Indonesia: The 77th Anniversary of The Proclamation of Independence

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Indonesia: The 77th Anniversary of The Proclamation of Independence

By Roy Lie Atjam

On 15 September 2022, H.E. Ambassador Mayerfas and his spouse Mme. Virna Mayerfas, cordially welcomed the Diplomatic Corps and hundreds of guests to “Wisma Duta” their residence in Wassenaar.

The reception was meant to celebrate the Independence Day of Indonesia. The actual independence date is August 17(1945) 

The 2022 edition of the Independence Day celebration was indeed on 17 August, with the official annual flag hoisting ceremony at the Sekolah Indonesia (Indonesian School) Along with the flag hoisting was an enactment of the Independence Proklamasi and a phenomenal parade by students of the Sekolah Indonesia.

Sekolah Indonesia students welcoming guests at reception.

More than 800 guests, including Diplomatic Missions such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Romania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Panama, China, Kazakhstan, Korea, Uruguay, Vietnam, further representatives of the business sector, academe, international courts-& institutions, NGO and other sectors took part in the celebration on 15 September.

Speaking at the reception Ambassador Mayerfas stated, “A very good evening, Selamat petang dan selamat datang untuk semuanya. Let me start by saying that I have two favorite things to do these last few days: first, checking the scores of Manchester City; and second, checking the weather forecast!  So today, in this beautiful and cool weather in Wassenaar, my family and I would like to extend our warmest welcome to each and every one of you for joining us in celebrating the Seventy-seventh Anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.

Allow me to thank all representatives of the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, that have been working with us side-by-side to maintain the close relations and to elevate the partnership for the benefit of our two countries. My sincere appreciation also goes to all my colleagues and friends from diplomatic corps for the friendly and constant support and collaboration.

Ambassador Mayerfas handles the Nasi Tumpeng, celebrting Indonesia 77th Independence Anniversary.

Last but not least, to all friends of Indonesia, of any passport colors, who have been continuously and keenly making efforts to promote the mutual cooperation and strong ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands, and beyond, I would like to express my profound gratitude.

The friendship, the bonds, the link between the people of Indonesia and the Netherlands are special and unique. We have a long-shared history. Now, we have wide and great opportunities to work together for a shared, bright future.

Indonesia has made a long journey to become what Indonesia is today: a robust democracy and the sixteenth largest economy in the world. Yet we aim higher. With the Vision 2045, Indonesia sets the pace to become advanced economy by its centennial anniversary. We are now preparing our new capital to project our vision for sustainable development. This vision is an invitation as well as opportunities for investment and collaboration. 

After two years of lockdowns and strict health protocols, we have gradually overcome the pandemic because we work together and helping each other. We especially thank the Netherlands for the support in the effort to prevail over the pandemic, with the millions of doses of vaccines and medicines, as well as health and medical equipment.

It is now time to “Recover Together, Recover Stronger” … which is the theme of Indonesia’s Presidency of the G20 this year.

Singer Yulinar of the Batak Group.

Under the spirit of togetherness and inclusiveness, I wish to thank all members of G20, including the Netherlands as one of the guest countries, for the support and active engagement. The attendance of the Prime Minister and high official delegates from the Netherlands, I believe, will add weight and significant contribution to the success of the G20 Summit held in November 2022, as well as to the world’s peace and prosperity.

Next year, Indonesia will hold the Chairmanship of ASEAN. I am sure that we can count on your supports for the ASEAN Dialogue Partnership and Cooperation to grow more, together with the Netherlands, and members of the European Union.

As the pandemic subsides, some of you may have visited Indonesia during summer. Some are visiting Indonesia at this very moment. For the rest, I invite all of you to visit Indonesia, to experience what we can offer to you. 

As for today, there is no better way of celebration than having good food and good show, surrounded by good friends. To our old friends, as well as our new friends, may I invite everyone for a toast to celebrate the Seventy-seventh Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. May we all be healthy and prosperous. Thank you.”

Everyone enjoyed the warm Indonesian hospitality and the wide range of Indonesian food and beverages.

Mohamed Al Kuwari enhances ties with Liechtenstein

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Mohamed Al Kuwari enhances ties with Liechtenstein

Thursday, 15 September 2022, Vaduz, Principality of Liechtenstein: His Serene Highness The Hereditary Prince and Regent Alois of Liechtenstein, Count of Rietberg, received at Vaduz Castle H.E. Ambassador Mohamed bin Jaham bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, non-resident head of mission of the State of Qatar to the Principality of Liechtenstein. 

Al Kuwari presented his letters of credence as well as the personal regards from His Highness The Emir of Qatar to Hereditary Prince Alois, who deputises for his father, The Sovereign Prince Hans Adams II. 

Mohamed Al Kuwari is based out of Bern, Switzerland, wherein he has been serving as ambassador since 4 November 2021.

Before his accreditation, Ambassador Al Kuwari paid a courtesy call on the same day to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Sport, Dominique Hasler at Government House in Vaduz, as foreseen by protocol. 

Diplomatic ties between Qatar and Liechtenstein were established on 26 June 2014. 

Before arriving in Bern, Ambassador Mohammed Al Kuwari, had been serving as head of mission in Germany, Spain and the United States of America. He is fluent in his native Arabic, in addition to French, and English but likewise holds a good understanding of the German and Spanish languages.

For further information

Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein: https://www.serviceportal.li/de/medienmitteilungen/botschafter-akkreditiert-6

Princely House of Liechtenstein: https://fuerstenhaus.li

Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein: https://bern.embassy.qa/en/the-embassy/about-us

Denise Campbell Bauer accredited in Monaco

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Denise Campbell Bauer accredited in Monaco

Thursday, 29 September 2022, Principality of Monaco: HSH Sovereign Prince Albert II received in the Princely Palace HE Ms Denise Campbell Bauer, new non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Principality of Monaco. She is based out of Paris, France. The latter presented her letters of credence to him on this occasion.

Denise Campbell Bauer is an experienced diplomat, non-profit executive, advocate for women’s voices in politics and foreign policy. 

In the past she served as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium from August 2013 through January 2017. Since Tuesday, 8 February 2022, she has been accredited to the French Republic after her presentation of credentials to President Emmanuel Macron. 

During her tenure in Belgium, Ambassador Campbell Bauer was recognized by the Association for the Furtherance of Peace with the ‘Flame of Peace‘ award in 2016, presented to her alongside the first president of the European Council, Count Herman Van Rompuy, former Kosovar Minister of European Affairs, Dr Mimoza Ahmetaj as well as then Slovenian Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, Matjaž Šinkovec. 

Campbell Bauer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Occidental College located in Los Angeles, California, her home federal state. Besides her native English, she masters the French language rather well. 

Diplomatic ties between Monaco and the USA go back to May 1866, when the first Monégasque consul to the United States, Louis Borg,  presented his credentials. Ties at ambassadorial level were agreed in 2006, and thereupon the then serving US Ambassador in France, Craig Stapleton, was accredited to Monaco. Monégasque diplomat Gilles Noghès was then appointed head of mission to the United States and subsequently to Canada, serving his term until 2013. Incumbent Monégasque Ambassador to the United States is Maguy Maccario Doyle. 

Quotidian relations US relations to the principality are managed by the US Consulate General in Marseille, led by Consul General Kristen Grauer. 

For further information 

Princely Palace of Monaco: https://palais.mc/fr/actualites/s-a-s-le-prince-albert-ii/audience/2022/septembre/s-e-mme-denise-campbell-bauer-nouvelle-ambassadrice-extraordinaire-et-plenipotentiaire-des-etats-unis-a-monaco-3547.html

U.S. Embassy in the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco: https://fr.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/

Launching Diplomat Club

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Launching Diplomat Club

By Roy Lie Atjam

A Diplomat Club has been launched in The Hague on 27 September 2022. The launching ceremony event was at the historical Restaurant ‘t Jagertje.

Mr Gilbert Monod de Froideville, Honorary Chamberlain and Former Master of Ceremonies of HM Queen Beatrix, delivered the welcome address.

Mr Gilbert Monod de Froideville recounted how the idea of establishing  a Diplomat Club came about. In brief, this is what he said. ”while having dinner at ‘t Jagertje a couple of months ago, I was admiring  the pictures on the wall, they reminded me of 1950 when the restaurant housed a Diplomat Club.

Over dinner, my sons and I spoke about the pictures and the club.  In the meantime, a close friend  Auke Piek, who was also dining in the restaurant, came to our table to say hello.  We included  Auke in our conversation  and he was impressed. He  introduced his table mates, his wife Esther, Gerard Hofman and some other friends. We were all subsequently invited for an after-dinner chat.

Gerard Hofman of construction company in Maasdijk also got interested in the story and suggested looking into the possibility of re-establishing the club. It was decided the same evening  to check the feasibility of re-establishing the club.

Pretty soon, actions were taken, and meetings were arranged with the appropriate authorities. I later had the honour of meeting with the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps about the project.”

Diplomatic Club first reception.

Gilbert Monod de Froideville continued, “after receiving only positive reactions, a date was set for the inauguration, a website was developed,  a committee of recommendation was formed. Please allow me to introduce the members of the committee of recommendation: H.E. Mr. Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Mrs. Karla Peijs, Former Minister of Transport and Public Works and former Queen’s Commissioner in the province of Zeeland.

Mr. Henne Schuwer, Former ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Brussels and Washington. Mr. Martin van Pernis, Former President of the Board of Siemens, the Netherlands and myself.

I would also like to express special thanks to  H.E. Mr. Jamal Jama Ahmed Abdulla Al Musharakh, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, who has offered to sit on the board of the Diplomat Club.

We particularly appreciate the presence of so many ambassadors, since we really need YOU to make this Diplomat Club successful. And we hope that the Diplomat Club will become a place where many diplomats will meet in an informal and friendly setting, where insights can be shared and international cooperation can be increased.”

The idea is to give every diplomat the opportunity to meet on Tuesday evenings from 17.00 to 19.00h, with a special focus on young diplomats, working in The Hague or abroad.

“I appeal to all of you, Ambassadors, to encourage your own diplomats to play an active role in coming to this Club in order to bring together a convivial group of individuals and to give this Club an indispensable place in social life among diplomats in The Hague.

Finally, I would like to thank the management of ‘t Jagertje for their hospitality and willingness to make their restaurant available for the Diplomat Club, to Esther and Auke (Robin) for their great assistance in the preparation and in particular Mr Gerard Hofman for his continuous efforts to reestablish this club and making it financially possible.”

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Carlos Arguello Gomez, officially inaugurated the Diplomat Club.

Ambassador Carlos Arguello Gomez was reminiscent of how he met Mr Monod de Froideville the day he presented his letters of credence to HM Queen Beatrix.

H.E. Carlos Arguello Gomez, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Netherlands is very pleased with the initiative and wishes the Diplomat Club every success. He went on to officially inaugurate the Diplomat Club.

Many had turn out to attend the festive launching ceremony of the Diplomat Club. In attendance were Ambassadors and diplomats representing over 15 nations such as: Afghanistan, Angola, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Qatar, Thailand, UAE, just to name a few.

A Jazz band animated the evening. The Diplomat Club’s first meeting will be at ‘t Jagertje on 4 October 2022.

It has been a successful inaugural ceremony.

ICC President visits Ghana for keynote lecture and meets with the country’s highest authorities 

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ICC President visits Ghana for keynote lecture and meets with the country’s highest authorities 

From 26 to 28 September 2022, the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański, paid an official visit to the Republic of Ghana to deliver the second annual public lecture of the African Centre of International Criminal Justice (ACICJ) at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

During his visit, the President of the Court held official meetings with the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Speaker of Parliament, The Rt Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Chief Justice of Ghana, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah JSC, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame. In his conversations with the national authorities, President Hofmański recognised with appreciation Ghana’s longstanding support of the Court, and received strong assurances of the country’s ongoing commitment in this respect. The meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss ways of further developing the cooperative relationship between the ICC and the Republic of Ghana with a view to strengthening the system of international criminal justice. While in Accra, the ICC President also met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani, as well as members of the diplomatic community in Ghana.

In his public lecture at GIMPA, President Hofmański reflected on the achievements and progress of the ICC during its 20 years of existence, and discussed the complementary roles played by the Court and national jurisdictions in the fight against impunity for the gravest crimes under international law.

He emphasised that “the ICC, while it plays a key role as the lynchpin of the international criminal justice system, has no chance of stopping impunity on its own. That is why the capacity building of national jurisdictions is so crucial. That capacity building has several elements, including the education and training of lawyers, as well as legislative measures”. He went on to state that “[a]s a court of last resort, the ICC acts as a mirror to national jurisdictions, urging them to deal with the gravest crimes through domestic courts, so that the ICC does not need to get involved. And indeed most states prefer to see trials take place in their own courts, rather than in The Hague. So the ICC is a catalyst of a sort, an incentive for national jurisdictions to hold perpetrators of atrocity crimes accountable.”

Ghana signed the Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty, on 18 July 1998 and deposited its instrument of ratification on 20 December 1999. Ghana is currently a member of the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute.

Putin’s Nuclear Threat is No Bluff

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Putin’s Nuclear Threat is No Bluff

By Kung Chan

After rounds of successive defeats in the Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has now threatened to use nuclear weapons. He is too desperate that he would use any means at this moment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees the issue in the same way, saying in a recent interview with CBS that he doesn’t think Putin is “bluffing” about the nuclear threat. Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons could become a reality, he said. “He wants to scare the whole world. These are the first steps of his nuclear blackmail. I don’t think he’s bluffing. I think the world is deterring it and containing this threat. We need to keep putting pressure on him and not allow him to continue”, Zelenskyy noted.

Nuclear war is something serious. Zelenskyy has previously said that Russia’s use of it is to scare the world. The Ukrainian President appears to change his mind this time, which means that this is something peculiar. In essence, what he said is that,

1. The United States, Ukraine, and possibly some other Western countries have shared intelligence that Russia is going to launch a nuclear war. This time, it is not a “bluff”. Russia is really preparing to do so.

2. The United States takes this nuclear threat seriously and is taking proactive action to prevent Russia from doing so.

3. There is not much that Ukraine and Europe can do if Russia does use nuclear weapons. Germany for instance not only will not be able to do anything, but it will also be against others from taking action. France too will abstain from doing anything further, and even if it has nuclear weapons, it will not have the courage to act. Therefore, the whole of Europe may not do anything except distributing some anti-radiation pills. In short, Europe cannot stop Putin.

4. The United States, on the other hand, can do many things, even stopping Putin from launching the nuclear war, but that is where “nuclear equilibrium theory” comes in.

The theory of nuclear equilibrium mainly includes two aspects. First, it is the nuclear equilibrium that prevents nuclear war, not any nuclear weapons agreement nor the humanitarian motive of the weapon-possessing nations. It is the fear of the mutual-destruction that creates the equilibrium, and this has been the case for decades. Second, nuclear equilibrium emphasizes the balance of power. It is only when different countries own similar amounts of nuclear weapons that the equilibrium could exist. As for those countries with only dozens or hundreds of nuclear weapons, it is practically not much of use, and they can be destroyed at any time.

What the United States can do now is act according to the theory of nuclear equilibrium. It is also easy for it to stop Russia, i.e., convincing Russia that if nuclear weapons are used, the United States will retaliate with nuclear weapons as well. To prevent Putin from taking risks out of desperation, it must convince Russia that after a nuclear war is triggered, the United States will not tolerate the nuclear power being controlled solely by Russia, which means that the equilibrium has been completely broken. Therefore, once a nuclear war is launched by Russia, the United States will have no option but counterattack to the point where Russia is annihilated. It will be the denuclearization of the world by means of “de-Russification”, so to speak, to achieve equilibrium again.

This is not mere empty talk. In fact, such a thing has been done in the United States before. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, American nuclear bombers, nuclear submarines, and militia nuclear missiles were all close to launching. Humanity is never at a far distance from a nuclear war.

There does not seem to be any other solutions.

Through the nuclear equilibrium theory, we can see that this is actually equivalent to a tug of war. The world’s peace is rather fragile now, and the reason is the stalemate of nuclear weapons. Whichever party launches a nuclear war first will be the loser, as according to the nuclear equilibrium theory that party will bear the responsibility as it is the beginning of the imbalance.

While the Russians and the North Koreans might do whatever Putin commands them to do, so as to prevent nuclear war, the United States and the West will defend their way of life, and will not make such choices out of fear, and would choose death over the other option.

About the author:

Founder of ANBOUND Think Tank, is one of China’s renowned experts in information analysis. Most of his academic research activities are in economic information analysis, particularly in the area of public policy.

For more information, please contact 

siangkimchia@anbound.com

A delegation from the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture visited The Netherlands

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A delegation from the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture visited The Netherlands

In line with the new approach drawn up by the President of Algeria, Mr Abdelamadjid Tebboune in terms of economic diplomacy and as part of the Embassy’s endeavors aiming at strengthening cooperation with the host country, a large delegation of the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development visited the Netherlands, from August 31th to September 03rd, 2022.  

This delegation was made up of executives from the supervisory Ministry,   Chambers of Agriculture of some provinces as well as other stakeholders, operating in various agricultural sectors such as horticulture, floriculture, dairy farming.

Algeria delegation visit at Wageningen University & Reseach

During their stay in The Hague, Algerian delegates carried out series of meetings with representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Nature and Food Quality, followed by field visits to some Dutch companies and units working in the realm of diary production, horticulture, and floriculture and potato seeds. Establishing Business relations and transfer of Dutch expertise and know-how were obviously top on agenda of all these activities.

Afterwards, a roundtable discussion on the potential of the Algerian agricultural sector took place at the University and Agricultural Research Center of Wageningen, in presence of all delegation members.

B2B workshops at the Embassy of Algeria.

Furthermore, Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak inaugurated a B2B   program, designed to bring close together Algerian and Dutch stakeholders in the area of agriculture, amidst a remarkable attendance of officials of the Dutch MFA and the MENA-Netherlands Business Council’s representatives.

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak giving an address.

At the conclusion of their trip, the Algerian delegation participated in the Embassy festival of The Hague, where local products, traditional costumes, and culinary delights were exhibited, and unleashing great joy all-around the corner.

Algeria’s stand at Embassy Festival of The Hague.

Apostolic journey: Why did His Holiness visited Kazakhstan

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Apostolic journey: Why did His Holiness visited Kazakhstan

By H.E. Mr. Askar Zhumagaliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

On September 13 at 17:45 plane of His Holiness landed at the Nur-Sultan international airport. The President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev personally met Pope Francis.

During the meeting ceremony, the heads of state introduced the members of the delegations of the two countries to each other, then the leader of Kazakhstan and the Head of the Catholic Church had a brief conversation in the Fireplace Hall of the presidential terminal. Right after the cortege of the distinguished guest went to the residence palace – Akorda.

Pope Francis and the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

His Holiness came to Kazakhstan to take part in the «VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions». The event has been running since 2003. The idea of ​​the Congress was first voiced during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Kazakhstan on September 22-25, 2001.

The head of the Catholic Church visited Kazakhstan shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, which brought extremism and terrorism to the forefront of the international agenda.

Welcoming Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Humanity is faced with the threat of an intercivilizational split. It was at that moment that Kazakhstan initiated a forum of spiritual leaders, which was supported by authoritative religious and political figures.

The six congresses held since then have become one of the largest international events in the history of independent Kazakhstan and have played an important role in the global discourse.

The topic of this year’s Congress: «The role of leaders of world and traditional religions in the spiritual and social development of mankind in the post-pandemic period». The theme of the event was not chosen randomly.

«The spread of the coronavirus has significantly affected all spheres of life – economy, politics, and social relations. Unfortunately, the global health care system was not prepared to effectively cope with this global challenge. The crisis hit developing economies hardest, reinforcing poverty and inequality, accelerating global inflation. We are faced once again with food shortages in the least developed regions of the world.

Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan Alexander, during the congress in Nur-Sultan.

At the same time, geopolitical confrontation between major powers has intensified, increasing tensions in different parts of the world. The previous system of international security is collapsing. Extremism and terrorism remain serious threats. The sanctions-induced energy crisis threatens the achievement of carbon neutrality we had just set», said the President of Kazakhstan during his speech at the opening ceremony.

This is «not a goal we can afford to ignore». Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan has always favored solving any disputes exclusively at the negotiating table in the spirit of the UN Charter and as the Chairman of CICA will continue to strengthen the dialogue with international and regional organizations and forums in accordance with the Regulations on External Relations.

«VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions»

Threats, sanctions, and the use of force do not solve problems.

«At such moments we must turn to humanistic ideals», he added.

His Holiness supported the point of President’s view.

«Kazakhstan represents a significant geopolitical crossroads, and so it has a fundamental role to play in lessening cases of conflict», said His Holiness. «A lot of ethnic groups make Kazakhstan a unique multiethnic, multicultural and multi-religious laboratory and disclose its particular vocation, that of being a country of encounter», underlined Pope Francis.

His Holiness paid his special attention the Kazakh musical instrument – the dombra. He referred to the dombra as a symbol between «two parallel strings».

«The dombra is played by plucking its two cords. Kazakhstan is known for its capacity to keep creating harmony between “two parallel strings”: temperatures that are as frigid in winter as they are torrid in summer; and between tradition and progress, as symbolized by the encounter between historic cities and modern cities like this capital. Above all, in this country we can hear the “notes” of two souls, Asiatic and European, which give it a permanent “mission of linking two continents” of being “a bridge», said the Pope.

His Holiness raised his hope that the name of Kazakhstan may continue to be a synonym of harmony and peace.

These two words – harmony and peace – are the things that our world need right now more than ever.

His Holiness Pope Francis and President Tokayev.

His Holiness demonstrated the deep understanding and knowledge of Kazakh history and culture by quoting the words of great Kazakh poet and thinker Abay Kunanbayev.

«Yesterday I spoke using the image of the dombra; today I would like to associate a voice to that musical instrument: that of the country’s most renowned poet and the father of its modern literature, an educator and composer often portrayed with the dombra. Abay (1845-1904), as he is popularly known, has left us writings that are steeped in religious devotion and reflect the noble soul of this people: its sage discernment, its yearning for a peace found through humble questioning, and its pursuit of a genuinely humane wisdom, never closed-minded but open to being inspired by a variety of experiences. Abay challenges us by asking a timeless question: “What is the beauty of life, if one does not go deep?” (Poems, 1898)», cited Pope Francis the words of Abay Kunanbayev.

Pope Francis and President Tokayev, during one of their meetings in Nur-Sultan.

Another poet, pondering the meaning of life, mentioned The Pope, «placed on the lips of a shepherd in these vast lands of Asia an equally essential question: “Where will this, my brief wandering, lead?” (G. LEOPARDI, Canto notturno di un pastore errante dell’Asia).

«Questions like these point to humanity’s need for religion; they remind us that we human beings do not exist so much to satisfy earthly interests or to weave purely economic relationships, as to walk together, as wayfarers, with our eyes raised to the heavens. We need to make sense of the ultimate questions, to cultivate a spirituality; we need, as Abay says, to keep “the soul alive and the mind clear” (Book of Words, Word 6)», said HisHoliness.

After the panel session at the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions Pope Francis held a Holy Mass.

About 100 delegations took part in the congress.

Romania makes first voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims

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Romania makes first voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims

The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) takes great pleasure in announcing that in 2022, the Government of Romania made its first ever voluntary contribution of €20,000 through the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agency for International Development Cooperation (RoAid). Romania is the 50th States Party of the ICC that makes a voluntary contribution to the TFV. 

Welcoming this donation, Franziska Eckelmans, TFV Acting Executive Director thanked the Government of Romania saying “The TFV expresses its sincere appreciation to Romania for this first voluntary contribution and for Romania’s trust in the force of reparations for the victims of Rome Statute crimes.” Ms Eckelmans emphasized that the Trust Fund for Victims seeks to increase the number of ICC States Parties voluntarily contributing to its activities: “The higher the number of contributing States Parties the stronger are the foundations of the  ICC’s reparative justice system, of which the activities of the Trust Fund for Victims form a pivotal part.”

To date, the TFV is implementing programmes in four reparation cases ordered by the ICC, the Lubanga, Katanga, Al Mahdi, and Ntaganda cases. The convicted persons in these cases were all found to be indigent and the TFV has responded to the ICC’s requests to consider complementing the payment of the reparations awards. Using the available voluntary contributions, the TFV is paying for the implementation of reparations awards in these four cases. Additional funds are urgently required to continue the reparation programme for the victims of the case Lubanga. The TFV has also engaged in the fifth reparations proceeding in Ongwen since the beginning of 2021.

The TFV’s situation-related activities include reparative programmes for the benefit of victims of Rome Statute crimes in the following ICC situation countries: Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire,  Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The TFV will soon launch new programmes in Georgia, Kenya and Mali.

The  65th National Day of Malaysia Celebrations

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The  65th National Day of Malaysia Celebrations

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Ambassador of Malaysia in the Netherlands, H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman and her spouse Dr Mohd Yazid Abd Manap, hosted a reception in conjunction with the 65th National Day of Malaysia.

The venue was the Rumah Malaysia, the Ambassador’s official residence in Wassenaar, on 22 September 2022.

Over 200 dignitaries including members of the diplomatic corps, high-level government representatives, officials, business and other friends of Malaysia, joined in the jollification on the lawns of the Ambassador’s residence. 

Sape player Mr Jerry Kamit, H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman and her spouse Dr Mohd Yazid Abd Manap, soprano singer Ms Florence Chong and Mr Deckson anak Bundak from Sarawak Tourism Board.

The atmosphere was gorgeous, and a constant flow of excellent unique Malaysian food and beverages augmented the ambience even more.

Ms Florence Chong, a Malaysian singer based in Maastricht sang the Malaysian national anthem – Negaraku – and a few songs, including ‘Zande Brand’ (Oh Malaysia) a popular song in the 1960s by a Dutch singer Anneke Gronloh. The attendees were also entertained by the traditional tunes of the Sape string instrument by Mr Jerry Kamit, specifically flown in from the State of Sarawak, in the east of Malaysia.  

Malaysia celebrated its 65th National Day on 31st August 2022, with hundreds of thousands of people in parades up and down the country, waving the national flag Jalur Gemilang – Stripes of Excellence.

This year’s celebration themed “Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama,” – Our Strong Malaysian Family. 

Amazing, while many are focusing on liberating themselves of the family- and family values, Malaysia clings to authenticity,  Malaysian Family Stronger Together – Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama.

Ambassador Dato’ Nadzirah Osman in her welcome remarks stated “It is a privilege to welcome all of you to this reception, to celebrate and commemorate the sixty-fifth anniversary of Malaysia’s National Day. I am delighted that all of you are able to share this joyous occasion with me today.

Over the years, both Malaysia and the Netherlands have nurtured close and warm bilateral relations. While the relations between our two countries can be traced back to more than 400 years, this year is special, as we are celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. Bilateral relations remain strong in strategic areas of common interest be it political, economic or cultural. We are looking forward to elevating further the existing bilateral relations with the resumption of the political consultation between the two countries, which is scheduled to be held early next year.

Malaysia National Day Ambassador, spouse and diplomatic staff.

Currently, there are more than 250 Dutch companies and businesses with operations or investments in Malaysia. With the cooperation and support from all our partners and stakeholders, I am confident that this upward trajectory in trade and investment will continue for many more years to come.

As for bilateral visits, I am delighted that several visits have taken place from both sides this year, at ministerial and senior official levels, to discuss cooperation in various areas such as water management, hi-tech agriculture, science and technology, and the health sector amongst others.

Malaysia has active engagements with multilateral organisations that are based here in the Netherlands. Among others, we are currently serving our fifth term as an Executive Council member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Our commitment to rules-based order for global peace and security and dispute resolution through peaceful means is also reflected in our longstanding engagement with legal institutions such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), The Hague Conference for International Law (HCCH), and the international courts here in The Hague. We have in our midst the representatives of these organisations and I would like to thank you for your presence today.

New Zealand Ambassador , H.E. Susannah Hayden Gordon, Dr. Karin Mössenlechner, Director General of the Department of Asia and Oceania – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Ambassador of Malaysia, Her Excellency Dato Nadzirah Binti Osman.

 I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands particularly to the Asia and Oceania Department headed by my good friend Karin, various other Ministries, Government Agencies, Private Sector and our Dutch friends for their continued support, assistance and cooperation rendered to us which has further strengthened and deepened the ties between our two countries.

Before I conclude, allow me to thank our sponsor, the Sarawak State Government for its generosity and for providing us with a sape player, Mr Jerry Kamit, who came all the way from Sarawak to entertain us today.

Once again, thank you for your presence. I hope you will have a pleasant day with us. Terima kasih, Dank u wel”.

Malaysian food

I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands particularly to the Asia and Oceania Department headed by my good friend Karin, various other Ministries, Government Agencies, Private Sector and our Dutch friends for their continued support, assistance and cooperation rendered to us which has further strengthened and deepened the ties between our two countries.

Before I conclude, allow me to thank our sponsor, the Sarawak state government for its generosity and for providing us with a sape player, Mr Jerry Kamit, who came all the way from Sarawak to entertain us today.

Once again, thank you for your presence. I hope you will have a pleasant day with us.Terima kasih, Dank u wel”.

The 65th National Day of Malaysia Celebrations has been fabulous at home and abroad.

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