Rwanda’s New Ambassador Presents Credentials to the King of the Netherlands

H.E. Mr. Lambert Dushimimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was formally received at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, where he presented his letters of credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.

Diplomat Magazine extends its warm congratulations to Ambassador Dushimimana as he begins his diplomatic mission in the Netherlands.

Energy Transition Renewable Energy Tunisia  Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Embassy of Tunisia, hosted an information session on energy transition and renewable energy opportunities between Tunisia and the Netherlands, on 3 June 2025 at the iconic Madurodam in The Hague.

The information session presented the energy transition and renewable energy strategies in Tunisia and in the Netherlands, identified potential bilateral cooperation areas, provided an overview of existing opportunities and discuss ways to promote business links between Dutch and Tunisian companies operating in this field.

Word of Welcome was delivered by H.E. Mr Skander Denguezli Ambassador of Tunisia in the Netherlands.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you today to our information session on the theme: Energy Transition and Renewable Energy Opportunities between Tunisia and the Netherlands. I appreciate your attendance at this event, which will be greatly enhanced by your presence and active participation.

Mr. Ouael Chouchane, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, in charge of energy transition

I would like, also, to extend my most sincere thanks and high appreciation to all those who contributed to the accomplishment of this event, especially:

  •  Mr. Ouael Chouchane, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, in charge of Energy Transition,
  • Mr. Belhassen Chiboub, Director General of Electricity and Energy Transition at the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy,
  • Mrs. Lily Q, Secretary General and Mr Rob van der Gulik, Deputy Secretary General of the European Association of Energy Storage Trade, (EAEST),
  • Mr. Sofien Larbi, Senior Investment Officer, Energy, West Africa and MENA, at FMO – the Netherlands Development Finance Company,
  • Mr. Mohamed Chriha, President of Innovation Energy and Durability Data Center (IEDDC) – CEO of HORIZOP ENERGY.
  • And Mr Larroussi Haggui, our moderator.
Mrs. Lily Q, Secretary General of EAEST (European Association of Energy Storage Trade

Tunisia has a considerable potential to generate electricity from renewable sources. As part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy security, the Tunisian Government has taken ambitious steps toward increasing renewable energy production. The Government plans to reach 35% of renewable energy in the electricity system capacity by 2030 and 50% by 2035.

Tunisia remains committed to fostering public-private partnerships and investing in renewable energy in order to reach its net-zero ambitions.

As we gather here, we stand at a pivotal moment in global energy development that calls for innovative thinking, collaborative action, and strategic partnerships. Both Tunisia and the Netherlands are deeply committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions, and today’s session will be a valuable opportunity to explore how our countries can work together in shaping a more resilient energy future.

Mr. Mohamed Chriha, President of Innovation energy and Durability Data Center IEDDC – CEO – HORIZOP ENERGY

During this session, we will discuss potential areas for cooperation in renewable energy between our two countries, provide funding opportunities for renewable energy projects through the FMO, give a presentation about connecting Europe, Africa and Asia on renewable energy opportunities, and discuss the e-mobility concept for a smart energy transition in North Africa. Following that, we will open the floor for questions and discussions.

Let me conclude by thanking you once again for attending this event,and for your attention. And let us look forward to a productive and inspiring session.”

The insightful morning concluded with a Q&A session, followed by a buffet.

The Ambassador of Angola H.E. Lizeth N. Satumbo Pena

H.E. Ambassador Lizeth N. Satumbo Pena is the new Ambassador of the Republic of Angola presented credentials to the King of the Netherlands on Wednesday 18 June at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. Ambassador Satumbo Pena a senior career diplomat of the Republic of Angola, bringing over 22 years of experience in international diplomacy. Over the course of her career, she has served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to three countries and has been accredited to key regional and international organizations.

Her first diplomatic posting was to the Republic of Poland, where her exemplary service was recognized with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit, awarded by the President of Poland. She subsequently served as Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary, where her strong leadership and success in advancing bilateral relations led the Angolan government to reverse a previously planned closure of the embassy.

Ambassador Satumbo Pena has held numerous leadership roles within the Diplomatic Corps and African Mission groups, contributing significantly to bilateral cooperation, multilateral diplomacy, and high-level international negotiations.

Diplomatic Career

2019–2025
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola to:

  • The Gabonese Republic
  • The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
  • The United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA)

2011–2019
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of Hungary

2003–2011
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of Poland

Education

  • Master’s Degree in Biochemistry, University of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (1989–1991)
  • Advanced Diploma in Sciences (1987–1989)

Ambassador Satumbo Pena brings a wealth of experience in diplomatic and political negotiations at both bilateral and multilateral levels. She is skilled in managing social and humanitarian initiatives, and is a confident public speaker who frequently participates in official roundtables. In addition to her diplomatic expertise, she is proficient in Microsoft Office applications and demonstrates an interest in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT.

Languages

  • Portuguese: Native
  • French: Fluent / Bilingual
  • English: Operational Proficiency
  • Umbundu: Fluent
  • Spanish: Basic
  • Polish: Basic

Ambassador Satumbo Pena has a strong intellectual inclination toward diplomatic-political analysis and academic writing. She is also passionate about reading, and enjoys the arts, particularly music and film.

Botswana Candidacy for the Organization for the OPCW

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Ambassador Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Botswana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, is Botswana’s candidate for the position of Director-General of the OPCW’s technical secretariat.

This candidacy reflects Botswana’s strong commitment to international peace, disarmament, and multilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Masire-Mwamba is a seasoned diplomat and accomplished leader, bringing more than three decades of experience across diplomacy, law, science, and development. Her track record, built on integrity and results, aligns with the core mission of the OPCW.

A Leadership Rooted in Values, Shaped by Tradition

“I come from a country where dialogue is the first response, not the last resort,” Ambassador Masire-Mwamba reflects. “Our traditions teach us that peace is not just the absence of conflict, it’s the presence of conversation, even when views diverge.”

Her leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by Botswana’s enduring model of inclusive governance. From the village-level kgotla system where every voice, no matter how small, has space to the nation’s commitment to diplomacy over dominance, she has absorbed a worldview that sees listening as strength and consensus as strategy.

In global diplomacy, where trust is fragile and stakes are high, she brings a grounded, culturally rich perspective: that durable peace is built through agreements and mutual respect and understanding that precede them. This ethos defines her leadership as principled, transparent, and committed to fairness.

A Future-Focused Vision

Ambassador Masire-Mwamba envisions an OPCW fit for the future: resilient, representative, and responsive to today’s complex security landscape. Her approach focuses on strengthening the organisation’s core mandate while fostering greater inclusion, transparency, and technological readiness.

If elected, she would be the first African, and the first woman to serve as Director-General, marking a powerful step towards greater diversity in international leadership. In this complex and rapidly changing environment with evolving geopolitical challenges, her priorities and areas of focus would be:

  • Promoting the Universality of CWC signatories, to ensure a holistic and global commitment to the prohibition of chemical weapons, with outreach and renewed focus.
  • Adopting enhanced technologies to validate ongoing Monitoring and Verification through stakeholder engagement, requisite access and adequate resources. 
  • Ensure Outreach and Representation at all levels to ensure that the OPCW reflects its membership and that all interests are addressed fairly, openly, and transparently with the requisite sensitivity.
  • Harness Artificial Intelligence, Data analytics and other emerging Technologies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the OPCW.
  • Leadership, Oversight, and Governance to ensure that the Technical Secretariat’s expertise and mandate are delivered to the highest professional standards.

Strategic Oversight, Global Governance

Ambassador Masire-Mwamba has held senior leadership roles in some of the world’s most respected multilateral institutions. As Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth from 2008-2014, she played a central role in strategic planning, oversight, and institutional governance across 54 member states. Her responsibilities extended to chairing high-level diplomatic groups such as the OACPS Crisis Working Group of Ambassadors and serving as Vice Chair of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) Strategic Framework Committee.

These roles demanded not only political acuity and executive leadership, but also the ability to navigate complex negotiations and broker consensus in sensitive geopolitical contexts.

The Ambassador of Botswana, H.E. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba

A Leader with Scientific and Technological Insight

Beyond diplomacy, she brings a strong foundation in science and technology. Trained as a telecommunications practitioner with a BSc in electronics and physics from the University of London, Ambassador Masire-Mwamba has long maintained a professional interest in the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Her scientific literacy positions her to actively engage in technical policy discussions, particularly relevant in the context of chemical weapons, where developments in science and dual-use technologies require informed, vigilant leadership.

Her academic credentials spanning science, business (MBA from the University of Pittsburgh), and law (LLB from the University of South Africa) offer a rare interdisciplinary blend. This triad of expertise equips her with the tools to understand the OPCW’s technical mission, the legal frameworks that underpin its work, and the management principles required to lead a diverse international organisation. With additional specialized training programmes throughout her career, she brings both depth and adaptability an essential combination for today’s global leadership challenges.

Symbolic Handover of the EU Presidency to Denmark


16 June 2025, Copenhagen – Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Ms. Ewa Dębska, attended a concert marking the conclusion of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event, held in Copenhagen, featured a performance by the Scandinavian Art Ensemble and included the symbolic handover of the EU Presidency to Denmark.

Following the concert, guests were welcomed to a reception.

The Ambassadors of : The Netherlands, Egypt & Wife, Ireland, Poland, South Africa, Spouse of The Netherland Ambassador, Slovenia Honorary Consul. 6: Bertel Haarder & The Ambassador of Chin. Photo Hasse Ferrold

In the photo by Hasse Ferrold: The Ambassador of Poland presents a symbolic gift to State Secretary Jonas Bering Lisberg of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the formal transfer of the EU Presidency from Poland to Denmark.

The Scandinavian Art Ensemble is a remarkable international group uniting musicians from Poland and the Scandinavian countries, brought together by a shared admiration for the legendary Polish trumpeter and composer Tomasz Stańko. The ensemble was formed as a result of the collective project JazzDanmark’s Summer Session in Denmark in 2015. Photo Hasse Ferrold EU Presidency Transfer Symbolic 16 06 2025 Poland to Denmark at Danish National Museum.

The Scandinavian Art Ensemble is a remarkable international group uniting musicians from Poland and the Scandinavian countries, brought together by a shared admiration for the legendary Polish trumpeter and composer Tomasz Stańko. The ensemble was formed as a result of the collective project JazzDanmark’s Summer Session in Denmark in 2015.

Since Stańko’s passing in 2018, the ensemble has continued to celebrate his legacy, highlighting his artistry and his pivotal role in the evolution of European jazz.

This concert follows the release of their long-awaited tribute album, launched in May, and marks the beginning of the ensemble’s European tour. Following the performance in Copenhagen, the group will continue on to Amsterdam, Katowice, and Brussels—where they will be featured in the official cultural program of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

More information: EU Presidency Denmark 2025

Three consequence of Iran-Israel war

By Sazzad Haider

In the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, neither party is likely to emerge as a clear victor or suffer a definitive defeat. There are three potential resolutions to this war.

1. Peace initiatives led by US President Donald Trump could bring a swift end to the conflict. In this scenario, he might collaborate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Saudi Crown Prince Salman, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to encourage Iran to rejoin nuclear peace negotiations. This approach would preserve the dignity of both Israel and the United States, while also averting the threat of nuclear warfare or a third world war, which is the desire of peace advocates globally.

2. Iran has delivered unexpected developments in the past two to three days of the conflict, with significant damage occurring in the Jewish capital of Tel Aviv. Regardless of official statements, the United States is already covertly involved in this war. Efforts are underway to intercept Iranian missiles targeting Tel Aviv from US naval vessels. However, neither Iranian missiles nor drones are being successfully intercepted. There is no basis for believing that the US is not part of the Israeli strategy against Iran. Trump may have anticipated that Israel would independently handle the destruction of Iran’s nuclear sites, but he underestimated the backlash Israel would face. It is certain that the US Jewish lobby will not remain passive following an Iranian missile strike on Tel Aviv. Therefore, even if the US refrains from formal military engagement, it will be compelled to take action to appease the US Jewish lobby. To achieve this, Trump will need to meet the demands of Israeli Prime minister Netanyahu. The US treasury will have to be significantly depleted to support Israel, providing all types of munitions, including bunker-busting bombs, to ensure Tehran is devastated. There may even be a necessity to supply mini-nuclear bombs to Israel to enable retaliation for the destruction of Tel Aviv. This course of action would prolong the conflict.

3. The third option involves the United States engaging in direct military conflict with Iran. This action would initiate World War III. Should US President Trump abandon his pacifist stance and enter into direct warfare alongside Israel, the United States would bear the full responsibility for the ensuing conflict. Furthermore, Israel is likely to enlist the support of its European allies to combat Iran. In essence, this war would encompass the entire globe. If the United States were to engage in direct conflict with Iran, it would find itself with four nuclear-armed nations—China, Russia, Pakistan, and North Korea—supporting Iran. A significant concern for the United States would be Kim Jong Un, also known as Rocket Boy.  Kim should choose to participate in this conflict on Iran’s behalf, he would not hesitate to deploy nuclear weapons. Consequently, US military bases, as well as its allies Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, could potentially become targets for nuclear strikes.

Beyond Israel, Iran has the capacity to involve the United States in warfare, as the US has already engaged in undeclared hostilities against Iran. The presence of US warships and bases provides support to Israel. It is unlikely that Iran would remain passive for an extended period. Iran may launch attacks on US bases, irrespective of the potential repercussions. The United States might also label Iran as the initial aggressor and seek to obliterate that nation, along with Israel.

Undoubtedly, US involvement in this conflict would have catastrophic implications for the entire world, leading to dire consequences for all nations involved.

Azerbaijan’s Diplomatic Ascent: From Regional Stability to Global Engagement

An Interview with H.E. Mr. Mammad Ahmadzada, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

In this exclusive interview with Diplomat Magazine, H.E. Ambassador Mammad Ahmadzada of the Republic of Azerbaijan shares insights into his country’s evolving foreign policy priorities and its strategic role in regional connectivity. From energy security to multilateral diplomacy, the ambassador highlights Azerbaijan’s aspirations as a bridge between East and West and a constructive voice in global affairs.

Azerbaijan has recently taken on a more prominent role on the international stage. Could you share the country’s current diplomatic priorities and how they align with its long-term foreign policy objectives?

Azerbaijan pursues an independent, balanced and pragmatic foreign policy based on national interests under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Since the restoration of its state independence, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy has undergone significant developments. For more than three decades, the main goal of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy was to put an end to the military occupation of its internationally recognized territories by Armenia. In 2023, Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity and thereby established the foundation for a regional order based on international law and justice.

Azerbaijan’s current foreign policy priorities focus on the establishment of peace and security in the region and on a global scale; development of relations with both neighboring and non-neighboring countries based on equality, mutual understanding, respect, trust, and mutually beneficial cooperation; contribution to the global energy security and transregional connectivity; and deepening multilateral engagement by promoting unifying, rather than divisive lines in the world.

These priorities align with Azerbaijan’s foreign policy objectives – namely, safeguarding its national security by neutralizing threats and risks, ensuring sustainable socio-economic development and contributing to a fairer and more inclusive international system.

This alignment has been clearly reflected in our recent diplomatic activities. Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement demonstrated our commitment to sovereign equality, multilateralism, and the principle of non-interference. Similarly, the successful hosting of COP29 in Baku reaffirmed our active role in climate diplomacy and our capacity to connect diverse actors around a shared global agenda. Both initiatives embody the essence of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy: responsible, pragmatic, and forward-looking.

Azerbaijan’s geographic advantage, diplomatic agility, resource management, economic and military capabilities have enabled the country to emerge as a middle power. As the largest economy in the South Caucasus, my country is actively shaping the region through investments in transport and energy projects both within and beyond the region.

How would you describe the current state of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands, and what new areas of cooperation or partnership are being explored?

This year marks 33 years of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. Our bilateral relations have evolved significantly since the establishment of embassies in both countries in the early 2000s, which led to a steady expansion of our ties in diverse spheres – from political dialogue and economic collaboration to cultural interaction and educational exchange. The Azerbaijani community in the Netherlands contributes to enhancing people-to-people contacts. Likewise, the Netherlands’ globally respected education system continues to attract Azerbaijani students seeking academic excellence abroad. The double degree program between ADA University and Maastricht University, which has benefited over 120 alumni, is one of the success stories of our cooperation in the field of education.

Economic cooperation is a cornerstone of our relations.​ As of 2024, around 130 Dutch companies operate in Azerbaijan. Dutch expertise in sustainable agriculture, greenhouse technology, and water management has contributed to the modernization of Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector. Dutch companies have also participated in engineering works at the Port of Baku, enhancing its capacity as a multimodal hub. Dutch investments in Azerbaijan total about USD 1.5 billion and Azerbaijani investments in the Netherlands exceed USD 2.5 billion. Bilateral trade increased by 60% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting a higher import of industrial goods and technology from the Netherlands, and growing energy exports from Azerbaijan.​

Nonetheless, I believe we have only begun to tap into the full potential of this relationship. Awareness in the Netherlands about Azerbaijan’s realities, regional leadership, economic potential, its contribution to the energy security of Europe and role as a key transit hub connecting Europe and Asia – remains limited. Additionally, we observe that the perception here concerning the former conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the developments in its aftermath is shaped by Armenian narratives, disinformation and fake news.

Fortunately, recent high-level engagements – between our foreign ministers, and other senior officials – have created new momentum. The political consultations held in Baku between our respective foreign ministries were particularly valuable in promoting mutual understanding and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

Since assuming my post, I have held extensive discussions with Dutch government representatives, members of parliament across the political spectrum, opinion leaders, academia, business community, and media. These engagements reaffirm my conviction that Azerbaijan and the Netherlands have complementary strengths. By focusing on pragmatic, practical and mutually beneficial cooperation – especially in areas such as energy, agriculture, water management, innovation, seaport development, shipbuilding, transport, logistics, and infrastructure – we can build a more robust and result-oriented partnership.

Looking ahead to the NATO Summit in The Hague in 2025, how does Azerbaijan view its partnership with NATO, and in what ways does the country aim to contribute to regional security and collaborative defense efforts within the framework of the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept?

Azerbaijan has developed a substantive relationship with NATO, characterized by meaningful political dialogue and practical cooperation. Azerbaijan has effectively contributed to NATO-led peace operations, in particular in Afghanistan where the forces of Azerbaijan have been served until the very last day of operation. The participation of Azerbaijan in NATO-led operations once again demonstrated the serious commitment of Azerbaijan to foster peace and security.

The practical cooperation with NATO has been instrumental for our country in developing its defense capabilities and interoperability with NATO countries. Azerbaijan is determined to further cooperate with NATO within the PfP program and is interested in making full use of available partnership mechanisms to continue political dialogue and mutually beneficial practical cooperation with the Alliance. Today Azerbaijan maintains its cooperation with NATO on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including civil emergency planning, science and environment, energy security, humanitarian de-mining, Women, Peace and Security agenda, public diplomacy and many more with a view to contributing to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.

In today’s security environment, the partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO is a promising avenue for future progress. The emergence of new challenges of diverse nature necessitates further development of this partnership in the spirit of collaboration. Azerbaijan is determined to continue to work with NATO towards the vision of building an effective security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic area that is fully responsive to security concerns of all states in line with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and the Partnership for Peace Framework Document.

In light of recent developments in the South Caucasus, how does Azerbaijan view the prospects for lasting peace and stability in the region? What role do diplomacy and international partnerships play in this process?

Azerbaijan views lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus as both attainable and essential for the region’s future. Following the full restoration of its territorial integrity – including through the 2020 Patriotic War and counter-terrorism measures in Karabakh in September 2023 – Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated its readiness to turn the page on conflict and build a future based on cooperation and mutual respect.

The roots of the former conflict lie not in religion or ethnicity – as some narratives falsely suggest – but in Armenia’s territorial claims and decades-long military occupation of Azerbaijani lands. Azerbaijan is a secular state and recognized as one of the world’s major centers of multiculturalism. Ethnic, religious and cultural diversity is the country’s great asset. The military aggression by Armenia against Azerbaijan in 1991-1994 resulted in the occupation of 20 percent of our internationally recognized territories, the ethnic cleansing of more than 1 million Azerbaijanis, expelled from their historical lands, numerous crimes against humanity, the genocide in Khojaly, destruction of all cities, villages and the Azerbaijani cultural and historical monuments in the occupied territories. Armenia ignored numerous documents of different international organizations, including 4 resolutions of the UN Security Council. During the nearly 30-year occupation, Azerbaijan was committed to the peace process and made every effort to end the occupation through political means. However, Armenia’s goal was to strengthen the fait accompli and its illegal separatist puppet regime in the occupied territories.

Even after the Patriotic War, since the beginning of 2021, we have advanced a three-track normalization agenda with Armenia: signing a peace treaty, delimiting and demarcating borders, and reopening regional transport links. Azerbaijan has taken the initiative, submitting the basic principles and the draft treaty, and calling for direct dialogue.

During the years of military occupation, the damage caused by Armenia to Azerbaijani territories amounted to hundreds of billions of dollars. For 4 years Azerbaijan with its own financial resources has carried out major restoration and reconstruction works in those territories. The contamination of these territories with millions of mines by Armenia creates a huge obstacle to these works and poses a serious threat to people’s lives with already 400 casualties during the last 4 years.

Today, we are closer to peace than ever. The draft peace agreement has been negotiated, and the moment is ripe for final decisions. However, two key issues remain unresolved: the need for Armenia to amend its constitution, which contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and to formally reject the defunct OSCE Minsk Group, which failed to resolve the conflict and is no longer relevant. From the very beginning of the negotiations Azerbaijan has consistently raised these two issues.

Azerbaijan believes that diplomacy – grounded in respect for international law – must be the foundation of regional peace. We have welcomed constructive engagement from partners including the European Union, while maintaining a firm preference for direct negotiations between the two countries.

The Hague, as a global city of peace and justice, is a fitting place to reaffirm that Azerbaijan has restored both historical justice and international law. Our vision is clear: a peaceful, economically connected South Caucasus that benefits all countries of the region and links Europe with the Caspian and Central Asia. Peace cannot rest on words alone, but must be built through real deeds. We have demonstrated patience, responsibility, and leadership. Now, the choice lies with Armenia, which should act swiftly to remove the two aforementioned obstacles.

Azerbaijan has been strengthening its economic and strategic ties beyond its immediate neighborhood. How is the country leveraging its geographic position and resources to build new global alliances and economic corridors, such as the Middle Corridor initiative?

Azerbaijan’s large energy resources and geographic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia have long been among its key strategic assets. In the 1990s, thanks to the leadership and strategy of national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan opened the South Caucasus and Caspian region to international cooperation, attracting major energy companies to develop its rich oil and gas fields. This strategy has successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev and completely changed the energy map of Eurasia. Strategic pipelines, including Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Southern Gas Corridor connecting the Caspian Sea with the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, created by Azerbaijan together with its partners, have facilitated the transportation of energy resources of the Caspian Sea to world markets, especially Europe, while strengthening the independence of the countries of the region and making a significant contribution to Europe’s energy security.

MoU on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy, signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union in 2022, includes a goal to double Azerbaijani gas exports to the EU by 2027 and to generate electricity from renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan for export to Europe. We have consistently increased our gas exports to Europe, now supply gas to ten European countries and also expanding our geography of export. In 2024 natural gas export of Azerbaijan reached 25 billion cubic meters, we are planning to increase gas exports to 8 billion cubic meters by 2030.

Azerbaijan also has huge potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse and is investing together with foreign investors in green energy. Our green agenda is very ambitious. Together with Hungary, Georgia and Romania, we are developing the Green Energy Corridor to transmit electricity from the Caspian Sea to Europe. We are also working with Central Asian partners – Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to involve them in this project. The green agenda will satisfy the growing needs for electricity in Azerbaijan and several other countries, as well as save several billion cubic meters of gas to be available for export.

Our agenda with respect to COP29 was very pragmatic. In November 2024, Azerbaijan successfully hosted COP29, achieving historic results called “Baku Breakthrough”, such as Baku Finance Goal, framework for carbon markets, and launch of the Loss and Damage Fund. One of Azerbaijan’s roles at COP29 was to build bridges between Global South and Global North. We also announced a special financial package for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at COP29 and continue our efforts to help those needing the support.

For the second time in the last thirty years, Azerbaijan has opened the South Caucasus and Caspian region to international cooperation due to its strategic geographical location. In recent years, Azerbaijan has intensified efforts to translate its location into tangible economic and geopolitical advantage by investing in connectivity, infrastructure, and regional cooperation.

One of the most significant developments in this regard is Azerbaijan’s role in the Middle Corridor – the Trans-Caspian East-West trade and transport route linking China and Central Asia with Europe via the South Caucasus and the Black Sea. As a core transit country, Azerbaijan has made major investments in rail, port, and highway infrastructure, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Port of Baku in Alat, and modernized customs and logistics facilities. These efforts are aimed at positioning Azerbaijan as a key logistical hub in the emerging East–West trade architecture. Beyond physical infrastructure, Azerbaijan is also active in political and institutional coordination across the region, working closely with partners such as Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and others to simplify customs procedures, harmonize regulations, and ensure the corridor’s efficiency and reliability.

These efforts are aligned with our broader strategic vision: to transform Azerbaijan to a regional economic connector and a reliable partner in global supply chains, including green energy, digital trade, and logistics. This transformation not only serves our national interests but contributes to broader regional stability and economic integration.

Disclaimer:
Diplomat Magazine is a neutral and independent publication. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the ambassador and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Diplomat Magazine or its editorial team.

Connecting Diplomacy and Business: Emiel de Sévrèn Jacquet on the Ambassadors Forum and Amsterdam750

In a year marked by celebrations, the city of Amsterdam is preparing to commemorate its 750th anniversary with a series of landmark events. At the heart of these festivities is an exclusive diplomatic gathering hosted by the Ambassadors Forum Foundation, bringing together ambassadors from around the world and CEOs of leading Dutch enterprises.

To learn more about the mission behind this initiative, Diplomat Magazine sat down with Emiel de Sévrèn Jacquet, Honorary Consul of Ukraine and Chairman of the Ambassadors Forum Foundation. An experienced connector between the diplomatic corps and the business community, Emiel shares his vision for promoting meaningful dialogue, international cooperation, and ensuring that Amsterdam takes its place not only as a historic capital but also as a dynamic platform for global engagement.

In this exclusive interview, Emiel discusses the Foundation’s role, the highlights of the upcoming event at the Maritime Museum in the beguining of July, and how ambassadors can benefit from direct engagement with the Netherlands’ most influential business leaders.

Interview: About the Ambassadors Forum Foundation & the 750th Anniversary Celebration in Amsterdam

Could you share the vision and mission of the Ambassadors Forum Foundation and how it serves the diplomatic community in the Netherlands?
Our mission is to strengthen the connection between ambassadors and the C-suite of leading Dutch organizations. We aim to enhance international cooperation in trade, economic development, science, and culture.

What inspired you to establish the foundation?
As you know, the Netherlands has always been a nation of traders, with long-standing trade relations across the globe. In today’s turbulent times, marked by shifting trade dynamics and geopolitical tensions, the ties between countries and companies have become increasingly vital.
Both diplomats and CEOs rotate regularly, which often leads to the loss of established connections and makes it challenging to maintain consistent relationships between diplomatic missions and corporate leaders. We noticed that many ambassadors and CEOs had a mutual desire to connect with one another. We want to facilitate and stimulate those crucial interactions.

Which companies are part of your advisory committees or act as sponsors?
We have a diverse and influential advisory committee, including the CEOs of Heineken, ING, KLM, and Philips—icons of Dutch business. Other members include the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, former Prime Minister, the King’s Commissioner, the Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Director of the Van Gogh Museum, among others. Our founding partners are ING Bank, McKinsey & Company, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, and FGS Global.

The Ambassadors Forum Foundation is organizing a prestigious gathering at the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam in early July. What makes this event special, and what are the key highlights?
This will be a truly unique event in a very special year—Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary. We are bringing together around 80 ambassadors and 100 prominent CEOs for an exceptional afternoon on the terrace of the Maritime Museum, next to a life-size replica of a historic VOC ship.

The event emphasizes active introductions—connecting CEOs and ambassadors directly to promote international cooperation. There will be fantastic speeches by Dilan Yeşilgöz, Leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Fabricio Bloisi, CEO of Prosus, the largest tech investor in the world and Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General Ministry of Foreign Affairs however the main goal is to foster meaningful and productive interactions.

How has the response been so far, and how does the Foundation strengthen ties between diplomats and Dutch stakeholders?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of ambassadors and a large number of industry leaders already confirmed. In these uncertain times, people increasingly recognize the importance of international connections. With geopolitical shifts and growing trade challenges, many companies are looking to diversify their markets, and countries are seeking new alliances. Diplomats play a pivotal role in facilitating these efforts.

The Maritime Museum, Amsterdam.

Why is the event taking place in Amsterdam?
The Netherlands has a somewhat unique situation in that the capital is not the seat of government. Much of the diplomatic activity happens within what we call “The Hague bubble.” We want to ensure ambassadors feel equally welcomed in Amsterdam and can experience the best the city has to offer.

That’s why our program has two parts. After the gathering at the Maritime Museum, ambassadors will enjoy a 45-minute tour on vintage salon boats through Amsterdam’s iconic canals. The evening will conclude at the prominent terrace of 5* Hotel De L’Europe, where more prominent guests will join us for drinks and food prepared by the hotel’s Michelin-starred chef.

Is the Ambassadors Forum the only event the Foundation organizes?
No, this is just the beginning. We plan to organize several more events throughout the year. For example, early next year, following the New Year’s reception at the Royal Palace, we will host a lunch at a nearby location just across from the palace.

How does the Ambassadors Forum Foundation assist diplomats?
We actively support diplomats by facilitating introductions to companies, NGOs, organizations, and key individuals. We also advocate on behalf of the diplomatic community by addressing relevant topics with (government) stakeholders and offering advice across various domains. Thanks to our extensive network, we can often help diplomats navigate the Dutch business and legal landscape more effectively.

Engaging the Diplomatic Community

How do you envision this event benefiting the ambassadors who attend?
Ambassadors will have a productive and efficient day with a great opportunity to directly engage with top industrial leaders in the Netherlands and build valuable new relationships.

What message would you like to convey to diplomatic missions about this event?
We encourage diplomatic missions to research which (corporate) representatives they’d like to meet. This event offers a unique chance to exchange details and schedule follow-up meetings for more in-depth discussions.

How does the Foundation plan to maintain long-term engagement with ambassadors?
The Ambassadors Forum Foundation will continue playing an active role in connecting the Dutch business community with diplomatic missions by organizing events and seminars year-round. We are always available to provide advice and introductions. In partnership with Diplomat Magazine, we can also inform a wide readership and highlight issues relevant to the diplomatic community.

Amsterdam, Maritime Museum.

The Netherlands as a Hub for Diplomacy & Business

From your perspective, what makes the Netherlands an attractive hub for diplomatic relations and international business?
The Netherlands is highly attractive due to its strategic location, stable political and economic environment, business-friendly climate, multilingual and well-educated workforce, and the presence of numerous international institutions.

What are some key challenges and opportunities in strengthening ties between diplomats and the Dutch business community?
While the opportunities outweigh the challenges, there are still some barriers. A typical challenge lies in the difference in objectives and organizational cultures: diplomats focus on political, economic, and cultural relations, whereas businesses prioritize profit, market access, and stakeholder returns. This can make alignment difficult, especially when diplomatic caution contrasts with business urgency.

On the other hand, economic diplomacy offers a tremendous opportunity. Diplomats can facilitate market entry, provide access to key contacts, and help navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Furthermore, in volatile regions, diplomatic networks can support businesses by offering risk mitigation and crisis navigation.

For more information about the Ambassadors Forum (AMFOR) please visit www.amfor.nl

Artificial Intelligence and Defensive Modernisation

By Jesinta Adams

Yet another exciting session of the ‘Understanding AI Program’ presented by the Silkroad 4.0 Platform, the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES), European Perspectives, through the forthcoming Global Academy for Geo-politico-tech Futures (GPTF), and their consortium of partners (such as the D-8, ICCD, IAF, THC, Diplomatic Academy, Diplomatic Magazine, and the like), turned the focus on how AI is reshaping global security, defence strategies, and geopolitical power dynamics. This round of mesmerising and farfetched talks, under the theme of “Defensive Modernisation as the Technology Driver”, offered timely and insightful exchanges that bridged military innovation with ethical, legal, and global implications.

The 3rd round of mesmerising lectures explored various critical themes: how human presence-eliminating technologies are altering security doctrines, the geopolitical implications of multi-spatial tech reach, and the legal and ethical challenges in regulating AI across borders. Other discussion points included sovereignty and security in the digital age, the role of AI in major military confrontation theatres, and the urgent need for global governance frameworks to manage this transformation.

The first keynote guest, Ambassador Ali Goutali, of the Jeddah-based OIC, brought a diplomatic and scholarly lens to the conversation. With over two decades of ambassadorial service and a strong academic background, Ambassador Goutali reminded us of the dual nature of AI. He described AI as a force of promise — for knowledge-sharing among nations, early warning systems for pandemics, and enhanced surveillance — but also one of equal risk. Ambassador warned that AI, if unchecked, could dismantle governments and destabilise wisdom-based governance.

This top MENA diplomat from Tunisia called for the establishment of global conventions on AI use, similar to the Geneva Conventions, to protect humanity and maintain ethical boundaries. His conclusion was clear: more member states must actively engage in AI protocols to prevent future misuse.

Multi-spatial and multidimensional nature of future wars

In the second keynote, former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Croatia Admiral Davor Domazet-Lošo shared his insights on evolving military doctrines. A former combat commander, and later prolific author on military strategy, Admiral Domazet-Lošo explored the rise of information warfare. He warned that such warfare blocks a person’s ability to think independently — an effect that can be seen even among world leaders. He cited China’s AI capabilities as being significantly ahead of the United States and spoke of China’s “deep seek” AI system, which, in his words, embodies the true potential of artificial intelligence. He emphasised that AI-driven military strategy is now operating in hyper-real time, reducing detection and response time from one hour to mere seconds (doctrines of real time shifting to the network doctrines of hyper-real time). The goal for all militaries, he suggested, is to discover, decide, and destroy — faster than ever before.

Hyper-real time warfare naturally blurs the boundary between perception and action, where information dominance and computational speed become as critical as kinetic force. This doctrine will surely raise significant ethical, legal, and strategic challenges, including concerns over human oversight, escalatory dynamics and de-escalatory potentials, false data entries and accuracy and speed of mistake detection and correction – hence an entire reliability of real-time data streams.

Based on his previous exchanges (on the trajectory of Asian security) with the ‘Understanding AI’ program originator, prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, Admiral Lošo singled out the military theatre more neuralgic than the current ones in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East: “The hyper real-time potential of combat in Indo-Pacific, so packed with mega-demographies and mega-economies, hence projection drives is possible yet still avoidable. It would be a sobering study in technological velocity and strategic ambiguity to analyse every perspective thoroughly. Unlike the Adriatic or even Mediterranean, where engagements are relatively constrained by geography and proximities of all sorts, the Indo-Pacific – especially Malacca Straits and South China Sea – is a volatile mesh of overlapping claims, promising yet imperfect unmanned systems, (inadequately tested) hypersonic threats, and AI-driven targeting loops.

In such an environment – including the inner seas of archipelagic states of Indonesia and the Philippines, but also Malaysia and VietNam, decision cycles will be compressed to seconds, not hours, with autonomous swarms and satellite-linked ISR platforms dictating the tempo. As a former Chief-of Staff, admiral and combat army officer of a historic naval country (right between Ancient Greece and Roman Empire, Phoenicians and Venetians), I would note with high concern how conventional naval doctrine falters when even milliseconds of latency could determine the survivability of a ship—raising critical questions about control, accountability, and escalation in a digitally saturated battlespace where the line between provocation and war is algorithmically blurred.“

Takeaways from Singapore

The main speaker for the session was Lily Ong, a geopolitical and cybersecurity analyst from Singapore. A former Track I and Track II diplomat in the United States, Ong took a brief departure from her attendance at the Global Digital Forum to deliver a compelling presentation on how AI is transforming global power dynamics. She walked us through AI’s military applications — from automated defence systems and predictive analytics to offensive cyber operations and information warfare. Ong emphasised that AI is not only changing how wars are fought but also how power is projected and negotiated. Her talk also explored the ethical and legal questions surrounding AI-enabled warfare, and she challenged us to think about the shifting nature of trust, sovereignty, and responsibility in a hyper-connected world.

One of the most striking moments in her presentation was her response to a participant who asked why countries would pursue such advanced AI capabilities if they introduce greater instability. Her answer was sobering: “The genie is already out of the bag – there’s no putting it back.” Instead, countries — especially those in the Global South — must focus on keeping up, not only to stay relevant but to protect themselves. She stressed that education is key to this transformation and urged the Global South to come to the AI table so that they could contribute to capacity building through education, innovation, and shared expertise.

Ong concluded by accentuating that the new arms race formulated upon technological sovereignty would enable more actors – including smaller states and non-state actors – to shoot above their calibre, introducing a layer of complexity to the AI-enabled warfare environment.

The session closed with a unifying message from all speakers: the urgency for better global protocols, more inclusive international participation, and a deeper emphasis on education. The generational gap was also addressed, with a call for both the tech-fluent younger generation and the cautious older generation to learn about AI risks and opportunities — together. It is no longer an option to retreat – adaptation is imperative.

The third session of the extraordinary Program, unparalleled anyone in the world provided not only deep strategic insights but also a human-centred reflection on the challenges we face as AI advances at breakneck speed. From military use to global governance, the message was consistent: AI is here, and it demands collective oversight and responsibility.

The fascinating and content intensive voyage of knowledge sets its uncharted waters sail. It will reach its next mesmerising port of wisdom and insights on 12th of June by hosting the new round of fascinating keynotes and lecturers.

Jesinta Adams

About the author:

Jesinta Adams is a rising voice in the field of AI operations and data services. She is the Founder of SouthLoop Data Africa, a human-in-the-loop data labelling company focused on providing clean, accurate datasets for AI development while creating opportunities for skilled youth and women in the Global South.

She currently heads the invoice processing division at a US-based tech company, overseeing AI-driven data annotation, validation, and financial automation processes. She is a passionate advocate for digital inclusion, capacity building, and ethical AI.

Ambassador Teran Parral: A Strategic Vision for the OPCW

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Ambassador Teran Parral of Ecuador brings over 40 years of notable diplomatic experience, marked by strong leadership and demonstrated managerial skills to his candidacy for Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). His vision for the OPCW focuses on strengthening cooperation, modernizing operations, and preventing the use of chemical weapons in any form.

“If entrusted with this role, I will lead the Technical Secretariat with transparency and a hands-on approach, rooted in multilateral cooperation,” said Ambassador Terán Parral. “I am fully committed to the complete eradication of chemical weapons and to preventing their re-emergence.”

We must encourage SAR to continue their collaboration with the OPCW

One of Ambassador Terán Parral’s key goals is to strengthen the strategic cooperation with the Syrian Arab Republic “the openness of the new Syrian authorities to collaborate with the Organization, is a historic opportunity on which we must act accordingly,” he stated, “we must continue to provide the necessary resources to locate and secure the chemical weapons which remain outstanding or unknown, bringing this newfound relationship with Syria to the next level.”

Ambassador Terán Parral is also committed to leading all investigations into the alleged use of riot control agents and other banned substances in Russia and Ukraine. “These cases must be addressed thoroughly and in full alignment with the Chemical Weapons Convention,” he stated.

He also supports ongoing legacy operations, including the destruction of abandoned chemical weapons (China-Japan) and old stockpiles (Germany). In addition, he highlights the need to help countries respond effectively to chemical emergencies, “we must acknowledge the ongoing threat posed by chemical terrorism carried out by non-state actors, this growing risk demands continued vigilance, stronger international cooperation, and a unified commitment to prevention,” he added.

Strengthening public diplomacy stands among his top priorities, “I want to make the OPCW more visible and transparent, we must strategically communicate our mission and achievements to the world.” He said. “We must raise awareness about chemical weapons and the importance of disarmament; through public outreach and media engagement.

According to Ambassador Terán Parral, this would not only serve for visibility—it is also meant to increase voluntary contributions, foster universality and encourage a wider participation from a broader range of countries. “We need tactical communication to reinforce political support and combat misinformation. By actively engaging with domestic actors, civil society, academia, youth, and the private sector we will raise international awareness to the mandate of our Organization,” he stated.

Ambassador Teran Parral

Ambassador Terán Parral also places a high priority on ensuring geographical representation and gender balance. “We need to improve how we recruit to ensure diverse perspectives in disarmament efforts, strengthen decision-making, and promote inclusive, effective implementation of the Convention,” he added, “this is a key pillar for the success of the Organization.”

Enhancing the use of the ChemTech centre as a global hub for innovation, education, and collaboration

“Capacity-building is essential,” he said. “We must deepen partnerships with key stakeholders, including universities, regional and international organizations, and National Authorities to foster innovation and expand educational outreach,” said Ambassador Terán Parral. “That way, we can deliver more targeted assistance, strengthen emergency response preparedness and widen the pool of talent interested in the OPCW,” he mentioned.

Another central part of his vision to strengthen the industry verification mechanism. Ambassador Terán Parral is committed to consolidating this mechanism to address the gaps within the current framework. “I will reinforce the regular system of inspections and implement the use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance both speed and accuracy of the inspections,” he added.

About this matter, Ambassador Terán Parral added, “I am committed to advancing the responsible use of AI within the OPCW, ensuring that its application remains ethical and fully aligned with the objectives of the Convention. AI should not replace human oversight, but rather serve as a tool, used under strict human supervision, to complement the Organization’s important work.

Ambassador Terán Parral’s leadership is based on openness, transparency, and inclusion. “My goal is to strengthen cooperation with States Parties and build mutual trust. This is how we will protect future generations from the threat of chemical weapons.”

Ecuador, a founding member of the OPCW, has a long record of supporting disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. During its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Ecuador chaired the 1540 Committee, addressing the risks related to the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

“I carry with me Ecuador’s strong commitment to multilateralism and peace. We see the OPCW as a key part of global security and disarmament, and I am proud to contribute to that mission,” concluded Ambassador Terán Parral.