“We had a great Wiener Ball’s 54th edition this year at the Grand Huis ter Duin hotel, in Noordwijk”, declared the President of the Wiener Ball ‘s commission. The traditional ball hosted 350 guests and everyone enjoyed the evening. Among them is Mr Peter Potman, who will be the next Dutch ambassador in Vienna.
The president, Antoinette Nikkels van der Veen-Hermans, the vice president Colonel John Wertenbroek and the organizational committee announced that the 55th edition will take place at Grand Huis ter Duin on the 3rd of February 2024. Diplomat Magazine will support once again the traditional event in 2024 and will invite diplomats and heads of missions to enjoy the experience.
On 17 April 2023, HE Mr Gitanas Nausėda , President of Lithuania, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he was received by ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański and ICC Registrar Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler.
Thanking President Nausėda for his visit, President Hofmański stated: “Lithuania’s strong and longstanding commitment to the ICC is very highly appreciated and of particular importance as the Court faces an exceptionally high workload, operating in 17 situations on four continents. It is more important than ever that the States Parties provide their full cooperation to the ICC and remain firm in their support of its independent and impartial mandate, as a court of law.”
Lithuanian President HE Mr Gitanas Nausėda stated: “As this year marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, I congratulate the Court for its remarkable contribution to the global efforts to end impunity and to hold accountable those responsible for serious crimes anytime, anywhere. With our joint support, the capacity of the Court is visibly increasing”.
The visit of President Nausėda to the ICC highlights Lithuania’s commitment to the Court and the joint efforts deployed in the fight against the impunity of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes that affect the international community as a whole. Lithuania signed the Rome Statute on 10 December 1998 and deposited its instrument of ratification on 12 May 2003.
Friday, 14 April 2023, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: A round table was held at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan on the topic “New formats of cooperation in the international information environment”. The event was attended by representatives of international and national media, private media, relevant ministries and state agencies of Turkmenistan, press attachés of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan, experts and specialists in the field of information and communication policy, as well as teachers and students of the Faculty of International Journalism of the Institute of International Relations.
In frames of an extensive agenda, various aspects and directions of international information activities were discussed.
Opening the round table, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova noted the important role played by the outlet in the modern media space. In this context, she stressed that the current format of interaction is a platform for discussing the importance of the mass-media in establishing links in the international information field, aimed to bridge positions.
It was stated that the Government of Turkmenistan sets priority tasks for the domestic media sphere. Today, there is a need for more active promotion in the global digital space of up-to-date and reliable information about Turkmenistan, news reports on the transformations and achievements taking place in the country, studying the best world experience, the emergence of new formats and standards of broadcasting, print, and electronic press. Along with this, the expediency of further improvement and activation of the activities of private media in Turkmenistan was noted.
Particular attention was drawn to the initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov regarding regional cooperation in the media space, announced at the 4th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.
In particular, was told about the illegal use of information technology, the implantation from the outside of ideas and attitudes that run counter to the historical traditions of the peoples of Central Asia, the basic values and centuries-old foundations of their life.
In this regard, a proposal of the head of the state to make joint efforts so that Central Asia remains a zone of stability and trust, not subject to risks for peace and development, was commented
In this context, the idea of holding a Central Asian media forum dedicated to security issues with the participation of state news agencies, print media, and electronic media has been put forward.
The head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, Ambassador John MacGregor, during his speech noted that media development issues are high on the agenda of the Organization. At the same time, this “round table” is a vivid example of constructive cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the OSCE Center in Ashgabat in the field of media development. The initiative to hold the current forum in Ashgabat testifies to the growing role of Turkmenistan in promoting commitments within the OSCE and, thus, shows the desire to take an active position in the international media space.
The work of the “round table” continued in the framework of two sessions devoted to the issues of information sustainability in the 21st century and information policy in the context of the widespread development of social networks. During the sessions, with the active participation of OSCE international experts Marek Bekerman and Yakub Parusinski, an exchange of views took place on such topical issues of our time as the role of the state in creating a sustainable information space, aspects of media literacy in society, the development of information awareness among youth, issues of tackling misinformation and fake news, as well as the importance of education and continuous professional development of journalists in countering the above-mentioned challenges and problems in the media field.
Participants noted the important role of social networks and PR technologies in the modern digital information space, as well as issues of interaction between the state and media communities. In this context, aspects of the effective use of social networks as an important tool for communication and cultural exchange were discussed.
At the end of the sessions, interactive communication was held in the “question-answer” format, during which a thorough and constructive exchange of views took place on issues and topics on the agenda of the forum. Great interest was shown in the educational process and creative work of the future generation of journalists studying at the Institute of International Relations.
The participants of the “round table” noted the role and constructive activities of Turkmenistan in matters of close cooperation with all stakeholders in the region and beyond in the information and communication sphere.
The parties also viewed the exhibition of specialized foreign policy publications, deployed on the sidelines of the “round table”.
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Images courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
At the invitation of His Majesty King Willem Alexander, the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron, paid a state visit to the Netherlands on 11 and 12 April 2023. His wife, Brigitte Macron, accompanied him.
The French President’s visit to the Netherlands will reaffirm the excellent ties between the two countries. The state visit will help to further deepen their cooperation, including joint efforts by France and the Netherlands to make Europe stronger, greener and safer.
While in The Hague, at the invitation of the Nexus Institute, President Macron delivered a discourse on “European sovereignty”. His discourse attracted Ministers, MPs, former ministers, diplomats, students and many others.
The keyword of the entire state visit was European sovereignty
President Macron shapes the contour of his vision for European sovereignty during his lecture. Macron envisages a Europe built on the basis of competitiveness, industrial policy, protectionism, cooperation and reciprocity. The lecture was essentially about Macron’s importance to a stronger, more economically independent Europe. A Europe that does not move at the whim of power blocs China and the US.
President Macron said the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine helped drive the need for an independent European strategy.
Indeed the pandemic was a wake-up call, making Europe realize how dependent it was on other nations.
Macron went on to say defending our sovereignty doesn’t mean shying away from allies. It means we are capable of choosing our partners and stipulating our destiny rather than being a mere witnesses of the dramatic evolution of this world.
The President spoke of his vision for a new era of European sovereignty. We must strive to be rule-makers rather than rule-takers.
European sovereignty might have once sounded like just a French idea, Macron said, or even wishful thinking, but pointed to the danger of a Europe that is too dependent on other world powers, saying it places Europe in the position of not being able to decide for itself.
According to President Macron, Europe would maintain robust relationships with its allies. We want to be open, he said. We want allies, we want good friends, we want partners. But we always want to be in a situation to choose them. Not to be one hundred per cent dependent on them. We can do this in keeping with our spirit of openness and partnership.
Disrupted by demonstrators. President Macron had only just begun his speech on the future of Europe when demonstrators disrupted his speech. They shouted at him from the balcony while holding banners.
Macron was portrayed as a president of violence and hypocrisy. The protesters were alluding to the ongoing protests in France, increasing the retirement age from 62 to 64. Where has French democracy gone?
The President listened to them and tried to respond, but the protesters shouted him down. I can answer your question if you give me the time Macron retorted.
Reference was made to The Congress of Europe 75 years ago in The Hague from 7–11 May 1948 with 750 delegates participating from around Europe. The objective was to determine the political, economic, social and cultural frameworks for the establishment of a united Europe.
Kudos to the Nexus Institute, particularly to the founder-director Rob Riemen, who was the moderator of the proceedings. Thank you for organizing such a dignified and impressive lecture.
A Q&A session concluded the sublime lecture by the President of the Republic of France, Emmanuel Macron.
Alia Bilgrami participates in the 8th edition of the Kunstenaars in het Statenkwartier, a circuit of 32 artists’ open studios on 15th/16th April 2023, supported by the Kunstmuseum, Den Haag
During the event, Bilgrami will present over 30 new works, including miniature paintings created in a wide range of media: egg tempera and pure pigment on gesso panels, watercolours on paper and cyanotypes. Miniature painting remains a popular art form in South Asia, stemming from its deep cultural connection to Mughal, Indian and Persian historical paintings.
The techniques and style have been reinvented by a new generation of artists from Pakistan like Shahzia Sikander and Imran Qureshi, who have used its essence to create modern paintings and installations while retaining the aesthetic.
Sun Dance
by Alia Bilgrami
Egg tempera, pure pigments and shell gold on gesso panel
20 x 25 cm/ 2021
Most of Bilgrami’s works are no bigger than an A4 sheet with the same detail as Stormy Tulips, a triptych given to Mayor, Mr. Jan van Zanen of The Hague, NL, as a gift in 2020 (read article).
There are 8 larger, almost poster sized works. Originally produced during the pandemic, the landscapes on view are derived from the artist’s memories of home. Nostalgic and reflective, they evoke feelings of loss and isolation that were common during the lockdown and have lingered on.
Wolf Moon
by Alia Bilgrami
Egg tempera, pure pigments and shell gold on gesso panel
20 x 25 cm
2021
Alia Bilgrami is a Pakistani/Canadian artist based in Den Haag since 2020. She completed an MA from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London (2010), where she won the Cecil Collins Memorial Award for Drawing. Bilgrami has shown work in many international exhibitions.
Solo presentations include Tulipmania at Rohtas Gallery, Islamabad and Out of the Forest at Koel Gallery, Karachi, Pakistan. Her painting, Diorama Desire, won the Sovereign Asian Art Public Vote Prize, Hong Kong (2015). In the Hague, she is a member of Stroom and has exhibited at Pulchri Studio in their Autumn Salon (2021).
Follow Bilgrami on IG: @aliabilgrami.art and her website: www.abilgrami.com
Further action against fraudulent online investment platform: five arrests of high-value targetssupported by Eurojust & Europol
The Hague, 13 April 2023
Eurojust and Europol have supported a new coordinated action against a fraudulent online investment platform, which has so far cost at least 33 000 victims an estimated EUR 89 million. At the request of the German authorities, two action days took place in March, during which five suspects were arrested. Further, 15 locations were searched in Bulgaria, Romania and Israel, including five illegal call centres. The operation is a follow-up to actions against the same online scam in 2021.
These coordinated actions in 2021 led to a wealth of new information and evidence, which enabled the operations of March 2023. Previously, the financial damage caused by the scam was estimated at least EUR 15 million. However, based on the new information, the criminal network behind the fraudulent scheme has caused much more financial damage and created many more victims.
Eurojust supported the actions by setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) into the online fraud scheme in January 2023 and organising two dedicated coordination meetings to prepare for the new actions. The Agency furthermore assisted with the execution of European Arrest Warrants, European Investigation Orders and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance.
During the action days, 33 German police officers and investigators participated in the actions on the ground in Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia and Israel, supported by Europol specialists.
To support the investigation, Europol set up a dedicated Operational Task Force through which it facilitated the information exchange and provided analytical support. During the most recent action days, Europol deployed experts to Israel and – remotely – to the coordination centre at Eurojust.
During the actions, a range of high-value assets were seized, including luxury watches, electronic equipment, cash, bitcoins, bank cards and numerous documents and data carriers.
The criminal network behind the fraud attracted investors with professional-looking banners on websites and publicity via social media, using call centres in various European countries. The scammers encouraged their victims to initially make small investments of between EUR 200 and 250, showing high profits via fake graphics and software.
The victims were then contacted by so-called personal financial advisors, who promised even higher profits on bigger investments. These higher investments were subsequently lost, and the illegal profits were paid into the perpetrators’ bank accounts. The fraud scheme allegedly ran between 2019 and 2021, with the suspects of the operations in 2021 or their associates recently setting up call centres in Bulgaria and Romania.
Due to low interest rates during this period, investors were attracted to investing in high-risk financial instruments, such as binary options. These are often susceptible to fraud and are therefore used in online scams. Such options are, in most cases, fixed amounts of money, serving as a guarantee for risky financial transactions or theoretical asset pricing.
The operation was carried out on the ground by:
Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Göttingen; Central Criminal Investigation Department Braunschweig
Bulgaria: Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office, General Directorate National Police to the Ministry of Interior
Romania: Directorate Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism; General Inspectorate Romanian Police
Protection of life, liberty and property at the core of the constitutional reforms in Uzbekistan
By Prof. dr. Faridun Sattarov, Department of Political Science, University of World Economy and Diplomacy
Today, the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is in the process of being transformed into a truly people’s document based on the principle of “human – society – state.” This is evidenced by the involvement of ordinary citizens, non-governmental organizations, representatives of business and professional circles, the scientific and expert community in the development of the new Constitution. More than 220,000 proposals were made during the nationwide discussion, which shows the exceptional importance of this political process.
A useful rule of thumb of constitutional law is the inadmissibility of a gap between the constitutional principles of the development of legal consciousness and social practice. The changing situation in the world demonstrates, first of all, that many tendencies of the past years are subject to serious revision and transformation today. Therefore, national constitutional development should address the effects global processes may have on the legal structure of the state. History provides enough examples of constitutions having been systematically and consistently amended in some of the most democratic countries in the world. One such example stands out among others – the fact that 27 key amendments have been made to the US Constitution over the past two centuries.
The proposed constitutional amendments fall into four thematic categories. The first of these, denoted by the expression “exaltation of human dignity,” includes the confirmation of the inalienable right of citizens to life and the expansion of the rights of persons placed in detention by law enforcement agencies. The second category of amendments is set to turn the country into a “welfare state”, which suggests that in the future social benefits will be ranked among the fundamental rights. The third category aims to ensure further consolidation of the influence of so-called “mahallas” – traditional district communities. The fourth category proposes the transfer from the President to the Senate of powers to appoint the heads of the anti-corruption agency and the Accounts Chamber, which officially controls public spending.
What is relevant and noteworthy is that the Constitution – as a programmatic set of goals for the development of society and the state – in its proposed new edition increasingly reflects the very essence of the Enlightenment liberal political thought, made famous by John Locke’s utterance about the inalienability of “life, liberty and property.” Indeed, a number of proposed amendments directly address the matters of protecting individual rights, property rights, and the primacy of human life as a social, moral and political value. Indeed, Article 13 of the Constitution retains the provision that the highest value is a person, his life, freedom, honour, dignity and other inalienable rights, but this wording is supposed to be supplemented with the words “respect, observance, protection of the honour and dignity of a person, his rights and freedoms are the responsibility of the state.”
The draft also contains completely new articles that establish the right to use the assistance of a lawyer of one’s own choice and fair access to justice. In addition, the updated article 116 provides that everyone is guaranteed the right to receive qualified legal assistance, which, in cases provided for by law, is provided free of charge. As an innovation, it is also stipulated that land can be privately owned based on the terms and in the manner prescribed by law. The new article establishes that no person may be deprived of his property except by a court decision. It also speaks of preliminary and equivalent compensation in the event of expropriation of property for public needs. Previously, there were no such provisions in the Constitution.
Also of relevance are the new provisions related to human rights in the context of the development of the modern information society – namely provisions concerning the right to access the worldwide information network Internet and free use of it; the right of everyone to get access to the data collected about them by state and non-state organisations, including civil institutions of self-government; the right to demand the correction of false data, as well as the destruction of data collected illegally or no longer having legal grounds. These rights are found in Articles 29 and 30 in the new edition. Such provisions can only be found in a few modern constitutions.
Remarkably, principles governing foreign policy also found their place among the proposed constitutional amendments. It has thus been proposed to include in the new edition of the Constitution of Uzbekistan a provision that international treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with generally recognized principles and norms of international law, are an integral part of the legal system of the Republic of Uzbekistan. If an international treaty of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes other rules than those provided for by the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan, then the rules of the international treaty of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall apply.
According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of May 23, 1969, an international treaty is an international agreement concluded by a state in writing with a foreign state or international organization, governed by international law. For example, in German, French and Spanish constitutions establish the generally recognized principles and norms of international law as an integral part of their national legal system. This indicates that today for Uzbekistan, as a full-fledged subject of international law, more than 80 international documents on human rights, covering the generally recognized principles and norms of international law, are of particular importance.
The new iteration of the Constitution also proposes to introduce a fundamentally important provision on the preservation and development of relations with compatriots living abroad, in accordance with the norms of international law. States that protect the rights of their citizens also takes care of maintaining and developing relations with compatriots living abroad, in accordance with the norms of international law. Such a norm serves to strengthen the confidence of our citizens that they are constantly under the protection of the state, and demonstrates that the state and its bodies are not indifferent to the fate of their citizens, wherever they may be.
The modern world is dynamic, and many events are often unpredictable. This inevitably leads to a serious transformation of economic, political and other systems, entails the renewal of almost all spheres of life and activity in society. Any constitution in the world carries, first of all, the function of ensuring social stability, which makes it so valuable in the unpredictable world of today. The idea of a “living constitution” suggests that the adoption of constitutional amendments is necessitated by the very dialectical logic of social and political development. This once again confirms the idea that constitutional reform is a necessary change in the natural course of the development of society itself.
“This place has given me a lot” Huub de Weerd said goodbye after being active for almost 40 years in the Pauluskerk in Rotterdam. Huub was a street doctor for a long time, helped professionalize the medical service in the Pauluskerk, and from his role as a street doctor also worked closely with IOM when it came to patients returning to their country of origin.
De Pauluskerk: De Pauluskerk offers (day) shelter, attention and care for people who are homeless, do not have the right papers or have otherwise run into problems. A doctor can get 80% of the services reimbursed for people without insurance through the CAK (Central Administration Office), and refers to specialists if necessary.
Most doctors in the Pauluskerk do this work in addition to their work in a regular practice. Hub de Weerd started his medical service in 1984.
1984 as a volunteer in the night shelter 1986-1988 and 1992-2023 as a street doctor in the medical service 2012-2022 mindfulness training & silence celebrations 2015-2023 Internal supervisor
Interview with H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands in occasion of the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Kingdom of the Netherlands
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Dioplomate Magazine:Your Excellency, how do you evaluate the relationship between Viet Nam and the Netherlands over the past 50 years?
Ambassador Phạm Viêt Anh: April 9th this year marks the 50-year anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and the Netherlands. A half century has passed with important milestones and achievements. We, the Vietnamese, always see the Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship as a model for bilateral relations because of its openness, effectiveness, and sincerity. The fruitful achievements in various fields of bilateral cooperation have been reflected in numbers and statistics; therefore, I would like to share some thoughts on the path that the two countries have been taking together for the last 50 years.
First of all, the Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship has transitioned to a new important stage, from “giving and receiving” relationship to an equal and win-win one. In the past, when Viet Nam is struggling with wars and their aftermaths, the Netherlands kindly lent us a helping hand. When Viet Nam rose to a developing country and enhanced international integration, the bilateral relationship entered a new phase of equal cooperation and mutual benefits.
Second, the Viet Nam – Netherlands relations have always been developing and making new progresses. The two sides have great opportunities to cooperate, especially stemming from the similarities of dealing with climate change and natural challenges; hence become strategic partners in such fields as climate change adaptation, water management, sustainable agriculture and food security. Since April 2019, when the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte paid an official visit to Viet Nam, the two countries upgraded their relations to a “comprehensive partnership”.
Third, the cooperation between two countries are not just enclosed in bilateral frameworks, but also expanded to meet the needs of tackling global challenges and mutual concerns of the international community. In late 2022, on the occasion of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the Netherlands, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of climate change adaptation, sustainable development and energy transition to contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.
I think working closely with the Netherlands enables Viet Nam to exchange and benefit from dutch knowledge, experience and expertise, especially in finding smart and innovative solutions. For example, in his recent official visit to the Netherlands, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was impressed by the Dutch infrastructure network model, such as Airport Schiphol, Seaport Rotterdam, Brainport Eindhoven, Greenport World Horti Center. And our Prime Minister was determined to develop a brainport in Viet Nam.
From my viewpoint, it is the changes in our mindsets that make the real impact on the way we think and do, and gradually bring about positive developments of the economy and society.
Dioplomate Magazine:Can you share your thoughts about the prospect of cooperation between the two countries in the coming time?
Ambassador Phạm Viêt Anh: The Viet Nam – Netherlands relations has a strong foundation from not only 50 years of diplomatic ties, but also from the long trade relations originated 400 years ago. Years ago, the Dutch East India Company traveled to Viet Nam for the attractiveness of Vietnamese culture and products as well as those of Southeast Asia region. Today, the needs to cooperate is still a great driving force to strengthen the relations between the two countries.
While Viet Nam – Netherlands relationship was upgraded to comprehensive partnership, there is still room for strengthening and deepening the bilateral cooperation. Both Viet Nam and the Netherlands face common challenges in various fields, such as the impact of climate change, the accessibility of healthcare, the shift to a circular economy and an increasing pressure on food production systems. Besides, the implementation of SDGs, energy transformation, the planning and development of logistics systems, high technology adaptations in agriculture, high quality human resources training, etc. are among the high potential fields in which the two countries can enhance cooperation in the years to come.
Dioplomate Magazine:According to the Ambassador, what should Viet Nam and the Netherlands do to keep the momentum going?
Ambassador Phạm Viêt Anh: In my opinion, first and foremost, it is the mutual trust that lays a sustained foundation for bilateral relations to bloom. Only with trust can we be sincerely and wholeheartedly devoted to substantive and effective cooperation. The Netherlands and Viet Nam should increase exchanges and consultation at all levels to enhance mutual understanding and trust to promote fruitful and healthy growth of bilateral relations.
On the other hand, in order to enhance trust, the two countries must strengthen their relations. Cooperation between the localities, businesses, social organizations and research institutions will help create concrete results, effectively contributing to the development of each country. It will serve as the basis for boosting mutual trust, realizing mutual interests toward an equal and win-win relationship. Effective cooperation and trust have a dialectical and mutually reinforcing relationship.
Dioplomate Magazine: Thank you very much,Your Excellency.
The Embassy of the Republic of Pakistan in the Netherlands organized the Explore Pakistan Tourism with the idea to present Pakistan’s multifaceted tourism potential to the Dutch travel industry at Pakistan House The Hague on 27 March 2023.
H.E. Mr Suljul Mustansar Tarar, Ambassador of Pakistan, Wiko van Rooijen, explorer, writer, adventurer and Jimmy Nelson, author of the innovatory book Before They Pass Away, photographer, artist and history teller, took the audience on a journey to the hidden gems of Pakistan.
The event was attended by leading tourism companies, media and representatives of airlines, PUM and VvKR – an association of 450 travel specialists.
Guests at Pakistan House during the tourism presentation.
Mr. Jimmy Nelson, world renowned visual storyteller, and Mr. Wilco van Rooijen famous Dutch climber, shared their experiences with the Dutch participants from travels in Pakistan. The Managing Director (MD) of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana gave a detailed presentation on different types of tourism options Pakistan holds and also investment opportunities in the sector.
Ambassador Mr. Suljuk Mustansar Tarar welcomed the participants and discussed why Pakistan should be a choice for tourists from the Netherlands. Ambassador Tarar mentioned how those with interest in history and civilization could go to see places at the heart of Indus valley civilization, Budhism or where Alexander the great had fought his famous battle. Tourists with interest in geography and landscape could visit deserts or plains and trekking or mountaineering aficionados could visit the Northern areas of Pakistan with some of the highest mountains and plains and largest snow mass outside the polar regions. And those with interest in cultural or religious sites could visit sacred sites of Sikhism or Sufi shrines across Pakistan. He also mentioned Pakistan as a business destination for investment in hospitality industry.
The audience were shown different thematic videos on range of landscape and cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Exploring Pakistan’s Tourism Potential
Mr Jimmy Nelson’s animated presentation was full of vigour and spirit. Mr. Nelson narrates his journeys through indigenous cultures and lives through the lens of his camera. He has compiled three books of photography and stories including ‘Before They Pass Away’ and ‘Homage To Humanity,’ each a masterpiece. His work is also displayed as photo and immersive exhibitions in different parts of the world. Mr. Jimmy Nelson in a TED-Talk style presentation to the audience called Pakistan among the most beautiful destinations in the world. Pakistan was one of his first destinations as a young adventurer and photographer and he also visited the country recently. Mr. Nelson is currently planning his next project.
Mr. Wilco van Rooijen is the first and the only Dutch climber who has completed the Explorers Grand Slam, having summitted the 7 highest peaks in all continents and the poles. Mr. Wilco undertook an expedition to K2. He has authored a book “Surviving K2” on his experiences in Pakistan, which has been published both in English and Dutch. He was traveling and sent a passionate video message encouraging Dutch travelers to explore Pakistan. Mr. Wilco praised Pakistan, its people and culture. He considered it ‘a life-changing event’ and endorsed to audience that they should travel to Pakistan if they want to experience something different.
Pakistani mountaineer Mr. Shehroze Kashif who holds the Guinness World Records of being the youngest Mountaineer to summit K2, was also scheduled to virtually join but could not due to his ongoing expedition to Annapurna in Nepal.
Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana MD PTDC said that Pakistan has got a unique geographic location with natural diversity, ranging from sea shore to the world tallest mountains. It is a meeting places of great mountain ranges e.g. Hindukush, Himalayas and Karakorum all meet in the North of Pakistan. He also covered the adventure tourism emerging in Pakistan e.g. for paragliding or as part of traditional silk route. In terms of bio-diversity there are nine eco-regions in the country. He also highlighted efforts made by the government to promote tourism including through online visa facility for residents of many countries including the Netherlands.
The presentations were followed by a Q&A session. The Dutch tour operators expressed keen interest in knowing more about tourism opportunities in Pakistan. Some of them shared that they have started group bookings for Pakistan. Ambassador Tarar thanked the speakers and participants and assured them of Pakistan Embassy’s assistance to facilitate their travel to Pakistan.
Pakistan Embassy the Netherlands is actively promoting tourism opportunities offered by Pakistan and the event was part of such efforts. The inspirational evening concluded with a Pakistani dinner buffet.
