This season, the renowned Ciconia Consort, The Hague’s String Orchestra, will present four exceptional concert programs at Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague and other exceptional venues across the Netherlands:
The Era of the Crystal Palace
Old Dutch Christmas
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Sunflowers and Lavender
Of particular interest to Diplomat Magazine readers are The Era of the Crystal Palace and The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which highlight significant cultural exchanges. Below are more details on these fascinating performances.
Ciconia Consort
The Era of the Crystal Palace – October 2024
This program evokes the Belle Époque era, an age of grand World Expos and a boundless belief in progress, with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and London’s Crystal Palace symbolizing innovation. The 1889 Paris Exhibition left a profound mark on Western music, with composers like Debussy drawing inspiration from Javanese dance and gamelan music. Dutch-Indies composer Constant van de Wall masterfully adapted this Eastern gamelan style for string instruments.
George Antheil, known for his avant-garde techniques and use of sirens and airplane propellers, brings a modern romantic flair with his Serenade for String Orchestra, influenced by Prokofiev and jazz. The program features a beautiful harp solo in André Caplet’s Conte fantastique, performed by Alexandra Bidi, prizewinner of the 2023 International ARD Music Competition. The concert concludes with the stunning orchestration of Ravel’s String Quartet by Rudolph Barshai.
Performance Dates:
Wednesday, 2 October 2024 – 8:15 PM, Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
Saturday, 5 October 2024 – 8:00 PM, Theater Hanzehof, Zutphen
Thursday, 24 October 2024 – 8:15 PM, Oudshoornse Kerk, Alphen aan den Rijn
Saturday, 26 October 2024 – 8:15 PM, Nieuwe Kerk, The Hague
Ciconia Consort
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon – February/March 2025
Internationally acclaimed violinist Maria Milstein takes center stage in Arutiunian’s grand violin concerto during this musically poetic journey inspired by Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. The program, structured as a promenade with traditional Armenian music, transports audiences through desert landscapes, accompanied by vivid imagery of camel caravans.
The journey begins with Nino Rota’s gallant Concerto for Strings and travels to Constantinople with Gondol Şarkısı, a Eurasian piece composed by Sultan Abdülaziz. Azerbaijani composer Fikret Amirov, known for blending Persian-Arab folk music with symphonic elements, offers his Symphony for String Orchestra, dedicated to the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami. The program concludes in Beijing with Song of the Ch’in, a piece by contemporary Chinese-American composer Zhou Long.
Performance Dates:
Friday, 7 February 2025 – 8:15 PM, Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
Sunday, 9 February 2025 – 3:30 PM, Nieuwe Kerk, The Hague
Saturday, 15 February 2025 – 8:00 PM, Theater Hanzehof, Zutphen
Thursday, 27 March 2025 – 8:30 PM, De Vereeniging, Nijmegen
Saturday, 29 March 2025 – 8:15 PM, Willem Twee Toonzaal, Den Bosch
On September 3rd the Embassy of Israel marked 75 years of relations with the Netherlands with a reception in The Hague. Israeli Ambassador Modi Ephraim and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp both spoke at the event with warm words about the friendship between their countries.
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp.
“We, both Dutch and Israelis alike, get to enjoy the many fruits of this warm friendship,” Ambassador Ephraim told the audience, which included politicians and ambassadors. “Trade continues to grow, and innovations advance to better our lives in many ways.”
Minister Veldkamp joined the remarks of the Israeli Ambassador, noting there are many fields where Israel and the Netherlands can cooperate.
The reception coincided with a visit of the Israeli Innovation Authority to the Netherlands.
Entrepreneurs, business people and politicians alike took the opportunity to discuss ways to work together – showing that the friendship between the two countries continues to prosper.
On 16-18 September 2024, the Ninth Seminar on Cooperation with national focal points took place at the seat of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, The Netherlands. For three days, a number of officials and focal points from States where investigations are being conducted and other States playing a key role in cooperation met with Court officials and staff to discuss cooperation with the ICC and share good practices. Thirty-five representatives from twenty States were present, including representatives from six States not parties to the Rome Statute.
ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane stated: “The ICC has reached several significant milestones. The Court’s work has expanded to four different continents and about 20 countries. Cases have been brought against more than 50 persons, and that does not include arrest warrants issued under seal. […] This of course could only be accomplished with States’ cooperation which was done with your practical contribution. You are truly an asset for the Court and I hope that you also feel proud of the Court’s accomplishments.”
In welcoming the delegates, ICC Prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC said: “Focal points are the essential bridges between the ICC and States, I truly commend the critical role you play in unlocking issues, facilitating consultations before requests for assistance and following up on their implementation, as well as coordinating with relevant agencies within their respective countries, etc. This seminar is a concrete realization of the ever evolving and strengthening bond between the ICC and national jurisdictions. In our new policy on Complementarity and Cooperation we have resolved to further strengthen that bond, as we determinedly work together towards our common goal of fighting impunity for mass atrocities. Thank you for your partnership in this cause.”
ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler stated: “Cooperation is one of the core pillars that sustain our ability to deliver our mandate, but it also nurtures our system as your expertise and guidance strengthen the Court.”
States play an essential role in implementing the Court’s decisions, orders and requests, and States Parties often nominate a national focal point to coordinate and channel communications between national authorities and the Court. This week, the focal points discussed topics related to cooperation, shared practices good and found the best ways to move forward to continue ensuring effective and efficient cooperation between the focal points and the Court, with a view to continue the Court’s efforts in improving the efficiency of the ICC’s proceedings.
The seminar with focal points forms part of broader efforts to further advance cooperation with the ICC and enhance global support for the Court, in particular in countries where investigations are ongoing. The seminar was funded by the European Union.
The Court would like to avail this opportunity to thank all of the focal points for their exceptional dedication and hard work in supporting the ICC’s proceedings and for their participation in this seminar.
The Hague, 10.09.2024 — The Embassy of Pakistan in the Netherlands hosted a dynamic Mango Festival at Pakistan House, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan and the strong economic and trade ties between Pakistan and the Netherlands. The event was attended by distinguished Dutch business leaders and members of the Pakistani community in the Netherlands.
During his address, H.E. Mr Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands welcomed guests and emphasized the significance of the Pakistani mango, often referred to as the King of Fruits in promoting Pakistan globally. He highlighted that Pakistan is the world’s fourth-largest mango producer, cultivating over 2 million metric tons annually.
H.E. Mr Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands.
“Our mangoes, from the golden Sindhri to Chaunsa, represent the diversity and richness of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.” the Ambassador stated.
He noted that Pakistan has established itself as a major supplier of various agro-products, including mangoes, rice, and spices, reinforcing its role as a reliable and high-quality exporter to the European Union.
Pakistan Mango Festival 2024, The Hague. Pictures by the Embassy of Pakistan.
The Ambassador also emphasized the growing trade relationship between Pakistan and the Netherlands. “Pakistan’s exports to the Netherlands increased by 4% in 2023-24 and the bilateral trade stood at USD 1.93 billion. Pakistan received USD 182 million in FDI inflows from the Netherlands.
He expressed appreciation for the Pakistani business community and the Dutch businesses that continue to invest in Pakistan, acknowledging their role in encouraging stronger bilateral relations. The Embassy is actively facilitating business delegations and joint ventures to promote greater collaboration between the two countries.
Business people attending Pakistani Mango Festival 2024 at Pakistani House in The Hague.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the efforts of Dutch stakeholders who recently participated in the Food and Agricultural Products exhibition held in Karachi. The Ambassador invited Dutch importers and industry to participate in TEXPO Pakistan 2024, scheduled from 23 to 25 October in Karachi.
Ambassador Tarar expressed his appreciation to Trade and Investment Counsellor Muhammad Shafiq Haider Virk and the Embassy team for their efforts in organizing the event. The participants were served traditional Pakistani cuisine, and through a lucky draw, they won boxes of mangoes, which they were delighted to share with their family and friends.
Ambassador Tarar presenting a mango box to one of the winners.
The Hague, 12 September 2024 – In an animated display of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, attended a diplomatic reception commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day, hosted at the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence in Wassenaar.
This event marked one of the first diplomatic engagements of Minister Veldkamp, who was sworn in as part of Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s cabinet in July 2024.
Upon his arrival, Minister Veldkamp was greeted with a distinctive Minang (West Sumatran) cultural ceremony, honoring the birthplace of the Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Mayerfas. The traditional Talempong music filled the air as Plate and Pasambahan dancers performed, offering the ceremonial Betel leaves to Ambassador Mayerfas and his distinguished guest, Minister Veldkamp, symbolizing a gesture of respect and goodwill.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Mayerfas expressed his gratitude for Minister Veldkamp’s presence, emphasizing the strong and growing partnership between Indonesia and the Netherlands. He voiced optimism that under Minister Veldkamp’s leadership, the two nations would continue to promote a comprehensive and forward-looking bilateral cooperation, building upon the existing Comprehensive Partnership framework.
Minister Veldkamp reciprocated the sentiments, extending his congratulations on Indonesia’s Independence Day and reiterating the importance of collaboration. He highlighted the significance of the Plan of Action 2024-2025, which aims to strengthen economic, cultural, and political ties between the two countries.
The evening was further enlivened by captivating performances showcasing Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage. From the dynamic rhythms of West Sumatra to the vibrant colors of Papua, the event featured a variety of artistic expressions from across the Indonesian archipelago. Notable guest performances by Sandhy Soendhoro and Yosina Roemajauw, both acclaimed musicians from Indonesia and the Netherlands, delighted the audience.
Additionally, young talents from Indonesian student circles, such as Annisa Retni from ISBI Bandung as well as Kasyfi and Nusantara Jazz Quintet from Jazzversity, also graced the stage.
In a special segment aimed at promoting Indonesian entrepreneurship and innovation, over 30 members of the Indonesian diaspora, along with several Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), showcased their products and services. The highlight of the evening was a fashion show by “Sroja”, a premium Indonesian fashion brand, which unveiled its latest collection to distinguished guests, furthering Indonesia’s cultural and economic diplomacy. More than 900 guests attended the celebrative reception.
On the 6th of September 2024, The Hague stood as a perfect setting to honour Brazil’s National Day, with the picturesque backdrop of het Mauritshuis adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
The event wasn’t just a reception but a truly spectacular affair, a spektakula in Trinidadian carnival lingo. Visualize a lively crowd of over 200 individuals coming together to commemorate Brazil’s 202 years of independence.
With the MC’s introduction, the dynamic Humberto Tan created an atmosphere of unparalleled abundance with quotations from the song, O amanhã, Como será amanhã? By Simone. Throughout the evening, jubilant songs, lively conversations, and joyous laughter filled every corner of the Mauritshuis.
The observance was also a milestone, providing a platform to reflect on the colonial past while celebrating art, Indigenous culture, and the values of gender equality and racial diversity. H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands, and Dr Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis, highlighted the importance of this occasion as a reflection on the shared history of Brazil and the Netherlands. Netherlands Government officials, foreign diplomats, private sector leaders, cultural icons, and esteemed members of the Brazilian community attended the festivities.
Felipe Ferreira Marques, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague. Photography by Fred Ernst, Mauritshuis.
Mr Felipe Marques, the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague, hosted the event. Guest speaker Humberto Tan, a distinguished Dutch television figure, photographer, writer, and social activist, provided insights into the cultural and historical connections between Brazil and the Netherlands.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a performance of Brazil and the Netherlands national anthems by Brazilian singer Carla Maffioletti and Dutch singer Femke Smit, accompanied by musicians from Roda da Holanda.
Clara Maffioletti, Brazilian singer. Photography by Fred Ernst, Mauritshuis.Femke Smit, Dutch singer.Photography by Fred Ernst, Mauritshuis.
One of the event’s highlights was the unveiling of a mural by the celebrated Indigenous Brazilian artist Daiara Tukano, who also offered thought-provoking words to the audience. Her mural stands as a powerful representation of Brazil’s rich Indigenous heritage and cultural diversity. The celebration concluded with a lively performance by Roda da Holanda, which resonated with the spirit and joy ofsamba.
The following is a resume of the welcome remarks by the Ambassador of Brazil H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhãe“It is an honor to welcome you all to this event, as we celebrate the 202nd anniversary of Brazil’s independence. This year’s celebration here at the Mauritshuis holds special significance as we reflect on our shared history with the Netherlands, highlighting the importance of art, Indigenous culture, gender equality, and racial diversity. Our thoughts tonight are part of a broader effort to foster a more equitable, just, and sustainable future, where both Brazil and the Netherlands play vital roles.
Standing here in this historic museum, a symbol of Dutch cultural heritage, we are reminded of how art connects people. I extend my gratitude to Dr. Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis, for her commitment to democratizing art and promoting thoughtful discussions about our shared past. The museum’s collection evokes strong emotions, particularly for Brazilians, given its connection to Johan Maurits, who governed Dutch Brazil in the 17th century.
Brazilian artist, Diara Tukano, Photography by Fred Ernst, Mauritshuis
Today, we are honored to unveil a new chapter in cultural diplomacy: a mural by the renowned Brazilian Indigenous artist Daiara Tukano. Her work represents the resilience and magic of Brazil’s Indigenous heritage and will serve as a lasting symbol of our culture in the Netherlands. We are also pleased that filmmaker Ida Does is capturing this moment in a documentary, expanding the mural’s reach to a wider audience.
This evening, we were privileged to hear from Humberto Tan, known for his contributions to television, writing, and photography. We also enjoyed a performance by acclaimed singer Carla Maffioletti, who has performed with André Rieu, and later we will experience the lively rhythms of Roda de Samba da Holanda, a Brazilian-Dutch group.
I’d also like to acknowledge the presence of Rosângela Rennó, a Brazilian photographer whose exhibition will open next week at the BredaPhoto Festival.
Humberto Tan. Photography by Fred Ernst, Mauritshuis.
Tonight’s event celebrates the strong bonds between Brazil and the Netherlands, a partnership grounded in shared values and a rich history. Our cooperation today extends across many fields. For example, in response to recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul, the Netherlands, through its Disaster Risk Reduction initiative, is helping us develop sustainable water management solutions.
Our collaboration in science, technology, and innovation is particularly strong, with both countries boasting dynamic startup ecosystems. A recent highlight of our bilateral cooperation is the contract between the Dutch Ministry of Defense and Embraer for the delivery of five C-390 Millennium military aircrafts, enhancing the Netherlands’ capabilities in humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
Brazil and the Netherlands also recognize the urgent need for global energy transition. Both nations prioritize biofuels, low-carbon hydrogen, and renewable energy as key areas for collaboration. Brazil will host COP30 in the Amazon in 2025, demonstrating our shared commitment to fighting climate change.
Brazil National Day 2024, The Hague. Photography by Fred Ernst, Mauritshuis.
Food security is another priority. As part of Brazil’s G20 presidency, we proposed the creation of a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and Prime Minister Rutte has been invited to support this initiative. Brazil will also host a historic meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers at the United Nations Headquarters in New York later this month, marking the first time that the G20 will convene at the UN. This meeting symbolizes the importance of inclusiveness and multilateralism and will culminate in a call for reforming global governance, a proposal championed by President Lula and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Brazil’s foreign relations are guided by principles such as national independence, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution. These values are reflected in our involvement with international institutions like the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Our cooperation with the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Conference on Private International Law, and EUROPOL further illustrates our commitment to these principles.
As we commemorated 202 years of Brazilian Independence, the celebration not only honoured our past but also looked to the future with a commitment to inclusivity, cultural diplomacy, and strengthening the ties between Brazil and the Netherlands.“
51 arrests in wide-scale operation to take down encrypted communication platform used by organised crime groups
The Hague, 18 September 2024
During a global operation, authorities from around the globe took down an encrypted communication platform used for criminal activities such as drug trafficking, homicide, corruption and money laundering. The wide scale operation, supported by Eurojust and Europol, led to over 50 arrests and the seizing of financial assets.
Investigations into the communication platform started when authorities were alerted of a new encrypted service being used in Sweden, France, Spain and the Netherlands. Due to servers being located in France, French authorities started investigations into the platform. The platform’s robust encryption made it ideal for criminal networks to use for their activities. It was mostly used for drug trafficking but also for other criminal activities, such as arms trading, homicide, robbery, kidnapping, and money laundering.
The communication platform is a fully anonymised service. Users can purchase the solution without any personal information. The platform uses three encryption standards and offers the option to send a message followed by a specific code that results in the self-destruction of all messages on the target phone. By using multiple private servers around the world, third party or government agencies have difficulty tracking the communication solution.
As servers were found in France and Iceland, the platform was administered from Australia and Canada, and financial assets were located in the United States, a global operation against the phone service started. A joint investigation team (JIT) between authorities from France and the United States was set up at Eurojust, the second-ever JIT with the United States. This allowed them to exchange information and evidence in real time. Authorities from the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada and Australia were also involved in the investigations. Through coordination among the authorities, hosted by Eurojust, a strategy to take down the encrypted phone solution was defined.
To facilitate investigations into the illegal activities using this communication platform, an Operational Taskforce (OTF) was established at Europol in March 2022 involving law enforcement authorities from Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States.
A Joint Operational Centre was also established at Europol’s headquarters, where representatives from the OTF members and Europol’s officers provided support and facilitated the coordination of the simultaneous operational activities taking place around the globe.
The investigations culminated in a number of joint action days taking place across the globe against the phone service. 38 suspects were arrested in Australia, 11 in Ireland, one in Italy and one in Canada. A drug lab was dismantled in Australia and weapons, drugs and over EUR 1 million euro is cash was seized globally so far. Further actions are expected as the investigation progresses.
The following authorities were involved in the actions:
France: Cybercrime unit Prosecutor’s office – JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against organised crime); Gendarmerie Nationale – C3N Cybercrime Unit
Netherlands: National Police
Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; Swedish Police Authority
Australia: The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Canada: Public Prosecution Service of Canada
Iceland: Director of Public Prosecution; National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police; Reykjavik Metropolitan Police
United States: Department of Justice; Federal Bureau of Investigation
On 18 September 2024, Judge Tomoko Akane, the President of the International Criminal Court, and Catherine De Bolle, the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation – Europol, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on secure communication and a Liaison Agreement at Europol Headquarters in The Hague.
These agreements complement a framework Working Arrangement establishing cooperative relations which was signed between Europol and the ICC on 25 April 2023. The agreements operationalize aspects of the cooperative relations between the ICC and Europol, better enabling the two institutions to enhance their cooperation and encourage the exchange of information, knowledge, experience and expertise.
ICC President Tomoko Akane said: “Our two institutions share a fundamental understanding that international cooperation is key to the pursuit of justice. At this challenging time, the objectives of the Court, including the pursuit of an end to impunity in the context of full respect for the rule of law, can be best achieved in close cooperation and partnership with others. Today, we strengthen this cooperation by adopting frameworks for its practical implementation between our two institutions.”
Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle said: “The cooperation between Europol and the ICC is of high interest to both parties in the fight against core international crimes. As law enforcement practitioners and especially for those of us who work in pursuit of international criminal justice, the International Criminal Court is a reference. It is a symbol for the international community efforts to hold accountable those guilty of some of the world’s worst crimes.”
The ICC is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.
Europol is the European Union’s Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation. It serves as the center for law enforcement cooperation, analytical expertise and criminal intelligence in Europe.
On 10-13 September 2024, the International Criminal Court held a training on witness protection and support for victims with 15 law enforcement officers from Ukraine, in partnership with the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine.
The training gathered at the seat of the Court, in The Hague, the Netherlands, 15 law enforcement officers from Ukraine to help apply an integrated, witness and victim-centered model for the protection and support of victims and witnesses.
Discussions, presentations, case studies and practical exercises focused on various issues related to protection and support, such as witness protection in the international context and from a national perspective, threat and risk assessment, risk management, confidentiality and information security, psychosocial aspects in witness protection, management of children in witness protection, and memorandums of understanding.
The training was organized with the financial support of the European Union.
On 16 September 2024, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Nataša Pirc Musar, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), where she was received by ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane. During her visit to the Court, the President also met with Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC, Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler, Judge Beti Hohler, and Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims, Deborah Ruiz Verduzco.
On behalf of the ICC, President Tomoko Akane thanked H.E. Nataša Pirc Musar for honouring the Court with her visit.
The visit of President H.E. Nataša Pirc Musar to the ICC highlights Slovenia’s commitment to the Court and the joint efforts deployed in the fight against the impunity of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes that affect the international community as a whole. Slovenia signed the Rome Statute on 7 October 1998 and deposited its instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute on 31 December 2001.
The President of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Nataša Pirc Musar, and Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims, Deborah Ruiz Verduzco..
