The Romanian judicial authorities signed an agreement today to become a member of the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine. This makes Romania the seventh member of the JIT, which is actively supported by Eurojust. The JIT was set up on 25 March 2022 by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine and later joined by Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia. In April of this year, the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) became a participant in the JIT.
The extension of the JIT to Romania was signed by Romanian Prosecutor General Ms Gabriela Scutea and her colleagues for the six other members at a coordination meeting at Eurojust. This meeting was held prior to the 16th Meeting of the Consultative Forum of Prosecutors General at the Agency, which will focus on the judicial response to the war in Ukraine.
The aim of the JIT is to facilitate investigations and prosecutions in the states concerned, as well as those which could be taken forward to the ICC. The membership of Romania amplifies the message that all JIT partners will take every measure possible to gather evidence on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine to bring those responsible to justice.
In view of this JIT, the Eurojust Regulation was amended, in order to store, preserve and analyse evidence on war crimes. Eurojust is now rolling out a programme to enable this and is setting up a dedicated database. In the meantime, the Agency has been providing essential logistical and operational support to the JIT partners, including to investigators on the ground in Ukraine.
A joint investigation team is the most advanced mechanism for long-term, cross-border judicial cooperation, which makes it possible to directly share information and keep partners up to date on a continuous basis. Also, it allows investigators to operate in JIT partner countries, with the consent of the state involved.
Thursday, 13 October 2022, Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium: At the Royal Palace of Brussels, His Majesty The King of the Belgians received the letters of credence from Turkmen Ambassador Sapar Palvanov, a first in Belgium for a top envoy having been dispatched by HE President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, who took over the Turkmen presidency on 19 March of this year.
Ambassador Palvanov distinguishes himself for speaking fluently the English, Russian and Turkish languages. He leads the Turkmen mission located in Brussels, which is also responsible for relations vis-à-vis the European Union, The Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg as well as the OPCW.
Palvanov joined the Turkmen foreign service back in 2013 by becoming a specialist, and subsequently a lecturer at the Institute of International Relations. From 2015, he specialised at the Americas Department of the Foreign Ministry, and became its Head in 2018.
During his tête-à-tête with The King of the Belgians, Ambassador Palvanov assured his interlocutor of the firm position of his Government aimed at bringing bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Belgium, and naturally, with the European Union, to a new high level. Sinewing trusting relations with the European Union in all possible spheres will be his main objective during his tenure in Brussels.
Brussels, 10 October 2022. The Embassy of Uzbekistan organized a Tourism Promotional Day featuring historical and Iconic Samarkand.
H.E. Ambassador Dilyor Khakimov delivered a powerful address in which he communicated the view of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E.Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who deems tourism a significant factor in the economy.
H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador de Uzbekistan,
Ambassador Khakimov related “:the tourism sector is defined by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev as one of the strategic sectors of the country’s national economy. In a short time, thanks to the open door policy in Uzbekistan, the number of visa-free countries has grown from 9 to 90 countries over the past three years, and a system for issuing electronic visas for citizens of more than 50 countries has also been introduced.
Located at the heart of Silk Road, Uzbekistan has attracted travelers from all over the world to famous cities as Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, and Termez since ancient times. But the greatest jewel amongst them is Samarkand, a truly iconic destination which amazed everyone from Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan.
Samarkand is one of the world’s oldest and most influential cities. Founded in 742 BC, it has been inhabited for almost three millennia. A crossroads on the Silk Road and the capital of Amir Timur’s vast Timurid Empire, Samarkand has always been the bridge between the East and West, a center of trade, science, and culture, and a forum for the exchange of ideas. “Samarkand: Crossroads of Cultures” is the jewel of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector, and celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This city is the best-known and most developed tourism destination on the Silk Road. Its historic monuments — most notably the imposing Registan, the gilded mausoleum of Amir Timur, the tiled tombs of the Shah-i Zinda, and the holy shrine complex of Imam Al-Bukhari — have inspired artists and writers for centuries, and continue to enthrall millions of tourists every year.
“Registan Square” in Samarkand city, photo from Uzbekistan National News Agency – UzA.
What has changed unrecognizably, though, is the accessibility of Samarkand. Uzbekistan is visa-free for 90 nationalities, and our central location, strong air connectivity, and brand new airport in Samarkand ensures a fast and hassle-free journey. 34% of UNWTO member states are within 4 hours flying time of Uzbekistan; and a remarkable 75% are within 6 hours. Our geographical position in the world has always been our strength.
When you arrive in Samarkand, you can see 483 cultural and historical heritage sites. These include architectural masterpieces from every period, but it is the bejeweled mosques, madrassas, and mausoleums which are the pinnacle of achievement in the medieval renaissance and have become the city’s calling card.
Modern Uzbekistan is a secular state, where people of all faiths and none live together as one multi-cultural community. Our most ancient sites include Zoroastrian towers of silence and Buddhist monasteries; and there are historic shrines and places of worship for all three Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Samarkand, the mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari, the 9th century Sunni theologian and collector of the Hadiths, is one of the holiest places in the Islamic world. Cultural tourists and pilgrims mingle.
The master craftsmen who created Samarkand’s historic monuments have passed their skills down through generations. Their descendants not only restore their forefathers’ work, but also create stunning art works and handicrafts you can buy. Samarkand is famous for its silk weaving, its handmade paper, and its carpets. All products we exported along the Silk Road. You will also see woodcarving, hand printed ceramics, the fine, decorative embroidery we call suzani, and the art of miniature painting, which has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
Visiting Samarkand, you have the opportunity to travel outside the city and experience rural life. The village of Konigil sits beside the Siab River, shaded by tall plane trees. Here, you can meet artisans and learn firsthand about their crafts. The Meros handmade factory uses exactly the same techniques common a thousand years ago. In fact, the majority of Persian and Arabic manuscripts produced in the 9th and 10th centuries were made on Samarkand paper, and it is of such good quality that they have survived to the present day.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Photography courtesy of Henri Estramant.
Samarkand’s tourism infrastructure is already world-class, but we have ambitious expansion plans to meet future demand. This includes greater attention to sustainable tourism and heritage management, as well as improved access and facilities for the tourists with disabilities.
Samarkand International Airport has been completely rebuilt to increase its capacity for handling planes and passengers and deliver a modern, comfortable experience for up to 1.5 million travelers per year. The airport is included in the Open Skies regime and the brand new terminal — an extraordinary structure designed to look like an open book.
Samarkand has accommodation options for every taste and budget. This already includes 160 hotels and 170 guests houses, plus 200 registered tour operators who bring their guest to the city by plane, car, or high speed train.
Demand for qualified tourism professionals is growing year on year, and we are investing in the future workforce at the Silk Road International University of Tourism — one of the best higher education institutions in Uzbekistan — which was established in Samarkand three years ago. Students come here to study from across Central Asia, and the university has education partners in China and Europe.
Prior to the pandemic, Uzbekistan was one of the world’s fastest- growing destinations. We need to build to meet future demand, and one of our key projects is the Samarkand Tourist Center, a 212 hectare complex including a congress hall, hotels, and recreation areas. This Center was launched just recently in August 2022. This will be Samarkand’s principal MICE hub.
The business cluster includes an impressive 3-storey International Congress Hall has been designed with a multi-function hall, presidential and VIP halls, rooms for delegations and meetings, as well as banqueting and exhibition facilities. There are six new 4* hotels and two new 5* hotels, including there 234-room Samarkand Regency Hotel, the first and only hotel in Central Asia which is supposed to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World group. All the energy for the complex will be generated by an 80 hectare solar power plant; the integration of green technologies is a key pillar of Uzbekistan’s sustainable tourism future.
Typical architectural construction in Samarkand.
At the Samarkand Tourist Center we are also bringing the past to life with “Eternal City” a 21st century homage to ancient Samarkand. Here, guest will be able to discover aspects of Parthian, Hellenic, and Islamic cultures, and learn how they influenced Samarkand today.
For almost 3,000 years we have been welcoming foreign guests in Samarkand.
We are proud to inform that Samarkand is preparing to be world tourism capital and host 25th session of UNWTO General Assembly in 2023.
The Hague, 12 October 2022 – Mr Evert van Walsum has been appointed as the new Administrative Director of Eurojust by the College of the Agency. In his new role, Mr van Walsum will be responsible for the day-to-day administration and implementation of key organisational developments such as the recent extension of Eurojust’s mandate and comprehensive digitalisation efforts. Mr van Walsum (53) is currently serving the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) as Head of Investors and Issuers Department and will take up his duties at the beginning of 2023, serving a term of four years.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr van Walsum stated: ‘It is an honour and great pleasure to take up this new role, and I look forward to working with Eurojust’s highly dedicated staff. Both the importance and acknowledgment of the Agency’s work have grown strongly over the years. I am fully committed to contribute to our common goal of getting justice done across the European Union and beyond.’
Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘I warmly welcome Mr van Walsum and look forward to our close cooperation. The coming years will be eventful and challenging, as we are about to implement the extension of our mandate and significantly modernise our existing working methods. I am certain that Mr van Walsum’s proven managerial track record will make a positive difference while we navigate these changes. Fortunately, Mr van Walsum will be able to build on the excellent work of his predecessor, Mr Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, whom I would like to thank for all that he has done for our Agency.’
Evert van Walsum is a Dutch national who held managerial positions of increasing responsibility at National and European financial regulators. He holds a Masters in Law from the University of Amsterdam and a MBA from INSEAD Fontainebleau and Singapore. Mr van Walsum started his career in banking in the Netherlands after which he transitioned to the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) where he worked in several managerial roles in the markets area and in the field of investor protection. His last position at the AFM was Head of the Capital Markets Department. As Head of Investors and Issuers Department at the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), he was responsible for coordination and convergence of supervision by national competent authorities in the European Union.
Background on selection procedure and Administrative Director role
The Administrative Director of Eurojust oversees the day-to-day administration and staff management, ensuring full support to the operational work of the Agency. This includes ensuring administrative support of the President and Vice-Presidents, and implementing decisions taken by the College and Executive Board of Eurojust. The Administrative Director moreover steers the preparation of all major reporting documents, action plans, financial planning and new strategies.
The Hague, launching the book Chasing Windmills, H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya, open the doors of the Kalayaan Hall at the Embassy to host the launching- and reading of Chasing Windmills.
The event was in partnership with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association – Netherlands Chapter (UPAA-NL). The date is 28 September 2022.
Ambassador Eduardo Malaya who plays the piano well, open the event by playing the Lupang Hinirang, the national anthem of the Philippines.
H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya, playing the Lupang Hinirang, national anthem of the Philippines.
“Chasing Windmills,” described by author Ms. Butalid as a “process of self-reflection [and] a spiritual journey,” is a collection of vignettes of her colorful life which people can relate to.
Members of UPAA-NL and Ambassador Malaya.
Ms. Butalid read excerpts from the book, particularly her reflections on her years as an activist in the underground movement in the Philippines and musings on her integration in Dutch society — learning the Dutch language, finishing her university studies, service in the City of Tilburg as City Councilor, and raising her two children.
“As I look back from 1983 when I first arrived in The Netherlands up to this day, I guess I have completed the circle of recreating my identities. I started as a Filipino political activist doing work for the Philippines in Europe and then I became a Filipino migrant, and later became part of the bigger migrant community in Europe, then I developed an affinity for the poor and disadvantaged White sector of Dutch society. I learned to understand the political and social landscape resulting in becoming a City Councilor,” said Ms. Butalid.
Dr. Chei Billedo.
“Finally, I touched base again with my roots, the Philippines. It was quite a journey but it made me realize that no matter how integrated I may be in the Dutch society, contributing and participating fully in this society does not make me less of a Filipino, and an important part of me will always be Filipino,” Ms. Butalid added.
She is currently involved with “Pasali,” a non-government organization based in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, that helps communities through enterprise, technology and community development.
Consul General, a.h. Mr. Eppo Horlings
The book reading was followed by reactions from Prof. Patricio “Jojo” Abinales, Ph.D., of the Department of Asian Studies of the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and Dr. Chei Billedo of the University of Amsterdam.
Malu Padilla, Board Member of the Centre for Migrant Advocacy Philippines”.
Well-attended by the Fillipino-Dutch community, the event commenced with the welcome remarks by Atty. Florisa Almodiel-Luteijn, President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association – Netherlands Chapter, and was followed by the introduction of Ms. Butalid by Ms. Malu Padilla, Board Member of the Centre for Migrant Advocacy Philippines”.
The author, Maya Butalid, is a vigorous, combative, fearless, intelligent, intersectional, and beautiful Philippino woman!
The Hague, 10 October 2022– Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Serge Brammertz is visiting Belgrade, Serbia, from 10 to 12 October 2022 to participate in the Regional Conference of War Crimes Prosecutors, focused on cooperation in processing war crimes justice, organized by the Serbian War Crimes Prosecutor’s Office and supported by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Germany and the EU.
The Prosecutor will also meet with senior Serbian representatives to discuss cooperation between the Mechanism Office of the Prosecutor and Serbia, Serbian authorities’ efforts to achieve justice for war crimes and regional judicial cooperation in war crimes cases. Prosecutor Brammertz will further meet with members of the diplomatic community.
Sunday, September 18 was a rainy, windy day in The Hague. Nevertheless, this did not stop a group of diplomats and their families from gathering together in t‘Waaygat City Farm in Scheveningen.
Diplomat Magazine invited families with young children to come together in order to bridge new connections in the diplomatic community and for kids and parents to enjoy themselves in the fresh air. Bedecked in raincoats and with umbrellas at the ready, those who came to brave the weather were in for a lovely family-friendly morning.
For those posted here in The Hague, it is only fitting that they learn that rain can never stand in the way of a good time, c’est la vie.
Mr. Hironori Hara, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan and his family.
Attendees joined from Japan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Iran, and others, making themselves a fine crew. The children amused themselves with the playground, and with the variety of animals on the city farm. The rabbits were a favorite, and someone had even brought some carrots for the kids to feed them. Parents weren’t left out of the fun and, while supervising their children, they all managed to catch up with each other and enjoy some quality conversation.
Yekaterina Makulbekova, from Kazakhstan with her kids.
t’Waaygat on Havenkade is one of ten city farms in The Hague and, like many parks in the city, is on the site of a since-filled canal. Opening in 1978 it provides a great opportunity for city children to learn about and spend time around some animals they would not otherwise have many chances to see such as cows, rabbits, chickens, and goats.
A raining farm day for all.
Rain was no barrier to having such fun from everyone’s first arrival. Children were speaking and sharing one language with their parents, and another amongst themselves.
Everyone was offered a lunch bag and Diplomat Magazine is already looking forward to the next edition of this successful event (and maybe a drier one too!)
The Great Hall of the Sociëteit De Witte is, as the name would suggest, an impressive venue and one in which many diplomats and other distinguished members of society in The Hague will be familiar with.
On Tuesday, September 20, it was graced with the presence of many such esteemed figures at the behest of the Latin America Table of the Society and the Embassy of Ecuador for the occasion of a piano concert. Aarón Ormaza Vera is a virtuosic pianist from Ecuador who currently resides in the Netherlands and was invited to share his talents and a repertoire including some music of his country.
Pianist Aarón Ormaza Vera.
Ambassadors and Society members first met Bar Hall for some introductory drinks and an opportunity for conversation with friends and colleagues.
The ornate space and friendly atmosphere allowed everybody to unwind after busy work days. Then, when the appointed time approached, guests trickled up the grand staircase of the venue towards the Great Hall where they settled into their seats and eagerly awaited the show.
Ms. Sonia Meijer, chair of the Latin America Table at Sociëteit De Witte.
Opening remarks were offered by Ms. Sonia Meijer, chair of the Latin America Table at Sociëteit De Witte and H.E. Mr. Andres Horacio Teran Perral, ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands.
They thanked everybody in attendance and introduced the featured talent of the night. Aarón Ormaza Vera, who received his Bachelor degree in Ecuador in 2016, is now a student at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where he completed a second Bachelor degree and is now pursuing a Master’s in piano performance.
He is a very experienced chamber musician and has performed solo or in accompaniment with singers, strings, and other musical ensembles for over a decade. These performances have taken place in some of the most important venues in the Netherlands and in Ecuador.
He also briefly spoke, expressing his gratitude to Ambassador Teran Perral and the Latin America Table, and explained his background coming from musician parents who encouraged him and his brothers to nurture their mellifluous talents.
Among the many ambassadors attending we can see on the image, H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama.
The programme began with a revue of some of the true classics of chamber piano: Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 “Waldstein” and Dubussy’s Préludes pour piano, Livre II: La Terrasse des Audiences du Clair de Lune. He performed these works masterfully and set the tone for the evening as the melodies filled the atmosphere.
Then, he moved into Sonatina No. 3 by Willem Pijper followed by a Sonatina by Kees van Baaren, two of the most influential Dutch composers of the 20th century. Finally, the setlist was concluded with the Suite en Cuatro Números by Luis Humberto Salgado and pieces by Gerardo Guevara, including Fiesta. With these, Mr. Ormaza Vera introduced the audience to some of the magnificent compositions from Ecuador, by composers they may not have previously known who masterfully wove together the beautiful melodic tendencies of classical piano with the energetic and evocative sounds of traditional music of Ecuador’s highlands.
Sonia Meijer and the pianist Aarón Ormaza Vera.
At the conclusion of his final piece, Mr. Ormaza Vera received a standing ovation for several minutes and he was able to bask in the applause: a job well done. He and Ms. Meijer each offered some closing remarks, thanking everybody for their attendance and special thanks to the Embassy of Ecuador and Ambassador Teran Perral for organizing the event.
It was a moving performance and I see great things in the future for Aarón Ormaza Vera. Bravo, for a truly excellent evening!
The Residentie Orkest – Business Circle welcomed its members and partners to the traditional Prinsjesdag concert. The guests were treated to an excellent walking dinner buffet.
The annual Prinsjesdag concert took place at the Amare theatre in The Hague on 20th September 2022. Hundreds of music lovers flocked to the Amare theatre. The welcome address was by Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen and Sven Arne Tepl, director of the Residentie orkest.
Anja Bihlmaier, Residentie Orkest conductor
On this festive occasion, the Residentie Orkest introduced the new artist Yeol Eum Son, who played a classic by Ravel. Yeol Eum Son is, Versatile, graceful, young and timeless! Son beautifully opened the season.
The Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen and Sven Arne Tepl, director of the Residentie orkest.
Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G clearly shows an American influence full of jazz and dynamics. A varied and surprising composition that challenges the pianist in virtuosity but also in finding the sound and touché.
The soloist and orchestra also stay with Ravel for the second piece, this time as orchestrator of Modest Musorgsky’s Painting Exhibition. A monumental and visual piece, which is just as unique as Son as a new artist in town.
The student orchestra, The Residents also performed. Together with the Residentie Orkest they played music from the movie the Avengers.
On the program.
Anja Bihlmaier conductor
Yeol Eum Son piano
Ravel Piano Concerto in G
Musorgsky/Ravel Painting Exhibition.
The Prinsjesdag concert is part of the Residentie Orkest’s project Artist in de Residence, which runs from 20 September 2022 to 16 April 2023.
The 2022 Prinsjesdag concert was another unforgettable one, with shouts of applause as a token of appreciation.
Henceforth, the new season of the Residentie Orkest is declared open.
The Hague, the Embassy of Malaysia hosted a Malaysian Rainforest Concert featuring the authentic Sarawak musical string instrument Sape. The event was sponsored by the Government of Sarawak.
The venue for the unique concert was the historical Nutshuis in The Hague on 23 September 2022.
The State of Sarawak in Malaysia is considered the cradle of the sape instrument. The artist Mr Jerry Kamit, a renown contemporary sape artist, has not only promulgated the instrument but also technically improved it.
Master Sape artist Jerry Kamit performing.
The sape, in the Sarawak’s Kenyah dialect means ‘scratching. It is a traditional plucked lute chordophone family of instruments used by many of the Orang Ulu (Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit), or ‘upriver people’, who live in the longhouses that line the rivers of Central Borneo and Kalimantan. The instrument is widely used by the Orang Ulu people.
Here are the opening remarks by H.E. Dato Nadzirah Osman Ambassador of Malaysia in the Netherlands. “A wise man once said “Music is the universal language of mankind”. A universal language that breaks down language barriers and cultural differences, music promotes cooperation; understanding and mutual respect among people, communities and nations; contributing to a culture of peace.
It is our pleasure to have you here with us tonight to relish in the Malaysian Rainforest Music played through a traditional instrument called the ‘Sape’. The ‘Sape’ that we have today is derived from a traditional wood-carved lute that is native to the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Throughout the years, the ‘Sape’, commonly played to complement the sounds of nature in the Malaysian biodiversity-rich rainforest, has reached a wider range of musical compositions. This diverse range will be showcased today by our award-winning ‘Sape’ player, Mr Jerry Kamit.
Audience participation sape concert.
I hope tonight’s performance will evoke interest in the diverse cultural heritage of Malaysia and the places to visit to get the best cultural exchange experience. For some of you who have already been to Malaysia, I hope the musical arrangement tonight will bring you beautiful memories.
Once again, thank you for your presence. I hope you will have a pleasant night with us. Terima kasih, Dank u wel.”
Dancing to the tunes of sape music.
At the concert in The Hague, Mr Jerry Kamit put on a dazzling and electrifying performance, part of the show was interactive. Mr Deckson Anak Bundak from Sarawak Tourism Board graced the evening with traditional dance and song demonstrations. Many in the audience got on their feet and joined in the dancing. The evening was a demonstration of Cultural Diplomacy, featuring facets of Malaysian cultural heritage. A Rainforest World Music Festival will take place in Sarawak Malaysia in 2023.
The cultural event ended with a Sarawak treat including the famous layered cake or known as kek lapis Sarawak, a local delicacy that you cannot miss while visiting the state of Sarawak.
