On the picture Mr. Ali Al Thayedi, Counsellor, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Embassy of Kuwait, H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, H.E. Mr. Taher Farahat, Ambassador of Egypt, Chargée d’affairs of Lebanon, Ms. Abir Ali, H.E. Ms. Rahma Salih, Ambassador of the Sudan, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Noureddine Ayadi, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E Bert Kounders, Mr. Nabil A.O. Abuznaid, Head of the Palestinian Mission, H.E. Mr. Breik A.B. Swessi, Ambassador of Libya, H.E. Muhammed Al Said, Ambassador of Oman, H.E. Mr. Karim Ben Becher, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Dr. Obaidullah Obaid Ambassador of Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Alireza Jahangiri, Ambassador of Iran , H.E. Abdulaziz Abohaimed Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Saywan Barzani, Ambassador of Irak, H.E. Mr. Ahmad Al Mufleh, Ambassador of Jordan, and Ms. Mariam AlShamsi, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Embassy of United Arab Emirates.
To mark the beginning of the Holy Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims around the world, Ambassadors of Muslims countries to the Netherlands celebrated Iftar – the breaking of the fast – in the company of the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Bert Koenders, after sunset on June 9.
It was an opportunity for the Dean of the Arab countries, Ambassador Nabil Abuznaid, head of the Palestinian Mission to the Kingdom of the Netherland, to talk about the meaning of Ramadan.
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“Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking; it is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-discipline and sacrifice. Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits — essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for “fasting” (sawm) literally means “to refrain” – and it means not only refraining from eating and drinking, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.
The physical effects of the fast are felt by Muslims as a reminder of those who suffer throughout the year — those who are poor, homeless, refugees — and who cannot meet their basic needs. It reminds Muslims not to be wasteful and to feel empathy for those who face hunger on a daily basis, we should feel grateful for the bounties of Allah: clean water, sufficient food, comfort of a home, health of our family members. There are so many in the world who must survive without these basic needs, and Ramadan is a time for us to give thanks and reaffirm our commitment to helping those in need. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to clear the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one’s self on the worship of God and charity to mankind” he said.
“We are all united here today in our respect, friendship, and genuine support of one another in our quests to make this world a better place. Our jobs are not easy, and we have much work to do as representatives of nations facing many challenges, but I have no doubt in my mind that we are strengthened by each other.”
After greeting guests, Minister Koenders gave a stirring speech in which he paid tribute to the strength of those fasting and the sincere joy of sharing Iftar with them. He also recalled the occasion some years ago when the current Ambassador of Algeria invited him to celebrate Iftar.
“At special occasions like this it is with mixed feelings that we look to the world around us. Conflicts, war and battles are breaking families and communities apart in many regions of the world. And unfortunately also in a region that is home to many of you. My thoughts tonight go specifically to the children of Aleppo and many other cities and villages in Syria,” Minister Koenders said to the audience of more than 120 special guests.
“We need to stand together to resolve the dire situation of the Syrian population. Not only as politicians and diplomats, but first and foremost as part of our responsibility as human beings.
“Like all neighbours, the European and Arab countries have many common experiences and challenges. It is safe to say that our societies are changing.
“Tolerance between different groups and individuals should not be taken for granted. We all share the same responsibility to ensure dialogue and mutual respect for each other’s traditions, beliefs and opinions.”
Ambassadors of Tunisia, Oman, Morocco, Lebanon, Cameroon, Senegal, Egypt, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, United Arab Emirates, Libya, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Albania, Venezuela, and Nicaragua as Dean of the Diplomatic Corp, the Director General of the OPCW, the President of the International Court of Justice, the Registrar of the International Court of Justice, the President of the Court of Lebanon, the Mayor of Wassenaar, together with judges from the International courts of justice sitting in The Hague, notable business people from the Muslim community, civil servants from different Dutch Ministries notably from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three major mono theistic religions authorities attended the Iftar organised by Muslims ambassador in The Hague.
“Responding to the issue of migration remains a top priority for me and for the EU.’ The Minister said ‘People are still undertaking the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. The combination of regional instability, demographic and socioeconomic factors, and climate change still impels refugees and migrants to take this dangerous route to Europe. Unfortunately, successful and unsuccessful attempts by migrants and refugees trying to reach our shores continue to dominate our headlines.
“Closer cooperation between our countries is needed so that no more lives are lost at sea. Developing local capabilities for managing migration flows is key. This is of course a long-term effort. We need to have an open and creative discussion on the matter. It is of supreme importance that our policies be in line with international human rights obligations: that commitment should remain a cornerstone of our efforts.
“Joining hands is crucial to building a more secure and peaceful world. We need each other in order to tackle challenges that don’t respect borders. My country is strongly committed to effective multilateralism, for reasons of principle and necessity.”
The Netherlands is a leading candidate for the UN Security Council for the period 2017 – 2018.
