Lorenzo Livio Maria Ravano is well-acquainted to Germany, and speaks the German language in addition to his native French. In the same measure he masters the Italian, English and Spanish languages, and served previously in the capacity as Minister-Counsellor-Deputy Head of Mission of the Princely Monégasque Embassy to Germany, Poland and Austria as well as Deputy Permanent Representative of the Principality of Monaco to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and International Organizations based in Vienna from 2017, and up to his first ambassadorship.
Before arriving in Berlin, Ambassador Ravano served in the capacity as Counsellor, subsequently First Counsellor (from 2016) and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Monaco in the United States of America and Canada, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Principality of Monaco to the Organization of American States (from 2011). Serving in Washington D.C. from 2008 through 2017.
The Ambassador holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the International University of Monaco, summa cum laude. Moreover, a Postgraduate European Education and Diploma in International Marketing issued by the Academy of Brussels
Supported by Eurojust and Europol, judicial and law enforcement authorities in France, Spain and Portugal have dismantled a criminal network involved in sexual exploitation and human trafficking. During an action day, ten suspects were arrested and twelve locations searched in the three countries involved. Seizures include EUR 20 000 in cash, two vehicles and electronic equipment.
Beginning in France in 2021, the investigations revealed that a series of prostitution activities that took place in several towns in France were handled by a structure based in Spain. The services of the victims, who were of Latin American origin, were announced on a dedicated website and through telephone lines managed from Spain.
It is believed that the profits generated by the prostitution activities in France were also sent to Spain.
The case was opened at Eurojust in 2021 at the request of the French investigative judge from JIRS Nancy. Three coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation, including the execution of six European Investigation Orders (EIOs) in Spain and two in Portugal, and the preparation of the joint action day.
Europol provided analytical support, assisted with the exchange of information and deployed officers on the spot during the action day.
During a joint action day on 20 June, four suspects were arrested in Spain in three house searches. In France, two suspects were arrested. A total of seven house searches were carried out. In Portugal, four suspects were arrested and two house searches carried out.
Seizures include EUR 20 000 in cash, as well as two vehicles, electronic equipment, two hard drives, more than thirty mobile phones, SIM cards, bank cards, notebooks, diaries and handwritten accounts of prostitution activities.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
France: Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction of Nancy (JIRS); Law enforcement: BMRZ of Metz (Border Police)
Spain: Investigative Court number 3 in Algeciras and International Cooperation Section of PPO Cádiz; Group on CyberTHB, UCRIF Central, National Police
Portugal: UNCT (Unidade Nacional Contraterrorismo) from the Polícia Judiciária; Public Prosecutor from the DCIAP ( Central Department of Penal Investigation) in Lisbon
Supported by Eurojust, authorities in Lithuania,Hungary, Slovakia and Latvia have undertaken a successful operation against large-scale VAT fraud involving the sale of used cars from the United States. The managers of five companies who allegedly acted together may have avoided paying at least EUR 4 million in taxes to the Lithuanian authorities.
In an action day, authorities carried out over twenty simultaneous searchesin the four countries. Witnesses were interviewed and documents of significant value for the investigation, as well as EUR 50 000 in cash, were seized.
According to the pre-trial investigations, five companies in the Lithuanian city of Klaipėda were engaged in the trade of used cars with the objective of avoiding paying taxes. The companies’ managers allegedly used a margin scheme that is well known to officials. VAT margin schemes are methods of accounting that allow businesses to calculate VAT on the value added to the goods they sell, rather than on the full selling price.
The suspects may have used non-operating companies registered in Slovakia and Hungary. The owners and directors of these companies, Latvian citizens, allegedly forged documents about cars purchased from these companies with an already adapted margin.
It is estimated that in three and a half years, the companies were able to sell 2 300 vehicles for at least EUR 19 million, and the potentially unpaid VAT amounts to at least EUR 4 million.
The case was opened at Eurojust on 4 May 2022 by the Lithuanian authorities. The Agency contributed to the coordination of urgent and simultaneous investigative actions in the countries involved and provided support in preparation for the action day that took place on 25 May.
More than 20 simultaneous searches took place in Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia and Latvia. Authorities interviewed witnesses and seized documents of significant value for the investigation, as well as EUR 50 000 in cash. During the searches at the companies’ places of business, 46 used vehicles from the US were found.
The properties of the suspects and companies were subject to a temporary restriction of rights, including the restricted ownership of 840 vehicles, plots of land, houses and cash. The total value of the frozen assets is more than EUR 4.7 million.
Allegations of fraudulent accounting and concealment of millions in taxes by providing incorrect data on income were made against the managers of the five companies.
The following authorities took part in the operations:
Lithuania: Klaipėda Financial Intelligence Unit; Klaipėda Public Prosecutor’s Office
Hungary: National Tax and Customs Administration Central Hungarian Criminal Directorate; Metropolitan Chief Prosecution Office, Department for Economic Crimes
Slovakia: Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office Bratislava, District Police Headquarter Bratislava I
Latvia: Tax and Customs Police Board of the State Revenue Service of Latvia
The main purpose of the body is to promote Kazakh-Hellenic cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, tourism, culture and other spheres by establishing appropriate contacts, as well as advising interested organizations on the specifics of the Kazakh and Greek economies.
Greece is Kazakhstan’s fifth largest trading partner among the European Union member states. The annual trade turnover between the countries amounts to about 1.5 US bln dollars. In Greece, there are about 100 thousand natives of Kazakhstan – ethnic Greeks – who have returned to their historic homeland. Since June 2 this year, there have been direct flights between the countries.
On the Kazakh side, the Council has been headed by the well-known economist Zhaksybek Kulekeyev, while on the Greek side by the entrepreneur and authoritative expert in the field of energy law, Thomas Lamnidis.
During the ceremony an opening remark was made by Konstantinos Fragkogiannis, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece in charge of economic diplomacy. The diplomat stressed that Kazakhstan is one of the key partners of Greece in the Eurasian region, with which Athens intends to develop trade, economic and investment cooperation. A representative of the Hellenic government expressed his confidence that the platform could effectively serve the purpose of enhancing bilateral business relations.
In his turn, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Yerlan Baudarbek-Kozhatayev, confirming the mutual commitment to the comprehensive strengthening of Kazakh-Greek relations, noted the importance of intensifying contacts between business circles of the two countries in light of the ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan on building a “New Kazakhstan” under the leadership of President Tokayev. The Ambassador stressed that Kazakhstan’s focus on creating favourable conditions for doing business and attracting investment to the country’s economy will provide a solid foundation for building up new and expanding existing business ties.
Noting the timeliness of establishing such a platform to bring the business communities of both countries closer together, Co-Chairman of the Kazakhstan’s part of the Council Mr. Kulekeyev informed the guests of the event about the current situation in the economy of Kazakhstan and outlined mutually beneficial priority areas for expanding cooperation.
The head of the Greek part of the Business Council, T. Lamnidis, addressed the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, expressing the great interest of the business communities of the two countries in signing the Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation between the governments of Kazakhstan and Greece as soon as possible. The entrepreneur noted that this instrument would greatly contribute to the expansion of business contacts.
Konstantinos Petridis, the President of the DKG Development company, who was elected as the CEO of the Hellenic-Kazakh Business Council, noted that the interest in developing trade and economic cooperation with partners from Kazakhstan stems from the country’s policy of building transparent, pragmatic and reliable relations with the business community.
A Cigars, Rum, Coffee, Bolero Night in The Hague. It all started with a passion for cigars, rum, coffee and bolero.
Consequently, Diplomat Magazine, Leonardo Royal Hotel and Casa del Habano hosted a cigar rum and coffee tasing event along with a bolero presentation that brought together diplomats, Dutch civil servants, producers of cigars, rum, coffee, connoisseurs, neophytes and bolero enthusiasts.
Pablo Grimaldi from cigars La Margot, Torres Garcia and Linga cigars with Gerbrand Nijman, Global Telecom.
Cigars & Boleros 2022
The rum lovers were spotted swirling, sipping and savouring rum and cigars offered by exhibitors from the producing countries.
An eventful afternoon kicked off with an exclusive tasting at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague on the sunny Friday afternoon of 17 June 2022.
Ambassadors of the participating countries briefly introduce their products.
Guatemala by H.E. the Ambassador of Guatemala, Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales. Cigars & Boleros 2022.
Guatemala by H.E. the Ambassador of Guatemala, Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales
I hope the tasting experience will result in a better understanding of the wealth that Guatemala and Latin America have to offer. So please delight your senses with a taste of our region. Guatemala is the heart of Mesoamerica. One of the world’s 17 Megadiverse countries, both as a tourist destination and as the perfect environment for rum production.
It is precisely Guatemala´s ecological diversity that gives its Rum a distinct and intense flavour. Guatemala´s rich volcanic soil, varied landscape and climate are perfect conditions for growing sugar cane and creating ageing Rum.
Guatemala rum Botran. Cigars and Boleros 2022. From the Embassy of Guatemala: Carol Simonetti and Alondra Ochoa Morelos, Administrative staff with William Edward Turton Furlan, Commercial Counsellor.
Thank you, Diplomat Magazine, La Casa del Habano and Leonardo Royal Hotel for hosting this magical night. I also want to make a special mention to our main sponsor, Botran – Ron de Guatemalafor its commitment to bringing the best of Guatemala abroad, a success story. Quote: Our land makes it, our climate shapes it, our methods transform it, and our Rum is one of a Guatemalan kind.
Panama by H.E. the Ambassador of Panama, Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman. Cigars & Boleros 2022.Panama chocolate at Cigars & Boleros 2022.Panama National Dress, the Pollera.Rum Abuelo from Panama. Cigars & Boleros 2022.
Panamaby H.E. the Ambassador of Panama, Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman
Panama has more to offer than straw hats.There is the canal of course. However, the Ambassador promulgated the high quality of her country’s rum El Abuelo, cigar, tourism, ground provisions, services and much more.
H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Duran, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic by H.E. Ambassador Juan Bautista Duran.
The Dominican Republic is currently one of the world’s leading producers of quality cigars due to the careful management of its crops and the innovative attitude of producers, which has made Dominican cigars receive numerous awards and prizes from tobacco lovers and experts around the world. Dominican tobacco is Culture, Art and Tradition but also the economic and social growth of the country, providing more than 110 thousand direct and indirect jobs.
In 2021, cigar exports accounted for 85% of total exports and reached an all-time high of over one billion pesos.
Besides Rum and cigars, the Dominican Republic had a marketing gimmick that attracted attention. The Ambassador gave renditions of various popular tunes, which went down well with the crowd, they kept asking for more.
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
Huge thanks to Diplomat Magazine, in the person of director Dr Mayelinne De Lara, and Leonardo Royal Hotel for this beautiful initiative and the excellent organization of the event.
H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Duran, the ambassador of Dominican Republic with Dominican diplomats and members of the diaspora.
Cuba by The Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms Anet Pino Rivero
Cuba with Cuban Cigars (Cuban tobacco) and Rum. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy Cuban music, dance with the Cubans Mr. Jorge Martínez Galán and Rafael Cala.
I thank Diplomat Magazine and La Casa del Habano for organizing this wonderful event.
Further, Cuban Rums Perla del Norte and Cubay, in cooperation with Casa Ron. I thank Guillermo for being with us tonight.
H.E. Ms Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba.
Ron Perla del Norte. Applies a unique technology of spirits and aged bases, exposed to different stages of mixing and ageing in white oak, some components have reached up to 7 years of ageing.
Ron Cubay. This award-winning rum house was founded in 1964 in Villa Clara, primarily intended for domestic consumption. Now worldwide available in 5 different flavours. Cubay rum elevates the typical expression of the sweet taste of the Centre island, which preserves the tradition of the Cuban light rum.
Cuban dance teacher, Rafael Cala.
Cuban cigars. In 1492 the Spanish expedition commanded by Christopher Columbus saw tobacco for the first time in the New World. The Taino Indians rolled and burnt some mysterious leaves called “Cohiba”.
From that starting point five hundred years ago, tobacco has been traded and planted throughout the world.
Tabaco Negro Cubano or Cuban Black Tobacco has been considered one of the best in the world because of the unique growing conditions in some areas of the Island. This distinction remains incontestably valid after more than five centuries.
All Habanos are experienced in using methods that were pioneered in Havana two centuries ago and remain virtually unchanged to this day.
I invite you to enjoy the Cuban flavour through its tobaccos, Rums, and cultural performances.
Diplomat magazine, Leonardo, Habanero have embarked on an ambitious project to shine light on the Latin America-Caribe region’s historic acclaimed artisan products of cigar and rum. Well, let me tell you, shining it did!
H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria, Beatriz Piza and spouse H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klee Arenales, Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Ms. Eizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama and H.E. Mr. Andrei Yeudachenka, Ambassador of Belarus. Mr. Wilhen Diaz Lara, Charge D’affaires of Venezuela. Cigars & Boleros 2022.
Venezuela by Mr. Wilhen Diaz Lara, Charge D’affaires
We are here not only to meet our friends, but also to taste some products from the exportable supply of our countries. From the Embassy of Venezuela, we are very happy to present you on this beautiful afternoon a Caribbean experience from Venezuela, offering a taste of at least two of our national items of production whose exportable quality maintains remarkable value, regardless of the coercive unilateral measures applied to Venezuela.
The export of these products is one of many example of how we work hard hand in hand with our best asset, our people. We have rum the export and transformation of national cocoa, a particularity that comes from the passion that is instilled in each step of the production process, able to appreciate throughout the process as a very important aspect that represents our nation, such as responsibility, integrity and preservation of the environment.
Venezuela Rum Diplomatico. Venezuela at Cigars & Boleros 2022.
Diplomático Rum, a recognized brand, winner of multiple awards and international recognitions that demonstrate family values. Here is a company that recycles 100% of its solid and liquid waste, using the latter as organic fertilizer for the sugar cane fields.
With a special touch, these Venezuelan rum have a special aging process that can vary between 4, 8 and 12 years of maturation, unique in its style and in different types of barrels, predominantly ex-bourbon and ex-malt whisky. A selection of Spanish sherry butts is used to refine the finish of the Single Vintage and Ambassador rums.
Also, Ada Romero joins us today, a Venezuelan Master chocolatier and quantum therapist.
Mildred Wiersma, Latin Show. Cigars & Boleros 2022.
in the same spirit that you enjoy this beautiful sunny afternoon, I hope you will also enjoy the Boleros. I have the pleasure to introducing you to a Venezuelan singer who merges music and culture of Venezuela and the Netherlands. Creator and founder of Mildred Wiersma, Latin Show and with her years of experience in Venezuela she decided to bring her music to the Netherlands.
A walk-around the tasting kiosks on the lawns of the Leonardo Royal Hotel showed guests chatting with the producers trying to understand the flavor , aroma and showing keen interest in the aging process technics of the various textures of rum.
The afternoon was vivified by Latino-Caribe music, song, dance demonstrations, buffet, and beautiful finger food and topped off with a surpassingly joyous ambience.
Ambassadors and diplomats from all continents, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cameroon, South Africa, Belarus, Nicaragua. Further representatives of the ex-pat, international and Dutch community.
The Cigars, Rum, Coffee and Bolero Extravaganza is just a sparkle there are further activations planned to put Latino-Caribe Rum and Cigars on the map in the Netherlands and beyond.
All left the Leonardo Hotel in high spirit!
The Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales and the Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Ahn.
A complete defeat of Russia in Ukraine war is a utopian dream in this high-tech century. However, Ukraine and its western allies can defeat Russian only in conventional war.
But, in the history, Moscow is always far away to reach and the history repeats itself. The possible USA led NATO invasion of Moscow in 2022 needs to involve of unthinkable lives and resources. The daily overall cost of the invasion towards Moscow will be several hundred times higher than the daily cost of Ukraine war.
According to Newsweek report, SOFREP, a media outlet said the invasion requires approximately $900 million a day. However, Ukraine has lost up to $600 billion, with $92 billion of damage to its infrastructure, according to a study released by the Kyiv School of Economics on 6 May.
The monotonous and prolonged war can exist for several years. Russian relentless bombardment in eastern Ukraine has settled into a rhythm which resembles World War One trench warfare. The war not will only impact on Russian lives and resources, but it will damage all kind of exiting economic system all over the world and pollute the soil, air, water, seas and oceans. The greenery earth could be disappeared for several centuries. The fate of winner and looser, Moscow and Washington will be same. Millions dead-bodies of war victims could be buried or burned in the battle fields, but , end of war, millions impeded men, women and children will walk on the streets of Moscow, London, Paris, Washington or elsewhere.
In long run, Ukraine and its Western allies have to do lot of ground work to win the war. First of all, they will prevent Putin from using nuclear weapons and destruct Russian abilities to switch on the nuclear weaponries. They shall deploy infantry three times higher than Russian infantry. All out measure is needed to push back Putin and his nominated inheritor from Kremlin before reaching Moscow. In this objective the Westerner must pouring fuel into Russian internal conflict to decentralize Moscow’s power-centre and ruin the Russian economy. Then they find a western loyalist Tsar instead of Putin. New Tsar will be a peace campaigner and could step back from war. The Tsar could sign western architected peace agreement. The clauses of this agreement can be copied from the clause of Versailles treaty, was drafted at the Paris Peace Conference in the spring of 1919 and ended World War I.
Since the Russian invasion, every day and every hour Ukraine has lost its land, resources and blood. Influx of Ukrainian refugees have become higher and higher in different European countries.
Every day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cried for more western weapons and for imposing extensive sanction on Russia. Since the invasion, the USA led NATO allies has given him endless sophisticated arms and ammunitions, but reality is often disappointing as yet, he did not got any breakthrough to stop Russian offensive. Russia already occupied eastern Ukraine and continuing indiscriminate missile strikes on different Ukrainian cities including Kiev. Russia has blocked Ukrainian grain to export. It seems that Ukraine is unable to win the war against Russia without USA led NATO’s full-fledged involvement.
Former U.S. secretary of state Henry A. Kissinger said recently at a conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia to help end the invasion as a vast majority of Ukrainians are against the war.
He also urged the United States and the West to not seek an embarrassing defeat for Russia in Ukraine, warning it could worsen Europe’s long-term stability.
If USA led NOTO allies avoid direct war against Russian,
Volodymyr Zelensky has two options. First, He may continue the war against Russia with the support of arms-ammunitions from western allies. Another option is to move for peace negotiation instead of seeking western military aides. He will win a great achievement from peace table if Russia retreats from the eastern Ukraine. But the Russian point of view, this would be absurd concession. So, Volodymyr Zelensky may set his mind to grant full autonomy for Russian spoken population in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky will be winner in this peace battle if he up to keep the Ukrainian sovereignty.
Friday, 17 June 2022, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein: With Kiel Week starting, the U.S. Ambassador in Germany, Dr Amy Gutmann, took the opportunity to become acquainted with Germany’s northernmost federal state, and paid an inaugural visit to the State Chancellery in the capital of Kiel, wherein she was received by Premier Daniel Günther. Dr Gutmann was accompanied by the U.S. Consul General responsible for the federal state, Darion Akins -based in Hamburg.
All dignitaries used the opportunity to exchange views on the relationship between their countries as well as the international situation. The meeting took place as the Kiel Week was about to begin, the single most global event in Schleswig-Holstein, and the largest regatta in Europe.
Ambassador Gutmann became head of mission on 17 February 2022 upon presenting credentials to Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Consul General Akins serves in the latter capacity since July 2019.
Tuesday, 7th June 2022, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate: Premier Malu Dreyer received the novel U.S. Ambassador Dr. Amy Gutmannfor her inaugural visit to the State Chancellery. Topics of the get-to-know-you meeting included the consequences of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, cooperation with U.S. forces in the country as well as the successful cooperation between BioNTech and Pfizer in the development and production of the Corona vaccine.
“Rhineland-Palatinate and the United States have a longstanding relationship of partnership and trust. The approximately 50,000 U.S. citizens (members of the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. civilian employees as well as their family members) who live with us with their families in good neighborliness and friendship shape parts of our country. The major security challenges resulting from the Russian invasion, which violates international law, clearly show the importance of close cooperation between NATO partners and the significance of U.S. bases in Europe,” said premier Dreyer in her statement available in its original German language below. It is our common task to further strengthen transatlantic relations. Only in this way will it be possible to protect peace, freedom and democracy.
U.S. Ambassador Dr. Amy Gutmann said, “We are very grateful to Rhineland-Palatinate for the hospitality that our servicemen and women experience with you every day. Germany and Rhineland-Palatinate are indispensable partners for us to meet the current challenges in Europe and the world, such as the defense of democracy, support for Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia, climate protection and, especially important for me, the lively exchange of young students as a basis for further strengthening our relations. Also, we will always remember the excellent support in the context of the Afghanistan evacuation in August 2021.”
Premier Malu Dreyer emphasized the close exchange between the state and local levels and the U.S. Armed Forces. Likewise, she said, the state government maintains ongoing contacts with the U.S. government and promotes cooperation in areas such as science and education. “Sixty-seven schools maintain a school partnership with the United States. The state’s colleges and universities cooperate with many institutions in the United States. For example, Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz alone has ties to 23 U.S. universities and research institutions,” the premier said.
The close ties between Rhineland-Palatinate and the U.S. are also visible in the economic sphere and in trade relations, she added. “Even though exports declined slightly in 2020 and 2021 due to the Corona pandemic, the U.S. is still the most important customer for Rhineland-Palatinate exports, ahead of France,” said Premier Malu Dreyer. A beacon of successful German-American cooperation, she said, is BioNTech-Pfizer’s success in vaccine production, which is saving lives all over the world.
Dr. Amy Gutmann became the first woman to hold the office of U.S. ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany in February 2022. She served as president of the University of Pennsylvania from 2004 to 2022. In 2009, she was appointed by U.S. President Obama to chair the President’s Commission on Bioethics, which she led for seven years. She is an award-winning author and editor of 17 books on ethical aspects of constitutional democracy, education, health care, and human rights.
The judicial authorities of Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia will become members of the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes, which has been set up with the support of Eurojust. The Prosecutors General of the three EU Member States signed an agreement to join the JIT, together with their counterparts from Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, during a coordination meeting hosted by Eurojust yesterday and today. The JIT was set up on 25 March by Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) became a participant last month.
The membership of the three countries was announced today during a press conference at Eurojust by Ms Iryna Venediktova, Prosecutor General of Ukraine. The main aim of the JIT is to facilitate investigations and prosecutions in the concerned states as well as those that could be taken forward before the ICC.
The joining of the JIT by Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia reinforces the clear message that no effort will be spared in gathering evidence on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine and bringing those responsible to justice. The fact that the JIT was already set up in March is a sign of the rapid response that is enabling close cooperation and an effective and swift exchange of information and evidence.
Eurojust will continue to support the JIT partners throughout the entire process with operational, analytical, legal and financial assistance. The Agency also accommodates coordination and cooperation between all national authorities, which have initiated investigations into alleged core international crimes.
The coordination meeting, which was held at Eurojust over the last few days, brought together prosecutors and investigators from EU Member States and third countries with Liaison Prosecutors at the Agency. As of 2 March of this year, seven coordination meetings have already been held. These included National Members of EU Member States at Eurojust, Liaison Prosecutors and representatives of the ICC. Since 2018, Ukraine has been one of the ten third countries with a Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust
Thursday, 2 June 2022, Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany: The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany hosted a concert and a subsequent reception in commemoration of 28th May Independence Day. The event took place at the newly opened Azerbaijan Cultural Centre, a cultural wing of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany.
Opening the event, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Federal Republic of Germany H.E. Mr. Ramin Hasanov said that Independence Day was associated with the establishment of an independent democratic republic by the Azerbaijani people 104 years ago. He highlighted that this history is a source of pride for every Azerbaijani. The ambassador noted that despite the fact that the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan merely existed for two years, it accomplished many achievements, including the introduction of parliamentarism in 1918, the recognition of elections and other rights for women and national minorities. Hasanov also noted that the people of Azerbaijan regained their independence in 1991 and embarked on a new path of development under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He added that it was during this period that the nation-building of Azerbaijan and reforms covering all spheres of society began and a modern development strategy was defined. The ambassador said that as a result of this far-sighted policy, our lands, which have been under occupation for almost 30 years, have been liberated and the territorial integrity of our country has been restored.
Ambassador Hasanov noted that this year’s Independence Day is marked by another important event. He noted that the event opened the doors of the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany. The ambassador said the centre was established in 2019 on the initiative of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, a selfless promoter of Azerbaijani culture inside and outside the country, and by order of President Ilham Aliyev. The Azerbaijani ambassador expressed his deep gratitude to all those involved in the construction of the center, including the building’s architects Nariman Imamaliyev and Klaus Neumann, noting that the building of the Azerbaijani Cultural Centre added color to the architecture of Berlin. He stressed that the establishment of the centre is a very important contribution of the leadership of our country to the promotion of rich Azerbaijani culture in Germany, and the development of cultural ties between our countries.
Ambassador Ramin Hasanov noted that the opening of the Cultural Centre coincides with the Year of Shusha. Speaking at the concert dedicated to the Independence Day, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, conductor Yalchin Adigozalov also represents the third generation of the ancient musician family from Shusha, the Capital of Culture of Azerbaijan. Ambassador Ramin Hasanov noted that the Cultural Centre will host many interesting cultural events during the Year of Shusha.
2nd image: In attendance: The Apostolic Nuncio, Dr. Nikola Eterović; Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Nabijon Kasimov; Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Berdimurat Redjepov; Russia’s Ambassador Sergej J. Netschajew.
In his allocution, the Azerbaijani ambassador also spoke about the developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany in all areas. He noted that there is a political dialogue between our countries based on mutual trust at the highest level. He noted that the Azerbaijani foreign and energy ministers paid a working visits to Germany in March this year, and that both sides were interested in continuing such visits in the near future. The ambassador noted that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for Germany and the European Union and plays an important role in diversifying Europe’s energy supply. In his speech, Hasanov spoke about our policies and approaches in the post-conflict period. He said that the Azerbaijani side initiated a peace initiative for the establishment of peace in the region, as well as offered the other side to sign a peace agreement based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as inviolability of borders.
Speaking at the event, Mattias Luttenberg, Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia at the German Foreign Ministry, delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the German government on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and explored the Azerbaijani-German relations in his own words.
After the official part of the event, the chamber orchestra led by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, conductor Yalchin Adigozalov performed works by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Gara Garayev, Fikret Amirov, Asaf Zeynalli, Vasif Adigozalov, Mammad Guiyev and other Azerbaijani composers, as well as German classics. Azerbaijani musicians Anar Ibrahimov (violin), Sahib Pashazade (tar) and Orkhan Jalilov (tenor) performed as soloists of the concert.
After the concert, during the reception on the occasion of 28th May – Independence Day, the participants were introduced to the culture, cuisine, tourism potential of Azerbaijan as well as the opportunities to invest in our country.
