Geopolitical Mining · Geopolitical Milestones
U.S.-Lithuania Critical Minerals Framework, Canada-Kuwait Defence MoU and EU-Korea Secure Connectivity
September 17 brought a U.S.-Lithuania critical minerals framework, a Canada-Kuwait defence and security memorandum, an EU-Korea secure-connectivity arrangement, China-U.S. high-level talks, an African Union Red Sea statement and renewed UN-facilitated Cyprus dialogue.
Also in this edition: Canada-Kuwait defence cooperation, EU-Korea secure satellite connectivity, China-U.S. high-level exchanges, African Union concern over Red Sea navigation and a UN-facilitated Cyprus leaders’ meeting.
Economic security and critical minerals
United States and Lithuania sign critical minerals framework tied to supply chains and project financing
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys signed a Critical Minerals Framework Memorandum of Understanding in Washington on September 17. Rubio described secure supply and processing of critical minerals as relevant to both economic and defence security.
The U.S. remarks said the two countries would identify priority projects and seek to mobilize government and private-sector financing within six months. Lithuania linked the framework to economic security, resilient supply chains and its broader strategic partnership with the United States.
U.S. Department of State · Signing ceremony remarks
U.S.-Lithuania Critical Minerals Framework signing ceremony · September 17, 2026Defence and Gulf relations
Canada and Kuwait sign memorandum on defence and security cooperation
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence and Security Cooperation during the Kuwaiti minister’s visit to Ottawa on September 17.
Global Affairs Canada said the ministers also discussed trade and investment, regional and international issues, regional stability and maritime security, and committed to deepening bilateral ties.
Global Affairs Canada · Official readout
Minister Anand meets with Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs · September 17, 2026Space and secure connectivity
EU and South Korea sign arrangement to explore secure satellite connectivity and future IRIS² cooperation
The European Commission and the Republic of Korea signed an administrative arrangement on September 17 to strengthen cooperation on secure satellite connectivity and explore possible future integration with IRIS², the EU secure-connectivity constellation.
The arrangement establishes a working group involving the Commission, the European Space Agency and Korean defence agencies to exchange information, explore applications and assess technical solutions for cooperation at system level.
European Commission · Defence Industry and Space
EU and Korea deepen cooperation on secure satellite connectivity · September 17, 2026Major-power diplomacy
Wang Yi and Marco Rubio discuss next China-U.S. high-level exchanges
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call on September 17. China’s foreign ministry said the discussion focused on preparations for the next stage of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
The Chinese readout said the two sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and other issues. The call preceded the later announcement of President Xi Jinping’s September state visit to the United States.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China · Ministerial call
Wang Yi has a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio · September 17, 2026Maritime security and regional escalation
African Union warns Red Sea escalation threatens navigation, supply chains and African economies
The African Union Commission issued a statement on September 17 expressing concern over military escalation in the Red Sea region, including attacks on Saudi territory and international maritime navigation.
The Commission reaffirmed freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait and said disruption of the route could affect international trade, global supply chains, energy security and African economies.
African Union Commission · Official statement
Statement on the escalation in the Red Sea region · September 17, 2026Conflict resolution and confidence building
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders meet under UN auspices ahead of New York engagements
Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman met on September 17 under United Nations auspices in the UN Protected Area in Nicosia.
The UN said the leaders discussed confidence-building measures, methodology and substance and would brief the Secretary-General and discuss the way forward during upcoming engagements in New York.
United Nations Good Offices Mission in Cyprus · Official record
Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders meet in the UN Protected Area · September 17, 2026Continue reading Geopolitical Mining. Explore our daily mining coverage, weekly reviews and country analysis.