Chile and the Netherlands Strengthen Bilateral Relations

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Chile and the Netherlands Strengthen Bilateral Relations

On December 14th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, H.E. Mr. Alberto van Klaveren, undertook an official visit to the Netherlands, during which he engaged in a comprehensive agenda of activities. This visit took place within the context of his trip to Europe to participate in the signing of the Advanced Framework Agreement (AFA) between Chile and the European Union, as well as the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In The Hague, the Minister met with his counterpart Hanke Bruins-Slot and various authorities from international judicial organizations based in the city.

H.E. Mr. Alberto van Klaveren, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, signing the visitor’s book at the International Criminal Court.

The meeting with Minister Bruins-Slot highlighted the strength of the bilateral relationship and the shared principles and values of both countries, such as the strengthening of democracy, the promotion and protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and free trade. It also emphasized the alignment of interests in bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues.

Among the topics discussed, the authorities underscored the signing of the AFA, which modernized the existing Association Agreement with the European Union since 2003. This agreement will facilitate a deeper joint dialogue, an update of political and cooperation matters, and addressing new challenges in international trade.

The Dutch minister expressed gratitude for Chile’s gesture of awarding the Recognition Coin for International Solidarity to 11 Dutch individuals who stood out for their support to Chilean refugees after the Military Coup, and for their commitment to human rights and the restoration of democracy.

The Registrar of the International Court of Justice, H.E. Mr. Philippe Gautier, the President of the International Court of Justice, the Honorable Judge Joan Donoghue, H.E. Mr. Alberto van Klaveren and the Ambassador of Chile to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela.

Another highlighted topic during the meeting was the transition to clean energy. Both authorities agreed on the importance of developing this area and the opportunity for cooperation. They specifically mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Rotterdam to establish a collaboration mechanism for green hydrogen.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, both sides concurred, in line with Chile’s historical position, on the Two-State solution for Palestine and Israel, living in peace with secure and internationally recognized borders, in accordance with United Nations resolutions. Chile, along with Mexico, submitted a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the situation in Palestine, aiming to strengthen the investigation of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel, as outlined in the Rome Statute. They also discussed the war in Ukraine, with the Foreign Minister reiterating Chile’s support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, as previously stated by President Gabriel Boric.

The Agenda in The Hague

During his visit to the Dutch government’s headquarters, Minister Alberto van Klaveren met with authorities from major judicial organizations based in The Hague to understand their main challenges and renew Chile’s support for their work.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, H.E. Mr. Alberto van Klaveren during a conversation with the Vice President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luz del Carmen Ibáñez.

In his meeting with the Vice President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luz del Carmen Ibáñez, the minister emphasized Chile’s commitment to the role of the ICC and the compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law. Chile has participated in three referrals to this court: the Situation in Venezuela 1, Ukraine, and the situation in Palestine.

He also held meetings with the Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Marcin Czepelak, and the President of the International Court of Justice, Joan Donoghue.

H.E. Mr. Alberto van Klaveren meetings with the Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Marcin Czepelak, and his team.

Additionally, he visited the International Commission on Missing Persons, where he learned about the institution’s work since 1996, collaborating with governments and entities worldwide to address the issue of missing persons due to armed conflicts, human rights violations, disasters, organized crime, and irregular migration.

In June 2008, ICMP and the Ministry of Justice of Chile signed an agreement to provide technical assistance in identifying victims of forced disappearance since the 1970s. Since then, ICMP has collaborated on DNA tests for over 2,400 reference samples and nearly 200 post-mortem samples of missing persons, providing assistance in DNA matching and consultation.

H.E. Mr. Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela, Ambassador of Chile, the Director General for the International Commission on Missing Persons, Ms. Kathryne Bomberger and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, H.E. Mr. Alberto van Klaveren.

Israeli visit the Saarland’s Premier Rehlinger 

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Israeli visit the Saarland’s Premier Rehlinger 


Wednesday, 24 January 2024, Saarbrücken, The Saarland, German: The Saarland’s Social Democratic Premier Anke Rehlinger received the Ambassador of the State of Israel Prof. Ron Prosor in the State Chancellery. 

“It is a personal pleasure for me and a great honor for Saarland to be able to welcome you today,” said Rehlinger as per statement linked below. After a conversation, the premier and Ambassador Prosor appeared before the press. Rehlinger emphasized Germany’s solidarity with Israel, especially after the Hamas attacks that took place on 7 October 2023, which she called “a terrible, infinitely cruel crime.” “The state of Israel has the right to defend its existence against this terror,” emphasized the Saarland head of government.

Afterwards, Premier Rehlinger and Ambassador Prosor visited the Saarbrücken synagogue community. Rehlinger described the visit as “a common signal that we will protect Jewish life and culture in our midst.”

Ambassador Prosor thanked Premier Rehlinger for the open, trusting conversation. The Federal Republic of Germany is unequivocally on Israel’s side, as Chancellor Scholz expressed. The ambassador emphasized the importance of discussions and exchanges between Germany and Israel, for example in the form of student exchanges. Rehlinger took up this and announced that he wanted to talk to Education Minister Streichert-Clivot about a school partnership. Finally, the Israeli ambassador invited Rehlinger to visit his country in 2025 to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel.

Prof. Prosor has been Israel’s top diplomatic envoy in Germany since his accreditation that transpired on 22 August 2022. Before his ambassadorship in Germany, he served in the capacity as Head of the Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy. Previously he had served as head of mission of the State of Israel to the United Nations in New York City (2011-2015) as well as Ambassador to St James’s Court (the UK, 2007-2011). Between 2004 and 2007 he was the Director for the Israeli Foreign Ministry. 

For further information 

Government of The Saarland: https://www.saarland.de/stk/DE/aktuelles/medieninfos/medieninfo/2024/pm_2024-01-24-rehlinger-empfaengt-israelischen-botschafter.html

The Republic of Azerbaijan V the Republic of Armenia: First Procedural Meeting in Arbitration under energy Charter Treaty

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The Republic of Azerbaijan V the Republic of Armenia: First Procedural Meeting in Arbitration under energy Charter Treaty

The Hague, 5 February 2024 – The first procedural meeting between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, convened under the auspices of the Energy Charter Treaty, was held on 5 February 2024 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the headquarters of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). This meeting marked a significant step in the ongoing arbitration process, with both parties engaging in discussions concerning the procedural framework for the arbitration.

Chaired by Ms. Jean E. Kalicki, a national of the United States of America, the three-member Arbitral Tribunal presided over the meeting. The delegation representing the Republic of Azerbaijan was led by H.E. Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, while the Republic of Armenia was represented by H.E. Dr. Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Representative of the Republic of Armenia on International Legal Matters.

The arbitration proceedings were initiated on 27 February 2023 when the Republic of Azerbaijan served a Notice of Arbitration on the Republic of Armenia in accordance with Article 27 of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, 1976.

The Arbitral Tribunal, comprised of experts from diverse national backgrounds, aims to facilitate a fair and impartial resolution of the dispute. Alongside Ms. Kalicki, Professor Donald M. McRae from Canada and New Zealand, appointed by Azerbaijan, and Professor Brigitte Stern from France, appointed by Armenia, form the Tribunal.

For those seeking further information on the proceedings, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) serves as the Registry for the arbitration and provides updates on its website (https://pcacpa.org/en/cases/312/).

Peace Palace The Hague, photography by Naldo Peverelli.

Established by the 1899 Hague Convention on the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, the PCA is an independent intergovernmental organization with 122 Contracting Parties. Headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, the PCA facilitates various forms of dispute resolution, including arbitration, conciliation, and fact-finding, involving States, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties.

Presently, the PCA administers a diverse portfolio of cases, including inter-State arbitrations, investor-State arbitrations, and disputes arising from contracts involving States or public entities. More information about the PCA and its work can be accessed at www.pca-cpa.org.

As the arbitration proceedings unfold, the international community will closely monitor developments and await the Tribunal’s decision, which holds significant implications for the parties involved and broader regional dynamics.

Fortaleciendo la democracia hacia un futuro prometedor

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Fortaleciendo la democracia hacia un futuro prometedor

Por S.E. Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores de El Salvador

El Salvador reafirmó recientemente, mediante la histórica reelección del presidente Nayib Bukele en febrero de 2024, el camino transformador de toda una Nación, que ha priorizado los pilares de la verdadera democracia, la libertad, el estado de derecho y la prosperidad sostenible para todos.

Si bien hay diversas perspectivas sobre el camino emprendido, la población de El Salvador cree firmemente que el progreso logrado bajo el liderazgo del Presidente Bukele ha sentado bases sólidas para un futuro más brillante. Esta sólida confianza en nuestro futuro ha trascendido nuestras fronteras. Líderes de todo el mundo reconocen el gran impulso que vive El Salvador y el futuro prometedor que le espera.

Al trabajar en el abordaje de las causas fundamentales de patrones estructurales que mantuvieron a toda la población atrapada en ciclos de violencia, pobreza y desigualdad, El Salvador mantiene su firme compromiso con el fortalecimiento de las instituciones y los procesos democráticos. La reciente elección presidencial, abierta a la participación de todos los ciudadanos salvadoreños, tanto dentro como fuera de nuestras fronteras, marcó un paso significativo hacia el voto más inclusivo y transparente de nuestra historia.

La promesa de libertad hecha al inicio de esta Administración, ha llegado acompañada del estandarte de la dignidad y la autodeterminación. Como nunca antes, El Salvador, desde cada rincón de sus fronteras, ha sido testigo de una notable disminución de homicidios y crímenes relacionados con pandillas, ofreciendo a todos los ciudadanos salvadoreños y visitantes extranjeros, la paz y la seguridad que se les habían negado durante tanto tiempo. Esta nueva libertad alimenta de esperanza las aspiraciones individuales y los empodera para participar activamente en la construcción de sus destinos.

Frente a los inmensos desafíos cotidianos, el respeto al Estado de Derecho se ha convertido en un imperativo esencial para guiar todas las acciones del Estado. Las inversiones en el fortalecimiento de la aplicación de la ley, con mejores salarios, capacitación e infraestructura, garantizan que la justicia y la rendición de cuentas prevalezcan, siendo parte fundamental de nuestra receta para el nuevo El Salvador.

Vislumbramos un futuro donde la construcción de la prosperidad va más allá de las ganancias inmediatas, creando un legado duradero para las generaciones venideras. Mediante proyectos e inversiones estratégicas en educación, infraestructura e innovación, estamos allanando el camino hacia una economía próspera que beneficie a todos por igual.

Como lo ha expresado con firmeza el Presidente Bukele y se ha promovido activamente a través de nuestra red de Embajadas, Misiones Permanentes y Consulados en todo el mundo, El Salvador reconoce la larga historia de cooperación internacional y valora las asociaciones genuinas, construidas sobre el entendimiento mutuo y el respeto a la soberanía. Damos la bienvenida al diálogo constructivo con todos los actores que comparten los principios y valores comunes, basados en un verdadero compromiso con la democracia, la libertad y el estado de derecho.

El segundo mandato del Presidente Bukele sentará las bases para el desarrollo social y económico del país, asimismo, concluirá la guerra contra las pandillas y la corrupción, flagelos que durante décadas impidieron el despegue de la nación y el bienestar de sus habitantes.

El Gobierno de El Salvador trabajará por la creación de empleos, el crecimiento económico y el desarrollo de nuevos sectores que han surgido en el país, como el turismo, la energía renovable, las nuevas tecnologías, la economía digital y la modernización de toda la administración pública.

En 2023, el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores lanzó la iniciativa “Transformando Vidas”, que busca ejemplificar nuestro compromiso de abordar las causas fundamentales de la migración y empoderar a las personas. Al ofrecer oportunidades laborales seguras y organizadas, cultivamos la estabilidad económica e invertimos en el presente y futuro de nuestros ciudadanos. El Salvador apuesta por la creación de alianzas para una prosperidad mutua e integral.

El horizonte de El Salvador hacia un futuro sostenible y próspero es una invitación abierta al mundo. Invitamos a socios, amigos y aliados con ideas afines a unirse a nosotros en la construcción de una sociedad donde la democracia, la libertad y el estado de derecho prosperen, garantizando un futuro mejor para las generaciones venideras.

Strengthening Democracy towards a promising future

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Strengthening Democracy towards a promising future

By H.E. Ms. Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador

El Salvador recently reaffirmed, by the historical reelection of President Nayib Bukele in February 2024, the transformative journey of a whole Nation that prioritizes the fundamental pillars of true democracy, freedom, rule of law, and sustainable prosperity for all.

While acknowledging diverse perspectives on this path, the population of El Salvador firmly believes that the progress achieved under President Bukele’s leadership has laid a strong foundation for a brighter future. Such a powerful view of our future has gone beyond our borders. Leaders all over the world have recognized the great momentum El Salvador is living and the promising future ahead.

Whereas addressing the root causes of various structural patterns that kept an entire population trapped in cycles of violence, poverty, and inequality, El Salvador is steadfast in its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and processes. The recent presidential election, that was open to all Salvadoran citizens, both within and beyond our borders, marked a significant step towards the most inclusive and transparent vote in our history.

The freedom’s promise made at the beginning of this Administration, it has come along with the flagship of dignity and self-determination. As never before, El Salvador, from every corner of its borders has witnessed a striking decline in homicides and gang-related crimes, offering all Salvadoran citizens and foreign visitors, the peace and security long denied. This newfound freedom fuels with hope individual aspirations and empowers them to actively participate in shaping their destinies.

In facing the immense day to day challenges, upholding the Rule of Law has become an imperative in guiding all the State actions. Investments in strengthening law enforcement, with improved salaries, training, and infrastructure, ensure justice and accountability prevail are nowadays part of our recipe for the new El Salvador.

We envision a future where building prosperity transcends immediate gains and creates a lasting legacy for generations to come. Through strategic projects and investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, we are paving the way for a thriving economy that benefits all equally.

As firmly stated by President Bukele and actively promoted through our network of Embassies, Permanent Missions and Consulates worldwide, El Salvador recognizes the long history of international cooperation and value genuine partnerships, built on mutual understanding and respect for sovereignty. We welcome constructive dialogue with all stakeholders who share the common principles and values based on a true commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

The second term of President Bukele will lay the foundations for the social and economic development of the country and will conclude the war against gangs and corruption, scourges that for decades prevented the nation from taking off and the well-being of its inhabitants.

The Government of El Salvador will continue working for job creation, economic growth and the development of new areas that have opened up in El Salvador, such as tourism, renewable energy, new technologies, the digital economy and the modernization of the entire public administration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched in 2023 the initiative “Transformando Vidas” which seeks to exemplify our commitment to addressing root causes of migration and empowering individuals. By offering safe and organized labor opportunities, we cultivate economic stability and invest in our citizens’ present and future. El Salvador bets for creating partnerships towards a mutual and integral prosperity.

El Salvador’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future is an open invitation to the world. We invite like-minded partners, friends, and allies to join us in building a society where democracy, freedom, and the rule of law flourish, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

International Criminal Court welcomes Armenia as a new State Party

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International Criminal Court welcomes Armenia as a new State Party

ASP President H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, and ICC President, Judge Piotr Hofmański, during the ceremony at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) on 8 February 2024 ©ICC-CPI

Today, 8 February 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) held a ceremony at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) to welcome the Republic of Armenia as the 124th State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.

During the ceremony, the ICC President, Judge Piotr Hofmański, presented the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, with a special edition of the Rome Statute, as a symbol of commitment to the rule of law. 

The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta, a number of ICC Judges, representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor, of the Registry, of the Trust Fund for Victims and of Embassies of States Parties accredited to The Netherlands.

ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański welcomed the new State Party saying: “Thank you for making this Court stronger. And thank you for showing an example to all those who have not yet joined the Rome Statute. … Armenia has now joined the community of states committed to the notion that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole must be answered with justice.”

ASP President H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta stated: “On behalf of the Assembly of States Parties, I congratulate and warmly welcome Armenia to the ICC family. I am certain Armenia will become an active State Party in the implementation of the Rome Statute and the pursuit of international criminal justice.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, said: “ICC’s role in crime prevention and ensuring fair and impartial justice process for peaceful resolution of conflicts is significant. In our region, where we have been confronted by proliferation of conflicts we are convinced that the Rome Statute among other legal mechanisms has real potential to prevent further escalation and atrocities. Let us celebrate not only Armenia’s commitment but also the shared vision of a world where justice prevails, and the dignity of every individual is protected.”

Background: On 14 November 2023, the Republic of Armenia had formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Statute entered into force on 1 February 2024. Armenia becomes the 124th State Party to join the Statute, and the 19th State from the Eastern European group to do so. 

One of the key leaders of EncroChat extradited to France with the support of Eurojust

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One of the key leaders of EncroChat extradited to France with the support of Eurojust

One of the main key leaders of the company behind the encrypted communication tool EncroChat has been extradited to France from the Dominican Republic with the active support of Eurojust. The person involved was arrested in the Dominican Republic in May 2022 and has been under house arrest since then.

An international arrest warrant was issued against the suspect in July 2021. He was extradited to France last week at the request of the Public Prosecutor of Lille.

This dismantling was coordinated and supported by Eurojust and Europol and sent shockwaves through organised crime. Between 2020 and 2023, over 6 500 suspects were arrested and at least EUR 900 million in assets were seized, with investigations still ongoing. Eurojust supported a joint investigation team into the case from 2020.

In an update on the EncroChat investigations, in June 2023, the Public Prosecutor of Lille already announced that potential suspects who were living outside the European Union could be extradited. The French Desk at Eurojust supported the PPO of Lille in contacting the Dominican authorities to arrange the formal extradition to France. 

The extradited defendant is suspected, among other things, of participating in a criminal conspiracy to illegally import and acquire illicit drugs, and aiding and abetting their illegal possession, supply and transfer. He is also suspected of participating in a criminal conspiracy, aggravated money laundering, illegal arms possession and supplying or transferring a cryptologic device without integrity control or prior declaration to the authorities.

The person concerned was indicted on 2 February and further legal proceedings will be taken. The accused has been remanded in custody and is still presumed innocent at this stage of the proceedings. Eurojust remains available to support the authorities in case of further requests.

Azerbaijanis at the embassy polling stations

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Azerbaijanis at the embassy polling stations

The Hague, February 7 Azerbaijani citizens participated in the snap presidential election at the polling station established at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands, demonstrating a high turnout.

“The voting process was conducted democratically, transparently, and fairly, in accordance with legislation. Azerbaijani citizens residing in the country expressed gratitude for the opportunity to exercise their electoral rights and the conditions provided to facilitate their voting experience.” Said H.E. Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev. 

Azerbaijani citizens voting at the Embassy polling station.

Eurojust supports action against smugglers

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Eurojust supports action against smugglers

Smugglers using secret compartments in cars / Major blow to Albanian drug trafficking network: 59 arrests across Europe

The Hague, 6 February 2024

Italian and Albanian authorities have taken decisive action against a major drug trafficking network operating from both countries. With the support of Eurojust and Europol in a large-scale operation, 59 suspects were arrested on 5-6 February, including in Albania, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, and 10 suspects were subjected to other precautionary measures in Italy. The network mainly smuggled heroin, cocaine, hashish and marijuana into Germany and Spain using cars with double bottoms or secret compartments.

Last year, 21 suspects were arrested in a first operation against the same Albanian-led organised crime group (OCG). That operation also led to the seizure of drugs worth an estimated EUR 2.7 million.

Initial investigations against the OCG were launched in 2019 by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) of Florence – District Antimafia Directorate. From January 2020, the Italian and Albanian authorities of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) in Tirana contacted Eurojust to coordinate cross-border judicial cooperation against this complex network. It operated from both Albania and Italy, transporting drugs by car to Spain and Germany, while other suspects were based in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Judicial cooperation with Albania is facilitated by Eurojust, as it is one of the 11 countries outside the EU that has a Liaison Prosecutor at the Agency. At request of the Italian and Albanian authorities, Eurojust supported the creation of dedicated joint investigation teams between the PPO of Florence and SPAK and provided financial, logistic and operational support.

The Agency organised coordination meetings to prepare for today’s major action. It also set up a coordination centre to enable judicial cooperation with all national authorities involved during the action day.

Europol has been supporting the case since 2020. Its experts provided extensive analytical support and expertise on Albanian organised crime, enabling the identification of key targets and the mapping of their criminal activities across Europe. Two Europol officers were deployed on the ground in Albania and Italy during the action day to support the national authorities in their investigative measures.

The operation was carried out on the ground at the request of and with support from the following authorities:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Florence; Carabinieri Corps with the support of the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs – International Police Cooperation Service (SCIP)
  • Albania: National Public Prosecutor’s Office – Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK); Albanian State Police, General Directorate
  • Germany: Public Prosecutor General’s Office in Naumburg; Public Prosecutor’s Office in Dessau-Roßlau; State Criminal Office Magdeburg
  • Spain: Antidrug Public Prosecutor’s Office at Audiencia Nacional; Central Court num.4 at Audiencia Nacional in collaboration with Investigative Court num.2 of Barcelona; FAST Spain of Policia Nacional
  • United Kingdom: The National Extradition Unit (NEU) of the Joint International Crime Centre’s (JICC)

Azerbaijan – Eurojust cooperation

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Azerbaijan – Eurojust cooperation

On February 2, Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands met with Ladislav Hamran, the President of Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation.

During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on cooperation with the organization and discussed several other mutual interests. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration in legal assistance for criminal cases.

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