This month, the Dean of ambassadors in The Hague, H.E. Ms Adia Sakiqi, ambassador of Albania to the Netherlands, hosted at Leonardo Hotel a farewell ceremony for the six ambassadors who will leave the Netherlands this summer. Over a glass of wine, the guests had the opportunity to enjoy once more each other’s’ company.
On this distinguished occasion, the Dean held a speech, to honor the work and efforts of her colleagues.
‘It is a pleasure we are gathered together once more. Today we do not only celebrate the first Bi-Annual Farewell event of 2023, but also, and most importantly, the tenures of our esteemed colleagues here in the Netherlands’.
In her speech, Ms. Sakiqi addressed each of the guests of honor, underlining their special qualities and contributions to diplomatic life during their mission in The Hague:
Armenia – H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan – your energy, your determination and your drive will be remembered. You will be missed in The Hague, and especially in Scheveningen, the North Sea will miss your daily morning dives.
Permanent Representative of Belgium to OPCW and to the International Organizations – H.E. Mr. William Roelants de Stappers – we thank you for all your solid contributions in international organizations. Your leadership in International law will be remembered.
Brazil – H.E. Mr. Paulo Roberto Caminha de Castilhos França – was lovely to have you among us in The Hague. Special thanks go to your contributions in assisting the Deanship in important matters dear to us all in this room. We wish you and your family every success!
Czech Republic – H.E. Ms. Katerina Sequensová – Katerina, you are not only a professional diplomat, but also a great manager who held 2-3 hats at the same time and never complained. I am positive that we will hear from you and your future successes. Lovely to know that you will assist ICC in the future months and come back to The Hague!
Latvia – H.E. Ms. Aiga Liepina – Aiga, I would like to thank you on behalf of all of us, for your engagement, solidarity and professionalism. It was great to cooperate with such a reliable professional like yourself. Wish you all the best in your future posting, knowing that you will mark your mandate there as it happened here in The Hague.
Luxembourg – H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit – among many high characteristics that you embody, I would like to emphasize your sense of humor. I do not know if it comes from experience, but I am sure it is a personal characteristics which we so much enjoyed in our circles.
Tunisia – H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, I would like to thank you on behalf of all colleagues for your professionalism, your bridge building and your leadership not only for the Francophonie, but for where-ever you were invested’.
The Dean added that although their diplomatic mandate was marked by lock-downs and pandemics, they managed to overcome shortcomings and are leaving a significant mark in the Netherlands, with their hard work and dedication.
She concluded:
‘It has been a joy to work alongside every single one of you with such astonishingly accomplished profiles, to exchange experiences, to cooperate and to learn from each other. These cheers go to you, to all the amazing things you have accomplished, and to all the many amazing things you will continue to accomplish.
On behalf of the Diplomatic Corps we thank you and celebrate you!’
