For the first in 13 years, the President of Kyrgyzstan made a visit to India this month. President Almazbek Atambayev paid a four-day State visit from 18 to 21. Atambayev had taken over as President in 2011 and his term expires on 1 December next year. [...] Kyrgyzstan is located in a strategically and geo-politically important region which is crucial for the stability and security of India.

The United States must pursue a different approach in helping stabilize Somalia following the appointment of the first U.S. Ambassador to Somalia in more than 25 years, said a former Somali diplomat and respected foreign policy analyst. Abukar Arman, the former Special Representative of Somalia to Washington, said Wednesday the United States has been weak in using “soft power” in its effort to support the government attain security and political stability.