In 1955, after talks between the Soviet Union and West Germany, the two sides agreed to establish diplomatic relations.

CNN: Saturday,

Relations between the two countries have been strained over their support for opposing sides in Afghanistan.

BBC: Musharraf on goodwill mission

Relations between Pakistan and Iran have been strained, with the two supporting opposing sides in Afghanistan.

BBC: Pakistan and Iran agree Afghan effort

But the move in Wyre Forest could strain relations with Labour - although party leader Charles Kennedy has insisted there are no 'backroom' deals between the two sides.

BBC: Lib Dems bow out of key seat

Mr. BENITO FERRERO-WALDNER (European Union Commissioner for External Relations): We are ready to do as much as we can to try to facilitate the movement and access between the two sides, stop the violence that is there.

NPR: Rice Set to Make a Swing Through Middle East