The Kings Speech at 15 August 1945 Remembrance Day

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The Kings Speech at 15 August 1945 Remembrance Day

By Anton Lutter

On Friday, August 15, 2025, The Hague hosted the National Commemoration of August 15, 1945. Thousands from all over the country came to The Hague and for those who couldn’t attend there was live broadcasting on national television. This ceremony is to mark the official end of the Second World War for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, remembering all victims of the war against Japan and the Japanese occupation of the former Dutch East Indies. This year, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s capitulation on August 15, 1945, which brought the Second World War to a close for The Netherlands.

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Dick Schoof attended the national commemoration at the Indies Monument in The Hague. During the ceremony, the King delivered a speech and laid the first wreath. Also present were State Secretary Judith Tielen of Health, Welfare and Sport, and the Speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives, along with various representatives from Defense and diplomacy, who also laid wreaths. Concluding the ceremony, King Willem-Alexander opened the parade past the Indies Monument.

His Majesty the King, who delivered a speech for the first time at this annual commemoration. His remarks received wide acclaim as being both respectful to the warvictims aswell as being relevant to the current global situation.

The King’s Speech

Together we commemorate today the end of the Second World War in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Eighty years ago, on August 15, 1945, this terrifying war ended. And eighty years are not enough to comprehend and process the ocean of human suffering it caused. In the story of the Netherlands, the war experiences in the Dutch East Indies hold an essential place. I am grateful to be with you on this day and to pay tribute with you to all victims.

Together we pause to remember all those affected by violence, terror, forced labor, humiliation, and hunger. Their pain and sorrow, their traumas, fears, and loneliness resonate to this day. They resonate in the hearts of their children and grandchildren. They remain subtly palpable in your families. And not only in yours. Because around you stand more than two million Dutch people with a connection to the former Dutch East Indies.

We think of the soldiers who died.

Of the prisoners of war and forced laborers.

Of the mothers and children behind barbed wire.

Of the women and girls forced into dehumanizing labor.

Of the civilians who were hunted, humiliated, and terrorized.

Of those who lost everything.

So much suffering has been bottled up under a heavy lid of silence. It has destroyed lives, even after the War. The Japanese capitulation on August 15, 1945, marked the end of the War. But not the beginning of peace. Violence, misery, and the disregard for human suffering: they were far from over.

“My parents’ generation always fought for the red, white, and blue, and here in the Netherlands, everything was taken from them. That hurts.” Paul Salakory said this to me, son of a soldier who fought in the service of our Kingdom. I met him three years ago in Wierden. He was born in 1951 in camp Vossenbosch, one of the residential areas where Moluccan families were housed after arriving in our country. From the tropical sun through the leaves of the nutmeg tree to the icicles on the roof of the barracks… Repatriates from the Indonesian archipelago – wherever they came from – often received a cold welcome here. It touches me when I hear their family stories. I have the greatest admiration for the perseverance of all those families who, against all odds after the war, found their place in our country. More than that: they helped rebuild our country and have been contributing their talents for generations. Thank you for your unparalleled contribution to our society!

Today we commemorate the end of the Second World War in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, knowing that August 15, 1945, was not a turning point towards peace, freedom, and reconciliation for everyone. That is a bitter realization. Commemorating is never easy and can never be gratuitous. Commemorating together also means: together reflecting on difficult and confronting questions.

The strained international relations and the violence on our own continent compel us to reflect, also on our own attitude. In 1945, we were liberated after long years of fear, hunger, oppression, persecution, and terror. The suffering inflicted during the war years has left scars that burn to this day. We are deeply grateful to all who then fought for our freedom and human dignity. It is now up to us to stand up for those who suffer under inhumane and desperate circumstances that cut through our souls. I think of the population of Gaza, of the Israeli hostages held there, of the Ukrainians affected by Russian aggression, and of all others worldwide who suffer under war and violence.

What is peace, actually? How can we, personally and collectively, help preserve peace? These questions are now, eighty years after the end of the Second World War, of immense importance. Peace begins with recognizing and embracing differences. Differences in people’s backgrounds. In convictions and ideals. Differences in thinking and doing. A peaceful society is not one where we are all expected to be alike. Peace actually depends on our ability to live together with people who are different from us. On our ability to see diversity not as a danger, but as an essential characteristic of our life in freedom and as a source of strength. Many of you, as Indo-Dutch, will recognize this. You have experienced how hurtful it is to be misunderstood or to feel isolated. This is a day of commemoration and remembrance, and I hope also of reflection. Reflection on the peace that is never a given and for which each of us is co-responsible every day. That peace requires resilience. The strong defense of our freedom. But also openness and the ability to build bridges to those who are different from you. This applies internationally, but certainly also domestically. The core of our democratic coexistence is the will to tackle problems together and find the best possible solutions. Everyone has the right to make their voice heard and to stand up for their ideals, views, and interests. Conflicts and disagreements are part of it. But one thing we must never forget: only the democratic rule of law, which we regained eighty years ago after so much pain and sacrifice, makes it possible to keep these conflicts and disagreements manageable, to learn from our experiences, and to move forward together. Therefore, it is essential that we respect and protect our democratic rule of law. That responsibility rests on each of us and only grows stronger now that democratic values and fundamental rights are under pressure worldwide. It is not easy, the past eighty years have taught us that. And it certainly has not become easier in recent years. But we can do it, I am convinced of that. The spirit triumphs! Let us never forget how blessed we are. Those we commemorate today had to grope their way through a merciless, destructive war. We here – still – have peace on our side.

Thank you.

On the previous day, August 14, 2025, the President of the Senate, Jan Anthonie Bruijn, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Martin Bosma, laid a wreath at the Indies plaque in the Staten Passage of the House of Representatives building. The commemoration started with a speech by Thom de Graaf, chairman of the National Commemoration 15 August 1945 Foundation, followed by an address from Speaker Martin Bosma. Subsequently, Mr. Silfraire Delhaye, chairman of the Indies Platform, representing the Indo-Moluccan and Chinese community, spoke. After the speeches, the parliamentary presidents and the foundation chairman laid a wreath, concluding with a minute of silence.

Pakistan Mango Festival Edition 2025

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Pakistan Mango Festival Edition 2025

By Roy Lie Atjam

The grounds of Pakistan House in The Hague set the stage for the Pakistan Mango Festival 2025, an event dedicated to showcasing the appeal of the ‘King of Fruits’ and promoting Pakistan’s mango heritage to guests.

Mangoes (Mangifera indica), known as amram are a delicious tropical fruit originating from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

There are in excess of two thousand varieties. Some premium Pakistan varieties are the Chaunsa and the Anwar Ratol.

Pakistan Mango Festival 2025

Mangoes are a seasonal delight, and the experience of enjoying a perfectly ripe and juicy mango each year is celebrated at the festival. The event emphasizes mangoes’ role in cultural diplomacy.

Pakistani mangoes are exported to many parts of the world, as of today, also to Istanbul- Turkey. The Consulate General of Pakistan in Istanbul organized the event “King of Fruits, Pakistani Mango” in the city to promote the country’s signature fruit, the mango, on 16  August 2025.

In The Hague, H.E. Syed Haider Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, Pakistan Mango Festival 2025. In part, this is what he said:

“ It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all this evening to the Pakistan Mango Festival 2025. Today, we gather not only to celebrate a fruit that is fondly called the “King of Fruits”, but also to cherish the bonds of friendship and cultural connection between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Pakistan and the Netherlands share a strong and evolving partnership. The Netherlands is among Pakistan’s top trading partners in the European Union, with our bilateral trade crossing the 2 billion Euro mark in recent years. Pakistan exports a diverse range of products to the Netherlands – from textiles and apparel, rice, fruits and vegetables, to sports goods, surgical instruments, and IT services. Dutch companies, in turn, have made significant investments in Pakistan in agriculture, dairy, renewable energy, and technology, contributing to our shared prosperity. This robust trade and investment relationship is a testament to the trust and complementarity between our economies.

Today, however, we showcase something uniquely close to the heart of every Pakistani – our mangoes. Pakistan is among the largest producers of mangoes in the world. We produce approximately 2 million metric tons of mangoes annually over an area of around 170,000 hectares, primarily in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. Pakistan is a significant exporter of mangoes, with exports averaging 150,000 metric tons annually to over 50 countries worldwide. Europe is one of the key export destinations, with countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France being primary importers.

Each summer, over a hundred varieties of mangoes ripen across the fertile plains of the Indus Valley, bringing with them centuries of tradition, flavor, and pride. Each variety has its own story, its own region, and its own loyal following. It is renowned worldwide for its unique flavor, aroma, and rich texture. From the golden Sindhri to the luscious Chaunsa and the delightful Anwar Ratol, our mangoes represent the diversity and richness of Pakistan’s agricultural heritage. The mangoes we are tasting today, are from Chaunsa family.

Mango diplomacy is a tradition for us – every summer, Pakistani mangoes are shared with friends across the world as a gesture of goodwill, friendship, and cultural pride. This evening, as you taste these mangoes, I hope you will discover not just their sweetness, but also a flavor of Pakistan itself – a land of diversity, resilience, and hospitality.

Today is also about building bridges – between our people, our businesses, and our futures. The Netherlands has world-leading expertise in agriculture, food security, water management, and sustainable technologies. Pakistan, with its vast market and youthful population, offers immense opportunities for Dutch companies to grow and invest. Together, we can create partnerships that are not only commercially rewarding but also socially meaningful.

I thank you all for joining us today and for your continued friendship with Pakistan. May our partnership continue to flourish and may the sweetness of Pakistani mangoes remind us of the warmth of our ties.”

All attendees left the 2025 Pakistani mango fete with a personal box of delicious mangos.

Uruguay’s Bicentennial – Organ Concert by Cristina García Banegas in The Hague

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Uruguay’s Bicentennial – Organ Concert by Cristina García Banegas in The Hague

To mark the 200th anniversary of Uruguay’s independence, the Ambassador of Uruguay to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero, hosted a commemorative concert on 22 August at the Church of Our Saviour in The Hague. The evening featured a performance by world-renowned Uruguayan organist, harpsichordist, and music director Cristina García Banegas, as part of her European concert tour, which includes Strasbourg, Haarlem, The Hague, and Montmartre in Paris.

Uruguayan organist, harpsichordist, and music director Cristina García Banegas.

The concert drew around three hundred guests, including ambassadors from Estonia, El Salvador, Rwanda, Algeria, Cameroon, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and Bosnia & Herzegovina, as well as numerous diplomats, representatives of international institutions, and distinguished personalities from the international legal community. Among them were Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, the first woman president of the International Criminal Court, and Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, president of the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Also present were representatives members of the Uruguayan and international community, Dutch business and academics, and parishioners of Our Saviour.

The Ambassador of Uruguay welcoming H.E. Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Ambassador of El Salvador and spouse, Mrs Mirella Pocasangre.

Cristina García Banegas presented a carefully curated program, performing works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Lionel Rogg, Joan Cabanilles, Antonio Sáenz, and Astor Piazzolla, as well as two of her own compositions. Her performance was magnificently rendered on the recently restored organ of the Church of Our Saviour (built in 1955), which underwent a year of specialized restoration work.

“We are honored to welcome Ms. Cristina García Banegas, a world-renowned organist from Uruguay” Ambassador González Otero said.

Garcia Banegas is a distinguished member of the Grandes Orgues de Chartres and her illustrious career includes performances across Europe, the United States, Japan, Israel, Russia, and Latin America. She has also conducted masterclasses in Spain, Switzerland, France, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, and the United States.

Ambassador González Otero recalled first meeting García Banegas in the 1990s in Washington, D.C., when she was already an acclaimed musician. He highlighted her pioneering role as founder of the Ensemble Vocal & Instrumental De Profundis and creator of one of Latin America’s most recognized organ festivals, the Festival Internacional del Órgano de Uruguay.

H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero, at the church of Our Saviour, in The Hague.

“With over 50 recordings to her name—including the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach—Cristina García Banegas has elevated Uruguay’s musical heritage onto the global stage. Her achievements have earned her the nation’s highest cultural honors, including recognition as Ciudadana Ilustre de Montevideo in 2022 and the Delmira Agustini Medal of Cultural Merit in 2023.”

In his closing remarks, Ambassador González Otero expressed gratitude: “This extraordinary concert could not have been possible without the support and kindness of Father Sjaak de Boer and his team. A heartfelt thank you to all.”

Father Sjaak de Boer, Church of Our Saviour delivering his welcome remarks.

Addressing the audience, Father Sjaak de Boer, who is celebrating 40 years of priestly service, expressed his delight at hosting the event. “It is a great honor to congratulate Uruguay on its 200th anniversary. Thanks to the engagement of the Uruguayan Embassy, we are blessed with such a distinguished gathering here on a Friday evening,” he said. Father de Boer shared that from his office he had already enjoyed listening to Cristina García Banegas, who had arrived that afternoon from Haarlem, where she is performing several concerts. “It was a privilege to hear her rehearse for the very first time on our newly renovated organ,” he added.

The evening concluded with a prolonged standing ovation. Showered with flowers and applause, García Banegas returned to the stage to perform an encore, leaving the audience with a final, unforgettable gift of music. It was, truly, a privilege to hear one of the world’s finest organists perform in honor of Uruguay’s Bicentennial.

Cameroon Brings Douala to the Netherlands: Gateway to Investment Opportunities

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Cameroon Brings Douala to the Netherlands: Gateway to Investment Opportunities

The Embassy of Cameroon in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the leadership of H.E. Mrs. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua, will participate in the Embassy Festival 2025 in The Hague. This marks Cameroon’s third consecutive presence at this prestigious international event.

For this edition, Cameroon will highlight two pillars of its economic strength and regional influence: the Autonomous Port of Douala and the Urban City of Douala. Together, they represent the strategic role Douala plays as the country’s main economic hub and a key driver of regional development.

The Autonomous Port of Douala: A Regional Logistics Powerhouse

The Douala Autonomous Port (DAP) is the backbone of Cameroon’s economy and a major logistics hub for Central Africa. Strategically located at the estuary of the Wouri River with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, it serves as the gateway for both Cameroon and landlocked neighbors such as Chad and the Central African Republic.

Operating across eleven specialized terminals—including container handling, timber exports, and general cargo—the DAP is committed to strengthening its global competitiveness through modernization, infrastructure expansion, and international cooperation.

The port is actively seeking strategic partnerships in the following areas:

  • Construction and maintenance of modern port infrastructure
  • Dredging and port expansion projects
  • Drainage and sanitation systems
  • Logistics and international trade facilitation

The Urban City of Douala: Driving Cameroon’s Growth

With over 5.5 million inhabitants, the Douala City Council (DCC) oversees Cameroon’s largest and most dynamic urban area. The DCC is tasked with shaping sustainable urban development by managing infrastructure, transportation, sanitation, waste management, and industrial oversight.

As the country’s leading economic hub, Douala offers wide-ranging opportunities for foreign partners. During the Embassy Festival, the DCC delegation will present prospects for cooperation in:

  • Urban infrastructure development
  • Sewerage and drainage systems
  • Industrial and household waste management
  • Training and financing programs for sustainable urban growth

Strategic Partnerships for the Future

By showcasing Douala at the Embassy Festival, Cameroon aims to attract Dutch and international partners to participate in its transformation. The Embassy of Cameroon in The Hague stands ready to facilitate dialogue, provide further information, and support stakeholders interested in investing in Douala’s growth and modernization.

Douala is open for business—join us in building lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.

The other side of Diplomacy

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The other side of Diplomacy

By Jayshree M. Tripathi

In the last year of my 60’s, I find myself reflecting upon how I travelled across continents, resided in seven countries, over the decades, with my husband on his postings, and even earlier, as a child, travelling with my parents to London.


How may one fill in all the years given away to the family, as a wife and mother? Some spouses are delighted to be home-makers and care-givers. Others decide to pursue their ambitions, in India, or even overseas. Some stay on, fulfil all their duties unstintingly, but may often sit down and have a good cry, especially as the days turn to months, then years and the decades fly by. I confess, I did!

Till it is time to return home, perhaps to retire, or fade into oblivion? The husband will retire as a Distinguished Citizen of India. The wife, who has worked unstintingly behind the scenes in varied roles supporting her husband, what will she be remembered for?  Being in the foreign-service family has certainly been fascinating, vastly challenging in certain countries for the civil servant, but even more so for the ‘spouse’. The question I am underscoring here is: why should I feel guilt for not having had a career, if I stayed with my spouse and children or for not contributing to the monthly single-income? Does not earning make me a ‘bad’ mother or ‘wife’? Some years ago, the government graciously granted the spouse leave to work, within specific parameters, that would pose no direct or indirect conflict of interest. This is a given – to uphold the dignity of our country at all costs. However, jobs were not easily available in certain countries or at the time of a posting. Then there was the question of the existence of double-taxation. In those days, employers were not impressed with a chequered – experience table and frequent moves every three years.

Regrets? Perhaps a few. Remorse? I do not think so. A sense of guilt? Why? Did I not ‘have it all?’ These questions are difficult to answer or compartmentalize neatly.  The children all grown – up, in their chosen fields, given their choices – that I could not have made without upsetting the apple-cart. It is a hard – cogged wheel that turns exceedingly slowly and painfully, for some of us.

However, it is heartening to behold so many of the younger generation ( or two !), who seem to have found all the answers and made their choices! Bravo!

I decided to compile the stories in this anthology two years ago. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, author, politician and former international diplomat, graciously wrote the Foreword.

These are natural conversations, mini-memoirs of the past and I am so grateful to my co-writers, fifteen of them, for sharing their stories and bringing my personal project into print, nationwide and worldwide too.

I do hope these ‘voices’ will resonate to reveal the courage, unwavering determination, resilience and personal growth of the spouses, in service to the nation.
Fragility or vulnerability often unlocks a reader’s memory and makes a book all the more worthwhile. These truthful and insightful narratives will also inspire younger readers, who may choose the civil services in the future.
There are many ‘voices’ in this anthology, including stories from two male “spouses” (bureaucrats in their own right), and two adult daughters (one a retired Ambassador). Each narrative is unique, its voice or stream of consciousness remains untouched.

I hope some may read the Kindle edition available on Amazon.

With my regards,

Jayshree M. Tripathi

www.linkedin.com/in/jayshreetripathi

Jayshree has been a consultant, educator and examiner in English Language and Literature, for the Diploma of the International Baccalaureate Organization. She worked in print media in the late ’70s and ’80s in India. Having lived in diverse cultures for over thirty years with her late husband, a career diplomat in the Indian Civil Service, her short fiction and narrative verse dwell upon journeys through the diaspora, highlighting women’s ‘voices’ and cross-cultural conversations.
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My Events held at the India International Centre, Delhi, after returning to India in 2014 :
*Help Her Walk Forward ~ Women Helping Women, March 2016
*Adult Literacy, hosted by IIC, September 2016
*An evening of Poetry Appreciation, to launch my poetry book, Trips and Trials,
 December 2018
*Women Helping Women:,  March 2019.
*Women Writers”  March 14th 2020- just before the Lockdown.
*Looking Back – Written Words, Stories Unshared – 14 December 2022, 06:00 pm
*Invisibility and Challenges faced by Women over a Certain Age – Make their Voices Count March 2024
*In Memoriam: Humra Quraishi – A Poetry and Prose Tribute – March 2025
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Speaker at Galle Literary Festival, Sri Lanka 2018
Moderated sessions at:
Valley of Words, Dehradun
Kalinga Literary Festival, Bhubaneswar and virtual Bhava Samvad during Covid (inaugural + one year )
Bengaluru Poetry Festival

Books online : Amazon India :  Jayshree Misra Tripathi

Jayshree Misra Tripathi – Wikipedia

Embassy of Ecuador Presents: Exclusive Flavors from Ecuador

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Embassy of Ecuador Presents: Exclusive Flavors from Ecuador

From the Andes to the Coast – A Feast of Flavors

The Embassy of Ecuador and H.E. Andrés Terán Parral, Ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands, in collaboration with Leonardo Royal Hotel, Diplomat Magazine, and Air Europa, invites you to a one-night-only culinary journey showcasing the richness of Ecuadorian cuisine.

On 4 September at 18:00, Ecuadorian chefs, David Reyes y Emilio Dalmau, together with Chef Sido de Brabander, will present a menu crafted with authentic Ecuadorian products, from the Andes highlands to the coastal regions. This exclusive dining experience is part of Leonardo Royal Hotel’s Food Festival series, where each edition highlights a different international cuisine.

The Embassy of Ecuador has provided the finest ingredients—premium cacao, chocolate, and other delicacies directly from Ecuador—to ensure a truly authentic experience.

On the menu:

  • Casaba bread with assorted chips
  • Prawn ceviche with avocado and cilantro
  • Catch of the day in coconut milk and mint sauce, served with cassava croquettes
  • Lamb stew with avocado and creole rice
  • Choco d’Or 70% chocolate cream with cacao honey
  • Cheesecake with traditional Ecuadorian fig

Guests will also enjoy carefully selected Ecuadorian wines paired with the dishes.

This is a unique opportunity to savor Ecuador’s rich culinary heritage—one evening only.

Cameroon at the Embassy Festival 2025 – Celebrating Heritage and Building Bridges

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Cameroon at the Embassy Festival 2025 – Celebrating Heritage and Building Bridges

The Embassy of Cameroon in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the leadership of Her Excellency Mrs Liguemoh Ondoua Madeleine, is delighted to announce its participation in the Embassy Festival 2025 in The Hague.

This marks the third consecutive edition of Cameroon’s presence at this prestigious cultural event, which brings together nations from across the globe to showcase their diversity and heritage.

Our participation reflects a clear ambition: to use art and culture as a vibrant showcase of Cameroon’s identity, while also highlighting economic opportunities that can strengthen bilateral relations with the Netherlands and beyond.

Mboarts

For this year’s edition, Cameroon is proud to present a rich and colorful program:

• Gastronomy – A culinary journey led by renowned Chef Suzanne Ekwala, offering visitors a taste of Cameroon’s unique and delicious flavors.

• Fashion – An elegant fusion of tradition and modernity with creations from acclaimed Cameroonian designers MboArts and Donatela Creations, presented by talented models from the diaspora.

• Performing Arts – A spectacular performance by the Ballet of the Cameroonian Diaspora (Paris), alongside the rhythms of the celebrated Djembe band Zamana, bringing the heartbeat of Cameroon to The Hague.

This year, Cameroon is also honored to welcome special guests: the Autonomous Port of Douala and the Urban City of Douala, two key institutions that embody the dynamism and strategic importance of Cameroon’s economic and cultural capital.

Donatela Creations – Cameroon

Through this participation, Cameroon reaffirms its commitment to promoting its heritage, fostering cultural dialogue, and building stronger bridges of friendship and cooperation between nations.

ASP Presidency objects to new U.S. sanctions against ICC officials

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ASP Presidency objects to new U.S. sanctions against ICC officials

The Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties notes with deep concern the additional sanctions announced by the Government of the United States against two Judges and the Deputy Prosecutors of the International Criminal Court. These measures, in addition to earlier designations of elected officials, are regrettable attempts to impede the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions.

We continue to object to such unilateral measures firmly and unequivocally. They represent an affront to the independence of the Court and the integrity of the Rome Statute system. Such actions risk hampering ongoing investigations and undermining global efforts to ensure accountability for the gravest crimes of concern to the international community.

The International Criminal Court is a cornerstone of international justice. It functions as an independent and impartial judicial body, operating in full accordance with its founding treaty, the Rome Statute. US sanctions against the Court threaten the integrity of the Rome Statute system and seek to hamper efforts to bring justice to victims of the most heinous crimes.

We reiterate our full support for the Court, its officials, and all those who contribute to the fulfilment of its judicial mandate. We urge all States Parties and stakeholders in the Rome Statute system to remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold the principles of international justice and to stand united in defending the Court, its elected officials, its personnel and those cooperating with it.

In these challenging times, the international community must reaffirm its collective commitment to the rule of law and to ensuring that no one is above accountability.

New Ambassador of Indonesia to The Netherlands returns to The Hague

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New Ambassador of Indonesia to The Netherlands returns to The Hague

By Anton Lutter

Earlier in his distinguished career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Laurentius Amrih Jinangkung, served as Political Counsellor – under then Ambassador Junus Effendie Habibie – at the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague. Now he’s returning, this time as the recently appointed ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague. He will be the successor of the present ambassador H.E. Mayerfas, who has served his country in The Hague since 2020. In 2023 until now Jinangkung is the Director General of Law and International Agreements at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta. His last foreign post was that of Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican). Before his previous posting in The Hague he was the of head of Maritime Boundaries section at the Legal department 2003-2006 and after his stint in The Hague between 2006-2010 became Deputy Director of Treaty Affairs all the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2010-2014.

Mr. Jinangkung was born in Nanggulan in the Special Region of Yogyakarta on 18 June 1967 and studied Law at Gadjah Mada University and Cornell Law School in the USA.

His nomination by President Prabowo Subianto was approved by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Commission of the House of Representatives in Jakarta last July. Noteworthy are  the appointments of several new ambassadors who served previously at the Embassy of Indonesia in The Hague. Being Mr. Umar Hadi who’s been appointed head of Permanent Mission in New York, Mr. Imam A’sari, appointed ambassador to Ecuador, Mr. Witjaksono Adjie who became ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ibnu Wiwoho Wahyutomo as ambassador to Finland and Mr. Fikry Cassidy who presented his letters of credence on July 30th as ambassador to Venezuela.

Algiers Prepares for IATF 2025, a Landmark in Africa’s Trade Integration

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Algiers Prepares for IATF 2025, a Landmark in Africa’s Trade Integration

The Algerian capital, Algiers will become the epicentre of African trade as it prepares to host the 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) from 4 to 10 September 2025.

With a view to this landmark in Africa’s trade integration, Diplomat Magazine conducted an interview with H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Your Excellency, Algeria is preparing to host the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) this September. What does this event represent for Algeria and for the continent at large?

“IATF 2025 is far more than a trade exhibition—it is a landmark moment for Africa’s economic integration and a key platform for intra-African cooperation. For Algeria, hosting this 4th edition from September 4 to 10 in Algiers is both an honor and a reflection of our long-standing commitment to African unity and development.

This event comes at a critical time when global geopolitical balances are shifting.

The fair will serve as a beacon of exchange, ambition, and reciprocity, positioning Algeria as a strategic crossroads and reaffirming our role as a champion of continental development. To ensure that IATF 2025 becomes a benchmark event for the entire continent, all necessary resources are being mobilized under the leadership of the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune—a committed Pan-Africanist who firmly believes in Africa’s ability to harness its own capacities to drive a new growth dynamic, fuelled by prosperous intra-African trade and strengthened through cooperation with global partners, particularly Europe, given its geographical proximity.”

What is the broader significance of IATF within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)?

“The IATF is a direct and tangible outcome of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), one of the most ambitious and transformative projects in Africa’s recent history. It is designed to promote trade among African countries, boost investment, and accelerate the continent’s integration into global commerce.

I speak from personal experience: I had the privilege of serving as a negotiator within the Algerian team during the AfCFTA negotiations. In that capacity, I witnessed firsthand Africa’s collective determination to lay the foundations of a unified economic space. It was a rigorous process—building consensus among diverse economies, aligning regulatory frameworks, and developing a shared vision for Africa’s economic future. It required diplomacy, perseverance, and above all, a deep belief in the power of integration.

To witness one of the key instruments of that vision—the Intra-African Trade Fair—being hosted in Algeria, is a source of great pride for for the Algerian nation and for me personally. It is a clear sign that our efforts are bearing fruit and that the AfCFTA is moving from negotiation to implementation.”

What can we expect from Algeria’s participation in IATF 2025, especially in terms of economic outreach and trade?

“Algeria’s participation will be dynamic and multidimensional. The fair will offer a powerful opportunity to highlight our country’s export potential, industrial strengths, and growing logistical infrastructure. Algerian businesses—across sectors—will be able to network, build partnerships, and access new opportunities across the continent.

At the same time, Algeria’s positioning as a regional logistics and trade hub will be on full display. With strategic connections to Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean, we are well placed to play a bridging role that supports both continental and international trade flows. This is in line with our broader economic vision: to diversify our economy and solidify our presence in African markets through innovation, investment, and cooperation.”

How do you see the role of international partners, particularly European countries like the Netherlands, in IATF 2025?

“While the IATF is a platform for African integration, its reach is undoubtedly global. With the AfCFTA granting access to an integrated African market of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion, international partners have much to gain by engaging with this initiative.

European countries—such as the Netherlands—are expected to show strong interest in participating. IATF 2025 provides a unique setting for them to explore investment opportunities, forge trade alliances, and stand ready to serve as a gateway to Africa for international partners. Algeria welcomes this engagement and stands ready to serve as a gateway to Africa for international partners.”

Finally, what message would you like to send to participants and observers of IATF 2025?

“IATF 2025 represents a collective African ambition to trade with itself, to innovate from within, and to grow together. At the same time, it represents a dynamic and open continental market that actively seeks meaningful cooperation with partners around the world. I warmly invite all international stakeholders, including European and particularly Dutch to show strong interest in leveraging this platform to deepen trade and investment ties with Africa.

More details can be consulted in https://2025.iatf.africa/newfront/page/home

For Algeria, this is more than hosting an event—it is about reaffirming our historic commitment to African solidarity and our belief in Africa’s potential.”

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