Perspectives On The Cocoa Sector in Ghana

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Perspectives On The Cocoa Sector in Ghana

By H.E. Francis Danti Kotia, Ambassador of Ghana to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Cocoa production is essential to the health of Ghana’s economy. It contributes significantly to the country’s total foreign exchange earnings, second only to the extractive industry. While the cocoa sector’s overall contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is about 3.5 percent, it makes up about a quarter of total export receipts, while also providing about two-thirds of cocoa farmers’ incomes. The sector currently supports the livelihoods of over four (4) million farming households. Ghana represents the gold standard for cocoa quality and is one of the world’s largest producers, yet the sector’s yields in monetary terms remain stubbornly and sadly low. Young people are a key part of the solution to revitalising Ghana’s cocoa sector as the average cocoa farmer in Ghana is over 50 years old.

Ghana, essentially shares in the vision of ensuring that the cocoa value-chain are promoted in a sustainable manner.

Ghana is a leading producer of cocoa in the world, producing a record 1.4 million tonnes of cocoa beans in 2020/21 season, as such sustainable cocoa production with respect to addressing deforestation, child labour and farmer well-being are of paramount importance and interest to the Government of Ghana.

Addressing Child Labour in the Cocoa Industry

On the issue of reported child labour in the industry, this appears grossly exaggerated or profoundly misconstrued in view of the lack of appreciation of Ghanaian cultural norms and practices. Nevertheless, the government is committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian child is offered the opportunity to develop their talents to the fullest and should not be disadvantaged through exposure to excessive or inappropriate work.

Among the interventions implemented by the government in tackling the issue of the perceived child labour are the capitation grant, which eliminates fees for primary schooling and government’s policy on Free Education for Senior High Schools. In the cocoa sector, the government has assumed the responsibility for some of the hazardous work that had previously been conducted by farmers and their children, such as the spraying of pesticides.  More importantly, the government is concerned about farmer wellbeing and the need to protect the farmer from fluctuations in international cocoa prices, by maintaining a regulated farm-gate prices at elevated levels hence the joint introduction of the Living Income Differential (LID) by the governments of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

For one thing, most farmers in Ghana do not want their children who give a helping hand, to remain on the cocoa farm; rather most prefer their children to complete their education in order to secure gainful employment in urban areas. That notwithstanding, the poorest farmers may ask their children to work after school hours or during vacation.

Key Findings on Child 1Welfare in Cocoa Growing Areas of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire

A recent survey by the independent National Opinion Research Centre (NORC) at Chicago University covering children under 18 years living in agricultural households in the cocoa growing areas across Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana during the 2018-19 cocoa harvest season, using a sample size of 2,809 households, 5,552 child surveys, 158 community surveys, 372 cocoa shed surveys, and 260 established the following key findings, among others:

Cocoa is a key part of agriculture in the cocoa growing areas of both countries, as can be seen from the fact that in 2018-19, 84% of agricultural households were growing cocoa.

School attendance among children in agricultural households in cocoa growing areas increased from 58 to 80 percent in Côte d’Ivoire and from 89 to 96 percent in Ghana between 2008-09 and 2018-19. In the case of Ghana, the high school enrolment was because of government’s policy on free education in Ghana from the basic level to Senior High School.

It was further noted that when multiple interventions were implemented in a community, they led to a statistically significant reduction in the rates of child labour in cocoa production areas.

Based on these findings, the report underscored the need for engagement with community leaders, including representatives for women and the youth, early in the design of interventions to ensure that objectives and implementation plans are realistic and relevant to the community.

H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia, Ambassador of Ghana.

Higher cocoa prices

The idea that cocoa farmers should receive a higher price is not a new concept, although it has been operationalised in several different ways. For instance, some stakeholders advocate for the establishment of a cocoa cartel for intervening in international markets and in the creation and management of buffer stocks. While others believe that national marketing boards should be the ones paying farmers a higher share of the price they receive on the international market. Higher prices are sometimes operationalised through a premium model, which rewards farmers for engaging in sustainable production. In some countries, quality differentiation (such as for fine flavour cocoa) has also enabled price differentiation. Some proponents of higher cocoa prices argue that cocoa farmers should receive a greater share of the value of a chocolate bar. However, opponents argue that a chocolate bar contains many other ingredients and goes through a substantial process of value addition, rendering comparisons problematic. Competition within the cocoa chain also means that most value-chain actors also face tight margins, necessitating high volumes of trade to achieve profitability. The question of who should bear the cost of higher cocoa prices remains a sensitive one.

There is also the question of how farmers may respond to a higher price signal. There are valid concerns that farmers could clear more land for cocoa, contributing to deforestation. Others may convert land from less profitable food crops to cocoa, thereby increasing global cocoa supply and potentially depressing prices. Nevertheless, these arguments do not address the core issue of fair price to cocoa farmers.

Low Cocoa Prices and Implication for the Cocoa Sector in Ghana

Consequently, it is disheartening to note that Ghana only earns less than 5% of the value of the global chocolate and confectionery retail industry, which is worth more than USD100 billion. It was against this background that the member countries of the Cote D ‘Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) as well as the Secretariat itself decided not to participate in the World Cocoa Foundation partnership meetings held in Brussels, Belgium on 26-27 October 2022.

The decision of non-participation in the Brussels meeting was to register the displeasure of the cocoa producing member states against the unwillingness of the cocoa and chocolate industry to pay fair prices for cocoa. The immediate consequence of the posture of the chocolate industry was the deterioration of the beneficial Living Income Differentials (LID) on the price guaranteed to the millions of small cocoa producers in Ghana and la Cote d’Ivoire in meeting their overhead costs in cocoa production.   

It would be recalled that earlier in 2022, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, through the CIGGI, took the decision to publish the origin differentials for greater transparency in the pricing of cocoa. In July 2022, a further decision was taken to no longer sell their cocoa with negative income differentials, which buyers had been applying to offset the cost of the LID, since it came into effect at the beginning of the 2020/21 season. At the same time, a process was also launched with the industry to build a path for an economic pact that was signed by all the major cocoa purchasing companies. Despite these initiatives, the cocoa importing companies have not shown good faith in upholding mutual respect to cocoa producing states in ameliorating the plight of the cocoa farmers.

As a result of the low producer prices to cocoa farmers, some cocoa farmers have resorted to leasing their cocoa plantation lands to small-scale miners. This development would have an overall adverse impact on cocoa production in Ghana.

Improving cocoa productivity

Generally, improving productivity results in raising incomes for cocoa households. However, most cocoa farms are far from achieving potential yields due to poor agronomic practices, and low, inappropriate or untimely use of inputs. Therefore, training on good agronomic practices (GAP) is often seen as a way of remedying the situation. Advocates for boosting farmer yields also see this as one way to slow or reverse deforestation. Some actors have also expressed concerns that improving productivity could contribute to oversupply in the future, resulting in lower prices.

Access to Finance, Skills training and education

For young people who do acquire land, rehabilitating such lands is becoming expensive. In view of soil degradation and climate change, greater investment in fertilizer, pesticides and other inputs is essential to achieve desired yields. Furthermore, cocoa trees take up to five years to yield beans, leaving farmers with no cocoa income during that time lag. Aside the foregoing challenges, cocoa farming requires more sophisticated farming skills to manage soil fertility losses and climate change. In addressing the skills gap, Ghanaian Universities and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture of Ghana are promoting agro-economic education or skills training for young farmers.

Conclusion

Permanent solution to concerns about the phenomenon called child labour in the cocoa sector can be achieved when the importance of price and ‘decent living income’ for cocoa farmers are given due and adequate attention by all the key stakeholders in the cocoa value-chain, including multinational chocolate companies. The fact that sustainable cocoa production is a win-win concept cannot be overemphasised. Furthermore, it is abundantly clear that if the three key elements namely the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the industry, underpinned by the well-being of the cocoa farmer are managed in a fair, balanced and holistic manner, cocoa producers and multinational companies alike would work in a very harmonious way to bring smiles to the faces of consumers of chocolate and other cocoa products.  

Leonardo Faces – Sven Lispet

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Leonardo Faces – Sven Lispet

The Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade is represented by both new and more experienced employees working together with passion as one team, to deliver great service and to depict the hotel’s values. In these monthly written pieces, there is a focus on their values and their approach to our international clients. Who are the employees as an individual? Allow us to introduce you to Sven

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Function: Personal trainer
  • Department: Healthclub

When did you start working at the Promenade Hotel?

June 2021

What was your first impression of the Promenade Hotel?

A beautiful location where the employees provide extra attention to the members as actual people. This is different than in most sports venues.

What makes the Promenade Hotel suitable for welcoming people from all around the world?

Diversity amongst employees. In fact, several employees speak multiple languages. Moreover, the new restaurant concept also incorporates and focuses on representing different nationalities and countries. You can notice this in the dishes and drinks that are chosen from across the world.

What do you value most in the organization of diplomatic events at the Promenade Hotel?

The hotel has something to offer to everyone; regardless of whether they would like to come to the hotel for a meeting, a conference or a festivity.

What did you learn so far by working with diplomats? Some tips, rules or values to share?

Some of the diplomats were so kind to share tips of their favorite spots to visit for during my own holiday. Besides, they are also acquiring knowledge regarding culture and events in the country. 

Which Food Festival has been your favorite so far or would you like to experience?

Until now, I have not yet experienced one. Maybe one of the upcoming ones!

What is your favorite drink or dish at LEO’s International Flavors?

Don Papa rum on the rocks

What sustainable development goal do you value most? Why this one?

Good Health & Well-Being

In my opinion, health is a priority, but not merely the facilities that all people should be able to use, such as hospital, general practitioner and/or other medical support. The society can benefit from choosing the right things to eat, the right proportions to eat and to have a healthy lifestyle in general.

Nowadays, life is getting more convenient and luxurious, but it is not always beneficial to our health. Together, we can change this by providing extra attention to the development of children until they are young adults. Regarding a healthy diet, we should aim to provide a more friendly pricing strategy for the better foods in life. Additionally, we should share tips and ideas that explain the best way to prepare these foods and what exactly is best about preparing them this way.

Last, but not least, it is important to share knowledge about how the right balance between diet and an active lifestyle can help a person in making the most out of a day.

1st of December, Romanian Great Union Day

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1st of December, Romanian Great Union Day

By H.E. Mr. Lucian Fătu, Ambassador of the Republic of Romania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Every 1st of December, Romanians proudly recall the union of the Principalities that established the modern Romanian State.  Since 1990, this became our National Day, and is celebrated by Romanian communities worldwide.  In the Netherlands, we are glad to share this anniversary with around 50,000 resident nationals who are living, working or studying as part of a vibrant welcoming and multicultural society.   

This year, we also celebrate 160 years since, on July 27/August 8, 1862, the creation of the Department of Foreign and State Affairs can be considered the birth of modern Romanian diplomacy. Looking back, we pay tribute to outstanding Romanians who left their mark on our diplomacy and history, such as Constantin Karadja, Romanian diplomat born in The Hague in 1889, who was awarded the distinction Righteous among the Nations for his courageous actions of saving thousands of Jewish lives during World War II.  

Modern diplomacy also means looking forward. And this is what we are doing, together with our Dutch partners.  Our bilateral relations are based on the solid pillars of a dynamic investment, economic and business cooperation, steadfast commitment to peaceful and law-based international relations, all within the framework of shared values and ongoing communication.

With a total of above 10 billion Euro, the Dutch investments rank first in Romania, and they embrace a wide range of fields, from ship building to financial services, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.  Tourism is increasing in both directions and, as a result, more human interaction and a better understanding gives coherence to the dialogue between our societies.  At the same time, every Duster SUV and the rest of the Dacia range of automobiles, powered by conventional or electric sources, is a statement of the confidence inspired to the Dutch consumers by the landmark Romanian car manufacturing industry.

Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and senseless invasion of Ukraine is a watershed in the history of Europe and marks a turning point in our foreign policy, as it does in all areas of our social life. However, this tragedy has brought Europeans closer, offering a new impetus, and this is also true for Romania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Our Embassy works towards consolidating the Romanian-Dutch dialogue on multiple levels. We continue to coordinate our positions on the topics high on the European agenda, such as the resilient response to this brutal war, security, economic, democratic and sustainable future of our continent, EU neighborhood, adaptation to climate change.  On the issue of migration, as a border Member State, Romania has done and will continue to do its part in a responsible, humane and accountable manner that is consistent with all the relevant EU legislation and moral standards.

Romania remains firmly committed to combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and strengthening international regimes by actively participating in the formulation and implementation of policies in the field.  Here, in The Hague, we are acting in this regard and we have an active presence in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and in support of the OPCW Technical Secretariat in its efforts to monitor the situation in risk areas worldwide.

Romania pledged a strong and long-lasting attachment to multilateralism and respect for international law, and in this vein my country joined the proceedings initiated by Ukraine against the Russian Federation before the International Court of Justice in the case concerning Allegations of genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.  While we staunchly uphold the activity of the International Criminal Court in investigating war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of genocide, Romania is among the States which referred the situation in Ukraine to the ICC Prosecutor.  Furthermore, the Romanian Government pledged significant financial resources and expertise in support of the proceedings of the ICC on all cases under investigation or consideration.

As mentioned in the opening, the human dimension is the most vibrant component of the Romanian-Dutch relations.  As a token of shared identity, by the generous efforts of the Romanian Orthodox congregation led by Schiedam Parish Priest, Dr. Ioan Dură, a tulip was created in 2018 bearing the name of Dame Maria Brâncoveanu, in recognition of her iconic figure in the Romanian history and spirituality.  Every year, in the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, this delicate symbol testifies to the essence of the Romanian-Dutch relations and to the enduring quality of the shared values they are based on.

A Leap into the Light

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A Leap into the Light

By Alexandra Paucescu

She is the kind of woman who enjoys life and embraces all the opportunities that it presents. Merry and kind, she spreads good vibes wherever she goes. Every day is to be lived to the fullest. Staying active is her way of life, and I am not joking about it… our first meeting started with a walk of almost 10 km through the forest, after which she still seemed quite fresh… me, not so much…

I discovered Paola Fornari, through Expatclic, a group where Italian speaking expat ladies regularly meet and share their thoughts and experiences while living abroad, sometimes thousands of miles away from their beloved homeland. Throughout her life Paola learned the importance of staying connected, getting to meet new people and discovering their own stories.

Life as wife of an EU diplomat taught her much. But she became a nomad of the world long before that. Because of her father’s job, she was born in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), went to boarding school in Kenya, later met her husband while they were both students in Edinburgh, after which they  lived and worked in Ireland, Belgium, Barbados, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uruguay, Bangladesh and Ghana. They are now retired and divide their time between Brussels and Scotland, visiting their big family of three children and six grandchildren.

I guess she genuinely likes people. She tells me: ‘in every posting, I started by saying to myself: ‘’I know I have friends out there: I just haven’t met them yet.’’ And in every posting it was true. I mostly appreciated the opportunity to live for extended periods in different countries and to get to know people and their culture. Happiness, I believe, is a fleeting emotion. More valuable – more lasting – is fulfillment. I felt fulfilled in different ways in all of our postings, and that fulfillment came mostly from connecting with the people of the country in which we were living.’

Paola and her husband in Dhaka.

However, diplomatic life can be sometimes stressful and complicated… ‘Before our first posting, my mother advised me to always ‘put on my mask’ in public. To me, the most difficult aspect of diplomatic life was finding the balance between wearing that ‘mask’ and being myself. It can be a lonely life, and the mask can get heavy!’

Her advice for young diplomatic spouses?… ‘Learn the language of your posting, even if it’s just a few words. Stay true to yourself. Find a private place where you can scream, if you need to.’ Good sense of humor all the way!

Paola studied Modern Languages and Linguistics and specialized in interpreting and translating. Later she trained as an E.F.L. teacher and an IELTS examiner. She tells me: ‘like many people who lead peripatetic lives, I learnt to reinvent myself wherever we were. In Barbados I designed an Italian course for people in the hospitality industry, in Cameroon I taught E.S.L. at my kids’ school, in Belgium I designed a Swahili course for beginners as a teacher training tool, in Tanzania I taught English to domestic staff and Swahili to diplomatic spouses, in Belgium, Bangladesh, and Ghana I was an IELTS examiner.’ She successfully succeeded to reinvent herself over and over again, constantly adding new facets to her complex personality.

While posted in Uruguay she discovered, quite by accident, her passion for writing. ‘Uruguay was our first posting without children. I wrote to my kids about my experiences and they encouraged me to go for publication. I joined an online writing group, did a couple of courses, and worked on entering competitions and getting articles into the most niche publications I could find. I managed to get published, for example, in ‘Practical Fishkeeping’, ‘Cycling World’, and ‘The Oldie’. I read some of her articles and I confess that I laughed heartily; they are wonderful, full of humor and vivid depiction of the places she once lived in.

This year she wrote a book, which will be published in November.

‘Leap into the Light’ is an account of her early years, long before her diplomatic life, and begins even before she was born, in 1947, with her father arriving to take up his first job as a doctor in Abruzzo.  The title of the book came to her remembering her father’s own words. His move to Tanganyika with his young family in 1951 turned out to be ‘a leap into the light of an incredible experience, into a world light-years distant from ours, a world whose dimensions are so different from those in Europe, where one lives in another climate and another atmosphere’.

Depending on one’s attitude, Paola says,  diplomatic life can also be a ‘leap into the light’.

About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu


Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

Award Ceremony Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize 2022

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Award Ceremony Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize 2022

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice, the Great Hall of Justice, Peace Palace. Thursday 3rd November 2022. The occasion was the Award Ceremony of The Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize 2022  to The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue has been awarded the 2022 Carnegie Wateler Peace Prizem2022 for her relentless pursuit to end armed conflicts. 

Mr Piet Hein Donner chairman of the Carnegie Foundation, welcomed the slew of Ambassadors, Internationals, government representatives and other guests. Donner went on to highlight the significance of the event.

“The Swiss-based peace mediator “The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD)” received the 2022 Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize today at the Peace Palace in The Hague. The Carnegie Foundation Peace Palace awards this prize to HD for its more than 20-year track record in ending armed conflict and for its patient, creative and discreet approach.

The Prize is really an inspiration to me and my colleagues, and we will think of it, and of the values and motivation behind it, when we next find ourselves in a dark place, which is often. It will be a light for us.” – Dr. David Harland, HD’s Executive Director.

Award Ceremony Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize 2022.

Founded in 1999, HD works beyond the confines of traditional diplomacy to establish discreet contact with all types of actors – armed groups, governments, communities and influential third parties – to prevent and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation.

Among many other achievements, HD has supported the peace process in the southern Philippines and brokered an immediate ceasefire in Libya in 2020, ending a chapter of open warfare in the country. For 15 years, HD discreetly contributed to the settlement of decades of violence in Spain, announcing in 2018 that the armed Basque group ETA had disbanded. HD and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs co-host the Oslo Forum, widely regarded as the leading international network for mediation in armed conflicts.

During talks between Russia and Ukraine earlier this year on resuming vital food supplies, teams from HD provided advice and assistance to the United Nations and Türkiye-led Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Mr. Piet Hein Donner, Chairman of the Board of the Carnegie Foundation, announced that yesterday a cessation of hostilities agreement was signed in Ethiopia, under the Obasanjo initiative, which was originally conceived and supported by HD in the quest for peace in the country.

“In each case, and many more, the Centre has for more than 20 years operated behind the scenes- patiently, creatively, discreetly – to bring about results that simply couldn’t have been produced by traditional diplomacy.” said Dr. Elisabeth Wesseling-Van Gent, Chair of the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize Committee.

Today’s guests included representatives of the international legal organizations in The Hague, many ambassadors, Marielle Vavier, alderman of The Hague, who gave the opening speech, and former laureates: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Sigrid Kaag, Dutch Major General (ret) Patrick Cammaert and Rhea Mahanta, founder of The Peacebuilding Project.

Last year Mahanta received the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize but was unable to accept in person due to COVID-19. Today, she addressed the audience after meeting with peace organizations in the Netherlands earlier this week. Next year, the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize will again be awarded to a young peacemaker.”

The well-attended Award Ceremony Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize 2022 ended with a reception in the entrance hall of the Peace Palace.

VI Diplomats Fun Run & Walk

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VI Diplomats Fun Run & Walk

By August Zeidman

During the Autumn, as temperatures drop and leaves fall, it is tempting to spend more and more time indoors. But it isn’t Winter yet! Saturday, October 22, saw the 6th edition of the Diplomats’ Fun Run and Walk take place in The Hague. Attendees met at the Chalet ten Bosch, near the Louwman Museum and Embassy of the United States, and, after everybody spent some time getting settled and socialized, it was time to set off.

Attendees chose between doing a 5 km run, going all the way around the Haagse Bos, or a 3 km walk which brought them some of the ponds before returning to the start. As the sky cleared, a light breeze carried through the air, and the park was alive with bikers, dog walkers, families, and all other sorts enjoying the fine October air. Diplomats from all around participated in this event including the Ambassadors of Ghana, Peru, Costa Rica, and Algeria.

The Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Ms. Marisol Aguero Colunga, H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia, Ambassador of Ghana and the Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak,

After everybody had completed their run or walk, beverages and a light lunch was served at the Chalet ten Bosch and, luckily, the sky had cleared to a cerulean sea, and everybody was able to sit outside.

It was a marvelous opportunity for networking, renewing old connections, enjoying the fresh air, and to enjoy the beautiful nature which, here in Den Haag, we may sometimes forget we are lucky enough to have access to.

Fernanda and her father, Jens-Volker Ginschel, Armaments Attaché, Embassy of Germany.

This was the six year that Diplomat Magazine had organized and sponsored this event and, for anybody who was not able to make it for this edition, we hope to see you next year!

H.E. Ms. Marisol Aguero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru, Ms. Berta Lucas from European Space Agency ESA and Diplomat Magazine’s publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara.

Mexico Food Festival The Hague

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Mexico Food Festival The Hague

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague 6 October 2022. The Mexican cuisine is well known for its variety of flavours, colours, and its combination of different spices and unique ingredients. Mexican food is based on corn, peppers, beans and different types of sauces. 

In 2010, Mexican cuisine made it to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO)list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Embassy of the United Mexican States presented the Mexican Flavours Food Festival, a gastronomic dinner prepared by Mexican Chef José Orlando Méndez in collaboration with Leonardo’s Hotel chef Mr. Sido de Brabander.

Mexican Flavors

The food festival took place at Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague from 6 to 8 October 2022.

On the menu, dishes from various regions: Starter: Bean Cream touch of morita | tortillas stirps Quesadilla queso Sopecito fried beans | lettuce | cream | white cheese

Main courses:  Veracruzana Cod Campeche style shrimp coconut | tamarind sauce Enmolada cream | white cheese

Desserts: Dulce de leche crepes Ate with cheese Tequila Ice Cream.

Ambassador Zabalgoitia, welcoming the guests.

On the opening night, Ambassador H.E. Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia Trejo welcomed the guests and presented the Mexican Chef José Orlando Méndez, who introduced the various dishes. Life music by Alberto Zárraga, a Mexican guitar player animated the gastronomic evening.

Annalena Baerbock on trip to Uzbekistan

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Annalena Baerbock on trip to Uzbekistan

Tuesday, 1 November 2022, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Vladimir Imamovich Norov welcomedto his homeland, the Federal Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Annalena Berbock. Uzbek Ambassador to Germany, Nabijon Kasimov, attended all high-level bilateral meetings. 

During the meeting, topical issues of Uzbek-German ties were on the agenda as well as the bilateral interaction within multilateral fora.

The German side was briefed on the major policy courses as well as the achievements of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, which holds a strong emphasis on Central Asia.

The two sides expressed mutual interest in further building up the political dialogue at the highest political and economical levels, continuing the practice of exchanging visits and experiences and organizing joint events in various fields.

The parties underscored the necessity to enhance trade and economic cooperation, including through exporting a broad range of high-quality and competitive Uzbek goods to the German market, and the implementation of joint schemes with the involvement of leading German companies.

The German side was briefed on the essence and significance of the constitutional reform underway in the republic, which is expected to create a robust legal framework and guarantee a long-term development strategy for Uzbekistan.

Proposals on deepening cultural and humanitarian ties, especially in education and science were tabled.

The ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of human rights and called for establishing a dialogue between Uzbekistan’s National Centre for Human Rights and the German Institute for Human Rights. Norov invited German experts to a global forum on human rights education to be held in Tashkent on 5-6 December this year.

The chief diplomats of the two countries discussed cooperation aspects in the field of environmental protection, in particular within the framework of the national programme “Yashil Makon” and the initiative of the German Foreign Ministry “Green Central Asia”.

Annalena Baerbock praised Uzbekistan’s efforts in combating the Aral Sea crisis and expressed readiness to explore the possibility of implementing specific environmental and social projects in the Aral Sea region.

The parties exchanged views on selected international and regional issues, including the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

Baerbock’s official visit followed the one paid by President of the European Council, Charles Michael, to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Friday, 28 October. 

For further information 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan: https://mfa.uz/ru/press/news/2022/o-vstreche-s-federalnym-ministrom-inostrannyh-del-frg—32604

VP Kaili on parliamentary mission in Qatar

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VP Kaili on parliamentary mission in Qatar

31 October -1 November 2022, Doha, State of Qatar: Vice President of the European Eva Kaili and her accompanying delegation, including the EU Head of Delegation to Qatar, Ambassador Christian Tudor, were received at the Amiri Diwan by His Highness The State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,  for an introductory bilateral meeting concentrating on subjects of topicality such as the energy exchanges between Qatar and the European Union, the upcoming World Cup to be hosted in Qatar, democratisation, the latest parliamentary elections held in Qatar, human rights, amongst other issues.  

The visit follows the recent opening of a resident EU Delegation in Qatar headed since 13 September 2022 by Ambassador Christian Tudor, himself a Qatar connoisseur, having had served in the capacity as Romanian top envoy in the Gulf emirate from 2015 through 2019. 

Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, was also on the agenda for the first day of MEP Kaili’s official visit to Qatar with an emphasis on foreign policy, and multilateralism. 

During her visit to Qatar, VP Kaili enhanced parliamentary diplomacy by meeting with the Speaker of the Consultative Assembly (مجلس الشورى القطري), Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim as well as the Deputy Speaker, Dr Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti. A general election was held in Qatar for the very first time on 2 October 2021. 

The vice presidential visit included likewise a call on the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, and subsequently on the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, CEO of QatarEnergy. 

Vice President Kaili serves in the capacity as substitute member of the Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula. 

For further information 

Vice President Eva Kaili: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/125109/EVA_KAILI/home

Amiri Diwan: https://diwan.gov.qa/briefing-room/news/receiving-guests/2022/october/31/hh-the-amir-receives-european-parliament-vice-president?sc_lang=en

Italian-American Excellence in Aerospace Policy in Washington

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Italian-American Excellence in Aerospace Policy in Washington

By Domenico Letizia

On Saturday, October 29, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) celebrated its 47th anniversary in the nation’s capital with a gala event attended by Italian and Italian American excellencies from business, science, finance, music and medicine sectors.  The Foundation is an important historic organization, located in Washington D.C., which represents some twenty million Italian American citizens living in the United States of America.

For several decades, the organization has facilitated collaboration among Italian Americans, with the goal of preserving and the heritage and traditions of the Italian community in America. Towards this end, the NIAF supports and communicates with the White House and the U.S. Congress on all major opportunities or issues affecting Italian Americans.

In the presence of outstanding guests, such as U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise, the Italian business excellences present at the event engaged with members of the diverse Italian American community, explored new synergies, expanded opportunities for economic and cultural cooperation, and strengthened the importance of political alliances between the Western powers, as reiterated by a video message sent to the proceedings by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

ItalyUntold’s team at the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

During the important initiative, the Think Tank “Italy Untold,” tasked with introducing Italy to an international public, promoted the top Made In Italy excellences and economic opportiunities yet to be discovered by international investors and organized an event on the opportunities of scientific and commercial cooperation between the aerospace and space sectors in both Italy and the United States of America.

The workshop was attended by Francesco Briganti, president of the Think Tank “Italy Untold”; Eric Dent, director of communications at Fincantieri Marine Group; Sabrina Zuccalà, president of the company 4ward360, which develops nanotechnology formulations for the Defense, Aeronautics and Aerospace industries; Chris Ingersoll, head of U.S. relations at Leonardo; and Fabrizio Tubertini, a robotics expert at the Italian Institute of Technology.

Sabrina Zuccalà’s, speech which emphasized the importance of political and geopolitical cooperation between Italy and the United States of America was especially well received by the audience in attendance. She reiterated, “The promotion of Italian excellence and made-in-Italy innovation in the U.S., starting with aerospace synergies, as a personal priority and a scientific collaboration with the U.S. world and major U.S. institutions, which are jointly cooperating to pursue of the United Nations 2030 Agenda goal of sustainability. Through collaboration with the U.S. partners, we can advance an innovative and sustainable economic project that is also becomes political and cultural: a union between democracies for the liberal growth of the Western world, achieved by strengthening Italian-American history and culture.”

In addition, President Sabrina Zuccalà had the opportunity to be able to engage in discussions with journalist Giada De Laurentiis, Michael Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State, Ornella Barra, an influential Italian American businesswoman, Paolo Scaroni, an entrepreneur who has been active in the U.S. for decades, congressmen Bill Pascrel and Steve Scalise, Cristiano Musillo, Consul General of Italy in Miami, and Italian Ambassador to the U.S., Mariangela Zappia, always emphasizing a “the structure and strength of political synergies between our countries to reinforce the Western geopolitical strategy in the field of Defense, intelligence and aerospace research.”

H.E. Ms. Mariangela Zappia, Ambassador of Italy in the USA and Sabrina Zuccalà,

The partnership between Italy and the United States in the space sector began in 1962, the year of a cooperative agreement permitting the San Marco satellite, the first Italian object in orbit, to be launched from the U.S. two years later. In more recent times, the Italy-U.S. agreement on the supply of pressurized modules for the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS) has given Italy privileged access to the orbiting outpost. Of similar importance, are Italy’s significant contributions to European Space Agency (ESA) programs. Following from this, are cooperation and developments in the field of nanotechnology which contribute to the realization of faster, safer, and more functional aircraft.

The Italian company 4ward360, chaired by Sabrina Zuccalà, sets an industry standard with its entrepreneurial model in research, analysis, processing and administration of nanotechnological formulations. The company develops nanotechnological formulations for the protection and preservation of material surfaces for both Defense and Aerospace applications and is a model for innovation and production processes for companies. The Italian innovation of nano-material formulations for aerospace, envisaged by Sabrina Zuccalà, has attracted the attention of the scientific, government and business communities in the United States of America, which are working on the development of new economic opportunities arising from space.

Sabrina Zuccalà, with Cristiano Musillo, General Consul of Italy in Miami.

Many new projects await further in-depth study and have also attracted the attention of Italian institutions in the US. During the mission to Washington, President Sabrina Zuccalà also met with Air Force Colonel Aniello Violetti, Space Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, who is responsible for studying all innovative and development projects in the aerospace sector.

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