He meets with US officials in coffee houses or at his office – not embassy – just outside Washington, D.C., but since Bashir Goth has been in the United States as the diplomatic representative for Somaliland, he’s moved the needle on getting his de facto country in the Horn of Africa recognized.
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As Meridian prepares for its 15th annual summit, CEO Bohigian shares his vision for open diplomacy, bringing together government officials and non-government leaders to shape America’s influence abroad.
New Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy warns that the Arab world risks being sidelined amid global instability, declining respect for international law and escalating regional conflicts. He urges Arab nations to take charge of their own future and rethink their approach to diplomacy.
Washington’s diplomatic events are in full swing this Fall. Botswana and Saudi Arabia celebrated their national days. Smithsonian Associates partnered with the Embassy of Spain to recognize Spain’s contribution to American independence 250 years on. Friend of the diplomatic community Bruce Wollman was the guest of honor at the National MS Society’s annual gala.
Tajikistan marked 35 years of independence on Sept. 9 with an evening reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in Washington. Tajik Ambassador Zavqi Zavqizoda welcomed fellow diplomats, statesmen, US officials and members of the Tajik community.
The Western Balkans—a region that was the scene of fierce ethnic bloodshed in the 1990s after the breakup of Yugoslavia—now wants to make a name for itself in renewable energy.
Fifty years after the assassination of Orlando Letelier in Washington, Latin America is experiencing a marked political shift to the right. From Chile and Colombia to Ecuador, Paraguay and Costa Rica, a new generation of conservative leaders is reshaping the region—and the diplomats representing it in Washington.
Washington’s diplomatic community gathered for a series of notable events in the past month. The Institute for Education hosted its annual summer social at Congressional Country Club, with a book talk by Kiyomi Buker; the Embassy of Monaco celebrated Princess Grace with a special dedication at the Smithsonian Gardens; Meridian International Center welcomed 14 new ambassadors to town; and the Embassy of Switzerland hosted its annual Soirée Suisse.
Nordic diplomacy took a culinary turn in Washington as chefs from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland competed in the Great Nordic Cook-Off, showcasing regional ingredients, traditions and creativity. The Faroe Islands took home the top prize with a menu praised for its storytelling and presentation.
From ancient crowns and Central Asian bridal headdresses to African headwraps and the dazzling hats of the Bahamas’ Junkanoo, headdresses have always communicated identity, status, heritage and celebration. We brought diplomatic representatives and models from around the world to Washington, D.C., for a vibrant photo shoot celebrating the history, meaning and creativity behind these extraordinary traditions.
South Africa’s new ambassador to the United States, Roelf Meyer, is drawing on decades of political experience to repair strained relations between Washington and Pretoria. His priorities include strengthening trade and investment, addressing disputes over land expropriation and Black Economic Empowerment, and keeping dialogue open on global conflicts.
Luxembourg’s Nicole Bintner-Bakshian was the featured speaker at The Washington Diplomat’s latest Ambassador Insider Series event, held July 15. More than 120 people packed the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Dupont Circle to hear veteran journalist Adrienne Ross interview her at the Diplomat’s signature event.
US-Moroccan relations — from economic, defense and cultural ties, to Washington’s diplomatic backing of Morocco on key regional issues — were central topics at the Embassy’s Throne Day celebration on July 30.
As traditional diplomacy faces growing challenges, sports are emerging as an unexpected but powerful tool for bringing nations together. From the Olympics and FIFA World Cup to basketball and golf, sports diplomacy can build connections, ease tensions and reshape how countries are viewed—while also raising questions about sportswashing and the limits of athletic diplomacy.
Twenty-three female ambassadors gathered at Washington’s historic Willard Hotel to share how they broke barriers, navigated bias, balanced family life and built careers representing their nations at the highest levels of diplomacy.
Diplomats, embassy representatives and cultural organizations gathered at The Wharf, one of 14 host cities for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Hosted by EventsDC at Limani Restaurant, the reception truly brought together the international community.
Djibouti and Rwanda recently celebrated their national days. A new Mexican ambassador arrived in Washington, Roberto Lazzeri. Meridian International Center and Google Arts & Culture partnered to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial.
