S. Korea, Japan Improve Military Ties in Face of North Korean Threat
South Korea and Japan have held their first talks on creating unprecedented agreements to share military intelligence and equipment. It is something the United States has encouraged because of recent attacks blamed on North Korea and Pyongyang’s continuing nuclear threat. But both Seoul and Tokyo may find it necessary to move cautiously because of historical legacies and concern about how Beijing will react.
China effectively rejects Iran nuclear invite
China effectively rejected Iran's invite to tour Tehran's nuclear facilities on Thursday, potentially smoothing a source of friction ahead of President Hu Jintao's state visit to the United States next week.
Ukraine cuts electric energy export to Europe in 2010
Ukraine in 2010 cut export of electric energy to the European countries by 59.4 percent against 2009 to 1.173 billion kWh, the Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Ministry said
Azerbaijan Signs Gas Supply Contract With Iran Before EU Visit
Azerbaijan agreed to export at least 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year to Iran, its southern neighbor, the day before meetings with the European Union on a new fuel transit corridor.
Russian-led company lands Turkmen oil deal
A Serbian oil company controlled by Russia's Gazprom Neft announced that it secured a multimillion-dollar contract to drill for oil in Turkmenistan.
Belarus Opposition Lobbies E.U. to Adopt New Strategy
The opposition in Belarus, determined to continue the pro-democracy movement despite the violent crackdown after the presidential election on Dec. 19, began lobbying the European Union on Tuesday to adopt a new strategy: cutting contacts with the leadership while strengthening nongovernmental organizations.
U.S.-Russian Civilian Nuclear Deal Boosts 'Reset'
A long-stalled civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between Russia and the United States entered into force on Tuesday in a milestone for the "reset" in relations between the former Cold War foes.
China wants assurance on US dollar assets
China would welcome assurance about the security of its financial assets in the United States, a senior diplomat said ahead of President Hu Jintao's visit next week, while playing down rifts between the two powers.
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