The Vietnamese Party and State have always considered ethnic minority policies a significant strategic issue and have adopted a number of policies to ensure human rights for ethnic people.

Tensions in the Egyptian political arena have entered a new phase after the Supreme Court’s decision to dissolve the Parliament and block a Presidential Decree ordering the dissolved parliament to reconvene.

Because of increased tensions between China and its neighbours over disputed oil blocks in the East Sea, India reiterated on July 6 that the region is the key to its energy security and the disputes must be settled peacefully in line with international laws.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has concluded his Middle East tour of Israel, the Palestinian territory, and Jordan to discuss the situations in Syria and Iran and seek peace solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

Turkey on June 25 accused Syria of opening fire on a second Turkish plane that was searching for the wreckage of a jet earlier shot down by Syria.

The US and India have agreed to strengthen their multifaceted cooperation, realising President Barack Obama’s statement in January that the US considers India its essential partner in Asia and the Pacific.

Meeting in China on June 6-7, heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, observers and dialogue partners discussed a wide range of issues aiming to strengthen the bloc’s strategic cooperation and extend its influence across the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s June 3-5 visit to China, the first in his third presidential tenure, is considered the most important event in the Sino-Russian relations this year.

Japan and China on June 1 began direct bilateral trade of their currencies (Yen and Yuan). This not only simplifies trade and financial transactions between the countries but also has a considerable impact on their political relations.

The horrific massacre in Syria’s Houla town last week killing more than 100 people is making UN efforts to stop the violence appear futile. This is the worst violence since the anti-Government uprising began a year ago, dimming any prospect for peace in Syria.