Asije Urges Diplomats to Emulate Kissinger’s Sustained Diplomacy

The International Society of Diplomats (ISD) Special Emissary on Media to Nigeria, Victor Asije, has enjoined serving and retired diplomats across the globe to emulate former United States National Security Adviser and Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger’s lifelong commitment to promoting global peace and diplomacy.
Asije, who spoke in Lagos, said that the recent secret visit of 100-year-old Kissinger to China was a rare demonstration of commitment to a cause.

The Special Emissary recalled that Kissinger had in 1971 secretly visited Beijing and formalised relations between China and the U.S.
“There is a lot for retired and serving diplomats to learn from the recent secret visit of Henry Kissinger to Beijing.Here is a diplomat,who knew the sacrifices he made in opening up relations between China and the U.S.

“Kissinger believed strongly that he had sowed a diplomatic seed between these two world super powers, that must be continually lubricated, and well nurtured for generations unborn.
“He said ‘Neither the United States nor China can afford to treat the other as an adversary. If the two countries go to war, it will not lead to any meaningful results for the two peoples.
“Henry Kissinger was also quoted to have said that ‘The relationship between the two countries is related to world peace and Progress of human society,” Asije said.

The Ambassador said it was imperative for retired and serving diplomats to also learn to stay their diplomatic courses.
Asije noted that most diplomats, who had always kept off at the end of their foreign assignments, should also volunteered themselves in the management of diplomatic row between a country he or she had served and their home country.

He added that retired and serving diplomats should continue to contribute to promoting international peace and stability on a lifelong basis.
According to him, diplomacy should continue to be the art of resolving international misunderstandings and difficulties through the old and new diplomats.
“Henry Kissinger has always believed that diplomacy can provide a forum for the settlement of disputes which have become unprofitable for both sides.
“He also believes strongly that diplomacy can open channels for information, and most importantly, it can enable leave each side to convey its intention to the other,” Asije said.

The Special Emissary said the International Society of Diplomats (ISD) would continue to promote and uphold the practice and ethics of international diplomacy, peace and social justice globally.

“It is vitally important for retired and serving diplomats to know that it is not over until it is over. So we must know what our assignments should be lifelong.
“It has been well said that a good diplomat always bear in mind that every country is part of an international system and that the future of the world depends on at least a tolerably good functioning of that system.

“The ISD believes that diplomats should be alive to their irreplaceable responsibilities of being conciliatory, among others,” he said.