Co-author: Hailey Woldt

Let’s begin with the positive: the United States is present at the World Expo in Shanghai. The Secretary of State deserves praise for making this possible, by launching an eleventh hour fundraising drive, after the previous administration had done virtually nothing (besides rejecting a proposal that included Frank Gehry as architect). The Chinese cared enough about the U.S. presence to have contributed both public and private funds to guarantee that the U.S. showed up for Expo Shanghai 2010.

Nigeria has done the best it can for Ghana in its 'Big-Brother' role in Africa and under its centerpiece and neighbourhood diplomacy...But there are disturbing reports from Ghana about increasing hostility towards Nigerians.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will attend Iranian National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo on June 11, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang Tuesday at a regular news briefing.

The sight of youngsters speaking Chinese in the Mexican heartland is unusual, to say the least. Parents told that pupils as young as 9 would be taught Mandarin had been skeptical. Wouldn't French or Italian (Romance languages closer to Spanish) make more sense? some wondered. Savvy Mexican politicians have other ideas.

What’s the relationship between the West and Africa? A respected – but tiny – Toronto theatre company joins global partners to ask a question as big as a continent.

Sri Lanka showed the warmth its people are known for when one of the biggest Bollywood extravaganzas, the International Indian Film Academy awards, came to town at the weekend.

Russia is seeking to recover its lost influence in the Middle East - and elsewhere. This time it's coming not with weapons, but with ballet and blinis, through a new federal agency

A congress was held in Hanoi on June 4 to establish the Vietnam-Brazil Friendship Association. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Lang was elected as Chairman of the Association. The congress adopted an action plan to promote cultural exchange and boost education and sports cooperation between the two countries.