Isn't it even more sketchy that this was being done as a private citizen with powerful political ties, who had previously mingled in internal politics of the said country?
Jon Huntsman is a pol I like. He was Governor of Utah. Ambassador to China. Speaks fluent Mandarin. His father's company is all over the world. So, no, I don't think you can isolate a pol or ex-pol from using his 'brand' in whatever legal way is available, to act in their own interests when they are not in office.
That is the world we have. And that's why I ask whether Joe meeting with someone is illegal.