HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa – Picture by Bahrain News Agency.
July 2020, Kingdom of Bahrain: His Majesty King Hamad II bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain issued Royal Order 24 of 2020, appointing National Security Advisor, Major General HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa as the Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council (SDC). His Highness is deputised by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in the SDC.
HM the King also issued Royal Order 26 of 2020 establishing the Strategic Security Bureau (SSB), affiliated with the Supreme Defence Council. The SSB shall be chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa.
Born on 8 May 1987 in Riffa, Major General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is an Aide-de-Camp to his father, HM The King. He is Commander of the Royal Guard and Chairman of the government’s Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. Additionally he is Chairman of the board of trustees of the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO), through which he is directly involved in charity work with many local and international community projects.
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad was educated in Bahrain at Ibn Khuldoon National School. Thereafter he attended Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom, graduating in August 2006.
He is currently serving in the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), and leads the Bahrain National Endurance Team. He has participated in many regional and international endurance races and won many medals. He is also President of the Bahrain OIympic Committee. He is the father of four children, whose mother is a daughter of the Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Emir of Dubai, namely HH Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – 19 November 2020 – The Government of Germany has contributed a further €500,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).
The contribution was formalised during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of Germany to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Gudrun Lingner, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held yesterday at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. Ambassador Lingner stated: “I am very pleased to announce today Germany’s second contribution to the Trust Fund for the new ChemTech Centre.
Germany has now contributed a total of €1.5M to this OPCW flagship project. The new ChemTech Centre will offer an ideal environment for the future work of the OPCW, and enhance capabilities for capacity building, training, and international cooperation.
In addition, the Centre will be instrumental in guaranteeing the scientific excellence of laboratory analysis within the OPCW. Germany is proud to support this endeavour to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention in the years to come.”The Director-General expressed his gratitude to the Government of Germany and noted: “This contribution represents a major step in bringing the ChemTech Centre into existence. Germany’s resolve and support has been indispensable to this undertaking which will place a state-of the art facility at the heart of OPCW’s battle against chemical weapons.
”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 OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.
So far, 45 countries, the European Union, and three other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.
Permanent Representative of Germany to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Gudrun Lingner, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias.
The World Press Photo Foundation announced that Joumana El Zein Khoury has been appointed in the capacity of Executive Director starting February 2021.
A different world has presented itself in recent months. Whereas the foundation’s mission remains to connect the world to the stories that matter, the COVID-19 pandemic and other global developments have shifted the way World Press Photo fulfils this mission.
Joumana El Zein Khoury has been the director of the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development since 2015. During her tenure, she has established the Prince Claus Fund as an internationally renowned institution supporting culture under pressure and she has been crucial to strengthening the Prince Claus Fund’s fundraising capabilities.
She has over 15 years of experience in international cultural exchange, developing programmes and fostering new talent. She was previously the director of the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation for Euro-Arab exchange and has worked with organisations such as the Arab Image Foundation and the Baalbeck Festival. She is a board member of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation.
Joumana El Zein Khoury will join the World Press Photo team on 1 February 2021. Arnoud van Dommele, the foundation’s interim managing director, will hand over the executive director role to Joumana El Zein Khoury on 1 February 2021 and will stay until 1 April to ensure a smooth transition.
Picture by Svetlana Prodanova (WhoDoesWhatTV) – Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa and Diplomat Magazine’s Diplomatic Adviser Henri Estramant.
Tuesday, 10 November 2020, Kingdom of Bahrain: Bahrain nominated H.E. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed bin Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, to hold the position of Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). A position currently held by the Georgian national Zurab Pololikashvili, sixth office-holder.
The news come amidst a plethora achievements that Sheikha Mai has accomplished in the field of sustainable tourism, and her efforts in strengthening the tourism-culture relationship to attain prosperity and development in various countries.
In 2017, the UNWTO appointed her as ‘Special Ambassador of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development’ in recognition of her tireless efforts. Other ambassadors at the time included H.M. Tsar Simeon II (Simeon Borisov Sakskoburggotski), former monarch and prime minister of Bulgaria, or Liberia’s former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Since 2008 Sheikha Mai has held several official positions, including Assistant Undersecretary for Culture and National Heritage (2002-2004) and (2005-2008), Minister of Culture and Information (2008-2010) and Minister of Culture (2010-2015). Currently, she is serving as President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities -with the rank of Minister- as well as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH).
She is also the founder and chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, which is a non-profit and non-governmental centre that aims to promote culture and preserve Bahrain’s urban heritage.
In 2012, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed launched the initiative to celebrate Arab Tourism Day – this initiative has now become a celebration commemorated annually on 25 February. In 2019, Bahrain won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for “Revitalisation of Muharraq”. Amidst the impressive cultural emergence under her leadership, national sites were registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, namely, Qal’at al-Bahrain, the Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun (2005), Pearling, Testimony of an island economy (2012) as well as the Dilmun Burial Mounds (2019).
Sheikha Mai’s candidacy for the position of UNTWO Secretary-General comes as the tourism sector is going through major difficulties caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) that has left tremendous effects on the aviation and hospitality industry. The UNTWO is expected to lead global efforts for the recovery of the sector.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialised agency entrusted with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism formed in 1974. UNWTO’s membership includes 158 countries, six territories and over 500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. Its headquarters are located in Madrid, Kingdom of Spain.
The official languages of UNWTO are Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The Sultanate of Oman celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its National Day; a première under the novel leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said. The latter took power in January 2020 from the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur, father of the Omani Renaissance.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has vowed to ensure the continuation and preservation of the Sultanate by building on his predecessor’s legacy.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
His Majesty the Sultan is the Head of State, Chair of the Council of Ministers as well as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. He is the symbol of national unity and the guardian of the preservation, and the protection thereof.
Sultan Haitham was born in Muscat on 11 October 1955. After receiving his elementary education at the Sa’idiyya School in Muscat, he moved abroad to pursue his studies – following the wishes of his late father, Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Al Said. First, then Sayyid Haitham moved to Lebanon, where he attended Broumana High School. Subsequently he moved to the United Kingdom, where he pursued his secondary studies and attended university at the prestigious University of Oxford.
During his career, Sultan Haitham held a number of important positions, which prepared him to eventually take on the leadership of Oman in January 2020. First, the would-be Sultan became involved in the work of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he reached the crucial position of Secretary General.
Eventually then Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq worked as Minister of Heritage and Culture for nearly 18 years, during which he further approached the grandeur of Omani history, heritage, and culture. In addition, he assumed the chairmanship of several committees, the most important of which was the main committee for the future vision “Oman 2040”.
As a culmination to his successful career, H.M. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq took executive power in Oman on 11 January 2020, succeeding the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur in a smooth transition of power that was appreciated and admired throughout the world. In his first speech after his inauguration as monarch, H.M. Sultan Haitham commended the achievements of his predecessor and pledged to build upon his legacy.
He also affirmed that he would follow the footsteps of the late Sultan in foreign policy, stressing the principles he had set for the Sultanate’s foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence between nations and peoples, good neighbourhood, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and respect for the sovereignty of states.
Besideshis involvement in politics, H.M. Sultan Haitham has wide interests, including sports. For instance, from 1983 to 1986 he chaired the first Omani Football Association, overseeing the establishment of many organizational aspects in the work of football and sports clubs in the Sultanate. During this time period, the Sultanate hosted the seventh Gulf Cup. His Majesty also chaired the organizing committee of the second Asian Beach Games that the Sultanate hosted in 2010.
Decorations and honours received by His Majesty
During his career, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has received several royal decorations, in the forefront of which was the Order of Alrusoukh (Firmness), which he received from the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said in November 2010, in addition to the Order of Al Said, the Order of Oman and the Order of the Omani Renaissance.
In March 2001 he was also awarded the Decoration of Honour for Services provided by the Republic of Austria, and in December 2006 he received the King Abdul Aziz Sash (First Class). He received an Honorary Knighthood, Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order from the United Kingdom in November of 2010.
Oman and The Netherlands
The bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are witnessing a close and continuous development at all levels.
This year, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of Netherlands paid a visit to the Sultanate and met with His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman. The Dutch monarch presented his condolences on the demise of late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman, also conducted a virtual conference with His Excellency Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their Excellencies the foreign ministers of both countries discussed most of the bilateral political and economic issues.
Another virtual meeting was performed between several parties in the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the participation of Their Excellencies Ambassador Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Salim bin Hamed Al Harthi and Ambassador Laetitia van Asch, and a wide number of companies from both countries.
The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to strengthen their partnership and will work side to side to prosper, widen and deepen cooperation at political, economic and social levels.
Oman is distinguished by its geographical position and its easy access to its neighbours (Asia, Africa and Gulf States) which attracts Dutch Companies to invest in several sectors.
Oman provides enormous opportunities and facilities to all kind of investment. The Sultanate with its unique location offers many chances to expand its economical connections beyond its borders. With that in mind, Oman bids a number of incentives encouraging foreign businesses, such as low tax, cheap energy, skilled labour and land allocation by the Government.
Visit Oman
European tourists adore exploring the Sultanate of Oman. Annually Oman attracts a large number of Dutch tourists. Oman is distinguished by its beautiful beaches, golden sands and its majestic mountains. Oman also combines originality and modernity and thanks to the Renaissance, many projects have been realised, including modern roads, high-end hospitals and elegant hotels spread across the Sultanate. Several entertainment programs are adapted and adjusted to the tourists needs and expectations as diving, mountains climbing, desert cars racing and also camel racing.
It is not surprising to see four-star hotels in the middle of the desert, fascinating lovers of nature and adventure. The tourist finds everything he loves, a sea, a mountain and a desert. On top of the natural beauty we should not forget the traditional souks as in Mutrah and Nizwa with their silvery handicrafts and all kind of souvenirs which charms the visitors. Souks are filled with spices, frankincense coming out of beautiful burners. There is the taste of sugar cane, coconut and strong Arabian coffee.
We are convinced that any visitor of the Sultanate longs to return back not only because of the beauty of the country and its fascinating landscapes but also because of the warmth of the reception and the openness and generosity of the Omanis. Omani hospitality begins with a friendly handshake and a nice big warm smile and knows absolutely no boundaries when it comes to winning hearts. Your trip will be truly memorable.
Home to immense mountains, dramatic coasts and desert oases, tourists can experience completely diverse landscapes all in one country.
Oman is unique in its greatly contrasting landscapes, we are absolutely convinced and sure that all these great opportunities to live and experiment are not to be missed and will be revived after these very difficult pandemic times.
Foreign Policy and the Future Vision
As soon as he assumed power, in his first nation address, His Majesty Sultan Haitham reaffirmed the permanent stands of the Sultanate’s foreign policy, saying that the Sultanate advocates peaceful co-existence among nations, good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. His Majesty the Sultan moreover stressed that he would follow the footsteps of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur.
In his allocution, His Majesty the Sultan said, “We shall trace the course of the late Sultan, reaffirming the fundamentals of our country’s foreign policy based on peaceful co-existence with nations, good neighbourliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, respect for countries’ sovereignty and international cooperation in various spheres.”
This stance was reaffirmed by the Sultanate’s Government last September in a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi before the 75th general assembly of the United Nations. Sayyid Badr said, “His Majesty the Sultan has reaffirmed beyond any doubt that the Sultanate will continue the prudent policy set by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur, Founder of Oman’s Modern Renaissance and architect of its foreign policy and its international relations over the past 50 years.”
In addition, the principles of Omani foreign policy as established in its blessed renaissance espouse dialogue as a means for solving disputes. They also support values of tolerance, justice equality and the settlement of conflicts in accordance with the UN charter and rules of the International Law. This enhanced the Sultanate’s regional and international status and made it a lighthouse of peace and security.
It is worth noting that Omani foreign policy principles are derived from basics of Oman’s centuries-old civilisation and original values of Omani society that indicate a sincere desire to promote humanity and moderation. As a result, the Sultanate is widely accepted as mediator in the international arena.
By Ndahiro Herbert, First Secretary, Embassy of Rwanda in The Netherlands.
Mr. Félicien Kabuga, once referred to the “Most Wanted Man” for his involvement in the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, on 11 Nov 2020 appeared before Judge Iain Bonomy at the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism).
Mr. Félicien Kabuga entered a plea of not guilty on all seven counts including genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, attempt to commit genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, and extermination and persecution as crimes against humanity, in respect of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was first indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) on 26 November 1997, and was arrested on 16 May 2020 in Asnières-sur-Seine, France, where he had been living under a false identity.
Back in Rwanda, Félicien Kabuga was the President of the Comité provisoire of the Fonds de défense nationale (“National Defence Fund”) from about 25 April 1994 to July 1994 and President of the Comité d’Initiative of Radio Television Libre des Milles Collines (“RTLM”), the propaganda machine that incited the Interahamwe to kill and exterminate the Tutsi.
Born in 1935 in Muniga Secteur, Mukarange Commune, Byumba Préfecture in the Republic of Rwanda, Kabuga provided funds and other logistical support including machetes to the Interahamwe for execution of their evil plan.
The 84 year and former businessman, Kabuga, had been on the run for close to 26 years transiting many countries on false identities.
His appearance in court marked a new chapter for the people of Rwanda and most especially survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi who would love to see him tried in Rwanda.
Mr. Félicien Kabuga is currently in detention at the United Nations Detention Unity in Scheveningen.
The Royals top player Casey Lopes training at Absolutely Fit
“We are in unprecedented times”, how many times have you read this these days? Right, too many! Have no fear, Absolutely Fit has an offer you can’t refuse. Get fit for 50% discount!! A personalised program to get you back on track or crush your goal.
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During the lockdown Absolutely Fit houses enthousiasts, pro athletes and everyday socials, but more importantly : People that set goals.
Rik Priester, personal trainer at Absolutely Fit is very serious about his lifestyle : “you have to set goals for your workout, otherwise you keep failing”.
Training is something most of us do, but with the help of a personal trainer; you can make changes in your everyday life. “When you see your first goal achieved, the next comes just a little easier”.
Rik and Luc Priester personal trainers at Absolutely Fit.
Absolutely Fit is situated in the heart of the harbour district. Close to the shopping street (The Fred) and you can’t get closer to the water. “You can get a workout in right before sushi at Catch by Simonis” his brother Luc smiles, who is also a personal trainer. The harbour area of The Hague is really coming to it’s own and Absolutely Fit, fit’s right in (no pun intented).
Rik and Luc train and have trained many of The Hague’s finest. From the beach volleyball team to mma, from olympic sailing champs Lisa Westerhof and Marit Bouwmeester to The Hague’s very first professional basketball team.
The Royals top players Casey Lopes and Tim Troussell are seen working hard with Rik.
The Royals top players Casey Lopes and Tim Troussell are seen working hard with Rik.
“You have to stay ready, even if you don’t know what’s coming. If you don’t work out, your opponent will, that means you’re falling behind”. Casey says.
The team captain is on his way, he is like a mentor to the team. Eric Kibi, who was also the captain for the Congolese national team, has his session planned after Tim and Casey.
After the workout he and the brothers go through what went right or wrong in the training room to look for improvements.
“It’s great to have people that care”. Eric says.
The gym is one of the last of its kind. A warm welcome for anyone coming in. You’re not just customer number 1103. “We almost know everybody by name”. Luc says.
The brothers want to extend their knowledge and dedication to help you stay healthy in these tough times, where the fear of contracting the virus in a pandemic such as COVID-19 are the significant changes to our daily lives as our movements are restricted and you are faced with new realities of working from home, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other colleagues, family members and friends, it’s important to stay strong.
The Royals top players Casey Lopes and Tim Troussell with Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara.
Absolutely Fit in partnership with Diplomat Magazine offers diplomats 50% off personal training and 2 tickets for The Hague Royals home game to choose whenever the season again.
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By Dr. Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations
On 10 November 2020, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a ceasefire declaration, under the auspices of Russia, that ended the 44-day war. Armenia effectively acknowledged its military defeat and pledged to withdraw its forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, which should be accompanied by the deployment of Russian peacekeeping forces. For twenty-seven years, Armenian forces, though officially denied, kept Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan under occupation.
The 10 November declaration has several important clauses that have wider implications and, if they are all fully implemented, may lead to a durable peace. If the commitments are not upheld, the events will develop in other directions.
The 10 November declaration contains important clauses about the opening of communication and transportation links in the region. Azerbaijan committed to allow a flow of people and goods, monitored by Russian peacekeepers, through the so-called Lachin corridor, which connects Armenia with the Armenian population in Karabakh. In the meantime, in accordance with the declaration, Armenia pledged to grant land access through its Megri region between Azerbaijan proper and the Nakhichevan exclave. Other communication lines are also about to be opened. Azerbaijan has already signed an agreement with Russia for the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Armenians in Karabakh through Azerbaijani territories.
The potential for opening transportation links can create the ground for future regional cooperation and better connectivity. Azerbaijan invested in and successfully implemented a number of transportation projects—the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railroad, Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line, and others—to promote greater connectivity between Europe and Asia. In contrast, Armenia has, for all these years, owing to the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, been left isolated from regional projects, including oil and gas pipelines. Georgia, as a transit beneficiary, earns millions of dollars from closer regional cooperation. By renouncing its territorial claims, Armenia might put an end to its isolation.
However, thus far revanchist forces in Armenia have prevailed over the political discourse in the country. One of the important clauses of the 10 November declaration remains unimplemented. According to Paragraph 4, all Armenian armed forces should be withdrawn from Azerbaijani territories. In a territory currently controlled by Russian peacekeepers, Armenian militants are still free and occasionally attack Azerbaijani positions and settlements. Unfortunately, it should be stressed that Russian peacekeepers are not acting against these Armenian militants, though their deployment was conditional on the full withdrawal of Armenian forces. Russia speaks of the inability of its peacekeepers to disarm the Armenians. However, Russia already managed to make Armenians withdraw from three formerly occupied regions—Agdam, Kelbajar, and Lachin—in line with a clause contained in the 10 November declaration.
The flow of Armenian militants and military cargo through the Lachin corridor is also a problem and here, too, the Russian peacekeeping mission is reluctant to engage with Azerbaijani authorities.
After so many years of animosity, it would be naïve to expect that the problems in the relations among the countries of the region can be easily settled. However, the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan must break the vicious circle of violence and free themselves from the curse of historical grievances. The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, commented several times in his recent speeches about the prospects for regional cooperation, which involves Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Turkey and the European Union have, at various points in recent history, also voiced such proposals.
Russia, as the main political broker of the ceasefire declaration, will benefit from regional peace and cooperation. Its traditional divide-and-rule policy might have some short-term benefits in terms of a boots-on-the-ground presence, but no longer ensures maintaining its economic advantage or, more importantly, its geopolitical alliances.
The year 2021 will be decisive in terms of the direction of the region: towards peace or renewed tension. One thing is for sure, however: Azerbaijan has exhibited its strategic patience and determination to fully restore control over its internationally recognized territory, and it will continue to do so in the future.
Diplomat Magazine invited diplomats and their family for a farm day in town to foster networking between different missions and their families, promoting familiarization with the city of The Hague and getting some fresh air for kids and parents, very much needed in these times of lockdown, quarantines, and restrictions of all kind.
Mr. Ndahiro Herbert, First Secretary, Embassy of Rwanda together with his daughter Kelcy.
The message from Diplomat Magazine to diplomats in The Hague was well taken and many diplomats came to join us at one of the ten city farms of The Hague, the “t Waaygar. This park is located on Havenkade in Scheveningen and was started in 1978. Havenkade once had a canal, where the farm, a school, and children’s gardens now exist.
Jens-Volker Ginschel, Armaments Attaché, Embassy of Germany with his spouse Angie and daughter Fernanda.
The small-scale farm has all sorts of animals, such as cows, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, hens, and cocks with a variety of unusual colors among other farm animals. Because of restrictions in place at that moment, children enjoyed looking at the animals but couldn’t pet, brush, or hold them.
They were playing around from the very first minute of their arrival. It was remarkable to see them sharing together and speaking one language with their parents and a different one to their friends. Some were already schoolmates and enjoyed introducing their families. Diplomat Magazine offered a lunch bag to everyone and we all appreciated the opportunity to be outside and take a break in the park.
Caroline Boulduc, Counsellor Embassy of Canada with her daughter Sarah.
On 9 November 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, HE Bogdan Aurescu, visited the International Criminal Court to meet with the President of the Court, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, and the Registrar Peter Lewis.
“Romania is a supporter of a rule- based international order and international law and is committed to the unique role the ICC has in preventing and sanctioning the most serious crimes of concerns to the international community,” Minister HE. Bogdan Aurescu stated. “The Court has established itself as an indispensable piece of the international justice system …I acknowledge the efforts of the ICC to meet its mandate even during these difficult times,” the Minister said.
The Minister also presented an artwork donation from the Government of Romania. The artwork is a painting representing Vespasian V. Pella (1897 -1952), Romanian lawyer, scholar, diplomat, teacher, a pioneer of international criminal law and an early advocate of the idea of establishing an International Criminal Court. The Minister emphasised that Romania wanted to thus “pay tribute to a man of great value and to give the artwork to the very institution he had imagined and designed but not lived to see up and functioning.”
ICC President, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji thanked Minister Aurescu for Romania’s support to the Court and for the donation. “It is a great honour and pleasure to accept this gift. It is the right place for Professor Vespasian V. Pella’s portrait to hang; he lives not only in this room but also in the jurisprudence of the ICC.”
Romania signed the Rome Statute – the Court’s founding treaty – on 7 July 1999 and deposited its instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute on 11 April 2002. Minister Aurescu’s visit to the ICC highlights Romania’s support to the Court and the joint efforts deployed in the fight against the impunity of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes that affect the international community as a whole.
Since the move to its new permanent premises in December 2015, the ICC received artwork donations from the Governments of Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Mexico, The Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, Slovenia, and Tunisia, representing their cultural heritage as well as reflecting the mandate of the Court.
