Educational, economic, and foreign aid links between Congo and its Eastern bloc allies were extensive, with the Congolese military and security forces receiving significant Soviet, East German, and Cuban assistance.
France is now by far Congo's principal external partner, contributing significant amounts of economic assistance, while playing a highly influential role.
Congo-Brazzaville is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military.
Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic co-operation pact,[132] the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization.
The late 1980s were marked by a progressive warming of Congolese relations with Western countries, including the United States.