Interests

"That's correct," The man nodded, evidently pleased with Rui's answer. "Everybody has needs, interests, and issues. These can be and are leveraged to foster mutually beneficial relationships between two parties."

He turned to Rui. "Can you figure out what are some of the most universal interests that are frequently leveraged in diplomatic negotiations and deliberations between two parties such as sovereign nations on the Panama Continent?"

Rui nodded. "The most universal interests that are likeliest to be leveraged are the fundamental necessities of every sovereign nation. Things such as sufficient food supply and security are absolutely necessary for the sustenance of any viable society. These are primary needs that are required for any form of human civilization."

Regardless of the culture, traditions of a society, the surrounding geo-political landscape, and other parameters of said state, food, and security were absolute necessities for human sustenance.