International Trade Administration’s Post

Explanation: Why Macedonians do not want Bulgarians in their constitution as the founding and constructive nation of the Republic 🇲🇰 🇧🇬 As a member of the European Union, and supported by Brussels, Bulgaria unscrupulously blocked Macedonian bids for membership, since 2020. This policy is specified in two documents, Bulgarian National Doctrine for the XXI Century" (1997) and National Strategic Programs (1998). In them, we see a national-chauvinistic attitude toward Macedonia. Greater Bulgaria's aspirations for Macedonia are specified. Without any sustained arguments, it is based on the non-recognition distinctiveness of Macedonians. The Bulgarian state denies the existence of Macedonian people, language, history, and culture. This Bulgarian state strategy was prepared by the Bulgarian quasi-scientific circles, led by the Bulgarian Academy, and supported by all political factors. Such policies have been openly presented in Brussels since 2020... Bearing all this in mind, the most natural, necessary and inevitable is the resistance and fierce opposition of the Macedonians and all other citizens of Macedonia, to the inclusion of the Bulgarians in the Macedonian Constitution. EU backs openly chauvinistic policies of one of its members, thus threatening the essential postulates on which the Union is built! What a blunt foolishness and shot-sightedness. Unfortunately, the precedent becomes a rule... so amusing times ahead, huh!?

A report of the Conference held last week at Palazzo di Venezia, organized by the Associazione Italia-Turchia. What a great way to celebrate a history of strong relationships and cooperation! Thanks Mert Pekdogdu for this interesting article!

On November 15, 1884, thirteen European countries and the U.S. gathered in Berlin, Germany, to begin the Berlin Conference for the Partition of Africa. The conference was hosted by the first German chancellor, Otto Von Bismarck, in an effort to resolve disputes amongst European countries over territorial possessions in Africa—in what’s known as the “Scramble for Africa.” The conference lasted until February 26, 1885. Every concerned party was represented at the conference, except Africa, the continent about which the conference was held. It's good to note that the U.S. did not fully agree with the outcome of the conference, because the outcome did not grant any real role to the Africans in deciding their own future. The arrogance of those European nations at the Berlin Conference was unsurpassed and bemusing; for to have decided an entire continent’s future in its absence was a malady, whose repercussions are still being felt across Africa in 2023— about 138 years later. Britain, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, etc. were some of the big players during the “Scramble for Africa;” an era of colonial and imperial dominance and arrogance by European nations in search of territories and natural resources across Africa, a continent rich in both land and natural resources. Today, along with the poor governance of African leaders and the disunity amongst Africans, the impacts of colonialism and imperialism are widespread across the African continent, and have a significant effect on Africa. #history #worldhistory #globalaffairs #globalevents #africa #africanhistory #berlinconference #colonialism #imperialism #europe

N° 73 | China Cao Kun Innaguration Medal 1923 R4 https://lnkd.in/dkZBqyaX The China Cao Kun Inauguration Medal 1923 R4 is a historical item from China. It was created in 1923 to commemorate the inauguration of Cao Kun, a prominent Chinese politician, as the President of the Republic of China. This medal has a dimension of 48x36 mm and is made of silver. It features a beautifully crafted design that represents the significance of Cao Kun's presidency. The barac# 149 indicates its unique identification number. The medal is accompanied by its original ribbon, adding to its authenticity and historical value. Despite its age, it is described to be in good condition, marked as Condition-I. Cao Kun's presidency marked a crucial period in China's history. He took office during a time of political instability and was faced with numerous challenges. During his presidency, Cao Kun made efforts to stabilize the country and promote economic growth. However, his presidency was also marred by controversy and allegations of corruption. This medal serves as a tangible piece of history, representing a significant moment in China's political landscape during the early 20th century. It is a unique and valuable item for collectors and history enthusiasts alike, providing a glimpse into the events and individuals that shaped China's past.

Italy confirms intention to leave China’s Belt and Road Initiative: https://lnkd.in/e9GGUf2E #geopolitics #chinarisk #china #USChinarelations #chinarisk #pamirconsulting #consulting #chinaconsulting #chinabusiness #doingbusinessinChina #Italy #beltandroadinitiative

On the 20th of May, Timor-Leste will commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the restoration of her independence. Here, I briefly summarise the priorities for our mission in Singapore.

Then, toward the end of his speech, Lai talked about deciding to hold a “state banquet” in Tainan, welcoming guests from home and abroad on the occasion of his inauguration as president. He added: “Tainan, the city where 1624 marked Taiwan’s links to globalization. Now, as we stand here 400 years after that historical moment in Tainan, we in Taiwan must all demonstrate confidence and bravely set course for the new world, so that the world may embrace a new Taiwan.” The year 1624 was the year the Dutch East India Company built Fort Zeelandia (Anping Old Fort) in Tainan. Lai’s inaugural address was a retrospective of Taiwan’s 400-year history; that is, Taiwanese history. In May 1996, Lee Teng-hui made a number of references to history in his presidential inaugural address. Yet what he spoke of was the 5,000-year history of the Chinese nation, trying to frame Taiwan with Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People. Some 28 years later, the view on history apparent in the presidential inaugural speech has become “Taiwanese history,” very much depicted as the history of the ROC. Indeed, many Taiwanese people likely feel quite comfortable with Lai’s perspective on history. https://lnkd.in/gXESVewN

Image-building efforts Talgat Kaliyev, director of the Institute of Applied Ethnopolitical Research of Kazakhstan, believes that, during its CSTO chairmanship, Astana will focus on image-building efforts to enhance the organization’s reputation and on coordinating work among its members to achieve consistency in the CSTO’s common messaging. "Considering the voiced approaches of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is a professional diplomat with immense experience, I believe that the work would be focused on the [organization’s] reputation, on better coordination of positions within the organization and on the consistency of the organization's rhetoric," Kaliyev said. "This is what Kassym-Jomart Tokayev already spoke about in Minsk," Kaliyev continued. "In my opinion, these will be the issues topping the CSTO agenda during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship." One of the acute issues on the agenda, according to the expert, will be the ambiguous stance of Armenia regarding the CSTO and the fact that Yerevan had no representation at all at the defense bloc’s recent summit in Minsk. Kaliyev also pointed to existing contradictions between CSTO member states, citing the confrontation in recent years between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as an example. "It is difficult to speak about the effectiveness [of the organization] when there is a lack of accord between the member states," he said. "Therefore, numerous issues should be reconsidered, they must be included on the agenda and discussed in order to reach a consensus." "First of all, if we want to see the image of the CSTO as that of a reliable, authoritative organization, there must be consistency in place regarding statements and approaches. On the whole, if we speak about the organization, the rhetoric and assumed stances of all member states must be synchronized," Kaliyev added. (Part Two, Continued in Part Three in the next post) #business #finance #financialservices

💡 Ahead of our State of Europe festival of politics and ideas this week, we invite you to read this Critical Thinking article, by Prof. Dr. Bruno Colmant, Member of Académie royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique and Professor at UCLouvain - Université catholique de Louvain, again. ⤵️ ❝The European continent needs more clarity about its future, whatever that future may be.❞ Weakened by social movements and ahead of the European elections, 2024 will be decisive for the future of Europe. In the new emerging model we find ourselves in, the question arises about what we want today as a society. ⬇️ Check out the full article below. #CriticalThinking #StateOfEU #2024EUElections #RenewedSocialContract

"An update on the neighbourhood: April in the Caucasus" [Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS)] An excellent report by Isabelle McRae. "The #Caucasus is not exactly the focal point of security and defense in #Europe or the #UK. But, it would be a miscalculation to say that it is not relevant for the wider public. The dynamics playing out in the neighbourhood can shed light on the priorities of surrounding geopolitical actors like #Russia, #Turkey and #Iran. This month especially has seen a lot of action involving the three countries in the region — #Armenia, #Azerbaijan and #Georgia — and their shifting relationships with external guarantors." Here is a summary. I encourage you to read the full text. --Ed. ● Georgia: "The highly controversial ‘foreign agents’ bill is slated to pass through Georgian Parliament, despite mass demonstrations." "The Foreign Influence law would require organisations receiving 20% of international funding to be labeled as foreign agents. The legislation has brought the Russian issue to the fore, as it is seen as a way to crack down on dissent and promote Russian interests in the country. Although it was blocked last year in a previous attempt, the ruling Georgian Dream party seems set to pass the bill. The #EU, which granted Georgia candidate status last year, has come out to say such policies would be incompatible with EU membership." "The Georgian Dream party claims the new law would increase transparency and secure Georgian independence from foreign meddling." ● Armenia: "On April 5th...Armenian Prime Minister Nikol #Pashinyan met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US Secretary of State Antony #Blinken in Brussels. The trilateral meeting ostensibly focused on economic development, with the parties promising a 280 million euro funding package to Armenia. #Azerbaijani President #Aliyev signalled his displeasure for being sidelined from such talks in a call to Anthony Blinken. These shifting alliances and decoupling from Russia amongst the three Caucasus states is, I think, something to watch." ● Azerbaijan: "On April 17, Russian troops withdrew from Azerbaijan. The peacekeeping force of 2,000 soldiers was due to remain in the #Karabakh territory until 2025. A bilateral decision for them to withdraw back to Russia was taken quietly at some point in the days prior. With Karabakh Armenians gone, and the region back under Azerbaijani control, there was not much peace to keep. In the original peacekeeping agreement in 2020, it was clear the parties didn’t want an #Abkhazia or South-Ossetia-type of situation. Although many experts on the South Caucasus never expected Russia would actually leave, they did. Aliyev firmed up the development with a visit to Moscow on April 22." University of Cambridge https://lnkd.in/gdHUgqZa