Under the deal, Anglo American will buy a 40 percent stake in De Beers from the Oppenheimer family for $5.1 billion, increasing Anglo America’s stake in the company to 85 percent.

U.S. Defense Secretary Panetta to Visit Chile

2012-03-07T13:29:00.0000000-06:00

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will visit Chile next month, according to Chilean officials. Panetta will meet with Chilean Defense Minister Andres Allamand to discuss combating drug trafficking and organized crime as well as the management of natural disasters. The visit will be Panetta’s first to Latin America as defense secretary.

Argentina's Fernandez Meets With Brazil's Energy Minister

2012-03-07T13:28:00.0000000-06:00

Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez met with Brazilian Energy Minister Edison Lobao to discuss energy relations. Lobao is in Argentina to preside with his Argentinian counterpart over the opening of tender bids for two joint Brazil-Argentina hydroelectric projects on the Uruguay River.

Eastern Libya Declares Autonomy

2012-03-07T12:00:00.0000000-06:00

Leaders from the eastern Libyan region of Cyrenaica have declared the region autonomous and called for a return to federalism. Leaders of Libya’s National Transitional Council have rejected the proposal.

Cyprus, Israel Sign Energy Cable Deal

2012-03-06T14:41:00.0000000-06:00

Cyprus and Israel signed a deal Sunday for the laying of an underwater electrical cable, according to Israeli Energy Minister Uzi Landau. The cable project, which will allow electricity to be transferred between Israel and Europe, is expected to be completed by 2016.

France, Cyprus Hold Military Drill

2012-03-06T14:40:00.0000000-06:00

France and Cyprus held a joint anti-piracy drill yesterday in the Mediterranean Sea. This was the first joint military drill between Cyprus and France after the two signed an armed forces cooperation agreement in January.

Canada, UAE Discuss Civil Nuclear Deal

2012-03-06T14:39:00.0000000-06:00

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird and visiting United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Zayed Al Nahyan started talks on a civil nuclear cooperation deal. Relations between Canada and the UAE have been strained in recent years after the UAE forced Canada to vacate its military base there in 2010 following failed talks to expand aviation links.

Thailand's Yingluck Visits Japan

2012-03-06T14:37:00.0000000-06:00

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrived in Japan today for a three-day visit. Yingluck will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to discuss bilateral ties and regional relations.