“Artificial Intelligence marks a transformative chapter in human history”: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
With a population of 1.4 billion, India’s growing importance in the field of AI cannot be overlooked. It is for this reason, the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi from 16–20th February at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, brought together not only 22 Heads of State/Government but also policy makers, tech tycoons, and innovators. The fourth in a series of such summits – Bletchley Park (UK, 2023), Seoul (2024), and Paris (2025) – its magnitude was unmatched with 100+ participating countries, 500+ sessions, 3,250+ speakers and 300+ exhibitors.
Amongst the many prominent political figures attending the event were French President Emmanuel Macron, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The bigwigs of the tech industry included Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries.
M.A.N.A.V. Vision
Inaugurating the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that India’s vision for AI is ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ (Welfare for All, Happiness of All).
To translate this vision into action, PM Modi presented MANAV, the Hindi word for “human”, which serves as an acronym representing five core principles for human-centric AI governance: M – Moral and Ethical Systems: AI should be based on ethical guidelines; A – Accountable Governance: Transparent rules and robust oversight; N – National Sovereignty: Respect for national rights over data; A – Accessible and Inclusive: AI should be a multiplier, not a monopoly; V – Valid and Legitimate: AI should be lawful and verifiable.
AI Summit
Major Investment Announcements
Significant investment commitments across the AI value chain which were announced during the Summit include the following:
Over USD 200 billion in AI-related investments are expected across infrastructure, foundation models, hardware and applications.
Reliance Industries pledged USD 110 billion over seven years towards AI-focused infrastructure.
Tata Group & OpenAI announced a partnership to scale AI-ready data centres.
Adani Enterprises announced plans to invest USD 100 billion by 2035.
General Catalyst announced a USD 5 billion investment commitment over five years, while Lightspeed Venture Partners announced USD 10 billion in investments.
Google announced investments including new India–US subsea cable routes and a USD 15 billion AI hub in Andhra Pradesh; support for AI innovation and digital skills development.
Larsen & Toubro joined Nvidia to build one of India’s largest AI computing facilities.
Adoption of New Delhi Declaration
Endorsed by 92 countries and international organisations, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 Declaration set a shared global vision for an equitable, ethical, and inclusive AI. Inspired by the motto “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya”, it lays out a comprehensive framework built on seven key pillars, including democratising AI resources, utilising AI for economic growth and social good, ensuring secure and trusted AI, expanding AI in science, enabling social empowerment, developing human capital, and building resilient and energy-efficient systems.
The Legacy of the Summit
The Summit truly democratised AI. Unlike prior global AI gatherings confined to small rooms of CEOs and experts, it brought students, youth and common citizens into the conversation — providing them with direct access to the world’s leading AI thinkers. This inclusive outreach is the defining legacy of the AI Impact Summit 2026, promoting fresh and innovative ideas.
AI Summit -CEO
India in the Global AI Spotlight
India brings unparalleled scale and energy to everything it does and this Summit was no exception. With the presence of world leaders, major technology companies, and innovative startups, the event clearly demonstrated the country’s capability to convene global conversations on the future of technology.
Hosting one of the world’s largest youth populations and technology talent driven by its diversity, democracy and demographic dynamism, India’s energy capacity and policy clarity uniquely position it to harness AI’s full potential.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Ambassador of Spain to the Netherlands, H.E. Mrs. Consuelo Femenía Guardiola, hosted a distinguished luncheon at her residence in The Hague. The gathering paid tribute to the vital contributions of women in the fields of international relations and cultural diplomacy, bringing together an accomplished group of professionals from across the arts and diplomatic communities.
The event highlighted the remarkable scope and diversity of the participants’ responsibilities. Each guest represented a unique and inspiring journey, combining demanding professional roles with personal commitments and leadership in their respective fields.
Following a warm and engaging reception, guests were invited to introduce themselves, sharing insights into their work, the challenges of balancing professional and family life, and the sources of their inspiration. The conversation evolved into an enriching dialogue, where experiences, perspectives, and practical wisdom were exchanged. Themes such as resilience, leadership, motherhood, and the pursuit of meaningful careers were reflected around the table.
H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Consuelo Femenia Guardiola with her guests.
Ambassador Femenía created an atmosphere of openness, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding among women from diverse backgrounds. This gathering is part of a tradition she has upheld since the beginning of her tenure in the Netherlands—dedicating an annual luncheon to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women across different sectors.
Her initiative continues to build new ties within the international community while honoring the impact of women’s leadership.
Participants included:
Ms. Mayelinne De Lara, Publisher of Diplomat Magazine
H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua, Ambassador of Cameroon
H.E. Odette Melono, Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Ms. Virginia Pablos, Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival
H.E. Lizeth Pena, Ambassador of Angola
Ms. Gabriella Sancisi, Director of Protocol and Host Country Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Ms. Helene Stergiou, Foreign Affairs Advisor and Defence Coordinator
H.E. Bibi van Zuylen van Nijevelt, Mistress of the Robes of the Royal Household of the Netherlands
“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge.” — Daniel J. Boorstin
By Major General (Two Stars) (retd) Corneliu Pivariu
In the current context, characterized by strategic complexity and narrative competition, the role of intelligence can no longer be assessed exclusively through the lens of information collection, but through its capacity to support decision-making based on an unaltered evaluation of reality.
The relationship between the politico-military elite and the intelligence community represents one of the critical nodes of state functioning in the security domain. Within this space, not only is information produced, but what may be called strategic truth is constructed—a form of knowledge that is inherently incomplete, probabilistic, and permanently subjected to political and narrative pressure.
Intelligence does not provide certainties, and the politico-military elite (PME) is not merely a passive recipient. Between the two lies an essential process: the transformation of information into strategic courses of action. The quality of this process ultimately determines the quality of political decision-making.
Intelligence as the Raw Material of Decision-Making
The fundamental function of intelligence is to reduce uncertainty, not eliminate it. No intelligence community, regardless of available resources, can provide a complete and definitive picture of strategic reality. Assessments are probabilistic, scenarios are conditional, and warnings are often uncomfortable.
Within this framework, the PME occupies a critical intermediary position. It must interpret information, correlate it with political, military, economic, and alliance dimensions, and transform it into intelligible courses of action. This process is not mechanical; it requires professional judgment, experience, and risk assumption.
In most cases, the problem does not arise from a lack of information, but from how it is used. When intelligence becomes a justificatory backdrop or, conversely, is perceived as a threat to a pre-existing political agenda, the decision-making process degrades and strategic truth becomes distorted.
Strategic Truth: Nature and Limits
Strategic truth is not an objective truth in the classical sense, but an operational construct resulting from the aggregation of incomplete information, competing interpretations, and political and institutional constraints.
It is neither fixed nor definitive. It is dynamic, revisable, and dependent on the institutional capacity to integrate information and to correct initial assumptions. The difference between a high-performing state and a vulnerable one lies not in access to information, but in the ability to construct and maintain a strategic truth as close to reality as possible.
In this sense, strategic truth is not given—it is produced. And the process through which it is produced becomes itself a critical variable of national security.
The Political Filtering of Information
One of the most frequent failures of the strategic decision-making process is not the absence of information, but its biased selection.
In most cases, relevant information exists, but it is filtered: data that confirms already assumed political options is privileged, while contradictory information is marginalized or reinterpreted. This is not necessarily falsification, but a subtle and systematic distortion.
This process may be defined as a form of politicization of strategic truth, in which the evaluation of reality is adapted to the decision objective, rather than the reverse.
Under these conditions, intelligence loses its warning function, and strategic decision-making becomes an exercise in validation, not orientation.
At this point, the PME becomes the critical link. It can function either as a protective filter of strategic truth or as a mechanism for adapting it to the political preferences of the moment.
Its role is not merely to organize information, but to decide what reaches the level of political decision and in what form. Responsibility thus becomes structural, not merely technical.
PME: Beneficiary or Obstacle to Strategic Truth
The quality of a politico-military elite is reflected in its relationship with strategic truth.
A mature PME treats intelligence as a critical resource, encourages analytical pluralism, and accepts professional disagreement as a normal component of the decision-making process. It understands that repeated warnings, even if they do not immediately materialize, are not failures, but expressions of strategic prudence.
By contrast, a defensive or politicized PME tends to penalize analysis that contradicts the dominant line. In such contexts, analytical self-censorship emerges: analysts avoid uncomfortable scenarios in order not to be perceived as alarmist or disloyal.
A PME that penalizes uncomfortable analysis not only reduces its performance but loses its fundamental strategic function. Instead of protecting the state from surprise, it becomes a mechanism of self-confirmation.
Lessons from Recent Failures
The experience of recent conflicts and crises[1] reveals a constant pattern: strategic surprise does not occur because intelligence has completely failed, but because warnings were not integrated into the decision-making process. The problem is not the absence of signals, but the inability to transform them into decisions.
Early warning signals exist, but they are ignored, reinterpreted as improbable, or adapted to an already established narrative.
Each time, the PME stands at the center of this process. It decides which information is considered relevant, how it is framed, and what options are built around it. Responsibility is both strategic and moral, even when it is not formally sanctioned.
The Tension Between Loyalty and Honesty
The relationship between PME and intelligence is marked by a structural tension between institutional loyalty and analytical honesty.
Loyalty to the state and to political leadership is essential. But when loyalty is reinterpreted as the obligation to confirm political expectations, it becomes a form of strategic irresponsibility.
Institutional loyalty must not be confused with analytical conformism.
When critical analysis is discouraged or penalized, intelligence loses its warning function, and the PME becomes an instrument of validation rather than strategic protection. The ability to uphold uncomfortable truths becomes, in this context, a strategic resource in itself.
Strategic Truth in the Era of Narrative Competition
In the current context, strategic truth is subject to an additional pressure: global narrative competition.
Information is no longer only evaluated internally but is integrated into a space of perception confrontation, where legitimacy, morality, and credibility become strategic weapons. The PME must distinguish between the need to protect sensitive information and the temptation to adapt reality to a desired public narrative.
The greatest risk is not external manipulation, but strategic self-deception.
When narrative becomes more important than realistic assessment, the state begins to operate on the basis of a constructed reality rather than an existing one. Under such conditions, strategic error is no longer accidental, but inevitable.
The role of the PME is to maintain a functional separation between communication and analysis, between public messaging and internal assessment. Confusion between the two inevitably degrades decision quality.
Conclusion
The relationship between the politico-military elite and the intelligence community is not merely technical, but fundamental to the functioning of the state.
States do not fail because they lack information, but because they are unable to accept the truth contained within it.
A mature PME leverages warnings, protects analytical pluralism, and accepts uncertainty as a structural element of decision-making. A PME that filters, sanitizes, or instrumentalizes information dramatically reduces its strategic relevance.
Ultimately, the quality of a politico-military elite is measured not only by professional competence, but by its ability to protect strategic truth—even when it contradicts the interests, perceptions, or political comfort of the moment.
The fundamental issue is not whether states possess sufficient information, but whether they are capable of using it without distorting it. In this sense, strategic truth becomes not only a product of intelligence, but a condition for the functioning of the state.
Brașov, March 19, 2026
[1] Recent examples of dysfunctions in the relationship between intelligence, the politico-military elite, and political decision-making illustrate the structural nature of the problem:
In the case of the intervention in Iraq (2003), intelligence regarding the existence of weapons of mass destruction was profoundly distorted in the decision-making process. Subsequent investigations showed that intelligence assessments were selectively used, reinterpreted, and, in some cases, presented in a manner that supported an already formed political option. The problem was not merely one of analytical error, but of the deliberate adaptation of information to a political objective, which compromised the integrity of the strategic decision-making process.
In the context of Afghanistan (2021), numerous intelligence community assessments signaled the institutional fragility of the Afghan state and its dependence on external support. Nevertheless, the pace and form of the withdrawal indicated a discrepancy between existing assessments and the way they were integrated into political decision-making, leading to the rapid collapse of the previously supported system.
In the case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022), warnings regarding the imminence of the conflict existed and were communicated, including publicly, by certain Western states. However, at the European level, part of the political and analytical elites assessed the risk as low or unlikely, highlighting the difficulty of integrating scenarios perceived as having low probability but high strategic impact.
These examples indicate that strategic failures do not predominantly derive from the absence of information, but from the way in which it is filtered, reinterpreted, or adapted within the decision-making process.
Recent developments in Iran (2026) provide an additional example of these dysfunctions, still in the process of clarification. The sequence of precision strikes against sensitive objectives and command levels suggests the existence of significant vulnerabilities in information protection and risk assessment. In this case, the issue does not appear to be the absence of signals, but the difficulty of correctly assessing the extent of adversarial penetration and integrating these assessments into the decision-making process. Thus, the distortion of strategic truth does not necessarily arise as the result of deliberate intervention, but as an effect of limitations in the capacity for interpretation and anticipation.
These examples, drawn from different strategic contexts, indicate that strategic failures do not predominantly derive from the absence of information, but from the way in which it is filtered, reinterpreted, or adapted within the decision-making process.
H.E. Mr. Mammad Ahmadzada, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, hosted a distinguished classical music concert entitled “Elegy of Eternal Echoes” at the historic Grote Kerk in The Hague.
The concert featured the acclaimed Chamber Ensemble I Bricconcello, which presented a rich repertoire of masterpieces by renowned Azerbaijani and international composers. The ensemble brought together exceptional musicians: violinist Timotej Willewaldt, cellist and founder Pierluigi Ruggiero, and pianist Alexandra Di Gennaro—virtuosos whose performances reflect both technical excellence and artistic depth. Their program ranged from great classical works to compositions influenced by popular music and contemporary classical traditions.
Chamber Ensemble I Bricconcello
With an extensive international career, I Bricconcello has performed in numerous tours, festivals, and concerts across Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, the Netherlands, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan. The ensemble has enjoyed over fifteen years of artistic collaboration with Azerbaijan, strengthened during Ambassador Ahmadzada’s tenure in Italy, where he initiated and supported several cultural projects and concerts in both countries—creating a lasting artistic bridge.
The evening’s repertoire included iconic pieces such as themes from La Forza del Destino and Schindler’s List, alongside celebrated Azerbaijani compositions, including selections from Seven Beauties by Gara Garayev, works by Sevda Ibrahimova, and Shusha by Farhad Badalbeyli.
Bricconcello’s founder, Pierluigi Ruggiero, pianist Alexandra Di Gennaro and violinist Timotej Willewaldt.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmadzada expressed his appreciation to the distinguished guests attending the concert and reflected on the significance of cultural diplomacy. Held during the holy month of Ramadan, the evening symbolized the unifying power of music beyond borders and promoted mutual respect and understanding through the universal language of culture.
Ambassadors from numerous countries, members of the diplomatic community, and Dutch friends of Azerbaijan attended the event. The concert was followed by light refreshments, allowing guests to continue the exchange in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Monday, 23 March 2026, Düsseldorf, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: Premier Hendrik Wüst welcomed Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden to the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia for a meeting. The discussion focused on the Queen’s social commitment, particularly her dedication to child protection, as well as the relationship between North Rhine-Westphalia and Sweden.
Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Relations, and Media, and Head of the State Chancellery, also participated in the meeting. Queen Silvia was accompanied to the State Chancellery by Ambassador Veronika Wand-Danielsson. This was the Swedish Queen’s first official visit to the State Chancellery.
As per a statement issued in the German-language linked below, Premier Hendrik Wüst said: “For decades, Queen Silvia has impressively demonstrated the power of social commitment. With great empathy, leadership, and international appeal, she tirelessly champions the most vulnerable members of our society – especially children who have been victims of violence and abuse.
Through the World Childhood Foundation, she has created structures worldwide that provide affected children with protection, a voice, and new perspectives. Her commitment is also very tangible in North Rhine-Westphalia: The Childhood House in Düsseldorf exemplifies how her initiative brings people together and ensures that help reaches those who need it most. For us in North Rhine-Westphalia, it is a particular honor that Queen Silvia has been connected to our state and especially the city of Düsseldorf since her school days. Her decades of work are an outstanding example of how responsibility, humanity, and solidarity can bring about concrete change. For this extraordinary life’s work, she deserves our deepest respect and our heartfelt thanks.”
Ambassador Veronika Wand-Danielsson and Premier Hendrik Wüst. Picture by Land NRW, Martin Götz
Her Majesty Queen Silvia has visited North Rhine-Westphalia on several occasions and has maintained close ties to the state for many years. Among other things, in 2009 she opened a dementia ward run by the Order of Malta at the Hildegardis Hospital in Cologne, based on the “Silviahemmet” model she initiated. In 2016, she was awarded the Benedict Prize in Mönchengladbach for her social commitment and also visited the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament. Her connection to Düsseldorf is particularly strong: after her family moved from Brazil to the state capital in 1957, she graduated from the Luisenschule in 1963.
A key focus of her international work is the protection of children from violence and abuse. In 1999, Queen Silvia founded the World Childhood Foundation. The Childhood House model also emerged from this initiative. The Childhood House Düsseldorf was established in 2020 and is now supported by the Ministry of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia. In these facilities, police, medical professionals, psychologists, and the judiciary work together in an interdisciplinary manner to provide the most sensitive care possible for affected children. Besides Düsseldorf, the children’s shelter in Bonn, which opened in 2025, also follows this approach.
Bilateral ties between Sweden and NRW North Rhine-Westphalia and Sweden maintain diverse political, economic, and professional ties. Sweden is also an important trading partner of North Rhine-Westphalia, ranking 14th among the state’s trading partners. Around 460 Swedish companies – including Ericsson, IKEA, and Sandvik – are based in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Approximately 4,500 Swedes live in the state, representing about one-third of all Swedish citizens living in Germany. Furthermore, eight town twinning arrangements and around 30 school partnerships connect North Rhine-Westphalia and Sweden.
Cruise tourism has become one of the most powerful catalysts for infrastructure investment in the Caribbean. As the world’s leading cruise region, capturing roughly 35–40 percent of global itineraries. The Caribbean relies heavily on cruise arrivals to support national economies, stimulate tourism spending, and attract private capital. Increasingly, cruise ports are viewed not merely as transport assets but as strategic tourism platforms capable of reshaping waterfront districts and driving broader urban redevelopment.
Thesis: As cruise lines deploy larger vessels and expand vertically into destination development, Caribbean ports are emerging as a critical infrastructure asset class within the region’s tourism economy.
Global Demand and Regional Positioning
Major operators such as Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings deploy many of their largest ships on Caribbean routes. These vessels, often carrying more than 6,000 passengers require deeper harbors, expanded berths, and efficient passenger processing facilities. Ports unable to accommodate mega‑ships risk losing traffic to destinations with modernized infrastructure, making port redevelopment a strategic priority for governments and investors.
Cruise tourism generates billions in regional economic activity through port fees, passenger spending, excursions, and tourism employment. For many island states, cruise arrivals serve as both an economic lifeline and a marketing channel that encourages repeat visitation as land‑based tourists.
Nassau: A Model for Port Transformation
The redevelopment of Nassau Cruise Port illustrates the scale and impact of modern cruise infrastructure investment. The more than $300 million project expanded berthing capacity, upgraded passenger terminals, and introduced integrated retail and entertainment spaces. The port can now host three Oasis‑class ships simultaneously and welcomes over six million passengers annually. Operated through a public‑private partnership led by Global Ports Holding, Nassau demonstrates how international investors are increasingly shaping Caribbean port modernization.
Regional Expansion and Private Destinations
Across the Caribbean, governments and private operators are investing heavily in new terminals, berth expansions, and tourism‑oriented port districts. Projects such as Taíno Bay in Puerto Plata reflect a regional push to accommodate larger vessels and enhance visitor experiences. Cruise companies are also accelerating investment in private destinations such as Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, allowing them to capture more passenger spending and exert greater control over the tourism value chain. This trend presents both opportunities and policy considerations for host governments.
Implications for Tourism Capital
Modern cruise ports function as tourism multipliers. High passenger volumes support retail districts, transportation services, excursion operators, and hospitality development. Ports that can efficiently process large numbers of visitors are better positioned to attract private investment, stimulate waterfront redevelopment, and anchor mixed‑use tourism districts.
Cruise tourism will remain central to Caribbean economic development. Continued growth in global cruise demand and vessel size will drive further port modernization and public‑private investment. While opportunities are significant, governments must also consider climate resilience, revenue distribution, and sustainable visitor management. Ports that combine capacity, efficiency, and integrated tourism experiences will be best positioned to capture long‑term value in the evolving cruise economy.
About the author: Mr. Silas Cooper, is the Honorary Consul of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of The Netherlands
On the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the Triumph of the Revolution, the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Mrs. Eva Yelina Silva Walker, hosted a well-attended reception at the embassy in The Hague.
Ambassadors from numerous countries were present, alongside members of the Cuban diaspora and friends of Cuba, filling every room of the embassy in a spirit of solidarity and friendship.
In her address, Ambassador Silva Walker recalled the historic significance of January 1, 1959, noting that the Revolution “opened a path of profound changes in all areas of the nation.” Quoting Fidel Castro, she reflected: “The joy is immense. And yet, there is still much to be done… perhaps everything will be more difficult from now on.” She added that, sixty-seven years later, Cuba has indeed faced “multiple challenges,” which have strengthened the country’s resilience and its commitment to “defend the self-determination and sovereignty” it has achieved.
Head of Palestinian Mission, H.E. Mr. Ammar M.B. Hijazi, H.E. Mr. Hector Constant-Rosales, Ambassador of Venezuela to the Multilateral Organizations in The Hague, H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Bo Shen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Syed Haider Shah, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Lambert Dushimimana, Ambassador of Rwanda and H.E. Mr. Vladimir Tarabrin, Ambassador of Russia.
“We do not forget the events of Playa Girón, the October Crisis, the criminal blockade, the slanderous media campaigns, the Torricelli and Helms-Burton laws, or the unjust inclusion of Cuba on the spurious list of state sponsors of terrorism.” Ambassador expressed during her speech.
The Ambassador also underlined the lasting impact of external pressures and the oil embargo stating that Cuba remains mindful of the “incalculable social, economic, emotional, and psychological impact” of restrictive measures, while reaffirming that the country continues to stand for “social justice and the full dignity of human beings,” as enshrined in its 2019 Constitution.
H.E. Mrs Consuelo Femenia Guardiola, Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Ms. Rocio Maneiro, Ambassador of Venezuela, Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, H.E. Dr. Gracita Arrindell, H.E. Mrs. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ms. Franca Deza Ferreccio, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Dr. Carolina Olarte Bacares, Ambassador of Colombia, H.E. Ms. Sally Loo Hui, Ambassador of Panama and H.E. Ms. Carmen Moreno Toscano, Ambassador of Mexico.
At the international level, she emphasized Cuba’s commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter, while reiterating its willingness to pursue dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences.
Highlighting bilateral ties, Ambassador Silva Walker noted that relations between Cuba and the Netherlands, spanning more than 120 years, have been marked by “mutual respect, dialogue, diplomacy, cooperation, and trade for mutual benefit.”
She also expressed appreciation for continued international support and growing solidarity initiatives in the Netherlands. “We are sincerely grateful for the support for the Cuban resolution against the blockade at the UN, which has been maintained for several years. The founding of the Solidarity Network with Cuba in the Netherlands has been a major achievement in 2025. It demonstrates the increase in support for our country among the Dutch population.”
H.E. Mrs. Eva Yelina Silva Walker welcoming the Secretary General of the International Court of Arbitration, H.E. Dr. Marcin Czepelack.
“In the face of so much hostility towards Cuba, love and hope prevail,” she concluded, inviting guests to enjoy the evening’s celebration.
The reception concluded with a warm and graceful atmosphere, as Cuban artists brought the rhythm and joyful essence of Cuban culture to the embassy, delighting guests and capturing the spirit of the occasion.
On the afternoon of March 20, the Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum (MPF) Promotional Seminar was successfully held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The Seminar aimed to establish an efficient communication platform for port, shipping, and logistics cooperation between Asia and Europe, leveraging port-shipping synergy to empower the development of Zhejiang into a high-level open province.
The event brought together representatives from the port, shipping, logistics, and new energy sectors across Western Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, creating a vibrant atmosphere for exchange. Mr. Zhu Miao, General Manager of Zhejiang Seaport Group and Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group, attended and chaired the Seminar.
Attendees to the Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum (MPF) Promotional Seminar.
Zhu Miao noted that the Port of Rotterdam and Ningbo Zhoushan Port not only share geographical similarities and complementary business models but also have a deep history of cooperation and broad potential for collaboration.
Gathering now in Rotterdam to foster friendship, discuss cooperation, and pursue shared development, the event not only showcased the achievements of Zhejiang Seaport Group but also built a broad consensus on openness and collaboration, yielding numerous valuable opportunities for partnership.
During the Seminar, the Secretariat of MPF provided a comprehensive overview of the Forum’s development history and platform value, along with details on the preparations and activity arrangements for the MPF 2026 under its theme “Resilient Synergy, Shared Prosperity,” extending a warm invitation to all attendees. The Production Safety Department of Zhejiang Seaport Group and Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group highlighted the port’s capabilities, shipping network, logistics facilities, and achievements in green and smart port development. During the Q&A session, they also provided detailed answers on topics including the Arctic Route and green shipping corridors.
The Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum (MPF) Promotional Seminar, Rotterdam, March 2026.
This Promotional Seminar served as a key stop in the global series of MPF 2026 promotion. It was also a targeted matchmaking initiative for the Western European region, comprehensively showcasing the development strengths and cooperation opportunities of Ningbo Zhoushan Port.
The Hague, 13 March 2026. The evening commenced with humor from former State Secretary for Finance, Nora Achahbar, now an SBBIS ambassador promoting a positive image of the international community. Organized by Stichting BewonersBedrijf In de Schilderswijk-SBBIS under the direction of Mr. Itai Cohn, the event featured Sjaak Bral, the MC. of the Correspondents’ Dinner, who brought lively entertainment. The Social Hub in Schilderswijk was filled with notable attendees, including
Mr. Jozias van Aartsen, former mayor of The Hague and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has played a crucial role in breaking down the city’s ‘invisible walls’ and empowering residents. The Hague Bridge (Haagse brug) was key to these efforts. Now serving as SBBIS ambassador, he continues to enhance the city’s international relations and shape public perception.
Other attendees included Mr. Andrew van Esch, a seasoned organizer of diplomatic events, Mr Hans Huizer, the former rector of the Johan de Witt Scholengroep, has a remarkable track record. Dr Hanan El Marroun a Professor of Biological Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
The Schilderswijk Correspondents’ Dinner stands as a vital local political event in Schilderswijk, drawing inspiration from the American Correspondents’ Dinner. This is not a case of folly; it is a celebration purposefully crafted to meet the needs and culture of our community
During this event, local politicians humorously roast each other, revealing the personalities behind their political roles and making politics more relatable for residents.
The first dinner was held on March 9, 2018, at the Samson Youth Centre, hosted by comedian Sjaak Bral, who led engaging sketches performed by politicians. The event returned in 2022, again hosted by Bral, and was broadcast on TV West. It draws both local and national media, fostering a vital connection to the community as residents prepare to vote. The Schilderswijk Correspondents Dinner was held in the decisive days leading up to the municipal elections on March 18, 2026.
Mr Tahsin Çetinkaya.Picture by Eveline van Egdom.
What an incredible evening spent among a diverse and vibrant group of people in a dynamic neighborhood! In these polarized times, it is essential to engage with one another as human beings. The night was filled with sharp roasts, some clearly more impactful than others. Janet Ramesar, who holds the second position on the SP ticket, didn’t hold back in her playful critiques of every party present, including Hart voor Den Haag. She boldly stated, “I see posters everywhere with ‘and now De Mos,’ but with a different face each time. It certainly confuses me. We’ll see after the elections how many people are shocked to discover that this De Mos isn’t a Turkish or Indian man. By the end of the evening, a jury, together with the audience, decisively named Janet Ramesar the champion of the roasts. She rightfully claimed a special trophy for her outstanding performance.
Without a doubt, Janet Ramesar was the true winner of the night, completely captivating the audience with her wit.
This event served as a powerful reminder that democracy goes beyond politics; it encompasses the strength of community and the importance of connection.
The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Germany marked the 182nd Anniversary of National Independence with an exceptional solo concert by renowned Dominican pianist and composer Michel Camilo at the Konzerthaus Berlin on 6 March 2026.
The celebration gathered members of the diplomatic corps, German national and local authorities, representatives of the Dominican community, and distinguished guests from the cultural, academic, and business sectors. Among the notable attendees were Deputy Minister of Tourism Promotion and Development Tammy Reynoso, alongside senior representatives of Banco de Reservas, reflecting the strong commitment of Dominican institutions to enhancing the country’s international presence and fostering strategic partnerships.
In her welcoming remarks, H.E. Ambassador Joseline Pujol highlighted that the commemoration honours the historic events of 27 February 1844, underscoring the consolidation of Dominican national identity and its enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, and development. She emphasized that “culture, and music in particular, constitute a universal language that strengthens ties and promotes mutual understanding among peoples.”
Dominican Republic 182nd anniversary in Berlin.
Strong Tourism and Economic Ties
Relations between both countries continue to deepen, particularly through tourism and trade. Approximately 200,000 German tourists visit the Dominican Republic each year, making Germany one of the country’s leading European tourism markets.
Bilateral trade remains steady. According to recent figures:
German exports to the Dominican Republic amount to €436 million
Imports from the Dominican Republic total €288 million
Germany maintains a trade surplus of approximately €148 million
German exports are led by automobiles and auto parts, machinery, and chemical products, while the Dominican Republic exports primarily agricultural goods, including bananas, cocoa, and coffee.
H.E. Ms. Serap Güler, State Secretary at the German Federal Foreign Office.
A Partnership Looking Forward
The event also featured remarks by H.E. Ms. Serap Güler, State Secretary at the German Federal Foreign Office, who praised the Dominican Republic’s achievements and reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations. She noted: “I congratulate your nation on its political, economic, social, and cultural achievements. Let us celebrate the progress of the Dominican Republic, the strength of our partnership, and the many opportunities that lie ahead.”
During the evening, Maestro Camilo delivered a captivating performance featuring works such as “From Within” and “St. Thomas” by Sonny Rollins, alongside his own compositions and collaborations, including pieces with Juan Luis Guerra. The program blended virtuosity with Caribbean identity, offering a powerful expression of cultural dialogue.
With this celebration, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to cultural diplomacy as a strategic instrument to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s presence in Europe and to further consolidate a bilateral relationship grounded in cooperation and mutual respect.
