The OAS Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Firearms, like the Treaty of Tlatelolco, stands as a model for other regions. Moreover, we are coordinating more effectively our efforts in the Western hemisphere with allies in other regions. The New Transatlantic Agenda, for example, provides the framework in which the U.S. and the EU work together to support democratic development in Central America and strengthen the new democracy in Haiti. It is clear, therefore, that in our own hemisphere and beyond, diplomacy is changing as we confront different trends and as we turn increasingly to international partnerships and organizations to help us build a peaceful, prosperous world. However, we will continue to inhabit a world of sovereign states.
Bilateral diplomacy remains central to our conduct of foreign affairs.
Not only are our bilateral relations with major powers of critical importance in their own right, they often form the nucleus of coalitions of the willing or, in circumstances where we cannot agree, block international consensus on a given issue. Moreover, on trade, investment, and commercial issues bilateral ties are as or more important than multilateral ones. Finally, in the land of the abrazo we all know that the personal contacts between our leaders and hemispheric counterparts are fundamental to avoiding misunderstandings and maintaining communication, especially in policy areas where we have differences. The rules of the game, though, are changing in bilateral diplomacy as well. Domestic players and domestic reactions are also important factors.