From 15-18 September 2022, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held their annual judicial retreat at the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, with the support of the Italian government. The retreat concentrated on proposals developed by the judges in response to the Report of the Independent Expert Review conducted in 2020 (“IER Report”), and on related proposals, focussing in particular on the recommendations concerning victims’ participation and the reparations process.
At the retreat, the judges acknowledged that victims’ participation and reparations constitute one of the key aspects of the Rome Statute. The judges discussed at length the participation of victims at the initial stages of proceedings. It was agreed that at the preliminary examination and investigation stage, victims should be encouraged to present views and concerns directly to the Office of the Prosecutor, although this is without prejudice to their participation in judicial proceedings at early stages when judicial intervention becomes necessary.
The judges highlighted the manner in which recent innovations already incorporated into the Chambers Practice Manual, such as the adoption of a model for the decision on the ‘Directions for the Conduct of Proceedings’ and the use of the ‘A-B-C Approach’ for considering applications for victims participation are already functioning to enhance efficiency and consistency. The judges further agreed that a working group of judges would continue working on victims’ participation and reparations.
The judges also continued their ongoing discussion on ensuring accountability for ethical conduct and improving the working conditions of staff members in the judiciary. Reflecting upon an evaluation of working conditions in the judiciary completed by the Independent Oversight Mechanism in July 2022, the judges agreed to establish an informal mechanism, within the judiciary, by which staff members may seek assistance from judges to informally address any concerns as to discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of authority by judges. Such informal mechanism supplements the available Court-wide formal and informal mechanisms. The judges of the Court also agreed to amend the Code of Judicial Ethics to provide that the Court’s Administrative Instruction on Investigations of Unsatisfactory Conduct and the Administrative Instruction on Addressing Discrimination, Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, and Abuse of Authority apply to judges, thus enhancing transparency, accountability and the application of consistent principles, procedures and obligations to all categories of persons working at the Court.
The judges also adopted three fundamental principles concerning the decision confirming the charges, which will facilitate drafting and the efficient transition of cases from the pre-trial stage to the trial stage.
During their stay at the Siracusa International Institute, the judges of the Court participated in a ceremony to honour the Institute’s fiftieth anniversary, with the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański,
The Embassy of Ireland and the Trust Fund for Victims conclude a joint monitoring visit to northern Uganda between 13 – 17 September 2022
From 13 – 17 September 2022, the Embassy of Ireland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the assistance of the Embassy of Ireland to Uganda, led a joint monitoring visit to northern Uganda.
The objective of the monitoring visit was to provide delegates with the opportunity to witness first-hand the transformative work of the TFV in northern Uganda, focusing on the lasting impact of the conflict and the individuals and communities affected by the many atrocities committed. Delegates on the visit hoped to gain insight into reparation implementation programmes and hear directly victims’ experiences of court-ordered reparation programme in the Lubanga and the Katanga case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Honourable Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Uganda said, “Although the guns have gone silent, the wounds are still deep”. He added, “We highly appreciate this important monitoring visit with so many delegates and we are certain that they will bring back great impressions of Uganda after their personal interactions with the victims of the LRA. It has become apparent that mental health is very important to be addressed. We have to ensure that psychosomatic services among others are continued as some victims will require this assistance to lead a normal life. The work of the Trust Fund for Victims is of utmost important to the thousands of victims in northern Uganda and we hope that the assistance will be prolonged. Without the assistance of the Government of Ireland, this visit would have not been possible, and we shall welcome you again, any time. “
The Chair of the TFV Board of Directors, Minou Tavarez Mirabal, said, “Medical treatment, trauma counselling and livelihood support are life changing services that afford recognition and a form of justice to victims of Rome Statute crimes and redress for the harm they have suffered. The TFV calls for collective efforts to restoring hope, transforming lives and achieving long-term reparative justice for victims”, she added.
Speaking on Ireland’s hopes for the visit and support of the TFV’s work, H.E. Ambassador Brendan Rogers of Ireland to the Netherlands said: “This visit is the bridge between The Hague and the field. Delegates are now better informed and have seen with their own eyes the impact of the work of the TFV on the ground. We now have a family of supporters of the Fund that can take that support back to The Hague and beyond.”
Participating delegates came to better understand the deeply rooted harm persisting in northern Uganda sixteen years after the LRA conflict and the need to redress this harm. Beneficiaries of the programme called upon the delegates to provide reparative measures more broadly to the victims, their children and communities. Delegates committed to advocate for increased international awareness and support in order to allow the TFV to continue its programmes in northern Uganda, complementing the efforts of the Government of Uganda.
Recalling the commitment to victims and affected communities of atrocity crimes, President of the Assembly of States Parties, Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, called on States Parties of the Rome Statute to step up providing support to victims. “States Parties should cooperate with the ICC in order to ensure perpetrators of crimes are brought to justice, and the rights and needs of victim survivors are addressed. During my mandate I will do my utmost to promote the important work of the Trust Fund for victims”.
Fourteen States participated in the monitoring visit this year, including the President of the Assembly of the States Parties, and representatives from the governments of Australia, Belgium, Chile, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uganda, United States, and the European Union. Also, Legal Representatives of Victims in the Ongwen case and civil society organisations participated in the visit.
Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Paulo Roberto França and his spouse, Mrs Ivana Mainenti França, cordially welcomed the hundreds of guests to a reception celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Independence of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The festivities took place in Wassenaar on 7 September 2022.
The National Anthem of Brazil and the Netherlands was by Brazilian artist Elizabeth Fadel on the Piano.
The venue was filled to capacity, and scores of ambassadors and diplomats from all continents attended. Namely, India, Thailand, Cameroon, Panama, Morocco, Costa Rica, Portugal, UK. and many others. Further, Dutch dignitaries and business people, academia, DG and Deputy DG of the OPCW, Internationals, the Brazilian diaspora and numerous friends of Brazil. It was an exciting atmosphere!
The Brazilian National Day reception is one of the first major activities in the diplomatic community after the summer holidays. One Ambassador amicably observed that it looks like “the first day of school”, and people are eager to reconnect with colleagues and friends.
Brazil 200 Years of Independence’s reception.
On the program, a Piano performance by Elisabeth Fadel, Brazilian artist Andrew Laureth performing Brazilian music, and a Capoeira sessions by Academia de Capoeira Senzala under the stewardship of Mestre Claudio Lemos.
Capoeira de Angola is a dance-fight game that enslaved Africans brought from Angola to Brazil. Capoeira is music, spirituality, dance, attack, defence, cunning and playfulness.
Independence Day celebration in Brazil, the President spearheaded a civil-military parade. Further activities, patriotic performances, fireworks, waving flags and banners. People dance sing songs, play football, go for outdoor fun activities and much more.
The day is remembered throughout Brazil with different celebrations at various institutions. But those noteworthy remembering are the children’s school parades. Colour, music and enthusiasm fulfil a unique atmosphere.
Brazilian pianist Elizabeth Fadel
With elections looming around the corner, a candidate made use of the independence day celebrations and went on the campaign trail, visiting a football match at Maracanã stadium and the Copacabana beach canvassing to solicit votes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs illuminated its headquarters with the beautiful colours of the Brazilian flag. A true kaleidoscope of colours.
Ambassador Paulo Roberto França started his welcome remarks “ It is a great pleasure to have all of you here today, on this joyous occasion in which we celebrate the bicentenary of Brazil’s independence.
I arrived here with my family in December 2020, and had the honor of presenting my credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander just a few days later. Since then, despite the restrictions we all faced during the tougher periods of the pandemic, I have sought, through contacts and travel, to extend my familiarity with the country, beautiful country. I have been continuously impressed by the vibrancy that is evident on so many levels, and am thankful for the warmth with which I have been received.
Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Paulo Roberto França and his spouse, Mrs Ivana Mainenti França.
It is particularly gratifying to be Ambassador for Brazil in a country with which bilateral relations have such a long and rich history. Brazil and The Netherlands, besides shared history, have fostered strong ties of friendship and cooperation in so many different areas. Since my arrival, I have been a witness to the diversity of converging interests and partnerships that bring our countries together. I have also actively engaged, mobilizing the efforts of the Embassy, in their promotion. Many of you present here today, whether Dutch or Brazilian, contribute, on a daily basis, to strengthening these bonds through your work in academia, the cultural sector and in business, amongst others.
In this regard, I would like to address the Brazilian community in the Netherlands. Brazil-Dutch relations are rooted in common principles and aspirations, but it is from people-to-people contacts that they gather strength. With your permission, I would therefore like to say a few words in Portuguese to the Brazilians residing in the Netherlands present here today.
É uma alegria enorme recebê-los hoje para comemorarmos o bicentenário do nosso Brasil. Este ano preferimos realizar a festa neste espaço, e não na Residência Oficial, para permitir uma comemoração maior, à altura da importância da data de hoje. Quero reconhecer e agradecer a contribuição de todos vocês para a aproximação entre o Brasil e os Países Baixos. Contem conosco, na Embaixada na Haia, bem como com meus colegas no Consulado em Amsterdã, representado aqui pelo consul-geral, embaixador Cezar Amaral, para apoiá-los nos seus esforços.
Desejo a todos uma ótima festa.
Since I have addressed our Brazilian community, this is perhaps a good moment to mention the list of sponsors for tonight’s event, which helps to illustrate the diversity I’ve referred to. All of these Brazilian companies are leaders in their fields: Braskem, in the chemical and petrochemical industry; Embraer, in the aerospace business; CBMM, in mining and development of niobium technology; Cutrale, in the fruit juice sector; and Seara and JBS, in the meat and poultry sectors. I take this opportunity to warmly thank them for their contributions.
I can’t fail to mention, as well, our friends from Rodízio Brazilian Grill, who will be preparing grilled meats and caipirinhas for us to savor.
Capoeira sessions by Academia de Capoeira Senzala under the stewardship of Mestre Claudio Lemos.
Dear friends, Allow me to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Professor Antonio Augusto Cançado Trindade, one of Brazil’s most brilliant and dedicated jurists, who passed away earlier this year. Having twice been elected as a judge to the International Court of Justice, professor Trindade’s qualities are well known to the diplomatic community in the Hague. I want to acknowledge, as well, the presence at this event of Professor Leonardo Caldeira Brant, Brazil’s competent jurist with vast knowledge and experience in international Law. We are proud to launch the candidacy of professor Leonardo Caldeira Brant here in the Hague to fulfill the remainder of the 9 year term of office that had been held by professor Trindade, in the elections to take place this November. We wish professor Leonardo Caldeira Brant success, which he most certainly deserves.
Lastly, I’d like to refer to tonight’s cultural performances. I thank them all. Elizabeth Fadel, who we have already heard playing the Dutch and Brazilian anthems, will continue with a repertoire of Brazilian classics, including well-known chorinhos. On guitar and voice, Andrew Laureth’s music focuses on Brazilian Popular Music. Furthermore, the capoeira Senzala school.
Finally, let me thank my team at the Embassy, that have done their utmost for a very successful commemoration of our bicentenary.
My warmest greetings to all of you!”
The Brazil @ 200 reception has made quite a splash !
On the 15th of September in 1989 the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) was founded with a mission to tackle commodity dependence in developing countries and support smallholders out of poverty.
Celebrating its anniversary, it is worth looking back at the organisation’s achievements – its financial support for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working with the world’s poorest commodity producers has indeed boosted the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Up to 2021, the CFC had approved 448 projects worth USD 937 million, involving 70 commodities in 99 countries. As shown below, these are spread across a range of sectors in some of the poorest nations with a particular focus on the least developed countries (LDCs).
Commodity value chain
These accomplishments, however, do not preclude the disproportionate impact of pressing global issues such as climate change, health crises, conflicts and gender inequality on smallholder farmers. For this reason, the CFC is seeking to expand its impact, as reflected by the expected positive benefits on the current CFC portfolio and the 11 new investments approved in 2021.
CFC
What makes the CFC so unique is the local impact it achieves through international collaboration and knowledge sharing designed to ease the trap of commodity dependence. The CFC believes this has a key role to play in achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Looking ahead, building more partnerships with impact investors is essential for reaching more underserved regions and providing the backing agribusinesses need to thrive. Leveraging this potential, the CFC recently became a member of the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) to create more connections that will create more connections that will grow both the impact investing industry and the CFC’s impact.
The CFC is also strengthening its ability to respond to challenges such as the enduring pandemic, the impacts of war in Ukraine and the need to contribute to the sustainability agenda. Accordingly, by harnessing the power of technology to transform commodity chains and launching its new Commodity Impact Investment Facility (CIIF), the organisation will enhance its support for the communities it serves.
Poverty cannot be alleviated by acting in isolation. Supported by its member states, the CFC will continue to contribute to the fight by providing economic opportunity for many of the world’s 570 million smallholders and the SMEs they rely on.
Central to the CFC’s achievements are its brilliant team members, who combine expertise in the field with a passion for alleviating poverty. It is their work that has enabled the CFC to deliver 33 years of impact alongside the businesses the organisation supports, and their work that will keep changing lives for many years to come.
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher and H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Funds for Commodities.
On the 15-16th of September, in the ancient city of Samarkand, the jewel of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan welcomed the 14 heads of state who jointly represented half of the world’s population. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin together with the other 12 Heads of State, including from India, Pakistan, Turkey, and 4 Central Asia nations – all gathered in Samarkand – to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit on the 15-16th of September 2022. The Samarkand Summit has already been called historical as its decisions and outcomes became the game-changer for the whole Eurasian continent.
Political outcomes
The number of signed documents, excluding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reached the number of 44. The procedure for granting Belarus membership of the SCO has been initiated, while Iran has signed a Memorandum of Obligations that would begin a year-long formal process for the country to attain full member status. On the 14th of September, both Qatar and Egypt signed a formal memorandum to become SCO’s official partner-States, which is the first step to potential future accession. Applications for partner status of Bahrain and Maldives were also approved.
Economic outcomes
When it comes to the economic outcomes, the total amount of contracts signed only by Uzbekistan is estimated at $26 billion. Uzbekistan and China signed agreements worth $15 billion, while a package of new investment agreements signed between Uzbekistan and Russia were worth $4.6 billion.
After 20 years of complex negotiations, within the framework of the SCO summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China have finally signed a tripartite agreement on the construction of the transnational railway. Another historical breakthrough for Central Asia is the implementation of the project, which will expand the geography of trade and transportation from China through Uzbekistan to Europe and the Persian Gulf states through the Southern Corridor. New transport routes will redesign the Eurasian connectivity per se, the goods from South and Central Asia will be travelling to Europe faster, at a cheaper cost.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan by Henri Estramant.
However, these are the side-effects of the event.
The most impressive was to see that at a time when the major powers are trying to divide the world and fight among themselves, or even wage wars, Uzbekistan calls for peaceful coexistence.
The Samarkand Declaration signed on the 16th of September within the framework of the summit, marked the beginning of a new era for the SCO, and perhaps for the entire Eurasian continent.
Uzbekistan has come up with the revolutionary idea, proposing to SCO members as well as to the whole world to rethink the value of multilateral cooperation at a time of great geopolitical and economic upheaval. The clash at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border or between Armenia and Azerbaijan that started just on the very eve of the SCO summit, just proved the pertinence and importance of the Uzbek Initiative.
Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity, coined by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev became the cornerstone of the SCO joint political declaration.
Samarkand Initiative, which is, in fact, the practical embodiment of the UN Declaration on Dialogue among Civilizations, adopted in 2001 by the UN General Assembly – is the symbiosis of the Shanghai and Samarkand spirits. The former is built on mutual trust, benefit, equality, striving to resolve issues through 1consultations, respect for the diversity of civilizations, and movement towards joint development. The latter, as President Mirziyoyev pointed out, is an embodiment of constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, good-neighbourliness and friendship.
Within this Initiative, the President of Uzbekistan proposed to rethink the value of multilateral cooperation in the framework of the global inter-civilizational inclusive dialogue. This dialogue will be conducted in 2023 as the International Forum, the main objective of which is to engage all states concerned in a global inter-civilization inclusive dialogue, to seek concerted approaches and solutions, restore trust, defuse global tensions, uncertainty, and unpredictability to build international cooperation.
The formula proposed by the Uzbek president is simple, however, it is a “squeezing” of the independent and multifaceted foreign policy pursued by Tashkent since 2016, which in practice has enabled the country to balance the interests of medium and small countries in the SCO space, as well as upgraded its regional position and role.
With the 80 events organised at the highest level, as well as the adoption of 30 concept papers Uzbekistan has set an example of truly engaged and productive chairmanship (Uzbekistan chaired SCO from September 2021-September 2022). During its time in the organisation, the Republic has put forward more than 54 initiatives, including – for example – the current mechanism for admitting new members to the SCO (which was used for the admission of India and Pakistan). Moreover, after a detailed analysis of SCO activities since 2016 – it became clear that Uzbekistan has become the SCO’s main driver of progress.
What is more, Uzbekistan has become a well-known mediator for “dialogue” between different states and international organisations. The high level of trust in Uzbekistan and recognition of its important role in the region is evidenced by the fact that after the SCO summit, Uzbekistan will host the GCC summit, the CA-EU High Level Conference and the EBRD meeting.
14 Leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Samarkand.
“Historically, the world looked upon from Samarkand has been seen as single and indivisible, rather than fragmented. This is indeed the essence of the unique phenomenon of the «Samarkand spirit», which can serve as the basis for a fundamentally new format of international interaction, including within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation”, said President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his article“The SCO Samarkand Summit Dialogue and Cooperation in an Interconnected World”.
Concluding remarks
Although the Samarkand Initiative was initially addressed to the SCO member states, it also refers to Europe as Uzbekistan has presented a unique approach that could serve as a point of convergence for two increasingly antagonising worlds – the Eurasian and the Western worlds.
One thing is clear – Shavkat Mirziyoyev is not just the president of an ordinary state – he is a visionary: he sees and assesses international processes not only globally, but also rationally and pragmatically. With his vision of the regional and global world order, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has not only breathed new life into the SCO but also showed a possible third way for the development of international relations.
At the same time we see that Uzbekistan has already become an effective platform where states with different geopolitical views and interests come together to resolve interstate, interregional and global issues. That is why there is no better place than Uzbekistan to implement this important and much needed Samarkand Initiative.
About the author:
Ms. Vita Kobiela
Vita Kobiela is an independent policy and research analyst on EU-Central Asia and EU-EaP relations, communications consultant at Volt Brussels
Five suspects arrested and two planes seized during the joint action day
The Hague, 16 September 2022
Supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and the United States dismantled a criminal network involved in migrant smuggling, document fraud and money laundering.
Up to EUR 20 000 for a place in private aircraft
The migrants, mainly Iraqi and Iranian of Kurdish origin, boarded private aircrafts in Türkiye carrying false diplomatic passports. However, the official destinations of the trips (usually the Caribbean) were never reached. During the stopovers at different European airports, including in Austria, France and Germany, the migrants left the plane, disposed of their false passports and systematically applied for asylum. The suspects charged up to EUR 20 000 per smuggled person.
It is believed that, between October and December 2020, at least five smuggling operations took place in five different European countries. In addition, several plans were made to carry out other smuggling operations. In addition to migrant smuggling and forging identity documents, the organised crime group is also suspected of issuing false checks and scamming airlines in an attempt to build its own fleet. The suspects also allegedly defrauded hotels by not paying the invoices.
The action day on 13 September led to:
5 arrests (2 in Belgium and 3 in Italy)
7 house searches (1 in Belgium and 6 in Italy)
Seizures of 2 aircrafts, EUR 80 000 EUR cash, 1 high–end car, electronic equipment and equipment to forge ID documents (card printers, stamps, holograms and white plastic cards)
EUR 173 000 EUR frozen in Italy
Eurojust supported the authorities involved with the setting up and funding of a joint investigation team (JIT) in June 2021. The Agency also hosted four coordination meetings to facilitate judicial cooperation and provide support for the coordinated investigative efforts.
Europol prioritised the case at an early stage, assigning a dedicated analyst and specialist to support the national investigations to identify the members of the criminal network and to dismantle it. Europol facilitated the operational information exchange and provided analytical and financial support. On the action day, Europol activated a Virtual Command Post to facilitate the information exchange in real time. Europol also deployed three analysts – one to Belgium and two to Italy – to cross-check operational information against Europol’s databases and thus provided further investigative leads to the participating national law enforcement authorities.
Law enforcement authorities involved:
Austria: Criminal Intelligence Service Austria (Bundeskriminalamt), Provincial CID of Tyrol (Landeskriminalamt Tirol) and Schwechat City Command of the Federal Police (Stadtpolizeikommando Schwechat)
Belgium: Belgian Federal Police (Federale Politie, Police Fédérale), Aviation Police Wevelgem
France: French Border Police (OCRIEST/Police Aux Frontières)
Germany: German Federal Police Munich Airport
Italy: National Police (Polizia di Stato: Servizio Centrale Operativo, Squadra Mobile di Bari e Roma, Servizio di Polizia Scientifica and Ufficio di Polizia di Frontiera di Bari)
United States: U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Diplomatic Security Service.
Judicial authorities involved:
Austria: Public Prosecutor Offices of Korneuburg
Belgium: Examining Magistrate Brussels, Federal Prosecutor’s Office
France: Examining Magistrate of Tribunal Judiciaire de Créteil
Germany: Landshut Public Prosecutor’s Office
Italy: Public Prosecutor Offices of Bari and Rome
United States: U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
His Excellency Mr. Jožef Drofenik is the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Ambassador Drofenik presented credentials to His Majesty the King of the Netherlands on 14 September 2022. On 19 September 2022, he presented credentials to the Director-General of OPCW.
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Drofenik served as Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia (2020-2022), Ambassador of Slovenia to India (2015-2019), accredited also for Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal (2016-2019), National Coordinator for OECD (2014-2015), Ambassador of Slovenia to Poland (2005-2009).
Before that, he was, among other, Head of Department for Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chair of the EU Council Working Party on EFTA during the first Slovenian EU Presidency (2008), Deputy Head of Mission of Slovenia in Geneva, Chargée d’Affaires of the Embassy of Slovenia in Bratislava, Head of Department for International Trade Policy at the Ministry for Economic Relations and Development… He led negotiations of bilateral trade agreements with various countries, Slovenia’s negotiations for membership in GATT/WTO, and was a key figure in the negotiations of the Association Agreement between Slovenia and the European Community.
Decorations: 3rd class – Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
Born in 1959, Mr. Drofenik holds a B.A. in Economics, International Economic Relations from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. He speaks English, Spanish, Serbian, and Polish.
Ambassador Drofenik is married and has two children.
By Dr. Daniyar Kurbanov, Acting Director of the Center for International Relations Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The 22nd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be held on September 15-16 this year in Samarkand, and will be the largest diplomatic event of the year in Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region. The heads of states and governments of all eight SCO members, three observer states, leaders of invited countries and 10 international organizations are expected to take part in the summit.
The expectations associated with the summit are primarily conditioned by the growing authority, political weight, economic potential and international attractiveness of the Organization.
Today the SCO is not just the largest regional organization occupying 60% of the territory of Eurasia with approximately half of the world’s population.
First of all, in more than 20 years of its existence, it has become an important element of the modern international system and the security maintenance in the Eurasian space. The huge potential of economic cooperation between the countries of the Organization is related to the fact that its total GDP already accounts for about 25% of the global GDP and may increase up to 35-40% by 2030.
The development of mutual trade and investments by member states can also contribute to the realization of their unique opportunities to expand the transport interconnectedness of Eurasia, and create new transport corridors in the direction of South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The speed up of these processes will be stimulated by digital transformation, the active introduction of the latest technologies and the overall expansion of scientific, technological, educational and cultural-humanitarian contacts.
Uzbekistan during its presidency, in cooperation with other member states, has done much to draw attention to the activities of the SCO both in member states and globally.
Tashkent’s dynamic agenda (more than 80 events), innovative and result-oriented style of activities have significantly improved the image of the Organization as a living structure actively seeking ways to adapt to new international realities and improve its activities and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation.
Such issues as the development of industrial and technological cooperation, digital economy, intraregional trade and transport interconnectedness, security and protection against cyber threats were the focus of Uzbekistan’s presidency.
Uzbekistan’s presidency has also made it possible to demonstrate both our country’s actively implemented program of large-scale reforms and innovative foreign policy, especially the effectiveness of efforts to promote regional cooperation in Central Asia and expand the region’s interaction with leading countries and associations.
These issues will, we think, also be in the focus of the summit of the Shanghai Organization, since our region is not just the geographical core of the SCO, linking the Eurasian part of the Shanghai Group with the South Asian part. Not less important, that a more cohesive and cooperative Central Asia is becoming an important factor in strengthening interaction among member states, opening up new opportunities to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
Solid results of Uzbekistan’s presidency and the large package of agreements to be signed are evidence of the enormous potential of interaction within the SCO. More than 30 documents are expected to be adopted aimed at expanding the Organization’s multifaceted cooperation.
The coordinated approaches of member states on key issues of multilateral cooperation and critical issues of contemporary international relations will be reflected in the final political document of the summit – the Samarkand Declaration.
The adoption of the Comprehensive Plan of Implementation of the Treaty on Long-term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, one of the key documents of the SCO, the accession to which is required for membership of the Organization, will be particularly noteworthy among other major decisions.
The Concept of Cooperation for the Development of connectivity and the Creation of Efficient Transport Corridors, to be adopted at the summit on the initiative of Uzbekistan, is an innovative document aimed at effective use of the huge transport and logistics potential of Eurasia. Its practical implementation will make it possible to form in the SCO region a diversified network of transport corridors, including such routes as Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China and Termez-Mazar-e-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railroads and North-South ITC.
The program of stimulating industrial cooperation, also put forward by Tashkent, is designed to push up the industrial development of member states, increase mutual industrial investments and the formation of interregional supply chains in the SCO area.
A number of decisions of the summit will open a new page in the process of expansion of the Shanghai Organization. The most important document is the Memorandum on Iran’s Accession Commitments, which will allow Tehran to become a full member of the organization at the next summit in India.
Besides, a number of Arab countries will receive the status of dialogue partners – relevant memorandums will be signed with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, which will become the first African country – “member of the SCO family. Bahrain’s application for this status is also expected to be approved.
Thus, Iran’s accession to member states and the granting of the status of dialogue partners to Arab countries signal the growing interest of Middle Eastern countries in the Shanghai Group. As the Saudi ‘Arab News’ notes, “the SCO has gained enormous traction across Asia. No surprise that a number of countries from the Middle East are lining up to join as dialogue partners, observers and members.”.
This could further intensify political dialogue and practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Central Asian states with the Arab-Muslim world and such groups as the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Persian Gulf or the Arab League.
An important feature of the Samarkand meeting of SCO leaders will also be the high level of diplomatic activity, on the margins of the summit. The leaders of member states and other participants and guests of the summit will hold a number of meetings in bilateral and even trilateral formats to discuss the most important issues of mutual relations. One can say that during these days, Samarkand will become the “diplomatic capital of Eurasia” for a while.
It will be a good opportunity for Uzbekistan to hold intensive diplomatic contacts with partners and official visits of a number of leaders to our country. This will allow to achieve significant progress in political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation with SCO partners, including agreements on the implementation of a number of concrete projects.
In general, we can conclude that the hard work of Uzbek diplomacy during the presidency in SCO, with active participation and support of all member states, has provided a significant boost to interaction in priority areas of multifaceted cooperation. Diplomats of partner nations declare that the upcoming summit will open a new page in the process of development of Shanghai Organization, and allow to achieve tangible results in consolidating its international authority and its role in addressing the issues of security and development in the vast Eurasian space.
The Embassy of Viet Nam in the Netherlands attended the Embassy Festival which taken place at Lange Voorhout, The Hague on September 3, 2022. This is a prestigious cultural event organized annually by the event organization Prooost in collaboration with the city government of The Hague. After 2 years of the Covid-19 pandemic, this event was attended by nearly 50 embassies and attracted thousands of visitors. Besides foods, visitors can enjoy music performances, martial arts and traditional costumes from ethnic groups around the world.
The Mayor of The Hague, the HOnorable Jan van Zanen with ASEAN ambassadors.
Vietnam’s pavilion is located in the area of 5 ASEAN countries booth which included Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, creating a highlight of ASEAN’s cohesion. This place is also one of the most crowded areas of the festival, which is visited and supported by a large number of visitors. In particular, the ASEAN culture and cuisine corner was honored to be visited and enjoyed by the Mayor of The Hague, Mr. Jan van Zanen.
Vietnam diplomats with Mrs. Le Thi Hien Anh, spouse of Vietnam’s Ambassador.
Participating in this Festival, in addition to promoting Vietnamese culinary culture through typical dishes such as “bánh mỳ”, “nem”, the Embassy focused on promoting Vietnamese agricultural products through displayed products, from food and beverages such as coffee, fresh coconut water, mung bean cakes, lotus products (dry lotus seeds, lotus tea, lotus root snacks), spices to environmentally friendly non-food products like straws from grass, bamboo.
In particular, Vietnamese coffee imported and distributed in the Netherlands under Vietnamese brands such as Hoi An Roastery and Real Bean has attracted the attention of visitors. Many visitors enjoyed a cup of European-style coffee with 100% arabica beans or a mix of Arabica and Robusta beans with mostly Arabica ingredients which imported from Viet Nam. Especially, Hoi An Roastery coffee beans grew by farmers in Quang Tri Province, supported by Medical Committee Netherlands-Vietnam (MCNV) and developed in Dutch market by a Dutch company.
H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Ambassador of Viet Nam tasting Vietnamese coffee at Embassy Festival.
The group of Vietnamese students in the Netherlands performed a Silk Fan Dance on the background of the music “Beo dat may troi” at one of the three main stages of the Festival, leaving a strong impression on the audience. Many spectators who love Vietnam responded enthusiastically to the performance and lingered to ask for souvenir photos with the dance team.
Mrs. Le Thi Hien Anh, spouse of Vietnam’s Ambassador.
The most noteworthy aspects of Pope Francis’ visit to Kazakhstan might be the missed opportunities.
By Nicole Winfield and Kostya Manenkov
The Diplomat (13.09.2022) – https://bit.ly/3LbbRr6 – Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Holy See’s strained relations with China are the backdrop to Pope Francis’ visit this week to the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, where he is ministering to a tiny Catholic community and participating in an interfaith conference aimed at promoting peace and dialogue.
Francis was flying Tuesday to the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan to meet with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the state visit portion of the three-day trip. On Wednesday and Thursday, he participates in an interfaith meeting with more than 100 delegations of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Shinto, and other faith groups from 50 countries.
The most noteworthy aspects of Francis’ visit might be missed opportunities: Francis was supposed to have met with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church on the sidelines of the conference. But Patriarch Kirill, who has justified the war in Ukraine, canceled his trip last month.
Francis is also going to be in the Kazakh capital at the same time as Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is making his first foreign visit since the coronavirus pandemic.
Xi is not attending the religious congress. On the pope’s flight to Kazakhstan, Francis was asked about a possible meeting with Xi and replied: “I don’t have any news about this. But I am always ready to go to China.”
