Diplomacy: Nepal, Papua New Guinea and South American countries

After the Papua New Guinea authorities signed a security treaty with the United States, their next deal with Australia was delayed due to “certain wording and provisions”. This treaty is to be another element of counteracting the growing influence of China in the countries of the South Pacific, undertaken by the US and Australia. Papua New Guinea is a strategically important country in the region, the site of fierce battles during World War II and the most populous country of the Pacific Islands with 10 million inhabitants. Many of them are concerned about the growing militarization of the region – the agreement with the US has sparked, for example, student protests in Lae, the country’s second-largest city.

The purpose of the diplomatic visit of the Nepalese authorities to India was to conclude a long-term contract for the export of energy from hydroelectric power plants and to open new air routes through India. Nepal, which has the potential to generate up to 42,000 MW of hydropower, intends to produce approx. 3,500 MW by 2024, and it needs only 2,000 MW. Nepal also wants to open three new air corridors over the border between the two countries.

During the South American Summit in Brasília, 12 regional leaders signed the so-called Brasília Consensus. This document confirms the need for regional integration in many areas and establishes a contact group with the foreign ministers of each country. Brazilian President Lula’s support for Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro has unfortunately shaken the unity of the politically polarised countries in the region.