On the Policy of the Uzbek leadership to support the development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
On the Policy of the Uzbek leadership to support the development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan

Uzbekistan has always given priority to promoting the development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. This largest region of the country in terms of territory has large natural and raw materials and agricultural resources, labor potential, transport networks and industrial infrastructure.

The sustainable development of this region is hampered by the negative impact of the ecological crisis of the Aral Sea region, difficult climatic conditions, low population density, low quality of land and water resources, and transport remoteness of settlements. According to UN estimates, most of the region is an arid zone, highly prone to land degradation. All this has an impact on the economic development of Karakalpakstan, social well-being and health of the population, attracting the constant attention of Tashkent.

The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly noted that he is “the son of not only the Uzbek, but also the Karakalpak people.” In his speeches, he always focuses on the fact that “New Uzbekistan is a state the main goal of which is to ensure a free, comfortable and prosperous life for a multinational people.”

“Karakalpakstan is one of the regions, the solution of development problems of which has become one of the priorities of the state policy.” It is no coincidence that in September 2021, as a presidential candidate, Shavkat Mirziyoyev began his election campaign precisely by visiting this region. In February 2022, the President spent three days in Karakalpakstan, studying the situation in the regions, the results achieved and remaining problems, and ways to resolve them.

Thanks to this, over the past 5 years, significant positive results have been achieved in the socio-economic development of Karakalpakstan. Gross domestic product (GRP) increased by 32%, industrial production increased by 30%, agricultural production by 20%. The number of operating enterprises in the region increased by 59%.

For five years, 4,390 thousand sq.m. of land for housing were put into operation in the region, 15.2 thousand places were created in preschool institutions, 38.3 thousand places in schools. Since 2017, the coverage of children with preschool education has increased from 32% to 75%. During the same period, approximately 127 thousand new jobs were created. For the period 2011-2020 GRP per capita increased by 6.9 times.

All this dynamics of socio-economic development is provided not only by significant financial support from the state (Karakalpakstan is one of the main recipients of subsidies from the state budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan), but also by a system of other measures and mechanisms for targeted support of the region.

Over the past five years alone, 11 trillion Uzbek Soums have been allocated to the regional budget. Significant grants and loans from foreign donors and international financial institutions have been attracted. The Senate of the Oliy Majlis formed the Committee for the Development of the Aral Sea Region, Improving Life and Increasing the Income of the Population. Each city and region of Karakalpakstan is assigned to one of the regions of Uzbekistan (Nukus – to Tashkent, Muynak District – to the Tashkent Region, etc.). Similar patronage is entrusted to departments and large banks. As part of the “Doing Business in Karakalpakstan” campaign, 264 projects worth $350 million have been developed.

Great importance is attached to the development of the region’s transport infrastructure. The Muynak airport, frozen for 30 years, was reconstructed, which made it possible to restore air traffic Tashkent – Muynak – Nukus. In September 2020, ADB provided a $274 million loan for the reconstruction of the Nukus-Beyneu highway.

The successful industrial development of the region is evidenced by the construction and commissioning of dozens of enterprises in the fields of electric power, chemical, petrochemical industries and building materials. The largest of them are the Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex, the Kungrad Soda Plant and the Khodjeliy Glass Plant. From 2017 to 2020, industrial production increased from 2.1 times. Over the same period, the total volume of investments in fixed capital increased by almost 3.7 times.

The targeted programs have been adopted and are being implemented for food production, cultivation and process agricultural products, cultivate medicinal plants, as well as establish logistics centers in the agricultural sector.

The main directions for further increasing the economic potential of Karakalpakstan are defined in the Presidential Resolution «On measures for the integrated socio-economic development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan for 2020-2023». It focuses on creating the new «growth points» of cities and districts, supporting for areas with a low level of development. It is set to create 374 facilities and 27 clusters, increase the annual export volume to $347 million, and rise the export enterprises to 250. 1,359 investment projects with a total amount of 12,3 trillion Uzbek Soums have been formed.

In the medium term, it is planned to put into operation a mining and metallurgical complex, modernize the Ustyurt gas chemical complex, as well as build hydrogen and nitrogen filling stations, etc.

Establishing a situational center for the investment projects in the capital of the Nukus region, on the basis of which a unified system for the formation, implementation and monitoring of business projects has been formed, will contribute to improving the efficiency of the region’s investment complex. A Council of Entrepreneurs has also been established, which interacts with project teams when discussing new ideas and proposals, as well as attracts the entrepreneurs for their implementation.

The development of the region is stimulated both by the system of tax and other benefits, and by the creation of special economic zones. The profit tax, income tax, turnover tax and social tax will amount to 1% for local industry in the agriculture and services sectors for the period of 2022-2030.

During the period of 2022-2026 the Export Promotion Agency will reimburse the small business entities of the Aral Sea Region 50% of the cost of railway transportation from other regions of the republic of machinery and equipment for the construction of enterprises and for the export of their products with high added value.

The Free economic Zone (FEZ) «Nukus-pharm», created in 2017, is designed to develop the pharmaceutical industry on the basis of its own medicinal plant raw materials. It is planned to create a free industrial zone in the Shumanai district on the border with Turkmenistan.

The export-oriented vegetable crops will be grown on 12 thousand hectares instead of cotton, the Karakalpak-Agro FEZ is developing, sesame plantations are being created, and the number of pedigreed cattle is increasing in the agricultural sector.

Active work is underway to protect and restore the ecological system of the Aral Sea region. According to the UN General Assembly Resolution of May 18, 2021, the Aral Sea zone is the main part of Karakalpakstan, as well as has become a zone of environmental innovation and technology. A project on greening the bottom of the dried-up Aral Sea is being implemented. Green spaces with an area of 1,7 million hectares have already been planted there. It is set to introduce the  electronic cartography and create a database of endangered species of flora and fauna.

As part of the innovative development program of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, an Academy of Young Scientists and a Youth Technopark are being established in Nukus to support young scientists and researchers, within which a laboratory with a genetic bank of plant seeds, a business accelerator and a training center at the International Innovation Center of the Aral Sea Region will be opened.

There has been active cooperation with international institutions and foreign policy partners to improve the socio-economic situation in Karakalpakstan. At the initiative of the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in November 2018, the United Nations Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region in Uzbekistan was established.

Within five years, it is planned to attract $123.2 million to increase employment, improve social and natural conditions of Karakalpakstan. The government of Uzbekistan transferred the first tranche of $6.5 million to the fund. Funding arrangements have been made with the EU ($5.5 million), Finland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Germany and Switzerland.

As part of the SCO chairmanship, the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward the program «the SCO Green Belt », which provides for the expansion of cooperation between member States in the field of environmental protection. The first SCO event (meeting of the Council of National Coordinators in October 2021) was held in the capital of the region – Nukus.

Together with UNICEF, a programme was being implemented to improve the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene and well-being of the population, primarily the adolescents of Karakalpakstan. The programme addresses the needs of the population through the construction of sanitation facilities, improved access to safe water, hygiene promotion and sanitary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies of Uzbekistan abroad have established active efforts to attract funds and credits for socio-economic development in Karakalpakstan and to reduce the adverse impact of climatic conditions. A project worth $24.5 million is being implemented with ACWA Power Saudi Arabia for the construction and operation of a 100 MW wind farm in the Karatau district of Karakalpakstan.

In general, the socio-economic development of Karakalpakstan, the improvement of the population’s life and the overcoming of the environmental crisis in the Aral Sea region are priority objectives of State policy and an important part of the development strategy of New Uzbekistan. The measures taken are designed to ensure the joint construction of New Karakalpakstan, to help strengthen the unity of the two peoples.

Kosovo Duo Concert: No Frame

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Kosovo Duo Concert: No Frame

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Kosovo Embassy in the Netherlands organized a cultural diplomacy soiree a piano guitar concert. The occasion was the NATO intervention leading up to freedom.

H.E. Mr Dren Doli, Ambassador of Kosovo in the Netherlands made the opening remarks.

The theme of the concert was No Frame referring to spontaneous communication between the two performers, Arben Ramadani piano and Armend Xhaferi guitar. Improvised music, no predefined program, just expressing mutual inner feelings through the tune of Kosovo music, substituted by classical music.

Kosovar musicians, Arben Ramadani piano and Armend Xhaferi guitar.

The concert was held on 30 June 2022, at Het Korenhuis in the heart of The Hague.  Het Korenhuis was built as a corn exchange in 1663, where grain was stored and traded.

An amazing soiree, bravo Kosovo !

No Frame Kosovar concert

Bangladesh @ 50, water story photo book launch in Delft-The Netherlands

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Bangladesh @ 50, water story photo book launch in Delft-The Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam

Delft, 30 June 2022. The Bangladesh Ambassador in the Netherlands Mr Riaz Hamidullah, and Dutch Water Envoy Mr Henk Ovink, launched a book capturing award-winning pictures from younger Bangladeshi and Dutch photographers.

The book results from sixteen months of collaboration between the main Dutch water analysis establishment, Deltares – Annemieke Nijhof  and the Embassy of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh @ 50, water story photo book launch in Delft-The Netherlands.

In the  past year,  the Photo Contest had 800,000 outreaches on social media of  which a jury has selected ten Bangladeshi pictures.

The commemorative photo book has been produced as a part of 50 years of diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and Bangladesh and devoted to the Father of Nation  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh-the Netherlands water story.

The book launching event attracted major figures from the Dutch water sector, such as IHE, Wageningen University, Royal Haskoning, and other institutions.

Several news outlets in Bangladesh as Financial Express, TBS News, and UNB,  divulgated the news of the launching of the prestigious work.

Kudos to the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands.

Luxembourg  National Day Celebration 2022

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Luxembourg  National Day Celebration 2022

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit and Mrs Nicole Hoscheit-Maes organized a reception on the National Day of Luxembourg at their residence on 23 June 2022.

On this sunny afternoon, the lawns of the residence serve as a fabulous backdrop for the reception. Without a doubt, Ambassador Hoscheit’s colleagues enjoy the program.

In his speech, Ambassador Jean-Marc Hoscheit expressed the view that many tourists will visit Luxembourg since the free movement of persons within the Schengen countries has resumed. Hoscheit invited his guest to taste the Luxembourg cuisine and beverages.

The Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit and Mrs Nicole Hoscheit-Maes welcome a guest.

The saxophone quartet Saxitude a creative and high-energy saxophone quartet from Luxembourg delighted the guests with their musical intermezzo. Further, on the program, Mr Piet Hein Donner was made “Grand Officer of the Order of the Oak Crown”.

Those in attendance included a long slate of Ambassadors and other dignitaries, China, DG.OPCW and many others.

Congratulations Luxembourg.

Africa Works 2022 Conference

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Africa Works 2022 Conference

Theme “Innovation for Resilient Growth”

By Roy Lie Atjam

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.

Photographer Chris Ronteltap.

Criminal network that smuggled migrants across Europe dismantled     

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Criminal network that smuggled migrants across Europe dismantled     

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
  • Belgium: Federaal Parket; Federale Gerechtelijke Politie
  • Germany: Public Prosecutor´s Office Berlin, Joint investigation group of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office and German Federal Police
  • Hungary: National Bureau of Investigation, Metropolitan Chief Prosecution Office

Major operation against migrant smuggling in the English Channel

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Major operation against migrant smuggling in the English Channel

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 OsnabrĂĽck, 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 OsnabrĂĽck 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 OsnabrĂĽck 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.

Rwanda 28th  Liberation Day Celebration

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Rwanda 28th  Liberation Day Celebration

Together we prosper

By Roy Lie Atjam

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 2022 Rwanda Liberation Day Celebration.

A Rwanda dancer from group Inkumburwa.

Vietnam  Commemorative Medal Ceremony

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Vietnam  Commemorative Medal Ceremony

By Roy Lie Atjam

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.

Another speaker at the remittance ceremony was Mr Max Valstar, Head South and Southeast Asia Division MFA. The Netherlands.

“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.

Artsakh – A museum under an open sky

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Artsakh – A museum under an open sky

By H.E. Dr Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to 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 the International 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 cultural heritage protection organization Europa Nostra. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) issued a special 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.

1...168169170...876Page 169 of 876