Needles and Threads

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Needles and Threads

By Alexandra Paucescu

Often in our diplomatic life we find ourselves in places and situations that we have never experienced nor expected before. We try to find ways to express our own personality and nurture further on our passions.

Sandra van Vaerenbergh, a Belgian with a master in Political Sciences, worked as a civil servant for the Belgian Ministry of Internal Affairs for years. She acted for three years as deputy manager of a closed center for illegal immigrants, offering her immense satisfaction and professional recognition. She married a diplomat and then started her nomadic life abroad, in exotic countries like Syria or Thailand and also closer to home, in the Netherlands.

Continuity in our diplomatic life is something that, I guess, we all wish for and it is something not always easy to achieve. She tells me: ’home is more of a feeling rather than a place, more specifically, feeling comfortable in a house as a family, surrounded by our own things that move with us from one country to another. Creating a feeling of home is of course also important for the children during the process of settling down in a new country. During our latest relocation to Bangkok, the girls (8 and 9 year old back then) were so excited to have their own stuff back after 8 weeks apart.’

Children need stability, so do we. If it’s about the home we live in or the job we do, the everyday life is something we design ourselves after our own habits, opportunities and desires. ‘There are ones who need a job to feel satisfied, for others it is already satisfying to be home and take care of the children, which is also not something to neglect.  During our postings I stayed home, raised my girls and also learned new skills. We did not have the morning rush, like many of my friends in Belgium had, and it was a good balance. I realized the importance of the life-work balance when I returned back to work during our stay in Belgium after two postings. I worked full time for one year but I have to admit that I did not want that rush and decided to work on a 4/5 days schedule. It was the best decision for me at that moment, no matter what others would think.’

Taking time for herself and having the luxury to explore the new countries of residence is also important to her. She says: ‘take your time to settle in and make your home a place where you feel good and comfortable.’ She also confesses that, from all the postings, Syria is still closest to her heart. Why? ‘It was our first posting as a young couple and both our girls were born in Damascus. Furthermore, I will never forget the warm people, the delicious food and the beautiful cities in Syria. I still have a lucky charm, received from a Syrian when we had to leave Damascus, due to the circumstances, and I always carry it with me wherever we go. Syria will have this special place in my heart forever.’

Regarding the advices she would give to other spouses, she says:’ try not to compare yourself to others; each one has her/his own vision on being a partner of a diplomat. Try to reinvent yourself, learn new skills and dare to jump into something new. It was not easy for me, as I like my ‘safe place’, but after all, these years while the kids are growing up, are the perfect time for me to start something else.’

And she did!

Sandra van Vaerenbergh

‘During our first posting in Syria, with a newborn and a one year old at home, I started to read Belgian sewing blogs (yes, in between taking care of the little ones, I found the time!). As a mum of two girls, I always dreamed of making swirling skirts and dresses with beautiful fabrics for them. So, upon our arrival in The Hague, I bought a sewing machine and some other tools, as I wanted to finish up ‘perfectly’ the garments I made. I am an autodidact, bought some sewing books and monthly sewing magazines, followed online tutorials and became part of the Belgian sewing community online. I also took some sewing lessons for two years. That was really ‘me-time’ and I loved it. Over the years I became a real fabric addict. I love fabric shopping, touching, feeling the fabrics and looking for the right ones for each specific garment. I must admit that I often buy fabric without a purpose, which leaves me now with a huge fabric stash. But I must also say that I feel very happy to live in Bangkok. I love wandering around Chinatown, looking for fabric shops. It is a true Walhalla for me. I often feel like a child in a candy store. The choices are amazing here and that in combination with good prices… I think you know what that means!

Following her passion, she started a professional course now. ‘As my motto is ‘live now and do what you like to do’, I recently started studying ‘pattern design’. With my sewing experience and the new skills I will learn now, I plan to start working on a concept of workshops, to offer in the near future. Turning my hobby into my work, that’s a dream come true!  And not to forget, there’s a job that I would carry on, no matter where we are on this globe. Let’s say it’s a ‘win-win’. Furthermore, I also followed a photography training here in Bangkok, which I can perfectly combine with my sewing passion: now I know how to make the good looking photos of the clothes I make.’

She tells things with passion, she follows her dreams, carefully sewing her diplomatic life with sharp needles and colored threads, proudly presenting her work to the world.

 Way to go, Sandra!

About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu

Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

The Investment Potential of Kazakhstan and Kazakh-German Trade Cooperation

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The Investment Potential of Kazakhstan and Kazakh-German Trade Cooperation

By H.E. Mr. Dauren Karipov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Germany 

Located in the heart of Eurasia on the border between the Asian and European continents, Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country.

On 16 December, Kazakhstan will celebrate its 30th anniversary of Independence. Today Kazakhstan is a member of the world’s largest political, financial and economic institutions, and is a recognized driving force behind regional integration.

The country is now Central Asia’s largest and strongest market with one of the fastest-growing economies. Economic growth is expected to reach 4% in 2021 (GDP per capita will be valued at about $9828).

The positive economic development is also based on the country’s resource potential. Kazakhstan occupies the premier global position in terms of proven reserves of zinc, tungsten and barite, second place for silver, lead and chromites, third place for copper, manganese and fluorites, and fourth place for molybdenum. The gold deposits are among the tenth largest in the world.

Kazakhstan

The country has eight percent of all iron ore, and it stores up to a quarter of the world’s uranium deposits. The raw materials for all high technologies of the future can be found in this country. It has more than 5,000 natural resources, valued at $ 10 trillion. Kazakhstan ranks 6th in the world in terms of natural resources and 10th in terms of total mineral production (excluding oil and gas). This year a digital information platform for investors with all geological information will be created.

Kazakhstan’s favorable geographical location and sensible foreign trade policy offer easy access to markets in neighboring countries, representing 500 million people, including in western China, Russia and Central Asia. This makes Kazakhstan an important transportation hub between the East and West. More than 70% of all transcontinental routes run through Kazakhstan. Over the past 10 years, Kazakhstan has invested $30 billion in transportation infrastructure, and an additional $40 billion is planned to be invested over the next 6 years. To this end, an important role is played by the “Nurly Zhol” Kazakh state program.

Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, Kazakhstan had the largest increase in foreign net direct investment (FDI) among 17 countries with transition economies and 34 landlocked countries, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s latest World Investment Report. Kazakhstan received 34.9% more net FDI than a year earlier, against the backdrop of a global decline.

Grain fields, Kazakhstan

The country’s consistently high positions in international rankings as well as statistics on the attraction of FDI confirm the high investment attractiveness of Kazakhstan even in times of crisis.

There are opportunities for joint investment through the Kazakhstan Direct Investment Fund (with a capital of 900 million euros), Samruk Kazyna Invest and Baiterek Holding, which invest in equity capital and have agreements with the German export insurance agency Euler Hermes. In his latest State of the Nation address from 1 September 2021, Kazakhstan‘s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the creation of a new instrument to attract direct investments – the Strategic Investment Agreement.

Kazakhstan has a stable financial and banking system.

Despite the global economic crisis, Kazakhstan is one of just 5 countries whose creditworthiness has been upgraded by the international agency Moody’s (from Baa3 to Baa2, forecast “stable”).

In the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” Ranking for 2020, Kazakhstan took 25th place, ahead of countries like Austria, Japan, Spain.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are of strategic importance for Kazakhstan’s economy. During the independence years, a legal framework was developed in Kazakhstan that encourages entrepreneurship development, including state support for SMEs.

Germany and Kazakhstan are stable, predictable partners. International legal frameworks, various mechanisms of bilateral relations that function effectively have been created.

Kazakhstan is Germany’s most important economic partner in Central Asia (53rd place among Germany’s trading partners). For several years now, Kazakhstan has consistently accounted for more than 80% of Germany’s foreign trade with the five Central Asian countries.

For its part, Kazakhstan accounts for ¾ of all German exports to the region, and is also the country’s fourth-largest oil supplier. Trade between Kazakhstan and Germany in the months of January-June 2021 amounted to 2.3 billion euros.

In the past 13 years, direct investments amounting to more than $8.6 billion have flowed from Germany to Kazakhstan. Around 90% of German investments in Kazakhstan are directed into the “non-raw materials sector”, that is, into the manufacturing industry.

There are more than 600 joint ventures with German capital in Kazakhstan. These include large companies such as SAP, Metro, Knauf, BASF, Linde, CLAAS and others.

This mutually-beneficial cooperation became possible owing to the 2012 partnership agreement between Kazakhstan and Germany that provides for an exchange of raw materials for technology, as well as exclusive preferences for German investors in Kazakhstan, including exemptions from corporate and property taxes, as well as 25-year tax exemptions in special economic zones.

Today Kazakhstan is particularly interested in attracting investors who want to make their investments as efficiently as possible and who are ready to view our country as a platform for the production of goods and services with high added value for further exports.

Under the leadership of the Vice Prime Minister there is a special government group for working with German investors. This mechanism provides quick and definitive solutions to all problematic issues that arise when carrying out investment projects.

For further information 

Kazakh Embassy in Germany: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-berlin/activities/1753?lang=en

Adieu, Libreville

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Adieu, Libreville

Par Alexander Khodakov

Je devais quitter Libreville en été 1979, mais le département du personnel ne me trouvait pas de remplaçant. Cela a trainé jusqu’au mois de décembre. Finalement la date du départ est fixée. On devait passer quelques jours à Brazzaville en attendant le vol sur Moscou. On y arriverait le 30 décembre, à la veille de la St. Sylvestre. […]

Nous ne sommes pas trois, mais quatre. En dehors de notre propre enfant nous devons ramener à Moscou la fille du cuisinier. Elle va rester avec sa famille, le temps est venu pour elle d’aller à l’école. Elle a huit ans, son caractère est plutôt flegmatique, mais elle est assez grande pour son âge. Un peu enveloppée, comme son papa. Quand on voyage avec un enfant qui n’est pas le vôtre, on se fait toujours des soucis, même quand ce voyage est parfaitement légitime.

Nous avons demandé à l’ambassade à Brazzaville de venir nous chercher en microbus, en expliquant très clairement que nous avons beaucoup de bagages. Ayant atterri à Brazzaville, on se retrouve à l’aéroport où règne la plus grande effervescence. On s’attend de nouveau à une attaque des mercenaires de l’autre côté de la rivière, l’aéroport est encore plein de gens, armés ou sans armes, qui se déplacent dans le chaos. Toutefois, grâce à notre sang-froid, on arrive assez vite à la sortie.

Sur le parking de l’aéroport au lieu de microbus nous trouvons un Moskvitch-412, une voiture assez petite et étroite. À son volant dort paisiblement le nouveau secrétaire de la section consulaire, Dimitri, ou Dima tout court qui remplace Alexey le Rouquin. Si ce dernier buvait, Dima dort.

Quand Alexey était sobre, il était très diligent. L’état d’agrégation de Dima est toujours le même – à moitié endormi, vaseux. Je le réveille et on fait entrer de force ce qui ne se prête pas à entrer – on met les bagages dans la voiture. Les valises et les boîtes sont dans le coffre qui ne ferme pas, encore des boîtes sur le siège arrière, les enfants sont coincés entre elles. Ma femme s’assoit sur mes genoux sur le siège avant. Si un policier routier ou un gendarme voyait ces jardins de Sémiramis, il aurait une crise cardiaque et nous une solide amende. Heureusement pour nous, la police routière n’existe pas à Brazzaville. Nous partons à destination de l’hôtel.

L’hystérie à cause d’une attaque éventuelle était cette fois plus sérieuse que jamais. À chaque kilomètre il y avait une patrouille armée qui exigeait que l’on s’arrête et montre nos papiers. En voyant les plaques diplomatiques et la carte de Dima, les patrouilles se calmaient et nous souhaitaient même bon voyage. Les contrôles deviennent une routine, rien ne promet de surprises. À ce moment-là Dima se relaxe et reprend son état habituel. Arrivé à la hauteur de la patrouille suivante, il décide, Dieu sait pourquoi, qu’on lui fait signe par gestes de passer sans s’arrêter. Il passe, on entend immédiatement derrière des cris à tue-tête ; je crois même entendre des claquements de culasses. Les patrouilleurs, ou plutôt des patrouilleuses, car ce sont des femmes de la milice populaire, accourent vers la voiture et nous visent avec leurs kalashnikovs. L’une d’elles tient sa mitraillette à un demi-mètre de mon ventre, le doigt sur la gâchette. Elles crient toutes en même temps, mais de ces cris on peut comprendre qu’elles exigent les papiers. Au lieu d’obéir, Dima, complètement ahuri, se met à balbutier :

  • « Madame! Je n’ai rien fait!
  • Monsieur! Vos papiers! Pourquoi vous ne vous arrêtez pas?
  • Mais madame, je croyais que vous m’aviez fait signe de passer…
  • Vos papiers!
  • Montre ta carte, espèce d’abruti! » – dois-je gueuler à mon tour.

Enfin Dima montre sa carte et on nous laisse continuer notre chemin, mais d’abord elles nous disent ce qu’elles pensent à notre sujet, avec des expressions bien senties; elles nous conseillent instamment de ne plus faire d’erreurs pareilles, car cela peut se terminer mal. Le reste du voyage se passe sans entraves, nous arrivons à l’hôtel et allons immédiatement au lit. Il est presque trois heures du matin.

Information sur l’auteur:

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is WhatsApp-Image-2020-11-08-at-15.44.451-768x1024.jpeg
Alexander Khodakov

Né à Moscou en 1952, Alexander Khodakov fait ses études de droit  à  l’Institut de relations internationales de Moscou (MGIMO). Après trois ans à MGIMO, il fait un an d’études à l’université d’Alger. En 1974 il est recruté par le Ministère des affaires étrangères de l’URSS et part en poste au Gabon. Rentré à Moscou, il intègre le département juridique du Ministère. De 1985 à  1991 il travaille  à New York au sein de la mission permanente de l’URSS auprès des Nations unies. De retour à Moscou en 1991 il revient au département juridique, dont il devient directeur en 1994. Quatre ans plus tard il est nommé ambassadeur de Russie aux Pays-Bas et représentant permanent auprès de l’Organisation pour l’interdiction des armes chimiques (OIAC). En 2004 il passe au service de l’OIAC comme directeur des projets spéciaux et ensuite secrétaire des organes directifs. En 2011 il rejoint le greffe de la Cour pénale internationale et exerce pendant trois ans comme conseiller spécial pour les relations extérieures.

Depuis 2015 il vit  à La Haye, avec sa famille. Il a écrit Cuisine Diplomatique un vibrant récit des histoires inédites sur sa vie diplomatique.

Nation branding – a communication opportunity

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Nation branding – a communication opportunity

By Ambassador Nicolas Bideau, Head of Presence Switzerland

Postponed by a year to allow all participants to navigate the impact of Covid-19, the next world expo will be the first international major event happening with an audience. Around 25 million visits are expected at the Expo 2020 Expo from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

The Swiss pavilion will take centre stage at Expo 2020, promoting Switzerland’s traditional image as well as its innovative strengths. In these difficult times, our pavilion is a symbol and a driving force for the recovery we all need.

World Expos provide a unique platform through which participating countries can provide an emotional experience for the visitors and present themselves in surprising ways. Again, World expos enjoy a high profile in the media and among the public, both internationally and locally. In terms of nation branding, they are effective in reaching a wide audience, both directly and indirectly, via new and traditional media channels.

Swiss Pavilion, Theater – Picture by Presence Switzerland.

The national pavilion will provide the Swiss government with an attractive platform to showcase its priority themes in international communication: business, science, education, the environment and culture. It is a long-term investment by different actors in different fields, such as exports, tourism, education and politics. It will cast the country as innovative, competitive and responsible, while at the same time highlighting its deep-rooted traditions.

In order to maximise a country’s pull factor, nation branding experts capitalise on the perceptions of their country and its symbols to promote the brand image. Switzerland’s most important brand identity drivers are the products it exports. The ‘Swiss made’ label is viewed by many consumers to be a guarantee of quality, whether in the machine industry, the agri-food sector or the luxury goods sector.

The challenge for communicators is how best to use this perception to get the message across. Chocolate, for example, is one thing people spontaneously associate with Switzerland and can be used as a communication lever to explain how without Swiss innovation chocolate would not even exist.

Switzerland enjoys a positive and stable image abroad and is regarded as an important player in the global economy. However, this positive image cannot last forever without constant attention: we have to maintain the high quality of the offer and invest in presenting it in a positive light. Using communication to best leverage your assets is a challenge for all countries. That is the secret of nation branding – capitalising on your country’s known strengths to generate positivity towards it.

These communication dynamics are at the forefront of world expos. Each country presents itself through a national pavilion, and while general perceptions of a country play a crucial role in drawing the crowds, once inside the pavilion, visitors expect a memorable experience. Providing that experience is the only way to ensure a long-term impact on the perception of visitors.

Swiss Pavilion, Innovation exhibition – Picture by Presence Switzerland.

As a founding member of the Bureau International des Expositions, Switzerland has taken part in most world expos. Over the years, the Swiss pavilion has gradually established itself as an attractive brand, often drawing some of the biggest crowds and gaining much media coverage. Regular surveys among visitors confirm that the pavilions leave a positive impression of Switzerland.

At Expo 2020 in Dubai, Switzerland aims to present itself as a country of innovation which remains true to its traditions. The pavilion has therefore been modelled on a journey, travelling through Switzerland the hub of innovation and Switzerland the land of bucolic splendour.

Along the way, visitors will discover Switzerland’s values, its strengths in terms of education, research, innovation and business, but also the qualities and savoir-faire specific to Switzerland that give it the ability to provide answers to the challenges of the future. Expo 2020 is an important communication opportunity in the region.

See you in Dubai in October 2021!

For further information 

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Azerbaijan – 30 years after regaining independence

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Azerbaijan – 30 years after regaining independence

By Ambassador Ramin Hasanov, Head of Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Federal Republic of Germany 

Azerbaijan is a country which sits in the Caucasus as the gateway linking West and East. Over centuries the country was in the middle of the crossroad of different civilizations which formed its unique multiethnic and multi-faith cultural diversity. Azerbaijan is a place where representatives of different religions, ethnic groups have lived, created, communicated for many centuries. Today, there are 37 non-Islamic religious communities registered in Azerbaijan, 26 of which are Christian and 8 are Jewish. The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue regularly held in Azerbaijan since 2011, has transformed into a global platform to address one of the most important issues of today’s agenda, issues of cultural dialogue. 

Emerged as an independent republic in 1918, Azerbaijan was the first democratic republic in the Muslim East, 23 months between May 1918 and April 1920, but within a short period of time became one of the world’s most progressive countries by providing universal suffrage to all of its citizens. The National Council (Parliament) of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, composed of the representatives of all the layers of population and minorities, operated for just 17 months, but was able to adopt around 230 legislative acts, including the law granting women the right to vote and to participate in the political life of the country. Azerbaijan regained its independence on October 18, 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and declared itself the political and legal successor of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. 

The challenges which emerged across the space of the former Soviet Union in the early 90’s did not pass by Azerbaijan at the early period of its independence. As a result of territorial claims and the following military aggression by Armenia, 20 % of the territories of Azerbaijan were occupied, about one million Azerbaijanis became IDPs and refugees. 

However, it was the properly shaped and balanced policy under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, which helped the country become the region’s most successful country. Azerbaijan, in order to fund the development and promote the regional stability and growth, has opened its oil and gas industry to foreign participation which brought international investors and guaranteed the development of the county’s economy. 

Just like its culture, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is very diverse. Azerbaijan maintains close ties both with Muslim countries, Christian West as well as with Israel at the same time. Azerbaijan has proved itself as a reliable partner of the West while maintaining good, friendly relations with Russia and Iran, keeping the flow of energy and trade between Asia and Europe. 

Today, Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in providing Europe’s energy security by helping to diversify its oil and gas supply resources. Azerbaijan, which accounts for more than 70 percent of the economy of the South Caucasus, is the main initiator of important political and economic cooperation platforms in the region. Energy, infrastructure and other projects implemented with the active participation of my country play an important role in the development of the region as a whole. 

Thus, through its State Oil Fund founded in 1999 with a purpose to maintain macroeconomic stability and to direct oil revenues to the development of other priority areas, the Republic of Azerbaijan has managed to implement local and major regional projects. The country made major investments on its energy infrastructure and as a result, electricity importing country became electricity exporter. 

Besides energy sector, Azerbaijan heavily invested in its transport infrastructure and as a result became a major regional transport hub: the country links the East to the West with highways, as well as Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which was constructed in 2017 and considered an important part of the Silk Road. The country also hosts the North–South corridor which links the Northern Europe, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and India. 

Despite Azerbaijan had tremendous success in every aspect of statehood, the conflict with neighboring Armenia remained unsolved until the fall of 2020. The Minsk Group of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe co-chaired by the USA, Russia and France, was tasked to deal with the conflict. However, over the years Minsk group’s work didn’t produce any positive result. Instead, impunity only increased the Armenia’s aggression and militaristic polices under the slogan of “new war for new territories” which led to the full-scale war on September 27, 2020.

Within 44 days, Azerbaijan liberated its territories from Armenian occupation, thus ensuring the restoration of its territorial integrity in conformity with the four UN Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993, which demanded immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces from all the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Now the conflict is buried in the archives of the history, which established a good opportunity to work on a peace agreement with Armenia and to think of the future, as repeatedly stated by President Ilham Aliyev. Now, there are new opportunities for regional development, regional cooperation, connectivity in the environment of good faith among all the neighboring nations in that region, and Azerbaijan is ready for that.  

For further information:

Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany: https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/en
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Images courtesy of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany

VIII Diplomats’ Welcome After Summer Event

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VIII Diplomats’ Welcome After Summer Event

By Roy Lie Atjam

The end of the summer and the return of the diplomats to town was celebrated in style by Diplomat Magazine in collaboration with Leonardo Royal Hotel and the participation of the embassies of Argentina and Uzbekistan.

The Diplomats Welcome After Summer reception has once again proven to be a successful occasion to assemble international dignitaries of stature: ambassadors, diplomats, Dutch politicians, business executives, judges from international tribunals, and heads of international NGO’s.

Lexus latest models

Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, flanked by Mr Patrick Aarsman, General Manager of Leonardo Royal Hotel, cordially welcomed the guests. She stated, We like to continue celebrating the return of the diplomatic corps to The Hague, even if many have not been able to return home for over a year. Diplomat Magazine, the first diplomatic magazine in the Netherlands’ history, proudly facilitates countries, without distinction, to promote their political, cultural, and economic visions. Diplomat magazine pridefully contributes to the international dialogue among nations.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General and Patricia van Oordt.

Dr De Lara was followed by H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan and H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzábal, Ambassador of Argentina.

The program featured a plentitude of items, music, dance, exotic food & beverages as well as a fashion show. Argentina showcased her world-famous wines and a sensational Tango dance performance by the professionals Ezequiel Paludi & Geraldine Rojas. The group Antimufa delighted the guests playing Tango and Argentinian folk music with a refreshing moderm twist.

Ezequiel Paludi & Geraldine Rojas.

The Brussels-based Uzbek designer Dila Izamova presented her label Merossi, a fusion of millennial Uzbek silk and 21st century modernity, producing unique creations in limited editions.

Other Uzbek designers present at the event included: Umida Muminova, Fashion Home Muresak and Dilnoza Erkinova. The entire fashion show was under the oversight of the nestor of Uzbek fashion, Madam Xalida Kamilova, president of the Association of Uzbek Fashion Designers: “Osiyo Ramzi”.

NATO, Brigadier General Margarit Mihaylov presented a recognition plate to H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov. Also in the picture Dr De Lara and colonel Anvarjon Akbarov, Liasion offier of the Mission of Uzbekistan to NATO.

In his address H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov Ambassador of Uzbekistan welcomed the many guests. The Ambassador went on to mention:  “This year Uzbekistan is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of its Independence. The years of independence saw an extensive work aimed at building a new state and society. Our ancient history, national identity, rich cultural heritage and spiritual values ​​have been revived.

Today, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev we are building on those accomplishments and continuing large-scale democratic reforms at a dynamic pace, which are aimed at strengthening the political and legal foundations of our state and society, modernizing the country, strengthening the role of parliament and political parties, and public control.

Uzbek fashion show, Designers’ Association of Uzbekistan.

The large-scale reforms which are underway in the country today mark the beginning of a new stage in our development – the era of New Uzbekistan, the New Renaissance. And today we have every reason to say that over a historically short period, a completely new atmosphere has been created in the country in the political, legal, socio-economic, scientific, spiritual and cultural terms.

In this regard, I am also pleased to say that our ties with the Netherlands are developing at a rapid pace.  Netherlands for Uzbekistan has traditionally been a source of advanced technologies, knowledge, investment, and innovation in the economy, as well as an important partner in the formation and strengthening of democratic institutions, development of parliamentarism and civil society, the principles of a market economy, key sectors of public life, health, education, and many other areas.

H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh and H.E. Mr Pradeep Kumar Rawat, Ambassador of India.

We do appreciate the fact that European partners look at the new, changing Uzbekistan, perceive the country with a completely different view, and we can say that they are rediscovering it for themselves.

In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that a number of large investment projects are currently being implemented in Uzbekistan with European partners, of which the largest ever investments came to Uzbekistan from the Netherlands, namely the Dutch company Stone City Energy which is implementing a 1 billion euro project to build a thermal power plant in Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan.

H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klée Arenales, the Ambassador of Guatemala with Jan Dop, Director of Diplomatic Desk at from Russell Avocaten.

This and a number of other large projects give us the confidence that that Uzbekistan is emerging from the most difficult period of the global crisis.

The upcoming presidential elections on October 24th  2021.

Over the past five years, major changes have taken place in the electoral legislation of our country which raised our electoral system to a new level of quality. For the first time in the history of Uzbekistan, the next presidential elections will be held on the basis of the Electoral Code, adopted in June, 2019.

These elections are an extremely important political event that will be monitored by observers from nearly 50 countries of the world, as well as dozens of international organizations, including the full mission of OSCE ODIHR. 

H.E. Mr. Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan will do its best to ensure that upcoming elections are held on the basis of high democratic standards, growing political consciousness, and awareness of the citizens of the new Uzbekistan.

Before proceeding to the next stage of the evening, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to my dear friend Mayelinne De Lara for initiating this event and being so enthusiastic and supportive.

In conclusion, with great pride and honour  I present to you this evening the best works of famous Uzbek fashion designers of national and modern dresses. With the great assistance of the “Symbol of Asia” Designers’ Association of Uzbekistan and personally its chairwoman Xalida Kamilova, we have received the works of best Uzbek couture that we happily showcase this evening” End quote.

The Diplomats’ Welcome After Summer Event certainly is a great occasion for networking and promotion.

Clingendael Director, Drs.Ron S. Ton, Netherlands Institue of International Relations and H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines.

Attendees availed themselves of the opportunity to explore authentic Uzbek cuisine. Chef Mr. Sayfidi Mirzaev prepared a variety of dishes, including the world-famous and exquisite Uzbek Plov, Pilav or Osh. This classical dish proved to be a delight among our international friends.

Further on the program was a special motorcar show; Lexus presented their latest development to the Diplomatic Corps, the upcoming 2022 luxury collection.

H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzábal, Ambassador of Argentina.

The second part of the program was dedicated to the co-founder of the Welcome After Summer Event in 2013; the Embassy of

Argentina, who is back at the event showcasing their Malbec and Torrontes wine, tango dancers, Argentinian musicians, a video featuring a diversity of attractions in every province including the great Buenos Aires along with an exhibition of pictures, brochures, crafts and wines.

H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzábal, Ambassador of Argentina delivered his welcome remarks. In part, this is what he said “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, dear Ambassador of Uzbekistan, with whom we are sharing this event today, together with Diplomat Magazine. It is a great pleasure to be here this evening.

I´d like to start by thanking Mrs. De Lara and her team for hosting once again this VIII edition of Diplomats Welcome After Summer.

As many of you know, the Argentine embassy has regularly participated in this annual event, since its first edition 8 years ago. For us it´s a real pleasure to be part of this activity where the diplomatic community of The Hague meets again at the end of the summer.

H.E. Mr. Marc-Anthony Pace, Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Mr Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia and H.E. Mr. Philippe Couvreur, Judge ad hoc, International Court of Justice.

For tonight we have prepared a tango show that will be performed by the Argentine dancers, Ezequiel and Geraldina, and a music show by Antimufa, a group of Argentinean musicians who are building on the musical tradition of the Río de la Plata, bringing back its spirit and flavor with a distinctive instrumentation. They play tango and Argentinean folk music.

This year, we are also delighted to invite you to visit the wonderful tourist destinations in Argentina, through videos and photographs.

Argentina has many particularities that have traveled the world in the mouths of its visitors. The easy-going personality of its people, friendly, fun and effusive; the typical gastronomy that goes from asado to mate, including regional dishes and sweet milk snacks; the traditional dances such as tango or other folklore expressions, with the different choreographic forms that it adopts in each region; the passion for Football and our main clubs and players, the fans,  which fill stadiums and provoke proliferating demonstrations of support on every match; the typical games such as Truco, a card game in which luck and the ability to lie or deceive the opponent prevail, or the horse games in the outskirts of the city that reveal the strong influence of Spanish culture and the persistence of popular traditions; and, of course, the personality that each particular region has been able to maintain and strengthen over the years.

Argentinian wines.

We truly hope that in the near future you will be able to visit our country and enjoy its hospitality and natural beauties, as well as its gastronomy and wines.

We are truly proud to say that Argentina is a wine country that can be discovered and enjoyed from north to south. It offers a stunning diversity of terroirs and unparalleled natural beauty which along with the warmth of its people make it ideal to enjoy a unique experience. Hopefully tonight, through music and wine, you will all have a taste of our country!” End Quote

The VIII Diplomats’ Magazine Welcome After Summer reception was a memorable and festive occasion to connect with partners and colleagues after a long time. All left the Leonardo Royal Hotel in high spirit.

Business Circle – Residentieorkest Tours Amare Theatre

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Business Circle – Residentieorkest Tours Amare Theatre

On 9 September 2021, the members and prospective members of the Business Circle Residentieorkest had the opportunity to acquaint themselves  with the  monumental new Amare Theatre.

After an introductory speech by General- and artistic director of the Business circle, Mr. Sven Arne Tepl, visitors were warmly welcomed to the tour.

Other speakers were: Anouk Talitsch – board member Business Circle. Jan Zoet – director Amare Theatre.  Leontien Wiering  business director Amare Theatre.

The Amare’s architect Mr. Thomas Offermans

The architect  Mr. Thomas Offermans of Jo Coenen Architecten & Urbanists shared the Amare story with the visitors.

 As of early 2022, the 6th floor of the theatre will become the home of the Royal Dutch Conservatory. The official inauguration of  Amare theatre is set for November 2021.

The Amare Theatre, a colossal edifice in The Hague aims at becoming the venue for arts, education and meetings.

Introductory speech by General- and artistic director of the Business circle, Mr. Sven Arne Tepl.

The Concert Hall has 1500 seats, the Dans theatre (the theatre hall) has 1300 seats, the Conservatory Hall has 600 seats and the Amare Studio has 200 seats.

The building is 125 meters long, 38 meters high and 70 meters wide and has a floor space of 54,000 square meters.

It has been a pleasure and honour to have a preview of the majestic Amare Theatre. Bravo!

A concert and reception concluded the fabulous tour.

First Amare Tour for the exclusive Business Circle’s members.

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Photography by Mr Wouter Vellekoop.

Common Fund for Commodities celebrates 32nd anniversary

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Common Fund for Commodities celebrates 32nd anniversary

It’s been 32 years since the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) was founded. The fourth meeting of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Nairobi in May 1976, after a decade long negotiation, finally agreed on a proposal known as the ‘Integrated Programme for Commodities’, the key element in which was the Common Fund.

It took another 13 more years before the fund, the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), could be launched formally in 1989 when enough member states ratified the treaty establishing the CFC. The Fund was intended to provide buffer stock and stock market support to those commodity dependent developing countries (CDDCs) to make the volatility of the commodity price tolerable. But the Fund was never in receipt of enough fund to make an intervention big enough to bring stability in the commodity market.

Accordingly, finally, member states came together in 2013 to review the structure and format of the fund and agreed to radically transform it in 2014 as an impact investment fund investing the commodity value chains to bring more productivity and resultant income for the smallholders and SMEs.

CFC projects vary from improving production and productivity of the commodities concerned to adding value through processing, finding new and innovative uses, value chain integration and price risk management. In all instances the projects aim to make commodity sector a source of sustainable growth by promoting efficient and sustainable commodity production, processing, and trade with resilient commodity value chains.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director-General of OPCW, and Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Director General of Common Fund for Commodities, Ms. Yvonne Mensah, Head of the Political Affairs and Protocol Branch of OPCW and Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, Belal’ spouse.

Over its 32 years of existence, the CFC has provided financing for around 440 projects in the total value of USD 798 million in more than 90 countries. The CFC currently operates as an impact investment fund, blending its own financial resources with those of public and international partners to support commodity sector development projects.

The chart below gives a snapshot of CFC’s activities and achievements during last 32 years.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias and Ambassador Belal launching the new CFC Website.

This anniversary came at a time when the international community remained gridlocked in the biggest public health crisis in a century. Nonetheless, in order to continue its critical work of providing much needed support to the smallholders and SMEs, CFC designed and hosted a new website on the eve of its 32nd anniversary. A brief ceremony was hosted in its headquarters in Amsterdam to launch the website while celebrating the anniversary. Due to the current applicable COVID-19 measures, the launching ceremony had to take place by teleconference with Mr. Andrey Kuleshov, Strategy and Development Advisor of CFC, acting as master of ceremony.

Guest of honour was H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the only Noble Laureate organisation in the Netherlands, who officially opened the new website. Mr. Arias was accompanied by Ms. Yvonne Mensah, Head of the Political Affairs and Protocol Branch of OPCW.

During the event, Ambassador Belal briefed H.E. Mr. Arias how CFC worked hard to keep its services open for the COVID-19 stricken business in the developing countries. CFC have been full of new initiatives even during the COVID-19 asserted Ambassador Belal. Not only CFC worked hard to propose and getting approved programs like “Emergency Liquidity Facility” to its Executive Board, whereby initially two million USD was allocated in aide to the COVID-19 affected projects. With this fund, CFC also extended enough flexibility to COVID-19 affected businesses in repaying their loans and other flexibilities so that businesses could continue to pay smallholders for their harvest, preferably in advance.

Throughout the COVID-19 , Ambassador Belal added, CFC continued to target critical weaknesses along the value chains affecting the smallholder producers, “which enabled us to achieve visible results with maximum efficiency” Ambassador Belal reaffirmed. Managing Director further mentioned the ongoing initiative on the formulation of a fund titled CIIF (Commodity Impact Investment Facility) and thereby enabling CFC to contribute more for alleviation of poverty.

Ambassador Arias wished CFC all the success for its efforts to alleviate more people from poverty and agreed that peace could only follow alleviation of poverty. Ambassador Belal stated that poverty alleviation is a multistakeholder mission and as such, urged all to extend their support to alleviate as many people as possible from poverty. Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, wife of Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal also participated in the ceremony.

Ancient Pharaonic coffin arrives for display in Egypt Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020

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Ancient Pharaonic coffin arrives for display in Egypt Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020

By Eleni-Vasiliki Bampaliouta

The ancient coffin of Priest Psamtik has arrived in Dubai to be displayed for Egypt Pavilion visitors at Expo Dubai 2020.

The coffin of priest Psamtik, ‘the son of Pediosir’ is one of the colored wooden coffins that were recently discovered in the area of Saqqara by the archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The coffin is decorated with a large necklace that ends with the heads of a falcon, with the goddess of sky “Nut” appears spreading her wings, carrying the two feathers of ‘Maat ‘(the goddess of truth and justice).

The center part of the coffin is decorated with religious incantations. Around its sides are two rows of “Was” deities holding a scepter in her hands. At the lower part of the coffin, two figures of the god of afterlife Anubis appear above his cottage standing in front of the deceased.

A group of modern replicas of King Tutankhamun have also arrived to be displayed at Egypt pavilion.

The collection of King Tutankhamun replicas  include his golden mask, his own sarcophagus, the ‘Ka’ guardian statue of the king, the special festive chair as well as the golden king’s throne.

The notion of coffins in the ancient Egyptian civilization is of great significance from a religious and symbolic point of view, as it is the most important phase in the burial process and the place where the body of the deceased is prepared for the process of judgment in the afterlife.

The transfer of these artifacts comes to assure the keenness of all Egyptian state agencies to maximize all their capabilities to grant the success of the Egyptian participation in Expo Dubai 2020 and to ensure that Egypt’s pavilion reflect the significance of the country’s role and leadership as one of the most top tourist attractions and archaeological destinations in the world.

Ciconia Consort heralds new concert season with Dutch premieres

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Ciconia Consort heralds new concert season with Dutch premieres

From Friday 8 October, the Hague string orchestra Ciconia Consort conducted by Dick van Gasteren will present the concert program Kaukasische Klanken. Together with soloist Isabelle van Keulen, Ciconia plays music from the Causcasus: a flourishing and exceptionally varied musical journey, full of Dutch premiers. Kaukasische Klanken will be played in Zutphen (October 8), The Hague (October 9), Delden (October 10) and Amsterdam (October 31).

Ciconia Consort starts the new concert season together with Isabelle van Keulen with music from the Caucasian countries. The mountainous region in EurAsia is at a crossroads of cultures; this results in an extraordinarily rich and varied musical culture and a concert with both folklore and meditative mysticism.

The concert program Kaukasische Klanken also includes musical works that have never been heard in the Netherlands before. The eastern-Arabic Mugham Poéme by Amirov, the lyrical and poetic film music Shushanic by Mirzoyan, and The Lost Balloon by the living Armeninan Hayrapetyan, full of ghostly cluster harmonies and airy melodic lines, make their debut in the Netherlands. 

Tsintsadze transforms the folk music of the Gregorian countryside into art music in his work Miniatures on Georgian Folk Themes. Star soloist Isabelle van Keulen will show her versatile musical qualities in the virtuoso Mugham Poéme and the meditative mystical Vientulais Engelis by Vasks.

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