Friday, 7 June 2024, Berlin, German Federal Parliament (Bundestag), Germany: The Federal Speaker Bärbel Bas, in office since 26 October 2021, welcomed the Swedish top envoy to Germany, Veronika Wand-Danielsson for a bilateral conversation. This is not the first time Ambassador Wand-Danielsson is welcomed by Speaker Bas, for the latter hosted the Lucia Chorus of the Scandinavian Musical School in Stockhom at the premises of the Federal Parliament in the presence of Ambassador Wand-Danielsson on 15 December 2023.
The bilateral meeting took place just a day after Ambassador Wand-Danielsson hosted a reception in honour of Sweden’s National Day on 6 June, marking the coronation on the aforementioned date in 1523 of King Gustav I Vasa; thereby ending Sweden’s membership in the Kalmar Union. The kingdom has remained independent ever since. The Chair of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee Michael Roth held an allocution to the guests that attended the reception celebrated at the Swedish Residence to Germany.
The Hague, Saturday 15 June 2024 Diplomat Magazine organized its IX Diplomats Biking Spree an annual biking tour for diplomats – a few days on the heels of World Bicycle Day, 3rd June. June 3, is the day the United Nations celebrates the World Bicycle Day, formally adopted in 2018. The theme for the 2024 World Bicycle Day is, “Your Pedal, Your Health, Your Nature”!
The Turkmenistan Permanent Mission to the United Nations-sponsored the adoption of World Bicycle Day. Through their stewardship, 193 member states reached a consensus to sign the resolution. World Bicycle Day aims to spread awareness about the benefits of cycling. People are urged to use the cycle as a mode of transportation enabling a sustainable way of living.
Getting ready to bike.The Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms Anet Pino Rivero and family.
The phenomenon of ambassadors, diplomats, and international representatives touring The Hague by bike is not new, as this is already the ninth year for the Diplomats Biking Spree. On Saturday 15 June 2024, Diplomat Magazine organized its ninth annual biking tour in The Hague.
The route spanned approximately 14 km and featured several highlights, including the statue of George Maduro at the George Maduroplein, the roundabout Scheveningen, Pompstationsweg, the clock at Waalsdorpervlakte, the Watertoren pompstationsweg, the Nationaal monument Oranje-hotel and De Tapuit, info center of the water authority Dunea.
H.E. Mr. Roseli Bin Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia.
The route in the Scheveningen dunes had some hilly sections that required cyclists to do some climbing. Overall, it was a very enjoyable tour for all participants. Cyclists either brought their own bikes or rented a complimentary one from Gazelle.
The Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero and Deputy Mayor Arjen Kapteijns.Diplomats from El Salvador, Singapore, Burundi, Argentina, getting ready to bike!
The tour was attended by enthusiastic cyclists from the embassies of Argentina, Bolivia, Burundi, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Malta, Malaysia, Pakistan, Romania, the USA, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sudan, Uruguay, Venezuela and other countries.
This year, a different format was adopted for the opening of the tour program. The event started with a walk-in at Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague, where participants enjoyed coffee and light refreshments.
Skadi Tirpak, the director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy.
Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher and Skadi Tirpak, the director of the Dutch Cycling Embassy, delivered the welcome speeches.
Danielle van Mulukom, Head of International Enterprise at Ministry of Foreign Affairs during her presentation.
A short speech was also given by Danielle van Mulukom, Head of International Enterprise at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her presentation, she shared some statistics and emphasized that the tour not only highlights the joy of cycling as a means of bringing people together but also underscores its role in promoting sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life. Van Mulukom continued by stating that cycling holds significant economic potential for the Netherlands, which explains her role as the head of the International Enterprise Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands.
She expressed excitement about having everyone present and looked forward to a day filled with camaraderie, shared experiences, and the strengthening of international bonds through the simple yet powerful act of cycling.
There was also a warm welcome from Deputy Mayor Arjen Kapteijns, who is The Hague’s alderman for the Energy Transition, Mobility, Raw Materials, and the Centrum city district. His involvement highlights the city’s commitment to advancing mobility and sustainable practices.
“The Hague has been actively supporting initiatives to improve mobility and encourage the use of bicycles. The city’s comprehensive traffic control system efficiently coordinates cars, bikes, trams, buses, and pedestrians. Moreover, we are expanding biking programs designed to assist families in buying bikes for their children, encouraging a culture of cycling from a young age.”
The presentation and Q&A session titled “Cycling in The Netherlands: development, lessons learnt, and pedalling – with everybody – beyond our borders” was conducted by Emma Stubbe from the DCE. Introductions of experts, guides, and bike suppliers were made, along with safety hints and cycling tips.
Emma Stubbe guiding part of the group.IX Diplomats BIking Spree
The Hague and its surrounding areas are ideal for biking, with lush green cycling paths. The Hague is possibly Europe’s greenest city. It’s important to learn the dos and don’ts of cycling in the city, especially taking into account the phenomenon of tram rails.
Emma Stubbe guiding part of the group.IX Diplomats Biking Spree
One ambassador once observed that it was good to be with fellow diplomats and ambassadors while biking. He highly recommended biking during their tenure in The Hague.
Up to the jubilee, tenth annual biking tour in 2025.
04.06.2024 (Caucasian Journal). On 30 May, the European Commission and Europa Nostra announced the 2024 winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. This year, Europe’s most prestigious awards for heritage go to 26 winners from 18 countries across the continent, including from Armenia and Georgia.
The ‘Teryan Cultural Centre – Empowering Armenian Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh’project from Armenia is one of five winners in the category ‘Education, Training and Skills’.
Since 2002, the Teryan Cultural Center has been committed to the study and preservation of Armenian culture, undertaking extensive research and hosting exhibitions about this culture. Since 2016, it has partnered with the Smithsonian Institute to take part in the ‘My Armenia’ project, training 55 Armenian artisans from the region of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, and enabling them to share their crafts with local and international audiences.
Following the armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2020, the Center swiftly transformed itself into a beacon of hope, offering humanitarian aid to Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. In the face of the extreme adversity that these displaced people face, culture and heritage have been utilised to foster pride and create a sense of hope for the future.
The ‘Citizens’ Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower’ (Akhieli, Georgia)project is among seven winners in the ‘Citizens’ Engagement and Awareness-raising’ category.
Rehabilitation of the Tsiskarauli Tower was supported by a grant from ALIPH – the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas. Georgia benefitted with an amount of US$ 157,290, of which about US$ 34,000 went directly to the local community, actively involved in the project activities.
The medieval tower in Khevsureti was severely damaged by a Russian missile in 2001, during the Second Chechen war. In 2021-2023, the National Trust of Georgia set up a collaborative European project to restore the tower in a remote high-mountain region of Georgia. The complex project was successfully implemented thanks to the high commitment and excellent collaboration of British, French, Polish and Georgian partners, an experienced team of professionals, technical experts, local villagers, traditional craftspeople, and the tireless effort of 46 young Georgian and European volunteers.
The Awards identify and promote best practices in the conservation and enhancement of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, stimulate the trans-frontier exchange of knowledge throughout Europe, increase public awareness and appreciation of Europe’s cultural heritage, and encourage further excellent initiatives through the power of example.
The Call for Entries for the 2025 edition of the Awards will open in Autumn 2024.
Theme Africa Day 2024: “Education Fit for The 21st Century”
By Roy Lie Atjam
Africa Day. On May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the 32 African states that had achieved independence at the time agreed to establish the Organization of African Unity (OAU). This organization is now named the African Union and consists of 55 member states. They all joyfully celebrate Africa Day, which represents the continent’s liberation, independence, and promising future.
H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Encoge, Ambassador of Angola, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps.
On June 4, 2024, in Wassenaar, H.E. Mrs. Maria Isabel Godinho de Resende Encoge, Ambassador of Angola and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, addressed the numerous guests at the celebration of the 61st anniversary of the African Union in the Netherlands. “I am pleased to welcome all the guests joining us today to celebrate Africa Day, marking 61 years since the establishment of May 25th as Africa Day. This day is a tribute to the rich tapestry of African culture, history, and contributions to the global community.” She expressed.
“As Dean of the African Group in The Hague, I wish to highlight the importance of Africa Day and the ongoing dialogue between Europe and Africa. We must work together to address challenges and achieve our shared goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Africa is a continent of resilience, diversity, and immense beauty, and we honour its visionaries who paved the way for independence and unity.
Let us celebrate Africa’s achievements and contributions to the world and work together to build a brighter future. Happy Africa Day to all!”
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Brahim Khlil Zemm, Ambassador of Mauritania.
Another speaker at Africa Day 2024 was the Ambassador of Mauritania in Brussel, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Brahim Khlil Zemm, who conveyed congratulations on behalf of the President of Mauritania currently serving as the Chairman of the African Union.
The Africa Day 2024 reception was attended by Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, along with numerous Ambassadors accredited in the Netherlands, including representatives from El Salvador, South Africa, Kosovo, Belarus, and Costa Rica. Also in attendance were Heads of International Organizations in The Hague, government representatives, and members of the diaspora.
Africa Day 2024
The African Union HQ. received congratulations from world leaders, among them the Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr António M de Oliveira Guterres. This is what he stated in part.
“On Africa Day, we celebrate this dynamic and diverse continent and the contributions of Africans to our world. The continent’s young and growing population, its rich natural resources, breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity give it outsize potential.
Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, along with Africa’s growing voice, including leadership in renewable energy, can help realize that potential.
We need to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals. This will require, among other actions, that we reform the international financial architecture so developing countries can access the resources they will need to invest in the future of their people — including strengthening education systems, this year’s African Union theme.
We must work side by side with Africa to build green economies anchored in renewable energy, and ensure that the continent’s critical mineral resources benefit Africans first and foremost.
African Ambassadors during the symbolic cutting of the cake at the 61st Anniversary of the African Union.
Throughout, Africa must have a seat at every multilateral forum — including the UN Security Council, the international financial system, and other global norm-setting structures. September’s Summit of the Future in New York will be a moment to create momentum and progress.
On Africa Day, let’s renew our pledge to stand with all Africans in their quest to lead their continent — and our world — into a peaceful and prosperous future for all.”
The theme of “Education Fit for The 21st Century” Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous Africa achieved through inclusive growth and sustainable development, with education playing a pivotal role. The modernization of educational systems to include digital literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability is crucial for harnessing Africa’s demographic dividend, fostering entrepreneurship, and competing effectively on the global stage. Investing in education today is essential for building a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Africa tomorrow.
Regarding the importance of Africa to the world, the continent holds 40% of the world’s gold, up to 90% of its chromium and platinum, the largest reserves of cobalt, diamonds, platinum, and uranium, 65% of the world’s arable land, and ten per cent of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater source.
“We have the biggest demographic dividend- a quarter of the people on earth will be living on the African continent by 2050. We have all the renewable energy assets in the world Whether you talk about, Hydro, wind, solar geothermal and we are ready to make these assets available to decarbonize the world.” (Kenyan President William Ruto).
Africa is considered the future for several reasons. It has the youngest population in the world, with 70% under the age of 30. The continent’s population is expected to double to 2.5 billion by 2050, adding 800 million people to the workforce. according to a recent McKinsey study.
“Made in Africa“ is seen as the future for global supply chains, according to a statement by Development Reimagined CEO Hannah Ryder during the launch of the 2023 Chinese Investment in Africa report.
In summary, Africa offers both challenges and opportunities. It has a young and entrepreneurial population, significant natural resources, rapid urbanization, dynamic economies, and a supportive diaspora.
The 2024 Africa Day celebration included generous offerings of cuisine from several countries, live authentic music provided by Angola and Morocco, and an enormous cake cut by Ambassadors.
The Second Latin American FilmFest at Filmhuis Lumen in Delft closed its season on Sunday, June 16, with an impressive Costa Rican masterpiece presented by the Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Arnoldo Brenes Castro. Clara Sola, a mystic drama marking the debut of director Nathalie Álvarez Mesén, stars the dancer and first-time film actress Wendy Chinchilla Araya as Clara, alongside Daniel Castañeda Rincón, Ana Julia Porras Espinoza, and Flor María Vargas Chávez. The film narrates an unconventional story of religious fanaticism, social repression, abuse, and ignorance, all set in a small, humble house nestled in the lush green jungle of Costa Rica.
The profound themes of mystical connection with nature, religious interpretation of life, intellectual disability, late sexual awakening, human rights, and basic personal freedom are explored with subtlety, without diminishing their disturbing impact. Clara’s life, deeply intertwined with her mother’s religious fervor, is marked by severe overprotection and exploitation, depriving her of freedom, self-esteem, self-determination, joy, or pleasure. Living a restricted life under her mother’s tutelage, Clara is bound by moral and physical barriers, unable to experience happiness. The deep green Costa Rican jungle is vividly portrayed throughout the film, with masterful cinematography creating a peaceful suspense and capturing the beauty of the magnificent scenery, while the plot evolves slowly and mysteriously.
The purple ribbons hanging in a circle around Clara’s house symbolize her limits and prompt viewers to reflect on their own constraints, contemplating whether the day will come when these barriers will be removed. Clara Sola mirrors the calm and profound soul of Costa Rican nature.
Clara Sola / Costa Rica. Picture courtesy of Habob
The 2021 drama was selected as Costa Rica’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards. The film won the Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography awards at Sweden’s Guldbagge Awards. At the International Film Festival of Kerala in India, it won Best Film, and it also received the Georges Delerue Award for Best Soundtrack/Sound Design at Film Fest Gent in 2021.
Costa Rica has presented its film industry in the Netherlands with a heavyweight masterpiece that will leave its viewers in a mystical state for days.
The Embassy of Costa Rica played a vital coordinating role on behalf of the Group of Embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean and the local organizers in Delft. The second edition of the FilmFest featured five Latin American movies in October 2023 from Bolivia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Uruguay, and showcased eight more films in June 2024 from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, and Peru.
BINZHOU, China, June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A media team invited by Binzhou Municipal Government Information Office visited the Shandong Sea Porcelain Group in Binzhou City, Shandong Province, China on June 14 to explore the modern process and development journey of transforming shells into high-quality seashell ceramics. The visit aimed to gain insight into Binzhou’s industrial and modernization progress.
In the 1990s, seashell ceramics emerged in Wudi County, Binzhou, becoming the world’s third-largest type of ceramics after porcelain and bone china.
Wudi County, located on the southwest coast of the Bohai Sea, is an area where natural shell deposits amount to over 100,000 tons annually. Following years of research and development, Shandong Sea Porcelain Group successfully converted shells into high-quality seashell ceramics. The head of the group stated, “Seashell ceramics are a kind of high-end porcelain primarily made from sea shells, filling a gap in the international ceramic industry. Its exquisite texture, thin and delicate walls, moist glaze, and translucency set it apart from bone china and ordinary ceramics. It boasts unique traits, including high whiteness, high transparency, and lightweight.”
Additionally, the surface of seashell ceramics can absorb ink like rice paper, showcasing an ink-wash painting style when painted with brushes. Notably, seashell ceramic tableware is non-sticky and oil-resistant, eliminating the need for detergent when washing. The convenience of this feature was highlighted by all the guests present at the event.
Diplomat Magazine extends its congratulations to H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda. Your impressive track record instills hope for a successful tenure in the role. With your experience and knowledge, there is no doubt that Rwanda’s foreign policy will thrive.
We also want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to work with you during your previous position as the Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda here in the Netherlands. We hope our cooperation will continue to flourish and strengthen.
Wishing you the best of luck in your new assignment.
NEW YORK, June 13 (Xinhua) – The President of Xinhua News Agency, Mr. Fu Hua, met with Mr. Paul Bascobert, president of Reuters, on Wednesday to discuss promoting cooperation and topics of mutual interest.
Building upon nearly 70 years of bilateral cooperation, the two sides have experienced frequent high-level exchanges and new developments in recent years, according to Fu, who heads a delegation in the United States.
Fu expressed his hope that the two organizations reinforce mutually beneficial cooperation on the utilization of emerging technologies, international news services, and other areas.
Bascobert highlighted the World Media Summit, jointly built by the two sides, as a significant conference for the media industry. He looks forward to sharing the latest developments in artificial intelligence in the industry at the next World Media Summit.
Bascobert also emphasized the importance of working together to help guide different cultures toward mutual understanding. The two sides exchanged ideas on artificial intelligence, video services, and opportunities in tourism promotion.
On June 4th, more than 500 people gathered at the picturesque Pulchri Studio, an artist’s association and contemporary arts gallery, to celebrate the National Day of the Italian Republic. Organized by the Italian Embassy in The Hague, the event marked the 78th anniversary of the Italian Republic’s proclamation, established in 1946 following a referendum deciding between a monarchy and a constitutional republic.
Prominent representatives of the Dutch government attended the celebration, including Jan Anthonie Bruijn, Chairman of the Senate of the States General; Erik Westrate, Director of the Europe Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and House of Representatives members Ulysse Ellian and Casper Veldkamp. Heads of international organizations in The Hague, ambassadors, embassy officials, family, and friends were also present.
More than 400 people gathered at the picturesque Pulchri Studio to celebrate “il Giorno della Repubblica”
In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Giorgio Novello, who has served in the Netherlands for four years, expressed his deep appreciation for his Dutch friends and colleagues. He highlighted his positive experiences in the Netherlands, both personally and professionally, and emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Italy and the Netherlands, noting that these relations continue to uncover common ground daily. Having visited all 12 provinces of the Netherlands, he pointed out the cultural and linguistic diversity within the country, drawing a parallel with Italy.
Erik Westrate, Director of the Europe Department, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Erik Westrate also spoke, sharing a fond memory from his time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. As a young diplomat, he enjoyed lunches at the Centro Diplomatico, recalling the warm atmosphere with Italian colleagues and jokes about different ways of getting coffee. Westrate highlighted Italy’s cultural significance to the Netherlands, noting its influence on Dutch education in architecture, music, and the classical arts. He emphasized the shared values and commitment of both countries to address global challenges, particularly climate change, stressing the need for continued collaboration.
Ambassador Novello, a skilled polyglot, delivered parts of his speech in Papiamento, to honor the Caribbean nations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and in Esperanto, to acknowledge Dutch internationalism and the presence of the Esperanto Universal Union in Rotterdam. He also spoke in Dutch, Italian, and English. His speech conveyed a message of unity and fraternity between Italy and the Netherlands, emphasizing their fruitful collaboration and excellent bilateral relations. He praised the shared characteristic of being direct and combative when addressing important issues.
Ambassador Novello and his wife Bianca.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the event’s sponsors, highlighting their role in the economic relationship between Italy and the Netherlands. He thanked the Italian Culture Institute, the Consular Offices, the Embassy staff, and his wife, Miss Bianca.
The guests then enjoyed an Italian-style reception, where they connected over local products from various regions of Italy, spread across three rooms of the venue. Throughout the reception, the atmosphere was lively and festive, with guests engaging in animated conversations and forging new connections. The event provided a perfect blend of cultural celebration and culinary delight, embodying the spirit of Italian hospitality.
12 June 2024, Berlin, Germany, Residence of the Republic of Ireland to the Federal Republic of Germany: Elmar Conrads-Hassel, founder of the German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association, was honored with the “Ambassador of Ireland Award 2024” from the hands of the Ambassador of Ireland to Germany, H.E. Dr. Nicholas O’Brien.
The Ambassador of Ireland Award has been awarded since 2020 to a person who is committed to promoting Ireland in Germany or who makes a lasting and outstanding contribution to German-Irish relations or the Irish community in Germany.
Presenting the award to Elmar Conrads-Hassel at the Embassy’s annual Bloomsday reception, Ambassador O’Brien said: “I am delighted to recognize Elmar Conrads-Hassel and his decades-long commitment to German-Irish relations with the Ambassador of Ireland Award 2024.”
“Thirty-six years ago, Elmar founded the German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association (DIJW/GILBA). As the Association’s president for thirty years and its first and only elected honorary president since 2018, he has enabled the development of an invaluable network of Irish and German legal and business experts and has had a lasting impact on German-Irish relations.”
Mr. Conrads-Hassel, who comes from Bonn, said: “Since our time working together in Ireland from June 1987 to October 1990, Ireland has been our “dream country” and our “second home” for my wife and me. In this respect, it is a special joy and honor for me to receive this award. Since our “love for Ireland at first sight,” I have been volunteering as honorary chairman or chairman of the board for three bilateral non-profit German-Irish organizations: the “German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association (DIJW/GILBA)”, of which I was also the founding president, “The Ireland Funds Germany e.V.” and the “German-Irish Friendship Foundation/The Ireland Funds Germany Foundation.” I regularly attend the annual conferences of the DIJW/GILBA and the “Ireland Funds worldwide”, usually together with my wife, Dr. Ursula Hassel.
With all three organizations, we support – with Membership fees and donations – social and cultural bilateral or intra-Irish (Northern and Irish) non-profit projects, initiatives and associations as well as Irish students who want to learn German or improve their language skills during or alongside their studies at one of the five major universities in Ireland.”
