The Hague, 28 June 2022, the NABC Netherlands-African Business Council, NABC has organised the “Africa Works! 2022” conference.
Africa Works! 2022, designed to promote and facilitate international trade between Africa and the Netherlands, facilitate foreign direct investment in Africa, and provide a platform to expand or establish business operations in Africa. The Republic of Algeria has participated in the conference.
The Ambassador of Angola, H.E. Ms. Maria Isabel Gomes Godinho de Resende Encoge, the Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Mrs Rosmarijn Fens, the Managing Director of the NABC (Netherlands-African Business Council), the Ambassador of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, the Ambassador of Cameroon, H.E. Ms. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua and the host, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria.
In the context of the participation of Algerian Businessmen in Africa Works 2022, the Ambassador of Algeria H.E. Mrs Salima Abdelhak hosted a cocktail dinner at her residence.
Several friends of Algeria, Ambassadors, diaspora and some others attended this pleasurable outdoor cocktail dinner.
Algerian business mission with H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria at the official residence.
Algerian business mission with H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria at the official residence.
Eurojust has assisted authorities in the Czech Republic, Belgium, Poland, Germany and Hungary in dismantling an organised crime group (OCG) that was involved in migrant smuggling. During an action, nine suspects were arrested and nine locations were searched. Eurojust provided financial support and assisted the authorities in setting up a joint investigation team (JIT).
According to the investigations, the OCG had been organising the smuggling of illegal migrants from Vietnam at least since March 2021. The victims were transported through the territories of Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany and Belgium, to their final destinations, usually France or the United Kingdom.
For this activity, the suspects used their personal motor vehicles and, in some cases, used inflatable motorboats for the final stage of the journey, endangering the victims’ lives.
During an action carried out from 20 to 22 June 2022 in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Belgium, nine people were arrested and seven home searches were carried out, together with two searches of other premises. Several motor vehicles and cash amounting to several hundred thousand Czech crowns were seized.
In addition to supporting the establishment of the JIT and providing it with funding, Eurojust actively facilitated the cross-border judicial cooperation between the national authorities involved. The Agency organised three coordination meetings and a coordination centre during the action.
Europol provided additional analytical support to the investigation, facilitated the exchange of information and supported the law enforcement authorities.
The following authorities took part in the operations:
Czech Republic: National Organized Crime Agency, District Public Prosecutor´s Office for Prague 3
Supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have dismantled a criminal network suspected of using small boats to smuggle up to 10 000 migrants across the English Channel over the last 12 to 18 months. It is believed to be the biggest ever international operation targeting small boat people smugglers.
During an action day, 39 suspects were arrested and over fifty locations were searched. Seizures include 1 200 lifejackets, close to 150 boats and 50 engines, several thousand euros in cash, firearms and drugs. The operation targeted the leaders of the criminal network, as well as its financial means.
The action dealt a severe blow to one of the most significant crime groups involved in cross-Channel migrant smuggling.
The investigation started in France on 30 November 2021, following the arrest of 16 suspects. It is believed that the organised crime group (OCG) has, among others, facilitated the smuggling of Vietnamese nationals from France to the UK. In order to do this, the criminal network set up a large infrastructure in Calais, France. The investigation showed that migrants were transported from France to the UK in motorised boats delivered from Germany.
The suspects charged on average EUR 2 500 to 3 500 per migrant, depending on the migrant’s nationality, to facilitate their transfer across the English Channel. At times, up to 15 boats were launched almost simultaneously, with half successfully making it across to the UK.
One of the members of the smuggling network was wounded by a gunshot in a migrant camp in France in September 2021. This incident is allegedly linked to a subsequent attempted murder case in Osnabrück, Germany, on 13 November 2021.
In Belgium, several cases of migrant smuggling showed links, and a separate case was started to dismantle the criminal organisation behind the supply chain.
Major simultaneous operation
The action is a result of close cooperation between the five countries involved, supported by Eurojust and Europol. During an action day on 5 July, 39 people were arrested and over fifty searches were carried out simultaneously. 1 200 lifejackets, close to 150 boats and 50 engines, several thousand euros in cash, firearms and drugs were seized. Over 900 police officers were deployed in the operation.
In France, nine suspects were arrested.
In Germany, the Osnabrück Public Prosecutor’s Office simultaneously executed a total of 18 European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and 30 search warrants in four federal states on behalf of the Belgian and French authorities. The 18 suspects arrested by the German police are intended to be extradited and prosecuted in Belgium or France. Around 900 officers of the Federal Police and the Osnabrück Police Directorate participated in the action.
In the UK, six suspects were arrested during a series of raids in London. The National Crime Agency deployed around 50 officers.
In the Netherlands, six suspects were arrested and seven home searches were carried out.
Eurojust set up a coordination centre to enable rapid cooperation between the judicial authorities involved in the action day. Four coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and the preparation of the joint action day.
Europol supported the operation by facilitating information exchange, organising operational meetings and providing analytical support.
Intensive cooperation and information exchange
The successful action demonstrates that good results can be achieved through intensive cooperation and information exchange, which is essential to tackling this growing form of human trafficking. The influx of migrants into the European Union is accompanied by degrading human smuggling practices. People smugglers often operate in international criminal organisations and their activities put lives at risk. The risky sea crossings and other forms of transit regularly result in casualties.
The 28th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation was celebrated on the 4th July 2022 under the theme “Together we prosper”. The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in the Netherlands hosted the Kwibohora 28 celebration with a reception at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, to pay tribute to Rwandan men and women who contributed to Rwanda’s liberation.
H.E. Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, his spouse and the Embassy staffers welcomed more than 150 guests including the diplomatic community, the Ambassadors of Algeria, Angola, Egypte, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria, S-Africa,, Australia, Switzerland, Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama. Diplomats, Tanzania, UK, Kuwait and many others. Further, representatives of the Dutch government of international organizations, Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands, Friends of Rwanda.
H.E. Ms Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador of Sri Lanka.
Featuring on the program:
The Dutch National Anthem – Wilhelmus, followed by the Rwandan National Anthem – Rwanda Nziza.
Video projection (The Rwanda Opportunity)
Keynote address by Mr Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Remarks by Ms Martine Van Hoogstraten, Acting Head of the Department for Sub-Saharan Africa, at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A traditional dance performance by the group Inkumburwa.
A resume of the keynote address by Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and the remarks by Ms Martine Van Hoogstraten follow hereby.
H.E. Mr Hidehisa Horinouchi, Ambassador of Japan and Mrs. Nduhungirehe.
Speech Ambassador Nduhungirehe.
“Good afternoon! Let me start by thanking you all for finding time to be with us today to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Rwanda’s Liberation Day. Indeed, the date of 4th July 1994 has a particular resonance in the hearts and minds of Rwandans, as it is the day on which forces of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) stopped the genocide against the Tutsi by overthrowing the regime that was committing it over the previous hundred days.
This year, we also take the opportunity to mark the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Rwanda, which was recovered in 1962 in a very difficult context of crimes against humanity committed against a part of the Rwandan population.
H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, Ambassador of Guatemala, the Ambassador of Rwanda and H.E. Mr. Vusimuzi Philemon Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa.
As Ambassador of Rwanda in The Hague, I am also accredited to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as to international organisations and jurisdictions based in The Hague. I value the friendship and growing cooperation between Rwanda and the three Baltic countries, mainly in the areas of digital transformation, fintech and industry, and I also acknowledge the tremendous contribution of institutions based in The Hague to promote accountability for the most serious crimes, including genocide, and to maintain international peace and security.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe welcome H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen.
I thank Mrs Martine Van Hoogstraten, for her presence today and for her statement. Rwanda and the Netherlands have been enjoying a long-lasting relationship, dating to the time when Rwanda was also a kingdom. Indeed, the first contact between the two countries goes as back as 1957 and took place around a glass of beer. That year, the Heineken Group established in Rwanda our national brewery, which became the main producer of beer and soft drinks in our country.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe welcome H.E. Ms. Aiga Liepiņa, Ambassador of Latvia.
Following the Liberation of 4th July 1994, the Netherlands became a reliable partner in our recovery and socio-economic transformation. The Dutch cooperation focused on critical sectors such as justice, agriculture, water resources management, trade and investment, as well as defence. The justice sector, which was obviously a top priority in the aftermath of the genocide against the Tutsi, benefited from an important support from the Netherlands, with the rebuilding, renovation and equipment of courtrooms, the training of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other professionals of justice, but also with the prosecution, trial and extradition of genocide suspects who had fled to the Netherlands.
Ambassador Nduhungirehe and the Charge d’affaires of USA, Ms. Aleisha Woodward.
As both countries are now transitioning from aid to trade, we have witnessed an increase of economic exchanges over the past years, mainly export of coffee, tea and horticulture products, including flowers, but also significant investments by Dutch companies in Rwanda.
Beyond the bilateral cooperation, Rwanda and the Netherlands also share common values in the multilateral arena. One of them is an effective peacekeeping that protects civilians in armed conflicts.
As I conclude my remarks, let me call on Mrs Martine Van Hoogstraten to join me, so that we can make a toast:
“To the health of His Majesty King Willem Alexander and to the friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Rwanda”
Ms Martine Van Hoogstraten, Acting Head of the Department for Sub-Saharan Africa, at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mrs Martine Van Hoogstraten
“Rwanda was declared an autonomous republic in 1961 and gained its independence on July 1st 1962.
This is not to say that the country faced no more challenges after 1962. In fact, the following decades proved to be full of turmoil. Ethnic tensions and political struggles went hand in hand, often resulting in violence against civilians. Tragic events eventually culminated in the genocide against the Tutsi of 1994.
The genocide destroyed the lives of countless Rwandans, including those of moderate Hutus and others who opposed the killings. It remains important to remember those who fell victim to the genocide 28 years ago.
No generation can take peace for granted. The current events in Ukraine sadly underline that point, as do the increasing tensions in Eastern DRC. I am glad to know that Rwanda and its neighbours have committed to keeping channels of dialogue open and to work towards de-escalation of tensions in the Great Laker Region.
Today is a day of hope. Because today, it is 28 years ago since the forces of the Rwandan Patriotic Front put an end to the genocide. Since then, the Rwandan government and its people have done a tremendous job rebuilding their country.
The Netherlands has been one of the major donors supporting the rebuilding of the justice sector in Rwanda. We took on this role because we believe justice and respect for human rights are essential in order to break the cycle of violence that has haunted Rwanda in the past.
The Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Paulo Caminha at his arrival. Mr. Grigory Orlov
Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Russia.
This year, we find ourselves in between two chapters of our common history. Our countries’ bilateral development cooperation will end at the end of this year. That is the chapter we are closing, in line with Rwanda’s goal to become independent of foreign aid. Looking forward, both of our countries will focus on intensifying mutual trade and investments.
The Netherlands is ready for that new chapter. Minister Liesje Schreinemacher presented her new strategy for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in the Dutch parliament today. The strategy sets clear goals to enhance sustaineble trade.
A traditional dance performance by the group Inkumburwa. Rwanda 28th Liberation Day Celebration.
A few weeks ago, Minister Schreinemacher had a fruitul meeting with her Rwandan colleague Mr. Vincent Biruta. And from 13 to 18 July, a delegation of 9 members of the Dutch Parliament will visit Rwanda to reflect on our bileral ties. These personal contacts underline that the historical bond that our countries have built in the past is strong.Today, we celebrate that new chapter in our friendship”
A Cocktail reception ended the 2022Rwanda Liberation Day Celebration.
The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in the Netherlands remitted Commemorative Medals to Mr Cornelis Pieter (Cees) Veerman, Former Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality of the Netherlands and Mr Marcus Slingenberg, former Agricultural Counsellor of the Netherlands in Viet Nam, for their contribution to the agriculture and rural development of Viet Nam. Venue, the Embassy of Vietnam The Hague, 24 June 2022.
Here comes a resume and a free translation of Ambassador Mr Pham Viet Anh speech.
“Agriculture is the oldest, most popular and most important profession in Vietnam. In the old days, long ago, we attached great importance to two kinds of people: teachers and farmers. One brought food to the brain and the other brought food to the stomach. And yet, before 1980, with more than 80% of its area devoted to agriculture, and with farmers making up 90% of the population, Vietnam had to import rice and food. At present, the number of farmers and agricultural areas is much reduced, but Vietnam exports rice and agricultural products.
Mr Cornelis Pieter (Cees) Veerman, Former Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality of the Netherlands.
Today, in your presence and with our deepest gratitude and appreciation, we are proud to announce Mr. Cees Veerman, former Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, and Mr. Marcus Slingenberg, former Agriculture Councellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, to present the Vietnam Agriculture Medals for their valuable contributions.
We are very sorry for the delay of which I myself do not know the cause. Maybe it’s a break in the connection. These medals are always carefully kept in our safe. Discovering them at the beginning of my mission, I quickly realized that I would have the chance to meet at least two old friends from Vietnam and many others at the same time. Suddenly I think of the fact that European explorers went on a voyage of discovery to the Angkor temple in Cambodia. We are really happy with that.
Prior to this event, I had a very satisfying meeting with Mr. Veerman and his wife in their beautiful house in the middle of a nature that cannot be added for fear that we could make them less perfect. I deeply regret that I was unable to contact and Mr. Marcus Slingenberg can meet in advance of this event. I’m so sorry.
Thanks to these medals, we have today found two old friends from Vietnam who are in fact not very old. We also have the opportunity to see familiar faces again, reminisce about our old memories and look to the future. For me this event is one of the most beautiful memories in the Netherlands that I will never forget.
Mr. Marcus Slingenberg, former Agriculture Councellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.The Ambassador of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh, congratulated Mr. Slingenberg,during the ceremony.
Allow me to tell you about my dream on this important occasion. I dreamed of witnessing the birth of the Dutch-Vietnamese Friendship Association. We have had such an association in Vietnam for years and have no Dutch counterpart. It will be a good home for generations of Vietnamese friends. It will be an excellent channel that will let us discover more about life and people here, in the Netherlands. This will, I am sure, strengthen our friendship and cooperation, our mutual understanding.
Vietnam still needs friends and experts. Vietnam is in your head and heart. I think you are the first to connect old and new Dutch friends to build this house. In this way you continue to help us achieve our common goal: for sustainable development while protecting the environment.
For our just and beautiful cause, for the friendship between the Netherlands and Vietnam, I invite you to raise a glass and wish the birth of the Dutch-Vietnamese Friendship Association. I wish you health, happiness and success!”
Cees Veerman with this family and the ambassador of Vietnam and wife.
“Vietnam and The Netherlands have many things in common: extensive, fertile deltas; strong agricultural tradition. Makes us natural partners in many fields, especially in sustainable agriculture and food security, and in water and climate change – two areas in which we have strategic partnership arrangements. Partnerships into which former Minister Veerman and Mr Slingenberg have put a lot of efforts. I would like to congratulate Vietnam with its achievements in further developing Vietnam’s agricultural sector and with your ambition to sustainably develop the Vietnamese food production system to become a major exporting country.
The Netherlands is proud to be the partner for Vietnam to further design the sustainable transition with the application of products, knowledge and services.
To realize large scale sustainable impact in the agricultural sector and to become an important regional and global player in exporting agricultural products requires strong commitment.
A strong agricultural sector does not come overnight and needs continuous innovation and adaptation to changing circumstances.
We wish to express how pleased we are to continue the intensive cooperation working on water, climate change and sustainable agriculture. All fields are strongly inter-connected.
The Mekong Delta Plan, to which former minister Veerman has devoted his efforts, has been the source of inspiration for the Mekong Delta Integrated Regional Masterplan, which was presented earlier this week. To implement the Masterplan, there is a major role for agriculture to transform into a future resilient, sustainable and profitable sector actively living with the natural conditions.
The Netherlands is ready to work with Vietnam in facilitating this agricultural transformation process. This will also contribute to mutual trade development.”
The gentlemen Mr Cornelis Pieter (Cees) Veerman and Mr Marcus Slingenberg expressed, their gratitude and are willing to perpetuate a warm relationship with Vietnam.
The serene ceremony ended with a cocktail reception. It has been a delight to see many happy faces.
By H.E. Dr Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armeniato the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Located at the crossroads of East and West, North and South, Armenia has long been a strategic point and a melting pot for various civilisations. Its unique geographical location has enormously contributed to richness of our marvellous culture, which, along with Armenian church and language has long been a pillar of our identity and existence, even in those times when we lost our statehood and our people were subjected to persecution, massacre and genocide.
One cannot underestimate the power and importance of culture, as a determinator of national identity for the future generations. Thus, it is the collective duty of mankind to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of our ancestors.
This Article is dedicated to one of the epicenters of Armenian culture, Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh. Artsakh is home to more than four thousand historical and architectural monuments. These include 370 churches, 119 fortresses and other historical and cultural monuments and antiquities, such as temples, bridges, palaces and cross-stones. The cultural and religious monuments of Artsakh provide material evidence for the millennia-long undeniable Armenian presence in the region. On the walls of those monuments and on the gravestones there are hundreds of inscriptions in the ancient Armenian language known as Grabar.
According to estimations there is one cultural monument per each 1,4 square kilometers in Artsakh, which is a significantly high figure internationally. This number may be much higher if we take into consideration that every year excavations reveal new historical monuments. For the Armenian people cultural heritage has always been more of a spiritual and emotional significance. For them it manifests the spiritual richness of their homeland, and thus the preservation of cultural and historical heritage is considered as an important element of identity that enriches humanity.
Among the most famous of monuments are the medieval monasteries of Dadivank, Gandzasar, Tsitsernavank, Amaras, Gtchavank, Orekavank and the Vankasar Church, as well as the fortresses in Askeran, Shoushi, Martakert, Hadrout and Kashatagh regions. In the 19 – early 20th centuries Artsakh’s former capital Shushi was a well-known cultural and educational center in the Caucasus. The city of Tigranakert, founded in Artsakh by Armenian king Tigran the Great in the first century BC had been a cultural and trade hub of the region for more than 14 centuries. The city is known as the “best-preserved city of the Hellenistic and Armenian civilizations” in the Caucasus; it is also a home for a iconic Govhar Agha or Upper Mosque.
Artsakh is also rich with fascinating prehistoric sites. One of them, the Azokh Cave, located in the southern part of the country, is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the world. Excavation results demonstrate that ancient humans appeared here about two million years ago, in the period of pebble culture. A mandible of a Neanderthal man and bones of prehistoric animals such as the cave bear, the saber-toothed tiger were discovered in the cave. Moreover, Azokh and its environs served as an important link and hub for the movements of ancient humans from Africa to Asia and Europe.
Today, almost two years after the end of the cessation of hostilities in Artsakh, the fate of these monuments, religious sites, and museum exhibits remains unclear as they are facing a constant threat of deliberate destruction, acts of vandalism, and desecration. Since 2020 the international community has shown an unprecedented unity and mobilized to preserve the Armenian heritage in Artsakh: In December 2021 theInternational Court of Justice issued an interim measure to “take all necessary measures to prevent and punish acts of vandalism and desecration affecting Armenian cultural heritage, including, but not limited to churches and other places of worship, monuments, landmarks, cemeteries and artifacts”; On 10th of March the European Parliament by an overwhelming majority adopted the a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s systematic destruction of the Armenian heritage and calling the EU to act immediately to halt the destruction and alienation. The resolution was endorsed by the largest Pan-European culturalheritage protection organization Europa Nostra. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) issued aspecial statement for the preservation of the Armenian heritage under Azerbaijani control.
To preserve and cherish the world heritage under danger, the like-minded countries should further consolidate and take practical steps for the implementation of the ICJ orders and numerous resolutions of National and European Parliaments. Only with joint efforts can we make sure the centuries-old heritage regardless of its origins will be transferred to the new generations and only the proper protection of that heritage from the physical and spiritual perspectives, can create conditions for peace and reconciliation in the region.
On July 6, 2022, the Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomed the new Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, H.E. Dr. Álvaro Enrique González Otero. Presenting his letters of credentials to the King of the Netherlands, Dr. González Otero brought with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished career spanning 35 years in the field of diplomacy.
Academic Achievements
Dr. González Otero’s journey in diplomacy is underlined by a strong academic foundation. He holds a Doctorate in Law and Social Sciences, earned at the College of Law – Republic University in Montevideo, Uruguay, in November 1983. His commitment to academic excellence continued with a Master of Law in International Legal Studies, with a focus on International Trade and a minor in environmental laws, obtained from the American University’s College of Law in Washington, D.C., in 1995.
As a proof to his dedication to education, Dr. González Otero served as a Faculty Professor, imparting his knowledge at institutions such as the Catholic University of Montevideo, where he taught courses on International Commerce and Environment and Economic Integration.
Diplomatic Journey
Dr. González Otero’s extensive diplomatic career showcases his versatility and commitment to serving his country in various capacities:
Current Appointment: Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uruguay to the Netherlands, starting July 2022.
Deputy Director-General: He served as the Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay from October 2021 to June 2022.
Regional Director of Americas: In 2021, Dr. González Otero took on the role of Regional Director of Americas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Angola Assignment: From August 2014 to March 2020, he served as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uruguay to Angola.
Directorial Roles: He held various directorial positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Director of Special Political Subjects and Director of Bilateral Economic Relations.
Consular Assignments: Dr. González Otero served as Consul of Uruguay in Bagé and Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and later as Consul General in Bahía State, with jurisdiction in the 9 Northeast States of Brazil.
Accomplishments and Contributions
Dr. González Otero’s contributions extend beyond traditional diplomatic roles. He played an important role in significant projects and negotiations, including his representation of Uruguay in the Joint Demarcation Commission of Limits of the Uruguay River and participation in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.
Academic Contributions
In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Dr. González Otero has actively contributed to academia. He has published articles and books on topics related to international business, integration, and public international law. Notably, he co-authored the “Instruction Manual for the Foreign Service of the Republic” in 1986.
Multilingual Skills
Ambassador González Otero is proficient in English, Portuguese, and his native Spanish.
Ambassador Dr. Álvaro Enrique González Otero’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to diplomacy, education, and the service of his nation. As he takes on his role as the Ambassador of Uruguay to the Netherlands, his extensive experience and multifaceted skills position him as a valuable representative of his country on the international stage.
Haring party is an annual festive event in the Netherlands to usher in the new haring season.Allegedly, the haring party is the oldest (1961) Dutch networking event.
By Roy Lie Atjam
This year Leonardo Royal Hotel Promenade The Hague held its haring party on 21 June 2022 and invited its clients, diplomats and associates to sample the soft salty creamy taste of the new herring as well as scores of other delicacies.
Oscar Izquierdo, Minister Counsellor of Ecuador, H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon and H.E. Irene Florence Mkwawa Kasyanju, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania.
A haring party tradition is allocating a small wooden barrel draped in the Dutch tricolour, containing herring to a special person. For 2022 Leonardo has selected Mr. Leo Dommanschet, proprietor of Leo’s Koffiehuis in the Laak district, Den Haag.
21 June 2022 was not only the annual haring party but also the opening of the refurbished Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague. The reopening of the Hotel – Leo’s Restaurant-Bar-Lounge could not take place in 2021.
Mr. Patrick Aarsman, General Manager Leonardo Royal Promenade Hotel The Hague.
A mixed crowd enjoyed the haring, music and food. The iconic Peruvian hors d’oeuvre “ceviche” served as toast, herby honouring Peru as the first participating country in the international Flavours Festival hosted in 2017 by Leonardo Royal Hotels in The Hague together with the Embassy of Peru.
Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher with H.E. Mr Andrei Yeudachenka, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus.
A good number of Ambassadors and diplomats accepted the invitation. Such as South Africa, Cameroon, Tanzania, Belarus, Ukraine, Nigeria, Armenia, Russia and many others.
Diplomat Magazine has been granted a preview of the upcoming Exhibition “F1 Legends”, and a Car extravaganza reception was organized on 29 June 2022 at Louwman Museum. The diplomatic community responded enthusiastically.
We observed ambassadors and diplomats from Costa Rica, Australia, Ghana, Rwanda, Cyprus, Cameroon, USA, Guatemala, Suriname, Iran, South Africa, Venezuela, Thailand, Ecuador, Germany, Philippines, Albania, Chad, Romania, Nigeria, Portugal, North Macedonia, Ukraine, New Zealand, Russia, Vietnam, Belgium, ICJ, ESA and IOM, to mention a few. They enjoyed the warm hospitality offered by Louwman Museum.
On display are Eight F1 cars of legendary drivers that took part in the Dutch Grand Prix between 1948 and 1970. The permanent collection of the museum with 250 antique and classic automobiles produced by more than 100 different manufacturers and presenting every aspect of the history of the automobile, was also open to Diplomat Magazine’s guests.
Guido Roozekrans from Louwman and responsible for external relations welcomed the guests and said: “I am very proud that Louwman Group, the beautiful Louwman Museum and the Louwman brands have been collaborating with Diplomat Magazine since the very first issue of the magazine!” Roozekrans talked on behalf of Eric Louwman who was not able to attend.
Mr. Lesther Antonio Ortega Lemus, Minister Counsellor of Guatemala, Ms. Tatiana Dawidowicz, Invest & Export Representative, Embassy of Belgium and a friend.
“The founder of this fantastic museum is Mr. Evert Louwman. To be honest, I don’t know anyone in the world who has as much knowledge and passion for historic vehicles than Evert. He is known, in the Netherlands and abroad, as the ultimate passionate car enthusiast and has dedicated a significant part of his life to the cultural heritage of the automobile.
Our collection of historic vehicles is housed in this building designed by Michael Greaves, who also designed the building of the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport in The Hague.
Consul General, H.E. Ms. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Dr. Eniola Olaitan Ajayi, Ambassador of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Vusimuzi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa and H.E. Dr. Francis Danti Kotia, Ambassador of Ghana.
Exactly 12 years ago Louwman Museum was officially opened by our former Queen of the Netherlands, her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix. We are proud that our museum enjoys worldwide fame and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and important automobile collections in the world by experts. And, of course, it is always nice when third parties say this.” He explained.
The exhibition ‘F1 Legends’ in the Louwman Museum Step into the history of the Zandvoort Grand Prix. The exhibition opened on 1 July and ended on 4 September, the day on which this year’s F1 Grand Prix was held at Zandvoort.
F1 Legends Ascari, Fangio and Clark
Highlights of the special exhibition are undoubtedly the winning Ferrari 500 F2(1952/1953) driven by Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio’s victorious Mercedes-Benz W196 (1955) and the winning Lotus 33 (1965) driven by Jim Clark.
H.E. Mr. Chatri Archjananun, Ambassador of Thailand and H.E. Dr. Alireza Kazemi Abadi, Ambassador of Iran.
The Louwman Museum dates back to 1934. Since then, the collection has been expanded and refined in stages. The collection includes one of the oldest surviving automobiles in the world, an 1887 De Dion-Bouton et Trépardoux. Also The only and oldest surviving pre-war Toyota in the world
The emphasis is more on special models, groundbreaking designs and one-offs than on medium-sized cars for the general public.
Ms. Vo Thi Ngoc Diep, Head of Trade Office•Embassy of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Vusimuzi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa and H.E. Dr. Francis Kotia, Ambassador of Ghana.
Diplomats enjoyed talking to automobiles experts from the museum, while a jazz band played songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Impressive car collection, and a relax atmosphere, goes without saying that it was a fantastic night.
Mr. Saeid Asadi, First Counsellor, Embassy of Iran.
Iran International (03.07.2022) –https://bit.ly/3yg8pFF– Following controversy over the possible repatriation of an Iranian convicted of terrorism the Belgian Ministry of Justice says a bill on exchange of convicts is not intended for a specific person contrary to what critics say.
In response to a query by Iran International, the spokesman of the Belgian Federal public service of Justice, Edward Landtsheere, said on Sunday that the draft law, slated to be reviewed by the foreign affairs committee of parliament on Tuesday consists of three bills that stipulate a prisoner exchange agreement with India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as Iran.
Critics say the bill’s approval would pave the way for the repatriation of Asadollah Asadi, an Iranian diplomat serving a 20-year sentence in Belgium for “attempted murder and involvement in terrorism” for his role plotting to bomb a gathering of the exiled opposition group Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK) near Paris in 2018.
The ministry’s response seemed an evasive answer to a question if Assadi will be freed as a result of the proposed bill. Obviously, the bill is not intended for a specific person but it could end in repatriating the convicted former diplomat to Iran where he will most probably go free.
Although some activists, such as Oxford-based human rights lawyer Kaveh Moussavi, are of the opinion that the bill will not lead to Asadi’s release because such a move will be against a dozen international treaties to combat terrorism, there are Belgian politicians, such as representatives Theo Francken,Michael Freilich and Darya Safai who have warned of the dangers of the deal.
