The Governments of the Union of Myanmar and the United States; affirming their commitment to the global effort to combat human trafficking, a modern form of slavery that afflicts both of our nations; recognizing the requirements and provisions of the UN Protocol to Suppress, Punish, and Prevent Trafficking in Persons.

Southeast Asian leaders endorsed a controversial human rights pact on Sunday during an annual summit in which they also focused on bruising territorial rows and deadly unrest in Myanmar. The leaders also plan to launch talks on a planned free trade zone that covers ASEAN and six other countries including China, Japan, and Australia.

China will adopt a more proactive policy to engage in international affairs and be a responsible nation that promotes peace and stability by enhancing cooperation and bringing benefits to its neighbors and other nations. Those were the comments of experts and scholars on China's foreign policy direction after the conclusion of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Being the president has its perks and pirouettes, as Halpern found out when she danced with Prince Henrik. You can picture the Danish American Society president, Lisa Resling Halpern, standing in the schoolyard, self-consciously trying to explain to the other nine-year-olds that she is both Danish and American, Lutheran and Jewish.

Recently reelected US President Barack Obama has started a three-day Southeast Asia tour in a bid to change US diplomacy balance in the region. While there, the President will also try to secure the opening of new markets for American business. In his first trip abroad after his reelection on November 6, Obama has arrived Sunday in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok.

Qatar Museums Authority yesterday launched Qatar UK 2013 to celebrate the long-lasting friendship between the two countries. The celebration is in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British Council, the British embassy in Doha and the Qatari embassy in London.

President kibaki, PM raila and mediator kofi Annan: No one disputes the fact that the power sharing arrangement did not turn out as expected as Kibaki and his side of the coalition grabbed more power than envisioned in the coalition and basically reduced Raila to a minority partner.

India and Sri Lanka have always enjoyed a special relationship not only due to their close geographical proximity but because of their cultural, religious and ethnic affinities and shared history. Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa has aptly described India-Sri Lanka relations as “family”. Of course even such a sibling relationship has had its ups and downs.