
The second of a planned series of extended political articles written exclusively for the Penguin News web site by Deputy Editor John Fowler.

European and Latinamerican leaders agreed in Brussels that the two continents should continue to strengthen links in spite of the serious financial and economic situation facing the European Union.

Peruvian President Ollanta Humala emphasized on Monday the importance of trade and investment relations with China, both for Peru and the region during the opening in Lima of the two-day 5th China-Latin America Business Summit

President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia began on Monday a two day visit to London. During his visit the Colombian leader will meet the Queen, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and other senior Ministers to discuss how the UK and Colombia can strengthen their bilateral ties.

A rise in interest rates on French government debt and weaker growth prospects could be negative for the outlook on France's credit rating, Moody's warned in a report released Monday, adding to pressure on European debt markets.

President-elect Mariano Rajoy resisted pressure on Monday to disclose his plans for rescuing Spain from economic disaster, keeping anxious Spaniards and impatient investors on edge following his election triumph.

Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham has welcomed the UK Overseas Territories important role in agreeing new measures to protect seabirds.

The Iron Lady,” Meryl Streep's latest film where she plays Margaret Thatcher made its world premiere in Beijing on Saturday evening during the China-US Arts and Culture Forum and a month ahead of its launching in US and Europe cinemas.

President Barack Obama was encouraged by the constructive tone of a discussion about the South China Sea issue at an East Asia leaders' meeting in Bali, Indonesia, a senior US official said.

The European Union has been forced to accept a 2% rise in its budget next year, much less than the increase it wanted of around 5%.