Knights of Rizal European leadership visit Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya in The Hague

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Knights of Rizal European leadership visit Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya in The Hague

In the picture fltr Father Sir Jorgedy Bago, KGOR, Sir Albert Arevalo, KGOR, HE Ambassador J. Eduardo Arevalo, Sir Lino Paras, KGCR, Sir Anton Lutter, KCR and Sir Tony Guansing, KGCR.

By Anton Lutter

The current ambassador of the Philippines to The Netherlands H.E. J. Eduardo Malaya in his distinguished career previously served as a young diplomat at the embassy in Brussels. Many remember him fondly, one of them is Sir Lino Paras, KGCR with the Pro Patria award the highest awarded knight of Rizal in Europe.

So wonderful memories were brought back during the meeting with the visitors from Belgium at the Philippines embassy in The Hague. The delegation of the Knights of Rizal – the official order of knighthood of The Philippines – consisted of its leader Regional Commander of Europe Sir Albert Arevalo, KGOR, Over-all adviser Europe Region Sir Lino Paras, KCGR both from Brussels; former Honorary Consul and past Regional Commander of Europe Sir Tony Guansing, KCGR, Father Sir Jorgedy Bago, KGOR, Spiritual Adviser Europe Region and priest for the Philippines community and Stella Maris seamen’s mission at Antwerp.

From The Netherlands Sir Anton Lutter, KCR chapter commander of the Knights of Rizal in The Hague attended the joyful gathering at a temporary address since renovation is taking place at the embassy.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya who represents his country since April of this year is very active and forceful in meeting up with key persons, organizations and businesses in The Netherlands as well as advancing different kinds of activities to strengthen the ties between our countries.

2021 marks the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between The Philippines and The Netherlands. To that end the Second Philippines-Netherlands Bilateral Consultations were held on 29 June on virtual mode, hosted by the Philippines. This meeting which was co-chaired by Jaime Victor B. Ledda, assistant secretary for European Affairs, and Karin Mössenlechner, director for Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at The Hague.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya presents his book to Sir Albert Arevalo, KGOR. Knights of Rizal European leadership visit Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya in The Hague

Discussed were matters of mutual interest, notably on political and economic cooperation, development cooperation, maritime cooperation, security, and people-to-people linkages. The decades long engagement in these fields of both countries will be continued, as the Joint Statement concluded.

The establishment of an honorary consulate of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Davao City, gateway for the island of Mindanao and a highly successful tourist destination, is a welcoming new initiative by both governments. The joint statement confirmed the strong and sustainable bond between The Netherlands and The Philippines.

The ambassador reiterated the importance of the Knights of Rizal in promoting the legacy of Philippines’ national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and expressed his support of their activities in The Netherlands, as well as looking forward in future cooperation between the embassy and  The Hague chapter of the Knights of Rizal in a variety of activities. The works of Dr Jose Rizal known as the most important contribution of The Philippines to world literature have been highly influential to independence movements in Asia and are still of significance today.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya himself an author in the legal field presented the delegation from Brussels with his book Stewards of the Nation, published in 2018. It tells the story of the presidents of The Philippines from Aguinaldo to Duterte. This must-read book for anyone interested in Philippine history provides essential information and insights on the lives and times, challenges and achievements of the sixteen men and women who led the country since independence until now.

International Politics Focus: Italy & France

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International Politics Focus: Italy & France

By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/days-sea-migrants-reach-italy-wait-79333425

After Italian authorities gave the thumbs up, a German charity boat carrying 257 rescued migrants landed in Sicily.

A few hours later, a French humanitarian vessel with 549 migrants aboard received a similar ok signal.

Italy recently appealed to the European Union to press fellow EU nations to take some of the thousands of asylum-seekers who have arrived in the country in recent months. Past appeals for EU solidarity have gone unheeded, with this latest pitch most likely to prove just as ineffective.

Italy reports 22 coronavirus deaths and 6,902 new cases | MENAFN.COM

Italy reported 22 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, compared with 24 the day before, while the daily tally of new infections rose to 6,902 from 6,599.

Italy has registered a total of 128,209 deaths linked to COVID-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the eighth highest in the world.

Patients in hospital with COVID-19 – not including those in intensive care – stood at 2,533 on Saturday, up from 2,449 a day earlier, the health ministry said.

The country has reported 4.39 million cases to date.

Paris

France update

https://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/World/20210808/3799940.html

More than 2,30,000 people took part in protests against sanitary passes throughout France on Saturday, 17,000 of which were in Paris, news agencies reported citing the country’s Interior Ministry.

People took to the streets in Paris and other French cities to protest mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for the medical staff and sanitary passes, according to the news.

The Constitutional Council of France approved the expanded usage of sanitary passes for cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, starting August 9.

Since July 21, the sanitary passes have been effective in museums, theatres, movies, festivals, amusement parks, and at all events involving over 50 people. The sanitary passes indicate if the bearer has been COVID-19 vaccinated, or has antibodies, or possesses a negative coronavirus test result.



About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America.

She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper / ASEAN anniversary

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We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper / ASEAN anniversary

JAKARTA, 8 August 2021, ASEAN marks its 54th anniversary. As the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the observation and commemoration of this year’s ASEAN Day was once again held online. The message of this year’s anniversary highlights Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chair 2021 theme – ‘’We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper.’’

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato Lim Jock Hoi, opened the online ceremony with his welcome remarks, where he highlighted that “ASEAN has taken the opportunity to consolidate and become a more inclusive and resilient community.

A new set of Ambassador visits to the Peace Palace in The Hague

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A new set of Ambassador visits to the Peace Palace in The Hague

In the picture Mr. Erik de Beadts and H.E. Mr. Bard Ivar Svendsen, Ambassador of Norway. Photography by Naldo Peverelli.

By Aurore Heugas

These past few weeks, the Peace Palace has hosted individual visits from current Ambassadors to The Netherlands. These visits stem from a collaboration between the Palace and the Diplomat Magazine started in 2019. What would normally be a private reception for all of the new Ambassadors, had to be modified in line with the COVID-19 restrictions.

Mr. Erik de Baedts, General Director of the Carnegie Foundation-Peace Palace and Treasurer of The Hague Academy of International Law was the one guiding the Ambassadors throughout their visits, giving us some insight into how they went.

H.E. Mr Mark Anthony Pace, Ambassador of Malta.

H.E. Mr. Mark Antony Pace, Ambassador of Malta to The Netherlands, had an unusual tour, that represented the building and its function well. “The tour through the Peace Palace was shortened because hearings of the Permanent Court of Arbitration were taking place. Ambassador Pace appreciated that the Palace is not just a wonderful monument, but also a working palace as we experienced peace through law in action”, recounted Mr. de Baedts.

The Peace Palace currently houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) and The Hague Academy of International Law. The courts settle international disputes through arbitration and jurisdiction. The ICJ is the only one of the six principle organs of the United Nations to be located outside of New York and its host, the Peace Palace, is the oldest building related to the UN, which gives it significant cultural, architectural and historical value.

Ambassador Pace agreed, as he said: “It was an honour to be received by Mr. Erik de Baedts, and tour one of the more iconic buildings of The Netherlands. The Peace Place is not simply an architectural gem. The building and the institution that manages it have played a pivotal role in mankind’s quest for global peace and prosperity. It embodies a vision that gave birth to a multilateral framework that has protected the international rule of law over the course of current and former century. May we remain grateful”.

Erik de Baedts and the Ambassador of Malta during his memorable visit to the Peace Palace.

Following the tour, Ambassador Pace and Mr. de Baedts were able to have an exchange about peace, especially in Europe. Indeed, earlier generations of their families, like many in Europe, were affected by war on the continent. “We jointly cherish how European cooperation since the establishment of the European Union has kept the members of the Union free from war for decades now. In the same vein, we value international multilateral cooperation to promote peace at the global level”, said Mr. de Baedts.

H.E. Mr. Bard Ivar Svendsen, Ambassador of Norway, also visited the Palace. His tour led to discussions of the building itself and its connections to Norway. Ambassador Svendsen’s entrance was over the granite staircase, a gift from his country. “Following an interesting exchange, research showed that the facade of the Judges building consists of material from Norway. We also recognised the philanthropic connection between Andrew Carnegie and Alfred Nobel, both staunch advocates for peace after a successful career in business”, told Mr. de Baedts to the Diplomat Magazine.

The Peace Palace was built after the first Hague Peace Conference in 1899 and opened its doors in 1913, following a donation from Andrew Carnegie who created the Carnegie Foundation to build and conserve the Palace. It is a registered National Monument and holds the European Heritage Label. Carrying out visits with Ambassadors from around the world to The Netherlands is a way to reflect on the continuous importance of the Peace Palace and the entities it hosts. The building itself has a history of global cooperation and intends on perpetuating that heritage.

Peru marks bicentenary with a 63rd president

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Peru marks bicentenary with a 63rd president

King Felipe VI and President Pedro Castillo – Picture by Casa de S.M. el Rey – Spanish Royal Household

Wednesday, 28 July 2021, Lima, Republic of Peru: On the Bicentenary of Independence, Pedro Castillo Terrones was sworn in the capacity as Constitutional President of the Republic for the period 2021-2026, during a solemn session held in the House of Congress, in the presence of five regional leaders and of HM King Felipe VI of Spain.

At the same ceremony, President Castillo received the Presidential Sash.
The ceremony took place shortly before midday and was attended by the presidents of Argentina, Alberto Fernández; of Bolivia, Luis Arce; of Colombia, Iván Duque; of Chile, Sebastián Piñera; and of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso; as well as the vice-presidents of Brazil, Hamilton Mourão; and of Paraguay, Hugo Velázquez; the foreign minister of Uruguay, Francisco Bustillo; and the former Bolivian president, Evo Morales.

Also present were representatives of the various parliamentary benches, political, civil, military and ecclesiastical authorities, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in the country.

“I, José Pedro Castillo Terrones, swear by God, by my family, by my Peruvian sisters and brothers, peasants, native peoples, ronderos, fishermen, teachers, professionals, children, young people and women, that I will exercise the office of President of the Republic in the constitutional period 2021-2026. I swear for the people of Peru, for a country without corruption and for a new Constitution,” he uttered as he took office.

Afterwards, the Speaker, María del Carmen Alva, placed the Presidential Sash on him; an act that was accompanied by applause from those present.

After the singing of the National Anthem, the Speaker invited Dina Boluarte to the podium to take the oath of office as First Vice-President of the Republic for the same period. Thereupon, María del Carmen Alva invited President Castillo to address his Message to the Nation.

For further information: 


Peruvian Presidency: 

https://www.gob.pe/institucion/presidencia/noticias/508757-pedro-castillo-juro-como-presidente-constitucional-de-la-republica

International Politics Focus: Italy & France

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By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

Italy presses EU nations to open ports to rescued migrants – The Washington Post

Italy stepped up pressure Wednesday on fellow EU nations to open their ports to migrants rescued by humanitarian ships as political tension simmers in the Italian government’s coalition over a sharply rising number of arrivals this summer on the country’s southern shores.

In May and June, the number of migrants who reached Italian shores more than tripled compared to the previous year’s figure, according to the ministry’s count. In July, the year-to-year difference was less marked — 8,600 in 2021 compared to 7,000 in 2020. But so far August has seen charity boats carrying the flags of France and Germany rescue hundreds of migrants from unseaworthy boats launched by human traffickers.

France update

New Covid restrictions in France as virus cases rise (thesundaily.my)

Health officials in France on Tuesday activated an emergency plan on the Mediterranean island of Corsica as a fourth wave of Covid infections spread across the country.

More of France’s popular coastal areas reintroduced the compulsory wearing of masks in a bid to stem the incoming coronavirus tide.

Across France, the Delta variant of the virus is pushing up the number of hospital admissions, public health figures published Tuesday showed.

Patients in intensive care now number 1,331 compared with 978 a week ago, while the deaths of another 57 people over the last 24 hours pushed France’s toll past 112,000.


About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America.

She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

U.S.A. and Kuwait marking 60 years of diplomatic ties

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U.S.A. and Kuwait marking 60 years of diplomatic ties

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and HH The Emir of the State of Kuwait – Picture by State Department.

28-29 July 2021, Kuwait City, State of Kuwait: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a visit to Kuwait in order to solidify personal ties to the country’s novel leadership and to mark the 60th jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two states. 

Blinken encountered His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, HH The Crown Prince, Lt. Gen. Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Prime Minister, HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al Sabah, Speaker of the National Assembly Sheikh Marzouq Al Ghanem, as well as Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al Sabah to continue discussions on military cooperation, growing bilateral opportunities for trade and investment, expanded educational and cultural exchanges, advancing regional security and human rights, and other issues underscoring the importance of our 60 years of diplomatic ties.


Some facts of Kuwait-U.S. American ties 

  • Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of the United States. Kuwait and the United States are parties to a bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement, and U.S. forces are located at various bases in Kuwait. The United States supports Kuwait’s continued efforts to modernize the Kuwaiti armed forces, and to increase interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.
  • Nearly 10,000 Kuwaitis studied at U.S. universities and English language institutes in the 2019–2020 academic year, the third-largest number of students from the Middle East/North Africa region.
  • Bilateral trade reached $4.5 billion in 2019. We support a transparent regulatory framework and processes to attract businesses and foreign direct investment to Kuwait, including from the United States.
  • The United States is helping Kuwait create a strong cybersecurity framework, transparent data security, and policies to help attract trusted global telecommunications and information technology companies.
  • Kuwait and the United States belong to several of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and World Trade Organization. Kuwait is a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.
  • Kuwait participates in several intergovernmental organizations related to counterterrorism including the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. Kuwait is also a member of the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

For further information


Source – U.S. State Department: https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinken-travels-to-kuwait-to-advance-regional-security-and-economic-ties/

Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the U.S.A. (HE Ambassador Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al Sabah): http://www.kuwaitembassy.us/in-the-news/kuwait-us-discuss-bolstering-bilateral-relations, http://www.kuwaitembassy.us/in-the-news/secretary-blinken-kuwait-showed-great-leadership-in-managing-regional-crises

NRW delegation commemorated Warsaw Uprising

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NRW delegation commemorated Warsaw Uprising

Premier Armin Laschet greeting President Andrzej Duda in front of German Ambassador Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven, Paul Ziemiak CDU SG stands behind – Picture by Marek Borawski, Kancelaria Prezydenta.

31 July and 1 August 2021, Warsaw, Republic of Poland: Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, Armin Laschet held political talks with, amongst others, the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during an official visit meant to attend the commemoration of the Warsaw Uprising.

Premier Laschet was accompanied by the CDU Secretary-General Paul Ziemak as well as by the German Ambassador in Poland, Dr. Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven. 

Besides the commemoration of the Warsaw Uprising, the bilateral talks focused on the future of Europe and relations between North Rhine-Westphalia and Poland. 

The topic of the rule of law was also discussed intensively. Premier Armin Laschet said: “With its accession to the European Union, Poland has also become part of the European community of law. If this community of law is called into question, it also affects our common identity.” “Poland and Germany benefit from economic exchange and from Europe growing together. But close economic exchange cannot mask political differences. That is why the Federal Government is right to focus on dialogue. Politically friendly countries in particular can exchange different opinions and still work on the unity of Europe,” Premier Laschet continued. 

At the invitation of the Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Kazimierz Trzaskowski, the Premier Laschet partook in the commemorations at the cemetery for the insurgents in Warsaw on the evening of 1 August. An exchange with Senate Marshal Tomasz Grodzki was also held during the evening. During an exchange with survivors of the Warsaw Uprising, Premier Armin Laschet was deeply impressed by the testimonies and gestures of reconciliation.

Background North Rhine-Westphalia and Poland

Around 650,000 people of Polish origin live in North Rhine-Westphalia. The state government has appointed a permanent contact person, the Polonia Commissioner Thorsten Klute. In addition to the many municipal partnerships, there is also an active German-Polish civil society in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is supported by the state government.

In 2018/2019, the Richeza Prize of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia was awarded for the second time for outstanding services to German-Polish understanding. Poland ranks seventh on the list of the quantitatively most important trading partners for North Rhine-Westphalia. The largest import categories are furniture, foodstuffs and motor vehicle parts. The largest export sectors to Poland are chemicals, machinery and metals. 

NRW.Global Business has had a foreign office in Warsaw since 2016. There are around 3,500 jobs in North Rhine-Westphalia at around 300 Polish companies. Likewise, many North Rhine-Westphalian companies are also located in Poland, such as Evonik Industries, Metro, Pfeifer & Langen, Remondis or Siempelkamp. 

The year 2021 is also “France-Poland-NRW Year“. It promotes, deepens and emphasises the trilateral initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia. In 1991, the countries of France, Germany and Poland concluded a treaty on joint partnership, the so-called Great Weimar Triangle. The aim is to improve understanding in Europe and among the citizens of the three countries.

The regional Weimar Triangle Silesia-NRW-Hauts-de-France was adopted ten years later, in 2001, to emphasisze the economic and cultural ties between the regions.

For further information


Polish Presidency 

https://www.prezydent.pl/kancelaria/bpm/aktualnosci/wydarzenia-/art,46,palac-prezydecki.html

Government of NRW 

https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/ministerpraesident-armin-laschet-trifft-polnischen-staatspraesident-andrzej-duda

German Embassy in Poland – HE Ambassador Dr. Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven 

https://polen.diplo.de/pl-de/01-vertretungen/01-1-die-botschaft/0-botschafter-referate/botschafter/490414

Polish Embassy in Germany – HE Ambassador Prof. Dr. Andrzej Przyłębski

https://www.gov.pl/web/niemcy

Philip Pierre sworn in as Saint Lucia’s premier

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Philip Pierre sworn in as Saint Lucia’s premier

Saturday, 28 July 2021, Castries, Saint Lucia: On behalf of Her Majesty The Queen of Saint Lucia, the latter’s Governor-General Sir Neville Cenac appointed The Rt Hon Philip Pierre as novel head of government of the island state. 

Philip Pierre is a long-time politician who recently led the Labour Party to an electoral win that led to a shift in government. His party won 13 out of 17 possible seats for the House of Assembly. 

Since 1997 Philip Pierre has served in the capacity of an MP representing the constituency of Castries East in the House of Assembly. Within government Pierre has served in the roles of Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and International Financial Services from 1997 to 2000 and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Port Services and Transport from 2011 to 2016. 

For further information 
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia: http://opmstlucia.com

International Politics Focus: Italy & France

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By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/olympics/italy-s-lamont-marcell-jacobs-wins-the-men-s-100-meters-at-the-olympics-in-980/ar-AAMOAIF?ocid=BingNewsSearch

Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy won the first gold medal of his career with a running time of 9.80, a personal best and a European record.

Jacobs becomes the first Italian to win gold at the Olympics in the 100 meters.

Jacobs was born in El Paso, Texas, but has lived in Italy since he was a baby. He has a silver medal in the 4×100 meters from the 2021 World Relays and was this year’s European indoor champion in the 60 meters.

France

France update

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2021/08/01/france-sees-50-million-foreign-tourists-in-summer-minister-says/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_8dd86a8b915eda0e521c004e13fb0c40e21c7a9c-1627886854-0-gqNtZGzNAnijcnBszQi6

Foreign tourism to France is rebounding this summer versus last year when the pandemic shut borders.

France expects 50 million foreign tourists, up from 35 million last summer, but down from 90 million in the year of 2019.

European tourists are back in force, except for British visitors because the UK government is requiring a 14-day isolation upon return from France. While a few Americans are starting to travel to the country, Asian customers won’t be back until next year.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/thousands-protest-vaccine-passes-idea-in-france-italy

In France and Italy, demonstrations against vaccine passes or virus restrictions in general are bringing together otherwise unlikely allies, often from the political extremes. They include far-right parties, campaigners for economic justice, families with small children, those against vaccines and those who fear them.

The biggest reasons for hesitating or refusing to get vaccinated, cited by more than half of respondents, are fears of serious side effects and concerns that the vaccines have not been adequately tested. Another 25 per cent said they don’t trust doctors, 12 per cent said they don’t fear the virus, and eight per cent deny it exists.

Picture by Ruetir


About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America.

She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

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