The Ambassador of Peru to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Franca Deza Ferreccio, hosted an exceptional and unprecedented concert dedicated to 18th-century Peruvian music at the Church of Our Saviour in The Hague. The performance, presented by Musica Temprana, offered a rare opportunity to experience the musical heritage of colonial and post-colonial Peru through historically informed interpretation.
Musica Temprana group with Ambassador Deza Ferreccio of Peru,
The event was warmly attended by ambassadors, diplomats, members of the Peruvian and wider Latin American diaspora, as well as many Dutch friends of Peru—an audience eager to discover and embrace this captivating repertoire. Musica Temprana, founded and directed by Adrian Rodriguez Van der Spoel, is internationally regarded as a leading ensemble in historically based performance practices.
Adrian Rodriguez Van der Spoel, director of Musica Temprana.
The concert emerged from profound musicological research and meticulous reconstruction of scores. Some of the music was recovered from diaries or letters written by priests of the era, reconstructed from symbols or textual notations into full musical compositions. The repertoire spanned from medieval Spanish works from the time of Christopher Columbus to the vibrant popular music of 18th-century Peru. Much of it was originally written by priests, bishops, members of the clergy, as well as musicians from the broader population of the time.
Luciana Cueto, Musica Temprana Group.
The program bridged compositions from monastic life with folk rhythms of mestizo communities—revealing beauty and hardship, tradition and innovation, reflection and provocation. It offered a compelling window into the musical forces that shaped and transformed a civilization.
Ambassador Deza Ferreccio opened the evening and introduced the ensemble before giving the floor to this remarkable group of artists, led by Adrian Rodriguez Van der Spoel and featuring performers Luciana Cueto, Lucia Giraudo, Emma Huijsser, Álvaro Pinto Lyon, and Claudia Vélez.
Regional Police Unit of The Hague Hosts Annual Diplomatic Event
Chief Constable Karin Krukkert hosted this year’s edition of the Regional Police Unit of The Hague Annual Event for Diplomats, held on Tuesday, 28 October, from 14:30 to 17:30 at the police headquarters. The official program, attended by a large number of diplomats, began promptly at 15:15, allowing ample time for informal networking beforehand.
This year’s gathering offered a truly unique experience—an intimate and candid look into the realities of police work, delivered through the lens of a real unsolved crime case. The various specialists involved provided their perspectives both as professionals and as individuals, who carry the human side of police work with unique personal insights shaped by their experience, revealing a human dimension rarely accessible to the diplomatic community.
One of the police who worked in the investigation sharing her experience.
It was also an excellent occasion to reconnect with Frans Scholten, from the Taskforce Diplomatic Security and Diplomatic Front Office Liaison. Well known and highly regarded among diplomats, he remains a recognizable and trusted face for the entire Diplomatic Corps.
The Chief of The Hague Police and the Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Mr. Jeffrey Curni.
Following the presentation, guests had the opportunity to meet the officers, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. The afternoon concluded with refreshments and a networking reception, further strengthening the ties between the diplomatic community and the police.
The 7th edition of the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP) World Food Day celebration has been a resounding success.
On October 16, 2025, over 500 participants, including representatives from government, business, diplomacy, research, and NGOs, gathered at the Fokker Terminal in The Hague to address challenges in food systems and develop concrete solutions.
World Food Day
In today’s interconnected world, achieving food security in any region demands unwavering global collaboration. The Netherlands Food Partnership, in alliance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security & Nature, welcomed many attendees to this year’s World Food Day event.
This year’s theme emphasized the importance of cross-sector partnerships in ensuring long-term food security, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and fostering resilient economies.
Notable attendees included the Ambassadors of Peru, Tanzania, Vietnam along with a representative from the UN based in Jakarta. Vietnam also participated in the 2024 edition.
The highly successful event was meticulously organized and effectively promoted, drawing hundreds of individuals. It featured more than 25 side sessions and four dynamic interactive zones, reinforcing the commitment to advancing food security on a global scale.
Recently, the European Commissioner for EU Enlargement, Marta Kos,stated: “Albania has made unprecedented progress” on its path towards future EU membership. Albania has opened the final EU accession negotiations cluster on Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion the morning of our event and has set a new record, namely, to open negotiations with the EU on all six clusters in just over a year.
Prime Minister Edi Rama said at Clingendael:
“The EU is a blessing for a country like ours to build institutions and democracy. For decades, Albania was one of the most isolated countries from the East and the West. Europe is our free choice and our choice for safety and security.”
During the evening, topics such as Albania’s EU candidate status, the country’s role in NATO, organised crime, and migration were discussed.
The event was opened by Clingendael’s General Director Monika Sie Dhian Ho. After the opening Edi Rama took the stage for an open and candid conversation and Q&A session moderated by Clingendael’s Researcher Wouter Zweers. More than eighty guests, with among them students, journalists, policymakers, and researchers joined the conversation.
The Hague, November 5, 2025 – The Ambassador of Algeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, deposited on behalf of Algeria the instruments of accession to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, signed in The Hague on October 5, 1961, and widely known as the “Apostille Convention.”
The deposit took place on November 5, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, which serves as the Convention’s depository. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH).
This accession, decided by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aims to facilitate administrative procedures for Algerian citizens abroad and to simplify the use of public documents outside the national territory. It forms part of Algeria’s ongoing efforts to reduce bureaucracy and meet the needs of its diaspora. The move also represents an opportunity to strengthen long-term cooperation between Algeria and the HCCH.
In her remarks, Ambassador Abdelhak thanked the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for hosting the event and emphasized that the President’s decision demonstrates Algeria’s commitment to modernizing public services, streamlining administrative procedures, and enhancing international partnerships. She further noted that this accession reflects Algeria’s adherence to multilateralism, transparency, and mutual trust among States—key pillars of sustainable international cooperation.
The Ambassador also thanked the HCCH Secretary General for his support and affirmed that this milestone marks the beginning of new achievements and the continued strengthening of cooperation between Algeria and the HCCH.
With Algeria’s accession, the 1961 Apostille Convention now has 128 contracting parties. It will enter into force for Algeria on July 9, 2026.
As Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov spent the past five years strengthening bilateral ties, advancing strategic initiatives, and contributing to global security. Previously serving as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, he brought to The Hague a deep commitment to quiet diplomacy and conflict prevention. In this farewell interview, Ambassador Abdrakhmanov reflects on the achievements of Kazakhstan–Netherlands cooperation, his work at the OPCW and OSCE, and his vision for Kazakhstan’s future.
Interview with Kairat Abdrakhmanov, former Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands & Permanent Representative to the OPCW (2024–2025), former OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (2020–2024)
You are completing your diplomatic mission in the Kingdom of the Netherlands after five years in various positions. Starting with bilateral relations, how would you describe the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands?
Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands were established on 10 September 1992. Since then, the partnership has grown steadily, grounded in trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for progress. Today, cooperation spans a wide spectrum: regular political dialogue, robust trade and investment, cultural and educational partnerships, and innovation. Our two countries also work closely within international organizations such as the UN, OSCE, and OPCW, and highly value their longstanding cooperation on global peace, disarmament, and sustainable development.
I also had the privilege of interacting with outstanding Dutch diplomats during Kazakhstan’s recent successful non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council. Beyond trade, cultural diplomacy has become a vital bridge of friendship, with joint exhibitions, concerts, festivals and educational initiatives flourishing between our societies.
Presentation of Credentials to the King of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov
How do you see bilateral trade and economic cooperation evolving? While energy remains the dominant sector, do you expect agriculture, renewable energy, and other industries to grow in importance?
The Kazakh–Dutch economic and investment partnership is strong and continues to grow. The Netherlands remains one of the largest investors in Kazakhstan, accounting for over 30 percent of total foreign direct investment, with cumulative inflows exceeding USD 125.2 billion. Bilateral trade reached USD 5.4 billion in 2024—an increase of 25 percent compared to 2023. This positive trend continued in 2025, with trade reaching USD 2.4 billion in the first half of the year—18 percent more than during the same period of the previous year.
Key sectors include energy, agriculture, transport and logistics, critical raw materials, healthcare, green technologies, and high-tech industries. The Netherlands–Kazakhstan Business Council—meeting in Astana (October 2024) and The Hague (January 2025)—has played an important role in strengthening business-to-business cooperation. Regular forums, trade missions, roundtables, and active engagement from business associations continue to open new opportunities for partnership.
Dutch expertise in greenhouse technology, water management, and seed production is globally recognized. Are these sectors becoming more active in Kazakhstan?
Absolutely. These fields are priorities for Kazakhstan, and cooperation is developing rapidly. Water management, in particular, has become a centerpiece of collaboration. Following major floods in Kazakhstan two years ago, the Netherlands deployed a Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) Team mission to help assess the impact—a gesture for which we are deeply grateful.
Since then, dialogue among relevant authorities has intensified, with the Deltares Institute and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Astana playing active roles. We appreciate the continued support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and municipalities such as Westland. We are confident that this cooperation will lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
As Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Kazakhstan proposed the establishment of an International Agency for Biological Security. Could such an institution effectively coordinate global efforts, and what benefits would it bring?
Biological threats are transboundary and cannot be addressed by any country alone. Kazakhstan’s initiative to establish an International Agency for Biological Security (IABS) seeks to create a universal platform uniting states, international organizations, and scientific institutions. Its goals include coordinated prevention, monitoring, and neutralization of biological threats, fostering transparency and trust, and establishing a global rapid-response mechanism.
Kazakhstan is actively advancing this initiative, guided by the belief that the IABS could provide global value—much like the OPCW has become indispensable in the field of chemical security.
Could you briefly outline the vision of Kazakhstan’s leadership for the country’s future?
Kazakhstan is currently implementing large-scale democratic and political reforms as part of the transformation toward a Just and Fair Kazakhstan under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In his recent State-of-the-Nation Address, the President outlined an ambitious agenda under the theme “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” Key priorities include:
– Major reforms in transport, transit, and aviation to position Kazakhstan as a Eurasian hub
– A stronger focus on green energy, nuclear power, and digital governance
– The development of Alatau City as a regional innovation hub
– The creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development
– Modernization of the financial sector, including a new Banking Law and a State Digital Asset Fund
– A comprehensive investment attraction system supported by a Regional Investment Attractiveness Index
These priorities align with areas where Kazakhstan and the Netherlands already collaborate—innovation, agriculture, logistics, and green technologies. Educational and scientific partnerships are also expanding, linking universities and research centers in both countries.
Before becoming Ambassador to the Netherlands, you served as OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. How would you summarize the results of your work in that capacity?
It was an extremely responsible mission, shaped by a complex international environment and heightened expectations regarding the effectiveness of global institutions. I was also the first representative from Central Asia to hold this high office, which placed additional responsibility on my work.
The HCNM has a unique mandate focused on preventing conflicts. It is not a human rights body; rather, its strength lies in quiet diplomacy—building trust, addressing sensitive issues discreetly, and seeking balanced solutions. My work was rooted in this philosophy.
During my tenure, I sought to bridge the divide that had widened between states east and west of Vienna, giving equal attention to both. I encouraged dialogue, explored new initiatives, and highlighted Central Asia’s best practices in promoting interethnic harmony, intercultural dialogue, and resilience. I also placed strong emphasis on youth, gender equality, and the links between climate change and security.
What initiatives from your time as High Commissioner stand out most?
Together with my team, we initiated several important “firsts” for the OSCE:
Signing a memorandum of understanding with all key Ministries of Education of Central Asian countries and Mongolia on multilingual education—demonstrating their commitment to multiculturalism and multilingualism.
Undertaking the first official visits by an HCNM to Andorra, Finland, Norway, and Mongolia to highlight the experiences of ethnic and religious minorities in these states.
Signing an MoU with UNHCR and pledging active efforts to eliminate statelessness.
Launching the 10th set of HCNM recommendations: Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life.
Expanding cooperation with multilateral organizations—including the UN, Council of Europe, EU, OIC, and OAS—through joint initiatives, study visits, and high-level events.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the HCNM mandate with conferences and dialogues across the OSCE region, concluding with a high-level conference in The Hague attended by all living former High Commissioners.
These initiatives strengthened dialogue, enhanced visibility of the mandate, and reinforced the relevance of conflict-prevention mechanisms amid today’s diplomatic challenges.
Did you maintain ties with Kazakhstan during your time at the OSCE?
Yes. I am grateful for the consistent support of Kazakhstan—particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission in Vienna, the Embassy in the Netherlands, and other Kazakh diplomatic missions. However, as required by the mandate and ethical standards of international civil service, I did not receive any instructions regarding the substance of my work or decisions. My independence was fully respected.
Kazakhstan provided special funding for a commemorative photobook and seconded a qualified diplomat to support my office—contributions I acknowledged in my reports to the OSCE Permanent Council.
My final year coincided with the 100th anniversary of Max van der Stoel, the first and longest-serving High Commissioner. It was symbolic that another distinguished Dutch diplomat, Ambassador Christophe Kamp, was appointed as the new High Commissioner in 2024. I wish him every success.
I hope that, in the future, the efforts of my team and me—focused on dialogue, bridge-building, and the promotion of peace—will be recognized as part of the evolving legacy of this vital OSCE institution.
By Mr. Zhang Yi, Charge d’affaires ad interim of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in the Netherlands.
The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has recently adopted the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan. This milestone document sets forth the strategic framework for China’s economic and social development for the 2026-2030 period, outlining a forward-looking vision for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with the international community.
Five-Year Plans: A Pillar of China’s Governance Capacity
Since the launch of the First Five-Year Plan in 1953, China has achieved two historic accomplishments rarely seen in human history-rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. From a country once struggling to produce basic goods such as matches and screws, China has evolved into the world’s largest manufacturing center, the second-largest consumer market, and the largest trading partner for over 150 countries and regions.
Over the past four decades, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, accounting for over 70 percent of global poverty reduction during this period. By 2020, all 98.99 million rural residents living below the current poverty line had been lifted out of poverty, achieving the UN 2030 Agenda’s poverty alleviation goal a full decade ahead of schedule.
The Five-Year Plan system is recognized as a distinctive institutional strength of China’s governance. While long-term centenary goals provide the overarching vision, Five-Year Plans translate that vision into concrete, actionable steps. China’s achievements have not been a product of chance but the result of institutional coherence, strategic planning, and the persistent efforts of generations.
As a strategic, systemic, and forward-looking framework, the Five-Year Plan aligns the strengths of an “effective market” with those of a “capable government,” mobilizing nationwide resources to advance key national undertakings and accelerating the historic process of Chinese modernization.
Historic Progress Under the 14th Five-Year Plan
As the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) draws to a close, China has made significant, transformative advances on its path toward high-quality development. The country’s overall national strength has reached a new level, while steady progress has been made in pursuing Chinese modernization.
Economically, China has maintained steady, sound growth. Since 2021, the economy has sustained an average annual growth rate of around 5.5 percent, contributing roughly 30 percent of global economic expansion. China’s GDP is expected to reach approximately 140 trillion yuan in 2025. In 2024 alone, China’s imports exceeded USD 2.82 trillion, creating vast opportunities for global enterprises.
China’s wind and solar exports have played a major role in advancing global decarbonization efforts, helping other countries reduce an estimated 4.1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions since 2021. Energy consumption per unit of GDP has fallen by 11.6 percent over the past four years, and China remains the world’s largest producer and seller of new energy vehicles.
China has embedded the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the 14th Five-Year Plan. Initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative have strengthened cooperation with the UN system and various international organizations, supporting over 180 development projects across more than 60 countries and benefiting over 30 million people.
The Blueprint for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030)
The central objective of the 15th Five-Year Plan is to make steady progress toward realizing socialist modernization by 2035. One major benchmark is raising China’s per capita GDP to the level of moderately developed countries. The Recommendations reaffirm high-quality development as the overriding priority, highlight scientific and technological innovation as the primary driver, call for steady progress toward common prosperity, and reiterate the Party’s strong commitment to combating corruption.
The drafting process exemplifies whole-process people’s democracy. Under the direct leadership of President Xi Jinping, six central research teams conducted extensive field studies; 35 major research projects were launched; and more than 3 million public submissions were collected through online consultations, from which over 1,500 high-quality suggestions were incorporated. This process transformed collective insight into national strategy and ensured scientific, democratic, and law-based policy making.
New Opportunities: China’s Opening-Up in the 15th Five-Year Plan
The plenary session reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to high-standard opening up, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. China’s industrial upgrading and the continued expansion of its domestic market will create new and far-reaching opportunities for global investors and trading partners.
Between 2026 and 2030, China will further expand market access in the services sector, strengthen regional and bilateral cooperation mechanisms, broaden its network of high-standard free trade agreements, increase imports to support industrial upgrading and meet rising consumer demand, and foster a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment.
With 22 pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port, China has fully lifted foreign investment restrictions in manufacturing and significantly expanded market access in telecommunications, healthcare, and education.
China-Netherlands Relations: New Momentum for a New Era
The Netherlands remains China’s important Open and Pragmatic Partner for Comprehensive Cooperation. China views its partnership with the Netherlands as an integral part of China-EU relations and a key component of its broader opening to Europe. The 15th Five-Year Plan period will inject new impetus into bilateral relations across several areas, including economic and trade cooperation, where China is eager to deepen ties in trade, investment, logistics, agri-food collaboration, and high-end manufacturing. The complementarity between China’s vast market and the Netherlands’ advanced industries presents strong mutual benefits.
In green and sustainable development, China and the Netherlands can expand cooperation in renewable energy, the circular economy, green technologies, and climate-transition solutions. On digital and technological innovation, China welcomes Dutch participation in cooperative efforts on the digital economy, smart logistics, AI governance, and next-generation infrastructure, grounded in mutual respect and equality. Additionally, China supports enhanced exchanges in education, research, culture, tourism, and subnational cooperation to strengthen the social foundation of bilateral ties.
A More Open China, A More Stable World
China’s continued opening up will generate far-reaching global benefits. As a major economy with deep integration into global supply chains, China’s prospects for stable growth, strong innovation momentum, and expanded cooperation will reinforce global confidence amid rising uncertainties. China stands ready to work with the international community to advance the Global Governance Initiative, promote a fairer and more equitable global governance system, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Her Excellency Ramatoulaye Ba Faye, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to the Netherlands, delivered a remarkable lecture in French to the Africa Table at Sociëteit De Witte on 9 September 2025. Her presentation, titled “Successful Electoral Transition: Building on the Positive Experience of Senegal,” offered a masterful and deeply insightful overview of Senegal’s modern political evolution.
Addressing an audience that included the Ambassador of Venezuela, a former Dutch Ambassador to Senegal, writers, politicians, retired public servants, and members of De Witte with a keen interest in Africa, Ambassador Ba Faye created a uniquely personal and interactive exchange. She carefully explained the foundations of Senegal’s political stability, highlighting how the country’s democratic system—one of the most resilient in Africa—has advanced through consensus, negotiation, and respect for institutional continuity.
The Ambassador detailed Senegal’s transition from decades of single-party dominance to a competitive multi-party system, underscoring the significance of the 2016 constitutional reform that limited presidential mandates to two consecutive five-year terms. This evolution, she emphasized, occurred not through coercion but through dialogue among political actors and a commitment to democratic principles. Senegal’s history of peacekeeping, regional mediation, and constitutional reform contextualizes the democratic transition culminating in the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in April 2024.
Franck Diafouka, Founder and Chair of the Africa Table, welcomed the invited guests to Sociëteit De Witte. He recalled that the Africa Table operates under the Chatham House Rule and serves as an engaged multidisciplinary forum exploring the issues, dynamics, and opportunities shaping the African continent. Its debates—held quarterly in English or French—bring together academics, practitioners, and experts from diverse fields, from culture and philosophy to diplomacy, economics, and security.
The next Africa Table keynote will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa, on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
On 18 November 2025, the Africa Table also hosted a panel discussion on “The Future of Architecture in Africa,” featuring architects Ms. Hilary Lukose (Kenya/UK), Mr. Steve Dingui (Ivory Coast/France), and Mr. Miguel Correia (Portugal).
In the framework of the Eastern Neighbours Film Festival 2025, Kosovo’s filmmakers took centre stage in The Hague, showcasing two remarkable films that captured the country’s depth, emotion, and evolving creativity.
Among them, there was ‘117’, directed by the famous director Besim Sahatçiu, whose legacy was beautifully honoured through a video message from his granddaughter, the internationally-renowned singer Rita Ora, expressing pride in continuing his artistic path and celebrating Kosovo’s place in world cinema.
The cinematographic premiere also featured ‘Phantom Youth’ (Original title in Albanian language: Bota Jonë) by Luana Bajrami, a poetic portrayal of transformation and identity that reflects the fresh perspective of Kosovo’s new generation of filmmakers.
On Friday, 7 November, filmmaker and director of the Kosovo Cinematography Centre, Blerta Zeqiri, held an insightful talk titled “Kosovar Cinema on the Rise”. The talk highlighted Kosovo’s rich cinematic heritage and the evolution of its film industry through the years, navigating the challenges and achievements which contributed to fostering a vibrant cinematic culture in the region.
Following the screenings, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in The Hague hosted a warm reception where guests were welcomed with traditional food from the region, drinks, and inspiring conversations that encouraged cultural exchange and new connections.
The event was attended by distinguished members of the diplomatic community as well as Dutch and international film industry experts. The event beautifully reflected how Kosovo’s cinema continues to build bridges between heritage and modern vision.
The Embassy of Kosovo in The Hague hosted a screening of two films at the Eastern Neighbours Film Festival 2025, inviting several guests to attend. Indeed, Kosovar cinema is certainly on the rise. This year’s program featured two Kosovar films, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase the creativity, resilience, and evolving narratives of Kosovo’s contemporary film scene.
Notably, one of the films, Phantom Youth, is not intended purely for entertainment; it encourages viewers to reflect deeply. The film is historical, educational, illustrating the predicaments and resilience of Kosovo’s youth. While there were beers and cigarettes a go-go, there was no fighting, only an undeniable sense of solidarity.The performances by the actors were sublime.
