Ben Petter’s Post

Important step towards bolstering cooperation between United Kingdom and Central Asian states. First of all, in investment and trade spheres. #uzbekistan #centralasia #unitedkingdom #investments #trade

Following the US and EU growing interest to prioritize economic connectivity with Central Asia, the United Kingdom’s parliament recommends to establish permanent the UK plus Central Asia cooperation platform! The UK Parliamentary reports stresses that there is a genuine interest in Central Asian capitals in greater cooperation between the five countries. Such cooperation can help build on their shared history and cultural proximity to reduce the risk of conflict, not least over dwindling shared resources. The UK is well placed to support this ambition, due to its good standing in Central Asian capitals, highly experienced diplomatic service and convening power at the UN. Consequently, it’s recommended that Central Asia 5+UK meeting is held in 2024, with the potential for follow-ups, to better understand how the UK can support regional cooperation. A single issue, such as renewable energy, should be identified for this meeting and result in concrete objectives for action. Through the smart economic and foreign policy Central Asian states have a unique opportunity to use the momentum of growing international interest from global superpowers to transform the region, attract vital investments, diversify their access to international markets and strengthen economic security! It’s also pivotal for the global actors such the US, EU, UK and others to coordinate C5 plus engagements to multiple the results! https://lnkd.in/eeUZVkAJ

🇪🇺 Today Enrico Letta presents his report on revamping the single market to European leaders in a discussion at the European Council. 📊 Last November, Letta visited the Florence STG to discuss his work on the report. Watch our takeaways from the event where he broke down "What you need to know about the EU Single Market": 🎥 https://loom.ly/WtuCzTA ✍️ To draft this report, which the Member States and the Commission hope will come to define the future of the Single Market for years to come, Letta has travelled across Europe and beyond seeking to gather information and input. 📄 Read his insights in the report here: https://loom.ly/EKDyO64 European Commission Council of the European Union European University Institute #EU #SingleMarket #EUcommission #EUcouncil #EnricoLetta

In the past, the inability of EU leaders to work together has hampered EU action and policies. The new leaders of the institutions will have to be more congenial and act as a team to overcome Europe's domestic issues and global challenges, stresses Stefan Lehne: https://lnkd.in/e5ktwy4i #StrategicEurope #EUinstitutions #EULeadership #Teamwork

Today marks a historic milestone in UK-US relations with the official signing of the UK-Texas Statement of Mutual Cooperation. This achievement is not just a testament to the enduring strength of our bilateral ties but also a beacon of future economic prosperity and innovation for both regions. I am profoundly grateful to Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Governor Greg Abbott for their leadership and vision, which have been instrumental in bringing this agreement to fruition. The dedication and hard work of the Department for Business and Trade team and our colleagues at the UK Consulate in Texas have been the backbone of this success, demonstrating the power of collaboration and shared goals. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, I am honoured to have played a role in facilitating such a significant agreement. This pact is more than a document; it's a roadmap for deeper cooperation, mutual growth, and shared success in sectors critical to our future. The work, however, does not stop here. This signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey towards a more prosperous, innovative, and interconnected future. I look forward to the opportunities this will unlock for UK businesses and the broader economic benefits it will bring to both our nations. Let us continue to build on this foundation, explore new frontiers of partnership, and drive forward with ambition and purpose. Here's to the continued success of UK-Texas relations and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. #UKUSTrade #GlobalPartnership #Innovation #EconomicGrowth 10 Downing Street Opportunity Austin British Consulate-General, Houston British-American Business Association Richard Hyde Kirk Watson Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott Texas Association of Business Adriana Cruz Department for Business and Trade British-American Business Association Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce 

👋 Goodbye, Belgium! As of 30 June, the #BelgianPresidency of the Council of the European Union bids farewell, making way for their Hungarian counterparts to take office from 1 July onward. Ever wondered about the responsibilities tied to the #CouncilPresidency? Curious about Belgium's achievements? 👇 Check out our overview on what it means to hold the Presidency, and discover the highlights from the last six months, complete with key insights from our very own Brussels-based policy specialist, Bram Smits. Interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of the Council Presidency, or eager to learn more about the FleishmanHillard network? ✉️ Connect with our expert, Maria Nowicka, to gain further insights.

European leaders approve heads of major EU institutions for next 5 years Ursula von der Leyen was re-appointed president of the European commission, former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa will head the European Council, while Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will become the new EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy BRUSSELS, June 28/ The heads of European states and governments approved nominations for the European Union’s leading positions for the next five years, European diplomats told reporters on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels. Ursula von der Leyen was re-appointed president of the European commission. Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Costa will head the European Council, while Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will become the new EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Shortly after, outgoing European Council President Charles Michel officially confirmed the information. The European Parliament is to vote on the candidates during its plenary session in July. Kallas may begin her duties in October, while Costa - in December. Von der Leyen will unveil her new European Commission in September. #business #finance #financialservices

📌 The AmChams in Europe (ACE) Annual Delegation to Washington, D.C. and Miami, FL has successfully come to an end. 💡 The ACE delegation, Executive Directors and other representatives, following a constructive schedule gained valuable insights to fostering transatlantic relations, strengthening relationships, and obtaining important insights into the US economic and political landscape. 🤝 41 AmCham executives from 31 countries participated in weeklong briefings, meetings, dinners, receptions from April 22 to April 26, 2024. 🔗 Read more about the delegation and the esteemed visits: https://lnkd.in/dsWgMbBW #AmChamsinEurope #USDelegation #Networking #Trust #MarketEconomy #PoliticalDemocracy

EU - super visuals to discuss the Council presidency with older kids/young adults - let's get them engaged so they participate in our democracies in adulthood...DK is coming up in the second half of 2025:

Opening statement of Elizabeth K. Horst, the nominee to be US Amb to Sri Lanka in front of United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations stresses commitment to "...accountability, truth and reconciliation, and transparency and justice". PDF of the opening statement at https://lnkd.in/g9xskkA3 Around 1hr 2 mins into the hearing (video available at https://lnkd.in/gnwkyAn4), the Chair, Senator Ben Cardin, asks Horst about human rights in Sri Lanka, and specifically mentions the Online Safety Act (OSA). Horst says she shares his "...concern and commitment to human rights". Transcription mine. Sen Ben Cardin: Ms Horst, since the civil war in 2009 in Sri Lanka, there is still an issue of reconciliation, and accountability. There is concern about corruption in the country. There is concern in regards to human rights. The draconian Online Safety Act. It's looked at as trying to stifle any dissent in the country. So human rights are going to be front and centre in our expectations of our Mission in Sri Lanka. Can you assure us that that is going to be a key priority of the Mission and that the US Mission will be there to speak out on behalf of those individuals whose voices are being difficult to be heard in the country. Elizabeth K. Horst: Senator, thank you very much for your question, and I share your concern and commitment to human rights. And if I am confirmed I will put accountability, governance, anti-corruption efforts at the forefront of what our Mission will be doing, including working with partners and civil society across Sri Lanka. Sen Cardin: Thank you. It's good to see this stress on the OSA in particular, and human rights. Other diplomats, and foreign missions I've met this year say they defer to US lead on freedom of expression (FoE) related issues, including OSA. To wit, the current Ambassador, and the US Embassy have fallen *very* short of what OSA demands as firm, clear response, and rejection. It will be good to see potential priority reset, including through fuller appreciation that even in just the (narrow) national interests of the US, flagged by Horst as SL's geo-strategic place in Indo-Pacific region, the OSA is ineluctably detrimental. Pandering to President just won't cut it.