Au revoir Ambassadors Ménat and Geerkens.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions in enhancing the bilateral ties between their countries and The Netherlands and their support for the Diplomatic Community, for their contribution to Diplomat Magazine, the parting Ambassadors H.E. Pierre Ménat of France and H.E. Frank Geerkens of Belgium, received the Certificate of Merit from Diplomat Magazine at Carlton Ambassador Hotel.
Ambassador Ménat, who recently also received the prestigious ‘Ridder Groot Kruis’ from His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, will be returning to France to enjoy his retirement after having served in the Foreign Service for 32 years. 
Ambassador Geerkens will also return to his home country Belgium, where he will take up an exciting new job in the semi-private sector.
The following dignitaries were present: H.E. Ambassador Nassima Baghli, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Arwin Paulides, General Manager of Carlton Ambassador Hotel and other distinguished guests.
Click here for full set of pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157646012260004/
It is interesting to note that the certificates of recognition handled to the ambassadors, have the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family. In the picture Mr. Marc Stokbroekx signing the certificate of Ambassador Pierre Menat.
Description of the coat of arms of the Stokbroekx family
The coat of arms of the Stockbroekx family finds its origin in the combination of the symbols of the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon, two members of well-known aristocratic families in 1400. On the left we see a pattern of red and gold stripes which symbolizes the duchess of the van Loon family. On the right we see a white lion on a red background symbolizing the duke of the von Heinsberg family. Across the two parts there is a blue beam which is known as the “acknowledged bastard stripe”. This indicates that the first descendant Johan van Stokbroekx, was born out of a so-called Danish marriage, which means his parents married out of love. However, this form gave no rights to the descendants. Therefore the duke of von Heinsberg and the duchess of van Loon created this new coat of arms together with a new name, Stockbroekx. The actual family Stockbroekx are the direct descendants of Johan van Stockbroekx.
Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony
