In the picture the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez, during her speech.
Thursday 12 September 2019 – The traditional Welcome After Summer Reception, organized by Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with Crowne Plaza, has been once again a great occasion to gather ambassadors, heads of missions, diplomats, and friends from all over the world – who enjoyed the opportunity to meet colleagues and partners in a special atmosphere.
The diplomats attending the reception were numerous and of a high profile, including: the Ambassadors of China, Malaysia, Rwanda, Indonesia, Vietnam, Iran, the Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, the State of Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Tanzania, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, the Holy See, Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, and Ecuador; the Chargés d’Affairs a.i. of the Russian Federation, Georgia, Argentina, Panama, Suriname, and Azerbaijan; and representatives from the Embassies of the USA, Kenya, and Poland.
Beyond the diplomatic community, the reception also welcomed businesspeople, well-known politicians, academics, and members of international organizations.
The reception also became an important occasion to celebrate the launch of Diplomat Magazine’s new printed edition, which came fresh from the printer for this special occasion. The edition featured a cover story on the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Honorable Sheikh Hasina.
Addressing the hundreds of guests, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher Dr. Mayelinne De Lara spent a few words on the focus of the Magazine. “We focus on the people” – she said – “Especially, on all the men and women who constitute the great diplomatic corps, who come from every corner of the world to restlessly serve their country, showing an infinite passion in doing their job, finding the right contacts, trying to accomplish the greatest agreements, promoting their countries’ industry and tourism, showing to the world the essence of their nations, and managing foreign affairs even when sometimes the country faces serious domestic issues. We are proud to support all these great civil servants, sharing and learning great life lessons every day”.
Dr. De Lara continued by mentioning the multitude of events organized by Diplomat Magazine over the last months, including Ceremonies of Merit for parting Ambassadors, gastronomic festivals, promotional events for salsa, chocolate and wine, a diplomats run & walk, and visits to institutions such as Eurojust. In addition to that – she continued – Diplomat Magazine has also travelled to places far from the Netherlands: for instance, the fantastic Bakhshi music festival in Termez, Uzbekistan, where thousands came to admire and enjoy the ancient art of recreating histories about war, conquests, and love; and also the great city of La Habana, which celebrated its 500thanniversary with the most successful international tourism fair ever held in the country.
Moreover – Dr. De Lara added – “we also travelled to Bangladesh, in an extensive journey that led us to visit many cities, where we saw important historical relics, Buddhist temples, craft markets, silk saris in-house production, wonderful beaches, and especially great, progressive, hard-working, friendly, and hospitable people. We returned from Bangladesh with warmth in our hearts, as well as with important declarations from the country’s Prime Minister, the Honorable Sheik Hasina, to whom we dedicated our cover page and main article”.
The crowded reception included a luxury car exhibition from Louwman Group, as well as exclusive Argentinean wines provided by the country’s Embassy and three special importers.
A live jazz band with a great singer provided the musical background, and a Cuban cigars special lounge and rum from the Embassy of Cuba added to the atmosphere. “Today, we are celebrating the relations of friendship and fraternity between the diplomatic community, the authorities of the host country and the Dutch friends in creating spaces and setting bridges between us to continue strengthening cooperation among all parties.” Declared H.E. Ms Soraya Alvarez, Ambassador of Cuba.
Moreover, the reception was also a great occasion to celebrate in The Hague the National Day of Uzbekistan – 28 years after the foundation of the Republic. To this aim, an Uzbek traditional market with silk, cotton, silver products and authentic food was also set up. The Italian Embassy also contributed to the ambience by presenting Cafe Fadi, an Italian café corner, with a barista offering unique blends and recreating a truly Italian atmosphere.
The VI Diplomats Welcome After Summer Reception was a very special occasion for all guests to connect with partners and colleagues.
For Diplomat Magazine new edition please open the link below:
