The Chilean delegation is slated to take part in the upcoming World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition

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The Chilean delegation is slated to take part in the upcoming World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition

By Dr. Lorenca Bejko

Chile is taking the global stage to promote its renewable energy potential at the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition. This is a clear testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable energy and becoming a leader in the industry.

ProChile is set to participate in a significant event that will convene key global leaders in the green hydrogen industry. The organization will provide support to a delegation comprising over 55 companies, and will also have a stand at the event. Consequently, the nation will persist in its approach of endorsing Chile’s globalization efforts with the aim of establishing its status as the foremost competitive forthcoming provider of sustainable energy on a global scale.

ProChile is set to spearhead Chile’s involvement in the World Hydrogen 2023 Summit & Exhibition for the second year running. The event, slated to take place from May 9 to 11 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, will convene key players in the global hydrogen sector.

The country of Chile will be represented at the upcoming event through a designated stand. The purpose of this stand is to disseminate information to visitors regarding the various energy potentials that Chile has to offer. Additionally, the stand will serve as a central location for the Chilean delegation, to engage in dialogue with their international counterparts.

Approximately one hundred executives hailing from significant Chilean corporations, government institutions, and officials from the Ministry of Energy and InvestChile, as well as local government representatives, including the mayor of the municipality of Mejillones, Marcelino Carvajal, are slated to partake in the conference with the aim of establishing connections with key industry stakeholders.

The Ministry of Energy places significant importance on convening public-private meetings of this nature. The utilization of green hydrogen is deemed essential in Chile’s trajectory towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Diego Pardow, the Minister of Energy, has expressed the government’s dedication to leveraging the potential of the country and enacting public policies that facilitate the attainment of global leadership in the production of clean fuel and its byproducts.

Chile, Torres del Paine

The assistance provided by ProChile.

The involvement of ProChile is situated within the context of a dissemination strategy aimed at promoting the potential benefits of the H2V industry for Chile. This effort is complemented by the institution’s ongoing efforts to facilitate connections across the global green hydrogen supply chain through its network of regional and commercial offices.

The nation collaborates with primary ports to establish eco-friendly corridors for the purpose of exporting sustainably produced hydrogen and ensuring its efficient distribution across diverse markets.

The establishment of partnerships with multiple nations and ports is crucial for Chile to enhance its global standing. It is imperative that we persistently strive to extend invitations to the international community to progress collectively in the ongoing energy transition, with the aim of contributing to the betterment of the entire planet. According to the speaker, the involvement in the significant World Hydrogen Summit is a component of a cooperative approach between various governmental bodies and private enterprises. This approach will enable a hundred delegates from our ecosystem to showcase the immense potential of our nation to the global community.

The Chilean delegation will include the participation of the Empresa Nacional del PetrĆ³leo (ENAP) and the Chilean Hydrogen Association (H2 Chile) this year.

According to Gloria Maldonado, the chairwoman of ENAP’s board, the company has a strong dedication to the energy transition and possesses distinctive capabilities and strategic assets in key areas that have the potential for the advancement of H2V and its derivatives in Chile. ENAP has formulated an all-encompassing strategy for the Magallanes region, aimed at promoting the growth of the H2V sector in Chile. This plan involves streamlining requirements and restructuring current infrastructure to mitigate any negative effects on the environment and local communities, in line with the region’s energy regulatory framework. Hence, it is pertinent to effectively communicate and distribute this Plan on a global scale, such as through participation in the World Hydrogen Summit, to facilitate increased logistical and investment capabilities in Chile.

According to Marcos Kulka, the Executive Director of H2 Chile, the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam serves as both a platform for showcasing and a strategic gateway to Europe. This event provides an opportunity to present the potential of hydrogen to industry leaders on a global scale, thereby further establishing Chile as a valuable partner in this field. It is imperative to strive towards achieving carbon neutrality, given Chile’s potential to provide eco-friendly copper, lithium, energy, and fuels as substitutes for the environmentally detrimental fossil fuels.

The establishment of a worldwide platform for green hydrogen.

The Sustainable Energy Council (SEC) collaborates with the City of Rotterdam, the Province of South Holland, and the Port of Rotterdam to host the World Hydrogen 2023 Summit & Exhibition, which is a preeminent forum devoted solely to the progression of the hydrogen sector. The upcoming event is anticipated to attract in excess of 8,000 attendees from over 100 nations, comprising influential individuals tasked with making critical decisions on a global scale. The gathering will serve as a platform for establishing priorities, unveiling fresh initiatives, and cultivating novel partnerships that are integral to the advancement of the complete hydrogen value chain.

The Summit will assemble prominent companies from the hydrogen ecosystem to present their projects, innovative technologies, new products, and essential services for all facets of this expanding industry. This event will feature a world-class exhibition, technical seminars, and the Hydrogen Awards Ceremony, highlighting the significance of hydrogen in decarbonizing the planet.

Concert on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev

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Concert on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev

Tuesday, 2 May 2023, Berlin, Germany: With the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany organised a concert at the Azerbaijani Cultural Centre in Berlin to mark the 100th birthday of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people.

The event was attended by high-ranking representatives of the German government authorities, ambassadors, representatives of the mass media, personalities from the fields of science and culture, as well as members of the Azerbaijani, Turkish and other communities living in Germany.

The guests first watched a short film about the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

In his speech, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Germany, H.E. Mr.  Nasimi Aghayev described National Leader Heydar Aliyev as a highly educated, courageous politician of high national spirit who resolutely fought for his principles. Aghayev stressed that the biggest dream of Heydar Aliyev was to restore the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and this dream was realised in 2020 under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.

Turkish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ahmet BasĢ§ar SĢ§en attended the concert.

In his speech, Soltan Mammadov, Member of the German-Azerbaijani Parliamentary Group in the Azerbaijani Parliament, as well as Head of the International Relations Department of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, informed the audience about the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation protecting the national and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan as well as promoting science, education, health, multiculturalism and other areas.

The Chairman of the German-Azerbaijani Forum Hanns-Eberhard Schleyer spoke about the role of Heydar Aliyev in building and developing relations between Germany and Azerbaijan. He emphasised that Heydar Aliyev attached great importance to the relations between the two countries and that these relations are currently developing dynamically.

After the speeches, the concert took place. In the concert, accompanied by the chief conductor and musical director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Ayyub Guliyev, the vocalist Marziya Huseynova, who works for the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Khanende (singer) Tayyar Bayramov and the master of Tar Sahib Pashazade as well as the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Berlin performed works of famous Azerbaijani composers such as Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Asaf Zeynalli, Niyazi, Bakhtiyar Kerimov, Hasan Rzayev as well as Azerbaijani folk songs and works of European composers. An exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and publications about his life were presented at the event.

For further information

The concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZHS4vnp3to

Embassy of Azerbaijan in https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/en/news/3988/concert-on-the-occasion-of-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-national-leader-in-berlin

132 ā€˜Ndrangheta mafia members arrested

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132 ā€˜Ndrangheta mafia members arrested

European police and judicial authorities from Belgium, Italy and Germany executed the largest-ever coordinated hit against Italian organised crime

The Hague, 3 May 2023

During an action day executed by 10 countries, 132 members of one of the worldā€™s most powerful criminal networks have been taken into custody. In the early hours of 3 May, law enforcement authorities in Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Romania, Brazil and Panama raided multiple locations and seized several companies. Over 2770 officers were involved on the ground during the action day.

Eurojust and Europol supported this international operation against the ā€˜Ndrangheta, which now stands as the largest hit involving the Italian poly-criminal syndicate to date. The mafia-style organisation is responsible for much of Europeā€™s cocaine trade, combined with systematic money laundering, bribery, and violence.

The criminal network under investigation was led by several powerful ā€˜Ndrangheta families based mainly in the town of San Luca, which is in the Italian province of Reggio Calabria. Some of these families have been involved in decades-long clan violence known as San Luca feud, culminating in massive shootings in Italy and abroad, such as the Duisburg massacre in Germany in 2007.

Members of the criminal network were engaged in criminal conspiracy not only by being part of a mafia-style organisation, but also by being responsible for drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, illegal firearms possession, money laundering, fraudulent asset registration, tax fraud and tax evasion, as well as the aiding and abetting of fugitives (who have since been arrested). Two of these fugitives had been on the EU Most Wanted list (https://eumostwanted.eu/). 

Staggering list of criminal activities

The Italian criminal network was mainly devoted to international drug trafficking from South America to Europe, as well as Australia. Authorities uncovered that the network was working in partnership with the Colombian organised crime group ā€˜Gulf Clanā€™ and an Albanian-speaking crime group operating in Ecuador and multiple European Countries.

Furthermore, the ā€˜Ndrangheta clans were involved in international firearms trafficking from Pakistan to South America, providing weapons to the notorious criminal group PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) in exchange for cocaine shipments. Investigators tracked the flow of money in an extensive global money laundering system, with massive investments in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The criminal group was investing its profits in real estate, restaurants, hotels, car wash companies, supermarkets, and other commercial activities. In order to pay for cocaine or to transfer illicit assets, the criminals often relied on facilitators using the hawala system.

Police and judicial authorities in lockstep

Eurojust supported the involved authorities by establishing and funding two joint investigation teams. The agency also hosted ten coordination meetings and set up a coordination centre to enable rapid cooperation between the judicial authorities involved in the action day. Three linked cases were opened at Eurojust at the request of the Italian, German and Belgian authorities. Eurojust also facilitated the transmission and execution of European Investigation Orders.

Europolā€™s Analysis Project on Italian Organised Crime supported the investigation as a priority case. It provided intelligence packages and cross-match reports to the national investigative units involved. In total, more than 200 SIENA (https://www.europol.europa.eu/operations-services-and-innovation/services-support/information-exchange/secure-information-exchange-network-application-siena) messages were exchanged among the countries involved. Besides supporting the investigation itself, the Analysis Project also supported the searches for the three fugitives. The agency also hosted case officers appointed by national investigative units, in order to analyse the encrypted communication that had been gathered. On the action day itself, Europol deployed specialists with mobile offices on the spot in all three countries.

This case falls under the EMPACT Operational Action 2.3 on ā€˜Ndrangheta and the Sicilian mafia, the first EMPACT action led by the National Antimafia Directorate (Direzione Nazionale Antimafia) in which Europol and Eurojust are co-leaders.

The investigation and the Action Day itself have been supported by the @ON Network funded by the EU (Project ISF4@ON) led by the Italian Antimafia Investigation Directorate (DIA).

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Italy: PPO Reggio Calabria, National Antimafia and Counterterrorism Directorate, Carabinieri in Locri.
  • Germany: PPO DĆ¼sseldorf, PPO Koblenz, PPO Munich, PPO SaarbrĆ¼cken, State Criminal Police Office North Rhine-Westphalia, State Criminal Police Office Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, State Criminal Police Office Saarland, Federal Criminal Police Office Wiesbaden (for analysis).
  • Belgium: Federal PPO in close collaboration with PPO Limburg, Investigating judge Court 1ste InstanceĀ  Limburg/sectionĀ  Tongeren, Federal Judicial Police of Limburg.
  • Portugal: Departamento Central de InvestigaĆ§Ć£o e AĆ§Ć£o Penal (Central PPO),Ā  PolĆ­cia JudiciĆ”ria- UNCT and Gabinete de RecuperaĆ§Ć£o de Ativos (ARO).
  • France: GPO Aix en Provence, PPO Nice Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, Prosecutorā€™s Office attached to Court of Appeal Aix-en-ProvenceĀ Ā  , Prosecutor ā€˜s officeĀ  of tribunal of Nice , and the attachedĀ  Police Directorate for Criminal InvestigationĀ  (DCPJ).
  • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, Prosecutorā€™s Office attached to Court of Appeal Timisoara, Police Directorate for Criminal Investigation, Arad Police Service for Criminal Investigation.
  • Slovenia: : Investigative Judge Nova Gorica, PPO Nova Gorica and National Police, Central Directorate for Criminal Police
  • Spain:Ā Investigative Court in Torremolinos (num 4), Central Court num 3 at Audiencia Nacional; International Cooperation Sections of the Spanish Prosecution Service in MĆ”laga and Antidrug PPO

Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou concludes official visit to Rwanda

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Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou concludes official visit to Rwanda

Arusha, 4 May 2023– The Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT or Mechanism), Abubacarr M. Tambadou, today concluded an official mission to the Republic of Rwanda from 2 to 4 May 2023.

While on mission during the official mourning period of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Registrar Tambadou began by visiting the Gisozi Genocide Memorial to lay a Wreath and pay tribute to the victims. Subsequently, he held high-level meetings with several senior government officials. The Registrar also held an informal stakeholder briefing at the Kigali Field office.

Registrar Tambadou paid tribute to victims and survivors by also laying a Wreath at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial and met with representatives from IBUKA, an umbrella association of Genocide survivor organisations in Rwanda. He spent time with victims and listened to their concerns, particularly regarding public access to the Mechanismā€™s work.

During the various meetings, the Registrar provided updates on the status of the trial against FĆ©licien Kabuga and other judicial matters, discussed issues related to the Mechanismā€™s continuous functions such as the enforcement of sentences, protection of victims and witnesses, and management of the archives, as well as other matters of mutual interest, including areas for future cooperation. He also discussed several measures to increase public access to the Mechanismā€™s work.

Registrar Tambadou was re-appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General AntĆ³nio Guterres as Registrar of the Mechanism effective 1 July 2023.

Zelenskyy visits International Criminal CourtĀ 

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Zelenskyy visits International Criminal CourtĀ 

On 4 May 2023, HE Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he was received by ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański and ICC Registrar Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler.

President Hofmański briefed President Zelenskyy on the ICC’s current work, spanning 16 situation countries on four continents and four ongoing trials. He emphasized the Court’s independence and impartiality as a judicial institution mandated to address the most serious crimes under international law. President Hofmański thanked Ukraine for its cooperation with the Court, notably the recent agreement allowing for the creation of an ICC office in the country.

ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański, President Zelenskyy and ICC Registrar Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler.

President Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the role of the ICC in providing justice in Ukraine and contributing to the rule of law worldwide.

Ukraine is not a State Party to the Rome Statute, but it has twice exercised its prerogatives to accept the Court’s jurisdiction over alleged crimes under the Rome Statute occurring on its territory, pursuant to article 12(3) of the Statute. The ICC opened an investigation regarding the situation in Ukraine on 2 March 2022.

The President of Ukraine and the President of the ICC after meeting on May 4th in The Hague.

The Defence AttachƩ Association Annual Gala

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The Defence AttachƩ Association Annual Gala

The Defence AttachƩ Association in The Hague organized its annual gala dinner in October of last year, which had to be put on hold for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was dedicated to its members and specially invited guests, coinciding with the autumn briefing for the military attaches accredited to the Netherlands.

This year, the event took place at Madurodam Park, which was transformed into a formal dining room, attracting a record attendance of a hundred guests representing diplomatic missions.

The majority of the guests were posted in the Netherlands, but many were also accredited to the Netherlands and had official residences in various European countries. Defence/Armed Forces AttachƩs stationed in France, Germany, Belgium, and the UK joined the military attaches living in The Hague for a full-day briefing followed by an exquisite gala dinner and ball with a great live band.

Colonel Stein Johannessen, Norwegian Defence Attache in The Hague and his wife Tone; Colonel Piers Strudwick, British Defence Attache in The Hague and his wife Jane.

According to Colonel Stein Westlye Johannessen, the Defence AttachƩ of Norway and Dean of Defence AttachƩ Association of The Hague, the event was an unabashed success, providing an opportunity for attachƩs to deepen their ties with the host country and build strong relationships with key personnel. Speeches were given throughout the evening, including a toast to all heads of states by Captain Antoon Hertogs, Defence AttachƩ of Sweden, welcome words by Colonel Stein Johannessen, a speech by Brigadier General Jan Blacquiere, Head of the Foreign Liaison Office in the Ministry of Defence, a speech by Vice-admiral Arie Jan de Waard, Directeur of the Defensie Materieel Organisatie, and some words about the war in Ukraine by Colonel Yurii Herashchenko, Defence AttachƩ of Ukraine. The final toast was given by Colonel Piers Strudwick, Defence AttachƩ of the United Kingdom, thanking everyone for the dinner.

New attachĆ©s were welcomed to the Defence attachĆ© community and after the dinner the ball continued until midnight. The event was a resounding success, and given the increased importance of the military in Europe due to the war in Ukraine, the organizers are already looking forward to this year’s event.

The Philippines Authors Forum

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The Philippines Authors Forum
By Roy Lie Atjam

The Philippine Embassy organized an authorsā€™ forum on Contemporary Conversations on Philippine Culture and History.

The forum offered an excellent update on contemporary books, literature and the commemoration of National Literature Month and National Heritage Month. The venue was the Embassy of the Philippines, Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall, on 12 April 2023.

Featuring at the Authors Forum were Dr Stephanie Marie Coo, Ms Katrina Stuart Santiago, and Mr Kristian Sendon Cordero. They all delivered outstanding presentations. Isolating the presentation by Dr Stephanie Coo, she held an expose on her encyclopedic study on Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-1896.

Dr Stephanie Marie Coo, Philippines Forum.

In her expose Stephanie Coo focused on the use of the Barong Tagalog and on the colonial clothing culture of the Philippines. She mentioned an interesting detail, the undeniable role men played in fashion. Dr Coo is a passionate chino filipino author and historian educated in Manila, Beijing, and Nice. She was in The Hague for a brief visit.

Dr Stephanie Marie Coo has won the prestigious International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS) Book Prize for her book ā€œClothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-18.

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya underscored the significance of writing, reading and literature, setting the tone for an evening of engaging discussions. ā€œReading and literature enables us to see through the lenses of others, and the experiences of others. It makes it possible to comprehend and understand various situations from many perspectives,ā€ the Ambassador said.

Dr. Stephanie Marie Coo, author of the multi-awarded book “Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-1896,” provided a visual overview of the attire worn by men and women in the Philippines during the Spanish era. As she explored colonial clothing, she provided unique insights into the clothing styles during that period and emphasized the significance of rigor in doing research, stressing that it must be done scientifically and presented creatively.

Ms. Katrina Stuart Santiago, the Philippines Forum.

Ms. Katrina Stuart Santiago, an author, literary critic, writing professor, and founder of PAGASAph, shared the story of how she co-founded “Everything’s Fine,” a Philippine press that publishes books on independent cultural practices. She shared her personal journey in writing and how she pursued independence, not by isolating but by immersing herself in her surroundings and simply aspiring to be better. ā€œStorytelling is an act of rebellion, and that it is crucial to support independent cultural practices,ā€ she said.

Mr Kristian Sendon Cordero, Philippines Forum.

Chosen as one of the Philippines’ Ten Most Outstanding Young Men in 2022, Mr. Kristian Sendon Cordero, talked about the inspiring story of how he established the bookshop “Savage Mind: Arts, Books and Cinema,” which has become the creative heart of Naga City. He shared how this bookshop opened new engagements and networks among younger populations and indigenous communities in Naga and the whole of Bicol province, built around the common love for arts, books, and cinema.

The lively and insightful open forum that followed was moderated by Ms. Dheza Aguilar, Managing Editor of The Filipino Expat Magazine, while Consul Nomer Ado served as the eventā€™s master of ceremonies.

In a Facebook post, the SARO Community said ā€œCultures have always been changing and adaptingā€¦ but being away from home should not give us the impression that itā€™s okay to forget our own ā€“ it is our moral responsibility to encourage, understand, protect and preserve our cultural heritage.”

The event was organized in collaboration with the SARO Community, the Bicol Community Nederlands Foundation, and the Savage Mind: Arts, Books and Cinema, a bookstore based in Naga City, Camarines Sur.ā€

Indeed, a vivid, insightful and captivating open forum.

Uzbekistan Ready for Change

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Uzbekistan Ready for Change

(Uzbekistan, April 30). The country is living today at a crucial moment in its history with a National Referendum taking place at this moment to introduce a new Constitution that will change the future of Uzbeksā€™ people if passed. Diplomat Magazine has been accredited as an international media and electoral observer, monitoring the referendum activities in Tashkent, Uzbekistanā€™s capital.

A 103 years old with his family going to vote.

With the eventual approval of the Referendum, powers of the Oliy Majilis chambers will be strengthened and the parliamentary institution will be guaranteed in the new Constitution. Many powers now under presidential decision will be transferred to parliament, including amongst other issues, the selection of the Attorney General, the President of the House of  Representatives, government fight against gambling and corruption, important changes in labor laws, incentives to the economy and business regulations like fair competition and intellectual property, children protection and specific gender equality terms.

Today people started voting as early as 8am. It is expected that by 3pm 95% of registered voters would have exercised their right to vote, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev who already cast his vote in the company of his family.

Voting station

The referendum is supported by the United Nations for necessary changes in the constitution aimed at modernizing the functioning of the State, recalling that Uzbekistan’s independence is a very young one, since 1992, which needs legal updates and a modernizedĀ  government. President ā€œMirziā€, the Uzbek presidentā€™s nickname, is still on top of popularity.Ā 

“He enjoys a great popularity amongst Uzbeks citizens thanks to his useful reforms in government”, said one interviewed voter. Mirzi is presently in his second mandate as President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,  in contrast with former president Islam Karimov who was very cautious in introducing changes to guide his country from communism to current democracy.

Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr Mayelinne De Lara during an interview at the Central Election Commission.

Diplomat Magazine has visited  the Central Election Commission, interviewed politicians and  stayed at one of the biggest voting stations to watch the referendum process that runs without any incidents. Ballots are in Uzbek, in Cyril alphabet, in Russian and braille.

Over 400 journalists are accredited as representatives of the international press, without any further movement restrictions to pursue our work in this capital. The United Nations brought its observers to report on the referendum.

The Bicentennial Concert, a Historical Commemoration in The Hague

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The Bicentennial Concert, a Historical Commemoration in The Hague

Two centuries ago, the course of history was forever changed in Latin America when seven countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Peru achieved their long-awaited independence from Spanish colonial rule. In 1821, these nations embarked on a journey towards self-determination and freedom, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the destiny of the American continent.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, the embassies of these seven countries, joined forces to celebrate their bicentennial of independence through a grand concert. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this historic event finally came to fruition on October 11, 2022, at the Conservatoriumzaal of Amare National Theatre in The Hague.

The Bicentennial Concert.

The preparations for this exceptional celebration began many months in advance, with the initial plan to hold the concert in December 2021. However, the ongoing pandemic forced organizers to postpone the event. Nevertheless, the resilience and determination of the participating nations, diplomats, musicians, and organizers prevailed, and the concert eventually took place, highlighting the deep significance of this historical milestone.

The Latin American friendship and unity were palpable throughout the entire process, as the participating countries came together with a shared passion to discuss the program, guests, and music selection even in the existing circumstances. The eight countries that co-hosted the event: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Peru, joined in solidarity by the Dominican Republic, collaborated closely with the Conservatory of The Hague to orchestrate this meaningful event.

H.E. Ms. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal, Ambassador of Argentina and H.E. Ms. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua., the Ambassador of Cameroon.

H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama, took the stage to address the guests on behalf of her colleagues, present at the Conservatorium Auditorium:Ā H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica;Ā H.E. Mrs. Carmen MarĆ­a Gallardo de HernĆ”ndez, ambassador of El Salvador;Ā H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-KlĆ©e Arenales, Ambassador of Guatemala;Ā H.E. Mr. Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia Trejo, Ambassador of Mexico;Ā H.E. Mrs. Marisol AgĆ¼ero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru;Ā H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista DurĆ”n, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, andĀ Ms. Viviane de Pierrefeu Midence, Changee d’affaires of Honduras, echoing the sentiments of unity and shared history among the participating nations. Her words resonated with the audience, setting the stage for the musical journey that was about to unfold.

“Tonight, you will enjoy a musical journey of pieces carefully selected to represent each of our countries. Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to listen to outstanding musicians who are studying at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. Many of them hail from the Latin American region. As a celebration of unity, ‘Ode to Joy’ has been included to conclude the program,” Ambassador Neiman declared, capturing the essence of the evening’s celebration.

As the concert program unfolded, a sense of pride and nostalgia washed over the audience as they recognized songs from their respective countries. The audience transformed into a spontaneous chorus, filling the hall with joyous and heartfelt renditions of beloved melodies.

H.E. Mrs. Marisol AgĆ¼ero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru welcoming the Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal.

Special recognition was extended to the Director of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Mr. Henk van der Meulen, for his unwavering support. Additionally, the students who dedicated countless hours to rehearse the diverse repertoire, which included tracks from each participating country, were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the evening’s success.

In the grand Conservatoriumzaal of Amare National Theatre in The Hague, history came alive through music, unity, and shared celebration. The concert opened with the moving music of Peru, a majestic processional piece sung in Quechua, providing a captivating introduction to the evening’s festivities. Then, baroque music from Guatemala and Mexico were also present and the pieces that followed were advancing in time and staging musical instruments from the region, such as marimbas and others. Each participating country’s unique cultural heritage and musical traditions were celebrated through a diverse selection of pieces performed by talented musicians.

The event was an unequivocal success, with a distinguished guest list that included ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, Dutch government authorities, and business leaders.

The two hundred anniversary concert of the independence of these seven Latin American countries not only commemorated a pivotal moment in history but also served as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cultural heritage that unite nations across borders. It was a night to remember, an ode to Latin American resilience, and a harmonious illustration of traditional Latin American cohesion and unity.

Salsa Workshop for Diplomats

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Salsa Workshop for Diplomats

Once again, the Embassy of Cuba and Diplomat Magazine presented the annual Cuban Salsa Workshop for Diplomats in The Hague, which attracted more than 150 amateur dancers who came every Thursday of March to learn the secrets of the world-renowned dance. 

All continents were well-represented – diplomats from India, Kenia, Guatemala, China, Vietnam, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Kosovo, and Japan all came to enjoy and relax after a long workday.

H.E. Ms. Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher and Ms. Lourdes Escobar, Consul of Cuba presenting the certificates of participations to the Salsa Workshop.

ā€œWe welcomed all diplomats to share their passion for dance and music in this exciting class. Everyone enjoyed this vital element of Cuban culture regardless of fitness or dancing levelā€, affirmed Professor Cala, following the event that has been qualified as a success.

Cuban salsa instructor Rafael Cala guided the group for four weeks through the ins and outs of this famous dance; basic steps of salsa, mambo, and rumba, and even some advanced techniques. A group of dancers from Cala School also came to support the participants, giving them the opportunity to practice with professional dancers.

Dance teacher, Rafael Cala and First Secretary of the Embassy of Israel, Ms Fentai Alamu.

The event ended with a celebration, where dancers had the opportunity to practice what they had learned in the past few weeks in a free-dancing mode with Mildred Latin show.

Mildred came with a selection of the best Latin songs to make the participants feel like they were on a real Cuban dancing floor. Tasty Cuban food and drinks were also provided by the Embassy for the participants to truly experience Cuban culture.

Dance teacher, Rafael Cala, Nelly Blokker, Directorate-General for Foreign ecomomic Relations/International Enterprise at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Ms Anet PIno Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba.

ā€œFor Cubans, dancing salsa is like riding a bicycle for the Dutch; Cuban people dance while walking and live through dance. It is a distinctive social element of our culture that we want to share with all of you. What you have learned in these classes is a part of us, it is a bond of friendship, a legacy of happinessā€, claimed H.E. Ms. Anet Pino Rivero, the Ambassador of Cuba, before presenting every participant with a certificate of accomplishment.

Kosovo Diplomat – Salsa Workshop 2023 – Graduation Day

The workshop took place every Thursday of March at Dansstudio Residance Dorany, Mercuriusweg 37, The Hague. Rafael Cala will continue offering private dancing classes throughout the year.

Information at:  +31 6 13362750


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