Twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall signaled the collapse of the Kremlin’s grip on eastern Europe, Russia is reasserting some of its lost influence.  That is most obvious in Ukraine, where unmarked tanks roll across the countryside in support of pro-Russian separatists.

Greater awareness of other countries' non-hostile intentions in forming partnerships can foster an amicable neighborhood.  President Xi Jinping underlined the importance of China's neighborhood diplomacy at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs held in Beijing on Friday and Saturday. 

China's two-pronged Silk Road initiative, including overland and maritime linkages, has won accolades from leaders across Asia.  China is keener on fostering economic cooperation than building strategic alliances.

In 2010, the European Union (EU) and Korea began a new era of engagement by establishing a strategic partnership, which intends to strengthen bilateral dialogue and cooperation in regional and global affairs. In this context, cooperation on international development appears to be a promising issue for the future agenda of the Korea- EU partnership.

Xi Jinping put forward requirements on expanding and broadening the agenda of China's diplomatic strategy under new conditions.  "We should manage well relations with other major countries, build a sound and stable framework of major-country relations, and expand cooperation with other major developing countries," Xi said.

The European Union (EU) is hopeful that progress can be made on many issues affecting the South Asia Region at the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu.

Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on developing ties with the neighboring countries, including the Republic of Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran in religious, historical and cultural fields.