“United by Waves” Kick-off for SAIL Amsterdam 2025

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“United by Waves” Kick-off for SAIL Amsterdam 2025

France, Germany, the Netherlands, Peru, Spain, and Uruguay confirm participation

In 2025, the Netherlands will celebrate the 750th anniversary of its capital, the 50th anniversary of SAIL, and the 10th edition of SAIL Amsterdam, which first began in 1975. Thousands of ships, crew members, and visitors from around the world will gather to celebrate nautical history from Wednesday, August 20, to Sunday, August 25, 2025. During the last edition of SAIL in 2015, 2.3 million visitors attended, and a similar or even larger turnout is expected next year.

The kickoff of SAIL Amsterdam was celebrated at the historic Maritime Museum of the city, one year before the official start of the iconic five-day regatta, which will be held under the motto “United by Waves.”

SAIL Amsterdam 2025 kick-off event.

The core of the SAIL Foundation—Mr. Arie Jan de Waard, President; Ms. Mitra van Raalten, Director General; and Mr. Robert Visser, Business Director—welcomed the guests. Among the attendees were Prince Maurits van Oranje, the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero, the Consul General of Peru in Amsterdam, Mr. Sergio Ávila Traverso, and representatives of the main sponsors, including the Municipality of Amsterdam, the Port of Amsterdam, Heineken, Booking.com, Royal Netherlands Navy, The National Maritime Museum, ROC van Amsterdam & Flevoland, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, KPN, Heren2, Tommy Hilfiger and Sligro, among others. So far, The Peruvian B.A.P. Uniòn, the German Alexander Von Humboldt II, the French Belem, the Uruguayan Capitán Miranda, and the flagship, Clipper Stad Amsterdam, have confirmed their participation. In the coming days, organizers expect additional confirmations from Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.

During the presentation, Director van Raalten invited the Ambassador of Uruguay to highlight the arrival of the V/E Capitán Miranda in August next year. Ambassador González Otero remarked: “I’m honoured to confirm today that Uruguay will be represented at Sail Amsterdam 2025 by our tall ship, V/E Capitán Miranda. This Uruguayan cherished vessel will join the impressive array of ships participating in the event, celebrating our maritime heritage and the spirit of international friendship. We look forward to showcasing our ship and sharing in the excitement of this remarkable event. Thank you very much for your kind invitation, and see you all at Sail Amsterdam!”

Uruguay’s Capitán Miranda Tall Ship visited the Netherlands last year during its XXXIII Annual Training Voyage and its participation in Sail Den Helder 2023.

Kick-off event for SAIL -Amsterdam 2025 at the National Maritime Museum

The Chairman of SAIL, Arie Jan de Waard, declared: “SAIL Amsterdam 2025 will be the most special SAIL ever. Not only is it the 10th edition of SAIL-Amsterdam, but we are also celebrating 50 years of SAIL and the 750th anniversary of our beautiful city of Amsterdam. Together with our most committed partners, the SAIL family, the advisory committee, and the board of the SAIL Amsterdam Foundation, we have kicked off the preparations for SAIL Amsterdam 2025.”

He thanked all partners, sponsors, and students of the SAIL Academy who have already come on board in the run-up to SAIL 2025 or have been part of SAIL for several editions. SAIL Amsterdam has become the largest open-access event in the Netherlands. The organizers also promoted the new SAIL app, which allows visitors to purchase tickets, review the program, watch videos, and more.

Once the presentations concluded, all the authorities were invited to take a tour on special boats along the canals, where the various participating vessels will be arranged.

Highlighting Uruguay’s participation at SAIL-Amsterdam 2025

Sail Along!

Starting now, individual visitors can book their tickets for a boat tour at SAIL 2025. This is a chance to experience this unique anniversary edition from the water together with friends, family, and loved ones. Tickets can be booked via sail.nl. Step on board & make a wave!

The SAIL Amsterdam App

For the first time, SAIL is launching an o>icial event app, ‘Sail Amsterdam.’ Now available for download in all app stores. In the app, you can follow your favourite ships, view the event program, listen to the SAIL Playlist, and of course, purchase and store your sailing tickets in your wallet. Stay updated and sail always from the front row!

The 57th ASEAN Day Celebrated Internationally

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The 57th ASEAN Day Celebrated Internationally

Motto, Connected & Resilient Community

By Roy Lie Atjam

On 8 August 2024, H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, the Ambassador of Thailand, alongside the Ambassadors of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Mayerfas, Malaysia, H.E. Mr. Roseli Abdul, Vietnam, H.E. Huong Nam Ngo,

 the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Jose Eduardo III Malaya,  Lao People’s Democratic Republic, H.E. Mr. Kingphokeo Phommahaxay and the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, H.E. Mr. Adnan Mohd Ja’afar

 celebrated the 57th ASEAN Day in The Hague.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Netherlands, academics, and senior officials of the Netherlands Foreign Ministry.

In Jakarta, the 57th ASEAN Day celebration began with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi officiating the event alongside ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, in front of Jakarta’s diplomatic corps.

Minister Retno Marsudi confidently began her speech by posing a thought-provoking question: “Amidst global uncertainty, which region is relatively the most stable?” She asserted that Southeast Asia is the answer, emphasizing ASEAN’s crucial role in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity. The Minister went on, “indeed, stories of peace are less frequently told than stories of conflicts and wars. By looking at the different parts of the world, we need to be grateful to have ASEAN. Our region maintains a steady economic growth of 4.5%, higher than the global average. But, we must not be complacent. One miscalculation may undo our achievements for almost six decades.”

The ASEAN Day celebrations occurred globally, with Melbourne-Australia hosting diplomats, students, and business community leaders. The ASEAN Committee in Buenos Aires, Argentina, partnered with the Museum of Argentine Diplomacy to organize the ASEAN Exhibition, which was inaugurated by Foreign Minister Diana Mondino.

H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee Ambassador of Thailand

The festivities in Wassenaar-the Netherlands began with the ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony and the playing of the ASEAN anthem.

H.E. Ambassador Asi Mamanee of the Kingdom of Thailand, then delivered the following statement. “As the current Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN Committee in The Hague, I welcome you. Today, we gather to commemorate the 57th anniversary of ASEAN. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation, unity, and progress that has defined our region for over half a century. From its modest beginnings in 1967 with five founding members, ASEAN has evolved into a vibrant community of ten nations, collectively shaping not only the destiny of Southeast Asia, but also playing an increasingly pivotal role on the global stage.

As a region, we represent a population of over 650 million people, a combined GDP of $3 trillion, and serve as a crucial hub in global supply chains. Our strategic location, bridging the Indian and Pacific Oceans, places us at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region, making ASEAN indispensable to global trade, security, and diplomacy.

We have become a model for regional cooperation, demonstrating how diverse nations can work together to promote peace, stability, and economic growth. Our approach to consensus-building and peaceful dispute resolution has earned us respect on the international stage and positioned ASEAN as a key player in regional architecture. We recognize the importance of our global partnerships.

Today, I would like to highlight our relations with the Netherlands, our Development Partner. This partnership was further solidified at the First ASEAN-Netherlands Development Partnership Committee Meeting held just a few months ago, on 17 May 2024, at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta. The Netherlands, with its rich history of global engagement, recognizes ASEAN’s strategic importance in world affairs. They value our region not only as a gateway to Asia’s dynamic markets but also as a crucially in addressing global challenges. We have seen fruitful collaborations in areas such as the circular economy, smart cities, and climate change mitigation.

The Dutch expertise in these fields has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth across our region. As discussed in our recent meeting, ASEAN-Netherlands are now working together to develop Practical Cooperation Areas or PCA, which will set out the overall framework and priorities of our partnership.

As we look to the future through the development of Practical Cooperation Areas, we see great potential for enhanced collaboration in emerging fields such as green economy, water management, sustainable agriculture, connectivity, cyber security, and possibility of the Netherlands’ cooperation with various ASEAN Centres.

Together, we can leverage Dutch innovation and ASEAN’s dynamic markets to create solutions that benefit not just our regions, but the world at large. I also like to take this opportunity to commend Lao PDR in her successful chairmanship of ASEAN this year. ASEAN’s role as a stabilizing force in the region and a convening power among major powers is essential to global peace. Our commitment to maintaining Southeast Asia as a nuclear-free zone, along with our efforts in addressing transnational crime, significantly contributes to global security.

Together  with our dialogue and development partners, we will work towards a more prosperous, sustainable, and interconnected future for ASEAN and the world as we count down to the year 2030 aiming to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Mr Joost Flamand, Deputy Director-General of the Dutch MFA.

The Deputy Director-General of the Dutch MFA and Guest of Honour Mr Joost Flamand, also deliver his remarks. In brief he said “Today is a significant anniversary as we celebrate unity, cooperation, and shared aspirations among the members of ASEAN and their partners.

The vision of ASEAN, which is encapsulated in its motto “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” continues to resonate strongly despite both positive and challenging global developments.

The Netherlands highly values its deepening relationship with ASEAN and became an ASEAN Development Partner in September 2023. ASEAN remains a focal point for the Netherlands, even under the new government with our cooperation spanning multiple dimensions – political, economic, socio-cultural, and security.

As we mark ASEAN Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to working together as reliable friends and partners to support ASEAN’s vision of an integrated, resilient, and prosperous community. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the modern world, leveraging our collective strengths to address common challenges and seize shared opportunities.”

The ASEAN Day 2024 celebration in the Netherlands came to an exciting close with a delightful interactive cultural presentation and lunch.

Visas for Life: Honoring the Righteous Diplomats at the IAJGS International Conference

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Visas for Life: Honoring the Righteous Diplomats at the IAJGS International Conference

The Visas for Life: The Righteous and Honorable Diplomats exhibit was showcased at the IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, August 18, through Thursday, August 22. Held in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel, the exhibit was viewed by over 800 attendees, many of whom shared profound connections to the history presented.

The exhibit, recently updated by the organizers, the Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust, to include all members of the Lados/Bernese rescue group, now features over 80 international diplomatic rescuers. This was the first time many of these diplomats were included in the presentation, offering a more comprehensive view of their lifesaving efforts during World War II. The response was overwhelmingly positive, particularly from individuals who were either relatives of the diplomatic rescuers or descendants of survivors who had been saved by these diplomats. Many attendees expressed surprise at the sheer number of diplomats who played crucial roles in saving Jews and other refugees across Europe.

Throughout the conference, the organizers conducted tours and shared with visitors the broader history of diplomatic rescue, highlighting that over 300 diplomats were involved in saving Jews and other refugees during the Holocaust. They also discussed the proposed Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R.537/S.91). While the current bill recognizes only 60 diplomats for aiding Jews, the Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust advocated for a more inclusive approach, recognizing all diplomat rescuers, including those who saved non-Jews from Nazi persecution.

In addition to the exhibit, there were two talks on the program. The first focused on Swiss diplomatic rescuer Carl Lutz, the Swiss Vice Consul in Budapest, Hungary. Lutz pioneered the Schutzpass (protective paper), which shielded Budapest Jews from arrest and deportation. Val Kogan, who is championing a monument to Carl Lutz in Philadelphia, joined as a co-presenter.

The second talk highlighted American rescuers and rescue organizations. Theevent emphasized the significant contributions of American volunteers and professionals who operated throughout Europe, as well as the efforts of various organizations and networks. Laurene Sherlock, granddaughter of Laurence A. Steinhardt, the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Turkey during World War II, joined as a co-presenter. Ambassador Steinhardt collaborated with several rescue organizations, including the War Refugee Board and Yishuv Emissaries, and notably with Vatican nuncio Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who later became Pope John XXIII. Sherlock is currently writing a biography of her grandfather’s rescue activities.

The audience was surprised to learn that only five Americans have been officially recognized by Yad Vashem for their rescue efforts during the Holocaust. The Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust is actively sponsoring H.R.2668, the “U.S. Rescue and Aid Individuals of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023,” to honor all American rescuers collectively. This bill was introduced by Congresswoman Judy Chu of Pasadena, California, and Speaker Emerita of the House, Nancy Pelosi, whose father, Thomas d’Alessandro, was among the proposed honorees for his work in supporting Jewish refugees.

During the conference, Rabbi Goldman of B’nai Abraham Chabad in Philadelphia, expressed interest in a program honoring American diplomat rescuer Henry “Myles” Standish, the vice consul in charge of visas at the Marseille consulate from 1937 to 1941. Standish issued exit visas to Chabad Rabbi Menachem Schneerson and his wife, Hannah. The organizers are currently collaborating with Standish’s granddaughter, Scotti Woolery-Price, who is writing a biography of her grandfather. They warmly welcome Scotti to the Visas for Life program!

Tomi Komoly, nephew of Otto Komoly, a notable Jewish Red Cross rescuer in Budapest, was welcomed as well as the families of diplomatic rescuers Colonel Arturo Castellanos (El Salvador) and José María Barreto (Peru).

20 MIHAS Morning Briefing The Hague

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20 MIHAS Morning Briefing The Hague

“Malayia spearheading the global Halal Industry”

By Roy Lie Atjam

On August 12, 2024, during the 20th MIHAS Morning Briefing in The Hague, H.E. Mr. Roseli Abdul, the Ambassador of Malaysia in the Netherlands, passionately emphasized Malaysia’s dominant role in the global Halal Industry.

He shared an inspiring story about Lembaga Tabung Haji, an organization facilitating Shariah-compliant investments for pilgrimage savings to Mecca.

Ms. Azlina Jane of MIHAS 2024 made a powerful contribution via satellite connection. Additionally, Mdm. Azlina Che Dir, the MATRADE Rotterdam Trade Commissioner, eloquently detailed the MIHAS Halal Exhibition, highlighting lucrative opportunities for Dutch exhibitors and the Malaysian government’s unwavering support for enhancing Muslim lives.

Notably, the presence of YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the opening ceremony of 20 MIHAS further underscores the significance of this trade event.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Visits Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

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The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Visits Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, made his first visit to Athens in his political capacity to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Accompanying him were his chief of staff, ministers of Transport, Energy, Trade and Industry, Culture, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, the Director of Studies and Research, and the CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority, one of the largest public investment bodies in the world.

The visit and meeting between Al Thani and Mitsotakis signaled a strengthening of bilateral cooperation across various sectors, with a focus on the economy, investments, energy, tourism, defence, and regional developments on the international stage. Diplomatic relations between the EU and Qatar were also on the agenda.

In his statements, the Greek Prime Minister highlighted the “progress of our country in terms of development” and mentioned that the discussions also focused on regional developments, particularly in the Middle East.

In his remarks, the Qatari leader called the strengthening of bilateral relations “an opportunity” for his country, “especially in terms of the economy and investments.” At the beginning of their meeting, the two leaders exchanged the following dialogue:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Athens. I would like to point out how much we value the partnership between our two countries. I believe this visit is a real opportunity to consider how we can further strengthen our relationship, especially in the economic field. Greece is currently making significant progress in terms of development. And of course, we will discuss regional developments. So it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Athens and repay your wonderful hospitality when I had the opportunity to visit Doha a few months ago.”

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani: “First of all, my dear friend Kyriakos, thank you very much for this invitation. I am very happy to be here for my first official visit. As you mentioned, we have a great historical relationship. But I believe this is an opportunity for us to strengthen these bilateral relations, especially in terms of the economy and investments. I am really looking forward to this meeting. Of course, we will also discuss regional issues, especially what is happening in Gaza. So I’m really looking forward to this meeting. Thank you very much.”

A Military Cooperation Agreement Signed

During the meeting and extended discussions involving both delegations, the mutual desire to strengthen Greece-Qatar relations was confirmed and formalized with the signing of two agreements: the Military Cooperation Agreement between the Greek Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Qatar, and a Memorandum of Cooperation for conducting political consultations on issues of common interest between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.

The talks also focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as the economy, investments, energy, and culture. The Greek Prime Minister outlined the wide range of investment opportunities Greece offers due to its geostrategic position and its connections with the markets of the Balkans, Southeastern Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, as well as initiatives like the development of infrastructure projects, including FSRU Alexandroupolis.

Views on international and regional developments were also exchanged, with particular emphasis on the situation in Gaza. The Greek Prime Minister reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages while expressing his growing concern over the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s role in the Gulf region and particularly in the Gaza crisis, emphasizing that the strong relations between Greece and Qatar contribute to stability in the region.

The Greek side’s extended talks included participation from Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis, National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, Culture Minister Lina Mendonis, Maritime and Insular Policy Minister Christos Stylianides, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kostas Fragogiannis, Director of the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Office Ambassador Anna-Maria-Elene Boura, Greece’s Ambassador to Qatar Ioannis Ioannidis, Head of the Prime Minister’s Economic Office Alexis Patelis, and Director of the Office of International Strategic Planning and Communication Aristotelia Peloni.

Fugitive Italian crime leader arrested in Slovenia

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Fugitive Italian crime leader arrested in Slovenia

The Hague, 22 August 2024 – A fast and coordinated action by Italian and Slovenian authorities, supported by Eurojust, has led to the arrest of a dangerous criminal hiding in Koper, Slovenia. The leader of an Italian organised crime group (OCG) was on the run from a 21-year prison sentence. He had been convicted of several crimes including drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping.

The Italian OCG leader, of Calabrian origin, fled on the eve of his conviction in February this year. A national and European Arrest Warrant was issued for the 40-year-old fugitive. Complex investigations lasting several months were launched. The fugitive was finally located in Slovenia through a phone tapping and surveillance operation.

It was at this point that Eurojust became involved in the operation by executing a European Investigation Order (EIO). The EIO enabled surveillance activities in Slovenia, including phone tracking and physical tailing. In just 10 days, the EIO was executed and the Slovenian and Italian authorities were able to pinpoint the fugitive’s precise location in Koper, leading to his arrest on 20 August.

In February, the OCG leader was sentenced to 21 years in prison. The Italian was the leader of a criminal organisation that trafficked cocaine throughout Italy. He was also convicted of other crimes such as robbery, fraud, embezzlement, extortion, kidnapping and the illegal possession of weapons. In a separate trial, he was found guilty of mafia-related offences.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • Italy: General Prosecution Office at the Court of Appeal of Perugia; Carabinieri – ROS (Special Operational Department); Anti-crime Section of Ancona and Investigation Unit of Fermo; SIRENE Office at the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
  • Slovenia: Public Prosecution Office of Koper; Police Directorate in Koper.

Eurojust supports large-scale anti-mafia operation leading to arrest and freezing of EUR 50 million

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Eurojust supports large-scale anti-mafia operation leading to arrest and freezing of EUR 50 million

An investigation lasting over two years has uncovered an intricate money laundering scheme run by a mafia family from Palermo. The total value of their profits is estimated at over EUR 500 million. They reinvested the profits of their crimes in multiple companies in Brazil. Cooperation between Italian, Brazilian and Swiss authorities led to the arrest of a member of the organised crime group (OCG) during an action day on 13 August, as well as the freezing of financial assets worth EUR 50 million during several searches in Italy, Brazil and Switzerland.

To support other major mafia families, the OCG was involved in various criminal activities, including extortion, money laundering and the fraudulent transfer of valuables. An integrated network of financial professionals in Italy and around the world helped the OCG to invest its profits in companies in Italy, including a well-known hotel.

In 2016, the suspects moved their activities to Brazil to support another Italian criminal and launder more of their profits. The money arrived in Brazil through multiple transit bank accounts and with the support of their network of financial professionals in Italy.

One of the main members of the mafia family moved to Natal, Brazil, to start several companies using straw men and shell companies. Most of the companies were involved in large real estate and construction projects, such as a building site near the northeastern coast of Brazil. As these real estate projects were guaranteed to generate exceptionally high profits, it was easy for the OCG to hide their criminal gains. The total assets of the family are estimated at over EUR 500 million.

The Italian and Brazilian authorities have been investigating the activities of the OCG since 2022 through a joint investigation team (JIT), set up with the support of Eurojust. Their investigations uncovered the activities of the OCG in Switzerland. Through Eurojust, the Swiss authorities were involved in the JIT’s investigations.

On 13 August, a large coordinated operation took place in Italy, Switzerland and Brazil, with support from Eurojust. In Italy, 21 searches were carried out at the homes of the OCG members and the offices of their companies. A suspect was arrested in Brazil and financial assets worth EUR 50 million euros belonging to 17 individuals (all under investigation) were seized, as well as 12 companies involved in the real estate, construction and hospitality sectors. In Switzerland, the house of an Italian businessman was searched.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Palermo – District Antimafia Directorate; Guardia di Finanza – G.I.C.O. (Organized Crime Investigative Group) of Palermo
  • Brazil: Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Norte
  • Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland; Federal Office of Police fedpol

Ecuador Week in the Netherlands

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Ecuador Week in the Netherlands

The Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague is set to celebrate their National Day with a week-long series of promotional events showcasing the country’s flourishing commerce, rich gastronomy, and diverse tourist destinations represented by its various provinces. This annual tradition, initiated in 2017 by the Embassy  and Pro-Ecuador, their commercial branch, has grown in popularity and continues to exceed expectations each year.

Ecuador at Embassy Festival 2023

“We will celebrate National Day on September 3rd, featuring food stations representing each region of Ecuador. Our three chefs will not only serve these dishes but also provide explanations about each one,” stated H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral, the Ambassador of Ecuador to the Netherlands.

Following this, on September 4th, the Embassy will host the Investors and Buyers Reception, where the three chefs will present a specially curated menu for the occasion.

Ecuador Business Conference and Dinner

The highlight of the week will be the Ecuador Food Festival, taking place on September 5th and 6th at the Leonardo Royal Hotel. This event will feature the same menu designed for the Investors and Buyers Reception and will be open to the public. Reservations can be made via frontoffice.royaldenhaag@leonardo-hotels.nl.

Ambassador Caroline Chipeta of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Netherlands.and H.E. Dr. Eniola Olaitan Ajayi, Ambassador of the Republic of Nigeria at Ecuador Food Festival, Leonardo Royal Hotel 2023.
Starters at Ecuador Food Festival.

Ecuador Week will conclude with the Embassy’s participation in the Embassy Festival, where the three chefs will offer special tastings centered around Ecuadorian cocoa, as highlighted by Juan Carlos Yepez, Counsellor and Head of the Commercial Section at PRO ECUADOR.

Ecuador Food Festival 2024

Prime Minister of Curaçao Attends Swearing-In of Dominican President Luis Abinader

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Prime Minister of Curaçao Attends Swearing-In of Dominican President Luis Abinader

Prime Minister Gilmar Simon Pisas of Curaçao arrived in Santo Domingo on the afternoon of August 14 to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of President Luis Abinader, marking his second term as the head of the Dominican Republic.

Prime Minister Pisas landed at Las Américas International Airport, accompanied by a delegation from the Netherlands. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by the Director of Ceremonial and Protocol of the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other officials.

Later that evening, at 6:30 pm, Prime Minister Pisas was received at the National Palace by President Abinader for a bilateral meeting lasting approximately 40 minutes. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest to Curaçao and the Dominican Republic, including current international and regional political matters. The Vice Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy, José Julio Gómez, represented the Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs during the meeting.

Gilmar Simon Pisas, a Dutch politician from Curaçao and a member of the Movement for the Future of Curaçao (MFK), previously served as Prime Minister in 2017 and has held the position again since June 14, 2021.

President Luis Abinader was inaugurated on Friday, August 16, for his second consecutive four-year term after winning 57% of the vote in the May 19, 2024, elections. During his 2024-2028 term, Abinader has pledged to contribute to the transformation of the Caribbean nation, which has a population of around 11 million, focusing on fighting corruption and reducing poverty.

Abinader initially won the presidency in the general elections on July 5, 2020, becoming the 67th president of the Dominican Republic, succeeding Danilo Medina Sánchez.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including King Felipe VI of Spain; President José Raúl Mulino of Panama; President Santiago Peña of Paraguay; President Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay; President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala; President Chan Santokhi of Suriname; and President Xiomara Castro of Honduras. Also in attendance were Vice President Félix Ulloa of El Salvador and the special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong.

The Prime Minister of Curacao, held bilateral meetings in The Hague with the Dominican Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Dr. Juan Bautista Duran earlier this year where the latter effectively motivated his attendance to the inauguration of President Abinader.

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Santo Domingo Joint Declaration on Venezuela

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Santo Domingo Joint Declaration on Venezuela

Friday, August 16, 2024 – A coalition of countries, convened in Santo Domingo during the inauguration of the new presidential term of Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, issued a strong appeal for wisdom and prudence in Venezuela. They urged all social and political actors to exercise the utmost restraint in this critical moment for Venezuela and the region.

“We call for the respect of democratic principles, as well as the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Venezuelans, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. It is deeply concerning that this is not currently the situation in Venezuela. Reports of arbitrary detentions without due process are alarming, and we demand the immediate release of those detained.”

The declaration strongly condemned the repression of demonstrators and the violence that has claimed the lives of many Venezuelans in the post-election context. The signatories made an urgent plea for Venezuelan authorities to end the violence and release all detainees, including opposition representatives.

“We further urge that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights be allowed to return to Venezuela as a matter of urgency, and we call on Venezuela to guarantee the conditions necessary for it to fully carry out its mandate.”

The declaration also demanded that Venezuela, as a State Party to the Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum of 1954, comply with its provisions and issue safe-conducts for the six asylum-seekers who remain in the official residence of the Argentine Republic, allowing them to safely leave Venezuelan territory.

The signatory countries called for the immediate publication of all original tally sheets and the impartial, independent verification of those results, preferably by an international entity, to ensure that the will of the Venezuelan people expressed at the polls is respected. “Any delay in this process calls into question the results officially published on August 2, 2024.”

“Our nations have a history of advocating dialogue and understanding to resolve serious conflicts. Today, more than ever, Venezuela must honor that legacy to restore peaceful coexistence, public security, and political stability, which, according to reports from the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela, are currently being jeopardized by Venezuela’s own security authorities.”

The declaration concludes with a commitment to always support a genuinely Venezuelan solution in which democracy, justice, peace, and security prevail.

Signed in Santo Domingo:

Republic of Argentina, Canada, Republic of Chile, Czech Republic, Republic of Costa Rica, Republic of Ecuador, Kingdom of Spain, United States of America, Republic of Guatemala, Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Italian Republic, Kingdom of Morocco, Kingdom of the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Republic of Panama, Republic of Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Portuguese Republic, Oriental Republic of Uruguay and the European Union.

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