Official diplomatic recognition may include, but is not limited to:

• A formal announcement by the recognizing country that it recognizes the recognized country as a sovereign state
• Establishment of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level
• Opening of an embassy or diplomatic mission (not just consulates)
• Signing of a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations
• An official state visit by the head of state/government acknowledging sovereignty
• A formal letter of recognition from the head of state/government or foreign minister

The following do NOT constitute recognition:

• Trade relations or commercial agreements alone
• Consular relations without diplomatic relations
• Participation in the same international conference
• Humanitarian assistance or aid
• Cultural or educational exchanges
• Recognition by subnational entities (states, provinces, cities)
• Statements of "support" without formal recognition
• De facto cooperation without formal recognition
• Recognition conditional on future events that have not occurred
• Parliamentary resolutions without executive action

For clarity: recognition must be of the recognized country as a sovereign state, not merely acknowledgment of a government in charge. Withdrawal of recognition from a competing entity is not required. Votes in UN bodies do not constitute recognition unless accompanied by bilateral recognition.