Fashion Diplomacy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Uzbekistan. The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Benelux organized two glamorous fashion pageants to promulgate Uzbek fashion.
Over the years theinternational community has come to realize the role of fashion as a soft power in international relations. As much as sports, food and art are exponents of a nation’s identity, so is clothing.
The phenomena“Fashion diplomacy”has become a hype for some time now. Its artistic aspects are currently a key strategy for the cultural departments of ministries of external affairs around the world. I dare to say that since the beginning of human interaction between different societies and nations, fashion has always been used to mark the difference at the negotiation table, either for peace or war.
Today, you will still find fashion as a fundamental characteristic in the political discourse and interstate affairs. World-renowned political personalities used fashion as a diplomacy tool. Individuals such as Mao Ze Dong, Gandhi, Nehru, Kenneth Kaunda, Evo Morales, Narendra Modi and Alexis Tsipras by their style of dress and accessories, showed that fashion is a hallmark.
Merossi
More recently, The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted a magnificent gala reception to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the nation’s independence on 21st September 2021 in Brussels and subsequently on 23rd September 2021 in The Hague. The events were attended by the business community, the diplomatic corps, political representatives, the Uzbek diaspora, and the public.
With the objective of promoting Uzbekistan’s culture through style, a delegation headed by the Vice-Rector of the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry, Chairman of the Osiyo Ramzi Association of Designers of Uzbekistan, the savvy madam Khalida Kamilova, along with talented designers participated in the fashion pageant of Uzbek national and modern outfits made of Uzbek silk, cotton and other natural materials.
European fashion professionals noted that Uzbekistan is one of rare countries where ethnographic outfits occupy such an elevated position in the development of modern fashion. In no other country are the elements of the national historical costumes used in modern outfits so competently, detailed and carefully crafted in the outfit. Traditional Uzbek costumes are glitzy, gorgeous, elegant, functional, of bright shades and pleasant to wear.
Alongside the galas, a fashion show featuring famous Uzbek designers showcased the Uzbek new clothing collections – which captivated the public.
The Uzbek couture featured creations from several designers. Mursak fashion house, represented by Barno Khalilova came with their collection which is in close link to the history of the Uzbek traditional costumes. Adras semi-silk fabrics are used as the main material. The collection focuses on more muted tones. Hand-embroidered suzani is used as decoration. Stylization in design made it possible to wear these costumes both to parties and for every day. Uzbek fashion without a doubt has a promising future, stretching forward to the things ahead, unfazed.
Umida Muminova presented her “oversize collection”. This collection is made of national environmentally friendly fabrics, as for example the cotton boz adras, semi-silk adras and bekasam. These fabrics are made according to the ancient technology, which is called “abrband” in Uzbekistan, and “ikat” in the west. This sophisticated weaving technique is performed exclusively by hand and consists in the fact that the threads of the fabric are tied in bundles and dyed in certain colours. Then, when the fabric is woven, a pattern is drawn on it.
Young designer Dilnoza Erkinova immerses us in the atmosphere of native motifs. This modern, youthful collection, made of natural silk and semi-silk adras, is decorated with embroideries of ornaments and handmade beads.
Dila Izamova, housed in Belgium, presented her collection of women’s jackets; a limited edition prêt-à-porter that stands out for its colours and timeless style. The collection of jackets offered by Merossi emphasizes the use of adras, woven and dyed by hand, using traditional Uzbek methods. All jackets are lined with natural viscose and the winter jackets are insulated with 100% natural silk fibre, contributing to a sustainable Uzbek fashion industry.
The experience felt in this display of Uzbekistan fashion was ground-breaking. The Uzbek emerging industry brings new, bright, and refined relationship with fashion for Western standards. Paris, New York and Milan have been characterized as fashion metropolises, I believe soon we will add Tashkent in Central Asia as a new centre of vogue that will attract designers, business, and lovers from all over the globe.
Uzbek fashion is en route to join the ranks of renowned fashion designers that top the chart in Rome, Paris, London, New York and Berlin. Cities as Istanbul, Jakarta, or Beijing should be added to the list as well. Glamour and diplomacy, Uzbek fashion has the potential to win over the world with grace and sophistication.
An exclusive exhibition of paintings displaying the works of Belarusian artist Aliaksandra Puhachova, held at the World Trade Center (WTC) in The Hague. Unfortunately, contemporary Belarusian art has yet to receive the recognition it deserves in The Netherlands, a sentiment shared by many in attendance.
In her artist statement, Aliaksandra Puhachova asserts the goals of her audience, which are: “to have the ability to read the hidden signs in my works without the words, to hear the sounds without the noise, to see unnamed feelings.”
Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus in The Netherlands H.E. Mr. Andrei Yeudachenka, delivered the inaugural speech. A fragment of his speech: “It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to the exhibition of the Belarusian artist Aliaksandra Puhachova “Just Alex” which we open today, 26 October 2021 at this beautiful Art Gallery of The Hague World Trade Centre.
Belarusian artist Aliaksandra Puhachova.
After a long and boring period of self-isolation, wearing masks and limited activities our life is slowly and gradually coming to normality. So, while reflecting how we, Belarusians, could contribute to this process, we decided to opt for art.
Because we believe that art is a genuine gift to the humankind. It gives meaning to our lives and helps us to understand the universe. Art allows us to be open to new ideas and experiences, bridges the nations, promotes understanding, humanism and harmony around the globe, which is especially important in today’s turbulent and often divided world.
H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda, H.E. Ms. Marisol Aguero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru, Ambassador Yeudachenka, H.E. Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama and H.E. Mr. Firkat Akhundov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Netherlands – one of the world’s centers of art and a country proud of its own myriad internationally renowned artists – the Belarusian art is still little known to the broader Dutch public. Yet I am sure that you are familiar with some of them, like our probably most famous native, Marc Chagal. A talented artist, a brilliant representative of the 20th century avant-garde, he conquered the world with his unique style and special outlook on life. Among others, original works by M.Chagall decorate the Paris Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
The younger generation of my compatriots, and Aliaksandra Puhachova is probably one of the most bright and talented of them, continue to promote the Belarusian culture and art, not only honoring our own traditions but also taking the best from the Dutch and the European schools. Provided Aliaksandra is here today with us, I am sure she will be most pleased to answer your questions about her interests in art and in life. I want to highlight just two things.
Firstly, Aliaksandra started her artistic life very early; at the age of 4 she became a student of the Rishard May Art Studio. After studies at the Art College and The Belarusian Academy of Arts in Minsk, with all her dreams and worries she came to the Netherlands to conquer the world. In 2019 Aliaksandra graduated The Hague Royal Academy of Art, and shortly after that her works have been featured in a number of exhibitions in the Netherlands and abroad.
Dr. Stanislav Vassilevsky, Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, painter Aliaksandra Puhachova and H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulogin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation.
Secondly, Aliaksandra, who is currently living and creating in the Netherlands, did not sacrificed all her hart on the sacred altar of art. She has a loving husband Hakan (he is also present today), and almost the same time one year ago a new source of inspiration – their charming daughter Liva Dua – was born. Indeed, if God is generous to someone, He is generous in everything.
With regard to inspiration and generosity, I would like to express my profound gratitude to our esteemed colleagues from the Diplomat Magazine, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, publisher, and Mr. Roy Lie A Tjam, editor, and all your efficient and capable team, dear friends, for your valuable support and enthusiasm in co-arranging this event.
Many thanks to Mr. Axel Lemmens, Art Gallery Manager.”
In her remarks the Aliaksandra Puhachova stated: “I’m happy that you are here at my solo presentation.
I’m very thankful to Mr. Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus Andrei Eudachenka, and the whole team of Belarus embassy for the huge support. We have a lot of plans and ideas. And may this event be a starting point of all our future plans. Also big thanks to Axel Lemmens, a gallery manager of WTC gallery for the beautiful space and help in organising this event.
I would like to say that last few years were quite difficult. Everything was closed, one was isolated from another. However, I was still keep on producing my art works and moving forward. I went on a few art fairs, participated in group exhibitions outside and in the Netherlands. My art is a chronicle of my experiences, thoughts and ideas, that I create day by day. I make non figurative art, and my art doesn’t tell a story until the end.
The goal of a viewer, your goal is — to have an ability to read this hidden signs in my works without the words, to hear the sounds without the noice, to see unnamed feelings. Let’s celebrate art tonight!”
Aliaksandra Puhachova, Mr. Michael Klimuk, Military Attache at the Embassy of the Russian Federation.
Aliaksandra has had international exposure of her works in Minsk and Vilnius. Furthermore, she is a member of Maakhaven, an atelier-complex and platform in The Hague.
Aliaksandra walked her guests through the stylish WTC-gallery to view the collection of her paintings, a few of which are titled: Notes of a stray dreamer; Notes of a weary wanderer; After dark ballad; Smooth Jazz; Mirage, and more.
The guests attending the opening of the exhibition included the heads- and representatives of the embassies of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, Iran, Kazakhstan, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, USA, the Apostolic Nuncio and friends.
A relaxed and pleasant ambiance filled the WTC art gallery. Cocktails and Belarusian bites contributed to the major success of the evening.
Wednesday, 27 through Friday, 29 October 2021, Republic of Ireland: President Michael D. Higgins welcomed on Wednesday, 27 October his German counterpart, Federal President, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by his wife Ms Elke Büdenbender, at Áras an Uachtaráin, the Presidential Residence, for a three day State Visit to Ireland.
Following a ceremonial welcome, a bilateral meeting took place between the two heads of state. After the meeting, President Steinmeier rang the Peace Bell and planted an Irish Oak tree in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin.
The discussions between the two Presidents followed on from that which they had at the recent meeting of the ‘Arraiolos Group’ of non executive presidents held in Rome in September. As per a the statement of the Irish presidency, among the topics that the two Presidents discussed were:
i) the post-COVID adjustment in Europe and the global vaccination programme, particularly in Africa and the developing world; ii) the Future of Europe and the need for greater social cohesion and dialogue; iii) further developing educational and cultural links between the two countries; iv) climate change and the upcoming COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference; v) current threats to global peace, the importance of multilateralism and the role of the State; vi) Afghanistan and impending food disaster following the recent United Nations report; vii) the issue of protecting and promoting regional languages within the European Union was of particular interest in the discussions.
President Higgins took the opportunity to thank Germany for its support during the recent Brexit negotiations, especially in regard to the Northern Ireland protocol. The importance of building on the strong relationship between both countries post-Brexit was also discussed.
President Steinmeier and Ms Büdenbender were likewise hosted at Áras an Uachtaráin for a State Dinner. President Higgins and Sabina Higgins accompanied the German Presidential Couple for some of their engagements held in Dublin, Galway and Limerick over the course of their state visit.
President Steinmeier’s visit followed on the State Visit of President Higgins to Germany in July 2019, when the President visited four German states, including the federal capital Berlin, Frankfurt am Main in Hesse, Würzburg in Bavaria and Leipzig in Saxony.
Germany is Ireland’s largest trade party within the EU, and third globally, in 2020 over 10% of Irish goods went to Germany, 1% of Germans visited Ireland in 2019 according to data provided by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
Par S.E. Mme Madeleine Liguemoh, Ambassadeur du Cameroon
Située à 180 km au sud de Douala, capitale économique du Cameroun, Kribi relevant du Département de l’océan est une ville côtière nichée à la lisière du Golfe de Guinée en Afrique centrale. Elle est peuplée d’environ 80.000 âmes maniant les langues française et anglaise, reparties sur les villages et quartiers tels que Lolabe, Bwambe, Ngoye, Mboamanga ou Louma etc. Dans cette cité balnéaire alliant savamment rustique et modernité, le visiteur a l’opportunité de se fondre dans la culture des peuples de l’eau vivant en parfaite symbiose avec les descendants des zones forestières d’un hinterland aux charmes conservés. On y retrouve, selon l’ethnonymie consacrée, les Batanga, Boulou-Fang, Mabéa, Ngoumba, Bakoko, Bassa, etc.
Port du Kribi, Cameroun.
De cet alliage culturel, s’est construite une identité culinaire invitante, aux profondeurs olfactives enracinées dans une tradition gastronomique raffinée et bigarrée. C’est le champ d’expression du poisson, produit de prédilection de cette aire culturelle, présentée sous toutes ses coutures, et n’offrant aucune place au gras, avec en toile de fond, le bien-être des fins gourmets locaux et étrangers. C’est notre ébanjéa (poisson pimenté), le mokwa, le mabang, le jomba. A côté de ces recettes centenaires, l’évocation du « n’huhu mua mbia » (la purée de noix de palme), le mbolè (sauce gluante de noix de mango) ou encore notre « ndolè national » viennent attester de l’apport inégalé des plantes forestières dans l’offre gastronomique kribienne aussi cosmopolite que sa population. Celle-ci habituée à célébrer autant ces plaisirs du palais que les rythmes musicaux traditionnels que les danses autochtones aux sonorités éclectiques, comme le Mbaya, l’Ivanga, ou le Ngosso, représentés fièrement à la faveur des grandes festivités telles que le Mayi (tenu tous les 09 mai), le Februar, le Nguma Mabi.
Sous les sons modernes des envolées musicales du célèbre et iconique Eko Roosvelt, l’enfant de Kribi, vous serez bercé par les vagues apaisantes et fascinantes de l’Océan Atlantique. Majestueusement nappée sur une côte maritime éponyme et imposante, laissant respirer de vastes bancs de sable clair et fin, Kribi dévoile depuis des temps immémoriaux, une richesse touristique parfumée d’une particulière authenticité. Elle est le socle de l’intacte communion enivrante entre les touristes et les chutes mythiques de la Lobé, un fleuve au parcours unique se perdant directement dans l’immensité de l’océan atlantique. Immensité vous avez dit ! La Lobé cache en réalité l’exceptionnelle hydrographie de cette citée offrant, de part son réseau de fleuves incarné par la Lokoundjé ou le Nyong entre autre, l’occasion rêvée de savourer les frais plaisirs d’un tourisme fluvial révélant aux visiteurs les douces senteurs naturelles d’un environnement préservé et enrobé dans une biodiversité rare, propre au Cameroun justement qualifié d’« Afrique en miniature ».
C’est Kribi, l’écologique qui fait corps avec Kribi l’économique, dont l’envol a été marqué par la redynamisation d’un centre névralgique venant ajouter de la valeur à une économie hôtelière en constante évolution, bâtie autour d’un axe pivot : le Complexe industrialo-portuaire de Kribi érigé sur les eaux profondes de l’espace océanique camerounais.
Le Port Autonome de Kribi (PAK) a été créé par Décret présidentiel N°99/132 du 15 juin 1999 et entré en service le 02 mars 2018. Il repose sur un plan stratégique multisectoriel bien défini par le Gouvernement, qui a résolument inscrit le secteur portuaire dans l’ordre des priorités, pour la croissance et l’émergence du Cameroun.
Conscient de ses atouts et soucieux de construire une économie forte et résiliente, ouverte et attractive, le Gouvernement camerounais sait pouvoir compter sur tous ses partenaires. Reprenant les propos de son Directeur Général, le PAK « est un port sûr et sécurisé, certifié ISPS, un Port Smart avec la mise en service de son Système d’Information Portuaire (SIP), lequel consacre une meilleure dématérialisation et simplification des procédures en facilitant le passage du flux de marchandises dans son espace, et doté d’ une zone logistique aménagée et particulièrement étendue ».
C’est le lieu de souligner le caractère moderne de cette infrastructure structurante de l’économie camerounaise, avec des caractéristiques nautiques répondant aux standards internationaux. Ouvert toute l’année, il possède des actifs, des infrastructures et superstructures permettant une plus grande productivité de la manutention et des mouvements de navires commerciaux à fort tirant d’eau. Tout ceci confère à cet établissement portuaire la capacité requise pour développer une économie incitative qui « cadre avec des mesures telles que les facilités fiscales et douanières, les facilités financières et administratives spécifiques à chaque domaine d’activité ».
Cette plateforme portuaire moderne, compétitive et calibrée, a été bâtie pour faire fructifier vos projets, inscrits dans un portefeuille fort intéressant. Ce dernier comprend des projets matures et d’autres en phase d’études.
Au titre des projets matures n’ayant pas encore de financements, les investisseurs pourront, entre autres chantiers, saisir les opportunités suivantes à réaliser : la construction du quai de service du Port Autonome de Kribi (PAK) ; la réalisation du système d’assainissement du PAK ; l’aménagement de la zone lacustre de 15,5 ha contigüe aux terminaux de la phase 1 du PAK etc…
Kribi pendant le soir.
Sous le registre des projets en études, figurent notamment : le développement du terminal minéralier en vue de l’exploitation industrielle du fer de Lobe à Kribi ; la création d’une société de cabotage maritime ; le développement d’un terminal hydrocarbures.
Loin d’être achevé, ce tableau panoramique est évoqué à dessein, afin de dire à tous les investisseurs intéressés par la diversité des chantiers et des projets de développement en cours ou ceux inscrits dans la durée, qu’ils sont les bienvenus, dans cette terre hospitalière aux multiples possibilités : le Cameroun.
By Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon
A country of Central Africa with a land of 475,000 Square meters and a population estimated at 25 million inhabitants, bordering almost all the countries of Central Africa, and with about 1500 kilo-meter opening on the Atlantic Ocean, which allows to supply the CAR and Chad, locked land countries, Cameroon enjoys a strategic position in the sub-region. In addition to these geographical advantages, Cameroon has many assets making the country, a land of opportunities. These assets include: its relative political stability, the existence of legal-economic mechanisms in favour of investors, the abundance of natural resources as well as its cultural and ecological diversity.
Political Stability
Peace and political stability are key factors in any investment decision in a country. Thus, commonly called “Haven” of Peace in Central Africa, Cameroon presents itself as a country of peace in a particularly troubled region. Since gaining independence on January, 1st 1960, the country has had two presidents who had succeeded each other in a constitutional and democratic way, resulting in itsstability.
However, as in in all civilized societies the prevailing climate of peace and stability in Cameroon has been put to strain in recent years, particularly because of tensions in the Far North region due to the sporadic activities of Boko Haram and in the North-West and South West regions caused by separatist groups. Many initiatives have been taken to defeat these threats. In this light, we can mention the organization of the Great National Dialogue in September 2019 which resulted in the creation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Committee in order to welcome and socially integrate repented former rebels.
Apart from these isolated situations, Cameroon is credited with a diversified and resilient economy. Overall, it internally enjoys a capital of peace and stability, recognized by internal observers who do not hesitate to present Cameroon as an asset to be preserved in a Central Africa weakened by recurrent political-military crises.
Legal-economic environment conducive to foreign and local investors
The Cameroon investment legal base is backed up by an investment charter provided by the Law No 2002 of April 19th 2020, supplemented by the Law No 2013-04 of April 18th 2013 on private investment in the Republic of Cameroun and Law No 2013/011 of December 16th 2013 governing economic zones in Cameroon. In addition, its status as Member State of the Treaty on the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) strengthens this legal framework. There are also administrative and financial incentives under the General Tax Code and backed by the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA). On the one part, the Cameroonian state has set up Business Creation Formality Centers (BCFC), as well as a specific visa and a one-stop shop in all airports of Cameroon to guarantee the transferability of investor’s funds. On the other part, there is a derogation for partnership contracts in the specific sectors considered to be priority including VAT exemption for credits granted for investment in agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, touristic and leisure sectors.
Furthermore, in 2009 the government adopted a long-term Strategic Vision for development that aims to make “Cameroon an emerging democratic country united in its diversity by 2035”. In its most recent version called 2020-2030 National Development Strategy (NDS30), several objectives have been targeted by the government, which intends to achieve them at the set deadline by relying on 4 pillars which are: Structural transformation of the national economy; welfare and human capital development; employment promotion and economic integration; governance, decentralization and strategic management of the state.
With this in mind, the industry, a real potential lever of growth policy is carried by the immensity of the wealth of the subsoil, sufficient hydrography, a skilled and abundant workforce, a wide opening on the see and a sub-regional market with about 3OO million consumers (including Nigeria). Following Cameroon’s signature of the Continental Free Trade Zone Agreement (CFZTA) on March 21st 2018 in Kigali, the country has resolutely positioned itself as a major economic partner in Central Africa. In this respect, the government has already prepared its national strategy for CFZTA.
Paul Biya, President of Cameroon 2ème jour visite des stands
Repository of Natural resources
Cameroon is full of abundant natural resources with 17 million hectares of suitable forests that make the country the second largest forest area in Africa. It has a wide range of mineral potential including reserves of gold, iron (about 550 million tons, 4th World reserve and 2nd in Africa), of bauxite, cobalt and nickel (the two estimated at more than one billion tons, one of the largest deposits in the world), of aluminum and rutile (about 3 million of tons, 2nd world deposit).
Concerning gas, in addition to petroleum, other reserves are estimated at 116 billion of m3. Thanks to a large hydraulic network, Cameroon has Africa’s second largest Hydroelectric potential: the current production is estimated at 4256GWH; finishing work in progress on the Lom Pangar, Memve’le, Natchigal and Mentchum dams aims at increasing this potential tenfold. Agricultural, food and export products (4th world producer of cocoa, first African producer of banana) contribute 27% to GDP and 21 % to export flows.
Cultural Diversity and ecotourism
Due to its remarkably contrasting landscape made up of high and low lands, its varied vegetation (including the forest, the savannah and dry regions), its tropical climate blending with the diversity of intertropical climates, its essentially young and dynamic population, Cameroon is rightly considered as “Africa in miniature”. This name, proudly embodied by the country of indomitable lions is illustrated by the great ecological and sociological diversity of Cameroon.
As a matter of fact, Cameroon is homeof 240 national languages corresponding to 240 ethnic groups sub-divided in three large groups (Bantus, Semi-bantus and Sudanese). Moreover, the country’s bilingualism is an undeniable asset; French and English, the official languages are respectively spoken by 70% and 30% of the population. Cameroon is a secular state with two main religions (Christianism and Islam) alongside ancestral religions. Ecologically, the country has a diverse fauna with 107 mammals and 320 bird species scattered in and around the Dja reserve in the south, world heritage site by UNESCO; a rich flora with trees of all sizes and types.
It is also possible to practice various forms of tourism in Cameroon (Seaside tourism along the maritime coast, Safari photos in the savannahs and the northern sahel with national parks such as Waza, Bouba Djida with several animal species (gorillas, giraffes, lions, elephants, hippopotamus, etc.), cultural tourism, hiking in the mountains, ecotourism ( in protected areas and other reserves such as Korup in the south-west of the country) and business tourism (Conferences, exhibitions, fairs).On the contrary, these comparative advantages make of Cameroon a good investment risk.
It would be interesting for all home nationals and visit Cameroon in order to experience these generosities and enjoy the institutional provisions conducive to investment which constitutes the many advantages offered by Cameroon, Africa in miniature, land of opportunities, legendary welcoming and hospitality.
By Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Society and the world in general continue to experience security threats of all kinds that have, in many instances, cost countless human lives and left many more deeply traumatized. Populations have lost their means of livelihood on account of destruction of property occasioned by insecurity and violence. Insecurity, taking many forms, is usually a transnational problem caused by the way things are done in a country which can also impact a region.
Taking Rwanda as a case, insecurity took the form of a genocide. Our past history has shown that Rwanda was left alone during the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 and was abandoned by the international community including the UN troops under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) that had been in the country for exactly 6 months by April 1994. However, we have learnt from this and our post-genocide trajectory has been focused on taking into consideration those lessons learnt and thus, do things differently. A major part of our national effort has been on building a united country.
With this, the protection of civilians remains at the centre of our domestic laws and part of our foreign policy. The Constitution further mandates the Government of Rwanda to take part in peacekeeping globally and to fully support all the communities affected. This commitment to make a difference, where we can, has also been reflected with the signing of the 2015 Kigali Principles on Protection of Civilians.
Subsequently, Rwanda is such a vibrant advocate of multilateralism for security through its participation in several African Union and United Nations peacebuilding operations. In fact, Rwanda is now ranked in the top five contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations, with over 5,000 troops engaged in various missions since 2004, namely in Darfur (2004), South Sudan (in 2011) and Central African Republic (in 2014).
Additionally, the Government of Rwanda has also entered in bilateral agreements, upon request and after further consultations with relevant stakeholders, and institutions, to deploy Rwandan troops. Most recently, the Rwandan troops in Mozambique have joined their efforts with Mozambique Armed Defence Forces (FADM) and forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in designated sectors of responsibility to fight terrorism in Cabo Delgado Province and restore Mozambican state authority. The Joint Forces have already liberated several key towns from the terrorists, which is a step in restoring stability in the country.
Peacebuilding is most definitely a long-term and ongoing process, and cooperation between all actors is critical to minimise and resolve the root causes of security threats. That said, we must pay attention to the local contexts and the situations on the ground. For this reason, the deployment of our troops are not limited to military operations, however, they are also engaged in development activities including in the health sector by providing treatment to local citizens. Our troops have also been introducing our home grown solutions, when fitted, like the monthly community works commonly referred to as Umuganda, to support vulnerable groups and contribute to the welfare of the citizens in the host nation. But above all this, we must understand the concept of ownership from the concerned local actors to achieve concrete and long-lasting results.
All these examples that I have cited are rooted in Rwanda’s domestic approach and have brought our soldiers and police officers closer to the local communities as well as helping them to earn the population’s trust in the countries where they serve. They have also been appreciated by local communities for their discipline, resilience, professionalism, and promotion of dignity for women amongst others.
Because of the lessons learnt and the experiences gained that we want to share with everyone, today, our Government runs the Rwanda Peace Academy, that offers training and research courses with the objective to enhance capacity for conflict prevention and post-conflict management in the region and beyond. It is a project that aims to share values and skills relating to the accumulated experience by our troops, which we hope will have a global impact, that will help create sustainable peace in the world.
In conclusion, regardless of the countries where our troops are, our mission is to protect the ordinary people who are the most vulnerable and at risk and that is why we will always be ready to contribute whenever civilians are endangered. Our goal is to connect with local realities, understand the cultural context and engage the community which most definitely have helped establishing trust and enhance the effectiveness of the missions. We remain ready to assume our responsibility in achieving global peace.
Reflections and challenges of Peru’s foreign policy
By Mr. Oscar Maúrtua de Romaña, Minister of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Peru
The Ministry of Foreign Relations of Peru and its diplomacy turn 200 years in 2021, a year in which we also commemorate the Bicentennial of our National Independence. The Ministry of Foreign Relations and the members of its Diplomatic Service have had an important participation in the formation of the Peruvian State and identity.
During the nineteenth century, the newly emancipated young South American republics had two main problems in establishing themselves as independent and sovereign States: international recognition and the definition of their territories. To do this, the first Peruvian diplomats concentrated their efforts on achieving recognition from their neighbours and the main powers of the 19th century. Peru, convinced that all people should be the masters of their own destinies, maintained the autonomy and independence of its foreign policy, positioning itself as a peaceful, cooperative and supportive new Republic.
To an ethnically and socially diverse country, the defense of the territory was decisive to the formation of the nation. Huge civic and military sacrifices were required, and in each case, Peruvian diplomacy had to negotiate peace, obtaining the best possible results in complex circumstances. The defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity contributed to the consolidation of a State and a nation committed with the freedom and self-determination of the people. Thus, Peru led various integration initiatives, such as the American Congresses of the 19th century, which achieved American solidarity against the intervention of extra-regional powers. Then, throughout the 20th century, it played a leading role in the creation of the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific, the Andean Community, the Organization of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty, the South American Community of Nations and the Pacific Alliance.
Peru understands that its own and collective well-being can only be achieved by maintaining peace and solidarity among nations, with respect for international law that protects the rights of the people. For this reason, it has always been committed to multilateral efforts in favor of international peace and security, such as in the formation of the League of Nations and the United Nations, in the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, in the Group of 77, in the promotion of decolonization and nuclear disarmament, and in the pacification of Central America. Moreover, in all the efforts that the United Nations have deployed in different parts of the world to maintain international peace and security, highlighting the figure of the two-time Secretary General, Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.
Ambassador Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, two times Secretary General of the United Nations II
In recent decades, Peruvian diplomats have played a central role in the conclusion of pending border issues with Ecuador and Chile, in the creation of the International Criminal Court, the United Nations Human Rights Council, and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. They had also achieve the membership of Peru in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), and now are working actively to promote the admittance of Peru in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Today, they are leading our efforts to face the Venezuelan migratory crises and the Covid-19 pandemic, promoting bilateral and multilateral actions in all the spaces in which Peru participates.
President of the Republic of Peru, Pedro Castillo Terrones, and the Minister of Foreign Relations, Oscar Maúrtua de Romaña.
The defense and promotion of these principles, in accordance with the permanent interests of Peru, have contributed to the construction of a cultural heritage that has integrated into Peruvian society the civic and republican values that today defined our identity. However, every society is a project in development, which requires that the concrete expression of these values reach all Peruvians and, by extension, radiate to other societies in the world.
Aware of these challenges, the Government of President Pedro Castillo promotes a national, autonomous, democratic, social and decentralized diplomacy, which emanates from Peru’s need to bring the benefits of development to the more needed population with justice in opportunities and without discrimination.
Peru’s President Pedro Castillo speaks during the 76th Session of the General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York, U.S., September 21, 2021. Spencer Platt/Pool via REUTERS
On the other hand, the Covid-19 crisis has reaffirmed the need to revitalize border integration processes, since they allow the geographical neighborhood to be valued in favor of economic and social development. To boost these processes, Peru created Binational Cabinets with Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, which are hold every year. All this, in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the commitment with multilateralism to overcome moments of growing uncertainty and deep economic, social, and environmental imbalances.
In that sense, in his speech to the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), President Castillo reaffirmed the need to work together to end social inequalities, to fight against corruption, and to ensure that feeding, education and health are constitutional rights and not just services. Likewise, during his participation in the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations, President Castillo proposed an agreement between the heads of State and the manufacturers of the vaccines so that they reach all people in all countries, ensuring their fair and equitable distribution. In the year of our bicentennial, Peru shows itself to the world as a democratic country, committed to a realistic social transformation within the framework of the rule of law and the respect for human rights, with macroeconomic stability, and an agenda for development in line with the objectives of the United Nations.
In addition to the United States and China, the European Union is one of Peru’s main partners, with whom we share a special affinity in values and vision of development. The Netherlands has a long relationship that goes back to 1826, being one of the first countries to recognize Peru as an independent state. In 2026, we will celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations.
Peru especially welcomes the support of the Netherlands and Russia, with the facilitation of Norway, in the negotiations that are taking place in Mexico between the Government and the Venezuelan opposition to find a peaceful and sustainable solution to their crisis. This shows that Peru and the Netherlands coincide on the necessary actions to face the challenges of the international community in an increasingly complex and changing world, in which the States will continue to play a central role in the search for the welfare of all people on Earth.
The question of the “nation-state” is a crucial issue in the developing world. It is highly disputed, and no region saw such debates as the Middle East where it has been a place of contested ideologies and identities. The region is home to ancient civilizations, and the birthplace of all Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Moreover, the religions of the region are not one stripe or hue. Each main religion of the Middle East contains a multitude of denominations and sects. As the late Iraq monarch, Feisal I had lamented in the 1930s:
In this regard and with sadness, I have to say that it is my belief there is still no Iraqi people but unimaginable masses of human beings, devoid of any patriotic idea, imbued with religious traditions and absurdities, connected by no common tie, giving ear to evil, prone to anarchy, and perpetually ready to rise against any government whatever. Out of these masses we want to fashion a people which we would train, educate, and refine….The circumstances, being what they are, the immenseness of the efforts needed for this [can be imagined].
Addressing these and other issues, Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, a high-ranking UAE official and a public intellectual, wrote a book in 2021 titled National State: Imagining a World without Narrow Nation States. The book could be read as a reflection of the thinking of UAE political elites. The author himself is a product of multiple identities. He was born and raised in the UAE and from an upper class whose father served as the UAE’s foreign minister. He was educated in the US, Portland State University, in Oregon, which he wrongly identifies as a Bible belt state. Then earned a Ph.D. from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, once a bedrock of religious fundamentalism. He had a run-in with the Muslim Brotherhood who tried to block his appointment as a professor at the UAE University; but triumphed, eventually, to be a chancellor of the same university.
The book is the product of all these experiences, and seeks to show that what Arab and Muslim societies “need is to institutionalise and instill the concept of the ‘national state’”. The national state the author advocates for is not the western type, however. He advances a new concept of “state of citizenship”. A “state of a legal contract or social contract between the subject and the state; the state that serves its people and realises their ambitions and aspirations regardless of their background and the state that rules by law”. If it sounds like the western concept of social contract, a la Locke and Hobbes, it does because it is akin to that concept.
The author delves into the subject from the get-go. His is a highly subjective analysis of what has occurred in the Arab world, and he does not hide behind a scholarly façade. The problem is personal and national, and he pursues it with passion. The Arab World was rocked by sociopolitical disturbances in the past decade, otherwise known as the ‘Arab Spring’. The states of the Arab spring were shattered beyond recognition, which serves as the backdrop of this book.
The author defines the national state that he terms as a bright idea in contrast to other prototypes of states. The varieties of states throughout Muslim history are dismissed as anachronisms. The state in the modern sense is nothing like the religious states that existed. The caliphate is an amalgam of political entities whose sole purpose was to line up the coffers of the central authority, and according to the author has no place in modern society. A theocracy like Iran cannot be a country of all its peoples. It has to discriminate against adherents of other religious beliefs.
The nation-state that saw its roots in the Peace of Westphalia has outlived its use. What is needed today is what the author calls the national state. The nation-state is a European construct that lacks empirical reality; in a globalized world, there is hardly a state that is coterminous with a nation or an ethnic identity. Even in Europe, the author argues, many states have multiple ethnic groups. Further, ethnic groups are scattered throughout several states.
The idea of a nation-state that was imposed by European colonial powers on the Middle East ignored the realities of much of the Middle East. Countries of the Levant, for example, have numerous sectarian groups. Nearby Iraq, has a multitude of ethnic and sectarian groups. As the previous quote by King Feisal has shown, Iraq cannot constitute a nation. Conversely, the national state is an all-encompassing structure that accommodates pluralities of identities. The common denominator between the hodge-podge of peoples is the concept of citizenship—citizens of equal rights and obligations that are loyal to their national states even against their country of origin, ethnicity, sect, or tribal allegiance. The author cites the American patriots revolting against their mother country, Britain, as a case in point.
The problem as the author sees it is history. History is the culprit in preventing the emergence of the national state. Muslims and Arabs look to their history and pine to its past glories. The author enjoins the people of the Middle East to do what others have done. See history as the source of inspiration not as a diktat for the future. “This is not going to happen unless we think of and deal with history as a repository of experiences, values, and practices that require positive and successful selection” The negative parts of history have to be redacted and completely forgotten! In other words, history should be rescued from traditions and submitted to the service of the national state.
The model the author admires is South Korea. Accordingly, Korea adopted a ‘cultural refinery model’. A select committee classified Korean ideas and values into three categories: functional, non-functional, and mixed of the two. The first which contributes to the well-being of individuals and is compatible with modernity was incorporated into the educational curricula. The non-functional was concealed from the public view. The mixed was sieved: the positive was emphasized and the negative was suppressed.
The author unleashes his criticism against political Islam; and takes no prisoner. Political Islam is deemed a menace to the national state because it calls for a universal allegiance that transcends the national state that the author vehemently advocates for. There is no other place that this manifests itself than the Muslim diaspora in the West. The Muslims, according to the author, reject their adopted country and profess fidelity to their religion, worse yet, they want to reproduce the societies they left in their new area of residence. In extreme cases, Muslims were “hostile to the larger society and hated the local residents who hosted them”!
Political Islam takes advantage of such communities in the West to shore up its political power and pressures the host governments to back the Islamic movements back home. Al Nuaimi gives the example of the Islamist Turkish Justice and Development Party, which exploits the Turkish communities in Europe for its advantage—even when “the interests of the Turkish immigrants in Europe are far from the interests of the political party.” His recommendation is a clear call for these communities to integrate with their adopted societies and abandon any nostalgia for the ways of life they left behind. Assimilation, not multiculturalism, is the panacea for the ills of the Muslims in the diaspora. All the same, attachment to a foreign country by ex-pats is not peculiar to Muslim communities. Other communities have shown similar proclivities. Take Jews for example and their lobbying efforts on behalf of Israel. Greek and Armenian-Americans’ campaigns in the interest of their former countries. Africans also do the same.
Al Nuaimi, however, reserves his ire for the Muslim Brothers—the quintessential political Islam. The Muslim Brothers that he knows from the inside is the antithesis of the national state. He argues that MB does not believe in a state or a homeland. It is patrimony is an imagined nation with extraterritorial claims. Sayyid Qutb, the preeminent theoretician of the MB, once averred that the homeland “is a handful of rotten dirt.” According to the author, for the MB anyone outside their orbit is existing in the dark ages, or jahiliyyah, an allusion to the pre-Islamic times.
What is to be done, to borrow Lenin’s words? For Al Nuaimi education is the key. He laments the educational system in the Arab and Muslim Worlds for being based on rote learning. Information trumps analysis and critical thinking. Ideas, values, and skills must drive the learning process. “This tripartite focus is the basis upon which modern societies depend in order to adopt creative ideas, civilisational values, and innovative skills.” Nothing requires reform and restructuring, from the author’s perspective, like religious education. The protection of future generations depends on carrying such transubstantiation. Muslims have to reconcile their beliefs with their time and place, and not engross themselves in an unattainable past.
For all his advocacy and pleas, the author does not call for a liberal order. That is a blind spot in the book. The sum parts of his call, however, looks and sounds like liberalism writ large. Why he does not utter the word is a mystery to me.
About the author:
Albadr AbuBaker Alshateri
Dr. Albadr Alshateri is an Adjunct Professor at the UAE National Defense College in Abu Dhabi. He earned a Ph.D from the University of Michigan in comparative politics, international relations and political economy as well as two masters degrees in political science and in Middle Eastern and North African Studies. He holds a BA from Indiana University, where he studied political science and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, as well as a certificate in African studies.
Dr. Alshateri has received numerous awards, including a prize for his dissertation entitled “The Political Economy of State Formation: The United Arab Emirates in Comparative Perspective”, from the Society for Arab Gulf Studies (USA). Dr. Alshateri has contributed articles to Al Ittihad Newspaper (Abu Dhabi), Al Khaleej Newspaper (Sharjah), The National (Abu Dhabi), American Diplomacy, and Gulf News (Dubai)
Behind the logo of the Vitruvian man, multiple employees ensure that the Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade provides excellent, customized, hospitality services to all.
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Name: Suzy Rosaria van Buren
Nationality: Dutch
Function: F&B Supervisor
Department: F&B (Food and Beverage)
When did you start working at the Promenade Hotel? I started working here in December 2017. I had no F&B experience so I was very nervous at first. But I was warmly welcomed with open arms and I’ve been trained by my colleagues.
Have you always worked in the same department?Yes, I have. It is a very diverse department because we have breakfast, lunch and dinner, but we also have banqueting. And that is what I like because we have small group meetings for 8 persons or BIG parties for over 1300 people.
What was the most remarkable (diplomatic) event you experienced? All of them, I love working the events. Especially the Food Festivals and the after-summer drinks organized by Leonardo Royal and Diplomat Magazine every year.
Why was this so remarkable?Because it’s always hosted by Mayelinne and other countries. This way I learn more about the habits and delicious food of many places in the world.
What do you consider interesting about the international guests and events organized at the hotel?There is always something new to learn about different countries. And because everyone is so different, it is beautiful to see how everyone works.
The economic and political situation in the former “Switzerland of the Middle East” was already bad, but October 14th made it even worse! The shootings between members of the Shiite movements Hezbollah (“Party of God”) and Amal (“Hope”) against Christian militias and the official army, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), lasted hours on the streets of Beirut.
Seven dead and over 30 injured paid the price of a political bet. The Shiite parties tried to prevent progress in the investigation of the port explosion last year and demanded that the responsible judge Tarek Bitar be replaced. To underline this demand, members of their militias organized a rally in front of the Palace of Justice (within a Christian quarter), which escalated and led to this tragedy. Above all, the clash demonstrated two things that have dominated the country in the past and will continue to rule it in the future: that the warlords and patriarchs of the civil war are still in power and that sectarian tensions between the 18 officially recognized denominations remain existent.
But let’s start at the beginning. In 1920 the French mandate created modern Lebanon by separating the Lebanon Mountain, the coastal strip with the main ports of Saida, Beirut and Tripoli as well as the fertile Beqaa Valley from Syria. The original French idea was to create “a safe haven” for Christians in the Middle East, especially the Maronites. Unfortunately, the foundation was never accepted by Damascus and initially not by a large part of the Lebanese population. Since then, many different religious and ethnic groups have been “doomed” to live and thrive together.
However, a strong, intelligent and diplomatic leadership, represented by the Maronite President Bishara al-Khuri and the Sunni Prime Minister Riad Al Solh, succeeded in reaching an agreement in 1943 with the signing of the so-called “National Pact”. This agreement provided for the sharing of power among the most important religious groups in the young country. The unwritten agreement laid the foundation for Lebanon as a multi-confessional state that has shaped the country to this day. Since then, the president has had to be a Christian Maronite, the prime minister a Sunni and the speaker of parliament a Shiite.
Even the number of seats in parliament was predefined and guaranteed a 6:5 ratio in favor of Christians (including Eastern Orthodox, Melkite Catholics, Armenian Orthodox and Protestants). A compromise was found that allowed the country to prosper but did not change the basic problems. The patriarchal system in connection with confessional frictions prevented the building of a “real nation”. People living in Lebanon first identify with their family / village / area, then with their religion and only last with their “homeland”! There are Shiites from Nabatiya, Druze from the Chouf Mountains or Maronites from Jounieh. But there aren’t many Lebanese.
The 15-year civil war, that began with the Palestinian refugee problem and continued with the invasions of Israel and Syria, has deepened the rifts between the various groups. The reorganization and the new rules of power-sharing in the Saudi city of Taif in 1989 ended the civil war, but did not lead to civil peace. Unfortunately, the peace accord allowed Hezbollah as the only faction to keep its weapons because of its role as “defender of Lebanon against Israel”. All of the old warlords continued to dominate the political scene. They further strengthened their positions through lucrative posts in frequently changing governments. At the same time, they filled their own pockets at the expense of the state.
Money that came in through “foreigners” or loans from friendly countries and the global community was not invested in infrastructure, schools or the health system. It disappeared – slowly and into many different pockets. The “Switzerland of the Middle East” steered into bankruptcy. In October 2019, young and well-educated people, tired of nepotism, took to the streets and overthrew the Saad Hariri government. But nothing has happened since then! The world community is calling for reforms before it financially supports Lebanon, young people are leaving the country by the thousands, and the old warlords continue to block any change in the political system. In order to keep the population calm, the prices for fuel, medicines and basic foodstuffs were lowered through subsidies. The former “Bank of the Gulf States” has slowly used up all its reserves, always hoping that an angel will step in.
The self-created political and economic system failed last year when Lebanon was unable to pay its debts for the first time in March 2020. Since then, a political dead end, the port explosion in August 2020 and the increasing economic crises associated with the pandemic took away the last hope of many Lebanese – especially the young and well-educated. While job opportunities are rare, more and more families are “activating” their private networks around the world. Young people are starting to study abroad and engineers, doctors or nurses are trying to find jobs in the USA, Canada or France.
After 13 months without political leadership, billionaire Miqati formed a new government this September. Although hopes have risen for a few weeks (the unofficial exchange rate temporarily fell from 22,000 Lebanese pounds for one US dollar to 12,000), real and much-needed reforms are not expected. The period is too short until the preparations for the parliamentary elections in spring 2022 will dominate the political agenda again. Although the new ministers, some of them experts in their fields, are motivated to get real results, change is unlikely to be accepted by all parties. The sectarian clashes on October 14th underscored this prediction.
While Judge Tarek Bitar wants to investigate the reasons for the port explosion in August 2020 and demands accountability, Hezbollah and Amal (unofficially the port is dominated by Hezbollah) fear possible revelations about responsibility for the disaster. To put pressure on the Miqati-government to replace the investigating judge Bitar, a protest march by the Iran-backed militia had been announced. What began as a demonstration escalated into a shootout between Hezbollah and Amal fighters, as well as Christians and LAF soldiers. Seven people died and paid the price of a political game. One of the many reasons the clashes had such a resonance was the location. The civil war also began in April 1975 in the Christian suburb of Ain al-Remmaneh on the southeastern edge of Beirut. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah then warned in a speech that he could command 100,000 fighters. The Christian leader of the “Lebanese Armed Forces”, Samir Geagea (also a former civil warlord), replied that his party has no militia and is not looking for a war, but will defend itself if necessary. The consequences are short, medium and long term.
Although the government is still officially in office, Hezbollah and Amal have blackmailed Miqati and normal work among cabinet members is no longer possible. Trust – if it ever existed – between the various members of the government is destroyed. In the medium term, inter-confessional tensions could break out again and many people fear that there will be clashes between Sunnis, Shiites and Christians again in the upcoming weeks and months.
Some even fear another “7th of May”. In 2008, Hezbollah fighters invaded West Beirut to destroy Sunni and Druze opponents that day. A second civil war seems to be looming. But the most important consequence of the “Ain al-Remmaneh shots” is another setback for hopes for a successful and peaceful future. No reconciliation seems achievable, no government is in the position to introduce reforms, and no politician takes the responsibility of laying the basis for a future that could persuade the young population to stay! Lebanese politicians have ruled for decades, some since the early 70s. They survived civil war, assassinations, riots and other unrest. Now they are desperately struggling to hold onto their positions and wealth as the country continues to crumble and suffer from one of the world’s worst economic collapses in decades, a former paradise and a place where diverse ethnic groups and religions meet peaceful coexistence can become a “failed state”.
Let us hope that the various leaders of the “cedar state” rethink their strategies and find an urgently needed solution for the good of all people and for the stability of the region!
