Three Spanish music concerts to enjoy online Diego Ares, Almudena Rubio, Jonay and Mike

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Three Spanish music concerts to enjoy online Diego Ares, Almudena Rubio, Jonay and Mike

Diego Ares in The Hague.

At the end of last year, three concerts of a very diverse nature programmed by the Embassy of Spain to The Hague unfortunately could not be held live, due to COVID-19. Instead, all three performances have been recorded.

As of Ā February 1, 2021, they will be available online through the Embassyā€™s newĀ YouTube channel, and, later on, also via theĀ VIMEO channelĀ of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) within the VENTANA program, a window to Spanish culture.Ā The aim of this initiative is to promote Spanish creators, institutions, festivals and cultural industries through digital content to support their internationalization.

Singer and art historian Almudena Rubio was born in Madrid, but she has been living and working in The Netherlands since 2012. Rubio was selected to perform at the concert on the occasion of the festivity of St. Nicholas (Sinterklaasconcert) that the Embassy of Spain has been organizing for several years. Her repertoire for live shows revolves around singer-songwriter Chicho SĆ”nchez Ferlosio, whom she greatly admires. In Rubioā€™s concerts, popular music is melted together with songs of resistance against Francoā€™s regime (premiere: February 1, 2021, 7:30 p.m., YouTube).

On the occasion of Constitution Day, a flamenco concert by two artists of Spanish origin, Jonay (guitar) and Mike (voice) was recorded at the Spanish Centre in The Hague (Centro EspaƱol La Haya). Jonay and Mike, who began their journeys separately, have participated as a duo in various live performances since 4 years, collaborating with the City of The Hague, various cultural centers, theaters, schools and several international organizations (premiere: February 3, 2021, 7.30 p.m., YouTube).

Flores de mĆŗsica (Flowers of Music) is an early music concert, organized by the Musica Antica da Camera Foundation, by Spanish harpsichordist Diego Ares (Vigo, 1983). The program includes a selection of Spanish pieces from the 17th century for keyboard by anonymous composers. Diego Ares has studied piano and harpsichord at this hometown and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. As a soloist he has performed in many countries, including Spain, France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Japan (premiere: February 5, 2021, 7.30 p.m., YouTube).

Cyprus Contributes ā‚¬20,000 to OPCW

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Cyprus Contributes ā‚¬20,000 to OPCW

Cyprus Ambassador H.E. Ms. Frances-Galatia Lanitou, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias.

The Hague, Netherlands ā€“3 February 2021ā€“The Government of Cyprus has contributed a further ā‚¬20,000 to a special Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (ā€œChemTech Centreā€).

The contribution was formalized during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Frances-Galatia Lanitou, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held today at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.

Ambassador Lanitou stated: ā€œThe Republic of Cyprus is a strong supporter of the OPCW. The Organization has a very important mandate and carries out its work with a view to achieving a world free of chemical weapons. We are delighted to renew our contribution to the new projectĀ ofĀ theĀ OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology. The new facilityĀ willĀ further strengthenĀ the capabilities of the OPCW, including its investigative and capacity building capabilities, so that the OPCW may continueĀ toĀ fulfil its important role and to fully and successfullyĀ addressĀ any new or emergingĀ chemical weapon threats.ā€

The Director-General noted: ā€œThanks to the Government of Cyprusā€™ contribution, we are closer today to the creation of a new OPCW facility that will allow us to confidently face the challenges of an increasingly complex global security landscape.ā€Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCWā€™s ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance capacity building activities to the benefit of all 193 OPCW Member States. He highlighted that ā€œall contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciatedā€.

So far, 45 countries, the European Union, and four other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.

Dutch NGOs reiterate their support to Bangladesh People

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Dutch NGOs reiterate their support to Bangladesh People

In the picture Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah.

On 28 January (2021), the Dutch NGOs, Foundations engaged in Bangladesh for decades reiterated their support towards Bangladesh in achieving her socio-economic development at an e-Conclave convened by the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague.

58 representatives from 30+ Dutch NGOs who have been active in diverse areas like children, women and girls, climate adaptation, health, education, water and sanitation, agriculture, mental health et al joined the e-Conclave. Moderated by Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, the e-Conclave was joined by Ambassador Karin Mossenlechner, Director (Asia & Oceania) in Dutch Foreign Ministry. Chairperson of the leading international (Bangladeshi) NGO, BRAC, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman shared his reflections as the guest of honour.

Ambassador Hamidullah underlined that in spite of gaps in respect of endowment, capacity and knowledge, the deltaic nations (Bangladesh and Netherlands) remain bound by their values, innovation, resilience, entrepreneurial spirit. The two peoples celebrate pluralism, secularism, inclusion, humanitariansm, freedom; and strive to champion the same for people elsewhere. Calling the Dutch NGOs as ā€˜ā€™Friends of Bangladesh peopleā€™ā€™, he stressed on the growing mutuality of interest between the Dutch NGOs and their Bangladeshi peers to collaborate in Bangladesh in helping the people realise the SDGs.

Alluding to the long and historical ties between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, Ambassador Mossenlechner said that, alongside water sector development, the Netherlands is also supporting sustainable development of Bangladeshā€™s apparel and agriculture, including the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100. She applauded the Embassy for such people-to-people contact through the NGOs, Foundations; and also recalled the high-level visits Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands (2015), the visits of Dutch Queen Maxima to Bangladesh (2015, 2019).

The BRAC Chair shared the challenges emerging in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic at the grassroots for the development actors in Bangladesh. He said, the pandemic particularlyimpacted on technology and migration albeit has also created scope for creative expansion of digital technology in supply chain, education, health care, agriculture. He elaborated that how Bangladesh stands more of an ā€œinitiative-driven societyā€ than a ā€˜ā€™policy drivenā€™ā€™ one Bangladesh remains open for Dutch NGOs to engage in Bangladesh more with creative ideas, innovative services.

The Dutch NGOs reflected on the emerging trends in rural Bangladesh and also possible further engagements. They termed Bangladesh as a country of opportunities, thanks to her young, energetic people.

Saudi ambassador at Ghorfa

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Saudi ambassador at Ghorfa

Wednesday, 3 February 2021, Berlin, Germany: The President of Ghorfa (Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Dr. Peter Ramsauer, Federal Minister (ret.), its Secretary General, Abdulaziz Al-Mikhlafi and Dieter Haller, former German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia met with HE Essam Ibrahim H. Baitalmal, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Germany to discuss economic and business cooperation between Germany and KSA, and the role of Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the latter regard.

Ambassador Essam Baitalmal (b. 21.12.1959) was accredited in Germany on Wednesday, 4 November 2020 before President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace in Berlin-Tiergarten. He began his diplomatic career in 1987 at the Saudi General Consulate in Suez, Egypt. Ambassador Baitamal has served as Saudi head of mission in Ethiopia, Cyprus (non-resident) as well as Greece. 

For further information 
Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Germany: 

https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Germany/EN/Ambassador/pages/default.aspx

Picture by Ghorfa, Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Joseph Borghese as Tongan Honorary Consul

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Joseph Borghese as Tongan Honorary Consul

Tuesday, 26 January 2021, Nicosia, Republic of Cyprus: The High Commission of the Kingdom of Tonga in London is pleased to announce, the Privy Council of His Majesty King Tupou VI has appointed Mr. Joseph Borghese as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Tonga with jurisdiction over the whole territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

The royal appointment was concluded with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Nicos Anastasiades granting an exequatur to Mr. Joseph Borghese on 26th of January. 

A well-known and well-liked figure in the public and private sector, Mr. Joseph Borghese who is the youngest among a handful of honorary consuls for the Kingdom, is the founder of Borghese Ventures, Borghese Wine 365, Pundi X 365 and of the humanitarian organization ā€œHope For Childrenā€ CRC Policy Center. In 2019, he was awarded with the Cyprus Young Entrepreneur of the Year and has been recently elected by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce as the Treasurer of the Cyprus ā€“ Australia Business Association. 

 Mr. Borghese stated: ā€œI am profoundly honored to have received this appointment. As Honorary Consul I will be in a unique position to further develop the friendly and respectful relations between the Kingdom of Tonga, the Republic of Cyprus and the EUā€. 

His vast experience in entrepreneurial and humanitarian activities has often brought Mr. Joseph Borghese to be part of official delegations meeting Cyprusā€™ trade partners. Cyprus is strongly pushing to be a regional digital innovation hub. And Mr. Joseph Borghese believes that his passion for investment in innovative technology, education, shipping, hospitality among others will benefit both Cyprus and the Kingdom of Tonga. 

 ā€œCyprus and the Kingdom of Tonga are small island states, members of the Commonwealth and Cyprus being also a member of the European Union, there are opportunities that can be strategically explored for Tonga to tap into and increase the mutual benefits for both countriesā€, says Mr. Joseph Borghese. 

 The Kingdom of Tonga, or the Friendly Islands is a constitutional monarchy and has never been colonized. With over 170 islands arrayed across 740,000 square kilometers in the South Pacific, and a population of about 100.000, the tiny Kingdom is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled of Pacific island nations. Dramatic volcanic landscapes combined with tropical rainforests and pristine coral atolls and beaches, sustaining and nurturing flora and fauna. It is home to the newest island in the world, Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haā€™apai which erupted from the seabed in 2014. It was the subject of a visit by a NASA team told by the BBC.  

 As rugby is the national sport in Tonga; its top players are scattered in rugby premier divisions around the world from New Zealand to Japan to Europe and the USA. Already, Mr. Joseph Borghese has identified room to market Tonga through sport and grow the opportunities it presents for the youth. 

The Friendly Islandsā€™ robust history, culture, religion and traditions are still a vital part of daily life.  

 The High Commission of the Kingdom of Tonga in London is accredited to Cyprus, and thus will be working closely with Mr. Joseph Borghese. Her Excellency Hon. Fanetupouvavaā€™u Tuā€™ivakano adds: ā€œWith the opening of the Cyprus office, we add a new chapter in the promotion of Tonga. We are very much pleased with the appointment of Mr. Borghese and have confidence in his ability to engage the Kingdom of Tonga in Europe.ā€ 

Honorary consuls are generally dignitaries or persons of position in business and society in the receiving state, while having strong connection to the sending state. Honorary consuls are not necessarily citizens of the sending states; rather, they are recognized by the sending states as persons of influence, capable of furthering the objectives of the sending state in the receiving state.  

For more information  

 www.consulatekot.eu  

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Image courtesy of the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Tonga in Cyprus

Kyrgyzstan’s Sadyr Japarov installed

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Kyrgyzstan’s Sadyr Japarov installed

Thursday, 28 January 2021, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic:Ā Sadyr Nurgozhoevich JaparovĀ was installed as the eight President of the Kyrgyz Republic.Ā 

According to theĀ Kyrgyz constitution, the presidentĀ “is the symbol of the unity of people and state power, and is the guarantor of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, and of an individual and citizen.”Ā The president is directly elected for no more than one six-year term by the Kyrgyz electorate. The office of president was established in 1990 replacing the Chairman of the Supreme Soviet that existed, in different forms, from 1927 whilst the country was known as the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic.Ā 

Kyrgyzstan’s president is the country’s head of state, appoints the prime minister, all cabinet members, and directs foreign policy. 
President Japarov, in his capacity then as prime minister, had been acting as the country’s presidential head since 16 October 2020 after the resignation of President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. 

On 10 January 2021, Japarov was elected as President of Kyrgyzstan, garnering over 79% of the votes. On the same day, a proposal to strengthen the role of the presidency and to decrease the powers of the Parliament was adopted with more than 80% of the votes.Ā His inauguration on 28 January took place at theĀ Philarmonic Hall Toktogul Satylganov.Ā President Japarov is known for his pro-Russian policies but also for his eagerness to bring financial stability to Kyrgyzstan.Ā 

During the event, the special representative of the First President of the Republic of KazakhstanĀ Nursultan Nazarbayev,Ā Zhanseit Tuimebayev, read out his welcoming message, and the greeting from the President of the European CouncilĀ Charles MichelĀ was read out by the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, AmbassadorĀ Peter Burian.

For further informationĀ 
http://president.kg/ru/sobytiya/18479_fotoreportagh_ceremoniya_vstupleniya_sadira_ghaparova_vdolghnost_prezidenta_kirgizskoy_respubliki

Picture by Kyrgyz Presidency.

6th mandate for Uganda’s Museveni

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6th mandate for Uganda’s Museveni

Saturday, 16 January 2021, Kampala, Republic of Uganda: The Ugandan electoral commission announced that President Yoweri Museveni won the presidential election gaining 58.6% of the ballots.

He is thus to serve for a sixth term as head of Uganda’s Executive power (i.e. headship of state and of government). The President resides at State House located in Entebbe, a municipality that hosts the international airport, and erstwhile served as capital for the British protectorate. 

President Museveni (76) was first inaugurated as Uganda’s ninth president on 29 January 1986. Museveni was born on 15 September 1944 in Rukungiri, then Uganda Protectorate. Hitherto he is Uganda’s longest-serving president.

His Vice President Edward Ssekandi is in office since 2011. 
He is due to take his sixth oath of office in May 2021. 

For further information https://statehouse.go.ug

In the picture President Yoweri Museveni – Picture by State Department, in the public domain.

Trinidad &Tobagoā€™s Althea Alexis-Windsor Elected to Bench of The ICC

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Trinidad &Tobagoā€™s Althea Alexis-Windsor Elected to Bench of The ICC

By Roy Lie Atjam.

Trinidad &TobagoĀ  High Court judge Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor has been elected to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Madame Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor, who was endorsed by the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), was assessed as being highly qualified for appointment as a judge of the International Criminal Court.

Alexis-Windsor was elected in the eighth round with 86 of the 118 votes. She surpassed her rival from Tunisia, Haykel Ben Mahfoudh. Judges who are nominated to the ICC have experience either litigating or adjudicating cases before the International Criminal Tribunals and the ICC itself.

Althea Alexis-Windsor

Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor possesses over 23 years of experience in the field of criminal law including international criminal law. She has served as a Trial Attorney and Appeals Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal on Rwanda (ICTR) and currently holds the office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago where she has been serving for the past seven (7) years. Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor also has a Master of Law (LLM) in International Criminal Law, specializing in the Internalization of Crime and Criminal Justice from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.

The election of Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor is a testament to Trinidad and Tobagoā€™s international recognition for our pioneering work in the establishment of the ICC which predates the entry into force of the Rome Statute.

In 1989, the late former Prime Minister and President Arthur N.R. Robinson resurrected the idea of the establishment of a court with jurisdiction over international crimes in an address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Madame Justice Alexis-Windsor will receive her instruments of office on 10th March 2021.

Photo courtesy Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trinidad & Tobago.

Armenian’s update

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Armenian’s update

H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia to the Kingdom of The Netherlands  

30 January 2021 

“In Armenia the COVID-19 pandemic is improving remarkably, for the second consecutive week we have merely 10% of positive tests within the general population. Because of the latter, our government decided to open all the borders to tourists and taking into consideration that we have no visa regime with our neighbours Iran and Georgia, we expect many tourists to flock, at least from our neighbouring countries. 

From February, the Armenian aviation industry re-established connections to various countries, including Russia and everyone who wants to visit Armenia, and enjoy winter is welcome to visit.  

To enter Armenia, the traveller is required to hold a negative test result for COVID-19, alternatively a test can be taken at the airport for about 35 euros. Isolation is required until a negative result is produced. People with negative results are free to go everywhere they wish within Armenia.  

Albeit the tourism industry as a whole has suffered during the pandemic, Armenian wines are selling rather well, specially during the lockdowns. The latter was industry was affected little according to the main distributor of Armenian wine and spirits, the Royal Beverage Group. Sales for 2020 are up, and also several Dutch wines websites such as Bovino include a plethora Armenian wines in their catalogue. We are working very close with duty free services to include Armenia cognac, and wines in their catalogues.”

For further information

 http://tourismarmenia.org/#axzz6l4DuMyeG

Latvian Māris KliŔāns heads to Spain

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Latvian Māris KliŔāns heads to Spain

MaĢ„ris KlisĢŒaĢ„ns – Picture by Latvian Embassy in the Netherlands.

Friday, 29 January 2021, Madrid, Kingdom of Spain: Ambassador Māris KliŔāns has been accredited to Spain before His Majesty King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace. The ceremony took place in the presence of Spainā€™s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha GonzĆ”lez Laya.

Given that Latvia and Spain are celebrating the centenary of their diplomatic relations in 2021, the Ambassador renewed the invitation from the President of Latvia, Egils Levits, for the King of Spain to visit Latvia to celebrate this landmark event. His Majesty welcomed the news that the embassies of both countries are working on events to commemorate the centenary of diplomatic relations.

Picture by Casa del Rey – Spanish Royal Househo



This year marks the centenary since Spain recognised Latvia de jure and diplomatic relations were established on 9 April 1921.

Three decades ago on 27 August 1991, Spain recognised the restoration of Latviaā€™s independence, and this was followed by the resumption of diplomatic ties on 9 October 1991. Māris KliŔāns is the eighth Latvian Ambassador to Spain since the restoration of Latviaā€™s independence and the thirteen diplomatic representative of Latvia accredited to Spain since Spain recognised Latviaā€™s independence on 9 April 1921.

Māris KliŔāns began his career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992. He has been posted Ambassador to Norway, The Netherlands and Greece, and non-resident Ambassador to Iceland, Cyprus and Serbia as well as Permanent Representative of Latvia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

For further information 
Embassy of Latvia in Spain and Andorra: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/latest-news/67416-ambassador-maris-klisans-presents-credentials-to-king-felipe-vi-of-spain

Latvia – Bigger than you think by Ambassador Māris KliŔāns: http://www.diplomatmagazine.eu/2013/11/03/latvia-bigger-think/

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