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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

The Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay marked his country’s Independence Day with a grand and festive reception. Held on August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, the event drew over 200 distinguished guests from various sectors of Dutch society.

Ambassadors, chiefs of international missions, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with members of the Uruguayan community, all responded to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Álvaro González Otero’s invitation to celebrate ‘Día de la Independencia’—Uruguay’s National Day, commemorating its independence from Brazil in 1825.

H.E. Dr. Álvaro González Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay. National Day 2024 The Hague.

After nearly 200 years of conflict and civil unrest under Spanish and then Brazilian rule, Uruguay has emerged as a country renowned for its welcoming people, stunning landscapes, first-class meat production, and high-quality wine. In recent decades, Uruguayans have enjoyed a stable democracy, a steady improvement in living conditions, and overall well-being.

In a packed room with an animated audience, Ambassador González Otero took the microphone to thank all the attendees for their sincere affection for his people and country. He then proudly expressed:

“Two years have quickly passed since I arrived in this lovely kingdom. Since then, we have started to shift the focus of the Embassy, placing more emphasis on our bilateral relations. The Netherlands and Uruguay have more in common than people might imagine. We share international principles, landscapes, agricultural production, developed services, qualified exports, and a progressive lifestyle.

We also share strong commitments to the well-being of our citizens and visitors, the protection of human rights, environmental sustainability, progressive social policies, and significant efforts towards renewable energy and climate action. Both countries also emphasize education, democratic governance, and active participation in international organizations promoting peace and development. So, we will keep working to boost our bilateral relations.”

Uruguay National Day, August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.
From the Embassy of Uruguay, Counsellor Pablo Bayarres, Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Hans Akerboom, Deputy Director Protocol and Host Country Affairs from the Netherlands.

Ambassador González Otero then listed some of the most relevant initiatives undertaken by the Embassy over the last few months:

– Uruguayan participation in the World Hydrogen Summit 2024: Led by the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, Ms. Elisa Facio, with over 50 representatives from various sectors of the public and private sectors.

– Active participation in the “26th World Energy Congress.”

– Cooperation Project with Delft Institute for Water Education: Since 2011, Uruguayan professionals specializing in water resources have participated in the Delft Institute program for advanced training. Initially, the program began with 40 scholarships, resulting in 37 professionals successfully completing their studies. This early success led to the program’s relocation and implementation at the Technological University of Uruguay, now featuring regional participation. The program has since had two new editions in 2022 and 2024, expanding to include 17 professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. This development has transformed Uruguay into a regional hub in the field of water resource education.

– Uruguay’s status as one of the 32 signing states of the Ljubljana – The Hague Convention in February 2024.

– Positioning Uruguay as a potential living and working destination for Dutch farmers.

– Interactions with RVO and Port of Rotterdam related to port cooperation.

– Exploring and initiating new cooperation projects with Westland Municipality and Wageningen University.

– Meetings with private sector actors related to agribusiness.

– Preparation for the Capitan Miranda’s visit to Amsterdam: Uruguay’s school tall ship has already confirmed its participation in Sail Amsterdam 2025.

– Multilateral achievements: The Embassy has made progress in multilateral areas, including ongoing contributions and work with international organizations based in The Hague: the ICJ, ICC, OPCW, HCCH, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Additionally, a closer relationship with The Hague Academy of International Law has been pursued. Significant advances have also been made through the coordinated work of the GRULAC Group in relation to various international organizations.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General , Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Mr Arias spouse, Patricia van Oordt.

Following his remarks, Ambassador González Otero invited the audience to watch a short video about Uruguay, which made a great impression on those present. He expressed, “Uruguay is an exceptional country that has developed a dynamic and robust culture, shaped by a fascinating blend of gaucho traditions, European influences, and the unique Rioplatense spirit. Tango, folklore, candombe, and milonga are examples of its rich artistic musical expression. Uruguayan gastronomy, featuring high-quality meat, wine, and dairy products, especially the beloved ‘dulce de leche,’ delights palates and consistently wins prestigious awards worldwide.”

“The work we have done does not mean we are satisfied; we want to continue advancing in a deeper process. The bilateral relationship is already strong, but the potential to strengthen bonds in several key areas is even greater.”

The Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero and the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana with her husband Mr Gustavo Segovia.

The event was conceived to showcase the rich and diverse culture of Uruguay, a nation with a population of approximately 3,495,527 as of 2022.

The national anthems of Uruguay and the Netherlands were performed by the Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos. After the ambassador’s speech, the Embassy paid tribute to two influential musicians: José “El Sabalero” Carbajal and Jaime Roos, who both lived in the Netherlands. Jaime Roos settled in Amsterdam in 1978, where he played bass in several salsa, rock, and jazz groups. He had a son and remained in the Netherlands until 1984 when he returned to Uruguay.

Carbajal spent his days in the Netherlands with his wife, Anke van Haastrecht, and their two children. Anke was invited to share some special stories from their life together.

Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos.
Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez.

The enthusiastic audience enjoyed an authentic performance by talented Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez. The celebration continued with Uruguayan wine, classic savory empanadas, and dulce de leche, which delighted the crowded room and completed the great celebration.

Ambassador González Otero concluded the event by thanking his Embassy team: Counselor Pablo Bayarres, Chancellor Gustavo Morales, his assistant Juan Diego, and Martha Hernández and Sofía Anastasiou. He then led a warm toast for the people of the Netherlands, Uruguay, and the necessary and desired peace in the world.

China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

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China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

By Mariarosaria Iorio, Political Analyst

I. The post-cold war world  

International relations are nowadays characterised by major changes that started at the end of the 80s with the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Indeed, the end of the cold war was marked by the dislocation of the two main political blocks, namely the Soviet Union and the Western World. Such a dislocation resulted in the marginalization of the post-war multilateral system embodied in the United Nations, and the standstill of the multilateral trade negotiations in the late 90s in the context of the World Trade Organisation.  New lines of political thought have been facing each other since then, while reshaping the post-cold war world in a number of fragmented and variable sub-blocks of countries. 

The United States decided to put itself first by concentrating on its internal affairs, while withdrawing from international affairs.  

Europe, the old continent, looks for an efficient strategy towards autonomy from the United States.  Europe also tries, not without difficulty, to create a more cohesive internal and external political approach.  The reality is however evolving rather more towards fragmentation of Europe in favour of European National fragmented interests. Such a fragmentation is the natural consequence of the decadence of the European Institutional and collective actions to the advantage of individual Sates actions and interests.   In sum, what seemed to be a structured and coherent European Union block fighting for the promotion of its economic and political values all over the world has somehow become an alliance at variable geometry both internally and externally.  The disorganisation of the leadership results in a chaotic and unpredictable European External and Internal action. 

Thereof, the empty influence spaces left on the international relations scene has given new international actors the opportunity to emerge.  

Meanwhile, the fragmentation of the European Institutions has also impacted the EU-USA relations within NATO, and affected the security and peace sphere.  Security issues have been on and off on the European agenda.    

In this context, Russia that has lost its empire in the 80s looks now for a new power game. In spite of the disruption of the Soviet Union, Russia attempts either by influence or by force to exercise power in its ancient affiliate countries.  Russia that was supposed to be defeated with the fall of the Berlin Wall takes back its role of opponent to the Western World on the international scene at least as it concerns the international affairs philosophy.  Thus, creating a tension aimed at restoring its power in the world.   

The group of emerging and developing economies that constitute a new variable block with a large portion of population employed in agriculture have emerged as new actors in the world’s geo-political discourses.  At the head of this block on the international scene, there is China.  The shaky international leadership context has indeed given China a new space. China’s   communist past combined with its market-based economic strategy gives it a particular position.  

China is The One that can communicate to Russia. China is also The One that can have an influence on the Western economic and political scene as China owns a big part of Western Foreign Debt  

China embeds a horizontal strategy in both its trade and development policies, while producing at low wages.  Its production system coupled with its pragmatic political approach has reshaped the international power structure.  The top-down approach of the Western World faces now the competition created by the horizontal win-win approach proposed by China in both developing and industrialized countries.

Indeed, as a result of the decline of the Western World global hegemony based on market access and economic and social liberalism as a means to ensure economic growth and promote economic development, the vision promoted by China’s discourse, centred on the protection of livelihoods and local sovereign choices finds new adepts.  Furthermore, China has successfully attempted to promote a trade-off approach to international cooperation during the last 20 years.  A cooperation that does not interfere in internal affairs of partner countries as it has often reproached to the Western countries involved in international cooperation.  

As the developing countries leader, China positions itself as the spoke country for the poor.  As a new world powerful economic actor China plays as the guarantor of the Western Economic stability.  China positions itself as the bridge between the rich and the poor.  It is representing a different hegemonic game that only changes in its discourse, while still pursuing its own interests and influence zones.  Such a situation poses the question of the values that the international regime wants to embrace.  Indeed, this changing world results in an increased number of conflicts – be new or historical conflicts.  

The dislocation of the traditional leaders of the international relations has definitely created a chaotic and unpredictable scenario.  Chaos has in some cases been chosen as a political strategy to disrupt the post-1945 international regime. Such a disruption has benefitted new actors, and given space to new lines of thought.  These new lines of thought have attacked the existing international framework but has not yet succeeded in creating a new regime.  The increasing unbalance of power and the lack of leadership on the international political scene is risky. 

The reduction by choice of leadership of the United States has indeed resulted in the weakening of the values emerged as a result of the dramatic experience of Second World War, namely freedom of thought and freedom of speech to mention only a few.   We are now facing a much more authoritarian world with force used as a means to manage the political arena.  Dialogue seems to be a rather consuming exercise that has left its place to the use of force.  Force is no longer seen as the last option but rather the opening act for political dialogue.  Nationalism and individual interests are now at the centre of the political game. This trend is taking the world to instability and conflict.  

The peoples of the world are more and more questioning the existing system. People’s needs and expectations are not met.  The new emerged actors, such as China have given the hope of a possible change in the present international system without fundamentally questioning its rationale but rather trying to rip a slate of the cake.  

The struggle for influence among countries has not succeeded in building a peaceful and stable world. Citizens will have to face the challenge of building a new era of peace and stability worldwide.

Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

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Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

S.E. M. Philippe Couvreur est arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982, où il a d’abord occupé le poste d’assistant spécial aux bureaux du greffier et du greffier adjoint de la Cour internationale de Justice.

Il a ensuite exercé les fonctions de Secrétaire, Premier Secrétaire et Secrétaire juridique principal, avant d’être élu Greffier de la Cour en 2000, et réélu en 2007 et 2014. Pour marquer l’anniversaire de ses débuts à la Cour, il y a 35 ans, Diplomat Magazine l’a invité à témoigner de son expérience unique au service de cette institution, des évolutions qu’il a pu y observer, et à partager le regard qu’il porte sur les changements qui ont marqué la Cour et La Haye au cours des trois dernières décennies.
Philippe Couvreur avec le Pape Jean-Paul II prise le 13 mai 1985.
Je suis arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982 — de façon aussi inattendue que j’avais entamé des études de droit treize ans auparavant (mais c’est là une autre histoire…) — pour occuper un poste temporaire à la Cour internationale de Justice. La Cour était alors la seule institution judiciaire internationale existante au plan universel. Son activité, particulièrement faible à la fin des années 1970, ne pouvait en ce temps-là guère laisser présager du succès que rencontrerait la Cour dans les décennies à venir. Mon bienveillant maître de Louvain, le professeur Paul de Visscher, fils du célèbre internationaliste Charles de Visscher, unique juge belge à la Cour, m’avait prédit des jours aussi sereins qu’heureux, écoulés à lire et à écrire des ouvrages dans la solitude des imposants murs de la bibliothèque du Palais de la Paix…
Les mémoires ont été dûment déposés dans l’affaire El Salvador c. Honduras dans la salle Bol le 1 juin 1988, l’affaire du Différend frontalier terrestre, insulaire et maritime.
En rejoignant la Cour, un frais matin d’avril, dont je garde un souvenir très précis, le jeune juriste que j’étais découvrit, non sans étonnement, une organisation de taille très modeste, le Greffe, qui en est l’organe administratif, alors composé de moins d’une quarantaine de fonctionnaires. Le fonctionnement de la Cour reposait entièrement sur cette équipe restreinte de personnel permanent, auquel s’ajoutait, selon que de besoin, un personnel temporaire pour faire face au surcroît de travaux linguistiques et de sténodactylographie lors des sessions (publiques et privées) de la Cour. Je me rappelle avoir été frappé par la personnalité haute en couleur de certains de ces traducteurs indépendants, dont la grande culture littéraire m’émerveillait. Cette structure très économique du Greffe impliquait une grande polyvalence de ses membres, et les Secrétaires de la Cour — ses fonctionnaires supérieurs — étaient appelés, en sus de leurs travaux de recherches juridiques, de préparation des documents de la Cour, et de rédaction de la correspondance diplomatique, à assumer eux-mêmes l’essentiel des tâches linguistiques (traduction et interprétation) et d’information, ainsi que la supervision de nombreuses activités administratives et logistiques.
La Grande salle de Justice, l’affaire Relative au Timor Oriental (Portugal c. Australie) Arrêt du 30 juin 1995.
Il n’était nullement rare qu’un nouveau venu comme moi ait à passer week-ends et nuits blanches au Palais de la Paix à effectuer les travaux les plus divers… allant jusqu’à imprimer et polycopier, sur de vieilles machines à stencils ronéotype, des décisions dont la Cour devait donner la lecture en séance publique le lendemain ! Dès mon arrivée au Greffe, j’ai eu le bonheur et le privilège d’être initié et associé à l’ensemble des fonctions de l’institution sous la patiente supervision de personnalités d’exception, tels que MM. Torres Bernárdez et Pillepich, alors respectivement Greffier et Greffier adjoint. J’en ai retiré le plus grand bénéfice, puisque cette immersion sans préparation dans toutes les facettes de l’activité du Greffe m’a permis d’acquérir de ce dernier une connaissance unique — de l’intérieur — et sous tous ses aspects —, un acquis particulièrement précieux au moment où j’ai été amené, bien des années plus tard, à assumer la délicate responsabilité d’en assurer la gestion au plus haut niveau. Devenir un fonctionnaire du Greffe au début des années 1980 signifiait accepter de se couler sans discussion dans un moule à tous égards exigeant, et se donner corps et âme, avec humilité et discrétion, à l’institution, sans penser à soi ni parler de soi. Depuis ces années d’initiation, j’ai été le témoin de profondes transformations de la Cour, rendues inévitables à la fois pour répondre à l’accroissement considérable de ses activités, avec la disparition du monde bipolaire qui avait relégué le règlement judiciaire à un rôle quelque peu marginal, et pour saisir les opportunités nouvelles offertes, notamment, par le progrès des technologies et de la communication. Entre 1982 et aujourd’hui, le nombre de fonctionnaires a ainsi presque triplé (il a quasiment doublé depuis l’an 2000, année de ma première élection en tant que Greffier). L’organisation du travail a été progressivement spécialisée entre les divers départements, juridique, linguistique et chargé de l’information, qui furent créés en 1997, et les services techniques. Par ailleurs, les Membres de la Cour ne disposèrent pas, pendant longtemps, de « référendaires » — ils s’y sont d’ailleurs longtemps refusés—, et l’assistance apportée aux juges en matière judiciaire était principalement répartie entre les fonctionnaires du Département des affaires juridiques.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur avec la Reine Beatrix photo prise pendant le 50 eme anniversaire de la Cour (18-04-1996).
Les cinq premiers postes de juristes référendaires ne furent obtenus de l’Assemblée générale et créés qu’en 2002, à l’issue de difficiles négociations que je me souviens avoir menées avec beaucoup de plaisir et d’intérêt ; le nombre de ces postes s’est progressivement accru, pour s’élever à quinze aujourd’hui. Les divers développements qui ont marqué le monde au cours des dernières décennies n’ont pas manqué de soulever pour la Cour de nouveaux défis. Comme c’est le cas pour toute institution, elle n’a pu les relever en faisant table rase des enseignements de son histoire ni, à l’inverse, en ne saisissant pas toutes les opportunités offertes par le temps présent. A ces différents égards, la Cour est certainement parvenue, au fil des ans, à assurer un équilibre, toujours délicat, entre changements et continuité. La continuité de la Cour est bien sûr inscrite dans son Statut, qui fait partie intégrante de la Charte des Nations Unies, et reflétée dans ses méthodes judiciaires, qui ont été très largement élaborées par sa devancière, la Cour permanente de Justice internationale, et héritées d’elle. Cette continuité historique était particulièrement présente lorsque j’ai rejoint le Greffe. Ainsi, en manière d’anecdote, divers hauts fonctionnaires alors en poste avaient eux-mêmes côtoyé, au début de leur carrière, d’anciens fonctionnaires de la Cour permanente. Tous nourrissaient à l’égard de cette dernière le plus grand respect. Il régnait d’ailleurs dans les couloirs du Palais de la Paix une atmosphère feutrée et délicieusement surannée, évocatrice de la défunte Société des Nations. Je me souviens en avoir encore utilisé maintes fournitures de bureau ! La continuité jurisprudentielle et procédurale entre les deux Cours constitue pour les Etats une garantie importante de sécurité et de prévisibilité juridiques. Cette continuité, juridique et historique, de même que l’expérience accumulée en plus de quatre-vingt-dix ans d’exercice de la fonction judiciaire, sont pour la Cour un facteur crucial de légitimité.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur vec le Roi Willem-Alexander photo prise pendant le 70 eme anniversaire de la Cour (20-04-2016).
En même temps, la Cour a eu, à l’évidence, à s’adapter aux changements du monde réel dans lequel elle opère, comme aux nécessités et opportunités nouvelles de chaque époque traversée. L’une des transformations notoires auxquelles j’ai assisté fut l’ouverture croissante de la Cour sur l’extérieur : longtemps à l’écart, à dessein, des organes politiques des Nations Unies, la Cour a souhaité se faire plus et mieux entendre de ces organes et des Etats membres. Elle a ainsi rompu avec ce qui était parfois perçu comme un « splendide isolement » au sein des Nations Unies, même si elle défend toujours jalousement son autonomie. La Cour doit en outre désormais également tenir compte des nombreuses autres juridictions, internationales ou régionales, qui ont été créées ces dernières années, et veiller, autant que possible, à assurer l’harmonie du « concert judiciaire » que permet ce foisonnement de cours et tribunaux sur la scène internationale. Davantage ouverte sur la communauté internationale et ses réalités, la Cour s’est montrée de plus en plus attentive, non seulement à sa place dans l’Organisation des Nations Unies, mais aussi à la poursuite des objectifs de celle-ci et à sa mission propre au service du règlement pacifique des différends internationaux. Des différends de plus en plus complexes, tant juridiquement que factuellement, en même temps que politiquement plus denses, lui ont été soumis. En révisant constamment, selon que de besoin, ses méthodes de travail, elle a su les résoudre rapidement et efficacement, à un coût particulièrement modeste pour la communauté internationale, tout en assurant le développement du droit. Enfin, pour conclure sur une note plus prosaïque, mais qui est loin d’être négligeable, je ne peux taire la chance que j’ai eue de connaître l’extraordinaire développement de la ville de La Haye au cours des 35 dernières années. Celle-ci offre aujourd’hui à la Cour, comme aux nombreuses institutions internationales qui s’y sont installées à sa suite, une qualité de vie et un cadre de travail uniques, qui sont très loin de ressembler à ce que j’ai trouvé en y arrivant. A l’image de l’imposante stature du Palais de la Paix où elle siège, symbole mondialement connu de la justice internationale, la Cour est une institution solidement établie. En dépit des périodes de doute ou de désaffection qu’elle a traversées par le passé, son rôle est unanimement salué au sein de la communauté internationale et le recours à ses services par les Etats n’a jamais été aussi soutenu. 35 ans après, je continue de mesurer chaque jour le privilège qui est le mien de servir au mieux de mes capacités l’organe judiciaire principal des Nations Unies. —– Les photos dans l’article sont une courtoisie de la Cour International de Justice.

Alaska Summit Should Go beyond Peace in Ukraine

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Alaska Summit Should Go beyond Peace in Ukraine

By Ján Figeľ

The summit of the US and Russian presidents in Alaska is an extraordinary opportunity to launch a renewed and productive dialogue between the main powers of the Euro-Atlantic area. It can lead to the end of damaging development and long confrontation: the bloody war in Ukraine since 2022 and the (second) Cold War since 2014.

For the Fathers of a united Europe after World War II, peace action was determined by a careful analysis of realities, awareness of duties and the search for possibilities. At the same time, they had the courage, creativity and perseverance to implement the necessary actions on the basis of proven principles and values.

The European integration process has stagnated in the last decade, or even reversed (Brexit). If we want to succeed with the peace plan for the whole of Europe, we need to perceive the whole and complex reality of Europe and its neighborhood. Now is the time.

For reminder and inspiration, let us recall the words of three important Europeans.

Robert Schuman, French post-war prime minister and statesman: “We must construct Europe not in the interest of the free peoples alone, but also to be able to welcome in it the peoples of the East, who freed from the repression that they have been subject to until the present, will ask us for their adhesion and for our moral support. … We consider as integrating part of a living Europe all those who desire to rejoin us in a reconstituted Community.”

German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in his message on Security and Peace for All in 1953 spoke about two major actions:

  1. In order to meet a possibly existing Soviet security requirement the regional alliance of the European Community, after being joined to the NATO, can be brought into a contractual relationship to the regional alliances of the East Bloc within the scope of an all-embracing structure… including military side of the system.
  2. As economic cooperation and political security are interdependent, the funds becoming available by a general control of armaments can be utilized to increase the international exchange of goods and raise the standard of living of all nations.

Charles de Gaulle, President of France, in his famous speech in 1959 declared: “Yes, it is Europe, from the Atlantic to the Urals, it is Europe, all of Europe, which will decide the fate of the world!”

Were all these personalities wrong? These visions were openly communicated during the hard confrontation years of the Cold War. It must be much easier to formulate a true road to peace, stability and security for all nations after collapse of communist regimes in Europe.

But there are no statesmen in Europe who experienced WWII. Regrettably, today many lack foresight, generational thinking and a comprehensive geopolitical action. The US and EU leaders were unable to secure peace after the victory in the Cold War (1989-91) and build pan-European unity for the benefit of peace and security for all. Equally, they were unable to prevent the conflict inside Ukraine in 2014, nor to resolve it effectively (Minsk Agreements I, II). This helped to get this multinational country with disputed leadership into a fateful confrontation. In 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine and started the war.

There is a narrow path from this war in Ukraine to peace, which includes several critical conditions and important goals:

1. The sequence of ceasefire – peace agreement – stability – security – reconstruction – prosperity is an invitation for fair negotiations and compromises between Ukraine and Russia starting with a ceasefire, but valid also other states (the USA and Europe), in order to guarantee the agreed steps and conditions.

2. Displaced populations and refugees from war-affected territories must be given a respected right to return.

3. If the destructed territories are to be restored soon and successfully, they cannot remain isolated and internationally unrecognized. A reasonable transition period (7-10 years) with international supervision and local self-government and subsequent regional plebiscites under international control (with the participation of the UA and the RF) on the basis of the right of the population to self-determination will decide on their future constitutional status or integration with international recognition.

4. The destroyed territories need reconstruction with great financial potential. A common fund will be established for the reconstruction of all war-ravaged territories and infrastructure, which will operate over the same period of time.

5. Creation of conditions and instruments of common markets for strategic resources and commodities (energy and energy infrastructure, natural raw materials, information technologies, intellectual property), initiated by the US and RF and open to all free nations can be a long-term instrument for security and prosperity of all.

Under the original Schuman Plan for Europe from 1950 the participating states live in peace, security and prosperity. Now we need to invent and implement the Schuman Plan 2.0. Original principles are the same and equally viable today. A potential Big Deal adopted by the USA, RF, Ukraine and the EU with fair and acceptable conditions for ending the war in Ukraine, but also for security, mutual cooperation and prosperity can build a new West-East or Northern Hemisphere Community. Practically it may represent an unprecedented Community from Alaska to Kamchatka through Europe and Central Asia.

With realism, this can be achieved in the spirit and legacy of the successful Fathers of Europe. Will there be the courage and determination, the creative ability and perseverance to realize this positive vision and actions, based on proven principles and values?

About the author

Ján Figeľ ]is a Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Clementy Foundation´s Chair for the Ven. Schuman´s Legacy in the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in the Vatican, the former EU Commissioner and Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia, the founder of the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), the first Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, and current President of FOREF (www.janfigel.sk)

Royal Annual Reception Honors the Power of Culture and Connection

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Royal Annual Reception Honors the Power of Culture and Connection

Royal Palace of Amsterdam | May 2025

Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands welcomed ambassadors and heads of international organizations to the Annual Diplomatic Gala Dinner, traditionally held in the stately Citizens’ Hall of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

This long-standing tradition is a hallmark of the Dutch monarchy’s engagement with the diplomatic community, offering a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to the values of peace, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation. In 2022, Dutch government representatives joined the ambassadors as special guests.


In 2023, the evening spotlighted scientists and researchers. Last year, it was dedicated to innovative entrepreneurs. This year, ambassadors were paired with leading figures from the world of art and culture—artists, musicians, writers, performers, architects, designers, heritage experts, and museum directors.

In his address, King Willem-Alexander warmly welcomed the international community and reflected on the richness of cultural exchange, affirming the Netherlands’ support for international engagement and cooperation.

“Relations with other countries and peoples near and far made a large contribution to the growth and prosperity of Amsterdam and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 
The international orientation of our open society and economy is one of the Netherlands’ biggest strengths. You represent the many countries we share ties with today. And we greatly value your presence.

The world we all live in is changing fast. Long-standing rules and agreements are under pressure. Increasingly, healthy competition is turning into bitter rivalry. And sadly, tensions and conflicts are disrupting the lives of millions of people. 
Our hearts go out to the victims of violence in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and other troubled regions.

The future is unpredictable. In these turbulent times, the Netherlands is working to promote stability and security, prosperity and good governance. Everyone ¬– all around the world – wants the same basic things: a decent life for themselves and their loved ones. Food on the table. A strong economy. Security and healthcare. Effective governance. That’s the only way people can build successful lives in their own countries. 
Everyone needs socioeconomic security and prospects for the future.” It is with that conviction that the Netherlands seeks cooperation with partners.” the King remarked

His Majesty spoke of Dutch reputation in the field of food production, water management, healthcare and sustainable energy. and addressed the international representatives “The unifying role you play as diplomats is crucial. And the significance of your work has only increased as global tensions have risen.” 

This year’s Diplomatic Gala Dinner highlighted our shared humanity and the timeless ties forged through beauty, art, diplomacy, and cultural dialogue. In a world often divided by difference, the evening offered a compelling reminder of what unites us.

“Eendracht maakt macht — unity makes strength.”

Speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, delivered a stirring address:

“Your hospitality reflects the importance you place on diplomacy and the vital role diplomats play in fostering international understanding and cooperation,” Ambassador Ghanem said, expressing collective gratitude to Their Majesties.

Reflecting on the symbolic grandeur of the Royal Palace, the ambassador shared with warmth and humor : “ I must admit that on more than one occasion, I secretly wished that royal receptions would be held in The Hague instead. But definitely not tonight!

She then turned to the deeper theme of the evening: the enduring power of art and culture as universal languages “Viewed through the lens of culture, our world resembles a vast mosaic. No two pieces are the same, yet each one complements the other, contributing to a stunning and harmonious whole,” praising the Netherlands as a living example of cultural blending and innovation. Drawing from history, she referenced the VOC-era import of Chinese porcelain, which evolved into the iconic Dutch Blue Delft, and the transformation of Turkish tulips into a national symbol.

Ambassador Ghanem shared a deeply touching personal story about her mother: “Would Johannes Vermeer have ever expected that a woman from a faraway country called Yemen would one day dream of visiting the Netherlands because of his masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring? Today, that woman’s daughter is standing before you as the ambassador of that far country to the very Netherlands her mother always longed to visit! ”

Addressing the impact of modern technology, Ambassador Ghanem acknowledged the opportunities digital platforms offer for global cultural exchange but also issued a gentle warning, quoting a viral social media post: “I want AI to do my laundry and dishes so that I can do art and writing—not for AI to do my art and writing so that I can do my laundry and dishes!”

The comment underscored the need to strike a balance between technological progress and the preservation of human creativity and imagination—a shared responsibility for diplomats, artists, policymakers, and innovators alike.

In closing her speech, Ambassador Ghanem addressed Queen Máxima directly with warm and gracious birthday wishes, “May your day be filled with cherished moments with those you hold dear, and may your distinguished grace and charm continue to shine year after year”    and invited the assembled guests to raise their glasses:

“To peace, love, and prosperity—cheers.”

A Decade of the International Day of Yoga (IDY): Yoga for One earth, one Health

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A Decade of the International Day of Yoga (IDY): Yoga for One earth, one Health

By Dr Raghavendra Rao M

Ten years ago, the idea of a global day dedicated to “yoga” might have seemed far-fetched. But here we are—yoga mats unrolled across the globe, from bustling urban parks to silent, icy outposts in Antarctica. The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become much more: a movement rooted in well-being, connection, and a shared sense of humanity.

The journey to make yoga a global movement started in the year 2014, when our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the UN General Assembly in September that year. His message was simple and powerful:

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment. It is not about exercise, but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.” On the directions of our Honorable Prime Minister, India’s permanent representative to the UN moved the resolution in the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2014, to observe June 21st as “International Day of Yoga,” which was approved by 177 member states of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

PM participates in the mass yoga demonstration, on the occasion of the 8th International Day of Yoga at Andhra Pradesh in 2025.

In the resolution, adopted under the agenda of “Global Health and Foreign Policy,” the UN General Assembly recognised that yoga “provides a holistic approach to health and well-being”. For the wider dissemination of information about the benefits of practicing yoga for the health of the world population, the 21st of June is celebrated every year as International Day of Yoga (IDY) across the globe. The main significance of the UN declaring an “International Day” is to focus the attention of the international community on the topic and to encourage activities among the member states to commemorate the day.

As we celebrate the 11th anniversary of International Day of Yoga, the 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” brings the message home. It’s a reminder that our health and the planet’s health are deeply intertwined. Yoga embodies the philosophy of holistic well-being – uniting the health of individuals with the health of the society and the planet. The principle of “One World, One Health” emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, echoing the ancient yogic wisdom of unity (Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam – the world is one family). It is a philosophy that tries to foster an understanding that the whole of humanity is one family. It is a social philosophy emanating from a spiritual understanding that the whole of humanity is made of one life energy or Universal Consciousness.

International Day of Yoga celebrations in The Hague, 2023.

Yoga is a code to connect people with life and to reconnect mankind with nature. It expands our limited sense of self to see our families, societies, and mankind as extensions of our own selves. Yoga is a journey from me to we. Yoga makes an individual a better person in thought, action, knowledge, and devotion. Once an individual develops an interest in yoga and starts diligently practicing it, it will always remain a part of his or her life. Yoga is the entrance point to one’s spiritual journey. By practicing yoga, a spirit of oneness is created—oneness of the mind, body, and intellect. Oneness with our families, with the society we live in, with fellow humans, with all the birds, animals, and trees with whom we share our beautiful planet… this is yoga. Yoga has the potential to herald in a new Yuga (a new era) of peace, compassion, brotherhood, and all-round progress for the human race. Yoga is not only about Asanas. It is much more. It is a blend of Gyan (knowledge), Karma (action), and Bhakti (devotion). Yoga is a symbol of universal aspiration for health and well-being; it is health insurance on a zero budget. Yoga is not only about “Rog Mukti” (eradication of diseases) but also about “Bhog Mukti” (desisting from worldly greed). June 21, 2015, marked the first IDY celebration. In Delhi, nearly 36,000 people, including the Prime Minister, gathered on Rajpath for a mass yoga session. It wasn’t just a moment of national pride—it was the beginning of a global tradition.

Every year, Millions of people across the globe practice yoga, even during COVID-19. The theme was Yoga at Home, Yoga with family, and several people across borders participated in online yoga sessions. The Honorable Prime Minister also encouraged the countrymen to practice yoga during COVID times for community, immunity, and unity. Teleyoga guidelines were also released by the Ministry of Ayush during this year. The scale of participation led to several Guinness World Records, the recent one being around 3 Lakh people doing yoga across a 28 km stretch of beach road in Visakhapatnam, AP, along with our honorable Prime Minister. The scale of celebrations and reach has only grown over the years from the poles to the parks, from far off villages to the bustling urban jungles, from Icy heights of the Himalayas to the deserts, from kids to elderly, from layman to the armed forces yoga is being practiced by all irrespective of race, religion, geographies and age.

Prime Minister Modi addresses the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 2014.

This is reflected in the growing participation numbers each year, reaching approximately 25 crore.

IDY is celebrated with different themes each year and innovative campaigns to reach out to the masses. This is celebrated using a whole-of-Government approach wherein all Ministries and Indian Foreign Missions take part in this global campaign.  The Guardian ring of yoga starts from the coverage of IDY events across cities from the first Sunrise in the eastern Hemisphere to the last sunrise in the western hemisphere. The Sagar Mala or Ocean Ring of Yoga is a calling to observe yoga at all the seaports among nations friendly to India.  The Indian Missions also engage the citizens in their countries on yoga by conducting workshops, IDY Common yoga protocol training, seminars, competitions, etc. to spread the message of yoga.

The International Day of Yoga is now a global movement that spreads the ancient Indian wisdom and culture among the comity of Nations with a call for Health, Harmony, and Well-being. Yoga isn’t just about touching your toes, but is about touching and transforming lives.

About the author:

Dr Raghavendra Rao M,  BNYS, PhD (Yoga & Life Sciences), DSc (Yoga & Life Sciences) Director, Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy, Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India.

India’s Cosmic Leap: A Billion Dreams, Will See Visits to Moon, Mars and Venus

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India’s Cosmic Leap: A Billion Dreams, Will See Visits to Moon, Mars and Venus

By Pallava Bagla

Reaching for the stars is becoming an everyday affair at India’s space agency, having visited the Moon and Mars with orbital missions, now eyes are set on a mission to Venus and a sample return from the Moon. Human space flight to fly an Indian citizen on an Indian rocket from Indian soil where the countdown will also be by India, is also taking shape fast.

India’s space journey reached new heights with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 nearer the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023, making India the first country to achieve this feat. This mission demonstrated ISRO’s capability in precision lunar landing and roving. The Vikram lander even performed a hop experiment, and the propulsion module was later maneuvered into Earth orbit for extended operations 2.

Building on this momentum, ISRO achieved its 100th rocket launch in January 2025, launching a navigation satellite, showcasing India’s indigenous cryogenic engine technology.

NISAR is the first of its kind mission, jointly developed by ISRO and NASA. It is an L and S-band, global, microwave imaging mission, with capability to acquire fully polarimetric and interferometric data

The pinnacle came with the July 30, 2025 launch of the nearly $1.3 billion NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar or NISAR satellite, a joint Indo-US Earth observation mission. Launched aboard India’s GSLV F-16, NISAR features dual-frequency SAR payloads from NASA and ISRO, and will monitor climate change, disasters, and agriculture 5. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan hailed it as a symbol of India’s technological leadership and global collaboration, emphasizing the precision and reliability of India’s cryogenic launch systems.

In a landmark achievement for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed a 20-day mission, including 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), as part of the multinational Axiom-4 mission—dubbed Mission Akash Ganga. This marks India’s first human spaceflight since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Prime Minister Modi hailed Shukla’s courage and dedication as inspiring a billion dreams.

Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9, Shukla served as mission pilot and conducted seven India-specific experiments. Despite delays, the mission concluded successfully with a splashdown near San Diego. It lays the foundation for India’s Gaganyaan mission, targeting a 2027 launch from Indian soil.

India’s roadmap doesn’t stop at Gaganyaan, Prime Minister Modi has outlined a bold vision: establish an Indian space station by 2035 and land an Indian on the moon by 2040. If successful, India will join the elite club of nations—Russia, the United States, and China—with independent indigenous human spaceflight capabilities.

India’s lunar legacy is already formidable. India’s first foray to the moon with the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 discovered presence of water molecules on the moon, fundamentally altering lunar geological history forever. Chandrayaan-2 provided the first independent images of Apollo mission artefacts left on the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-3 made global headlines by landing nearer the moon’s South Pole—now considered the gold rush zone for lunar exploration.

With cost-effective yet reliable space missions, India is poised to become a major player in the global space race. The government has already allocated billions of dollars for the human spaceflight program, underscoring its commitment to cosmic exploration.

India’s science minister Dr Jitendra Singh who also looks after the affairs of the Department of Space says `India’s quantum leap in space research with India’s space economy standing at $8 billion has been only possible due to the courageous decision to open up or unlock the space sector from the shackles of the past.’ Further highlighting that `India’s space economy is projected to grow beyond $40 billion by 2040 which is going to be a gigantic jump’.

The future space missions include lunar sample return mission named Chandrayaan-4; a mission to Venus; the development of the new mighty rocket, as part of this ambitious roadmap, India plans to establish its own space station, the Bhartiya Antariksha Station, by 2035. A precursor to this will be the launch of a space module in 2028. The culmination of this vision is the planned landing of an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040.

“When we celebrate the 100th year of India’s independence, in 2047, an Indian flag will already be flying on the moon” asserts Dr Singh.

LVM3 M4 lifting off with Chandrayaan-3 on 14 July 2023

In a historic collaboration between the United States and India, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite, also known as NISAR, is poised to revolutionise how we observe and understand our planet, it launched successfully on July 30, 2025 from the Satish Dhawan space Center at Sriharikota in southern India. At its core, NISAR is designed to monitor changes in Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision, capturing movements as small as a centimetre. This capability is vital for tracking natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, and glacial shifts, as well as human-induced changes like urban expansion, agricultural development, and infrastructure stress.

ISRO says the NISAR satellite weighs 2,392 kg, and it will scan the entire globe and provide all-weather, day-and-night data at a 12-day interval and enable a wide range of applications. NISAR satellite that has cost upwards of $ 1.3 billion to make can detect changes in the Earth’s surface, such as ground deformation, ice sheet movement and vegetation dynamics. Further applications include sea and ice classification, ship detection, shoreline monitoring, storm characterisation, changes in soil moisture, mapping and monitoring of surface water resources and disaster response. It has been dubbed a lifesaving satellite.

Today over 250 space start-ups are driving innovation and fuelling India’s space sector. Among these, Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace made headlines by launching sub-orbital rockets and Pixxel Aerospace makes unique high resolution satellites.

A recent study estimates that for every dollar spent on space, India has reportedly received a return of $ 2.52. India has end to end capabilities in space, as the country makes its own rockets, satellites and has an enviable space technology applications portfolio. Today India has over fifty operational satellites in space which help power India’s burgeoning economy. India’s vast space ecosystem touches the lives of every Indian.

About the author:

Pallava Bagla is an award winning science journalist currently he is Science Editor for New Delhi Television (NDTV) and Co-author of book `Reaching for the Stars’. He can be reached at pallava.bagla@gmail.com

ASEAN Celebrates The 58th Anniversary In The Hague

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ASEAN Celebrates The 58th Anniversary In The Hague

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Embassy of Malaysia in the Netherlands shone brightly by organizing a splendid celebration for the 58th Anniversary of ASEAN, on 8 August 2025.

As the ASEAN Chair for 2025 and with great anticipation for Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia proudly hosted this year’s ASEAN Day Celebration.

The program featured a cordial welcome by H.E. Dato’ Roseli Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia, followed by a captivating cultural performances by ASEAN member states. MC.  Muna Tasau expertly managed the event, her professionalism infusing a magical, whimsical-fanciful touch into the program.

The Ambassador’s speech follows “At the outset, let me extend a welcome to each of you to the Embassy of Malaysia in The Hague as we commemorate ASEAN Day 2025 and the 58th anniversary of our Association. It is my singular honour to host this celebration, in my capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in The Hague, and in Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair for 2025.

Your presence, whether based here in The Hague or travelling from Brussels and beyond, demonstrates our collective commitment to ASEAN’s shared vision and enduring unity.

On this very date 58 years ago, the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand gathered in Bangkok to sign the Bangkok Declaration, giving birth to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

What began as a five-Member initiative has, over the decades, expanded into a vibrant regional organisation of ten nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; soon to include Timor-Leste as the 11th Member. 

Founded amid regional tension and economic hardship, ASEAN has charted a remarkable journey marked by resilience and progress. Today, Southeast Asia is on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030 driven by its 700 million-strong population and rapid digital adoption.

While rooted in geography, ASEAN’s success also stems from partnerships beyond Southeast Asean. We now enjoy 11 Dialogue Partnerships including six Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships; eight Sectoral Dialogue Partnerships; and six Development Partnerships, among them the Netherlands. These platforms, reinforced by ASEAN-led mechanisms, enable us to exchange best practices across the Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural pillars.

Closer to home, ASEAN has worked collectively to advance Timor-Leste’s accession. At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May 2025, our Leaders agreed that Timor-Leste will be formally admitted as the 11th Member State at the upcoming 47th Summit in October 2025.

As Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded us at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 9 July 2025, ASEAN derives its strength from its willingness to keep engaging and habits of cooperation. This long-standing approach has allowed the Association to chart its own course deliberately, coherently, and with purpose – as guided by the principle of ASEAN Centrality.

This is particularly pertinent as we navigate the growing complexities, both regionally and globally – from the ongoing hostilities in Myanmar to the escalating trade war worldwide. Notwithstanding these challenges, I am confident that the past six decades of consensus-building and regionalism have equipped ASEAN with a sound foundation to navigate through the numerous geopolitical intricacies.

This was aptly demonstrated also during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last July, whereby the bloc reiterated its principled stance and outlined tangible actions in areas that many have found contentious. I definitely do not intend to reiterate all the outcomes, but allow me to highlight, among many, the following:

On Myanmar, Malaysia as the Chair has proposed a working visit to the country at the Foreign Minister-level, with ASEAN also exploring the proposal to extend the mandate of the Special Envoy on Myanmar;

On South China Sea, ASEAN looked forward to the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC) before its deadline in 2026 following the positive progress in the current negotiations; and

On Gaza, ASEAN not only condemned Israel’s open genocide but also reminded its external partners, especially those sympathising with Israel, that international law has to be upheld in a fair and just manner.

In essence, these actions go to show that ASEAN has collectively taken, and will continue to take, numerous steps to address matters of shared concerns, while still maintaining the embedded principles of ASEAN Centrality and unity. In that spirit, let us redouble our efforts to uphold peace and stability in our region and to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred ASEAN Community.

Finally, I wish to thank our colleagues, staff and volunteers whose dedication made today possible. Happy ASEAN Day and thank you”.

A highlight of the 2025 ASEAN celebration was the impending arrival of Timor-Leste as the 11th member state of the organization.

The presence of Mr. João Paulo da Costa Rangel, the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in the United Kingdom, added a distinguished touch to the event.

The vibrant morning festivities culminated in a delightful lunch, featuring an enticing selection of culinary treasures from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, creating a feast that truly celebrated the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian culture.

Photography is a courtesy of the Embassy of Malaysia.

Strengthening India–Netherlands Economic Partnership: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s Official Visit

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Strengthening India–Netherlands Economic Partnership: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s Official Visit

The Hague, April 24–26, 2025 — Mr. Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, paid an official visit to the Netherlands from 24 to 26 April 2025. The visit underscored India’s commitment to advancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation with the Netherlands, one of its key partners in Europe.

During his three-day programme, Mr. Barthwal engaged in high-level policy dialogues, industry-focused interactions, and visits to centres of economic importance.

H.E. Mr. Sunil Barthwal, H.E Mr. Kumar Tuhin, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Netherlands and Mr. Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary Department of Commerce, Government of India with Mr. Michiel

Strategic Policy Discussions in The Hague

The visit commenced with a meeting between Mr. Barthwal and Mr. Michiel Sweers, Director General for Foreign Economic Relations at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks explored ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties, with particular emphasis on establishing the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) mechanism. Discussions addressed policy alignment, trade facilitation, and the removal of market access barriers, reaffirming the shared goal of creating a conducive environment for business by leveraging the complementary strengths of both economies.

In parallel, Mr. Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met Mr. Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Innovation at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. The meeting focused on boosting cooperation in technology, entrepreneurship, and space, particularly through the Indo-Dutch Startup Link. Both sides agreed to intensify collaboration in fostering innovation-driven partnerships and enhancing startup ecosystems.

Mr. Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, met Mr. Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Innovation, at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs in The Hague.

CEOs Roundtable: Connecting Businesses

A highlight of the visit was the CEOs Roundtable Conference, hosted by the Embassy of India and attended by around 40 representatives from leading Dutch and Indian companies, trade chambers, and industry bodies. Discussions centred on business opportunities, challenges, and actionable solutions across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, waste management, and urban development.

Commerce Secretary Barthwal outlined India’s ambitious economic reforms, manufacturing drive, export promotion measures, and ease-of-doing-business initiatives. The Embassy also showcased One District One Product (ODOP) handicrafts, celebrating India’s artisanal heritage. A networking session facilitated valuable new business connections.

Ambassador with H.E. Mr. Sunil Barthwal at the CEOs Roundtable Conference organized by the Embassy of India in The Hague for representatives from leading Dutch and Indian companies, as well as business chambers and trade organizations of India.

Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

Mr. Barthwal also visited the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and most advanced port. He met Mr. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, to discuss enhanced cooperation with Indian ports in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030. The talks explored knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable port management practices.

A tour of facilities, including the fully automated APM Terminals at Maasvlakte II, highlighted Rotterdam’s cutting-edge infrastructure. The visit also laid the groundwork for a proposed Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports such as Deendayal Port Authority Kandla, and for exports of green hydrogen and carriers like ammonia and methanol from India to Europe.

Semiconductor Collaboration

In Veldhoven, Mr. Barthwal met Mr. Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, a world leader in photolithography systems for semiconductor manufacturing. The discussion focused on aligning ASML’s expertise with India’s Semiconductor Mission and policy framework, which offers investment incentives and infrastructure support to make India a global semiconductor hub.

H.E. Mr. Sunil Barthwal, H.E Mr. Kumar Tuhin with CEO Port of Rotterdam, Mr. Boudewijn Siemons at at the World Port Center, Rotterdam.

Outcomes and Future Path

The visit delivered tangible results, reinforcing the strategic importance of the India–Netherlands partnership in tackling global economic challenges and fostering innovation-led growth. Institutional mechanisms such as the JTIC are expected to enhance structured engagement, while new collaborations in maritime infrastructure, green energy, and semiconductors align with both countries’ economic priorities.

Commerce Secretary Barthwal’s engagements have injected fresh momentum into bilateral relations, setting the stage for deeper, more diversified cooperation between India and the Netherlands.

Boat Tour of Port of Rotterdam

Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States – After the Regional Water Forum in Brussels

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Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States – After the Regional Water Forum in Brussels

Interview with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, After the Regional Water Forum in Brussels

The Regional Water Forum – Brussels 2025, organized by the Drought Prevention Institute (DPI) of the Organization of Turkic States and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), took place on March 5, 2025, at Maison de la Hongrie in Brussels. This hybrid event, conducted in English, brought together experts and stakeholders to address environmental, social, and economic challenges related to water management and drought prevention in the Turkic region. Attendees explored sustainable water technology solutions, international funding opportunities, and regional partnerships. The program included keynote speeches, informative sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all designed to foster cooperation and innovation in water management.

Environmental issues such as melting glaciers in Central Asia were also highlighted. Indeed, Dr. Gergő Péter Kovács noted that water availability is declining despite high-altitude water reserves. The Tien Shan and Pamir glaciers are disappearing. After the meeting, an interview was held with the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Mr. Kubanychbek Omuraliev and Derya Soysal.

L’Organisation des États turciques (OTS), anciennement connue sous le nom de Conseil turcique ou Conseil de coopération des États turcophones, est une organisation intergouvernementale créée en 2009.

What significant steps has the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) taken in recent years?

In recent years, the Organization of Turkic States has made many important moves to strengthen cooperation among our countries and increase our presence on the world stage.

We have expanded our multilateral cooperation into 35 different areas, ranging from foreign policy and trade to energy, green economy, tourism, digitalization, and even space research. The economic cooperation among the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States is an essential and dynamic aspect of the overall integration and collaboration within the Turkic world.

One of the main mechanisms we have established to enhance cooperation is the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), which acts as a key platform for strengthening business relations across our member states.

Additionally, the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) is another milestone. Initially launched with a capital of $500 million, the fund has now grown to $600 million with joining of Hungary, supporting mutual investments, fostering innovation, and nurturing entrepreneurship, particularly within SMEs. The Fund is planned to be activated this year and start investing in concrete projects in our region.

Another major development is the Trade Facilitation Committee (TFC), which works to streamline trade processes, remove barriers, and improve the overall business environment in the region.

At the recent summit in Bishkek, we signed the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, which marks a major leap toward digital trade and transformation within our region.

While the potential for expanding trade in our region is enormous—given its strategic position at the crossroads of East and West, North and South—there are still hurdles to overcome. According to the final results of 2024, OTS member states rank 12th globally in total GDP, with a combined external trade volume of $1.1 trillion. However, intra-trade between the OTS Member States currently accounts for only around 7% of that (total trade turnover of OTS Member States in 2024 was 850 billion USD), or about $58.17 billion. A few years ago, this was only 3%, so we’re seeing encouraging growth. Our goal now is to increase this share to 10% as quickly as possible.

To achieve this, we are addressing barriers in transportation and logistics, with long-term projects like the Middle Corridor, a key strategic initiative connecting Asia to Europe. Passing through our member states, it offers unparalleled advantages. It is 2,000 kilometers shorter than the Northern Corridor and can deliver goods from China to Europe three times faster than sea routes—within just 15 days.

Infrastructure enhancements along the Middle Corridor are expected to triple the volume of cargo transported by 2030, reaching 11 million tons. A vital component of this corridor is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which will significantly reduce transit distances and has the potential to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo annually. In recent years, we’ve witnessed substantial growth in cargo transportation along this route. In the first 11 months of 2024, the volume of cargo transported along the Middle Corridor surged by 63%, reaching 4.1 million tons.

We have also made significant strides in transport and customs cooperation. Agreements such as the Simplified Customs Corridor, International Combined Freight Transport, and digitalization initiatives like E-Permit, E-CMR, and E-TIR are helping to streamline logistics and enhance trade efficiency. All these efforts are contributing to our broader goal of deepening regional economic integration and improving trade flows among our member states.

Given the strategic location of OTS member countries, the Middle Corridor serves as a vital transit route for EU nations seeking alternative and efficient pathways to Asia. The EU can leverage the OTS region’s potential by engaging in collaborative projects that enhance infrastructure, harmonize regulations, and promote seamless trade. We stand ready to serve as a bridge for transit, facilitating not only the movement of goods but also fostering economic cooperation and mutual prosperity between the East and the West.

Security cooperation is equally vital to our work. We have established key mechanisms for collaboration, including regular consultations on political and security issues, intelligence-sharing, and the development of a Civil Protection Mechanism to respond to natural disasters and emergencies.

When it comes to education and culture, we have made remarkable progress too. The Turkic Universities Union, which now includes over 100 universities facilitates academic cooperation and promotes common educational standards.

Culturally, the World Nomad Games, launched by Kyrgyzstan in 2012, have become a global celebration of our shared nomadic heritage, attracting participants from across the world. The upcoming 6th edition in Kyrgyzstan in 2026 promises to build on that legacy.

We also spotlighted our region’s rich cultural heritage through the “Turkic Silk Road” and “Tabarruk Ziyarat” projects.

Moreover, the Secretariat developed and signed targeted work plans and MoUs with key international bodies, including UN institutions such as UN-Habitat, WHO, and UNIDO. Notably, we signed an MoU with UN-Habitat to promote urban development and sustainability, and a Joint Declaration with UNIDO focusing on clean energy and sustainability. Additionally, the 2024-2025 Action Plan with WHO will guide our collaboration on improving emergency preparedness, strengthening health systems, and promoting well-being across our region.

The “Turkic Week” in Geneva in 2024 was a landmark event that showcased our unity and collaboration. We’re already planning similar events in other international capitals, continuing our work to raise our profile and promote our values globally.

In short, the OTS has made significant strides in creating a more integrated, prosperous, and secure region, with a clear vision for the future. We’re committed to strengthening ties among our member states and expanding our global influence, fostering a shared future of peace, prosperity, and cultural exchange.

         2.      Can we truly say that there is a strong sense of unity among the member states?

Yes, definitely. The Turkic States are more than just partners. We are brotherly nations. Our connection goes beyond trade or politics — it’s a bond that’s been growing for centuries. This unity comes from our shared values, language, culture, and history, and common goals for the future. We are united by our past and our hopes for the future, and that makes our cooperation strong and lasting.

         3.      Is it possible for the OTS to evolve into an EU-style organization in the future?

         3.      Where do you see the OTS in the next five years and how can the OTS enhance its role and influence in global politics?

Over the past 15 years, the Organization of Turkic States has made impressive strides in fostering unity, strengthening cooperation, and promoting sustainable development among its member states and observers. As we look to the future, we have set our sights on even more ambitious goals.

A key guiding document for our work is the Turkic World Vision – 2040, which outlines our long-term strategic objectives. This vision is centered on several priority areas, including deepening economic integration, accelerating digital transformation, ensuring environmental sustainability, and bolstering security. These goals will shape the OTS’s trajectory in the years to come.

Looking specifically at 2025, we are focused on expanding cooperation across various sectors. Under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan, the theme of the year “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All”, which captures the essence of our ambitions. We are determined to build a more interconnected, resilient, and forward-looking Turkic world.

First, two high-level summits are planned: an Informal Summit in Hungary and the 12th Summit in Azerbaijan. These summits will be critical in shaping strategic decisions and advancing key initiatives. Besides, they will serve as essential platforms for evaluating the progress of ongoing projects, strengthening cooperation, and setting new priorities for OTS Member States.

One of our primary goals is to continue to strengthen and expand cooperation in all 35 existing areas of collaboration. In particular, we will continue implementing the decisions made at the Shusha and Bishkek Summits, ensuring that all initiatives progress as planned and continue to deliver tangible benefits to Member States.

A significant focus will also be placed on advancing the Free Trade Agreement in the field of investments and services. This initiative seeks to promote economic growth by removing barriers to investment and trade among Member States, creating a more seamless and integrated economic space.

To ensure the smooth and effective implementation of our initiatives, the OTS will continue to enhance coordination among Turkic Cooperation Organizations. Regular meetings of the Coordination Committee will be held to ensure that our strategic objectives are carried out efficiently and that we stay on track to meet our goals.

In short, in the next five years, the OTS plans to continue strengthening internal cooperation, expanding international partnerships, and actively participating in global initiatives, which will help the organization enhance its role in international affairs.

High Scardus Ultra — Kosovo’s Sharr Mountains call the world to run

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High Scardus Ultra — Kosovo’s Sharr Mountains call the world to run

Sept 6, 2025 – High Scardus Ultra

On 6 September 2025 the High Scardus Ultra returns to southern Kosovo — a mountain running festival built around the jagged ridges and glacial lakes of the Balkan Sharr (Shar) Mountains. The fourth edition this year offers three distances (an 11 km Bear Trail, a 35 km Oshlak Skyrace and the long Scardus Ultra of roughly 56 km/60 km), and once again links the city of Prizren with the high alpine terrain along the Kosovo–North Macedonia border. (High Scardus Ultra)

Showcasing Kosovo


The race is much more than a sporting test: organisers and local partners position the High Scardus Ultra as a showcase for Kosovo as a destination for mountain sports and active tourism. The event brings international athletes, visitors and media to Prizren and nearby mountain resorts, helping put the Sharr massif — its national park, alpine lakes and summer pastures — on the trail-running map of the Balkans.

Routes & race facts information

Date: 6 September 2025.

Distances: 11 km (Bear Trail) — fast, technical city-to-foothill loop; 35 km (Oshlak/Skyrace) — ~2,000 m+ elevation; 56/60 km (Scardus/Ultra) — the cross-border long route across the highest ridges.

Start/finish: events centre on Prizren with stages traversing high passes and, for the longest route, crossing into/finishing on the Macedonian side of the Sharr ranges. The course information and ITRA listings show the international/cross-border nature of the long course.

Certification & safety: the race is organised to ITRA standards and is listed on ITRA, which helps with international recognition and participant confidence.

Practical info for travellers & runners

Registration: open now on the official race pages — for example the Bear Trail shows a modest fee (example listed €15 for the 11 km) and registration windows (check the race site for exact deadlines). (High Scardus Ultra, bashke.app)

Where to stay: Prizren is the natural base — charming old-town hotels, guesthouses and the festival atmosphere make it ideal. For high-altitude acclimatisation consider nearby mountain hubs (Prevalla, Brezovica, Popova Šapka on the Macedonian side).

Weather & terrain: early September typically offers mild days and cool alpine nights; expect technical trails, steep ascents, exposed ridgelines and sudden weather changes — standard mountain race kit and careful pacing recommended. (Race pages and previous editions describe rocky, path-only terrain and significant elevation gain.)

Cross-border logistics: the long course crosses the border with North Macedonia — organisers handle official route permissions, but international participants should check travel documents and any temporary border or admin requirements before arrival.

Why runners love it


Participants praise the raw Balkan landscapes — high ridgelines, alpine lakes and wildflower meadows — and the event’s friendly, grassroots vibe. The race’s mix of short city trails and high-altitude ultras attracts both weekend trail runners and seasoned ultra athletes from across Europe and beyond.

A chance for Kosovo tourism


Beyond sport, High Scardus Ultra is a platform for sustainable tourism: it channels visitors into lesser-known natural areas, supports local guides and accommodation, and raises awareness of the Sharr Mountains National Park — a strong selling point for Kosovo’s growing outdoor tourism offer.

Beyond the Optics: Probing Into the Legality of Pakistan’s Repatriation of Afghans

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Beyond the Optics: Probing Into the Legality of Pakistan’s Repatriation of Afghans

By Habib Ullah

         The Government of Pakistan announced the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP) on September 26, 2023.  This plan aims to regulate the presence of foreigners in the country and ensure the repatriation of individuals who reside illegally or have overstayed their visa validity.  It does not, ipso facto, discriminate based on nationality or country of origin, and extends to all the illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan.  However, as Afghans form the most significant foreign population in Pakistan, they are the most substantially covered under the scope of the IFRP.  Nonetheless, all legally registered foreign nationals, including Afghans, residing in Pakistan, remain exempt from the provision of this IFRP.

         Many international organisations, such as Amnesty International  and Human Rights Watch, have criticised Pakistan for targeting Afghans under the IFRP and allegedly in violation of its international obligations.  However, such criticism takes a simplistic view of a complex issue. For over four decades, Pakistan has demonstrated exceptional generosity by hosting millions of refugees, mostly Afghans, earning global recognition as one of the largest refugee-hosting countries.  In recent years, however, changing circumstances have compelled Pakistan to reassess its policy regarding foreign nationals, in the light of its national interests. This insight analyses the legality of Pakistan’s decision to repatriate Afghans vis-à-vis its international obligations.

         The Afghan refugees influx into Pakistan occurred in four distinct waves, each linked to significant political developments in Afghanistan.  The First Wave occurred from 1978 to 1981, on the eve of the end of Daoud Khan’s government and the Soviet invasion. The Second Wave came in the 1990s after the Soviet withdrawal and the Taliban’s rise. Third Wave began in 2001, post 9/11 attacks, and the subsequent United States (US)-led NATO invasion. The Fourth Wave occurred in 2021, following the US withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power. 

         During the fourth wave alone, approximately 600,000 Afghans arrived, many of whom hoped to relocate to Western nations eventually.  However, to date, only a small fraction have been relocated, while the vast majority remain in Pakistan, awaiting their turn for years.  This situation was further exacerbated when President Trump, after assuming office in January 2025, suspended the United States Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP), leaving thousands of Afghans in uncertainty.           

The decision of Pakistan to repatriate Afghans, pursuant to IFRP, is grounded in both domestic and international law.

         The Afghan population currently residing in Pakistan holds varying legal statuses, depending on the type of documents they possess. Broadly, they fall into three categories: Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, and unregistered Afghans.  The IFRP outlines a three-phase repatriation process based on this categorisation.  Phase one aims to cover illegal or unregistered foreigners and those with expired visas or a period of unauthorised stay. Phase two covers the ACC holders.  While Phase Three, set to begin after 30 June 2025, will address PoR cardholders.  Phase one started in October 2023, and phase two is currently underway.

         The Government of Pakistan’s implementation of IFRP reflects a broader effort to address security challenges, regulate the presence of foreigners, and manage limited resources. A resurgence in militant activity, particularly by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, also known as Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP/FK), has heightened regional tensions.  Some incidents, including suicide attacks in 2023, have involved Afghans, further complicating the security landscape.  Additionally, with political stability gradually returning to Afghanistan, since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Pakistan considers the conditions increasingly conducive for the return of illegal Afghans.

         Given these circumstances, the decision of Pakistan to repatriate Afghans, under IFRP, is not without legal basis—both under domestic and international law. The regulation of foreign nationals residing within a state’s territory has, prima facie, been recognised as falling within the domaine réservé—that is, the exclusive domestic jurisdiction of the state.  In Pakistan’s domestic legal framework, the IFRP finds its basis in the Foreigners Act, 1946. Specifically, section 3 of the Act empowers the federal government to control foreigners’ entry, stay, and departure, while section 3(2)(g) allows for their arrest or detention when necessary for national security. 

         Under international law, the status of refugees is primarily governed by the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.  Pakistan is neither a party to the convention nor the protocol; hence, it is not legally bound by their specific provisions.

However, the cornerstone of the Convention—the principle of nonrefoulement—has evolved into a norm of customary international law.  Although articulated in Article 33 of the Convention, this principle is now binding on all states, including non-signatories such as Pakistan.

         The principle of non-refoulement obliges a state not to expel a refugee to a country where they may face persecution.  However, it is not absolute and permits exceptions when individuals threaten the host state’s security.  The determination of such a threat lies primarily with the host state itself, in this case, Pakistan. As noted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), if certain individuals act on behalf of foreign powers against the host country, the host state is entitled to invoke this exception among a mass of refugees.  While IFRP mainly addresses Pakistan’s resource constraints and evolving situation in Afghanistan, both of which are justifiable under international law, security concerns posed by TTP/FK further reinforce the applicability of this exception. Therefore, despite not being a signatory to the Refugee Convention, Pakistan is still upholding its spirit. Nonetheless, the IFRP constitutes repatriation rather than refoulement.

         Furthermore, Pakistan’s actions are neither unprecedented nor isolated; instead, they align with the practices of several Western nations, some of which have adopted far stricter measures, arguably violating international law. For instance, in April 2025, the US listed thousands of temporary immigrants as deceased to pressurise them into ‘self-deportation’.  Similarly, in February 2025, the United Kingdom expelled nearly 19,000 undocumented migrants who had no legal right to remain in the country.

         In March 2025, the European Union (EU) also proposed sending migrants without legal status to “return hubs” in third countries, from where they will be deported to their countries of origin. 

         This move is rooted in the controversial ‘EU-Turkey Deal,’ signed in March 2016. Under this deal, Türkiye was to curb illegal migration to Greece in exchange for €6 billion to support refugees.

This underscores the West’s dual standards—criticising Pakistan’s legal repatriation efforts while pursuing harsh policies themselves.

         Therefore, while humanitarian concerns remain valid, Pakistan’s repatriation decision is grounded in domestic and international law. Given the serious security threats and the state’s sovereign right to regulate foreign nationals, the repatriation effort reflects a measured response to a complex challenge. Like many states, Pakistan strives to balance security needs with humanitarian responsibilities.

Written by: Habib Ullah

Email: habibullah05987@gmail.com

La Diligence Due

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La Diligence Due

By Steven van Hoogstraten

At the reception for the Quatorze Juillet, the French ambassador H.E. Francois Alabrune said in his speech that the Hague was “the city for international law and for multilateral diplomacy”. He made his statement in the aftermath of the NATO summit in the Hague and in the presence of the Netherlands’ minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Caspar Veltkamp.

Clearly the NATO summit had been a great succes, and the Netherlands received full marks for their organisation of this historic summit. The agreement within NATO to spend substantially more on defense  – individually and collectively – came at an important moment in time. Nobody can predict how and when the current conflicts will be put to rest, but it is obvious that Europe needs a powerful defence – or lethal force, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte – which currently it does not have. It should be added that the financial consequences of the deal in the Hague are colossal, I have no other word for it. The agreed increase in pure defence spending from 2 to 3,5 % will lead to some 15 billion euro in extra expenses only in the Netherlands, every year. So will there be money for any other important areas of policy development if we want to protect the regular budgets for the known state concerns like education, and health care ? I do not see that.  

Without a doubt, one of the most pressing subjects of a multilateral character is climate change. It so happened that immediatley after the NATO summit a preparatory meeting on climate change was held in the German town of  Bonn,  just some 300 kilometers to the east of the Hague. This meeting was focussing on the next Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change (COP) . The mood was not very positive in Bonn, with lots of fights on the agenda and on procedural matters. The Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Convention, Simon Stiell, said at the end that not enough progress was made and that world has to “go faster, further and fairer” if we want to stand a chance of keeping under 1.5 temperature rise  as concluded in Paris in 2015. The next COP will be held in the city of Belem, in Brazil in November of this year, and there is a long list of important issues to be decided. Climate Justice is just one of them.  

July was also the month of a groundbreaking Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the responsibilities of states for  the global climate. The Advisory Opinion had been asked for by the General Assembly of the UN by Resolution 77/276, at the initiative of small island states like Vanuatu.  This issue of climate change has not received the greatest  global political attention in the recent period – inter alia as a result of the pro-fossil views of the American Trump administration. These views can be  summarized by the words “drill,  baby, drill “. The need to drive out fossil fuels was simply no longer keenly felt, whereas this had been a major yardstick for a necessary climate policy before.

The ICJ gave a lengthy and unanimous advice on 23 July, of some 130 pages. In my own words   the summary is  that all States, large or small, have an international legal obligation to prevent significant harm to the environment and to avoid contributing to the degradation of our climate by excessive emissions of greenhouse gases. Conduct of States which act within the scope well known conventions like the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, has to conform to the terms of those conventions. In general, such conduct should be guided by Due Diligence, a principle which the Court had expressed in several previous cases relating to environmental protection (like the pulp mills in Uruguay) . The ICJ gave a rather precise indication of what Due Diligence actually means, both in a material sense (such as sticking to scientific advice, adhering to the best available standards) , as in the procedures to be followed.

The Court emphasized further that States have a duty to cooperate, which is easier said than done in a time of world wide conflicts and sanctions. Also, any breach by a state or states of an existing obligation gives rise to a wrongful act on the part of the state responsible, and that may lead to claims by those States that have to live with  the negative consequences. No wonder that the small island states were very happy with this important advice. An Advisory Opinion by the ICJ is strictly speaking  not a binding ruling but it carries a lot of weight as the considered and in this case even unanimous view of the principal judicial organ of the UN .

So from NATO to climate change, it only shows the outsize magnitude of the tasks for governments of the world in the near and more distant future. Defence is now in a state of alert, and rightly so, but the time will come that other issues will take it to the front pages.

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