The Arts Society The Hague

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The Arts Society The Hague

By Andrea Perugini

The Arts Society UK is a leading non-profit Arts and Culture Organization with over 380 affiliated societies and 90,000 members worldwide, bringing people together through a shared interest in the Arts.  The Arts Society The Hague, whose patron is H.E. the British Ambassador, is one of the most active affiliated societies in Europe and will celebrate its 30th Anniversary in January 2022.

Panels preparation – The Arts Society The Hague

Our Lectures provide welcoming events where expert lecturers, academicians, researchers, historians, museum curators and art experts share their specialist knowledge and passion on a wide range of subjects – from music to architecture, from fashion to craftsmanship, from archaeology to glassware, from visual arts to history, from ancient traditions to photography, from historical cities to lost civilisations.

We normally organize – Live and via Zoom – eight one-hour lectures during the course of a season (October to May) in our main venue, the Warenar Cultural Centre, Wassenaar, where we can host over 200 people at a time.  As you can see from our Website (https://theartssociety.org/the-hague) this year’s programme of lectures offers a wide range of fascinating topics on Postmodernism, Architecture, History of Fireworks, Modern Japanese Art, the Magic of Prague, Albrecht Dürer, the Renaissance, and two unusual stories of Ancient Rome.  In addition we also organize Special Events, Lectures with local and foreign speakers and visits to Museums sometimes with exclusive guided tours.

Marriage a la mode – The tete a tete

Our lectures are given by selected speakers who are particularly skilled in communicating and stimulating the viewer’s interest. An attractive subject can soon become very boring if you don’t have the right speaker.  It is a speaker’s ability to captivate the audience which, in addition to the subject itself, is one of the best features of our lectures.  How many times have I been immersed in a new and different dimension, losing all notion of time and space listening to a lecture!

Our strength is our members: there are about 100 of them in The Netherlands alone, mostly based in and around The Hague and composed of expats as well as internationally oriented Dutch residents.  We are connected by a common passion for the Arts, nourishing and empowering us all.  In these times of hardship imposed by the pandemic we need now more than ever to rediscover how beneficial to our well-being the cultural and social dimensions of curiosity and human interaction can be. 

We believe that Arts and Culture are at the heart of everything we do, as they have a universal ability to promote better mutual understanding and inclusiveness between peoples, and to act as a major instrument of peace and dialogue, thus enriching everyone’s lives.

Sophie Martin (centre) and company in rehearsals for Scottish Ballet’s Starstruck. Credit Andy Ross

As a retired diplomat and former Ambassador of Italy to The Netherlands, I am particularly persuaded that the Arts Society has real potential for enhancing connection between Embassies and Consulates in The Hague.

We can offer, in cooperation with Diplomat Magazine, a perfect platform for Arts-based lectures and performances to which our members would be invited. This could be an interesting springboard in outreach promotion for many Embassies and Consulates.

Mr. Andrea Perugini

Host and event or become a member:

Is your Embassy or International Organization planning to host an event at which visitors to The Hague can hear an interesting lecture in English about culture and art in your country?   Please contact me at: andrea.perugini58@gmail.com

https://theartssociety.org/the-hague

The necessity of youth support in sustaining democracy

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The necessity of youth support in sustaining democracy

By Aiden Correia

On top of contemporary challenges such as the pressing climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and growing inequality, democracies have yet another trial to face. Around the world, youth are increasingly losing faith in democracy (Foa, et al. 2020). This trend among the global youth is a dangerous development, primarily because the youth backing is vital for democratic viability. Furthermore, it has provided a ‘power-vacuum’ for populists to enter and garnish support among the disenfranchised and frustrated adolescents. This further undermines the workings of democracy, causing a whole range of problems.

For democratic systems to remain strong and fully-functional systems, they need to acknowledge their flaws regarding the inclusion of youth engagement and work on tools to foster the hopes and faith of the young. This paper will first make a case for the importance of youth in sustaining democracy. It will then move on to provide an insight into the causes and effects of this particular political apathy. Consequently, it will conclude with a case favoring the active engagement of young people and youth organizations in government. All of this will ultimately partly answer the question democracies all over the world are struggling with: how can we maintain democracy in the face of adversity?

The necessity of youth support

According to Fukuyama, the fall of the Berlin wall signified the ‘end of history’. With the number of democratic regimes increasing and the system being generally supported among citizens, Fukuyama believed that the world has finally reached the “end-point of mankind’s ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government” (Fukuyama 1992).

Although he was right on some accounts and democracy continues to be the most widespread and supported ideology up until today, the end stage is still far from being reached. Instead democracy is facing both internal as well as external challenges. External challenges include the threat of extremism to democracy, as showcased by the 9/11 attacks, the resurgence of communist ideologies through the rise of China and Russia, and economic instability such as the one caused by the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Adding on to this, there are internal threats such as growing political apathy in democratic systems, and the rise of populism and other extremist ideas.

This paper argues that one of democracy’s main challenges is that it has lost the faith amongst its citizens, and particularly the youth. Youth contribution is vital for democratic perseverance for multiple reasons. Firstly, youth empowerment is central for preventing violent extremism. Disenfranchised youth with little belief in liberal democracy, are more prone to become subject to extremism and violence. According to the Community’s Democratic and Security Dialogue report young people with little access to liberal democracy, may seek for alternative means to achieve their needs such as extremist groups like ISIS (2017, 10). Hence, by fostering youth support, liberal democracies face less internal threats to their livelihood.

Additionally, youth voices are vital in helping societies resolve international conflicts peacefully. Based on a year-long research project, the report also found that for liberal democracies to successfully achieve international stability and security, youth would have to be embraced as partners in security. This is predominantly due to the fact that “youth – and women -, are critical to effective strategies to deal with grievances before they mushroom into violent causes” (Albright, et al. 2017, 12).

According to the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, the largest online community and repository of electoral knowledge, youth support and representation in democracy also enhances the domestic political processes. This because individuals will feel as though they actually have a voice and will funnel their frustrations into political action. The support of democracy among young people is especially important in transitional democracies, whose lasting livelihood depend on individuals bringing democratic values to life. When youth go underrepresented, they will in turn lose faith in democracy, undermining its values and sustenance.

Hence, there is a certain necessity of youth support and trust in sustaining democracy (Chevalier 2019, 418). If democratic regimes fail to either recapture or maintain this support, they will only continue to weaken in the face of global adversity. Before moving on to possible solutions on how to get youth (back) into politics, the next section will first underscore the causes and effects behind the increased political apathy amongst youth.

The loss of youth support of democracy: causes and effects

In 2020, the Centre of the Future of Democracy published a rather ambitious report, drawing upon the largest-ever global dataset on democratic legitimacy around the world. They stated that across the globe, “younger generations have become steadily more dissatisfied with democracy” (1). They also analyzed the surge of both left-wing and right-wing populism in liberal democracies and attempt to answer whether these leaders can have a positive effect on youth sentiment and support of democracy. Throughout their report, they explain the democratic disconnect by drawing upon multiple causes. For instance, the authors cite ‘rising inequality’ around the world as an explanation behind political apathy amongst youth. As a result of the prospect of an economically unstable future – high household debt, less access to the housing market, increased rental costs, and more dependance on relatives and family – individuals become less content with the results of democracy. This might ultimately result in the shift to populism, as these leaders often tap into the dissatisfaction of the young.

Another cause in the expansion of youth unemployment and the rising uncertainty of stable contracts and pay. Especially after the financial crisis of 2008, the level of satisfaction with democracy among youth decreased dramatically. A final cause the scholars offer is something they refer to as ‘transition fatigue’ which essentially alludes to the idea that the new generation of voters is now more concerned with the functioning of democracy, as opposed to simply its ideals. Increasingly, “the legitimacy of democracy hinges on its performance – or failure – to face the mounting social challenges” (19). Exemplary of this trend of ‘transition fatigue’ is the decrease of satisfaction with democracy as soon as countries joined the European Union. Although youth initially believed that EU accession would have mainly positive effects such as the easing of trade restrictions and the harmonization with EU laws, reality quickly caught up and optimism faded as soon as accession was attained. In reality, citizens were faced with negative domestic political challenges such as endemic corruption and spatial inequality (Foa, et al. 2020, 21).

As a result of democracy failing to attain some of its promises, young people are increasingly fed up (Gray 2016). When asked what frustrated people the most about government leaders in their country, about one fourth of the respondents cited the ‘lack of action’. Current affairs such as the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing racial and wealth inequality that continues on, demand immediate drastic and perhaps even radical responses, but governments have been slow to react. This has led to feelings of frustration and anger among young people, and has resulted in large protests all over the world. Take for instance the climate strikes that are happening globally and the large Black Lives Matter protests that spread over the world like wildfire. The lack of action has, quite understandably, made young people more unwilling to put their trust and hopes in the democratic processes.

As a result of youth disenchantment with democracy, we have seen the increase of populism and other political extremities in liberal democracies. Populist leaders, both left- and right-wing, have tapped into this feeling of political alienation among young people and given a voice to the unrepresented (Foa and Mounk 2019, 1017). In Greece, for instance, voters below the age of 25 are twice as likely to vote for an extremist party than voters over the age of 55 (Sakellariou 2015). Similarly, there is a rise of extremist movements, particularly under the label of ‘Alt-Right’ which refer to the spread of intolerant ideas, predominantly online. As a result, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic and queer-phobic hate crimes have increased (Foa and Mounk 2019, 1018). This, of course, comes as a shock to democracy, and it threatens some of its core values such as tolerance.

How to get the youth back into democracy?

Now that we have established that youth support is vital for democratic sustainability, and that the loss of faith has resulted in threats such as populism, this paper will make a case in favor of an increase in youth participation in liberal democracies.

In order to get the youth back into democracy, democratic systems first need to create the space and opportunities for young people to participate as youth must be motivated to get involved (Yohalem and Martin 2007). This can be done on a more individualistic base, with parents and peers playing a large role in motivation. Political structures, however, are then responsible for providing the youth with clear pathways for involvement. Increasing youth voices in civic society and consequently democracy has an incredibly positive individual impact. According to scholars Morsillo and Prilleltensky, participation “enhances sociopolitical awareness, self-expression, enhanced sense of control and social responsibility, hopefulness, and the development community participation skills such as planning and communication” (Morsillo and Prilleltensky 2007, 736). These are all tools that the youth need to shape the future. A future in which we can only hope they will continue to nurture the foundation of democracy.

Government structures should also make more of an effort to counter the shrinking of civil spaces. Here civil spaces refers to a “environments in which youth participation in civil action is fostered – the pathways, structures, and vehicles that provide opportunities for young people to engage in critical discussion, dialogue, and action” (Richards-Schuster and Dobbie 2011, 235). Over time, however, we have “witnessed a persistent silencing of civil society that narrowed down the civic space significantly” (Deželan and Yurttagüler 2018, 4). This can explain why youth have increasingly drawn upon more ‘radical’ actions to get democratic governments to listen (such as squatting actions) instead of using more conventional manners (like voting). As a result youth and organizations representing youth interest feel as though they lack the tools and ability to truly become agencies of social change, which can cause frustration and hopelessness. (Deželan and Yurttagüler 2018, 20). This trend is one that democracies should grow aware of, and then tackle. They need to collaborate more with youth people and include them in democratic activity. They should provide them with a voice, lest populist leader will do it for them.

Some ways to do this is by pushing for more transparency of governmental actions so young people can follow along. Preferably, democratic countries also secure long-term funding for watchdog and other organizations advocating youth issues. This could perhaps ensure that democracies will take action on the topics that are a priority to youth such as battling climate change and ensuring a securer housing market. Another vital action to take is for governments to design “incentives for public officials to interact in an open, sincere and prompt manner” (Deželan and Yurttagüler 2018, 21). This is something that diplomats can have a hand in too.

It is widely known that young people are the future. Although this is a given fact, it is not a natural transition. It is the responsibility of democracies to provide the youth with the tools to shape said-future. For democracy to remain viable, this means they need to not only restore the faith in democracy, but they also need to start including the young in the democratic process. Democracy is about providing everyone with a voice. The youth are willing to talk; governments just need to start to listen.

Bibliography

Albright, M., M. Jomaa, T. Piccone, and C. Frank. Liberal Democracy and the Path to Peace and Security. Report of the Community of Democracies, Massachusetts Ave., NW: BROOKINGS, 2017.

Chevalier, T. “Political Trust, Young People and Institutions in Europe. A Multilevel Analysis.” International Journal of Social Welfare 28, 2019: 418-430.

Deželan, Tomaž, and Laden Yurttagüler. Shrinking Democratic Civic Space for Youth. Strasbourg: European Commission and the Council of Europe in the field of Youth, 2018.

Foa, R.S., D. Wenger, A. Rand, and M. Slade. Youth and Satisfaction with Democracy: Reversing the Democratic Disconnect? Cambridge, United Kingdom: Centre for the Future of Democracy, 2020.

Foa, Roberto S., and Y. Mounk. “Youth and the Populist Wave.” Philosophy and Social Criticism 45, no. 9-10, 2019: 1013-1024.

Gray, A. The Troubling Charts that Show Young People Losing Faith in Democracy. December 1, 2016. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/12/charts-that-show-young-people-losing-faith-in-democracy/.

Morsillo, J., and I. Prilleltensky. “Social Action with Youth: Interventions, Evaluation, and Psychopolitical Validity.” Journal of Community Psychology 35, no. 6, 2007: 725-740.

Richards-Schuster, Katie, and David Dobbie. “Tagging Walls and Planting Seeds: Creating Spaces for Youth Civil Action.” Journal of Community Practice 19, no. 3, 2011: 234-251.

Sakellariou, Alexandros. “Golden Dawn and Its Appeal to Greek Youth.” Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Discussion Papers, 2015.

Yohalem, Nicole, and Shanetta Martin. “Building the Evidence Base for Youth Engagement: Reflections on Youth and Democracy.” Journal of Community Psychology 35, no. 6, 2007: 807-810.

Oman Celebrates 51st National Day of the Renaissance

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Oman Celebrates 51st National Day of the Renaissance

The 18th of November marks the National Day  Anniversary in Oman. The event comes around at a time when Omanis ponder about the achievements made so far and brace for further accomplishments, with firm resolve, under the astute leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik who pledged to hold high the banner of Renewed Renaissance, since he assumed power in the country on 11 January 2020.

The Basic Law: Oman Democracy  

The Sultanate of Oman stands out for its exclusive practice of Shura-based democracy with its bicameral chambers: State Council and  Shura Council. The Basic Law safeguards the country’s territorial unity and social texture. Protects its cultural foundations and consolidates  public rights, liberties and duties. It lays down a stable mechanism of transfer of rule, and  affirms independence of the judiciary.

 Women empowerment and Education

Omani women’s affairs take centre stage in the Renewed Renaissance. On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, last March, Her Highness The Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, commended the great efforts exerted by women in Oman and the rest of the world.

Nations attain their prime only through education, and this has been a principle espoused by Omanis since the outset of their blessed renaissance 50 years ago. A motivating environment has been furnished for supporting the march of research and innovation.

Environment and Economy

Under its Renewed Renaissance, Oman continued to accord attention to environment protection, both at the local and global levels.  The decline and fluctuation in oil prices and precautionary measures to address the impacts of Covid-19 affected the economies of many countries of the world. Oman  took  measures to address the situation,  including  the initiation of a medium-term Fiscal Balance Plan (2020-2023).

The 10th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the first leg in the executive plan of Oman Vision 2040 seeks to achieve a number of goals, among them “activating the economy, upgrading the efficiency of management of public finance, realizing balance among measures for rationalization of public spending, disciplined financial expansion policies. The plan targets average annual growth of 3.2% in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through emphasis on promising economic sectors like converting industries of high technological content, agriculture, fisheries, fish farming, food and agriculture industrialization, transport, warehousing and logistics.

Investment

The government created an investment-encouraging environment through legislations, ports, free zones and logistics, coupled with a unique strategic location in the meeting point of global commercial markets, political stability and security. Investment incentives like tax exemptions extending to more than 30 years and foreigners’ 100% ownership of properties, among other incentives, add another fillip to the Oman’s position.

Foreign Policy

The Sultanate’s foreign policy stands on firm grounds. Oman advocates principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, positive contribution to safeguarding international security, promoting common public interest through dialogue and understanding among countries and nations. Oman’s persistent strive to serve global peace stem from its support for many initiatives and issues, like its supported the settlement of the Yemeni issue through comprehensive political settlement and  peaceful handling of the Iranian nuclear file.

Corona Pandemic

To fight the coronavirus (Covid-19), the Sultanate formed a Supreme Committee which has been taking precautionary measures that ensure the safety of citizens and residents. Indicators registered great decline in mortality, infection and hospitalization rates, while recovery from the disease reached 98.5%.

Bahrain sets up ‘National Council for Arts’

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Bahrain sets up ‘National Council for Arts’

The council will also be tasked to provide an incubating environment for artists by creating platforms, opportunities and facilitating access to technical tools and information, encouraging investment in the art sector, supporting the professionalisation of talents, supporting participation in local and international art fairs, as well as hosting international art events and exhibitions.

It will further cooperate with international bodies and institutions specialised in arts or art research to ensure the development of local arts.

His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (b. 1952) is currently Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs at the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He is married to Her Highness Sheikha Lulwa bint Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, only daughter of the late Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, first prime minister of Bahrain. Together they are parents to six children, Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikha Noor (a fashion designer), Sheikha Hessa and Sheikha Aisha. As a government official he served likewise at the former Ministry of Culture in the capacity as Undersecretary for Tourism and Antiquities.

He is a grandson of Bahrain’s Hakim (Ruler), Sheikh Sir Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (reigned 1932-1942).

Rashid Al Khalifa and Austro-German artist Bertram Castell-Rüdenhausen in front of a ‘Spherical Compression in Grey’.

Sheikh Rashid serves as Honorary President for Bahrain Arts Society. He lives in Rifa’a just outside of Manama, Bahrain’s capital city. He began experimenting with art at an early age in Bahrain, and moved to professional instruction in the south of England (University of Hastings).

For further information 
Rashid Al Khalifa artworks: https://www.rashidalkhalifa.com/artworks/

Rashid Al Khalifa on Google Arts and Culture: https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/penumbra-textured-shadow-coloured-light/twLiVL6nqk6WJQ

Danish Queen follows State Visit in Munich 

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Danish Queen follows State Visit in Munich 

Friday, 12 November 2021, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: In the framework of the Danish State Visit to the Federal Republic of Germany, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II travelled from Berlin to Bavaria, wherein she was received upon her aerial arrival to ‘Franz Josef Strauß Munich International Airport’ by Bavaria’s Minister for European Affairs, Melanie Huml. Thereafter Queen Margrethe II was whisked aways by automobile to Munich’s Residenz Palace, wherein she was officially welcomed by Premier of Bavaria, Dr. Markus Söder and the latter’s spouse, Karin Baumüller-Soder. 

Queen Margrethe II was treated to a traditional red carpet welcome, supported by the Honorary Company of the Bavarian Mountain Rifles (Gebirgsschützen), the Tölz Boys’ Choir as well as a delegation of the Bavarian Traditional Costume Associations especially selected for the regal guest.

The Danish monarch signed the Golden Book of the Bavarian state government, and granted upon Premier Söder the Dannebrog Order (Dannebrogordenen), an order of chivalry instituted in 1671 by King Christian V, however, whose roots go back to an honorary ensign set up by King Valdemar II in 1219. In Danemark the order members are known as ‘white knights’. The order is named after the Danish flag, and is bestowed upon Danish citizens and foreign dignitaries for ‘meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life, or for working for Danish interests’. 

Reception at the Residenz Palace by Bavarian Premier Dr. Markus Söder; the latter’s spouse Karin Baumüller-Söder and Dr. Florian Herrmann, Minister for Federal and Media Affairs – Picture by Picture by Bavarian State Chancellery – Government of Bavaria

At the bilateral meeting which took place at the Porcelain Cabinet Room of the Residenz Palace, State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann, Minister of Federal and Media Affairs, also partook. 

The visit’s focus was the ‘Dano-German Year of Friendship 2020‘, which means to enhance cultural ties between the two countries. Hence Queen Margrethe II was taken to the Glyptothek, Munich’s oldest public museum, after her official welcome.

The Glyptothek was built by the Bavarian King Ludwig I to house his collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, and the museum includes works by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen commissioned by King Ludwig I.

During the visit, the museum’s director, Dr. Florian Knauß, showed The Queen around the exhibition. The visit to the Glyptothek follows the celebrations of Thorvaldsen’s 250th anniversary in 2020 and the recently concluded exhibition in Munich “Bertel Thorvaldsen und Ludwig 1”.

On Saturday, 13 November 2021, The Queen concluded her state visit with a visit to the Akademie der Bildenden Künste (Academy of Fine Arts) one of the world’s most renowned training centres for crafts and design. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed by Professor Karen Pontoppidan, among others.

In the Academy’s Gobelin Hall, Her Majesty attended a series of speeches as well as the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Academy and the Danish Arts Foundation on residencies at the Academy for Danish jewellery artists.  Subsequently, The Queen visited the Academy’s jewellery workshops, where fellow Marie-Louise Kristensen presented her projects to the Danish head of state.

For further information: 
Reception for Queen Margrethe II by the Bavarian Government at the Residenz Palace: https://www.bayern.de/buergerservice/mediathek/?fotoreihe=78434

Danish Royal House: https://www.kongehuset.dk/foto-video/statsbesoeg-i-tyskland-dag-3

Philippines-Netherlands Connections At 70: Reconstructing History And Forging Ahead

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Philippines-Netherlands Connections At 70: Reconstructing History And Forging Ahead

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 10 November 2021, the Philippines and the Netherlands celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries on the  9th an 10th of  November 2021 utilizing a webinar.

Following is the inaugurating remarks by H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya.

It is with delight that I open and deliver welcome remarks at this webinar, the vision for which is both ambitious and grounded, forward-looking and retrospective, and deals with historical matters but more so, on current issues that are relevant to the Philippines and the Netherlands.

As Ambassador, I can perhaps be excused for being effusive and highly optimistic about the bilateral relations and its prospects, after all this year 2021 is its 70th year anniversary. There are indeed strong reasons for highlighting these relations. Just consider the following:

  • Netherlands has consistently been among the top five investor countries in the Philippines historically, thus Dutch businesses are crucial for the Philippine economy;
  • 22,000 Filipino seafarers are onboard Dutch-flag vessels that ply the waters of the world, making Filipinos the biggest single nationality group in the vast Dutch merchant marine fleet
  • Both the Philippines and the Netherlands are maritime countries, and perhaps we can learn from the Dutch, most of whose land have been reclaimed from the sea. This knowledge is crucial in these times of rising sea levels and climate change
  • And going back to history, to the Spanish colonial times, while the Spaniards in Manila were apprehensive when seeing Dutch ships, similar vessels were much welcomed in Cotabato in the then Sultanate of Maguindanao as they were there for trade and commerce 

But I would be getting ahead of myself and of this webinar, and it’s better to hear about all these from the impressive line-up of resource persons – from government,  business, the academe and other sectors – in the course of today and tomorrow.

Suffice it for me to say that we are fortunate to have had the strong partnerships of a number of key entities in preparing for this webinar.

First, the Ateneo de Manila University, particularly its European Studies Program, the first entity we asked for support, which was equally enthusiastic. Thanks for ensuring that we have substance and academic rigor in this webinar;

Also, salamat po to Ambassador Saskia de Lang and her team at the Dutch Embassy in Manila for their whole-hearted support to this project. Tending to the bilateral relations is less challenging because of Ambassador Saskia’s helping hand at the Manila-end.

And certainly, dank u wel to our friends from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notably Director Karin Mossenlechner and Strategic Policy Advisor Mark Versteden, who are here with us in person at the Philippine Embassy.

And also to the Foreign Service Institute and many others who lent valuable support.

A two-session webinar is certainly not enough to cover all the key aspects of the relations, but in my view we have a good mix of policy makers and subject matter experts who can share key information, ideas and insights about both countries and the relations, including people-to-people engagements, which we – including the students with us  – will be delighted to know and can benefit from. And with deeper understanding of and focus on the relations, those of us in government and the private sector can be guided in hopefully framing a workable roadmap for the future of the relations.

My embassy team and I hope that the webinar will contribute to forging a stronger bilateral partnership, even as we look forward to the next 70 years of productively working together.

I wish everyone an insightful and engaging webinar.

Manila, the Philippines.

Ambassador J Eduardo Malaya ‘s welcome remarks on day two of the webinar.

In my opening remarks yesterday, I expressed optimistic about the bilateral relations and its future. The presentations and discussions that followed affirmed that view.

But to be candid, I am more excited about today’s session. As someone who occasionally dabbles in and find joy in writing on law, history and other subjects, I am excited to know more about the cultural dimensions of the relations, specially the early interactions between Filipinos and the Dutch. Today, more than even before, culture plays a vital role in international relations. Cultural engagements provide us the chance to appreciate points of commonality and, where there are differences, to understand the motivations and humanity that underlie them. As one will learn from today’s session, our two peoples share much in common despite belonging to different corners of the world.

The other reason for my excitement is that this morning we will launch a compendium of the agreements between our two countries.

The book Crossroads: A Compendium of Agreements between the Philippines and the Netherlands, 1951 to 2021 is a chronicle of the work that we have done together in the past years. It is important to document the past and present works because it is only by building upon them that we can achieve more. Proost! Mabuhay! Salamat po!

Foreign Affairs Secretary Mr Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr and Secretary-General Paul Huijts of The Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed the festive online gathering.

 In his keynote address, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. stated that “the Philippines is committed to re-energizing its relationship with The Netherlands, with emphasis on economic cooperation, and special focus on the agri-food, water and infrastructure; the circular economy; and maritime and healthcare sectors “. Secretary Teodoro went on to say,

“The Netherlands’ renewed foreign policy interest in the Indo-Pacific region is a positive development, particularly its commitment to sustainable trade and investment relations, to reducing one-sided strategic dependencies, to establish more reliable value chains in the Indo-Pacific region and to provide active support for EU negotiations on free trade agreements with Indo-Pacific countries,” Secretary Locsin added. “We are hopeful that this will further expand business-to-business engagements between the private sectors of our countries.” 

The Philippines recently assumed its role as country coordinator of the ASEAN-EU relations up to 2025, and it will give greater significance to bilateral initiatives.

For his part, Secretary General Paul Huijts of The Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs  remarked :

“the strength of our countries’ economic ties are shown by the fact that the Netherlands is the second biggest EU trading partner of the Philippines and the biggest EU investor in the Philippines, and more recently, sustainability has become a key element for our bilateral cooperation.” He cited the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Masterplan as a result of the collaboration of Dutch and Filipino experts on sustainability and water management. 

Secretary General Huijts also noted the contributions of some 150 Dutch companies operating in the Philippines, adding that “at the same time, the Netherlands have welcomed many Overseas Filipino workers, including some 22,000 Filipino seafarers who sail on Dutch flagged vessels and help keep the global economy moving.”

The Netherlands’ Indo Pacific guidelines and the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy “underscore the growing importance of the Indo Pacific region in which the Philippines is a strategic player,” Secretary General Huijts said. “As a seafaring nation, we take a particular interest in freedom of passage and other topical issues in the region.” 

With the theme “Philippines-Netherlands Connections @ 70: Reconstructing History and Forging Ahead,” the first day of the two-day webinar drew a large and diverse audience in both countries, including government officials, business leaders, community members, and students. 

Ambassador Karin Mossenlechner, Director for Asia and Pacific in the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs expounded on the Dutch Indo-Pacific Guidelines and the implications of this policy shift for the Philippines. “The Netherlands and the EU are aware that the geopolitical and geo-economic balance of power in the world is shifting. The Indo-Pacific region is increasingly becoming more strategically important for the EU. It is important that The Netherlands and the Philippines, and the countries in the Indo-Pacific, join hands and work together in bringing about a sustainable post-Covid-19 recovery with green growth.”

Ambassador De Lang stated that “the future of The Netherlands and the Philippines is all about hope — as we are celebrating the 70 years of diplomatic relations, we are celebrating our joint future and we are renewing our bilateral vows.”

Other panelists of the first-day session included Professor Alvin Ang of the Ateneo de Manila University, Mr. Mitchel Smolders of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Philippine Consul General, a.h. in Rotterdam Albert Bos; Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc of the Philippine Seed Industry Association; and Mr. Richard van der Maden of AgriTerra. 

The second-day session “Reconstructing Historical Ties” will be held on10 November, and will focus on the historical foundations of the relations.

The two-day webinar was hosted by the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague, in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Manila, the   Philippine Foreign Service and the Ateneo de Manila University.

Kudos to the organizers for hosting such an outstanding webinar, it has been a demonstration of the excellent ongoing cooperation between the Philippines and the Netherlands. Salamat po !

Japan’s envoy Yanagi on mission in Saxony-Anhalt

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Japan’s envoy Yanagi on mission in Saxony-Anhalt

Thursday, 11 November 2021, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: Premier Dr. Reiner Haseloff welcomed Nipponese Ambassador Yanagi Hidenao in the framework of his inaugural visit to Saxony-Anhalt.

The visit took place in an anniversary year: 2021 marks the 160th anniversary of German-Japanese relations.

The Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Japan, which was concluded in 2019, provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening economic cooperation in Saxony-Anhalt. Exports from Saxony-Anhalt to Japan amounted to 113 million euros in 2020, despite the pandemic-related slump, and goods worth 51.4 million euros were imported from Japan. There are currently five companies in Saxony-Anhalt with majority Japanese participation.

There is a lively exchange in the field of science. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, the Harz and Magdeburg-Stendal Universities of Applied Sciences and Burg Giebichenstein University of Art maintain university partnerships with a total of 18 Japanese institutions.

There is also cooperation in the school sector: since 2008, the city of Inuyama has been sending the best pupils of the essay competition held in Inuyama on an annual trip to Halle. There is also a school exchange through the town twinning of the city of Zeitz with the Japanese city of Tosu. 

Various institutions also maintain contacts in the arts. For example, the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation cooperates with the Kuwasawa Design School in Tokyo in the Bauhaus Open Stage Studios programme. Every year, students from Saxony-Anhalt and Japan carry out joint projects in which the educational and artistic-experimental perspective of the historical Bauhaus stage is re-examined.

Ambassador Yanagi was likewise received by the Speaker of the State Diet, Dr. Gunnar Schellenberger and members of the German business community.

For further information :
Government of Saxony-Anhalt: https://europa.sachsen-anhalt.de/internationales/aktuelles-international/antrittsbesuch-des-botschafters-von-japan-in-der-staatskanzlei/

Embassy of Japan in Germany: https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_de/uberuns_termine.html#210824LaschetAttachments area

Professor Izoria received in Magdeburg by Premier Haseloff

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Professor Izoria received in Magdeburg by Premier Haseloff

Friday, 12 November, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: Premier Dr. Reiner Haseloff received the Ambassador of Georgia in Germany, Professor Dr Levan Izoria, for his inaugural visit in Saxony-Anhalt since he took up the ambassadorship in June 2020.

Both sides exchanged views on current issues such as the challenges of the pandemic, and expressed the hope that bilateral contacts can be expanded.
In 2020, goods worth almost 2.9 million euros were exported from Saxony-Anhalt to the South Caucasian country, whereas imports had a volume of around 200,000 euros.

There is close cooperation in the field of science, for example: Otto von Guericke University works together with Tbilisi Ivane Javakhisvili State University in the field of medicine on the basis of a university agreement. From 2017 to 2019, the Institute of Classical Studies at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the Laboratory for Visual Anthropology and Local History at Ilia State University Tbilisi carried out excavations in the Nazarlebi rampart complex on the edge of the Shiraki Plain in Kakheti (eastern Georgia) in a research cooperation. In addition, MLU maintains further cooperation in the area of student and teacher exchanges with universities in Georgia.

Germany was the first country in the European Community to recognise Georgia under international law after its independence in 1991 and to establish diplomatic relations. At the European level, Georgia is part of the Eastern Partnership within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Euro-Atlantic integration has been an important issue for the country for many years. In 2017, for example, the Georgian constitution enshrined the goal of membership in the EU and NATO. Since 2016, Georgia has been linked to the EU by an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. In 2017, the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens travelling to the EU also came into force, allowing them to stay in the Schengen area for up to three months.

Following the meeting with Premier Dr. Haseloff, the Ambassador paid a call upon the Speaker of the State Assembly (Landtag), Dr. Gunnar Schellenberger, and to State Secretary, Dr. Jürgen Ude, at the Ministry of Economics, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of Saxony-Anhalt.

For further information: 
Government of Saxony-Anhalt: https://europa.sachsen-anhalt.de/internationales/aktuelles-international/antrittsbesuch-des-georgischen-botschafters/

Embassy of Georgia in Germany: http://botschaftgeorgien.de/2021/11/15/der-besuch-des-botschafters-in-sachsen-anhalt/

Poland National  Independence Concert & Reception

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Poland National  Independence Concert & Reception

By Roy Lie Atjam

Poland’s Independence Day or Narodowe Święto Niepodległości  is celebrated on the 11th of November. This day commemorates the anniversary of  Poland regaining its sovereignty from the German, Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires in 1918.

The Hague, 10 November 2021. The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland H.E. Mr. Marcin Czepelak and Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché Colonel Dariusz Poczekalewicz, hosted a concert and reception on the occasion of the Polish Independence Day in commemoration of the 103rd anniversary of Poland regaining its sovereignty after over a century of partition. 

Polish artists, pianist Ms Paulina Bukowicz and flautist Ms Maja Jasinska.

Ambassador Marcin Czepelak opened the evening by very warmly welcoming his guests. He proudly presented the talented pianist Ms Paulina Bukowicz and flautist Ms Maja Jasinska, both delighted the audience.

A breakdown of the programme:

F.Chopin – Grande Valse Brillante Op. 34No.2 in A minor

H.Wieniaski – Chanson Polonaise

F.Chopin – Waltz in C sharp minor, Op. 64 No.2

F.Chopin – Fantasie-Impromtu Op.66

A. Caplet – Petite Valse

Independence of Poland commemoration at the Embassy of Poland in The Hague 2021.

The applause was long and enthusiastic, after the concert audience members waited to share their excitement with the two performers.

A Polish buffet concluded the melodious soiree commemorating the 2021 Polish Independence Day.

Armando Varricchio on maiden voyage to Bremen

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Armando Varricchio on maiden voyage to Bremen

Monday, 15 November 2021, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany: The Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio paid his inaugural visit to Bremen City-State. He was welcomed to the City Hall by Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte and Senator for Science and Ports, Dr. Claudia Schilling. 

The ambassador signed the city’s Golden Book. His visit to Bremen is also connected with the “Space Tech Expo 2021”, which begins 16 November at the exhibition centre, and wherein the ambassador is partaking alongside the Italian Consul General based in Hamburg, David Michelut, as well as Honorary Consul Marco Fuchs, who is based in Bremen. 

Mayor Bovenschulte emphasised that there is a long and close relationship between Bremen and Italy. And the latter, he expressly emphasised, was also thanks to the good work of the Honorary Consul, who has maintains lively contacts with Italy and the Italian Embassy since he took office in mid-2008.

Space research activities are important for the relationship between Italy and Bremen, as is evident from Varricchio’s visit to the “Space Tech Expo”. In addition, Senator Dr. Schilling exchanged views with the ambassador on the possibilities of Bremen becoming a member of the “ICARNet” (International Center for Relativistic Astrophysics Network) based in Pescara, Italy. This is an international research network in which various astrophysical phenomena are investigated.

For further information:

 
Government of Bremen: https://www.senatspressestelle.bremen.de/pressemitteilungen/buergermeister-bovenschulte-begruesst-italienischen-botschafter-zum-antrittsbesuch-371715?asl=bremen02.c.730.de


Embassy of Italy in Germany: https://ambberlino.esteri.it/ambasciata_berlino/it/
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On the image f.l.t.r.: Marco Fuchs, OHB Chairman & Honorary Consul of Italy; Ambassador Armando Varricchio; Governing Mayor Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte and Dr. Claudia Schilling, Senator for Science and Ports – Picture by Bremer Senatspressestelle 

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