Diplomat Magazine Netherlands Winter 2018-2019

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A WORLD FREE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS

H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

CRIME IS BEST SOLVED TOGETHER

Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust

THE CITY WITH A WORLDWIDE VIEW

The Honourable Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague

WHO SAID NEGOTIATIONS IN DIPLOMACY IS EASY

Ron Ton, Director of Clingendael Academy

by and for diplomats - the first diplomatic magazine in The Netherlands’ history diplomatmagazine.nl

DO YOU KNOW THE NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION BEHIND THESE APPEALING CARS?

It’s called FCA and it is ready to be at your service. As you may know, the Netherlands boasts an extensive network of high-quality roads. Ranging from broad highways to small and picturesque country roads. Sure they tend to get crowded, especially during rush hour in the Randstad.

But driving in Holland is usually relaxed, easy and enjoyable. It is even still possible to tour the famous canals of Amsterdam in relative peace on a quiet Sunday morning.

WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS ARE, WE HAVE A CAR TO MEET THEM Do you need a car for business, pleasure or both?

Do you seek outstanding design, great comfort, awesome performance or a combination of these? Whichever car you choose, it should meet your personal needs and taste.

The good news is you only need to remember one name: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). FCA is the organization behind renowned brands like Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Abarth and Alfa Romeo. It offers cars for every purpose, budget and taste.

SPECIALIST IN DIPLOMATIC SALES FCA is a specialist in Diplomatic Sales. We offer a network of more than 100 official dealers and service points throughout the country. Our highly qualified staff is ready to fulfill every wish and our financial experts are more than happy to arrange tax refunds and the financing of your new car. We provide sales, after sales, maintenance, repairs and even a 24/7 breakdown service.

”Driving in the Netherlands is fairly easy.

And as soon as I was used to the reckless cyclist, I really enjoy my Fiat 500X.”

MEET SOME OF OUR MOST BELOVED MODELS It would be impossible to show you every model we offer. The three cars below are favorites of our costumers. Of course we would love to tell you more about our services, brands and the variety of high-end vehicles. Just hop by one of our official dealerships. We will be happy to welcome you on the Dutch roads.

FIAT 500X

The SUV of the future with the looks of an Italian icon An SUV with the looks of the famous Fiat 500. The new 500X is designed for the future. It is more innovative, fashionable and distinctive than any other SUV.

JEEP RENEGADE

You don’t need high mountains to find an adventure Power, comfort and technology; the new Jeep Renegade has everything that you need. It feels at home in the city as well as on (and off) the roads in the countryside.

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

The first SUV that deserves the name Alfa Romeo Powerful performance and elegant, sensual design are in the DNA of Alfa Romeo. And now, for the first time they are the core assets of an SUV. See it, drive it and you will know the new Stelvio is a true Alfa Romeo.

INTERESTED? VISIT OUR BRANDS ONLINE: alfaromeo.nl | fiat.nl | fiatprofessional.nl | jeep.nl | abarth.nl

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DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE

By Diplomats for Diplomats Year 5, No 2, December 2018 ISSN: 2468-3469

HEADS OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS, FOUNDERS OF DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE IN JUNE 2013

H.E. Carlos Jose Arguello, Ambassador of Nicaragua, Dean of the Diplomatic corps H.E. Roberto Canzadilla, Ambassador of Bolivia, vice-Dean of the Diplomatic corps H.E. James Lambert, Ambassador of Canada H.E. Huynh Minh Chinh, Ambassador of Vietnam H.E. Martin Valentino, Ambassador of Malta H.E. Yasumasa Nagamine, Ambassador of Japan Dr. Eugenio Matos, Chargé d’affaires a.i. Embassy of Dominican Republic

PUBLISHER EDITOR

Dr. Mayelinne De Lara Roy Lie Atjam

DIPLOMATIC ADVISER

Baron Henri Estramant

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Guido Lanfranchi, Leiden University

JUNIOR EDITOR

Eugene Matos De Lara, University of Ottawa

JUNIOR PUBLISHER

Duke Michael of Mecklenburg, University of Leiden

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kim Vermaat Robert Huiberts Roy Strik

Hester Dijkstra Marian van Noort Naldo Peverelli

Photo on the cover: H.E. Fernando Arias OPCW, Director General.

Photography by OPCW.

GRAPHIC DESIGN Studio Kliek, The Hague Stichting Diplomat Magazine is a non-profit Dutch foundation. It is the first diplomatic magazine in the Netherlands’ history, published by and for diplomats in collaboration with experts in international relations and diplomacy, the academia and dedicated volunteers from the Netherlands and overseas.

A broader selection of articles and contributions can be found in our free online version at: www.diplomatmagazine.nl The editors do their best to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine. However, mistakes and omissions are, regrettably, possible.

No rights may therefore be derived from the material published. All rights reserved. Nothing in this edition may be reproduced, stored in an automated database, or made public, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.

WORKING RESTLESSLY TO ACHIEVE PEACE

By Dr. Mayelinne De Lara.Photography by Roy Strik.

After having gone global by passing our articles to the Dow Jones platform, where more than 1.3 million subscribers have access to our publication, Diplomat Magazine hit a major milestone by reaching out to the public through kiosks. We have also been invited to capture events and places globally: we attended the Baku International Humanitarian Conference, Uzbekistan’s Tourism and Investment International Fair, and the International Media Congress in Tirana; we have traveled to Budapest, and Georgia will follow soon.

In the past two years, the Flavours Festival has shaken the gastronomic panorama of The Hague. Thanks to the participation of Embassies accredited in The Hague, the Flavours Festival has created unique opportunities to promote international gastronomic traditions, accompanied by music and art. With appreciation for the culinary culture of every country and enthusiasm in involving Embassies in this ambitious project, Diplomat Magazine and Crowned Plaza started the Festival in 2017, and will successfully continue it throughout 2019.

In global times of reconciliation, the international organizations in The Hague are working restlessly to achieve peace and prosperity in the world. Prominent European personalities are participating in this new issue of Diplomat Magazine, with the promotion of peace and security as a major theme.

Reading “Working together for a world free of chemical weapons”, our cover page article by H.E. Fernando Arias, Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, we can feel the urgency of reaching

Diplomat Magazine, the first diplomatic magazine in the Netherlands, is inspiring diplomats, civil servants and academics to contribute to a free flow of ideas through an extremely rich diplomatic life, full of exclusive events and cultural exchanges, as well as by exposing profound ideas and political debates in our printed and online editions.

peace in this world, in all its dimensions. The constant effort needed to solve and prevent cross border crimes and terrorism in Europe, as well as the urgent necessity of a solid international collaboration, are perfectly explained by Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, the European Union’s judicial cooperation agency, in his article “Crime is best solved together”.

In this issue we also have the privilege to publish the reflections of the Honourable Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague, on her city, while NATO’s priorities and implementation of international commitments are explained by US Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison. H.E. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa talks about Muharraq, Capital of Islamic Culture for 2018. Also, do not miss the declarations of the Ambassador of Iran, H.E. dr. Alireza Jahangiri, advocating Iran’s rightfulness in a frank exchange of views, as well as “Who said negotiations in diplomacy is easy” by Ron Ton, Director of Clingendael Academy.

Enjoy the many activities of the diplomatic corps, some of them documented in this edition, and be ready for more stimulant lectures and activities aimed at making your professional life an enriching experience.

A thanks goes to our team, always supportive.

As always, we dedicate this issue of Diplomat Magazine to all of you.

Dr Mayelinne De Lara .

Publisher publisher@diplomatmagazine.nl

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE

Zuid-Hollandlaan 7 2596 AL The Hague, the Netherlands www.diplomatmagazine.nl publisher@diplomatmagazine.nl

For all the very latest diplomatic news, views, photos, events and more, just go to: diplomatmagazine.nl DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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MORE THAN 130 YEARS OF ELEGANCE AND GRANDEUR HOTEL DES INDES A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, THE HAGUE LANGE VOORHOUT 54-56 — 2514 EG THE HAGUE — THE NETHERLANDS T +31 70 361 2345 — INFO@DESINDES.COM — WWW.HOTELDESINDES.NL

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MAIN ARTICLES Fernando Arias, President OPCW Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust

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Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague 10 Dorothee Bär, MdB, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor, Federal Government Commissioner for Digital Affairs of Germany 12 H.E. Ms. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Ambassador of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 13 H.E. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of BACA 14 H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan AlQasimi 15 Son Altesse Royale le Haut Prince Sisowath Tesso, Directeur du Ballet Royal du Cambodge 16 Alain de Muyser, Deputy Secretary General of the Benelux Union 19

CROATIA H.E. Ms. Andrea Gustović-Ercegovac AUSTRIA H.E. Ambassador Heidemaria Gürer

DIPLOMAT TOURISM & CULTURE gastronomic dinners national days DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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GERMANY H.E. Mr. Dirk Brengelmann IRAN H.E. Mr. Alireza Jahangiri KENYA H.E. Laurence Lenayapa CUBA H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez FINLAND H.E. Mr. Päivi Kaukoranta AUSTRALIA H.E. Matthew Ernest Keith Neuhaus SWEDEN H.E. Mr. Per Thöresson AZERBAIJAN Mr. Jalal Mirzayev THAILAND H.E. Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi

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DIPLOMAT POUCH Ron Ton Barend ter Haar Zaki Shubber The International Court of Justice Guido Lanfranchi Jan Dop Mark Verheul and Gilbert Monod de Froideville Israel Rafalovich Guido Lanfranchi Dr. Wolfram Kalt Peter A.G. van Bergeijk and Selwyn J.V. Moons

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WORKING TOGETHER FOR A WORLD FREE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS

By H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Photography: OPCW.

At the end of July, I took office as the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), the OPCW not only oversees the global endeavour to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons but also works to prevent the proliferation of dangerous chemicals and to improve the safety and security of the management of such chemicals. We must take into account the fact that we live surrounded by chemicals (used in e.g. agriculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals, industry, etc) and the OPCW has the responsibility to contribute to the peaceful uses of such chemicals while protecting the public and the environment.

Since entering into force in 1997, the CWC remains the foundation of global efforts to eliminate and prevent the spread and use of chemical weapons. Indeed, it is arguably the most successful treaty of its kind, banning a wholecategory of weapons of mass destruction under a strict and effective global verification regime.

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One remarkable achievement of the Convention is that it has yielded concreteand measurable disarmament progress. Today, over 96 percent of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been irreversiblydestroyed under the watchful eye of OPCW inspectors.

One hundred percent of declared stockpiles will be eliminated once the United States completes its chemical demilitarisation process, planned to happen by 2023.

When this occurs, the OPCW will have overseen the destruction of some 72,000 metric tonnes ofthe most lethal substances ever created by humankind.Our ability to monitor these destruction activities and industrial production has been central tobuilding confidence in the Convention and reinforcing trust between the States Parties.

Chemical industry has been an essential partner in ensuring that verification is

diplomatmagazine conductedsmoothly and thoroughly. So far, more than 3,500 inspections of industrial facilities have beenconducted in 82 countries since the CWC came into force.

Universality is also well within our grasp.

At present, 193 countries have joined theConvention – the highest level of adherence of any disarmament treaty. Only four countries have yet to become members of the CWC: Egypt, Israel, North Korea, and South Sudan. We are making every effort to convince them to join the overwhelming majority of the world in ourendeavour to permanently eradicate chemical weapons.

Undeniably, we are all safer today because of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Much ofthe OPCW’s activities have occurred out of the spotlight and off thefront page of the news. But the international community did recognise the importance of ourwork when, in 2013, the OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts toeliminate global stocks of chemical weapons.At the same time that the OPCW has made progress in its disarmament mission, it has had tocontend with the on-going use of chemical weapons.

Syria has been the biggest challenge in this regard.

After the Syrian Arab Republic joined the CWC in 2013, the OPCW worked swiftly incooperation with the United Nations and more than 30 partner states to dismantle its declared chemical weapons programme.

However, chemical attacks have persisted in that country. In response to ongoing and crediblereports of chemical weapons use, a Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) was established in April 2014 to examine the allegations on the ground. The FFM’s work has been indispensable in determining that chemicals were used asweapons.

Regrettably, other incidents have arisen around the world. In the past few years we have alsowitnessed sophisticated nerve agents employed to assassinate individuals in Malaysia and the United Kingdom, resulting in the tragic loss of life.

The use of chemical weapons should and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

Statements of condemnation by themselves are not nearly enough to stem the audacious and continuing use of these inhumane weapons.

Action speaks louder than words. And the States Parties to the CWC have acted. In June this year, the Conference of the States Parties adopted an important decision requesting the Secretariat to put in place arrangements to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic.

This is a crucial new power for the Organisation. Previously, we had only been able to say ifchemical weapons had been used. Now we should be able to identify the perpetrators. Nonetheless, we are not judge and jury; that role is for other institutions to assume. Our contribution will be to attribute responsibility in an impartial, independent, andeffective manner. Implementing the new missionwill require additional resources (human and financial) and appropriate structures.

Attributing responsibility for violations of the Convention’s basic prohibitionextends to non-state actors as well. This reflects the concern over the real threat of chemical terrorism.In recent years, the threat has grown. For instance, in 2015 and 2016, the so-called Islamic Stateof Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) used mustard gas In Iraq and Syria.

Fernando Arias, Director General OPCW.

In response, in 2017, the OPCW’s Executive Council adopted a landmark decision that addresses the threat posed by non-State actors and reiterates the key role of States Parties in implementing the Convention through their legislation, especially by imposing penal sanctions for violations of its prohibitions.

Finding synergies with other international organisations is also important. As such, we haveestablished a partnership with the United Nations Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force. The OPCW has taken a proactive role within this initiative that includes 37 otherinternational entities. At the same time, the OPCW has developed the capabilities to aid States Parties that are dealingwith chemical incidents, including acts of terrorism.

Coping with the rapid pace of discoveries in science and technology will pose a unique challengeto the Organisation in addition to offering vast opportunities. The evolution of science requires us to adapt and improve our capabilities.Therefore, we aretransforming our current OPCW Laboratory into a Centre for Science and Technology that will allow theOPCW to remain fit for purpose.

Over the next couple of months, this very subject of the future will be at the forefront of theOPCW’s collective mind, as we engage in a once every five year review of the Convention.

States Parties will address current challenges and determine the priorities and plansto guide the Organisation for the next five years, and provide the Secretariat with the appropriate means and resources to address these priorities.

Twenty-one years after its entry-into-force, the CWC has reached another critical turning point.Respect for the norm against chemical weapons is under strain, and we risk normalising the use of such weapons.This should serve as a warning. Continual progress requires vigilance else we also risk real reversals.My hope is that nations are prepared to work together to protect and enhance the gains achieved by the CWC. No doubt, the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW are facing serious challenges.

I will do my best to steward the Organisation and to ensure the integrity of the Convention.

In the meantime, I am pleased to remain a member of The Hague community as we all make our contributions to the City of Peace and Justice.

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diplomatmagazine ‘Criminals increasingly cross borders and so must we’, saidLadislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, the European Union’s judicial cooperation agency that supports the fight against organised crime and terrorism. The daily lives of citizens across our continent are directly impacted by the threats of violent terrorism and cybercriminals.

The need for unity and for practical cooperation in the face of these cross-border challenges has therefore never been so urgent.

Crime is best solved together

By Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust.

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Ladislav Hamran.

Photography: Eurojust 2018.

2017 was the year that we celebrated 60 years of European integration, but in the field of criminal justice, we actually look at a much shorter period of time. Twenty or even fifteen years ago, prosecutors interacted mainly via cumbersome diplomatic channels, each working from within their own borders.

Ensuring the extradition of a suspect was a process that could take up to several years.

The nature of crime was also different at that time, much more confined within national borders than today. Now that criminals are increasingly crossing borders, so must judicial and law enforcement authorities.

Luckily, the European Union has taken major steps in this direction in the past decades.

Nowadays, we have several new legal instruments that allow for practical, direct cooperation between judicial authorities.

Thanks to the European Arrest Warrant, a suspect can be arrested and extradited within days after the corresponding request is received from another European Union Member State. And the European Investigation Order, introducedin 2017, has the potential to seriously speed up procedures whenprosecutors requesttheir colleagues abroad to conduct house searches and interview witnesses.

A little over a year ago, I had the privilege to take up duties as the President of Eurojust,a body of the European Union created in 2002 with the task of giving operational support to Member States working together on cross-border criminal cases. Last year, nearly 4500 prosecutors, judges and police officers from all over the European Union and beyond visited Eurojust’s premises in The Hagueto join forces in large-scale investigations and prosecutions.

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Allow me to give you an example of what our work looks like in practice. In a case called‘Operation Santa Lucia’, the Italian, Spanish and German authorities took down a mafia network that was engaged in drug smuggling, money laundering and violent crimein several countries.

With the support of Eurojust, Italian and Spanish prosecutors first formed a joint investigation team in 2016, enabling them to shareinformation on the mafia network and to decide on the next steps.Over time, links were discovered to criminal activities in Germany,and then the Italian, Spanish and German prosecutors started to meet more regularly. This cooperation resulted in a joint action day,which took place in July 2017.At 04:30,Italian, Spanish and German prosecutorsgathered in the coordination centre at Eurojust,a unique room withcustom-made facilities for the real-time exchange of information.

National police teams were on stand-by at the various locations in the field, and following instructions from the prosecutors in The Hague, they simultaneously executed planned arrests, searches and seizures of money, cars and jewellery. As a result, 33 people in threecountries were arrested that day. Over EUR 5 million and more than 1000 kilograms of drugs were seized and taken off the streets.

Operation Santa Lucia clearly illustrates what we often see: what starts as a seemingly small criminal case turns out to have a much bigger dimension and ends up spanning several years. Because criminal networks are not confined to European borders, cooperation with countries outside of the European Unionis an essential component of Eurojust’s work. Our network of judicial contact points in third Statesnow includes 44 countries and will continue to grow. We have also signed detailed cooperation agreements with 10 countries and are proud to host Liaison Prosecutors from Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, the USA and Ukraine at our premises.w The frequency and complexity of international crime –terrorism, cybercrime, migrant smuggling and other forms of organised crime – are unfortunately expected to increase.Last year alone, Eurojust dealt with 2550 cases, and our modest estimate is that,in the coming years,we will seeanannual growth in casework of approximately9 per cent. Despite the challenges that we will undoubtedly face in the future, Eurojust will continue to be the European Union’sleading partner in bringing criminals to justice and a key player in ensuring a more secure world.

Grapperhaus and Jourová at Eurojust Eurojust welcomed the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Ferd Grapperhaus, and the European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Ms Vera Jourová, for the final step in the inauguration of Eurojust’s new state of the art premises in the international zone in The Hague. The Minister and Commissioner were invited to unveil a statue in front of the building, offered to Eurojust by the Dutch government and created

by Mr Fernando Sánchez Castillo.

The new Eurojust headquarters is a unique purpose-built facility, constructed and owned by the Dutch State and rented to Eurojust. The building can accommodate up to 400 employees and has been tailored to Eurojust’s mission to develop and enhance judicial cooperation, coordination and mutual trust in the European Union’s fight against serious organised cross-border crime.

‘This new building is the community of thousands of national prosecutors and law enforcement officials around the EU who – every day, everywhere in Europe – work hard to fight all forms of criminality, and call on Eurojust for support and guidance’, said Ladislav Hamran, the President of Eurojust.

‘And they all did so with one common goal: to ensure that justice and security are brought to Europe’s citizens.’ 8 000 legal practitioners visited Eurojust’s premises last year to look for answers, best practice and inspiration in the field of judicial cooperation.

Photography: Eurojust

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The city with a worldwide view

By Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague.

Photography: The Hague Municipality.

That’s how I have come to know The Hague since I became Mayor on 17 March 2017. Of course, I already knew of The Hague’s particular reputation as a diplomatic centre and as the city of peace and justice. But it was really only after I became involved in the day-to-day aspects of the job that I started to understand just how much that international element is a quintessential part of The Hague.

Not just in many specific places in our city but also while on foreign trips.

I met many diplomats and people working for international corporations, I spoke to the young participants at The Hague Model United Nations and with international students pursuing their education here.

I have enjoyed the Embassy Festival, the celebration of Chinese New Year and all the other festivities which build bridges between different cultures.

“The problems we need to overcome are largely transnational in nature and we can only solve them by working together.”

I am amazed by how many, often young, researchers and entrepreneurs here in The Hague are looking for solutions to the challenges of the 21st century. I have been particularly struck by how the work of our international organisations, tribunals and NGOs is felt in the lives of countless people all over the world. I was greatly moved by the stories of refugees in Lebanon where The Hague provides practical support - with waste processing, for example- to the municipalities there that provide reception for these displaced people.

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As Mayor of a city which is so international in character, I am made all the more aware of the movement in the opposite direction that is taking place all over the world. Following a period of close international cooperation, based in part on the bitter experiences of two world wars, we are now seeing a tendency to pull down the hatches and raise all the bridges. I am truly concerned about these

developments. The problems we need to overcome are largely transnational in nature and we can only solve them by working together. Ignoring them is not an option.

Dealing with the effects of climate change, the issue of migration and refugees, or tackling terrorists, to mention just a few: problems which do not end at national or city borders.

As the international city of peace and justice The Hague will not stand on the sidelines.

Even if it means going against the spirit of the times - we will continue to be active and

diplomatICEVENTS open to the idea working together to create a better world. Fortunately, we find that there are other like-minded cities. Last year, for example, together with Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, we set up the Global Urban Air Pollution Observatory (GUAPO).This a collaborative platform for multilateral cooperation between cities to combat air pollution and to take the lead in reaching the climate goals. The Hague also founded the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM), in which cities work together in areas such as the environment, migration, discrimination and poverty. In October I was in Bristol for the Annual Summit of the GPM.

“We face huge challenges.”

We face huge challenges. Three quarters of the world’s population lives in cities and urban areas. This number will only grow in the coming years. But this should not be at the expense of the welfare of those who already live there. We must ensure that the city is still a pleasant place to live.

By ensuring that our cities have sufficient greenery, for example. By making it possible for people to get about easily. By providing heat and light for their homes in a way which is has as little environmental impact as possible. The threat of social division is also a serious concern. Cities are seeking international cooperation in all these areas.

In the 100 resilient cities network set up by the Rockefeller Foundation, for example.

The Hague is proud to be part of that and actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge and experience in the areas of physical and social resilience.

And in doing all these things we constantly need to ask ourselves: who are we doing it for? It will take time for much of what we are doing now to bear fruit. We are therefore doing it largely for generations to come. And that is precisely why I consider it so important to include young people when we are setting out a course for the future. Because it is about their lives. It was therefore also a great honour recently to welcome 1800 talented and passionate young people to The Hague from all over the worldas participants at the One Young World Summit. They came together here to offer creative solutions for a better world.

Where better to do that than here in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice? The city with a worldwide view.

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Ambassador Sakiqi briefed International Mentoring group

By Angela Gest-McCall. Photography: PWN.

H.E. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania to The Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, joined an inspirational group of twenty women and men for a Networking eventin Amsterdam. They were preparing to travel to Skopje for an exciting new International Mentoring Program in Skopje, led by the Macedonian Mentoring Network (MMN) in partnership with The Professional Women’s Network (PWN) Amsterdam, and sponsored by the Dutch Embassy in Macedonia.

Ambassador Sakiqi generously shared key insights into Albania’s business culture and diversity agenda, helping to shape expectations for the team of Netherlands-based mentors.They heard that there are great hopes for the future of Albanian business, that women play a key role in shaping this future, and that the younger generations in particular are visibly energized by the potential for greater entrepreneurialism. They learnt about the challenges faced by smaller geographic regions in attracting investment from larger companies, and some of the key differences in how business practices such as networking and communication can potentially lead to misunderstandings, without attention to common cultural expectations.

Ambassador Sakiqi’s talk was energizing, and the team of Netherlands-based mentors ended the evening with high expectations.

On 21-22 September 2018, the team joined a 2-day kickoff event to this innovative International Mentoring Program in Skopje with the aim of

building powerful peer mentoring partnerships committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals from Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.

The program got off to a roaring start during an inspiring panel discussion with H.E Ambassador WouterPlomp (Netherlands Embassy in Skopje), DanelaArsovska (Macedonian Chamber of Commerce), ArditaSeknaj (International Chamber of Commerce, Albania), LumnijeAjdini, (Association of Kosovar Business), Slavica Nikolovska (Macedonian Mentoring Network) and Sheila Gemin (President, Professional Women’s Network Amsterdam).

And during a jam-packed 2-day conference that included an evening event hosted by the Dutch Embassy in Skopje, we witnessed the birth of some unique mentoring relationships expected to result in mutually beneficial outcomes and the progression of potential business growth opportunities across and between the regions.

Pictured in Skopje, Macedonia: Participants in the Peer-Mentoring Programme, a partnership between PWN Amsterdam and the Macedonian Mentoring Network. Delegates include women (and a man!) from the Netherlands, Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.

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Think outside the political box!

By Dorothee Bär, MdB, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor, Federal Government Commissioner for Digital Affairs of Germany.

Photography: Ministry of Digitalization of Germany.

We live in a digital world. That’s a fact.

Another fact – at least for me – is that “politics begins with the contemplation of reality.” These words were originally spoken by the social democrat Kurt Schumacher. Yet Volker Kauder, former chairman of the CDU/CSU group in the German Parliament, often uses them, as well – and I would like to do the same when it comes to the tasks and challenges of political discourse and action in a world of constant change and technological progress.

In view of these facts, every government has the task of not only taking part in the moral, social and economical debate on what our digital society should look like, but also creating the legal and political framework that mirrors the outcome of these discussions.

This is indeed what we have done – and, to be honest, it’s taken a while. Since as far back as 2010 we have been discussing how the legislative, judicial and executive branches should respond to the ubiquitous changes and developments that are deeply affecting our everyday lives at every level.

Today, in 2018, we have made considerable progress. The Federal Government under Chancellor Angela Merkel has not only

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defined numerous fields and topics that play a vital role in our digital age, but has also set an agenda and established a number of important institutions that are tasked with addressing this new reality.

You are right to think that, as Minister of State for Digitalisation, I am one of these newly created institutions – one that in fact was established only a few months ago.

This represents a huge step for the German government. It proves it is truly contemplating the fact that we live in a digital society, a society that is undergoing constant change due to rapid development brought about by technological innovation.

However, my work is accompanied and complemented by various other institutions, such as the Data Ethics Commission of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, the Digital Cabinet and the Digital Council. This guarantees that the task of examining the cross-sectional impact of technological progress is dealt with from various angles, not by a single government ministry or representative. The aim is for ministry officials, scientific and economic experts, and representatives from across society to engage in a discourse on what Germany and Europe should look in the digital age.

The above-mentioned cross-sectional character must be mirrored when it comes to exchanging expertise. Both creative input and experience play a major role. This is why it is absolutely necessary to include people from various fields, people who may previously not have been involved in political debates and the formulation of government policy.

“When developing policies, we need to constantly remind ourselves to think outside the box and talk to individuals whose ideas may in the past have been overlooked.”

When developing policies, we need to constantly remind ourselves to think outside the box and talk to individuals whose ideas may in the past have been overlooked. We must talk to people who already live a digital life, who already now are trying out completely new ways of working, relying on innovative means of communication, and examining fields that may not appear relevant today, but will help shape the world of tomorrow.

In a nutshell: one major task of the digital agenda must be to break down those walls and burst those bubbles that encapsulate the different members of, and stakeholders in, our society – so that we can set the table for life in the digital age.

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NATO’s Brussels Summit

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NATO moves towards the implementation of the summit declaration

By H.E. Ms. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Ambassador of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Photography: The State Department.

By Guido Lanfranchi.

NATO remains the indispensable security umbrella for North America and Europe. It is the foundation of our national security and that of our allies, and it cements the transatlantic bond. When NATO leaders gathered in Brussels for the Summit this July, they reaffirmed our shared values and charted a path to further strengthen the alliance.

Building on previous efforts and activities, NATO has began to implement the commitments undertaken in the organization’s July 2018 summit declaration.

Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, Permanent Representative of the U.S. to NATO, outlined the organization’s key priorities and future steps.

The Brussels Declaration approved by leaders clearly showed all 29 allies speaking withone voice that underscored our unity and commitment to collective defense. The Heads of State and Government of every NATO allyagreed to strengthen our joint military operations to meet common threats, whether Russian attempts to undermine our democratic institutions, their abhorrent use of a military-grade nerve agent in a NATO country, or the continued threat of terrorism.

• In the Declaration, allies approved a new readiness initiative to ensure30 battalions, 30 air squadronsand 30 combat shipsare ready to fight within 30 days during a crisis.

• NATO is seeking a partnership with the EU to meet common challenges, including improved infrastructure and the regulatory environment to facilitate the mobility of our forces throughout NATO territory in response to an emergency.

• An important new mission rose from the hard lesson of the rise of ISIS when coalition forces left Iraq in 2012 before the new government stabilized. NATO will train and advise police and armed forces,which should be inclusive of all segments of Iraqi society, to be professional and effective in securing their country.

• Increased support for Jordan and Tunisiawill build their defense capabilities and strengthen regional stability.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

• Allies agreed to invite Skopje to begin accession talks to join the Alliance, demonstrating that NATO remains open to aspirants who are committed to our shared values and meet the responsibilities of membership.

Taken together, these decisions strengthen our overall deterrence and defense posture and project stability through partnerships along NATO’s periphery. If this clear progress is to remain credible and durable, we must be able to resource up to our level of ambition.

This requires a sustained dedication to defense investment, which is why allies recommitted themselves to the Wales Defense Investment Pledge to invest 2%of GDP in defense, and 20% of their overall defense budgets on modernization by 2024. In 2018,eight nations have reached the 2% investment goal,and more allies are in the process of assembling plans to increase spending to meet the commitment renewed in July. This translates into an extra $266 billion in new defense spending already pledged, with more likely. NATO has made great progress in defense investment, but it remains critical that we reinvigorate our efforts to bolster our militaries toensure our common security.

More work remains to be done in the months and years ahead, and as we have done in the 70 years since the NATO treaty was signed, we will work together as allies through consensus to demonstrate that whatever the security environment, NATO will be there to protect our citizens, deter our adversaries, and defend the alliance.

As NATO leaders set the organization’s priorities and future steps during their Brussels summit of July 2018, NATO has now started to move forward and to implement the several commitments outlined in the July declaration. Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, outlined the organization’s focal issues and the steps ahead, in the context of October’s Defense Ministerial meeting.

A main focus for NATO – Ambassador Hutchison stressed – will be the strengthening of its capabilities. Such process should be aimed at reaching the goal of the so-called “Four 30s,” that is being able to deploy 30 battalions, 30 air squadrons, and 30ships in no more than 30 days. On this note, the U.S. Permanent Representative welcomed new initiatives related to the improvement of NATO’s command structure, its increased focus on hybrid threats, and especially the progresses made by several NATO members in increasing their military spending, with the aim of reaching an expenditure of 2% of every member’s GDP.

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M diplomatVIP

Muharraq, Capital of Islamic Culture 2018

By H.E. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of BACA.

In 2018 Bahrain is concluding its cultural agenda celebration for Muharraq Capital of Islamic Culture, which we were truly honoured to have been selected by the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), to represent an Islamic city from Arab world.

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We have dedicated our many annual events and festivals to compliment this year’s theme celebrating Muharraq, Bahrain’s second largest city. Indeed the city hosted the annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition in its 44th edition, the 18th Bahrain International Book Fair, the 26th Annual Heritage Festival, in addition to the 10th Bahrain Summer festival.

Muharraq was once again revived as the intellectual capital of Bahrain by hosting a multitude of cultural and artistic programmes and thereby was visited by Bahrainis from around the islands, residents and tourists.

This was truly a unique experience for both visitors and us as cultural practitioners to work from such a historic city, especially when most of the activities were taking place within the backdrop of the Arad Fort, which dates back from the 15th century. One of the highlights of our year, which we are looking forward, is the inauguration of the Pearling Path’s Visitor Center. The center is the main information point of the Pearling Path, Testimony of an Island Economy, the second UNESCO world heritage site in Bahrain, which was listed in 2012.

In November, Muharraq witnesses a large gathering of international guests concerned with the importance of preservation of the heritage of humanity. No matter where a cultural site may be geographically located, it is valuable as it completes the story of our shared heritage.

Thereby, welcoming visitors from the region and elsewhere is a means to showcase our rich and authentic heritage and is a means to enhance our mutual understanding and appreciation of one another and in deepening our relations.

The story of the pearling path is a unique one, in which we recount through innovative and modern tools and stories those who walked the narrow streets of Muharraq. We created an atmosphere to transport the visitor to a different time to learn about our ancestors and the legacy they left behind. The pearling path is a visual investigation and exploration to a time before the discovery of oil in the 1930s, it recounts the stories at a very specific period of time where the main actors of this unique socio-economic period was one of sea traders, pearl merchants, divers and other instrumental characters that made up the city at that time all tied together by the lure of the pearl.

Image by Bahrain Antiquities and Culture Authority (BACA) - City of Muharraq

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diplomatVIP

Zayed: The Bountiful Essence of Leadership

By H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan AlQasimi, Former Federal Minister in the Government of United Arab Emirates, Former President of Zayed University, Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Photography: Office of Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi.

Leaders are known and remembered for years and possibly generations as they make a profound impact on their organizations, societies, or countries.

For the UAE, no leader is remembered more fondly that the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. For his vision encompassed not only the whole society and all the Emirates of the UAE, but all of humankind. The UAE today is blessed to compete among the top 10 most competitive nations worldwide due to the sound foundations laid at the establishment of the nation under Shaikh Zayed’s leadership.

Shaikh Zayed was blessed with worldly wisdom that he used in his messages. “He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.” Is but one of his famous sayings. And yes indeed, the UAE has learned from its past and is thriving today for the wisdom it embraces in oureveryday life.

Shaikh Zayed was born in 1918. He experienced poverty and the harsh environment that everyone lived in a century ago, an era when fishing boats roamed the Arabian Gulf, a time when pearl divers whispered a fond adieu to friends and family as they set sail to the unknown, back when daily staples were made mainly of dates and whatever available produce from simple farms in scattered oases inland. As Sheikh Zayed grew up from children’s games into adulthood, he gazed at his surroundings and traveled across the rough terrains. He knew the opportunity for progress had come for Abu Dhabi with the advent of oil, making it a regional power, but this wasn’t good enough.

He took a bigger opportunity, and drew a bigger picture with the potential of a united federation with neighboring Emirates.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan applied his tolerance, love for peace, and mediation ideals regionally within the Arabian Gulf region, and in the wider Arab world. He was instrumental in establishing the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional group that protects the interests of the six GCC nations, with its establishment declaration signed in 1980 in Abu Dhabi. He also made sure the UAE would increasingly shoulder its share of the international aid and development, and established in 1971 the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The UAE today has over forty funds and humanitarian organizations, and hosts a number of international aid and relief programs. It is also the number one country in relief and development aid worldwide by ratio to its gross domestic product (GDP).

In 2004, on the 19th of Ramadan, a beautiful soul which left its mark on our mourning hearts returned to our Creator.He was succeeded as the UAE’s President and as Ruler of Abu Dhabi by his eldest son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2004.

The principles and philosophy that he brought to government, however, remain at the core of the state, and in its policies today.

December 2, 1971 was a day to be remembered, the unity of the seven emirates was declared, Sheikh Zayed stood proudly beside his brothers, rulers of the Emirates with eyes gazing up higher as the red, green, black and white flag was raised for the first time to greet the passing clouds and cross the seven skies.

As we look around today, we can easily see Sheikh Zayed’s legacy across the country. He emphasized that “Past years have emphasized the importance of unity as a vital necessity to provide a better life for the people, toensure stability in the country, and to realize the hopes and aspirations of our people.”

Women were given responsibilities in key positions in government institutions and had integral roles in decision making. I was honored to be the first female Minister in the Federal Cabinet in 2004, and now the UAE has nine female cabinet ministers, and the speaker of the Federal National Council is the first woman in this capacity in the Arab world ever.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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L diplomatVIP

Le Ballet Royal du Cambodge, un héritage et un devoir royal Entretien avec Son Altesse Royale le Haut Prince Sisowath Tesso, Directeur du Ballet Royal du Cambodge.

Photographie: Ballet Royal du Cambodge.

Prince Tesso, la Princesse Norodom Buppha Devi et vous emmenâtes une délégation du Ballet Royal du Cambodge en Suisse et en France en mai dernier. Pourquoi est-ce que vous avez choisi ces deux pays?

Le Ballet Royal se produit régulièrement en Europe tous les 2 ou 3 ans. La France est le principal pays où nous donnons nos représentations dans de nombreuses villes.

Cette année nous nous sommes produit à Paris au Philarmonique de la Cité de la Musique, mais nous avons beaucoup de plaisir égalementà danser dans des villes de provinces comme Mérignac, Calais, Enghein, etc…

Nous essayons également de promouvoir le Ballet Royal dans les autres pays d’Europe, et c’est pour cette raison que le Ballet Royal se produisait pour la première fois en Suisse.

Les arts et la culture khmères ne sont pas assez connues à l’étranger, croyez vous que ces voyages et représentations aident à promouvoir et créer une conscience du riche héritage du royaume?

Le Ballet Royal du Cambodge est inscrit au patrimoine immatériel de l’UNESCO depuis 2003, aussi il est un art universel. Nous avons le devoir en tant que Cambodgiens et membres de la Famille Royale de le faire mieux connaitre auprès des autres pays. Même si cela est difficile et onéreux car nous sommes une troupe d’environ 40 à 45 personnes, un spectacle du ballet Royal du Cambodge chorégraphie par SAR la Princesse Norodom Buppha Devi, est un évènement unique et rare à ne pas manquer de voir au moins une fois dans sa vie.

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Ce quoi l’importance du Ballet Royal cambodgien dans la société khmère actuelle?

Le Ballet Royal, même si de nos jours a perdu de son prestige royal et religieux, reste néanmoins pour beaucoup de jeunes cambodgiens une fierté nationale, car c’est une forme artistique unique dans le monde, qui prend ses origines depuis le XII-èmesiècle et n’a pas perdu de sa splendeur à travers les temps et les âges. C’est un art fragile transmis oralement du professeur à l’élève et quimême si les danses sont présentes comme un spectacle gardent malgré tout aux yeux et dans le cœur des cambodgien un sens profondément sacré et mystérieux.

SM le Roi Sihamoni du Cambodge, SAR la Princesse Norodom Buppha Devi sont des anciens danseurs. Quel rôle est-ce que le ballet joue près de la royauté khmère ?

L’instruction des arts dans la famille Royale du Cambodge est une tradition et fait partie intégrante de notre éducation. Le défunt Roi Sihanouk était compositeur, musiciens, chanteur et avait également réalise des films.

De nos jours hélas les jeunes princes et princesses n’ont plus vraiment la possibilité de consacrer du temps à leur éducation culturelle, les obligations des enseignements modernes les obligent à se consacrer plutôt à l’apprentissage des langues et des nombreuses matières universitaires.

Diplomat Magazine: Envisagez la possibilité de rouvrir le Palais Royale pour faciliter les répétitions des danses sacrés?

De nos jours le Ballet Royal est rattaché au Ministère de la Culture et des Beaux-arts. Ceci permet aux élèves et étudiants d’avoir accès a un enseignement large et varie suivant le circuit scolaire et universitaire comme n’importe quel autre élèves ou étudiants. Les meilleurs d’entre eux et parfois les plus chanceux, sont alors sélectionnés par la Princesse Buppha Devi qui les forme personnellement à son domicile pour qu’elles intègrent sa troupe du Ballet Royal et puissent ainsi suivre une carrière de danseuse étoile.

La Ministre de la Culture, Françoise Nyssen, a participé à une soirée du ballet à la Philharmonie de Paris.

Est-ce que vous voyez un nouvel intérêt vers le Cambodge en France?

Les liens qui unissent la France au Cambodge datent de plusieurs siècles et ne s’est jamais dégradé ou estompé, au contraire depuis la fin des années noire du régime Khmer Rouge et de la guerre, la France a toujours soutenu et encourage le renouveau des arts traditionnels au Cambodge. Le premier spectacle du ballet royal à l’étranger fut donné au Château de Versailles en 1999.

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diplomatVIP

A 60th anniversary for the Benelux Union

By Alain de Muyser, Deputy Secretary General of the Benelux Union. Photography: Benelux Union.

Launched in 1944 as a Customs Union, the Benelux cooperation was formally institutionalized in 1958 by a treaty setting up a “Benelux Economic Union”.

In 2008, the treaty was expanded to sustainable development and security matters, thus becoming a “Benelux Union”.

As the initiator of the European common market, the three Benelux countries have played a significant role in the shaping of the European integration. Constantly adapting to new realities, the Benelux cooperationevolved from a thematic collaboration to encompass topics related to the welfare and security of its citizens, notably trans-border mobility, social cohesion, police cooperation and fraud prevention. Thus, in 1985, at the helm of European integration, and together with France and Germany, the Benelux initiated the Schengen agreements.

The Benelux “raison d’être” and added-value – both politically and economically – remains more relevant than ever.The Benelux countries, building on 60 years of shared experience, constantly prove that many of the challenges of our time need a flexible and pragmatic approach based on sharing and trusting.

Although not always in agreement, but always guided by an open minded approach, it is together that we can work out pragmatic and sustainable solutions to new “borderless” challenges, in the interest of the whole of Europe.

And with our leitmotiv “being greener and younger”, we demonstrate our responsibility towards future generations :

• An agreement on joint cross-border police operations reinforces the fight against organized crime and human trafficking.

• Green mobility: we want the obstacles to be removed so that alternative fuel and electric cars can freely circulate everywhere.

Furthermore, we worktowards the emergence of a real modal split – rail, road, air – both for individuals as for freight.

• A decision on a Benelux digital consignment note pilot project facilitates road transport, reducing administrative work and savesup to € 300 million per year for Benelux freight carriers .

• Climate change : through table-top simulations, the Benelux Union analyzes the consequences of these phenomena, seeks cross-border solutions, concerning public health, transport and energy.

• Circular economy : extending the life of products not only saves raw materials and energy, and reduces waste. Plus we need a change of mentalities and education to sustainabledevelopment and to the principles of circularity play an important role.

Benelux cooperation looks towards the future.

We aim at solving nowadays questions which have a transnational impact and strive for concrete results and durable achievements that have a direct impact on the prosperity and security of all our citizens.

• An agreement on the automatic recognition of higher education diplomas allows for a better mobility and an uniform level playing field for students and workers.

• An agreement on cross-border ambulance and emergency services saves lives and promotes the development ofmedical assistance without borders.

• A co-operation treaty allowing for common road inspectionsof freight carriers increases the security and safety of all road users, truck and car drivers,and promotes fairnessin between entrepreneurs.

And yet, the Benelux seems to be better known outside than within its own region, mainly due to the political weight of the Benelux and its engaged vocation to inspire and revive European integration, especially when centrifugal and populist forces threaten European solidarity and cohesion. Benelux seeks region-to-regioncooperation, be it with France and Germany or beyond with the Baltic States, the Nordic Council, the Visegrad countries, or even further.

Through its combined action, the Benelux Union plays a decisive role as a model for future European integration, and is the perfect laboratory to sustainably complete the EU single marketand strengthen the European areaof freedom, security and justice.

These are all some of the challenges that can find concrete answers at regional level and then serve and applied across the whole EU. That role is enshrined in the DNA of the Benelux Union since 60 years.

The Benelux still has a bright future ahead.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: www.benelux.int

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

germany TWO YEARS AS GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO THE NETHERLANDS

By H.E. Mr. Dirk Brengelmann, Ambassador of Germany to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

Over 30 years ago, my wife Brigitte and I visited The Hague (and the German Embassy and Huis Schuylenburch, the German Ambassador’s Residence in the city centre), as part of the training programme of our Foreign Service Academy. The late Ambassador Otto von der Gablentz, a beacon of Dutch-German relations, received us and the other participants in the programme.

He described the challenges of his job, given many people’s memories of World War II, but also the wonderful experience of working with the people of the Netherlands to foster relations between our two countries. It was his dream job, he said. My wife and I concluded that this could be a future posting for us…It just took a little time.

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And it is still a dream job for any German Ambassador today.

German-Dutch relations cover every aspect of international cooperation, but go beyond that to include the regional and local level, in particular cross-border cooperation/Euregios, etc.

One aspect of the work of Otto von der Gablentz has changed: the shadows and tensions in the aftermath of World War II have largely faded away. However, it is still part of my work to attend important herdenking events, to make sure we remember and give testimony.

As I mentioned, German-Dutch relations touch every aspect, and some facts are hardly known to either the Germans or Dutch: • In 2017, goods worth 177 billion euros were traded between Germany and the Netherlands. German imports from the Netherlands amounted to 91.2 billion,

while German exports to the Netherlands totalled 85.7 billion. The Netherlands was thus Germany’s second most important trading partner, right after China. Germany has been the main holiday destination for the Dutch for the past eleven years– and the Dutch are very much no. 1 in terms of foreign visitors to Germany.

• The Dutch and German armies are integrating on many levels, well beyond the 1 (German-Netherlands) Corps in Münster.

New projects are being planned. In most of our missions abroad we are teaming up with the Netherlands and this cooperation is very important to us.

• In foreign policy and in the European Union our two countries are far more often than not “like-minded” and work closely together. This is true from the top level right to the very practical cooperation between our capitals, across the border and abroad.

Ambassadors and JB Gewald

diplomatICEVENTS • The Dutch very much like this to take place at Augenhöhe, that is, on an equal footing.

And given their status as a strong economic and political player, they have every reason for this.

• At the Frankfurter Buchmesse in 2016 the Netherlands and Flanders were the Guest of Honour. I was amazed to see how many Dutch books appeal to a German audience.

We are interested in the literature, history and politics of the Netherlands – some even say the country is a bellwether state for upcoming developments.

Are there aspects which I think could be better? Yes, indeed, I believe it would be very good if Dutch school children learned more German (again). Language skills are important for communication, better mutual understanding, business, travel etc.

We also strive for more Dutch language education in Germany – and it works well, mainly in the western border areas.

I have often been asked what I like most about the Netherlands. My answers would include: • The open and professional way of doing business in the Netherlands. The country’spolitical system is very transparent.

The Kamerbrief instrument is indicative of the relationship between the executive and the legislative. And it is a treasure for the reporting needs of any diplomat!

• The good mix of old Dutch towns and remarkable modern architecture, even next to the motorway • The beaches in Scheveningen and Wassenaar (as I write it is 38 °C outside…) and biking in the dunes.

• I am also asked if there is anything I do not like or where I disagree. As Ambassador one is naturally cautious, but let me try: • I have not become the greatest fan of broodjes lunch, but there are excellent restaurants here, no doubt.

• Some Dutch argue they are basically free of hierarchical structures. However, I can quickly sense a certain hierarchical order, but it is more informal than in other countries.

Many observers say that it is always a good idea to mix German and Dutch colleagues, talents etc. After two years in The Hague, I can only agree.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

Centenary of Nelson Mandela

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Eelkje Colmjon.

The Embassy of South Africa, the Africa Studies Centre Leiden and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam cohosted a lecture at the Academigebouw Leiden University.

The occasion was the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. Master of Ceremonies was Prof. Jan-Bart Gewald, director Africa Study Centre Leiden.

Prof. Mark Rutgers, Dean Faculty of Humanities, welcomed the guests on behalf of Rector Magnificus Prof. Carel Stolker.

H.E. Mr. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands, gave an introduction to the centenary of Nelson Mandela.

Prof Tom Lodge of Limerick University Irelandauthor of the biography Mandela.

A Critical Life (2006)delivered the keynote addresson the leadership of Nelson Mandela(Madiba) Prof. Tom Lodge expressed: Mandela’s leadership would combine three qualities: “ Messianic heroism; Patrimonial authority; Strategic vision. These are three dimensions of leadership that correspond with the

H.E Mr Bruce Koloane Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands

conventional analytical distinctions between charismatic, traditional and legal-rational types of authority.

Mandela was careful – fussy even about his appearance, about what he wore and how he appeared in public.

His professional achievements were not merely instrumental for him in his political ascendancy, though they had a lot to do with it. He was a lawyer by training and vocation. Mandela lived by rules, codes and an etiquette of behaviour engrained in him by an ethos of honour learned both at his Africanchildhood home, at the Anglophile schools he attended, and in the legal court civilities he learned.”

The centenary celebration of the birth of Nelson Mandela was, by all means, a tremendous success. Among the attendees were the Ambassadors of Nigeria, Tunisia, Rwanda, chargé d’affaires of Algeria, Morocco and others.

A reception concluded the celebration.

Prof. Jan-Bart Gewald

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

iran RESPECTING IRAN’S RIGHTS: A TEST ON ADHERENCE TO THE RULE OF LAW Photography: The Embassy of Iran in The Hague.

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Alireza Jahangiri, invited the media to a breakfast meeting to exchange views on the current issues related to Iran. In a frank conversation, the Ambassador advocated for Iran’s rightfulness and exhorted the international community to uphold the Rule of Law. Welcoming representatives from the media for the breakfast meeting, Ambassador Jahangiri opened the talks with a discussion on Dutch news. Soon, however, the conversation led to the current international situation of Iran, which is facing new challenges in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.

The Ambassador talked with the media about the historical context predating the much debated nuclear issue. H.E. Mr. Jahangiri noted that “since the Revolution in 1979, Iran has faced all types of hostilities and pressures,” such as severe political and economic sanctions, eight years of war, the assassination of 17000 citizens, coup and regime change attempts, and a war from the media.

The international pressure campaign against Iran – the Ambassador noted – also targeted Iran’s nuclear programme. The Ambassador stressed the peaceful nature of such programme, which was needed for energy supply, medical treatment, and industrial applications. While reports from the UN and the International Atomic Energy Agency

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failed to provide any definitive evidence of the alleged military objectives of Iran’s nuclear programme – Ambassador Jahangiri stressed – Iran still chose the path of negotiations.

In spite of the Iran’s indisputable right to a peaceful nuclear programme, the country decided to engage in 12 long years of negotiations with the West, H.E. Mr. Jahangiri noted, with the aim of reaching a win-win outcome. Such outcome was reached in 2015, when the JCPOA was signed by Iran and the so-called P5+1 (the 5 Permanent Members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), and then endorsed by UNSC Reslution 2231. Under the deal, Iran agreed on certain restrictions to its nuclear programme, in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

While the IAEA has certified for 12 times the Islamic Republic’s compliance with the JCPOA, in May 2018 President Donald J. Trump announced the unilateral withdrawal of the U.S. from the deal, thus setting the scene for the snap-back of a series of harsh economic sanctions on Iran. Such sanctions already caused major damages to Iran, such as the suspension of KLM and Air France direct flights to Tehran, as well as the halt of Iran’s imports and exports of certain goods.

Ambassador Jahangiri stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran, although being able to reciprocate and re-start its pre-deal nuclear activities, decided to abide by its obligations and responsibilities under the JCPOA. Through a responsible approach based on the Rule of Law – the Ambassador explained – Iran filed a lawsuit in the International Court of Justice, claiming violations on the side of the

U.S. to the 1955 “Treaty of amity, Economic Relations and Consular Rights” between the U.S. and Iran. After holding hearings, the Court issued provisional measures ordering the U.S. to free the exports of medical goods, food stuffs, and civil aviation spare parts to Iran.

Such decision – H.E. Mr. Jahangiri stressed – was adopted unanimously by the ICJ judges, including the United State’s judge.

However – he regretted – the U.S. decided to adopt a “bullying reaction” it withdrew from the Treaty of Amity, as it had previously done from UNESCO, the UN Human Rights Council, the Paris Agreement, NAFTA, the TPP, as well as the JCPOA. Such withdrawal is itself a breach of paragraph 3 of the Court’s order, in which the parties are asked to refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute.

Referring to the Court’s order, which is legally binding upon all countries, Ambassador Jahangiri called on the international community to abandon all restrictions in relation to the cases covered by the order, and to refuse to cooperate with the U.S. in its “unlawful impose of unilateral sanctions.” In particular, the Ambassador called on the EU to “take practical measures to preserve the track of diplomacy, multilateralism and the rule of law.”

On November 4th, a new round of U.S. sanctions on Iran is set to take effect. In the meanwhile, the whole world closely follows the current situation of Iran.

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diplomaticevents

International Conference for Iraqi Judges H.E. Hisham Al-Alwi, Ambassador of Iraq, in cooperation with the Terrorism Prevention branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC/TPB) held an international conference for Iraqi Judges on “the accountability of ISIL/Dae’sh crimes in Iraq: collection of evidence, prosecution, trials and international cooperation”, at the Embassy in The Hague.

This important event brought together a group of senior Iraqi judges dealing with terrorist cases involving ISIL/Dae’sh in Iraq as well as experts from the international criminal tribunals in The Hague and senior United Nations representatives including Mr. Karim Asad Khan, the newly appointed Special Adviser and Head of the Investigative Team established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), to support domestic efforts to hold Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Dae’sh) accountable by collecting, preserving, and storing evidence in Iraq of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed by the terrorist group.

As a background, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Dae’sh) perpetrated serious and systematic violations in Iraq that amount to “international crimes’ since its capture of the city of Mosul in June 2014, including the nine-month battle for Mosul between the terrorist group and Iraqi Government forces.

FROM BEAN TO BAR Early in the morning, the sun is rising in Ghana. On farming fields all over the country, cocoa farmers are harvesting ripe cocoa pods from the trees. After the fruits are opened by hand, the pulp containing the cocoa beans is scraped out of the skin and heaped on large banana-leaves.

When the fermentation process has come to an end, the beans are dried in the sun and shipped out into the world. To you, to us, to everyone wanting to enjoy the absolute best quality in chocolate possible.

At Lindt, we strongly believe that the success of our world-renowned chocolate can not be merely measured by the end product.

To us, it has since long been only natural that the first investment should begin at the source. With care and regard for all humans and every environmental issue involved.

One of the corner-stones of this philosophy, is the Lindt Farming Program. Its aim is to trace ingredients back to their origin and support farmers and their families according to their specific needs. Thus, we support the

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farmers in applying good agricultural, social, environmental and business practices in the management of their farms. Also, we have committed substantial funds for setting up schools, the establishment of village resourcecenters, and the set-up of wells for clean drinking water.

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, we have set a Code of Conduct, mandatory for every supplier to sign and uphold. The Code establishes minimum standards regarding industrial wastewater treatment, air emission and environmental reporting. It furthermore strictly prohibits corruption and bribery, discrimination and child labor. It insists on freely chosen employment, fair compensation and working conditions, as well as freedom of association.

As far as Lindt is concerned, all this is not to be seen as a special merit. It is just the way we like to respectfully deal with the world. This is why we are happy to be one of the few chocolate companies in the world in full control of every state of the chocolate production process.

Or, as we like to put it: from bean to bar.

Evidence shows that ISIL committed mass atrocities against civilians and Mosul itself, a city they claimed as their capital, but for which they sought its ultimate deliberate destruction. Dae’sh reign of terror has spared no one, inflicting untold suffering on unarmed residents.

However, after the defeat of ISIL, more than 12000 ISIL fighters were captured and detained in Iraqi prisons. As Iraq’s criminal justice response faced challenges regarding the big number of the terrorist group’s detainees as well as the difficulties related to investigating and prosecuting them, UNODC’s Terrorism Prevention Branch brings its support to Iraqi criminal justice officials and law enforcement agencies in this regard.

By Marwan Hani Osseiran, Visiting Professional, ICC.

advertorial

The President of the International Court of Justice, H.E. Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yousef and the Ambassador of El Salvador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations based in The Hague, H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez.

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International Court of Justice and Embassy of El Salvador Pay Homage to Doctor José Gustavo Guerrero Photography: The Embassy of El Salvador.

The President of the International Court of Justice, H.E. Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yousef and the Ambassador of El Salvador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations based in The Hague, H.E. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, presided over the tribute to the illustrious Salvadoran internationalist Doctor José Gustavo Guerrero, last President of the Permanent Court of International Justice and First President of the International Court of Justice.

The solemn ceremony took place on 16 October 2018 in the Great Hall of Justice of the International Court of Justice, at the Peace Palace, seat of the International Court of Justice, in the presence of members of the Court, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and high officials of international organizations based in The Hague.

The President of the Court highlighted in his words the honor that it deserves to the highest court of justice in the world, having had among its members a man who had international law and the concept of justice as a way of life, which translated into an exceptional step for more than two decades in the International Court of Justice and its predecessor the Permanent Court of International Justice.

The Brazilian Judge Antônio Augusto Cançado Trindade elaborated in a broad and comprehensive manner the contribution of Doctor Guerrero to the Latin American doctrine of International Law, underscoring particularly the codification of international law, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the law of international organizations, and the law of nations, among others.

The Registrar of the Court, H.E. Philippe Couvreur referred that Judge Guerrero was the author of several landmark studies on some of the most controversial questions of his time. In words of Mr. Couvreur Dr. Guerrero “shaped the course of that history at the most difficult moments and safeguarded its legacy when the Court was re-formed, despite the turbulence of those new times”

Representing the family of Doctor Guerrero, Mr. José Miguel Arévalo Rengifo expressed that Dr. Guerrero’s profound love and patriotism towards El Salvador was undeniable, adding with great emotion that “the lord of white mustaches became a hero and a model to follow, when confirmed in his indelible figure that the great world leaders are not exclusive of the most developed nations.”

In his speech, Ambassador Vásquez Gómez highlighted the pride that Doctor Guerrero represents as a remarkable son of El Salvador, whose merit of professional life made him transcend the borders of his native land, gaining recognition and distinction not only for his dedication and profound contribution to international law, but also for its strong commitment to the principles and values of peace and justice.

The highlight of the ceremony was the grant of Diplomatic Merit Medal Doctor José Gustavo Guerrero to the President of the International Court of Justice opportunity in which H.E. Vásquez Gómez mentioned that “this honor symbolize the gesture of a Nation grateful to the highest Court of Justice in the world, which offered the opportunity to Judge Guerrero to develop his deep devotion and dedication to justice and international law.

As part of the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a musical presentation of six Salvadoran children from the city of San Pedro Perulapán, members of the group “Armonía Cuscatleca”, who proudly performed the musical pieces named “El Carbonero” and “El Torito Pinto”.

Ambassador Vásquez Gómez and H.E. Philippe Couvreur with Doctor José Gustavo Guerrero’s family.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

Kenya PRIORITISING ON KENYA’S DEVELOPMENTAL AGENDA

By H.E. Laurence Lenayapa, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

Since arriving in the Netherlands in August, I have been very pleased to enjoy the Dutch hospitality and I look forward to making this my home for the next few years. I also look forward to visiting various parts of the country in the course of my duty as well as to simply enjoy the beauty the country has to offer. The Hague, where the Embassy is situated presents the opportunity to work in a very international environment with the presence of several other embassies, international organisations and various nationalities of people who work here.

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In my new role as Ambassador, I intend to prioritise my focus on Kenya’s developmental agenda that is guided by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya. The Agenda, commonly known as the Big Four Agenda, will focus on moving Kenya forward in the areas of Manufacturing, Universal Healthcare, Housing and Food security.

MANUFACTURING

The government plans to increase manufacturing from 9.2 per cent to 20 per cent by 2022. The major focus is put on among others cotton production and textile industry.

The country will then realize greater value from export by controlling the value chain and making something of the raw materials that are produced. It is anticipated that the bigger the economy, the increased employment opportunity and wider shared prosperity.

UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE

Our government appreciates that a healthy people ensures effective production and hence increase in wealth by reducing pressure. The government therefore will seek to deal with preventable diseases like malaria which will ensure a healthy nation, apart from reducing pressure in hospitals. The government also puts emphasis on tracking medicine from manufacturing to consumption by patients, conducting census and getting the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) functioning at its optimum. The Big Four Agenda lists five innovative initiatives which are purposed to drive NHIF scale up. These include activating community health worker network, legalizing reforms to align NHIF to universal healthcare, redefining NHIF to include Multi-Tier benefit packages and digitizing NHIF.

diplomatAMBASSADORIAL FOOD SECURITY

The country plans to invest in infrastructure which will allow for distribution of food from one part of the country to others, being open to producing food for other countries and producing cost effective foods as well as addressing mismatch in food production.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Plans are underway to set up a Kenya Mortgage Refinancing Company (KMRC) to manage low cost liquidity for mortgages. The government plans to build affordable homes through mechanisms including partnerships with other agencies.

The Big Four Agenda will closely follow the implementation of Kenya’s Vision 2030. The two important agendas with their correlating pillars are considered the long-term development blueprint for Kenya, which is motivated by a collective aspiration for a better society by the year 2030. Their main objective is to create a globally competitive and prosperous Country with a high quality of life by 2030.

With this in mind, I will capitalise on the already existing good bilateral relations between Kenya and the Netherlands. I will seek to maximise on the opportunities available through the Aid-to-Trade policy of the Netherlands by actively seeking out Dutch investors for direct investments or to work through public private partnerships (PPP).

The Dutch Companies can take advantage of the favourable conditions in Kenya such as a solid infrastructure, ideal climate, and a deep pool of educated and skilled manpower amongst others.

Also, Kenya’s fully liberalised economy has no restrictions on domestic and foreign borrowing by residents and non-residents.

Kenya’s strategic location allows investors to easily access the countries in the region.

In addition to focusing on Kenya’s development agenda, I am committed to ensure Kenya fulfils its obligations emanating from its membership to international organisations based in the Netherlands. Kenya’s robust participation in these organisations will demonstrate the commitment to invest in programs aimed at promoting the rule of law, international peace and stability and innovative diplomacy to contribute to a just and peaceful world.I will therefore ensure that Kenya continues taking part in conversations of a complex nature that will always be guided by law, state practice and multilateralism.

Experiencing the Wonderful World of Yoga

By Sheila Turabaz

On Sunday the 17th of June, the fourth edition of International Yoga Day was held for the first time in Amsterdam.

Thousands of people, as well as numerous Dutch and Indian dignitaries from diplomatic corps visited the capitalto take part in a yoga lifestyle for this day and to participate in this year’s yoga celebrations. The wellness festival, organized by the Embassy of India, was a unique opportunity for both yoga professionals and novices to practice yoga in the heart of the vibrant city of Amsterdam.

International Yoga Day is celebrated in more than a hundred countries annuallyaround the 21stJune.The purpose of this event is to promote global health, harmony and peace.The Prime Minister of India, Mr. NarendraModi proposed the day of 21st June to celebrate the art of yoga, as it coincides with the Summer Solstice, a day that carries a special significance in many parts of the world.

This year’s International Yoga Daywas inaugurated by the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, Ms. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Ambassador of India H.E. Mr. VenuRajamony.

Ambassador Rajamonywelcomed the participants and emphasized the significance of yoga to mankind and society. He encouraged more of hisfellow diplomats to pay a visit to the cultural wing of the Embassy of India in The Hague-The Gandhi Centre, and attend its free yoga classes to be a part of the yoga movement.

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Apart from yoga demonstrations, the stalls providing advice and products on wellness and healthy food, and a concert by violin maestro Dr. L. Subramanium and Bollywood singer Kavita Krishnamurthy contributed to making this year’s International Yoga Day a great success.

In his speech, which was streamed live during the festival, the Prime Minister of India Mr.NarendraModi also encouraged everyone to become acquainted with the yoga lifestyle.

Minister Van Nieuwenhuijzen followed with a speech in which she mentioned the cooperation between the India and the Netherlands in building a better world.

Sheila Turabaz and H.E. Venu Rajamony Ambassador of India

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

cuba PRESERVING THE CULTURAL UNDERWATER HERITAGE CUBA AND THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS SIGNED A MEMORADUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL UNDERWATER HERITAGE.

By H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of Cuba to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Photography: Kim Vermaat.

Last July 11 on the occasion of celebration of the 116th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlandshave signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Preservation of Underwater Cultural Heritage between the National Council of Cultural Heritage of Cuba (CNPC) and the Rijksdienstvoor het CultureelErfgoed (RCE) of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In the premises of the Second Palace Cape (Palacio del Segundo Cabo) in the Old Havana held the official ceremony of the signature of the MoU. This MoU express the mutual wishes to continue the development of the historicalarchaeological research project, entitled: “The Dutch presence in Cuban waters”. The MoU was signed by the President of the CNPC, Ms. Gladys Collazo Usallán and by Mr. Martijn Manders, Head of the Maritime Program of the Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE).

The CNPC of Cuba and the RCE of Holland, appear to express their mutual pretensions to continue to develop a joint collaboration, with the aim of enriching knowledge about the historical and cultural heritage of both nations,

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ensuring that all the activities that derive will be in accordance with the current legislation of both countries and in correspondence with the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001), and its Annex.

the centuries; it delves into the geographic knowledge of the time that made it possible and the purposes for which it was made.

At the early date of 1500 the Castilian navigator Juan de la Cosa (ca. 1450-1509) drew up the Universal Charter, whose greatest merit lies in being the oldest surviving cartographic work in which the American continent and Cuba appear.

The MoU as an ‘evidence’ for the equal partnership, balanced input, mutual benefit and long term commitment between both countries in this field.

From then on, in nautical charts, plans, coastal profiles and news recorded, the “Key of the New World and Antemural of the West Indies”, title granted to Havana and then, by extension, to Cuba was studied closely by the Europeans.

In the multitouch table of the room the visitor can know singularities of the maps and their authors.

The ceremony was also attended by executives from the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana (OHC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba (MINREX), the Ministry of Culture of Cuba (MINCULT), the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cuba, H.E. Mrs. Alexandra Varkenburg as well as myself as the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The application, which is subdivided into four main themes: Explorations, Confrontations, Trade and Collection, makes visible a vast Dutch cartography never before seen in our country, belonging to the collections of the National Archive of the Netherlands, the Library of the University of Amsterdam, the Maritime Museum of Rotterdam, the Royal Library of The Hague and the Rijksmuseum.

This special ceremony held also in a historic location: The Palace of the Second Cape, where is also located the Center for the Interpretation of Cultural Relations Cuba-Europe. This Center is an institution that proposes a new museography that uses the technologies of computer science and communications, in a museographic discourse that constitutes a meeting space between both regions in the fields of culture and heritage.

The paneling also refers to navigators, cartographers, geographers and pedagogues, both Cuban and European, who made significant contributions to the discipline worldwide or in its development in Cuba. We also highlight indispensable instruments for navigation and four audio-visuals that bring us closer to the engravings of the bay of Havana and Santiago, by the Dutch cartographer and water colourist Johannes Vingboons.

In addition, the Palace has a Cartography Room in which Cuban and Dutch institutions have also collaborated intensively, and where is discussed the cartographic representation of Cuba through

Undoubtedly, the signing of this MoU was an excellent incentive to continue developing and expanding bilateral relations and building bridges between both countries in all areas of common interest.

diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

finland

DIFFERENT YET LIKEMINDED

By H.E. Mr. Päivi Kaukoranta, Ambassador of Finland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Photography: Roy Strik.

I have assumed recently, in the beginning of October, my functions as the Ambassador of Finland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and as Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

My responsibilities cover also the International Criminal Court and other Hague based institutions. It has been a flying start with a wealth of most interesting meetings and discussions.

With a background in international law, last nine years as Director General for Legal Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, I am most happy to get an opportunity to serve my country in The Hague, in the legal capital of the World.

My home country, Finland is a country with a population of 5,5 million contrary to the 17,1 million inhabitants of my new host country, the Netherlands. There are 18,1 inhabitants per square kilometer in Finland – in the Netherlands the density of population is 507 inhabitants per square kilometer. 75 % ofthe land area of Finland, which is about three times the land area of the Netherlands, is covered by forests.

Despite of thesedifferences the Netherlands is for Finland a very close and like-minded partner in the European Union and more generally in international cooperation. The foreign policy of our two governments is practical and solution-oriented with its foundation on basic values.The Netherlands is also for us a benchmarking country for example when it comes to socio-political solutions and social innovations. With some essence of truth, we may call the Netherlands the most southern Nordic country.The Netherlands ranks as third in export from Finland and fifth as an import country. Our trade and economic relations are close even if the high volume of transit trade through the port of Rotterdam

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explains part of it. Maintaining and enhancing these good relations at all levels will naturally be high on the agenda of our Embassy.

In the city of peace and justiceour tasks extend also to the established international institutions as well as to the more recent ones.

International Criminal Court, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other international and European institutions will deserve our constructive contribution – not least now when multilateral cooperation encounters particular challenges.

Finland will hold the Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2019.

Our small but efficient team at the Embassy will do its utmost to manage the tasks of the local Presidency.

The Finnish expatriate community in the Netherlands amounts to ca. 5000 people.

The Dutch-Finnish Society, Finnish Dutch Chamber of Commerce and Finnish Seamen’s Mission are trusted partners of the Embassy of Finland.

The few weeks experience in The Hague has already been a testimony of the good reputation thereof – the host country, organisations and fellow diplomats have guaranteed a warm welcome to a newcomer. I am looking forward to continued good cooperation with all of you!

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Besides our well-designed wine list, we offer local beers and exciting cocktails created by our mixologist (from the cocktail bar SPARK – also located at Hilton The Hague). Our passionate team members are excited to take you on a journey! Restaurant Pearl is the meeting place for everyone who enjoys fantastic meat and a great experience.

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

australia and the Netherlands

400 YEARS OF SHARED HISTORY

By H.E. Matthew Ernest Keith Neuhaus, Ambassador of Australia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Photography: Jeroen van der Meyde.

Australia’s new Ambassador to the Netherlands, HE Matthew Ernest Keith Neuhaus, comes to The Hague with a background in international law, multilateralism and Africa (he grew up in East Africa and has served as Ambassador in Zimbabwe and Nigeria).

“My career anchors” he calls them.

As a Masters student at Cambridge University he first visited the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 1986 for a mock court case - or moot. Later in his career he worked on Australia’s international court cases. So it was particularly fitting to commence his posting in The Hague as the head of the Australian delegation in the recent Chagos Islands Case.

Ambassador Neuhaus also came to The Hague in the early 1990s while Legal Adviser at Australia’s Mission to the United Nations as part of the Australian delegation finalising the Chemical Weapons Convention and its implementation. “It is exciting to see the growth of organisations such as the OPCW and ICC since those days” he says.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

He is saddened by the controversies and divisions now surrounding their work.

“Australia is a strong supporter of the international rules based order and the institutions that underpin this. We need to ensure a shared commitment as nations to the total elimination of chemical weapons and to bring to justice those who commit serious international crimes” he emphasises.

While he has a deep interest and commitment to the multilateral work, most of his time is taken up with an increasingly important bilateral relationship with the Netherlands.

“We have over 400 years of shared history” he notes, as a result of the Dutch being the first Europeans to sail to Australia’s shores, in 1606, which they named “New Holland”.

The name didn’t stick but the relationship did, with the Dutch active in Asia to this day. More than 300,000 Australians claim Dutch heritage. Formal diplomatic relations were entered into during World War 2 when Australia’s High Commissioner in London became the first accredited Ambassador to the then Government in Exile in London. The Embassy in The Hague was opened with the liberation of the Netherlands, in which many young Australians lost their lives.

“Few people know that the Netherlands is now Australia’s fourth largest foreign director investor” Ambassador Neuhaus reveals, with

only USA, UK and Japan ahead. “While we have an important and growing economic and political relationship with the countries of our Indo-Pacific region, Europe remains crucial.

This even more so as we begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with Europe, and the Netherlands is a particularly important partner in Europe” he notes.

We also share values and approaches with the Netherlands, including a commitment to global free trade and innovation and promoting the rule of law, free expression and democracy. This makes us important allies internationally. We have worked and fought together against terrorism and injustice, most recently in Afghanistan and Iraq in countering ISIL. We are cooperating closely to pursue truth and justice for the victims and families of the MH17 tragedy in which many of our nationals died.

In the aftermath of the successful Invictus Games in Sydney led by Prince Harry, which support and celebrate injured servicemen and women, Ambassador Neuhaus is looking forward to the next Games in 2020 in The Hague. Finally as a gender champion he is determined to support increasing gender equality and women in leadership positions in international institutions during his time in The Hague. “It is not only the right thing to do but the smart thing to doand I look forward to promoting more positive change during my posting here”, he notes.

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

sweden

INNOVATE WITH US!

SWEDEN CO-LAB AT THE HANNOVER FAIR IN APRIL 2019

By H.E. Mr. Per Thöresson, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Germany. Photography: Courtesy of the Embassy of Sweden in Germany.

On 1–5 April 2019, Sweden will be the official Partner Country at the Hannover Fair – Hannover Messe – the world’s largest trade fair for smart, connected industry. Sweden is the first Nordic country to have been invited to be Partner Country. Thisis of course a great honour, and a reflection of Sweden’s good reputation as an industrial nation.

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Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, Germany could be described as a big country with many successful medium-sized companies, while Sweden – like the Netherlands – is a comparatively small country with many large, global companies. To the average consumer, IKEA or H&Mwould perhaps spring to mind, but the fact is that Sweden has long been a breeding ground for successful industrial multinationals, like ABB, SKF and Ericsson, which have laid the foundations forthe country’s modern economy. These three and many more are of course very much involved in preparations for next year’s Hannover Fair.

But there is also growth from below. In recent years, Sweden has become a leading “tech hub” of Europe, with a flourishing start-up scene.

Or did you know that, per capita, Stockholm has the largest number of “unicorns” –

start-up companies valuedat over $1 billion – after Silicon Valley? A great many Swedish start-ups will also be at the Hannover Fair, building international networks for the future.

For Swedish companies, the key to success has been a capacity to innovate, combined with a positive approach to change, which has enabled long-established businesses to remain at the cutting edge for many decades. Sweden has a strongly export-driven economy that has always been dependent on how well our companies perform on world markets and manage to adapt to new global challenges.

Swedes, moreover, tend to be forward-looking and keen to try new technology. In a sense, Sweden itself is something of a “test bed” for new, innovative solutions, before they are launched on global markets.

diplomatICEVENTS

Bangladesh Speaker visits Green House Photography: the Embassy of Bangladesh.

This should be a major advantage in the industrial revolution we are all now in the midst of,in which innovative thinking and the ability to adapt and cooperate globally are more important than ever. The focus of the Swedish partnership in Hannover will therefore be on the factors crucial to our future as a modern industrial nation: co-creation and innovation. Under the motto of “Sweden Co-Lab”, we will present ourselves as an incubator for co-creation (Co) and innovation (Lab), and we hope to see a wide range of opportunities for collaboration and exchange of expertise among Swedish, German and international businesses and research institutions, as well as at the politicallevel. In Sweden we often talk about the “triple helix” principle: the need for private companies, academia and government agenciesto work together to achieve results.

Already last year,in conjunction with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Stockholm, our Governments signed up to a German– Swedish partnership for innovation.

It covers four main areas: mobility, digitalisation, test beds and eHealth. These are four important sectors for the future, in which our countries complement each other well. To generalise a little, I would say that Swedish companies are often world leaders in new, innovative solutions, while their German counterparts are masters of process and quality. Combining these strengths would ensure new, competitive collaborations and business solutions in a sector that is changing at unprecedented speed. At the Hannover Fair, though,the whole world will be gathered. Of the 6,500 exhibitors, over 60 per cent will be from other countries. The potential for networking is enormous.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

The Hannover Fair will provide considerable exposure for Sweden and Swedish companies, and offers a unique chance for Swedish industry to market itself, its products and its capabilities, as well as to find new business partners in Germany and worldwide. Watch out for press conferences organized by the representatives of the Hannover Messe, Swedish Embassies and Business Sweden all over the world during winter 2018/19 ahead of the fair.

But the Hannover Fair will also be an opportunity to showcase Swedish music and culture, not least at the inaugural ceremony, which the German Chancellor and Swedish Prime Minister will be participating in the evening before the fair opens. The following day we look forward to opening, together with the Chancellor, the “Sweden Co-Lab Digital Factory”, as the Swedish pavilion will be called, to the estimated 220,000 visitors to the fair. We hope you will be among them!

The Honourable Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, made a tour to the Westland in the Netherlands to gain insights on Dutch greenhouse technology.

Dr. Chowdhury was in the Netherlands as one of the invited guests of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to join their 20thanniversary celebrations.

During her visit to the Westland, Dr. Chowdhury not only witnessed the innovative insights of Dutch greenhouse concepts, also came to know aspects of Dutch agricultural prowess. During her visit to world famous Ter Laak Orchids, an innovative enterprise of orchids, and the World Horticulture Center, the Speaker witnessed how research, innovation, and creativity are tied up in every step of what they have been doing in this mega greenhouse complex in the Netherlands.

Dr. Chowdhury , as a follow up to the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands in November 2015, advised the Embassy of Bangladesh to remain engaged with the Dutch government and assured her necessary consultation with the Agriculture Minister Ms. Matia Chowdhury for further collaboration with the Netherlands in piloting Green House technology in Bangladesh befitting to our weather and culture.

The Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, visited green houses complex in the Netherlands, together with H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh and his spouse Dr. Dilruba Nasrin

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

Azerbaijan DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC (1918-1920):

THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC AND PARLIAMENTARY REPUBLIC IN THE ISLAMIC EAST

By Mr. Jalal Mirzayev, Charge d’affaries of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Photography: Roy Strik.

2018 is a significant year in the history of Azerbaijani people, as it marks the 100th year anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijani statehood - Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR). A series of the events all over the world are being held to commemorate the memory of this short-lived, but glorious statehood.

ADR was proclaimed on May 28, 1918 with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence – the exemplary policy document which committed to the principles of democracy and rule of law. This republic was proclaimedin the midst of the turbulent and complex geo-political situation in the South Caucasus region. Despite the difficulty of the timessurrounding its establishment, ADR succeeded incombiningwestern democratic,liberal principles andideals with eastern cultural values. It was a secular and independent state which granted equal political, social and economic rights to its

citizens regardless of their origin, class or gender. ADR was also the first republic in the Islamic world granting equal suffrage to women, way ahead of many modern democracies in the world.

In a short period, ADR managed to unify whole Azerbaijan under one leadership, proclaimed first Ganja, then Baku as the capital of the country and established strong and dedicated Azerbaijani army. The territory of ADR at the time was 114 square kilometres with a population of 3.3 million people.

The national flag of Azerbaijan was adopted during the ADR period, to which the current republic is still adhering. Our flag consists of a white crescent and white eight-pointed star in a tricolour. The colours representthe ideals of the ADR founders: blue – represents having Turkic origin, red – represents modernism and green – adherence to Islamic values.

The first Parliament of Azerbaijan was established in 1918 and it was a forum where representatives of all religious and ethnic groups could freely and equally voice their opinions. The parliament, backed up by a cabinet comprised of bright, young and brilliant minds, carried out a number of exemplary and far-reaching reforms.

For instance, among economic reforms, Baku – Batum oil pipeline was restored, the construction of the Baku – Julfa railway was continued, the Azerbaijan State Bank was created, currency banknotes were issued and measures were taken to develop Caspian Shipping Company and etc.

One of the major social reforms was the abolishment of censorship on press.

Moreover, ADR accorded due attention to

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the significance of the education of young generation. During these years, the parliament passed a bill authorizing the government to allocate scholarship to youth for their study abroad. Baku State University was also opened at this time.

Successful foreign policy was one of the key accomplishments of the government. Young ADR paid due importance to establishing diplomatic relations with the world.

Representative offices of the UK, Greece, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Iran, USA, Ukraine, Finland, Sweden, Italy and Switzerland operated in Azerbaijan. The parliament adopted a law on the establishment of diplomatic missions in a number of countries. A delegation consisting of bright Azerbaijani public officials and diplomats were sent to Paris Peace Conference which succeeded in de-facto recognition of ADR by the participants of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. In fact, members of ADR delegation to Paris Peace Conference made a lasting impression on President Wilson, who later cited:“I was talking to men who talked the same language that I did in respect of ideas, in respect of conceptions of liberty, in respect of conceptions of right and justice”.

Military intervention resulted in the termination of ADRin 1920 and end of a bright chapter in Azerbaijani chronicles. The Soviet rule lasted for 70 years until in 1991 when Azerbaijan proclaimed its independence again.

Despite its short existence, ADR has become one of the most honourable and glorious periods of Azerbaijani history. Azerbaijani people still remember and honour this period with utmost respect.

diplomatICEVENTS

The Hague launching Gandhi@150 celebrations in the Netherlands

Special commemorative stamps marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi issued by the Indian Postal Department were presented by the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony to former Foreign Minister and Chairman of Carnegie Foundation, Dr. Bernard R. Bot and Director General Erik de Baedts at a function in the Peace Palace of The Hague. A large gathering of members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India participated in the function.

This support was indeed witnessed during the International Conference on Investment, Tunisia 2020, organized in Tunis in November 2016, when40 official delegations and 1500 economic partners from 70 countries attended to show support to Tunisia.

As a follow-up to the Tunisia 2020, the “Tunisia Investment Forum 2017” gathered, in November 09th 2017, about 1,500 international investors, entrepreneurs and project promoters in order to stress out the fact that Tunisia is and will remain an attractive economic destination with high competitiveness capabilities.

Still, The Netherlands and our allies and neighbors of the European Union are called upon to play a major role in gathering support, a role they have always fulfilled with a strong will, and which we hope will pick up momentum and play out in the indicated direction.

We are confident that, in light of the political support shown repeatedly by Dutch high officials to my country, the business community in this vibrant and dynamic economy would have their say in further strengthening the partnership and cooperation ties existing between the two countries on the basis of a win-win principle.

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Ambassador Venu Rajamony, members of the Indian community, friends of India also participated in a function at the Gandhi statue in The Hague. Similar functions to mark Gandhi@150 were held at the location of Gandhi statues in the cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht and Zoetermeer.

Martin Luther King and Mandela” He stressed the importance to educate the children in a rule of peace, to talk to them about Gandhi and how he achieved a pacific independence of India. Rajamony was followed by brief speeches by spiritual guru from India Sri M, and Deputy Mayor of The Hague Ms. Kavita Parbhudayal.

An outreach programme called “Follow the Mahatma” was organized by the Embassy of India under which over 100 volunteers fan out to around 20 schools of the Netherlands to spread the message of non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi.

The rally was led by Ambassadors of the USA, Indonesia, Canada, Ireland, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Belgium, Romania, Malaysia, Palestine, Cyprus, Italy, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Rwanda, Bosnia &Herzegovina and the Ambassador of India, Mr. Venu Rajamony.

A social media campaign with the hashtag #FollowTheMahatma invited people to post messages reiterating their commitment to the principle of non-violence.

AN IMPRESSIVE GANDHI MARCH

Ambassador Rajamony, organized a “Gandhi March”, which started at the emblematic Peace Palace, where a series of inspiring speeches and artistic demonstration took place.

Hundreds of people from different nationalities and ages, including many Ambassadors and diplomats, participated to mark the upcoming International Day of Non-Violence.

Ambassador Rajamony welcomed the gathering, “Let’s follow the dream of Gandhi, the same dream who inspired

The colourful march traversed through the City of The Hague and the participants congregated at the historic Grote Kerk of The Hague.

The Ambassadors of the US, H.E. Mr. Peter Hoekstra; Indonesia, H.E. I Gusti Wesaka Puja and Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Homayoon Azizi addressed the marchers at the Grote Kerk.

Multinational cultural performances highlighting the message of non-violence were held along with a special exhibition mounted on a Khadi Scroll (curated by Pramod Kapoor of Roli Books, India).

The march was sponsored by City of The Hague Municipality, Tata Steel, Zeelandia, HCL, POSC and Gravin van BylandtStichting.

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diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

Thailand TOWARDS AN ENHANCED PARTNERS AN ARTICLE TO CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL DAY OF T 5th December marks Thailand’s National Day, Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) and the Father’s Day of Thailand. In this connection, this article celebrates such auspicious occasions.

The Thai-Dutch relations started off at the beginning of the 17th Century with next year to reach 415th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. The site of the old trading station, called “New Amsterdam” by the Dutch or “Baan Hollanda” by the Thais, can be visited by the public today in Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam at the time. Over the centuries, bilateral relations between the two countries have flourished, and remains strong.

At present, around 200,000 Dutch tourists visiting Thailand each year while over 300 Dutch companies have been investing there.

This makes the Netherlands the largest investor amongst EU countries in Thailand.

The number of exchanges of visits and communications at all levels and across different sectors has also reflected growing dynamic between both sides.

By H.E. Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of the Netherlads.

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Looking ahead, Thailand has embarked upon a new chapter. The Government has worked towards fulfilling its commitment in carrying out comprehensive national reform according to its announced Roadmap, paving the way towards a genuine and sustainable democracy.

The 20-year National Strategy (2017-2036) has been adopted as a long-term vision and a legal framework in steering socio-economic policies of the country to ensure sustainable development while enhancing conductive environment for trade and investment.

Given such promising context, Thailand looks forward to forging partnership and collaboration with the Netherlands through the following areas:

THAILAND 4.0: TOWARDS AN ENHANCED PARTNERSHIP

With the shared values aiming to enhance competitiveness through valueand innovation- based economy, “Thailand 4.0” development plan and the Netherland’s “Top Sectors” policy as well as the triple helix model are mutually reinforcing. Great potentials and opportunities have been identified and concretized, utilizing each other’s strength to enhance synergy for win-win collaboration to achieve innovative and inclusive growths, especially in the areas of smart agriculture and food technology, water resources management, logistics, bio-economy & circular economy, science, technology & innovation and SMEs & Start-ups. Thailand signed its first comprehensive Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters with the Netherlands in September this year. Such development has underpinned Thailand’s effort to boost its partnership with the Netherland.

As an overarching economic policy aiming to steer Thailand forward amid the fast changing global developments, Thailand 4.0 has been introduced since 2016 covering ranges of policies and measures including reform efforts to streamline rules and regulations to ensure compliance with the international standard as well as to enhance transparency and confidence among investors and all stakeholders. These include identifying targeted sectors to be further upgraded and promoted (so-called the “S-Curve” and the “new S-Curve”), e.g. agriculture & biotech, food for the future, smart electronics, robotics, aviation & logistics, biofuels & biochemical, digital and comprehensive medical industry.

diplomatAMBASSADORIAL

SHIP WITH THE NETHERLANDS HE KINGDOM OF THAILAND The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has also been designated as Special Economic Zone along Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard covering Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong Provinces. The EEC is aimed to serve as technological manufacturing and services as well as trade and investment hub connecting the production, supply and value chain under the ASEAN Economic Community through various investment incentives, plans and projects to upgrading and expansion of comprehensive infrastructure and logistics systems as well as R&D facilities. The projects encompass the following key elements: • Improved infrastructure and facilities for business and industrial clusters through smart urban planning; • Seamless connectivity to ASEAN neighbours via all means of transportation; • Newly reformed rules and regulations that provide maximum incentives for qualified investment projects, such as exemption of corporate income tax for up to 15 years, matching grants for investment in R&D, innovation and human resources for targeted industries, including permission to own land for BOI promoted projects; • Simplified application processes to facilitate all foreign investors on the issuance of permits and licenses through One Stop Service (OSS) center.

The continual pattern of Thailand’s accelerating economic growth rate - from 3% in 2015 to 3.3% in 2016, and 3.9% in 2017, with 2018 projected growth in the range 4.2-4.7% -, not only echoes sound economic fundamentals and resilience of the country, but also confidence in the prospects of the Thai economy and its future directions under this Thailand 4.0 policy framework toward an enhanced partnership with the Netherlands and beyond.

SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SEP4SDG)

Thailand joined forces with the international community in the adoption of the SDGs in 2015 and has attached great importance to mainstreaming sustainable development in all dimensions of its key policy priorities as well as daily living of the people to prepare and face the global challenges in a sustainable and responsible manner. The concept of sustainable development has long taken root in the country as our home-grown approach guided by His Majesty the late King Rama IX’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP).

Based on the principles of moderation, reasonableness and prudence, guided by knowledge and virtue, SEP stresses balance in the use of economic, social, environmental and cultural capital, while underlining the importance of preparedness in dealing with changes in these four dimensions. Progress with balance promote stability and, ultimately, provide a basis for sustainability.

Thailand has also worked closely with many partners in promoting awareness and capacity building with other developing countries on bilateral and trilateral basis under the policy of “SEP for SDG Partnership”. Given the high priority both the Netherlands and Thailand place on promoting sustainability at national and international levels, both countries can partner under trilateral cooperation, sharing experience and expertise contributing to other developing countries’ efforts towards achieving the SDGs. According to former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “Sufficiency Economy” was of great relevance and has reinforced the United Nation’s efforts to promote a people-centred and sustainable path of development. An outstanding aspect of the SEP is sustainable soil management, which has been internationally recognized when the FAO supported the formal establishment of World Soil Day as a global awareness platform. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly declared 5th December, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Rama IX, as the World Soil Day.

2019 ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP

Assuming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019, Thailand looks forward to working with our partners including the Netherlands and the European Union, to promote sustainability in ASEAN Community-building, in the ASEAN-centered regional architecture, for regional peace, stability and prosperity. This can be done through various frameworks such as the ASEAN-EU dialogue relations and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

Collaboration through such sub-regional fora as Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), in the areas where the Netherlands possesses expertise i.e. agriculture and water resource management, will also be valuable.

Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship will seek to build on the accomplishments of past ASEAN Chairmanships as well as to create momentum for the future. Thailand will focus on sustainability in key dimensions including economic, human security and regional security, which will help promote the shared goal of building a people-centred Community that leaves no one behind. To this end, we look to enhancing seamless connectivity, effective partnerships, and laying a foundation for future-oriented ASEAN. With the Netherlands and the EU’s leading role in sustainable development and innovation and Thailand and the ASEAN’s dynamic growth, enhanced collaborative partnerships would generate strategic impetus for further mutual benefits.

For further information, please contact: TheHague@ThaiEmbassy.nl.

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meettheambassador

croatia EUROPEAN STATE OF MIND

By H.E. Ms. Andrea Gustović-Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Photography: Roy Marian van Noort.

After joining NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013, we can say that our European integration project is reaching a completion stage. Our position is that of a European partner and a connecting country between Eastern, Central and Western Europe. Our focus is on what unites the EU today, and much less on what could divide us. We should jointly engage to ensure prosperity and security of our citizens.

Europe is going through a turbulent time with anti-immigrant populist politics becoming more prominent, Euroscepticism on the rise and Brexit imminent. The migrant issue is putting a lot of strain on the EU but also on its surrounding countries in the Southeast Europe.

With all the instability in the region, we believe that the EU should take more interest and be more present in Southeast Europe.

We still have two more strategic goals that both come with a strong EU. Our commitment is to become a member of the Schengen area and part of the Monetary Union with Euro as our currency.

In this sense, Croatia is ready to meet all of the Schengen technical criteria by the end of this year and is striving to become part of the Schengen Area by 2020, when Croatia will, for the first time, preside over the Council of the EU. As regards Eurozone accession, Croatia has achieved a relatively high level of convergence, and we are still to join the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM-2). In 2017, the Croatian government decreased its public debt to 78% of GDP, and aims to reduce the public debt further to 65% by 2021. In 2017, Croatia had a 0.8% budget surplus, as well as continuous GDP growth of around 3 % for many years.

SOME FACTS ABOUT CROATIA

Although the existence of Croatian state dates back to the Medieval times, I shall skip directly to the modern times history. The four million inhabitants of Croatia are Croats (90.4%), Serbs (4.4%) and other nationalities including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, Slovak,

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Roma etc.The predominant religion is Roman Catholic 86.3%, followed by Orthodox 4.4%, and Muslim 1.5% religions.

Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Croatian economy, comprising 19 % of Croatia’s GDP.Croatia is a country of beautiful nature, with 19 parks of nature or national parks, the cleanest sea of the Mediterranean with 6000 km of coast, more than 1200 islands free of pollution or traffic, and 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Biking adventure tourism, hiking, sailing, organic food are parts of the Croatian natural orientation. At the same time in land Croatia is well-connected through a network of motorways. Investment in tourism and trade are growing, just like the number of visitors and the cultural exchanges among Croats and the Dutch; 500 000 Dutch traveled to Croatia last year.

Regarding Croatian economy, 60% of the Croatian export is directed to the EU, while 12% of our exports is in the shipbuilding industry. We have a varied agriculture sector providing 11% of Croatian workplaces. The Croatian energy sector is well-developed, hydro energy accounting for 50% of all energy production, but we also produce 65% of our natural gas needs. Croatia is working to become a regional energy hub and is undertaking plans to open a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal to import LNG for re-distribution to Central and Southeast Europe.

NETHERLANDS AND CROATIA

The Netherlands is the number one investor in Croatia with total investments reaching almost 7 billion €. Most investments are in

the maritime sector, water management, agriculture and consultancy services. On the other hand, The Netherlands has also been a leading destination for Croatian capital, with investments reaching almost 3 billion €.

As political partners we cooperate well, with room for intensifying our cooperation even more. We have regular political consultations on all issues relating to both our bilateral interests, as well as to our common EU existence.

The Netherlands is a country that values innovative solutions, and has a sophisticated business environment. The Dutch are ahead of the time in a series of top sectors, such as life sciences and health, agriculture and food, high technology or creative industries. We could learn a lot from The Netherlands.

Before ending this text, I would like to share a personal wish: it is for the Royal family to visit Croatia and spend their holidays on the Croatian coast. I am confident that this would additionally strengthen our ties, to the benefit of both, Croatia and the Netherlands.

meettheambassador MADE POSSIBLE BY HOTEL DES INDES

Hotel des Indes is an emblematic historic hotel in The Hague, symbol of Dutch beauty, tradition and class, charm and character, elegance and grandeur with more than 132 years of credentials: www.hoteldesindes.nl

“Historically, the Netherlands has always looked outwards. In view of the country’s open economy, it is important for parliamentarians to engage in international relations.”

AN AUSTRIAN UPDATE

ON NETHERLANDS AND EU RELATIONS

Photography: Roy Strik.

Sitting in a grand living room surrounded by unique Austrian paintings and mirrors belonging to the ancient house of Austria, the property of her government for more than 30 years, H.E. Ambassador Heidemaria Gürer talks fluently about how Austria is doing and the present state of the nation’s relationship with the Netherlands.

Ambassador Gürer is the head of the Austrian Diplomatic mission, also acting as a representative to some 50 bilateral and multilateral organizations sitting in the Netherlands. Some have commented that she is the most accessible, open and friendly Austrian ambassador to have graced the Netherlands; perhaps it is her background, rich in experiences in unfamiliar countries, that forms the primary reason why ambassador Gürer is so comfortable with all those who have the pleasure of meeting her.

On October 26th 2018 Austria celebrated its 63rd year of independence. 2018 is also a year of celebrations and reflection as the country celebrates the Centenary of the proclamation of the second Republic of Austria. In the spirit of such celebrations, it’s poignant to note that Dutch-Austrian economic relations are excellent and expanding all the time.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

Companies big and small are doing very well. For example SAG produces aluminum here, and in Rotterdam roads and bridges are constructed by Austrian firm Strabag.

Clearly, Austria is doing very well and making an impact here in infrastructure, architecture and industry. After Germany, the Netherlands is Austria’s largest market.

Our tourism industry is also expanding in a good direction, it is a special phenomenon attaching us to one-another: during the war many Dutch were in Austria and returning to visit is a kind of ritual for many; with a number coming for both summer and winter holidays.

In fact Austria plays host to a great number of Dutch people coming to take advantage of the unique après ski. Now we share a ski Olympic champion, Marcel Hirscher. His mother is Dutch and his father Austrian, and both countries are immensely proud of him.

We have a very rich cultural agenda in the Netherlands that maintains artists from every field, enabling them to flow in both directions.

The Embassy has taken advantage of the Presidency of the European Union and given bilateral relations a strong boost. It has been a welcome stepping stone for the organization of many meetings and exchanges in the cultural, economic, scientific and political fields. In the case of the latter, it is pleasing that after twenty three and a half years an Austrian Chancellor has visited the Netherlands again. Ten days

ago, Sebastian Kurz was here with us in The Hague at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. During the visit, Federal Chancellor Kurz acknowledged the similar outlooks shared by the Netherlands and Austria by stating that the Netherlands is “the country in the EU with the most identical positions [to Austria]”. Building upon the success of Federal Chancellor Kurz’s visit, there is an upcoming official visit to the Netherlands next month of the Austrian Federal President with that beautiful Dutch name: Alexander Van der Bellen. It is already twenty six years ago that the then Austrian head of state Thomas Klestil made a state visit to the Netherlands.

What we are seeing are milestones in the 360 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

In the context of the current Austrian EU Council Presidency, almost all Dutch ministers are now in Vienna for bilateral talks with their counterparts. Additionally the EU presidency will bring political contacts to Austria, with the current priorities, in accordance with its motto “A Europe that protects”, being: migration, the digitalization of the economy and the EU, and EU enlargement in South Eastern Europe.

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NEGOTIATIONS AT THE HEART OF THE SKILL SET OF A DIPLOMAT

By Ron Ton, Director of Clingendael Academy.

Photography: Clingendael Academy.

Who said negotiations in diplomacy is easy? Negotiating in bilateral relations, within international organisations, in trade and investment, with conflicting parties, lobby groups or NGO’s or at global international conferences, it all should be in the negotiation skills set of a diplomat.

It’s not only the variety in the context which makes negotiations complex for diplomats. Also, changing policy concerns entered the diplomatic negotiation arena, in the field of sustainable development issues, refugee crises, cyber security or the digital agenda. At the same time the number of non-state actors trying to influence international negotiations has expanded dramatically: NGO’s, interest groups, citizens movements, private sector stakeholders, the media etc.

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To me, negotiations can be best subscribed as the management of complexity. It starts with the complexity of finding an acceptable deal for two of more parties. Having an agenda of 20 issues with 10 parties or more behind the table means that the number of exchanges in interests are huge. Delegations are often faced with the paradox of trying to maximalise their individual interest and at the same time know a deal can only me found collectively.

The road to a good package deal in itself can be very bumpy: a complex agenda, poor negotiation behaviour, a hostile atmosphere, time pressures, emotions, misperceptions or political concerns can block successful negotiations.

WHAT ARE CRITICAL FACTORS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN NEGOTIATIONS?

It all begins with a thorough preparation and planning. Basically, knowing what you want and to anticipate tactically on the position of the other party or parties. Vital interests and possible concessions needs to be well defined and supported by a constituency. In the end success starts at home, in the way you are provided with a strong mandate and with mutual understanding between you and your constituency.

Good negotiators make sure to have a strategic plan.Designing a strategy sheet can help to have a better grip on the negotiations by identifying a so-called PIN analysis on position, interest and needs of your delegation and your opponent(s), as well identifying your “Best alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” (BATNA), opening strategy and tactics. A well-defined BATNA can give you situational power: if the outcome is better than your BATNA you could accept the offer; if not you have to consider re-negotiations or withdrawal of the negotiations.

In my view, analysing beforehand the interests and needs behind positions is of vital importance to be successful in negotiations.

How often do parties just stick to their position and lack insights to understand the interests or needs motivating the position of a party? A position is open and publicly expressed to let other parties know how you would like solve a conflict or dispute. The interests expresses what you really want and are the arguments behind your position. Needs are hidden and generally non-negotiable and express why you want something. Needs refer to deeply rooted beliefs like identity, recognition or moral values or can refer to basic human needs like safety, subsistence or protection.

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CAN NATO DEAL WITH TODAY`S THREATS? In negotiation it is also good to understand the concepts of distributive and integrative negotiations. Distributive negotiations are very competitive, one issue dominated bilateral negotiations, for example in territorial dispute or price negotiations. Parties tend to fight for their gain at the loss of the other, the so called win-lose negotiations. In integrative negotiations parties recognise collaboration and cooperation to get to a deal which makes both better off. There is a level of trust and multiple issues can be exchanged, for example in trade negotiations as we have seen lately in the EU-Japan trade deal.

Negotiators should know also to handle themselves in stressful situations. A basic rule to differentiate the person from the issue can provide assurance not taking attacks or emotions too personal. Negotiators are sitting behind the negotiation table as professionals representing a country or party and not as a private person. There is nothing wrong by showing emotions, after all we are all human beings. However, if emotions lead to irrational behaviour it can lead to take wrong decisions.

SO, HOW TO STAY IN CONTROL OF THE COMPLEXITY OF NEGOTIATIONS?

For this purpose I have designed a four dimension competence negotiation method.

The dimensions arecontent, process, behaviour andprocedures. Each dimension is backed up by competences, qualifications to be a successful negotiator. If, for example, you get stuck in negotiations you always have to wonder is it because there is a lack of exploration on the interests (content) or did we forget to investin the relationship (process)?

Or did we for example misunderstand the rules for decision making (procedures) or couldn’t we handle pressure (behaviour)?

Perceiving negotiations as a four dimensions process can provide you with insights how to take negotiations forward. In my view, a successful negotiator is the one who can navigate best between the content, process, behaviour and procedures of negotiation.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEXT NEGOTIATIONS!

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

By Barend ter Haar. Photography: Maaike Vink.

During almost half a centuryNATO has been extremely successful.

Ithelped to prevent a Third World War, keptthe Soviet Union outof Western Europe and created a stable basis for the development of the European Union. It accomplished this by maintaining a credible common defence and by keeping the members of the Alliance together. Both would have been impossible without the leadership of the United States.

But now that the danger of large scale military attack has vanished, has NATO become obsolete? And if not, is it able “to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law”, as stated in the preamble of the North Atlantic Treaty?

Let us start with the first question: The best way to make sure that alarge scale military attackagainst NATO remains veryunlikely, is to maintain a credible common defence. It would therefore be unwise to abolish the Alliance.

But how well-equipped is NATO to address other threats? Let us look at fivetypes of threats: the unintended consequences of our own success, failing states, terrorism, proliferation of nuclear weapons and Russia.

The unintended consequences of our own success are threats of a non-military nature, but they are by far the most urgent problems:life style diseases on the personal level, growing inequality at the national level and environmental degradation, climate change and migration at the global level.What all these threats have in common, is that they cannot be blamed on an outside power and cannot be solved by closing and defending borders. Most of them can only be solved by closer global cooperation.

Another new threat is caused by the changing character of war. In the past armed conflicts were caused by the expansion of strong powers, nowadays they are caused by the implosion of weak governments. NATO is well equipped to defeat strong governments, but, as the situation in Afghanistanproves, military power is almost powerless in a failing state.

The proliferation of nuclear weapons is a threat of, at least potentially, enormous dimensions. However, it is improbable that the use of NATO arms can solve the problem.

Attacks against territorial powers that promote terrorism, like Islamic State, can be useful, but, apart from that, large scale military action against terrorism tends to be counterproductive.

Russia is an essential partner in the fight against global threats, but its erratic behaviour, e.g. in Ukraine and on the internet, complicates close cooperation.

NATO `s military capabilities can deter Russia from attacking the Baltic states, but cannot turn Russia into a reliable partner.

Conclusion: NATO is well suited to deal with military threats from the outside, but it is less suited for addressing threats that require an inclusive,global approach.

NATO`s military force is very effective as a deterrent, but is of limited use against the new threats.

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diplomatICEVENTS

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WATER COOPERATION AND WATER DIPLOMACY

By Zaki Shubber.

Photography: Hans de Lijser, copyrights IHE Delft.

Bentley and Diplomat Magazine partnered up Bentley Motors, founded on 18 January 1919, is entering its 100th jubilee as a brand of luxury, innovation, achievement and exquisite craftsmanship.

Partnering up with Diplomat Magazine, Bentley unique driving experiences invite themselves to the world of top-level diplomacy. Already Bentley Motors has the privilege of being a purveyor to the British Royal Household as well as to The Prince of Wales.

On the image: a Bentley ice-coloured, originally created to complement the dynamic looks of the extreme Continental Super-sports model range; Ice is a cool, metallic white paint choice that works well with cars that have darker finishes to the grill and window surrounds. www.bentleymotors.com/en Diplomat Magazine’s Diplomatic Adviser, Henri Estramant. Photography Varenia Griebel

Water management is conflict management. From the Aral to the Zambezi, water disputes are a priority at local, regional, national, and international levels. Worldwide, water demands are growing, groundwater levels are dropping, water bodies are increasingly contaminated, and delivery and treatment infrastructure is aging. The potential for conflict and the need for cooperation between domestic and transboundary watershed stakeholders will increase as problems become more acute.

New concepts have emerged to describe the issues and to propose pathways for dealing with the increased multi-level competition, and for enabling the creation and use of appropriate conflict prevention and management tools.

Water cooperation and water diplomacy are amongst these concepts. They incorporate all levels, acknowledging the interconnection between them and between the various stakeholders of shared water resources, and suggesting methods for conflict avoidance, and dispute settlement and resolution. They also set the issues within broader societal contexts and highlight the implications with regard to other sectors not always immediately associated with water issues, beyond those of food and energy.

The ability to identify signs of potential conflict is a starting point in addressing issues of competition. Early warning frameworks can provide support to decision-makers and practitioners to recognise these signals and to consider what might be appropriate measures to address the situation. In this regard governance at domestic and international levels plays a key role.

Governance frameworks provide tools, including legal ones,

to assess and agree criteria for water allocations.

Whether international conventions, regional or basin treaties, or national water legislation, legal instruments contain and outline key policy principles for the peaceful management of water bodies. Importantly, they also contain dispute resolution mechanisms for parties in the event that a conflict could not be avoided.

Moreover, understanding where the right points of entry are and the ability to provide momentum to relevant parties to engage with water related disputes is also an important feature of water diplomacy. Political will is crucial for the resolution of disputes and in its absence, conflicts may stagnate and potentially escalate. This may also in some cases require the involvement of external parties to nudge stakeholders in the right direction or to provide the setting and expertise that the disputing parties themselves are lacking and which is hampering progress in the resolution of the dispute. This is another aspect of water diplomacy that can help create and sustain a peaceful environment for water resources management.

Finally, key in addressing all of these matters is the capacity of water professionals and of stakeholders to deal with them. Education and capacity building are absolute requirements to empower all those who are closely or indirectly involved in water or water related conflicts. It is necessary to provide the right education to the new generation of water professionals. In addition, it is essential to continuously train those already active, to better understand the options available to address latent or actual competition and conflict over water and how to take into account technical, scientific, political, or governance-related factors.

IHE Delft, together with its partners all over the world, has been working on these issues across three broad pillars, education, research and capacity building, to enhance the overall understanding of the processes happening and capacity of those who are involved in them.

At a recent water diplomacy workshop at IHE Delft, attended by many diplomats great interest was shown in this urgent and increasingly important topic.

For further information on relevant education or training programmes, please contact z.shubber@un-ihe.org

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THE ICJ ADOPTS A DECISION ON THE STATUS OF OBLIGATIONS IN

INTERNATIONAL LAW

Photography: Robert Huiberts.

The Hague, October 2nd, 2018. The International Court of Justice presented its final judgment on a case filed by the government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia against the Republic of Chile. The case, filed by Bolivia in April 2013, concerned a dispute over the alleged obligation for Chile to negotiate with Bolivia over the latter’s fully sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean.

With a majority of twelve votes out of fifteen, the International Court of Justice found that Chile did not have any legal obligation to negotiate a sovereign access to the sea for Bolivia. ICJ President Yusuf, Vice-President Zue, as well as judges Tomka, Anraham, Bennouna, Cancado Trindade, Donoghue, Gaha, Sebutinde, Bhandari, Gevorgian, and MacRae voted in favour of the Court’s resolution, while judges Robinson, Salam, and Daudet voted against.

Many Ambassadors, notably from Latin American countries, attended the deliberations at the Great Salon of the Peace Palace. The President of Bolivia, Mr. Evo Morales, and delegations from both the countries involved also attended the lecture by the jury’s president. International media were present to cover the event, while a group of Bolivians, dressed in national costumes and accompanied by traditional music, staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the Palace.

Back in 1825, Bolivia enjoyed a 400 km coastline along the Pacific Ocean stretching south of the Loa river. The 1866 Treaty of Territorial Limits and the 1874 Treaty of Limits configurated a settlement reached by both States. The War of the Pacific (1879-1884) confronting Chile with Bolivia and Peru, overhauled the region’s dynamics and borders, and resulted in Bolivia’s loss of control over its Pacific coast, occupied by Chile after it.

Two decades after the end of the hostilities, in

1904 the two parties finally signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which recognized “absolutely and in perpetuity” Chile’s sovereignty over the occupied territories, while at the same time granting to Bolivia “the amplest and freest right of commercial transit” through Chilean ports.

While the 1904 Treaty of Peace managed to officially put an end to the war, it did not prevent further litigation between Chile and Bolivia. In the first half of the 20th century, several diplomatic exchanges between the two countries took place in the League of Nations. Moreover, US Secretary of State Mr. Kellog attempted to mediate between the parties, although with scant success. After some renewed rounds of discussions over the 1940s and 1950s, in 1962 talks broke down again, with Bolivia severing diplomatic ties with Chile in the wake of a row over water resources.

After a careful analysis of the case and an historical evaluation of the long history of exchanges between the two countries, the International Court of Justice finally ruled that in this situation “the Republic of Chile did not undertake a legal obligation to negotiate” with Bolivia over the latter’s sovereign access to the Ocean. Nevertheless – the Court also noted – such decision did not restrain the two countries from continuing their dialogue, exchanges, and negotiations in order to address issues of mutual interests.

After the Court’s pronouncement, the delegations started to quietly leave the Great Salon of the Peace Palace.

Negotiations resumed in the following decades, revolving around proposals such as the creation of a Bolivian special economic zone, or possibly even an enclave, along Chile’s Pacific coast. However, none of these proposal managed to fully satisfy the two countries, and negotiations came again to a halt. It is against such backdrop that in 2013 Bolivia filed its case to the ICJ, arguing that Chile should be obliged to negotiate an agreement to solve the issue.

Hall Peace Palace Photography: Naldo Peverelli DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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U.S. STILL EAGER TO COOPERATE WITH EUROPEAN PARTNERS ON ENERGY SECURITY

By Guido Lanfranchi.

At the center of the discussions there was the controversial project Nord Stream 2, the planned expansion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline running from Russia to northern Europe. The project is staunchly opposed by both Ukraine and Poland, two of the three countries visited by Fannon. Similarly, the U.S. position on the issue is of “unwavering opposition” to Nord Stream 2, and Mr. Fannon stressed that any company involved in the project might be face higher risks of U.S. sanctions.

In his first trip abroad, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Energy Resources, Mr. Francis R. Fannon, decided to travel to Europe. Mr. Fannon met with government officials and business representatives in Kyiv, Warsaw, and Athens, discussing European energy security and import diversification.

Mr. Francis Fannon is the first U.S. official to become Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Energy Resources. The very establishment of such post – Mr. Fannon notes - “underscores the critical importance of energy diplomacy” for the current U.S. administration. In his first trip abroad, Assistant Secretary Fannon decided to travel to Europe, where he discussed energy security and import diversification with a variety of actors in Ukraine, Poland, and Greece.

The U.S. sees Nord Stream 2 as a solely geopolitical project, aimed at increasing Russia’s leverage in the Ukrainian conflict.

While accusing Russia of supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, the U.S. supports the government in Kyiv. In this regard, Mr. Fannon reiterated the U.S full support to the Ukrainian government, and also praised its efforts to open and liberalize the Ukrainian energy market.

While declaring the U.S. opposition to projects set to increase Europe’s dependency on Russia, Mr. Fannon highlighted the U.S. full support for the differentiation of European energy supplies. In particular, the Assistant Secretary praised the work of a few countries, such as Greece, Romania, Croatia, and Lithuania, for their efforts in undertaking projects aimed at reducing their energy dependence on a single country.

Mr. Fannon also touched upon the potential implications of geopolitical events on the international oil market. He expressed his confidence concerning a positive response from oil markets, and pledged that the U.S. will continue to ensure that appropriate supplies will be available.

Concluding his trip to Europe, Mr. Fannon reiterated once more the importance of European energy security for the United States, pledging to continue to closely cooperate with European partners. While the U.S.-European relations are suffering a few feedbacks on trade and nonproliferation, energy security seems an important issue where the two allies still want to work together.

#METOO AT WORK: 4 TIPS

By Jan Dop, employment lawyer at Russell Advocaten.

Photography: C. Vroom.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT ON THE WORKFLOOR? AND WHAT DO YOU, AS AN EMPLOYER, HAVE TO DO IF IT DOES OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY?

Sexual harassment by managers continues to concern us, as can be seen from the Dutch TV broadcast “M” last Monday. The TV program dealt with men that are concerned about the consequences of their past conduct for their reputation. Actions glossed over ten or fifteen years ago are now no longer accepted. When allegations – whether right or wrong – are published, the genie is out of the bottle and cannot be put back in. How can companies deal with it?

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1. ESTABLISH A CLEAR POLICY

It is vital for companies to establish clear rules.

What one person sees as sexual harassment, the other might not have intended at all. By setting out rules in the staff manual, employees know what is expected from them and are familiar with the procedure that is followed and the sanctions for violations of the rules.

It is also advisable to appoint a counsellor the harassed employee can confide in.

Group picture from an International Protocol & Strategic Networking training in Bhutan.

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INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL & STRATEGIC NETWORKING: A WORLDWIDE EXPORT PRODUCT FROM THE HAGUE! Mark Verheul and Gilbert Monod de Froideville.

“Keep on climbing!” With these words Mark Verheul started his farewell letter to the diplomatic community in May. Over the years he had been inspired many times by these simple words of a dear friend of his. Earlier on this year they inspired him again after a certain flow of events at city hall, which resulted in deciding to take a next step in his career.

After more than 8 beautiful and interesting years as head of protocol, he took the initiative to leave the municipality of The Hague. It was time for a change. A new professional perspective. In the period that followed he focused on finding that opportunity; whether that might be at home or abroad; within the government, an international organisation, the non-profit sector or corporate world.

But in the end he started to realise that there is such a demand for trainings, advice and consultancy related to the topics of the publication of An Experts’ Guide to International Protocol, which he co-authored with Gilbert Monod de Froideville in 2016, that he decided to continue with his own

training and consultancy firm “International Protocol & Strategic Networking” on a fulltime basis. Together with Gilbert, former Master of Ceremonies of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and director of the consulting company “Protocol International”, he has already provided trainings in New York City, Geneva, Kathmandu, Thimphu (Bhutan) and other projects took place in a.o. Chicago, Doha, Dublin, Brussels, Amsterdam and of course in The Hague. Participants range from diplomats and other government officials, to representatives of the corporate, cultural and academic worlds as well as students.

Gilbert: “Although the roots of protocol are traditional, it is an evolving practice and we strive to adapt and grow with the clients we serve. I am convinced that anyone seeking professional advice or training in protocol can find their solutions within our services and publication.” Both of them are proud to mention as well that at the moment their book is being translated into Spanish and Mandarin by publishing houses of renowned universities in Madrid and Beijing. So more opportunities to come! “Keep on climbing!”

Photography: Kim Vermaat.

2. ESTABLISH THE FACTS

Before taking definite measures, the facts will have to be investigated. There are several significant problems in this respect, for instance if there are no witnesses to the incident.

To ensure that the incident can be assessed objectively external experts can be engaged who can immediately start investigations to reconstruct what happened, for instance by taking statements and checking the circumstances. The company has to take into account that the whole truth will never be uncovered but that it will have to take a decision regarding the employment relation.

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3. DO NOT JUST DEAL WITH IT INTERNALLY

It is tempting to keep the matter behind closed doors in order to uphold the good reputation of your company. However, concealing your knowledge of criminal acts can be a criminal offence too. Therefore, it is advisable to seek legal advice concerning the matter. Also, if the facts will later become known to the public it won’t be good for your reputation if it turns out that you have concealed the matter. Therefore, you are well-advised to specify in your staff manual that the company can file a report with the police in the event of transgressive behaviour at work.

OUR ADVICE

• Ensure that there is a clear policy regarding unwanted conduct on the work floor and specify this policy in a staff manual.

• In the event of allegations of sexual harassment, investigate the facts. Preferably, have an independent expert do this.

• If necessary file a report with the police.

• Enforce the rules and abide by them yourself.

Jan Dop is partner and Head of the Embassy Desk at Russell Advocaten. He advises and represents corporations, entrepreneurs, HR departments, Embassies and Consulates in corporate and commercial matters.

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FORGIVENESS

IN INTERNATIONAL RE

By Israel Rafalovich. Photography: Mayelinne De Lara.

The argument about war and justice is still a political and moral issue.

Decision makers and victims alike have to examine the moral issues of warfare and at the same time, with the growing awareness of religion, pay attention to the status of religion on the subject of forgiveness in international relations.

International Criminal Law

TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

By Prof. Héctor Olasolo (The Hague: Brill / Nijhoff, 2018) Parties negotiating the end of authoritarian regimes or armed conflicts are almost inevitably left in a situation of legal uncertainty. Despite their overlapping scope of application, the differences between the approaches of International Criminal Law (ICL) and Transitional Justice (TJ) are so profound that, unless dogmatisms are left aside and a process of dialogue is entered into, it will not be possible to harmonize the current legal regime of international crimes with the need to articulate transitional processes that are capable of effectively overcoming authoritarian regimes and armed conflicts.

The serious material limitations shown by national, international and hybrid ICL enforcement mechanisms should be acknowledged and the goals pursued

by ICL should be redefined accordingly.

A minimum level of consensus on the scope of application, goals and elements of TJ should also be reached.

Situations of systematic or large scale violence against the civilian population by transnational criminal organizations increase the challenge.

More information can be found at: https://brill.com/view/title/34518 ISBN: 9789004341005

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.The questions that arise are: what is the role

The Pope has declared that the Holocaust was an “indelible stain” on the 20th century.

The fact that this statement was delivered in Israel shows how remorse can be a function of politics.

In today’s world it is more and more clear that war and peace do not present a simple dichotomy.

Forgiveness has a marked effect and can open doors to remarkable instances of reconciliation and has the potential of being enormously influential in international relations of the 21st century.

of forgiveness and religion in international relations? And, how can we deal with tough issues in international relations through forgiveness?

Countries do not say to each other “I forgive you”. In international politics asking for forgiveness is not something that happens spontaneously, but is a rational decision that comes after a long process and sometimes an emotional motive drives the request for forgiveness as well as political pragmatism.

More than anything else, forgiveness is a conscious choice. In politics it is never about forgetting but about remembering in a certain way.

This is also the significance of image. A country that has committed a moral wrong in the past would ask for forgiveness because it wants to show its citizens and the world a different image and therefore will also engage in the ethics of forgiveness.

Forgiveness as a political strategy has rarely appeared, until lately, on the diplomatic scene. The concept is foreign to most secular philosophies.

Let’s make it clear, forgiveness cannot be imposed, it is a process as justice plays a large role in the political forgiveness process for there is no real justice without forgiveness.

Public confessions of wrongdoing and the request for forgiveness have been rare in modern history. But, at the same time, never before has there been an era of public contrition for mistakes and atrocities of the 20th century.

It has a spiritual component and involves acknowledgment, contrition and forgiveness.

It cannot be imposed and depends on our acknowledgment of the power and depth of God’s love.

This is the aspect which connects us with a higher mind, our spiritual essence of who we truly are. It requires from politicians inner strength, maturity and the willingness to see a situation from different angle.

Forgiveness has to be possible in politics if there is to bean hope of former enemies being able to co-exist as members of the international community. We learn the need to forgive and be forgiven from our experience of living together with others.

In forgiveness we affirm our readiness to act anew and to establish new relationships. When we do achieve the goal of being neighbors to people who were once our enemies, then we will see forgiveness in politics in action.

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ELATIONS “Forgiveness is an important factor if we want to achieve a lasting peace.”

This inner spiritual touch is the one that makes it possible for us to view the world we live in in a different way. The spiritual will to forgive frees us to do the emotional work of forgiving for it has to do with uniting people through practical politics.

The behind-the scenes efforts of religious organizations are aimed at not just reaching agreement but at healing the wounds that are the root of any conflict.

The challenges we face in the 21st century are severe and societies will have to undergo changes if we want to be able to face the challenges that lie ahead of us.

Forgiveness is an important factor if we want to achieve a lasting peace. Otherwise, we will hear only the voices of skepticism. The readiness to forgive will create possibilities for truth-telling and the courage to take political responsibility.

Israel Rafalovich, is currently writing a book on the subject of forgiveness in international relations.

UNGA 2018: U.S. SETS NONPROLIFERATION AS A KEY PRIORITY

By Guido Lanfranchi.

During the 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations, the United States decided to set nonproliferation as a key priority – U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrew Thompson declared.

The 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) came in a particular moment on the international scene, amid escalating rows over the Iran Nuclear Agreement, ongoing negotiations on demilitarization of the Korean peninsula, and investigations on the Salisbury chemical attacks. As a result, UNGA 2018 witnessed a wide series of speeches, events, and bilaterals which focused on international security issues, and especially on nonproliferation.

Against suck backdrop, the U.S. administration decided to set nonproliferation, an everyday focal issue at the State Department, as “the top priority of the U.S. at this year’s General Assembly” – Ms. Andrea Thompson, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security said. Under Secretary Thompson reiterated that the U.S. is and wants to remain a global leader in such area, not only on issues related to nuclear proliferation, but also in the enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against chemical and biological weapons.

Concerning the Iranian file, a key topic during UNGA 2018, Ms. Thompson stressed the need to address not only the country’s nuclear program, but rather the “full range of Iran’s malign activities,” as repeatedly mentioned by top U.S. officials. While differences on this matter persist between the U.S. and its European partners, Ms. Thompson also highlighted that there is also broad agreement between the two parties on related issues, including for instance Iran’s role in the Middle East.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

Moreover, Ms. Thompson touched upon the issue of nonproliferation in the Korean peninsula. She reiterated the U.S. request for North Korea to achieve “final and fully verified denuclearization,” and expressed the administration’s hopes that current international pressures on Pyongyang will continue to drive North Korea’s Kim Jong-un towards the negotiating table.

As none of such relevant issues seems to be headed towards a clear solution, challenges are still ahead on many fronts, and especially on the issue of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction at large.

However, the international community does continue to focus its attention on the topic, andhopefully the 73rd session of UNGA will be remembered as a profitable forum for discussion, as well as the starting point of new, suitable solutions.

“Under Secretary Thompson reiterated that the U.S. is and wants to remain a global leader not only on issues related to nuclear proliferation, but also in the enforcement of a zero-t olerance policy against chemical and biological weapons.”

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A EUROPEAN COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGY:

STRONGER TOGETHER

By Guido Lanfranchi. Photography: Agáta Buganská.

In the fight against terrorism, Eurojust is at the forefront, trying to enhance European joint counter-terrorism capabilities. Recently, a press conference was held to report the results of the annual meeting of counter-terrorism experts from the Member States.

“Together, we are stronger.” These four words would be a summary of the press conference held at the Eurojust headquarters in The Hague. The panel of speakers was composed

by Ladislav Hamran (President of Eurojust and National Member for Slovakia), Frédéric Baab (National Member for France and Chairman of Counter-Terrorism Team), François Molin (District Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Paris, France), Frédéric Van Leeuw (Federal Prosecutor, Belgium), Joëlle Milquet (Special Advisor to the President of the European Commission on the support to victims of terrorist attacks). During the conference, the speakers updated the press on the recent cooperation efforts in the Eurojust framework and on upcoming initiatives.

In his introduction, Mr. Hamran praised the work of Eurojust in coordinating the work of 30 different juridical systems, with the common aim of “collecting enough evidence to put criminal behind bars.” Mr. Hamran stressed the cooperation between Eurojust and national prosecutors, with, last year alone, 4400 prosecutors coming to Eurojust for advice, consultation, and coordination.

Looking towards the future, Eurojust’s President praised the deal recently reached by the European institutions on the reform to

Eurojust’s regulation, which will strengthen cooperation among parties, improve the organisation’s governance, and enact a stronger data protection regime.

Then, Mr. Baab introduced the main issues discussed during the annual conference of national experts of counter-terrorism. The experts dealt with the new phenomenon of returning foreign fighters, and the necessity of providing help to the victims of terrorist attacks. Moreover, Mr. Baab announced the joint declaration of the Ministers of Justice of France, Germany, Belgium, and Spain, in which the countries pledged to enhance information sharing on terrorism in the Eurojust framework, proposing the establishment of a European Judicial CounterTerrorism Register.

Mr. Molin focused then on the first issue of the agenda, the return of foreign fighters.

He stressed the need to investigate returnees from sensitive areas, and highlighted how such efforts would be better served by a European cooperative strategy. Furthermore, Mr. Molin praised the joint declaration of the four European countries, words echoed by Mr. van Leeuw, who praised the more practical, concrete nature of the four-party declaration.

Speaking on the problem of returnees, Mr. van Leeuw highlighted some topical complexities, such as the difficulty to cooperate with the Syrian government, the localisation of foreign fighters, and the presence of women and minors among the returnees. As of now, 162 minors with ties to Belgium are supposed to be in Syria and Iraq, and would be considered as potential terrorists upon their return. In order to tackle such complexities, Mr. van Leeuw stressed the need to adopt a case-specific approach under the directives provided by international laws.

Finally, Ms. Milquet stressed the need to address both the root causes of terrorism and its consequences, in particular the ill-fated effects on its numerous victims, such as the families of the killed people and the many wounded and traumatised people. To fill such gap, her office has been tasked by President Juncker with three main responsibilities: to better execute existent directives, to strengthen cooperation between the European and national efforts, and to establish a model for action in support of victims, whose problems would be better served by a more cooperative approach at the European level.

During the Q&A session, Mr. Molin spoke about the learning capacity of the judiciary systems in the wake of investigations on past terrorist attacks. The speakers then outlined the features of the European Judicial CounterTerrorism Register, especially the increased cooperation in information sharing between the European and the national level. Finally, Mr. van Leeuw explained the efforts of the Belgian judiciary system in proactively tackling the phenomenon of the so-called “homegrown terrorist fighters,” in which Eurojust plans to take new measures too.

As terrorism continues to be a concern for many European citizens, it should be relieving to know that there are people who constantly do their best to counter such threats, not only at the national level, but also at the European one.

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THE DUTCH ROLE MODEL OF CHANGE HOW TRUE LEADERSHIP IN REGARDS OF CLIMATE CHANGE MAY GIVE OUTSTANDING IMPACT TO THE ASIAN WORLD Text and picture by Dr. Wolfram Kalt.

The Netherlands and Indonesia share a special relationship as after times of colonialism, and Indonesian independence they have found together again into a respectful relation based on common development, intense economic and political ties, and many interpersonal connections.

It is encouraging to see the respect Indonesian people have towards Europe and the Netherlands in specific. Maybe it is part of the friendly culture or the view that such a huge country can be developed only with support and expertise from outside.

In regards of industry this support comes more and more from the North East Asia, esp. from China, while western countries are losing ground. USA is successfully managing its outsider position, and Europe is in view of its unity weak, it still gives a diversified picture of many nations.

For Indonesia, however, Europe is strong in democracy, technology and the environment.

They look up to role models and Netherland is offering an inspiring one at the moment.

Based on a broad political consensus implementation of the toughest climate law in the world is ongoing.

Necessity of such doing is key question in a controversial global discussion and a highly ambivalent public opinion process.

This is despite the fact that science provides clear evidence that we are growing too fast, that we are consuming the resources of the planet too fast and that we are destroying our own basis of existence with a speed and degree of complexity which makes it difficult to interfere.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

The Paris Agreement 2015 was a light moment of mankind when a milestone agreement regulating global greenhouse gas emissions was negotiated, ratified and adopted by consensus of 196 state parties in December 2015. The fact that such an agreement was committed proves that there is something ongoing beyond our imagination.

We are losing control over the planet, a disturbing and frightening reality which does not affect all in the same way at the same time.

Consequences of climate change mostly hit the poor ones around the world. Those who created the miserable situation, will be less affected even they built their wealth on the foundation of an upcoming global disaster.

As “wealth produces more pollution” it’s not about left or right, it’s about fairness of distribution in a wider sense. Interestingly Asia’s new upper income population copies patterns of inequality. While those who become wealthy are flexible to move, those who live at the limit to poverty have to bear the consequences.

“We are doomed” is the conclusion of some scientists and thinkers while those who live in a save harbour see it “all not that worse”.

People in in central Europe also don’t care that much about global warming, their concerns are refugees who want to enter the country.

That this is increasingly a consequence of climate change is ignored. Nationalist politics catalyses the problems as climate change induced migration has become a welcome argument of fear to be voted again.

No wonder that implementation of national climate actions plans lacks behind and will end up in a story of delays and excuses soon.

Even warming of 2C will be ‘substantially’ more harmful than 1.5C national action plans will be by far too slow.

Leaders in Europe and in Asia need to spearhead action! True leaders foresee the future, they address issues early and they work out plans to counteract.

In such situation it is outstanding noticeable to look at the ambitious role model of Netherlands. Maybe Dutch people are feeling the threat from increasing sea levels more than others; however, they guide us on new ways into the future. Their model gives hope and offers esp. to Indonesia a chance to take stronger leadership in Asia.

Finally, it’s the leadership of all of us which will make the difference. Does our society recognize the urgency to act and to maintain the life foundations of next generations?

Its’ a matter of psychology that people and politicians don’t care enough about climate change at the moment. As long as we don’t have a personal threat people have other issues that are important.

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YES, ECONOMIC

DIPLOMACY WORKS!

By Peter A.G. van Bergeijk and Selwyn J.V. Moons. Photography: Dick de Jager.

The design and management of bilateral relationships has become even more important in the new world “order”. Our recent Research Handbook on Economic Diplomacy clarifies that there is an important role for economic diplomacy in this context.

P.A.G. van Bergeijk and S.J.V. Moons, Research Handbook on Economic Diplomacy: Bilateral Relations in a Context of Geopolitical Change, Edward Elgar 2018 416 pp Hardback ISBN 9781784710835

Peter A.G. van Bergeijk and Selwyn J.V. Moons

The Research Handbook offers relevant and focused contributions by 31 leading experts from five continents and provides a comprehensive set of detailed analyses of OECD countries, developing and emerging economies in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The contributions provide a unique perspective on both the heterogeneous dynamics of economic diplomacy and the tools to analyze the impact and efficiency of economic diplomats.

The Research Handbook offers comprehensive analyses of state visits and trade missions (Volker Nitsch), export promotion agencies (Mario Cruz, Daniel Ledermanand Laura Zoratto) and embassies and consulates (Selwyn Moons and Remco de Boer). This analysis of modus operandi is strengthened by consideration of new forms and new agents in economic diplomacy, such as business diplomacy (Désirée van Gorp),iDiplomacy (GorazdJustinek), the management science of commercial diplomacy (Olivier Naray) and the use of case studies (Renata Cavalcanti Muniz).

Comparative perspectives are also provided, for example for the major EU countries (Filippo Vergara Caffarelli and Giovanni Veronese), Central and Eastern Europe (Hugo Lapeyronie, Mathilde Maurel and Bogdan Meunier) and Latin America (Phil Compernolle and Mark Vancauteren). The comparative perspective also includes a meta-analysis on the effects of different instruments of economic diplomacy on international

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economic flows (Selwyn Moons).Building on the economic diplomacy literature, Henri de Groot, Marcel van den Berg and Michiel de Nooij provide a cost benefit analysis of economic diplomacy, showing its important potential contribution to economic welfare.

One of the important lessons from practice (KishanS. Rana)and science(Arjan Lejour) is the highly significant impact of economic diplomacy for developing and emerging economies. Bilateral economic diplomacy is important for building a good country image and to promote an emerging market as a reliable trading partner with high quality export products. It is a relatively more significant determinant of bilateral exports among African states compared to regional integration (Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor) and highly influential in the trading relations with China (Fuchs). New modes of economic diplomacy and (development cooperation) are being developed based on China’s pioneering approach to development (Arjan de Haan and Ward Warmerdam).

Economic diplomacy, however, is not a panacea as Prahastuti Maharani) clarifies while discussing challenges such as lacking exporter preparedness, substandard logistic infrastructure and budgets that remain below those of neighboring countries.

Additionally, Andrew Rose, one of the seminal contributors to this literature moves beyond trade and investment promotion by also considering sanctions and soft power.

Chapters on China’s trade and development policies (Andreas Fuchs, Arjan de Haan and Ward Warmerdam), sanctions against Iran (Sajjad Dizaji) and the consequences of Brexit and MAGA for the Liberal Peace (Mansoob Murshed). Discuss under which conditions negative economic diplomacy bites.

Civil Law Notary Adegeest clear language, good advice

If you would like to know more, please give us a call or send us an email info@notarisadegeest.nl

Kickstart your language learning with an intensive summer course!

Winter is well and truly behind us here in The Hague. The days are getting longer and you’ve suddenly got more free time on your hands. What better time to try something new? Why not use that extra time to start learning a language or build on the skills that you already have, and make some new friends along the way of course?

Taking an intensive language course is a great way to see big improvements in a short time. At Kickstart School, we offer a range of intensive Dutch and English summer courses during July and August to help you improve or maintain your language skills. The daily format means that not only are you learning something new every day, but you get into the habit of actually using the language regularly. While an intensive course might seem daunting at first, so many of our students say how much more comfortable and confident they feel expressing themselves after just a few days.

Intensive Dutch Courses are available for beginner to intermediate-level learners. The Starterpack and Stepping Stone Courses are planned one after the other, with daily lessons every morning for one or two weeks. This format allows our students to complete one or more courses in a shorter timeframe, and the frequency of the lessons means that you are continuously reinforcing what you’ve learnt. What a great way to start your Dutch language learning journey? And our students seem to agree...

“I found this course had an intense pace but this was expected. It seems like a good way to get started with learning and speaking Dutch and being less afraid to try.”

Colin, Stepping Stone I student, Summer 2017

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Kickstart also offers intensive English summer courses for pre-intermediate to advanced learners to enhance their English in a fun and engaging manner. Focusing on conversational skills, vocabulary, grammar, and communicative activities, these courses run every morning from Monday to Thursday for two weeks. These courses are offered at Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate to Advanced levels for adults and now also for teens. Additionally, this summer we will be offering an intensive IELTS preparation programme to teach you all the tips and tricks you need to master your upcoming IELTS exam in an accelerated format.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN IMPROVING YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS THIS SUMMER?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch, sign up for a course (or two) and let Kickstart take you f urther this summer! To find out more information, visit our website: www.kickstartschool.nl, call us on 070-3607860, email us at info@kickstartschool.nl, or visit us at Laan Copes van Cattenburch 86, Den Haag.

DE SUV VAN ALFA ROMEO

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO Alfa Romeo verovert al generaties lang de harten van de echte autoliefhebbers. Het merk staat symbool voor pure passie en ongekend rijplezier in combinatie met constante technische vernieuwing. Ook de Alfa Romeo Stelvio, de imponerende nieuwkomer, komt zichtbaar uit een rijke designtraditie. De stijlelementen van het merk zijn harmonieus geïntegreerd met de stoere, stevige proporties van een SUV. De Stelvio biedt rijgenot en prestaties die alleen een echte Alfa Romeo kan bieden. Kom langs voor een ongeëvenaarde rijervaring met de Stelvio. U bent van harte welkom in onze showroom.

Laan van Waalhaven 417, Den Haag (Ypenburg).

Telefoon: 070-307 39 50, www.preuninger.nl De Alfa Romeo Stelvio is verkrijgbaar vanaf € 55.490. Prijs incl. btw/bpm en de onvermijdbare kosten voor aflevering van de auto aan de consument. Afgebeelde auto kan afwijken van de daadwerkelijke uitvoering. De verbruikscijfers zijn gebaseerd op de officiële Europese testmethode.

Het daadwerkelijke hangt mede af van de Hague omstandigheden en uw rijgedrag.

Prijswijzigingen voorbehouden.

Vraag naar de voorwaarden of kijk op alfaromeo.nl/verkoopvoorwaarden.

Diplomat Magazineverbruik - bar SPARK - Hilton The - 1-2 adv+.pdf 1 4/29/2018 1:02:23 AM

Gem. brandstofverbruik: 4,7 – 9,0 l/100 km (1 op 11,1 – 21,3). CO 2: 124 – 210 g/km.

3265-00_Stelvio_210x148mm_Preuninger.indd 1

28-08-18 13:42

Every Friday!

Aperitivo’s at cocktailbar SPARK (at Hilton The Hague)!

Aperitivo’s on Friday afternoon with signature cocktails! This trendy bar is ideal for your after work drinks with friends, family and colleagues. Our creative and award-winning bartenders will surprise you with delicious flavours!

17.00-19.00: Complimentary bites!

instagram.com/sparkthehague

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El Centro Ana Frank at the Argentinean Residence

By John Dunkelgrün. Photography: John Dunkelgrün and GNS BW.

No name in the world evokes the agony and the suffering as a result of racial and religious discrimination more than that of Anne Frank, the 16 year old Jewish girl that after more than two years of hiding from the Nazi’s was deported, together with her family, to the Bergen Belsen concentration camp and murdered. Her very name is iconic from Japan to Argentina, from California to New Zealand, in the struggle against all sorts of discrimination. Every year millions of visitors from around the globe visit her hiding place, the “Anne Frank Huis” in Amsterdam It is run by the Anne Frank Stichting, an organization devoted to teaching about the Holocaust and generally about discrimination. It teaches teachers and disseminates course material. Its aim is to keep the memory alive of Anne Frank and of the horrors that killed her and to make people aware of the dangers of discrimination in any form.

To further this goal, the Anne Frank Stichting has been instrumental at the establishment ten years ago of the Centro Ana Frank in Buenos Aires. This center has broadly the same goals as the Amsterdam organization and has reached thousands with its programmes. One of its activities is an annual visit to the Anne Frank Huis by a group of young people selected after an essay writing competition to which many hundreds enter every year. This year the Argentinean Ambassador, H.E. Horacio Salvador, and Sra. Berger de Salvador invited the group of winners to a special event at the Residence. The group was led by the President

Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

of the Centro, Sr. Hector Shalom and the coordinator of its educational programmes, Rabbi Silvina Chemen.

The programme started with the very emotional testimonies by Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp of The Hague and his wife Mrs. Sira Soetendorp. Rabbi Soetendorp told that when he was a little baby a Gestapo squad entered his parents’ house and would have taken them away if not for the officer in charge who, after seeing him as a baby, said: “What a pity he is a Jewish baby”. His father replied that he was glad it was a Jewish baby

Centro Ana Frank members and guests meeting at the Argentinean Residence because he would always know that his father was not a murderer. Thereupon the officer swore and shouted while taking his men out of this “stinking Jewish hole” and vowing to come back to arrest them the next day. In this way, he gave them the possibility to flee. Rabbi Soetendorp said that if the heart of a single man could be moved to save a baby, there was still hope for humanity, even in the very worst of times. It was reminiscent of the Talmudic saying that “He who saves a single life is as of he has saved the whole world”.

After a musical interlude, a short film was shown made from a play “La Ventana del Arbol y Ana Frank”, the window of the tree and Anne Frank. In it, the lovely Actress Zoe Hochbaum who was present plays Anne Frank writing and rereading her diary, philosophizing about the world and its many injustices. Again the play, the movie, effectively and emotionally warn us about the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and alienation.

The event was concluded by a reception in the lush gardens of the Residence, where the guests, among which were many ambassadors, the delegation from the Centro Ana Frank and the Anne Frank Stichting and rabbis from The Hague and Amsterdam were treated to Argentinean specialties and superb wines.

Ambassadors Aviv Shir-On from Israel and Horacio Salvador from Argentina

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diplomatTourism&culture

The World Nomad Games 2018

By Urmat Kalmanbetov, Attache of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic to Benelux and France, Permanent Representation to the EU, NATO and UNESCO. Photography: Courtesy of the Kyrgyz Embassy in Brussels.

This year Kyrgyzstan hosted III World Nomad Games, which are now considered by many countries and organizations as Nomadic Olympics.

The World Nomad Games is the biggest international project held in the Kyrgyz Republic, a project initiated by the government in 2012 for the revival and preservation of the culture of nomadic civilization.

The mission of the World Nomad Games covers the revival, development and preservation of the ethno-culture, diversity and originality of the people of the world in order to foster a more tolerant and open relationship between people. We can see now that the goals were achieved by the scale of the III World Nomad Games, which far exceeded the previous games, demonstrating the growing popularity and attention to the event. The Games with its’ grandeur and spectacle attracted attention of many people from near and far abroad.

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This year delegations from over 90 countries, including such countries as Netherlands, France, Great Britain, USA took part in the games in 37 types of etnosports, which were covered by more than 600 foreign mass media representatives from 56 countries. Sportsmen from all over the world, including Europe, America and Africa competed in horse races and games, different types of wrestling, martial arts, archery, intellectual games, hunting and many other games. Such big representation of countries in the World Nomad Games says that they are not only for countries with nomadic past. The Games have the global goal to show and share the rich nomadic culture to the world, connecting hundreds of people together.

Nomadic civilizations coexisted harmoniously with nature. Culture and traditions of nomads were not only war like, contrary to stereotypes; nomads spent their free time and holidays by performing different games of physical and intellectual nature. These games have survived to the present day.

If we take a look at the history, we discover that because of nomads, cultural exchanges happened between different people. In the past, when there were no tourists, no international forums, people lived in their certain location; nomads were brave to relocate from one place to another, from one area of continent to another. Due to such movement, they shared their knowledge, which they had with settled people, learned something new from specialist sand carried to new regions of the world.

Of course, a big part in the World Nomad Games played its’ cultural and scientific components. Games are aimed at strengthening and further developing interfaith and intercultural dialogue, understanding, friendship, harmony, and cooperation between the people of the world, and demonstrating the cultural diversity of the world, as well as supporting the scientific and methodological foundation of the ethnosport movement, including ethnosports, traditional

It is important to mention that this year for the first time in its history; the World Nomad Games were declared a smoke-free event.

The introduction of the smoke-free initiative during the III World Nomad Games provided a unique opportunity to leave a long-lasting and sustainable public health message for the community and country.

diplomatTourism&culture

I Maqom Festival

Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan

Thursday, 6 September 2018, Shakhrisabz, Qashqadaryo Region, Republic of Uzbekistan: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ceremoniously opened the first international maqom musical forum organized upon his own initiative in order to broadly promote the Uzbek national maqom art at home and abroad, and thereby highlight the pulchritudity and heritage linked to classical Uzbek music.

The forum itself was preceded by large-scale preparations in the form of various exhibitions, academic round tables dedicated to maqom.

All in all, shows and sales of national musical instruments, clothes, handicrafts, works of fine and applied art, sculpture, art and documentary films, books and albums were organised on and in the vicinities of Oqsaroy Square in Shakhrisabz, surrounded by the behemoth statute of Emperor Timur, the most prominent ruler to have ruled Shakhrisabz in the 14th century, and forebear to the Timurid dynasty.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: About Shakhrisabz: orexca.com/shakhrisabz games, and traditional competitions. Third world Nomad Games’ scientific forum «Historical heritage and the future» had the tasks of researching the role and place of the culture of nomadic peoples in the development of human civilization and the theories of human civilization and forming theories and forming theories of nomadic civilizations; the development of culture and the connection between traditional games and the lifestyle and traditions of peoples, as well as forming a permanent platform as part of the World Nomad Games for researchers, academics, and the organizers of the Games.

Maqom Festival: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCImB9l-f94 In 2018, the International Forum of Maqom Art was held for the first time. In accordance to a resolution by President Mirziyoyev, this event will be held as a biennial.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photography: The Government of Uzbekistan.

As it was said earlier, the Games are now considered by the world community as Nomadic Olympics. And to maintain its growing popularity the mission to host 4th World Nomad Games was given to Turkey. So we can confidently say that nomadic culture is alive and will keep to foster a more tolerant and open relationship between people around the world.

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diplomatTourism&culture

Samarkand at the cross-roads of peoples At the heart of central Asia, and at the cross-roads of civilisations, lies Samarkand, waiting to be discovered. In fact, Uzbekistan as a whole is a rather amicable country, which is becoming friendlier on regular tourist regulations. From 2018, 101 countries are eligible for e-visas to be picked up points of entry after online applications are submitted.

Flying to Uzbekistan from Europe is easier than before by direct flights from Frankfurt am Main, Paris, or London to Tashkent.

Once in Uzbekistan travel is easy as they are comfortable trains from Tashkent to Samarkand that take roughly more than three hours as well as domestic flights to the turquoise city of Samarkand.

In Samarkand, travellers typically head straight for Registan Square, which is comprised of three madaris (Islamic schools), the earliest thereof dates from the XV century. Each of the structures is highly ornamented, and the façades of the Sher For madrassah depicting tigers with human faces upon their backs: they are grotesque and beautiful in equal measure, and clearly challenge the orthodox Islamic view that living creatures should not be depicted in art.

One prominent site in Samarkand, however, is a 10 minute walk away. It is called the Shah-i Zinda, and it is an extraordinary necropolis of decorated tombs, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. Each mausoleums in the complex is unique and beautiful, and together they will take your breath away.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

www.uzairways.com/en whc.unesco.org/en/list/603 www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2018/07/29/ e-visa-extended-in-uzbekistan/

Important Philippine Arts Encyclopedia donated by Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda of The Philippines

By Anton Lutter.

The University of Leiden has acquired an important encyclopedia on the arts of The Philippines. The encyclopedia, consisting of 10 volumes, is valued as a highly important acquisition to the University of Leiden Asian Library, as the Asian collections of the University of Leiden belong to the foremost collections worldwide, containing the largest collection on Indonesia in the world; one of the leading Chinese libraries in the Western world and one of the largest collections on South East Asia in Europe.

In addition to this, the library constitutes one of the four worldwide depositories of the Japan Art Catalogue project of the National Art Center of Tokyo. Ambassador of the Philippines, Jaime Victor Ledda, held a speech at the event, focused on The Philippines national hero Jose Rizal, who was interested in learning Dutch and meeting with the famous Dutch orientalist and linguist Professor Hendrik Kern. The director of Leiden University Library, Mr. Kurt de Belder, thanked the ambassador for his most generous gift to the library, and invited the guests – consisting of students, academics, diplomats, and the commander of the Order of Knights of Rizal in The Hague Sir Anton Lutter, KCR to an exhibition of maps of The Philippines.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was the more than 300 years old Murillo map, considered to be the first scientifically based map of The Philippines, compiled by the Spanish Jesuit Pedro Murillo Velarde and printed by the native Tagalog Nicolas de Cruz Bagay. An even older map showing The Philippines was also displayed. This map, covering the entire Far East, was designed by Arnold Floris van Langren, and engraved by his brother in 1595, is one of the earliest engraved maps presenting the Portuguese knowledge of this area.

After the exhibition, the University of Leiden hosted a special reception where the guests took the opportunity to meet old friends and university staff.

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Cuba the sense of safety Twelve days in Cuba Text and photography by Kim Vermaat.

Cuba, an internationally coveted destination for globetrotters, is enjoying a strong summer season in its tourism and hospitality industries this year, boasting over two million visitors only the first 6 months of 2018. The majority 63 percent -- of its hotels are rated four and five stars, and 74 percent are within close proximity of a beach. Cuba’s first new 5-star hotel, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, can be found in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Old Havana.

Many other big European hotel chains can also be found housed in beautiful, historic buildings throughout the country.

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La Habana is the country’s capital and largest city. It is also its own province and houses the nation’s largest port and the heart of its commerce. Over two million Cubans call it home, making it the fourth largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish Conquistadors because of its location, it served as a key post for their journey to and from the Americas.

The city is rich in Spanish architecture and its streets are flooded with vintage American cars from the 1950s in myriad colors. Notably, since 1982, Old Havana has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Viñales is a quaint (would quaint be a better word here?), small town in the island’s countryside. It is the site of the most important natural reserve and is also where the majority of the nation’s tobacco is produced, due to its climate. Housing in Viñales consists mostly of colorful, one-story, wooden houses with porches and matching rocking chairs out front.

Many are known as ‘casas particulares’, which are private homes that offer private lodging to foreigners, very much like a bed-and-breakfast – a unique opportunity to experience life as the locals see it. Its breathtaking landscape makes it a winner for nature lovers and horseback trekkers, alike. Viñales Valley is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

visible by its countless prestigious buildings harkening to a bygone heyday. Visiting this city is like taking a step back in time. Some of the casas particulares in Cienfuegos are Italian Baroque designed palaces that allow one to experience life in all the glamor of that era.

Trinidad is described by many as La Perla del Sur (the Pearl of the South), because it is one of the best-preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time when sugar trade was the main industry in the region – today the main industry is tobacco processing. It lays in central Cuba and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Modern day life influences have not yet visibly tarnished this special place. Small houses line the streets and cobble stone roads lead you to visual treasures upon treasures to discover. It’s as if the Spanish Conquistadors had just left, certainly when locals pass by on horse and carriage.

FOR MORE PICTURES RELATED TO THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE VISIT: www.kimvermaat.com/l/cuba

TOUR OPERATOR:

Tropicana Touristik in Berlin www.tropicana-touristik.de

Cienfuegos (one hundred fires in Spanish) is on the southern coast in the heart of the former sugar plantations. Originally home to the Taino indigenous people, the city was settled by the Spanish and later by French immigrants from Bordeaux – many of the street names in Old Town still reflect French origins. Its affluent European history is still

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advertorial

1646 the experimental art space in The Hague

ALL EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS ARE ALWAYS FREE ENTRANCE

1646 is a contemporary art space, located in the center of The Hague. The artistic program takes on topics ranging from anything between politics and daily life, stimulating curiosity and speculation.

1646 invites international artists to make solo-exhibitions with new works of art and often transforming the space completely. 1646 offers a dynamic and international program of exhibitions, lectures, performances, festive openings and events in English to bring the public in direct contact with artists and their practice.

1646 is run by four artists of different nationalities: Nico Feragnoli (IT), Johan Gustavsson (SE), Floris Kruidenberg (NL) and Clara PallĂ­ Monguilod (ES). Since 1994, the space has been active on Boekhorststraat 125, making it one of the oldest art spaces of its kind in The Netherlands.

Artist: Hamid El Kanbouhi. Photography: Jhoeko.

WANT KNOW MORE?

Have a look at www.1646.nl for the future events and program.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram: @sixteenfourtysix Welcome to Boekhorststraat 125 on Thursdays to Sundays 13:00-18:00.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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DMEvents

DIPLOMATS’ WELCOME AFTER SUMMER The end of the summer and the welcome of the diplomatic community returning to town was celebrated with glamour by Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with Crown Plaza Hotel and the embassies of Argentina, Italy, and Switzerland in The Hague.

The reception included an exquisite motorcars show, a luxury cars exhibition of the world’s most renowned car manufacturers, who presented their latest developments to the Diplomatic Corps. The V Diplomats Welcome After Summer and 2nd Diplomatic Car Tryout showcased the best new cars on the market from the Louwman museum exclusive brands, Maserati, McLaren, Lexus, Mercedes, Alpha Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep.

Patrick Aarsmann, the General Manager of Crowne Plaza and Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine Publisher welcomed the guests followed by speeches of Veronica Ferrucci, the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy, Nicolas Vidal, the Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Argentina and Mirko Zambelli, the Minister Counsellor of the Swiss Embassy. Besides, each presented the flagship products of their home country.

Two live Jazz bands led by Daniel Nicolas and Claudio De Rosa serenaded the many diplomatic guests in attendance; ambassadors from all over the world and people from the business industry. Moreover, numerous Dutch politicians, judges from international courts, and the heads of various international NGO’s headquartered in The Hague also paid their visit to this special event.

Attendees enjoyed Italian coffee from Café Fadi, who came to Crowne Plaza with a barista from Italy making authentic Italian coffee on site. The most popular of the night was an amaretto café, and a special collection of top wines generously provided by the Argentinean embassy. Nicolas Vidal, also added the overview of the worldwide known quality Argentinean wines and introduced two wine importers from Argentina, Belgerette Wines

by José Belgerette, and La Giostra del Vino by Jacques Hoogeveen .

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On top of that, the guests were positively surprised by the Swiss presentation of the exceptional chocolates produced by Lindt.

Attendants were amazed by the magic of all flavours of the excellent selection of chocolates by Lindt, and everyone was happy to leave the event and come back home with half a kilo of these exquisite Swiss specialties.

“Chocolate diplomacy”, a term invented by Mirko Zambelli, was among the main topics discussed among the guests.

This was a special occasion for all attending, not only to connect with many partners, but also to exchange views with colleagues and counterparts.

ON THE PICTURES:

1 H.E. Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador.

2 H.E. Elyes Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia.

3 R oy Lie Atjam, Diplomat Magazine’s editor and H.E. Anthony Begina, Minister Plenipotentiary of Curacao.

4H .E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy and Mr. Eric Lowman.

5H .E. Elyes Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Marlene Bonnici, Ambassador of Malta and H.E. Roman Buzek, Ambassador of Slovakia.

6M r. Renan Villacis. Director of the Secretariat of the Assembly of States Parties ICC, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara and Alejandro Mitri, First Secretary, Embassy of Argentina.

7N icolas Vidal, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Argentina, Veronica Ferrucci, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy, and Mirko Zambelli, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Switzerland.

8H .E. Mr. Amgad Ghaffar, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Ms. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman, Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India, Mr. Aart Kleinveld, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz and H.E. Andrea Perugini, Ambassador of Italy.

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DMEvents

THE BICYCLING DIPLOMATS OF THE HAGUE

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

A remarkable bicycling spree in The Hague, it brought a good number of enthusiasts members of the diplomatic community together on Saturday 20 October 2018.

The objective was inclusion, informal mingling which might lead to lasting contacts and having fun. The tour departed from Hotel Crowne Plaza and travelled in the direction of downtown Den Haag, parliament square, haagschebos and other interesting historical and tourist sites.

The bicyclists were enthusiastic, encouraging feedbacks have been received, some have posted pictures of the tour on social media.

Following the bike ride, the participants met for lunch at a restaurant in Scheveningen.

Diplomat magazine highly appreciates the participation of all who have contributed to our third biking spree. Such were: diplomats from Mexico, Bulgaria, Russia, Italy, Sweden, India and South Africa. Also Ambassadors from Croatia, Finland, Malaysia. Interesting to note, The Ambassador of Malaysia brought along his personal guests, among them a former member of parliament. Other participants were the IOM Chief of Mission and a representative of the EU.parliament

“It was great, I learned about the historic importance of places like parks that now are full of trees, but before were battlefields, or bunkers.

I am getting ready to use the bike in my daily life in the Netherlands�

H.E. Andrea Gustovic-Hercegovac, the Ambassador of Croatia, said.

Dr. Anna Maria Mistretta, Liaison Officer of the Italian Ministry of Interior for The Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries, Embassy of Italy, Mr. Antonio Polosa, Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration and H.E. Ms. Andrea Gustovic-Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia.

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gastronomicdinners

BRUT INTERNATIONAL FLAVOURS A FOOD & BEVERAGE CONCEPT TO STRENGTHEN THE POSITION AS A 5-STAR HOTEL IN THE INTERNATIONAL ZONE At Brut International Flavours, food is prepared with respect for the origin and flavours of different countries. Every month a Food Festival is organized in cooperation with an Embassy. The very best dishes will be added to the menu after each Promenade Food Festival. Therefore, guests will enjoy the International Flavours throughout the year at Brut International Flavours.

The base of this concept started years ago, before General Manager Patrick Aarsman started working for Crowne Plaza Den Haag – Promenade. The hotel organized a yearly Food Festival in cooperation with the Embassy of India for years. Due to the love for this concept and success of the Indian Food Festival, a second country was added to the concept: Peru. Again, the gastronomy and dishes surprised the team and therefore decided in 2017 they wanted to turn this concept into a returning concept in the international zone of The Hague.

The collaboration between Mayelinne De Lara and Patrick Aarsman during the organization of the annual Diplomat After Summer Drink was key in order to take the International Food Festivals to the next level. Ms. De Lara shared the enthusiasm about bringing International Chefs to The Hague in collaboration with the Embassies and giving them the opportunity to promote their gastronomy and country with Chef Sido de Brabander.

Mayelinne De Lara, Photography by Hester Dijsktra

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2018 was the year in which the Food Festivals have been upgraded. Due to the great network of Ms. De Lara it would not have been such a great calendar within one year. Brut International Flavours managed to organize 11 divers and successful Food Festivals from five continents. In 2019 the concept will continue with the Food Festivals in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine, due to this success.

The Food Festivals can be described as a culinary evening featuring authentic, top-quality flavours, created in partnership with an international chef and Embassy.

Besides the delicious food, the Food Festivals will show a lot more about the other traditions from that specific country. Such as cigars and rum during the Cuban Food Festival, traditional music of Tunisia and Vietnamese art. This way, a unique experience will be created during each festival.

Curious to the upcoming food festivals in 2019?

Stay tuned via promenadefoodfestivals.com

Patrick Aarsman

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PERUVIAN FLAVOURS A DELIGHTFUL CULINARY JOURNEY WITH ALL THE SENSES

By Jochebed Kastaneer, MSc. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

Crowne Plaza Hotel in The Hague was home to the second edition of Peruvian flavours, showcasing traditional Peruvian cooking at his best.

Peruvian Flavours was organized and presented by courtesy of the Peruvian Embassy and Diplomat Magazine for the Promenade Food Festivals.

His Excellency Mr. Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru and his wife Mrs. Véronique Micléa, opened the Festival on the first evening and hosted a diner for invitees together with Diplomat Magazine.

Amongst the illustrious guest was present, Ambassador Alain Wagner, previous Peruvian ambassador to the Netherlands, in route for an official trip; H.E. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice, H.E. Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman, Ambassador of Guatemala, Pablo Piñeiro Aramburo, Minister Counselor of Argentina.

In this atmosphere of the warm and welcoming Peruvian hospitality the key address of His Excellency was: “The most important is that you enjoy the evening and enjoy the Peruvian cuisine”.

And enjoy is exactly what everyone did. We were welcomed with a glass of an exceptional ‘Pisco Sour’, a cocktail made of the ‘flagship beverage’ of Peru the ‘Pisco’. One would think that Pisco is a liqueur but Pisco is an elixir derived from distilled grapes, protected by the first Peruvian Denomination of Origin. And Pisco is also protected by the ‘Ladies of Pisco’, a non-profit worldwide women’s association dedicated to the promotion and culture of Pisco nationally and internationally.

During the evening Mrs. Ana María Korver and Mrs Miryam Jara Villegas, ladies of Pisco for the Netherlands, were present and kept a close eye on the Pisco cocktails being served to assure that they were of the traditional high quality.

Peru has been voted the number one culinary destination for years. And to show us why, the Peruvian Embassy has brought Chef Lourdes Centy Pluvinage, owner of the famous restaurant ‘El Picaflor’ in Paris. Together with her Mr. Sido de Brabander, chef at Crowne Plaza.

For starters Chef Lourdes served a ‘Causa’ of potato-tuna with avocado, a ‘Papas a la Huancaina’ (potato with typical Peruvian spicy cheese sauce) and a Cod ‘Ceviche’ from heaven, with crusty sweet potato and corn duo.

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By the time we’ve put our forks down our resolute and unanimous verdict was: ‘That’s it, I’m going to Peru!’. Effective culinary diplomacy at his best; and Chef Lourdes was just getting started. No wonder that the first edition of Peruvian Flavours marked the start of the Promenade Food Festivals. And some of the Peruvian dishes have even been included in the regular Menu of Crowne Plaza restaurant ever since.

Main course meant being lavishly spoiled with an exquisite ‘Chupe de Camarones’(Shrimp soup with corn, pumpkin, potato, rice, beans and huacatay), ‘Arroz con Pato’ (Sticky rice with duck and coriander), ‘Seco de Cordero’ (Lamb stew), ‘Escabeche de Pescado’ (Fried fish with marinated onions), ‘Quinoa Atamalada’(Spicy quinoa with feta cheese), white rice and white beans with bacon and piment.

And to make sure we remained in heaven we had ‘Tartelette de Lucuma’, ‘Delicia de Quinoa’ (Quinoa crème with lucuma mouse, honey with coffee and a tuille), ‘Alfajores’(Alfajores filled with dulce de leche) for dessert. The Lucuma liqueur that accompanied dessert made us experience first-hand why the ancient Incas loved the special fruit Lucuma so much.

Peruvian Flavours diner was a pleasure to enjoy with all the senses. We were touched by genuine hospitality and got to explore a world of new flavours, fragrances and textures with the Peruvian gastronomy.

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VIET NAM FLAVOURS By: Youri Moes. Photography: Hester Dijkstra.

It is often said that the best way to understand a person is to sit down with them and share a meal. To see how people gather around a communal space with each other is a window into their methods, traditions and culture. We are happy to have experienced this again with another great gastronomic event, Flavours of Viet Nam, organized together by Crowne Plaza and Diplomat Magazine with the Embassy of Viet Nam. Before the dinner began a reception was held where some impressive artwork made by Nguyen Minh Son was on display. The artist was present to talk to, and answer questions.

These beautiful pieces of art were accompanied with new export items, all coming in from Viet Nam. Coffee, tea, dolls and toys, among other things were all on display. Representatives from Vietnam Airlines were there to advertise their new fleet of flights, with their new direct flights from European airports to Vietnam.

They helped bring the culinart talent of the evening, Chef Dao Van Son as well as the painter Nguyen Minh Son from Vietnam to be present for the event.

Chef Sido de Brabander, the Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Ms. Ngo Thi Hoa and Chef Dao van Son

Many guests attended among which, ambassadors, diplomats from Thailand, Japan, Venezuela and many others were present, Dutch Ministry Staff, business leaders and entrepeneurs.

Naturally the main event was the food, and the guests were in for quite a treat. Dao Van Son, a master chef with 2 Michelin stars would be preparing the dishes for the event. The dishes on display took the guests on a culinary trip of classic Vietnamese food, prepared by a master of the craft. With flairs of fish sauce, coriander, spice and fresh ingredients, the food was loved by all people in attendence. Spring Rolls with lobster, lotus root salad, bún cha style pork and roast duck were just a few of things the guests were allowed to indulge in. Just looking at the ingredients that were used by chef Dao Van Son, we see the core elements of Vietnamese cuisine. Using star fruit, banana flowers, and beansprouts in combination with beautifully fresh fish and meats the chef makes amazing experiences in sweet, sour and spicy flavours.

CHEF DAO Chef Dao Van Son was at the helm of the Crowne Plaza Hotel kitchen staff for the Vietnam Flavours event, showcasing his specialities of Vietnamese dishes to a hungry crowd. Chef Dao’s name is synonymous with haute cuisine in Viet Nam, boasting 2 Michelin Stars at his restaurant La Table Du Chef in Hanoi. Chef Dao has had a very prestigious career, working in some of the most exclusive hotels throughout Viet Nam. During the Vietnamese food festival at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, guests had the opportunity to see Chef Dao’s culinary prowess first hand, with him using an outside grill. Together with other

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Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa, the Ambassador of South Africa H.E. Bruce Koloane and the Ambassador of Bulgaria H.E. Rumen Alexandrov

The ambassador of Japan, H.E. Hiroshi Inomata trying Vietnamese food H.E. Ambassador Haifa Haissami Madah, Chief of Mission OPCW – ICC Permanent Mission of Venezuela and H.E. Jose Bucarello Ambassador, Multilateral Mission of Venezuela.

The amazing culinary and artistic experience, together with great company and an open bar, was sure to lead to an amazing atmosphere and resulted in people leaving happy memories.

members of the kitchen staff of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chef Dao cooked up a storm, serving fresh fish in a spiced sauce, along with noodles and fried onions. Along side this was a mixed grill of Vietnamese meats.

While working the grill and fires, Chef Dao managed to speak to all his guests, enquiring if they were enjoying their meals. To see a man working a craft in a high stress situation all while remaining calm and speaking to his guests was truly inspiring. The guests obviously tasted the passion that Chef Dao put in his cooking since many guests went outside a second, third and even fourth time for more

servings of the food. Even after the desserts, with sticky coconut rice, red bean jellies and fresh Vietnamese fruits, people would head outside, looking for any possible leftovers.

The dinner was a huge success, with chef Dao opening the doors to this great event. He has done a terrific job, showing the deep styling of Vietnamese cuisine to many diners without experience eating it. No one went home hungry, tables were alive with compliments to the chef, all of which was completely deserved.

gastronomicdinners

A TASTE OF THE REMARKABLE CAMPECHAN CUISINE

By Tamara Dijkstra. Photography: the Embassy of Mexico and Roy Strik.

The Crowne Plaza hosted the inaugural Mexican Food festival. The festival was organized by the Mexican Embassy in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine and Aeroméxico, concerning the celebration of the 190 years’ diplomatic relations between Mexico and the Netherlands. During the festival the variety of dishes was accompanied

by Mexican musicians. Tasting the Mexican food at this occasion was not only a culinary experience, but also a fascinating social and cultural happening.

Dolores (Lolina) Echeverria Lanz and Jesus Herrera Raya two well-known chefs from the region of Campeche in the south of Mexico, prepared several extraordinary dishes for this occasion.

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Dolores is an amazing chef and currently a delegate of the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture since 2011. On a regular basis she gives lectures and workshops about the culinary culture of Campeche and the region of Yucatan Peninsula. In order to preserve traditional recipes of Campeche last year, she published a book, with 253 different recipes from the traditional cuisine of Campeche.

Jesus Herrera Raya is the owner of the most famous, well known traditional restaurant of the ‘Campechana Cuisine’, which is called ´the House of Campeche´. He dedicated himself to the exceptional cuisine 40 years ago and is considered as one of southeast Mexican most acclaimed chefs.

In general, the traditional food of the state of Campeche in Mexico, is especially acclaimed for the variety of fish, seafood and quality of the ingredients of the region.

During the opening ceremony in the Crowne Plaza restaurant in The Hague, the two chefs talked about the unique ingredients and special dishes and invited the visitors to share their opinions with them.

One of the main course was a dish that is called ´Quesorelleno´, delicious stuffed cheese with marinated meat. Remarkably, the chefs did not use Mexican cheese but prepared the dish with typical Dutch cheese, that is still an important ingredient in the ´Cuisine Campechana´.

Furthermore, five different main courses and three different kinds of dessert were served. To conclude, in order to describe this interesting ambiance in Crown Plaza, the restaurant could be compared to an art gallery, a place in which the objects do not only represent the ingredients by which they are made of, but also tell a story about the different traditions, history and a way of living in the south of Mexico.

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gastronomicdinners

THE UZBEK FOOD FESTIVAL IN THE HAGUE

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Marian van Noort.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr, DilyorKhakimov, organized the gastronomic event “Uzbek Flavours”. An authentic Uzbek silk, carpet and artisanal market complemented the food festival.

• one with mutton, one with pumpkin and one with greens

Ambassador Dilyor Khakimov and his colleagues from Egypt, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Austria, Yemen along with diplomatic representatives, friends of Uzbekistan, Dutch MFA and business acquaintances, all enjoyed the fabulous dinner and art market.

• flour, meat, pumpkin, greens, onion, mutton fat.

Once more, Uzbekistan shines in the Netherlands.

The famous Uzbek Chef Mr. Shomurod Samaev prepared a mouthwatering dinner consisting of Starter Mokhora - chickpea soup, three Uzbek Samsas:

The Ambassador of Viet Nam H.E. Ngô Thi Hòa, Mrs. Tatsiana Barysevich. from Belarus and the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez.

• Main course palov= rice with lamb, manti=steamed dumplings stuffed with lamb and pumpkin. Further Qozon kabob • Lamb brisket, potato, onion Dessert Behiyougogbleau = quince with crushed walnut.

Mr. Levan Khorkheli, Counsellor of the Embassy of Georgia, Mr. Wilhen Nehomar Diaz Lara, Chargé d’affairs, Embassy of Venezuela, H.E. Mr Mikalai M. Barysevich, Ambassador of Belarus, H.E. Ms. Ngô Thi Hòa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Mrs. Heiemaria Gürer, Ambassador of Austria, Uzbekistan Ambassador Khakimov, H.E. Mr. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Mr. Boris Zhilko, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Russia, H.E. Mr. Amgad Abdel Ghaffar, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mrs. Zhilko spouse of the Russian Minister Counsellor, Mrs. Tatsiana Barysevich, spouse of the Belarus ambassador and Mrs. Akmaral Aydarbekova, spouse of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan.

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Austrian Ambassador H.E. Heidemaria Gürer, a craft artist from Uzbekistan and H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan.

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nationaldays

The Fiestas Patrias of Chile

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

Chilean Independence Day, known as Fiestas Patrias, is celebrated annually on 18 September.

For this year’s National Day, the Ambassador of Chile H.E. María Teresa Infante hosted a reception to celebrate her county’s 208th anniversary.

Attendees included colleagues of the ambassador, members of the business community, government officials, as well as friends of Chile, each coming to felicitate her. The Ambassador remarked, “Chile is doing well. There is a new government in place and Chile is still doing ok. Not much has changed.”

Guests were then cordially invited to part take of the drinks,food and live music.

There was Chilean wine for wine lovers and the mouth-watering empanadas, which are often associated with Fiestas Patrias. Ambassador Infante took to the floor and gave a dazzling dance demonstration of the Cueca, with many following her example.

The Ambassador of Chile, together with H.E. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada and H.E. Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Sergio Ugalde.

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national day Dutch-Afghan relations reaffirmed The Honorary Consul of Afghanistan, Mr. Ehsan Turabaz, Ms. Sheila Turabaz from Diplomat Magazine and Ambassador Azizi.

By Sheila Turabaz. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

The Ambassador of Afghanistan to the Netherlands, H.E. Dr. Homayoon Azizi, and his spouse Mrs. Layqa Azizi recently hosted a reception to celebrate the nation’s 99th Independence Day. Ambassadors such as H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony (India), H.E. Mr. Alireza Jahangiri (Iran), H.E. Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja (Indonesia), H.E. Ms. Ngo Thi Hoa (Vietnam), H.E. Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi (Thailand), H.E. Mr. Dirk Brengelmann (Germany), H.E. Mr. Ernest Keith Neuhaus (Australia), H.E. Mr. Shujjat Ali Rathore (Pakistan) and H.E. Mr. Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio, were amongst those attending the celebration.

A large banner depicting the former King Amanullah Khan– remembered for securing Afghan social reformer as well as having secured Afghanistan‘s independence from Britain in 1919 – caught the attention of guests. Diplomats, representatives of various organizations, Dutch businessmen and members of the Afghan diaspora conveyed congratulatory messages in a guestbook before making their way to the hotel’s ballroom. The colors of the Afghan national flag illuminated the ballroom and stunning images of the country’s culture and scenery were displayed on a large screen.

The evening commenced by playing the Afghan national anthem (Surud-eMilli), followed by the Dutch national anthem(TheWilhelmus).A chronological timeline of the country’s recent history was shown before Ambassador H.E. Dr. Azizi delivered his speech. Dr. Azizi reaffirmed the warm relations between Afghanistan and the Netherlands and praised the diaspora for their active engagement in rebuilding the country. He then invited Mr. Peter Potman, Director of the Asia and Oceania Department at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to share a few words about the Dutch-Afghan relations. Mr. Potman spoke of the Netherlands’ contribution to Afghanistan “(…) on its journey to stability, democracy, and reconstruction”

through development aid, as well as participating in the NATO-mission Resolute Support, training the Afghan military forces in Mazar e- Sharif.Another prime example of Dutch-Afghan cooperation that he mentioned is the Hazardous Area Life-support Organization (“HALO”) Trust Fund –a non-profit organization aimed towards removing debris left behind by war (particularly land mines)—,which was “(…) able to demine an area the size of 70% of the Netherlands.According to Mr. Potman,“ this is a significant step towards security for the local Afghan community”.

nationaldays

Celebrating Morocco’ Throne Day 2018

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

The Kingdom of Morocco is a constitutional monarchy, every year the country celebrates the monarch’s enthronement with a full day of celebration known as Throne Day. On Throne Day, there are many official and popular celebrations throughout the country. It is a day of pride in the nation’s independence, culture, and monarchy.

His Majesty, Mohammed VI of Morocco’s Alawite Dynasty, ascended the throne in 1999 following the passing of his father King Hassan II. On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the throne accession, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki and spouse Mrs. Najat Bellouki invited colleagues, friends, and others to join them in celebrating Throne Day in style.

sador of the Kingdom On the picture, the Ambas Abdelouahab Bellouki of Morocco His Excellency louki. and spouse Mrs. Najat Bel

Celebration of the Flemish National Day 2018

By Roy Lie Atjam.

The Flemish General Delegation in the Netherlands hosted a National Day reception at De Sociëteit De Witte.

This is an official holiday in Flanders – the northern Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, including those in Brussels who consider themselves Flemings.

The Flemish General Delegation is an autonomous part of the Belgian Embassy in The Hague, fully competent in dealing with matters pertaining to culture, education, economy and so on.

Following the introduction and welcome by Mr. Axel Buyse, coordinator and General Delegation/Representative of the Flemish Government in the Netherlands, the following personalities delivered their remarks: Mr. Luc

Devoldere, director of the Flemish-Dutch cultural foundation ‘OnsErfdeel’, Ms. Gerdien Verschoor, director of the Codart Foundation (network for directors and curators of museums worldwide that have Flemish and Dutch Old Masters, Mr. Jan Peumans, President of the Flemish Parliament (Brussels) and Mr. Geert Bourgeois, Prime Minister of the Flemish Government (Brussels).

The screening of a video by the Trade Office (Flanders Investment and Trade) was also part of the program.

Live Jazz music animated the celebration.

On the picture Mr. Luc Devoldere (Ons Erfdeel), Ambassador Maryem van den Heuvel (Embassy Kingdom of the Netherlands in Brussels), Flemish prime-minister Geert Bourgois, Natasja Duhem (deputy General Representative of the Flemish Government in the Netherlands), Dirk Verlee (Flemish Economic Representative in the Netherlands and Mr. Jan Peumans (chairman of the Flemish Parliament).

Photography is a courtesy of the General Representative Bureau of the Government of Flanders.

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nationaldays

Uruguay a reaffirmation of the national identity: Celebrating 193 Years of Independence

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Naldo Peverelli.

To celebrate the 193rdanniversary of the declaration of Uruguay’s independence, H.E. Ambassador Luis Ricardo Nario Fagundez and his spouse Laura Dupuy Nario organized a reception on the lawns of their residence.

H.E. Ambassador Ricardo Nario and H.E. Embajador Laura Dupis.

The Central American Republics Celebrates

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Kim Vermaat.

On the occasion of the 197th Anniversary of the independence of the Central American Republics, the Ambassadors of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Guatemala hosted a reception in The Hague.

H.E. Ambassador Gladys Marithza Ruiz Sanchez of the Republic of Guatemala briefly addressed the guests on behalf of the Central American Republics.She emphasized the fraternity, cohesion and solidarity within the region, and notably the cooperation in tourism. She additionally mentioned the contentment the embassies felt for being in such an international city as The Hague.

The Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Sergio Ugalde, the Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gomez, the Ambassador of Nicaragua and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mr. Carlos Arguello and the Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Marthiza Ruiz de Vielman.

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“Independence Day is a reaffirmation of our national identity, a reunion with our past and our fundamental values of freedom, peace, democracy, respect for human rights, gender equality and social equity; all values we are glad to share with the Dutch people” Nario stated. He went on to express his gratitude towards the Dutch government, as well as the private sector, for their collaborative work over the past two years: “In 2017 and the first semester of 2018, our bilateral trade continued steadily and growing in many products, at a time when the trade around the world faces turbulences. For the first time, Netherlands is our first trade partner in Europe. As an example of our bilateral cooperation let me tell you that next month, we are going to launch a dredge vessel, which stern and bow were built in the Netherlands,

and the middle of the ship in Uruguay. It is a joint venture between the Royal IHC Company and the National Administration of Ports of Uruguay, for the amount of 61 million dollars. The purpose of this vessel is to carry out the dredging of the Uruguay River.”

He went on to mention the important agreement that Uruguay achieved with the Permanent Court of Arbitration, as well as the Host Country Agreement.

“With the presence of the Secretary General, Hugo Siblesz in Montevideo, last June, we signed a Host Country Agreement. The signing of this agreement is consistent with Uruguay’s long history of support of the peaceful resolution of international disputes in accordance with international law.”

Cameroon National Day 2018 Reception Photography: Courtesy of the Embassy of Cameroon in The Hague.

In commemoration of Cameroon’s 46th National Day, Cameroon’s Head of Mission to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Her Excellency Ambassador Mrs. Odette Melono hosted a Diplomatic Reception at Marriott Hotel in the city of The Hague.

Many Ambassadors and Heads of missions in the The Hague; international organisations; Dutch businessmen; as well as Cameroonians resident in the Netherlands and Luxembourg attended the ceremony.

The Ambassador welcomed all guests and invitees while receiving on behalf of the Head of State; was followed by a brief word of welcome.

The event started with a meet and greet session followed by a rich Cameroonian styled cocktail/dinner. Such event granted the opportunity to try out Cameroon’s unique cuisine. Furthermore, guests also had the opportunity to watch Cameroonian pictures in big screens located around the room and accompanied by the local music.

A key feature of this year’s celebrations was the exhibition of a beautiful Cake designed with all the official colours of Cameroon.

nationaldays

Vietnamis Surging Ahead

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Naldo Peverelli.

With a reception the Embassy of Vietnam celebrated the 73rd anniversary of the National Day in the garden of the Chancellery on Javastraat.

Indonesian’s policy at the 73rd Independency Celebration Text and pictures by Anton Lutter.

The proclamation of Indonesia’s independency in 1945 signaled the beginning of the fight for freedom against the Dutch. Now 73 years later friendship between the two countries is stronger than ever.

Symbolized by the opening words of the speech of ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, “Dear Veterans …” referring to the veterans who once where the adversaries of the Indonesian freedom fighters. Continuing a tradition started by the late ambassador Junus Effendie Habibie, inviting veterans to the Independence Day ceremony. Clearly a sign of Indonesia’s policy of looking forward in relation towards the Dutch, which is greatly appreciated by the attending veterans enjoying the ceremony on this sunny day.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government has accelerated its national development, be it in the form of physical infrastructure development (sea tolls, airports, railways, toll roads) or social infrastructures.”

With a population of 260 million, the fourth largest in the world, and third largest democracy Indonesia’s capacity and reputation is respected by the world. This was recognized by the fact that on 8 June 2018, Indonesia was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2019-2020. Also the European Commission has lifted the ban on all Indonesian airlines.

Ambassador Puja said: “Indonesia has contributed its views on the importance of promoting Indo-Pacific relations. Indonesia’s concept is to prioritize ASEAN centrality, cooperation, habit of dialog, and respect to the international laws.”

H.E. Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa delivered her welcoming speech, followed by cultural performances featuring the Vietnamese traditional musician Ngo Hong Quang.

Furthermore, guests were offered an array of Vietnamese culinary specialities.

In her welcoming remarks Ambassador Ngo Thi Hoa related the following: Over the years, Viet Nam has become a successful story, a dynamic country on the path of active integration into the world.

Viet Nam is among the fastest growing economies in Asia with an average GDP growth rate of over 7% in 30 years and has become one of the world leading food exporters. We have diplomatic relations with 186 countries and Viet Nam is a member of many major international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, WTO, Non-aligned Movement...

In 2017, Vietnam’s economy grew by 6.81%, total import-export turnover was 425 billion USD. Viet Nam’s sustainable development index in 2017 increased 20 levels, ranked 68 out of 157 countries and territories according to UNDP. Viet Nam attracted 13 million international visitors.

“ In the economic field, the Netherlands is one of our most important partners in Europe.” Ambassador Puja declared “ in 2017, for the first time in the last 5 years, the trade value between our two countries reached USD 5.06 billion. With a continuing growth in January-May 2018, the bilateral trade value increased with 7% compared to the same period in 2017. In the field of investment, The Netherlands, for several years in a row is still the largest benefactor of foreign investment from Europe to Indonesia. Also a positive trend is a growth in the tourism sector.

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Ambassador Puja.

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nationaldays

Celebration of Africa Day 2018

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Marian van Noort.

The African Group of Ambassadors in the Netherlands, hosted dignitaries, the African diaspora, and more than 350 other guests to the 55th anniversary of “Africa Day”, this in commemoration of the foundation on 25 May 1963 of the Organization of African Unity which is now known as the African Union since its name change on 25 May 2001.

The 2018 National

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Marian van Noort.

Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili, is one of the most acclaimed ensemble in the world. In the past (73) years the dance company has performed in over one hundred countries.

Ms. Halima Fonda Haga, Counsellor Embassy of Cameroon, Ms. Rose J. Sumbeiywo, Chargé d’affaires du Kenya, Mr. Amokrane Mourad, Chargé d’affaires Algeria, H.E. Ms. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda, H.E. Ms. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania, The Ambassador of Morocco, Dean of the African Group, H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki and the Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Bruce Koloane.

The theme this year, “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation” the messages of determination and resilience did not hamper an evening full of festive cheer, a wide range of national culinary tastes, and a spontaneous dance party ended the fabulous evening.

Addressing the event, H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, expressed that in March of this year more than 44 African countries, signed an agreement on establishing a Free Trade Zone.

He said: “This day is particularly special and significant in many aspects, as it marks the solidarity, unity in diversity and common strategy for the development of the African continent and the prosperity of its peoples.

The focus on combating corruption comes at a critical juncture as African citizens consistently place corruption among their top concerns and priorities.

This scourge is the most pressing governance and development challenge that most African countries are confronted today. A report issued by the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA), says that during the period 2000-2015, there

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was an annual illicit financial flows between Africa and the rest of the world average $73 Billion, from trade misinvoicing alone.

This illicit financial leak could be reinvested in our countries, in our local firms if the corruption could be stopped. This important amount would provide jobs, relaunch our economy, and therefore reduce poverty.

Corruption is a destroyer of human prosperity.

The fight against corruption must be our priority, it has to be persistent, and we must not rest even if improvement is visible.

The group is inimitable, astounding, elegant and so much more. It’s precisely therefore that H.E. Mr Konstantine Surguladze Georgia’s Ambassador in the Netherlands has brought Sukhishvili to The Hague to perform at Georgia’s Independence Dayand 100 Years of Georgia’s First Democratic Republic celebration.

During the performance, the crowded Diligentia theatre frequently burst into applause with shouts of “bravo” and standing ovation at the conclusion.

The show commenced with the most authentic traditional pair dance Qartuli. It is an expression of chivalry by the Georgian men towards the women.

The audience composed of various Ambassadors, Chili, Armenia, Slovakia and many more, along with the many invitees and the diaspore very much appreciated the entire show.

H.E. Mr. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, Ambassador of Nigeria, Mr Amokrane Mourad, Chargé d’affaires Algeria, Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Amgad Ghaffar and the Ambassador of the Sudan Mr. Dr. Hassan Ali Hassan Ali. H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of Georgia.

diplomatICEVENTS

Japan celebrates its Self-Defense Forces Day

By Guido Lanfranchi. Photography: The Embassy of Japan.

Day of Georgia The festive evening was hosted at Diligentia theatre The Hague.

Embassy of Japan organized a reception in order to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. For this occasion, H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata, his spouse Midori Inomata, and the Embassy’s staff welcomed a large number of guests, including many Ambassadors and military attachées in the Ambassador’s residence.

Ambassador Konstantine Surguladze signaled “Today I am proud to celebrate with you the National Day - Independence Day of my Country and 100 years anniversary of the establishment of the first democratic Republic of Georgia.

Georgia is a leader in the region in terms of democratic consolidation, human rights protection, rule of law, transparency and economic reforms. I can freely state that today Georgia strenuously steps towards the European family, to where we truly belong.

Now in our day, being a country that has signed the Association Agreement with the EU, Georgia’s largest trading partner.

Today Georgia is the most enthusiastic Europe-oriented country of our region. We are eager to further strengthen our presence in and with Europe, that’s why the European and Euro-Atlantic integration is one of the pillars of our daily agenda. I hardly need to reiterate that Georgia has established itself as a modern state with its historical and cultural roots belonging to Europe.

We believe that through the support of our partners, and the Netherlands among them, the path of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration will finally bring a sustainable security and prosperity to our country and citizens.”

Ambassador Inomata

Nine years had passed since the catastrophic end of World War II, when on July 1st, 1954, Japan retook full responsibilities for its security and established the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

For the 64th anniversary of this event, the Embassy of Japan organized a reception at the Ambassador’s residence.

H.E. Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata delivered a speech to celebrate the Japan Self-Defense Forces Day stressing the nature of Japan as a “peace-loving nation,” pursuing a policy of “proactive contribution to peace” not only for Japan, but also for Asia and the whole world.

In this framework, he highlighted the pivotal role of not only deterrence, but also international cooperation.

As for this latter, H.E. Mr. Inomata noted Japan’s contribution in international peace cooperation efforts, with the participation in about 30 missions since the first dispatch of troops in Cambodia in 1992. More in particular, the Ambassador

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highlighted the efforts for enhancing bilateral military cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands. While the December 2016 memorandum on defense cooperation already strengthened the military partnership between the two countries, the Ambassador announced that further developments should be expected in the future.

H.E. Mr. Inomata expressed his country’s hope that North Korea will take “concrete measures for denuclearization in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner,” while also stressing Japan’s desire to “cooperate closely with the related countries.”

Concluding his speech, the Ambassador mentioned some of the fundamental values of Japan and the Netherlands, such as “freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” hoping that this convergence will lead to enhanced cooperation “for the sake of peace and stability in the world.” conversations.

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diplomatICEvents

Photography: Roy Strik.

The Italian Week in the wonderful world of Bvlgari The opening of the Italian Week in the Netherlands was marked by art, luxury and flavors of Italy, at the official residence of the Ambassador H.E. Andrea Perugini.

It was a magnificent evening at the residence, with guests coming from Amsterdam, Mexico, China, Italy, and Curaçao, in order to enjoy one of the best events of the year. The event, marked by a n ubiquitous presence of “Made in Italy”, started with a house concert, held with grace and professionalism by Marc Chingar and Francesca Patane, two Italian artists coming to The Hague just for the occasion. The concert was then followed by a formal dinner at the Ambassador’s residence, with the guests immersing in the wonderful world of Bvlgari.

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The musical program was carefully selected, with well known classic songs interpreted with professionalism and grace by Marc Chingari and Francesca Patane, who, after their performance, mingled with the audience with passion. The ambiance of the night was immediately lovely, and remained so throughout the event.

Lelio Gavazza, Country Managing Director of Bvlgari, mentioned in his speech his personal proud in having friends of Bvlgari coming from all over the world to share this important yearly event, this time celebrated in the Italian residence. The residence – Ambassador Perugini explained – was the first official residence bought for a diplomatic mission in the Netherlands, while before diplomats used to live in hotels. Perugini warmly welcomed his more than 300 guests, stressing his personal commitment to have “Made in Italy” in every step of the events organized by the Embassy. In line with such commitment, the opening of the Italian Week featured a collection of jewelry and watches designed

by Bvlgari, which were exposed in glass boxes across the residence.

A lavish dinner was served, and accompanied by the best Italian wines. In between the courses, the guests were invited to meet in the terrace for small bites and conversations.

In the end, people switched seats and the animated night continued until late. It was a splendid night, with a great group of people.

diplomatICEvents

Former Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende receives The Star of Romania in the rank Grand Cross

By Djoeke Altena. Photography: Marian van Noort.

Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands between 2002 and 2010, received the “Steaua României”, The Star of Romania in the rank Grand Cross from H.E. Brândușa Predescu, Ambassador of Romania. This prestigious decoration is awarded for the crucial role he played, in the context of the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2004, in supporting Romania to successfully finalize its negotiations for accession to the European Union.

Not only within the context of the European Council, but also within the Dutch Parliament and Senate, did Mr. Balkenende play a decisive role in Romania’s Accession to the EU. Probably more important was the economic dimension. Mr. Balkenende, as head of state, and H.E. Mr. Bernard Bot, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in his Cabinet at the time, emphasised that the Netherlands had only to gain from Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession, at least in terms of a larger market for Dutch exports and investments.

In the presence of friends, family, diplomats and dignitaries, H.E. Predescu expressed his gratitude to Mr. Balkenende: “Undoubtedly, Mr. Prime Minister, by the leadership and vision you have shown in supporting Romania’s accession to the European Union, you have made a major contribution to the deepening and expansion of relations on all fronts between our two countries. For this Romania and the Romanians are appreciative and grateful”

Romania and , Ambassador of cu es ed Pr șa e Netherlands du H.E. Brân e Minister of th im Pr , de en en lk Mr. Jan Peter Ba and 2010. between 2002

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The Dutch were proven right. By 2009, only 3 years after Romania’s accession, the number of Dutch companies in Romania almost doubled, reaching more than 5,200 today.

“Likewise, the exports from the Netherlands to my country multiplied by five in the same period of time” said. H.E. Predescu. Mr. Balkenende expressed his gratitude for the great honour of receiving this decoration: “Of course there are issues, difficulties and incidents, but the European Union has to think about its own future. But I want to underline that we are all part of the same continent, and that we need each other”

Mr. Bernard Bo

t, former Dut

ch Minister of

Foreign Affair

s.

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diplomatICEvents

Commemorating the end of World War II

By Anton Lutter.

On the 15th of August 1945,now 73 years ago, the Second World War officially came to a close for the Kingdom of the Netherlands by the surrendering of the Japanese forces. Every 15th of August this day is remembered at the Indies Monument in The Hague.

During the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies (nowadays Indonesia), 100,000 Dutch nationals were detained in appalling conditions in internment camps for a duration of 4 years.

It is estimated that about 13,000 of them died.Thousands attended the commemoration, among them not only the victims, but also their children and grandchildren.

The solemn ceremony beganwith the standard Regiment Van Heutsz, presented by the military in the uniforms of the former Royal Netherlands Indies Army.

The pieces were performed by the Royal Military Band “Johan Willem Friso” and the Residentie Bach Ensembles choir.

On behalf of the government, Prime Minister Mr. Mark Rutte- his own father being interned during the WWII - and the State Secretaryfor Health, Welfare and

Sport,Mr. Paul Blokhuis, who has “World War II Victims and Remembrance”in his portfolio, laid a wreath. The importance of the 15th of August commemoration was reflected by a large attendance of dignitaries, amongst them the Minister of Defense,Mrs. AnkBijleveld, as well as the Commander of the Dutch Defense Force, with the Operational Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air force and Marechaussee.

The president of the parliament,Mrs. KhadidjaArib, President of the senate, Mrs. AnkieBroekers-Knol, thevice-president of the Council of State, Mr. Piet Hein Donner, and the president of the Court of Audit Mr.Arno Visser, were also all present.

After the laying of the wreaths by the Government, Defense and City of The Hague, represented by deputy mayor Mr.Bert van Alphen, the representatives of the Embassies of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States and Indonesia alsopaid their respects bylaying their own wreaths.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr.Bernard Bot, during WWII a “campchild”, reiterated from De Volkskrant newspaper that the Japanese occupation of the Netherlands East Indies is a part of Dutch history that deserves attention, stating “the horrors of the Second World War over there were at least as big as in Europe. It is good that one has knowledge and contemplates about it”.

King Willem-Alexander and President Raimonds Vejonis.

Dutch State Visit to Latvia Photography: Presidency of Latvia.

Republic of Latvia: At the invitation of President Raimonds Vējonis, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander paid a state visit to the Republic of Latvia.

The monarch was accompanied

by Foreign Minister Stef Blok.

The state visit to Latvia was followed by a state visit to the Republic of Estonia and to the Republic of Lithuania.

The programme was focused on the long-standing historical ties between The Netherlands and Latvia, to Estonia and to Lithuania, which date back to the fourteenth century – with mutual trade peaking in the Golden Age – and on the close bilateral ties they enjoy today.

The Netherlands’ relationship with all three countries today is characterised by strong partnerships in peace, security and prosperity, within the framework of the European Union and NATO in particular.

Parallel to the state visits, separate economic programmes explored the potential for expanding economic partnerships.

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diplomatICEvents

Dutch State Visit to Lithuania At the invitation of the President of Lithuania, H.E. Ms. Dalia Grybauskaitė, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid a state visit to the Republic of Lithuania accompanied by H.E. Foreign Minister Stef Blok.

Parallel to the state visit, a separate economic programmes explored the potential for expanding economic partnership. In Lithuania the focus was on partnerships in energy, with Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag attending the parallel economic programme. Another theme was military cooperation within NATO. President Dalia Grybauskaite and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. -Photography: Lithuanian Presidency.

Thailand: Exclusive Thai Cooking Workshop

By Roy Lie Atjam. Photography: Courtesy of the Royal Embassy of Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague organized yet another Thai Cooking Workshop to feature Thai cuisine and offer diplomats and others an opportunity to explore classic Thai cuisine. The venue of the workshop was the residence of Ambassador EksiriPintaruchi and the amazingly gorgeous garden provided a perfect backdrop for the workshop.

The event featured the esteemed Thai Chef Nhoi Ouypornchaisakul, founder and proprietor of the renowned Bangkok Bold Company Ltd. The guest list consists of lady Ambassadors of Burundi, Guatemala, ambassadors spouses from Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Nicaragua to name a few, further diplomats, Diplomat magazine and other guests.

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The workshop was made up of two parts, a plenary session in which Chef Nhoi Ouypornchaisakul, who came over from Bangkok prepared the following dishes: • Pomelo salad with toasted coconut flakes • Chicken green curry • Stir-fried eggplant or aubergine with Thai basil leaves.

Honesty compels me to note that Chef Nhoi Ouypornchaisakul’s green curry ranks among the best I have had so far.

The second leg of the workshop, participants were offered the opportunity to prepare the dishes mentioned above themselves.

ON THE PICTURES: Picture 1: from left to right, Mr. Chatphong Chairattanti, Thailand, Ms. Linda Zin, spouse of the Malaysian Ambassador, the spouse of the Ambassador of Nigeria, Ms. Fadhilah from the Embassy of Malaysia, Ms. Uzma Rathore, spouse of the Pakistani Ambassador, Lucia Solano Palacios, Counsellor and Consul of Guatemala.

Picture 2: Ambassador Eksiri Pintaruchi and H.E. Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinian Mission.

Picture 3: Chef Nhoi in the second position along with her team.

It has been tremendous fun to watch food fans from all over the globe enjoying classic Thai cuisine.

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diplomatICEvents

Declaration of Friendship Across Religions in the making Photography: Nando Peverelli.

Under the leadership of the Peace Palace, the Carnegie Foundation and the Elijah Interfaith Institute several religious leaders and representatives attended a meeting announcing an upcoming Declaration of friendship across religions, to be signed by religious leaders of the word at the Peace Palace in 2020.

The Declaration of friendship across religions, intend to foster peace and understanding creating friendship among all religions.

The launch of the project at the Peace Palace on September 26 is a preamble to the 2020 Summit were religious leaders of the word will be invited to sign a common declaration.

The project is meant to include discussions of issues of friendship, common values between religions, freedom of religion as well as approaches and mandates for further dialogue, mutual study and festivities as blueprints and yardsticks for future collaboration between faiths.

With the strong support of the Peace Palace, the event counted with the presence of its director Erik de Baedts, he said that the summit in the Netherlands will be a huge undertaking that will require the necessary cooperation, but the process of consultations worldwide and crafting the Declaration is an even more complicated and delicate matter that follows a careful interactive process supported by experts from the Elijah Interfaith Institute, the VU university, The Carnegie Foundation, and others.

Rabbi Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein, director of the Elijah Interfaith Institute, declared: “This is time of Universal understanding; this is a new message of friendship teaching

with simplicity. Get to know about each other, reaching a common vision, take care of each other; making friends is a way of living.

“Engaging the leaders of the word to give this message of friendship” he explained “some time against their own message is a great task.

We started the process two years ago now we came up with 60 declarations of friendship; it is a process where education to the young has an important impact.”

Among the audience H.E. Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands commented: “Peoples are very similar in some points, and very different in others; religions are very similar in some point, and very different in others.”

“Respect to each other is fundamental,” stayed Archbishop Cavalli “ we have to learn, with our own identity the duty to respect the others and the right to be respected by the others, the duty to esteem the others and the right to be esteemed by the others. This is the true dialogue, the true friendship.”

Also among the audience Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp, the ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Amgad Ghaffar and religious leaders from different faiths. www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2013/09/28/rabbiawraham-soetendorp

Mr. Erik de Baedts, Peace Palace Director.

Advertising professional Mr. Mark Woerde, creator of the idea, Rabbi Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein and Mr. Erik de Baedts.

Rabbi Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein, director of the Elijah Interfaith Institute and Archbishop H.E. Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio of the Netherlands.

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El Salvador and the Netherlands establish a Bilateral Chamber of Commerce

By Guido Lanfranchi. Photography: Courtesy of the Embassy El Salvador.

HH Mayor Peter Tschentscher and US Ambassador Grenell.

Photography: Tim Ott, Senatskanzlei Hamburg.

Ambassador Grenell pays visit to Hamburg Wednesday, 16 May 2048, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: US Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, who took office the same day he arrived to Berlin on 8 May, pay a visite de courtoise to the Mayor of Hamburg Dr. Peter Tschentscher.

On May 15th, 2018, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam hosted the launching event for the newly established Bilateral Chamber of Commerce of El Salvador and the Netherlands, which is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing business contacts between the two countries.

Since May 15th, 2018, businesses from El Salvador and the Netherlands willing to expand their activities in the other country are able to benefit from a new facilitating institution: the newly established Bilateral Chamber of Commerce of El Salvador and the Netherlands. In the Chamber’s first newsletter, President Ms. Sonia Meijer expressed her gratitude to all the participants to the launching event, as well as to Ms. Vanesa Bandak, representative of PROESA, Ms. Sandra Morales, from the Salvadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Agustín Vásquez Gómez, Ambassador of El Salvador to the Netherlands.

In the newsletter there was also space for the successful experience of the Salvadorian company “Caposa Plants.”

Only a few months after the Chamber’s establishment, Caposa’s Raquel Jean Diaz described how the Bilateral Chamber provided her company with additional opportunities for exporting Salvadorian plants to the Netherlands. Moreover, the Chamber’s staff announced an upcoming fair, Chocoa 2019, which will take place in Amsterdam in February 2019. In this venue, businesses involved in the chocolate supply chain will be able to gather, network, and discuss their strategy.

In the light of the many opportunities arising from this newly established institution, the staff is currently inviting companies to become members of the Chamber. The cost of membership is of 50 euros per year, and it comes with a wide list of services. Among the many opportunities, there is the possibility to meet and negotiate with the two country’s businessmen and experts in different sectors, participate to business fairs and events, as well as keeping contacts with other members of the Chamber and confront the companies’ inventories and needs.

A 45-minutes long confidential conversation took place at the mayor’s behest at the Mayor’s Office to discuss ongoing transatlantic relations, and the ways to enhance them. According to Ambassador Grenell he is not preoccupied for a trade war that might damage relations to the EU partners.

Hamburg’s City Hall is the seat for the Mayor, the City-State Government (Senate) as well as its State Assembly (Hamburgische Bürgerschaft).

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

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Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Visits OPCW The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, met late October at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.

H.E. Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles with H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias.

Photography: Imane Rachidi.

Andorran-EU goods accord Photography: Government of Andorra.

Principality of Andorra: the EU and Andorra have agreed to an accord to facilitate the free circulation of goods for the micro-state landlocked in the Pyrenees between France and Spain.

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The Director-General and the Minister of Foreign of Affairs examined the progress and challenges in implementing the global ban against chemical weapons, and discussed Spain’s efforts to support the Organisation’s work.

The upcoming Fourth Review Conference was discussed as States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention are anticipated to set a strategic direction for the OPCW for the next five years and beyond. The discussion further covered OPCW’s engagement in addressing the threat of chemical weapons use, as well as expanding the Organisation’s laboratory capabilities into an OPCW Centre for Science and Technology.

A highlight is a 30 years transitional period for tobacco, which shall remain outside the Customs Union’s regime. This being the longest span for a transitional period ever granted by the EU. After seven years, however, customs rights shall progressively be suspended. The tobacco industry is pivotal for governmental revenue, the economy, and the working world in Andorra. Other agricultural products shall enter directly into the customs union according sources from the the Andorran Foreign Affairs Minister, Maria Ubach Font, who is indeed pleased to have obtained thirty years to diversify the Andorran economy and depend less on tobacco revenue.

The Director-General remarked: “Today, when we confront powerful security shifts and challenges, let me express gratitude for Spain’s abiding commitment to the international norm against chemical weapons, and for its concrete actions to assist the OPCW fulfil its mission.”

The Foreign Minister stated: “Spain, as an active member of the OPCW, recognises the crucial role played nowadays by the Organisation in the construction of a world free from chemical weapons.

The success of the OPCW in achieving its noble goals is not only our own success, but also a faithful reflection of our historic responsibility to work towards the full elimination of all weapons of mass destruction.”

In return for the long transitional period, the Principality committed itself to applying European directives concerning tobacco, reinforcing the fight against trafficking, increasing the price difference of tobacco with Spain and ratifying the OMS agreement to fight tobacco addiction.

These discussions stand within the framework of the negotiations on the association agreement between Andorra and EU which began three years ago and is due to becoming more intense during the months to come, for the intention is to conclude the technical aspects from here to the end of 2018, or beginning 2019.

diplomatICEvents

Viet Nam Special Issue The celebration of the 45th anniversary of Viet Nam and the Netherlands diplomatic relations in the Netherlands was launched by the Chairwoman of the National Assembly, Mdm. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, with the presence of the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Ms. Cora van Nieuwenhuizen. During the unique occasion the Embassy of Viet Nam presented an special issue Viet Nam 45 Anniversary published in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine.

Pacification strategies of the Dutch Revolt.

Ideas, means and actors in a cultural perspective.

A CONFERENCE BY DR. BERNARDO J. GARCÍA GARCÍA Department of Modern and Comtemporary History of the Complutense University

The Netherlands is among the first Western countries that established diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in 1973. Over the past years, together with diplomatic, trade and investment cooperation, the bilateral cooperation in other fields such as defense, culture and tourism, education and training, transportation, cooperation among cities, and multilateral cooperation, and more... have also witnessed remarkable progress.

More importantly, the relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands has become a strategic partnership, with the Strategic Partnership on Climate Change and Water Management along with the Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security concluded respectively in 2010 and 2014.

In 2017, bilateral trade turnover reached US $ 7.7 billion. In the first four months of 2018, two-way trade value reached $ 2.3 billion (an increase of nearly 13% over the same period of 2017). The Netherlands has become the biggest EU export market for Viet Nam. In terms of investment, the Netherlands has been the largest European investor in Viet Nam, ranking the 11th out of 116 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam with 304 projects and a total registered capital of $ 8.17 billion.

To mark the beginning of the ‘80 years war’ in 1568, the Spanish Embassy in The Hague, the Instituto Cervantes (Utrecht) and the Hispanic Society of The Hague organized the lecture Pacification strategies of the Dutch Revolt. Ideas, means and actors in a cultural perspective at Carlton Ambassador Hotel, The Hague, in the Spanish language, principally for the members of the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya.

In 2009, on the occasion of 400 years of the 12 years Truce, the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya had organised a ‘Spanish Day’ in the Historical Museum of The Hague with Bernardo J. García García as key speaker, so they did not hesitate to invite him again for the 450 years conmemmoration.

Other than being an excellent speaker, he was also in charge of several expositions in Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands related to this specific subjet. In order to maximize his visit from Madrid, he also spoke in the Rijksmuseum, together with two other speakers in October.

DIPLOMAT MAGAZINE #9

On the picture: speaker Mr. Bernardo J. García García, Chair Hispanic Society of The Hague, Ms. Edith Bergansius, Ambassador of Spain H.E. Ms. María J. Alonso and Mr. Luis Tejero González, cultural attaché of the Spanish Embassy.

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The Global Commission on Adaptation Photography: Imane Rachidi.

In October 2018, The Hague became the theater for one of the most significant acts on climate change so far: the launch of the Global Commission on Adaptation.

The initiative, launched by a series of high level personalities with the support of several countries, calls for stepping up efforts to mitigate the negative effects of climate change globally.

The Global Commission on Adaptation was launched and supported by a large number of high-level political leaders, including former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte,Dutch Minister of Infrastructure Cora van Nieuwenhuizen.

The initiative was supported by a wide range of countries from all over the world, namely India, China, South Africa, Germany, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, the UK, Denmark, Argentina, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Senegal, Marshall Island, Grenada.

Moreover, the Global Center on Adaptation and the World Resource Institute are the Commission’s managing partners.

Among its different tasks, the Global Commission will supervise the elaboration of a report, containing precise recommendations, that will be presented in 2019 at the UN Climate Summit. The report will be elaborated by several experts and institutions from different parts of the world, and will not only highlight risks related to climate change, but also present concrete actions to be taken

by governments, companies, and citizens to address such issue. In doing so, the Commission will form coalitions, bringing together the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders in order to align actions in tackling the challenge of climate change.

Speaking about climate change, Minister van Nieuwenhuizen noted that the world is facing one of the biggest challenges in its entire history, and highlighted that the Commission is here “to begin changing the course of history and to secure the future of our global societies.” Similarly, Dutch PM Rutte stressed that tackling climate change is an extremely urgent issue, for which planning and cooperation will be needed. In this sense, he noted that the Netherlands has some expertise to share on water management, and it is already cooperating with countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Speaking about the fight against climate change negative effects, former UNSG Ban Ki-moon stressed the importance of adaptation, which is “the smarter thing to do,” but also noted that “not a single country can do it alone.” On this line, the German Minister of Economy advocated for the protection of the least fortunate. As World Bank CEO Georgieva noted, “it is a cruel irony that those who have least contribute to the climate change are the ones who are affected and least able to prepare.” In a touching declaration, the President of the Marshall Island described the effects of rising sea levels in the country, which “cannot be abandoned.”

Also, a number of high-level contributions, such as those of Microsoft founder Bill

Mark Rutte and Ban ki-moon

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Gates, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, and incoming UN High Commissioner for Refugees Michelle Bachelet, came in via video.

Bill Gates strongly praised the Commission’s focus on actions and results, and advocated for a prominent role of technology in leading the adaptation effort. Michelle Bachelet too contributed via video to the Commission’s launch, stressing that “we need to ensure all people have the tools to adapt” to the emerging challenges related to climate change.

In addition to the aforementioned speakers, several other high-level leaders attended the launch as part of the Commission: among them, the Prime Minister of Grenada, the President of the African Development Bank, the Secretary General of the IFRC, the Executive Secretary and the former Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, a Senator of the Philippines, a former Finance Minister of Mexico, the German Minister of economy, the Minister of Ecology of China, the Mayors of Paris and Miami, members of the UK Environment Agency, and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica.

Each one contributed with short and focused speeches on particular issues. Also some ambassadors attended the event in support to global actions on climate change: among them, the ambassadors of Japan, India, Costa Rica, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Argentina, the Philippines, Mexico, and Denmark.

While climate change remains a persistent and dangerous global challenge, it is encouraging to note that such a wide range of countries and high-profile leaders are actively trying to address this challenge.

Global Commission

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