Rodney Charles, Ambassador/ Permanent Representative to the United Nations
by Ambassador Rodney Charles,
In the front page of today’s (June 5 2013) New York Times it states that last week, President Xi Jinping met with President Obama’s national security adviser in China to discuss his upcoming visit to the US.
The meeting did not involve diplomatic talking points and as pointed out in the article “….as if to underscore the message, President Xi ignored the notes sitting in front of him.”
When they meet on Friday this week, “Mr. Obama will make his own symbolic gesture, welcoming him amid the olive trees and artificial lakes of a 200-acre California estate.”
Two points are worthy of note. Firstly we had a Head of State meeting with a “lowly” national security adviser.
That in old school diplomacy is a major breach of protocol. Hierarchy must be maintained at all costs.
In the second place the meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies will be largely unscripted.
According to the Times “it is a chance to escape the stifling protocol of state visits and establish a rapport.”
In other words the art of diplomacy is evolving as world leaders seek to break through the stultifying straight jacket of yesterday’s diplomacy and find new ways to enhance the power of personal diplomacy “in a setting carefully chosen to nurture a high-level friendship”.
I could imagine old school geriatrics turning in their graves as they behold two world leaders deliberately moving away from yesteryear’s ossified protocols.
I have been invited to dinner at the home of a former UN diplomat. He also had as a guest, and sat next to, an ambassador from a country technically at war with his. These two countries had more than 100 nuclear weapons and half a million soldiers with guns aimed at each other. Here they were attempting to make sense of the challenges facing their countries and giving me a lesson in new aged diplomacy.
My understanding is that protocol is not a fixed art. It is contextual, subject to mutually discussed objectives, ever changing, somewhat subjective, culturally relevant and subject always to realities on the ground. It is, as one definition states, “the generally accepted system of international courtesy.”
What do we mean by “generally accepted”?
So the Chinese are totally satisfied with their visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Moonilal has explained to the satisfaction of our guests why the PM temporarily took front stage to introduce her Cabinet.
And the old school diplomats are catching fits.
And while they lament, the world is beginning to understand that Trinidad and Tobago is now living up to its potential of greatness on the global stage.
And like the US in planning for President Xi’s visit, Trinidad and Tobago is once again at the cutting edge of international diplomacy. Or as Minister Winston Dookeran says we are evolving a new foreign policy of diplomatic engagement complemented by the development of a CARICOM model of convergence.
Things are happening domestically and in our foreign policy, I quote no less a person than President Xi last week, “In recent years, under the leadership of the national government and Madame Prime Minister, Trinidad and Tobago has vigorously responded to the international financial crisis, ensured political stability and achieved quick economic recovery.
At the same time, it has taken an active part in international and regional affairs and enjoyed a notable rise in international standing and influence.”
You’re Invited! Hey there, residents of St. Joseph! Curious about how your community is doing? So are we! The UNC-St. Joseph team is eager to connect with you and learn more about your experiences. Join us for a walk through San Juan East this Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Look out for familiar faces like our UNC Coordinator for St. Joseph, Anil Roberts, our chairman, Amit Sooknanan, and the rest of our dedicated UNC Team. We’ll be hitting the streets and engaging with the heart of your neighborhood. Here are the details: Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 Time: 4:00 PM Meeting Point: Opposite the Samaan Tree Bar Whether you’ve got burning questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi, we’d love to see you there! Let’s work together to make St. Joseph an even better place to live. See you on Saturday! UNC-St. Joseph Team
We are thrilled to invite you to join us for an important meeting hosted by the United National Congress (UNC) as we gear up for the upcoming general election. Your presence and participation are highly valued as we strategize and mobilize for the future of our nation. Date: Monday, April 22, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM Venue: Williamsville Secondary School, Guaracara Tabaquite Rd, Williamsville We are honored to announce that the event will feature a special address by the Political Leader of the UNC, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Her guidance and vision will undoubtedly inspire and guide us as we embark on this journey. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be live-streamed on the UNC Social Media Platform, ensuring that everyone can participate and engage with the discussions.
You are cordially invited to join us as we commemorate a remarkable journey of the past and embark on the promising path to the future at the UNC 35th Anniversary, Interfaith Function, and Service Awards. Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024 Time: 1:00 PM onwards Location: UNC Headquarters, #31 Mulchan Seuchan Rd, Chaguanas This special occasion will be a celebration of unity, diversity, and service to the community. We will come together in solidarity to honor our shared history, embrace our differences, and pledge our commitment to a brighter tomorrow. Your presence will truly make this celebration complete as we reflect on the past with gratitude and look ahead with hope and determination. We eagerly anticipate your presence as we mark this significant milestone in the journey of the UNC.
Diplomacy is an evolving art
Rodney Charles,
Ambassador/ Permanent Representative to the United Nations
by Ambassador Rodney Charles,
The meeting did not involve diplomatic talking points and as pointed out in the article “….as if to underscore the message, President Xi ignored the notes sitting in front of him.”
When they meet on Friday this week, “Mr. Obama will make his own symbolic gesture, welcoming him amid the olive trees and artificial lakes of a 200-acre California estate.”
Two points are worthy of note. Firstly we had a Head of State meeting with a “lowly” national security adviser.
That in old school diplomacy is a major breach of protocol. Hierarchy must be maintained at all costs.
In the second place the meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies will be largely unscripted.
According to the Times “it is a chance to escape the stifling protocol of state visits and establish a rapport.”
In other words the art of diplomacy is evolving as world leaders seek to break through the stultifying straight jacket of yesterday’s diplomacy and find new ways to enhance the power of personal diplomacy “in a setting carefully chosen to nurture a high-level friendship”.
I could imagine old school geriatrics turning in their graves as they behold two world leaders deliberately moving away from yesteryear’s ossified protocols.
I have been invited to dinner at the home of a former UN diplomat. He also had as a guest, and sat next to, an ambassador from a country technically at war with his. These two countries had more than 100 nuclear weapons and half a million soldiers with guns aimed at each other. Here they were attempting to make sense of the challenges facing their countries and giving me a lesson in new aged diplomacy.
My understanding is that protocol is not a fixed art. It is contextual, subject to mutually discussed objectives, ever changing, somewhat subjective, culturally relevant and subject always to realities on the ground. It is, as one definition states, “the generally accepted system of international courtesy.”
What do we mean by “generally accepted”?
So the Chinese are totally satisfied with their visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Minister Moonilal has explained to the satisfaction of our guests why the PM temporarily took front stage to introduce her Cabinet.
And the old school diplomats are catching fits.
And while they lament, the world is beginning to understand that Trinidad and Tobago is now living up to its potential of greatness on the global stage.
And like the US in planning for President Xi’s visit, Trinidad and Tobago is once again at the cutting edge of international diplomacy. Or as Minister Winston Dookeran says we are evolving a new foreign policy of diplomatic engagement complemented by the development of a CARICOM model of convergence.
Things are happening domestically and in our foreign policy, I quote no less a person than President Xi last week, “In recent years, under the leadership of the national government and Madame Prime Minister, Trinidad and Tobago has vigorously responded to the international financial crisis, ensured political stability and achieved quick economic recovery.
At the same time, it has taken an active part in international and regional affairs and enjoyed a notable rise in international standing and influence.”
Trinidad and Tobago, I am proud of you.
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About the Author
Rowley’s late invitation is no excuse to snub the President of The People’s Republic of China
Manning should be the last person to talk about corruption and nepotism
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