On the 20th of April 2026, the Clingendael Academy hosted the annual Corps Diplomatique seminar, ‘The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice’, aimed at gathering diplomats and international institutions based in The Hague. This year’s turnout of 50+ participants allowed for constructive and in-depth discussions.
The seminar opened with words of welcome from the Clingendael Academy Director, Martijn Pluim, and the Dutch Ambassador for International Organisations, H.E. Paul van den Ijssel.
Following was the keynote lecture on AI in diplomacy which was given by a member of the UN Secretary General’s High Level Advisory Board on AI, Jimena Sofiá Viveros Àlvarez. Her interactive lecture encouraged the audience to engage and reflect on the current use of AI in different scenarios and what should be prioritised in governance discussions.
Member of UN Secretary General’s High Level Advisory Board on AI, Jimena Sofiá Viveros Àlvarez
The second part of the seminar focused on the legal international institutions in The Hague and their respective roles in upholding international law.
Representatives from the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons joined us to share about the work of these key institutions as well their challenges and opportunities.
This second part of the seminar allowed for participants to understand how legal institutions operate to keep executing and protecting international law.
Wednesday, 6 May 2026, Stockholm, Sweden: Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for a bilateral meeting in Stockholm.
“It is an honour to receive Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Stockholm. Germany is one of our closest partners and Allies. Together we enhance Europe’s competitiveness and capacity for innovation, and make our region and all NATO Allies stronger. Support to Ukraine is a top priority for both our countries,” says Mr Kristersson.
Germany is Sweden’s most important trading partner, and the world’s fourth largest economy. The two countries are likeminded with respect to many social issues and have broad bilateral cooperation. The aim of the visit is to further advance the already warm Swedish-German relations. The leaders are expected to discuss regional security, total defence and bilateral relations.
The President paid the official visit to Sweden over the day and was accompanied by his wife, Ms Elke Büdenbender. The President and Ms Büdenbender also visited Muskö Naval base and attended a luncheon at the Royal Palace at the invitation of The King and Queen of Sweden.
Year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Sweden and the Federal Republic of Germany.
By Hans Noot, Associate director of Human Rights Without Frontiers
HRWF (05.06.2026) – When Iran appears in the news, the focus is usually on missiles, sanctions, nuclear talks, and clashes with the United States or Israel. Those issues matter. But they do not fully explain how Iran’s rulers think about power, survival, and the future.
One important part of the picture is religious. The Islamic Republic is not only a state with political interests. It is also a system that speaks in the language of faith, sacrifice, justice, and waiting for a divinely guided future. In that language, endurance is not just strategy. It can also be a moral duty.
In Shia Islam, many believers await the return of the Mahdi, the so called “twelfth Imam,” who is expected to appear at the end of time and establish justice. For many Christian and Jewish readers, this may sound somewhat familiar, since their own traditions also contain hopes for a final age of peace and justice under a divinely chosen figure. Belief in the return of the Mahdi is not unique to Iran, and it is not automatically political.
For many Shia believers, it is a source of hope and patience. But in Iran, state leaders have often used this language in public life, linking religion to government behavior and national resistance. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that “the message of Islam is the establishment of justice,” and that waiting for the Mahdi means “we should move and not remain idle,” adding that efforts toward justice bring society closer to that goal. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also spoke in explicitly Mahdist terms, saying that the government knows the Hidden Imam’s identity, and that the government was preparing the ground for his coming and that foreign powers were trying to prevent it.
That language matters because it changes how we understand the regime’s choices. A system that sees itself as defending a sacred order may not think in the same way as a government that is only trying to maximize power in the ordinary political sense. Iran may be more willing to endure pain, accept isolation, and even absorb damage if that is seen as part of a larger moral struggle.
This does not mean that every decision in Tehran is driven by theology. It would be too simple to say that the regime is controlled by apocalyptic thinking. It is not. Iranian leaders are also practical, tactical, and highly concerned with staying in power. But that practical survival is often sourced from strong beliefs and wrapped in religious language. The result is a worldview in which resisting pressure, preserving the system, and waiting for a promised future can all be part of the same story.
That is one reason Western coverage can feel incomplete. News reports often treat Iran as if it were guided only by calculations of military strength or diplomatic leverage. Those factors are real, but they are not the whole picture. If one ignores the regime’s religious vocabulary, one may miss why it speaks with such certainty, why it frames compromise as dangerous, and why it presents endurance as a virtue in itself.
Many Western readers think of peace mainly as the absence of war. In some Shia schools of thought, peace is understood more as a just order: a world in which oppression is removed, truth is honored, and society is aligned with divine justice. From that perspective, Iran often presents the West not simply as a military rival, but as a civilizational challenge, because values such as secularism, moral relativism, materialism, individualism, and a liberal international order are seen as in tension with that vision of justice.
There is also a broader human point here. Governments do not act only from fear, interest, or rational planning. They also act through stories about who they are and what they believe history is for. In Iran, one of those stories is that hardship is meaningful, resistance is noble, and justice will ultimately arrive through divine fulfillment. That story can help explain why the regime presents itself as both threatened and unbroken.
In the end, the point is not that Iran is ruled by prophecy rather than politics, or that every move it makes can be explained by theology. The point is simpler and more useful: to understand Iran fully, we have to listen not only to its weapons and negotiations, but also to its language of meaning. In that language, survival is not merely self-preservation, and resistance is not merely defiance; both can be presented as part of a sacred struggle toward justice. That is why Western coverage of Iran often feels incomplete. It sees the pressure, but not always the moral story the regime tells itself about why pressure must be endured. Once that story is understood, Iran’s behavior becomes less mysterious, even when it remains deeply troubling.
By H.E. Mrs. Carolina Olarte Bácares, Ambassador of Colombia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Colombian candidate for the International Criminal Court Judge election (2027-2036)
Seventy years ago —in 1956— amid the escalation of various global problems and conflicts within the context of what became known as the Cold War, US international jurist and diplomat Phillip Jessup wrote an article entitled “The Universal Nature of Human Problems.” In it, he questioned whether it was possible to envision any legal mechanism for resolving them. Faced with this dilemma, Jessup pointed out that, given the complexity of these issues and the intricate interests involved, it would be naive not to acknowledge that international law has inherent limitations in its effective management. He argued that behind the concept of the state and the law produced by states, as free and equal entities, lay unsettling realities that prevented consensus on solutions, or that even when consensus existed, it was ultimately disregarded when applying the rules created for that purpose.
Just as Jessup’s diagnosis remains relevant today, so too does his prediction: history teaches us that human beings, despite themselves, will continue to encounter one another, remain together, and interact. Therefore, there is a social basis for the normative —in this case the international community—, to continue to be a relevant and necessary governance scheme to guarantee stability and survival for humanity.
International law has never had an easy path to fulfilling its mission. The aspirations of equality and fraternity promoted for human society have eventually been contrasted with the irrational use of force and discrimination in the actions and motivations of States. However, if we examine the workings of international law —including its institutions such as the International Criminal Court— there are outstanding milestones that illustrate how it has been able to address highly complex problems and seemingly insurmountable controversies.
H.E. Ms. Carolina Olarte Bácares.
International law has done this by means of taking into account diverse interests and limited resources so as to find the best possible solution. First, it performs as a laboratory of ideas that promote a worldview in which differences can coexist, and the disparity of resources can be managed to avoid severe harm to humanity. Second, international law can be regarded as a legitimate arena for debate and discussion among opposing sides. Ultimately, the field had provided a key contribution in preventing the normalization of the use of force as an everyday tool. In other words, international law is a barrier against irrationality and barbarity, and it functions precisely because it is a common forum and language for States and other stakeholders to interact.
A great example that crystallizes such considerations is the International Criminal Court (ICC). Its institutional mandate to ensure that international crimes are investigated, prosecuted, and punished according to the highest standards of retributive and restorative justice, embodies the aims of legal innovation, the opportunity of deliberation and the moral standing over violence.
The ICC embodies the international community’s tradition of prosecuting the most heinous crimes, established in Nuremberg and Tokyo and progressively developed in both national court and ad hoc international tribunals. Therefore, the establishment of the Rome Statute System should be seen as a milestone for all humanity, including states that are not currently States Parties.
Be as it may, the Court’s consistent commitment to upholding human conscience in the context of the criminal responsibility of those who have led criminal actions against global legal interests is being faced through actions focused on preventing its functioning and discrediting its achievements. Such actions have come to dispute its very existence and continuity as a cornerstone of international law.
Against this backdrop, and with the conviction that the ICC should be supported to remain the arena for the most significant developments in the field of international criminal justice, Colombia decided to support its continuity by submitting my candidacy as an ICC judge for the next election process, corresponding to the period 2027-2036. I am originally and have conducted most of my professional work in Colombia, a country that suffered a prolonged and degrading internal armed conflict.
Therefore, I believe its experience in seeking a just and lasting peace through transitional justice could be instrumental for empowering the already prevailing work of the ICC. Moreover, to reaffirm the latter´s legitimacy as a unique mechanism for maintaining global peace and security while promoting the rights of the victims and social reconciliation.
From my work as an international law practitioner before international tribunals, I have observed that the system is under considerable pressure from those who tend to discredit norms and decisions when they do not align with their particular interests. However, since its inception in the post-war era, international criminal law has been conceived as a means of holding those responsible for the graves offenses accountable, thus preventing a relapse of violence and other structural causes of such crimes. Therefore, ensuring consistency in the application of international decisions is crucial, as selectivity cannot be an option in a rules-based international order.
In turn, the many years I have devoted to human rights and transitional justice scholarship in a complex context such as Colombia’s, have conveyed a powerful idea to me: that the already legitimate objectives of international criminal justice can be amplified even further if, in addition to fulfilling its retributive function, it can also promote the redress of harm caused by such illegal conduct. Whereas the ICC has already taken important steps in such direction, I think that more can be done to ensure that the scope of the ICC is leveraged to contribute to international peace and security from the perspective of the victims, who are the ones who remind us why we are here and why we do what we do.
Finally, the ICC embodies one of our species’ greatest aspirations: to coexist despite our differences, so that the social conflicts that naturally arise from these divergences —including international crimes— can be addressed through non-violent means and thus meet social expectations on accountability. As a diplomat based in the City of International Peace and Justice, I have been able to deepen my capacity to fully apprehend the mechanisms involved in the quest for cooperation and consensus, which happen to be fundamental for the exercise of judicial functions under the constant pressure of multifaceted political dynamics.
All in all, the ICC is a cornerstone of the international justice system, whose objective is to protect individuals from the indiscriminate use of violence and to promote accountability for human rights violations and the commission of international crimes. With this in mind, my candidature seeks to draw upon the experience gained by many countries and more recently condensed by Colombia`s peace laboratory, with its transitional justice and peacebuilding project, to strengthen the mechanisms the Court already uses to fulfill its mandate.
The Hague has long stood at the crossroads of diplomacy, international law, and global cooperation. As Chairman of the Hague Hotel Consultation (Haags Hoteloverleg), I have had the privilege of experiencing first-hand how deeply our hospitality sector is intertwined with this international ecosystem. It is a role I have come to value not only professionally, but personally.
Over the years, I have genuinely enjoyed building relationships with the many embassies based in our city. What began as practical cooperation has grown into something far more meaningful. There is a shared understanding that hospitality in The Hague is not just about offering rooms, but about facilitating dialogue, trust, and connection. Working closely with embassy teams—often under time pressure and with high expectations—has shown me the strength of collaboration when mutual respect and clarity are in place.
Hotels in The Hague have become reliable partners to the diplomatic community. We provide spaces for meetings, quiet negotiations, and moments of informal exchange that often prove just as valuable as formal discussions. These interactions have reinforced my belief that our sector plays a subtle yet essential role in supporting the city’s diplomatic mission.
This role was never more visible than during the NATO Summit in 2026. For me, it was not only a professional milestone, but also a moment of pride. Welcoming heads of state, ministers, and international delegations required an extraordinary level of coordination. What stood out most was the spirit of collaboration—between hotels, embassies, government institutions, and security services. The success of the summit confirmed that The Hague can operate at the very highest international level, and that our hospitality sector is ready to meet that responsibility.
At the same time, experiences like these also highlight the work that still lies ahead. The Dutch hospitality sector, and particularly that of The Hague, is facing increasing pressure. Rising costs, labour shortages, and regulatory complexity such as the increase on vat on overnight stays from 9% to 21%, continue to challenge our ability to remain competitive. Meanwhile, other European cities are moving quickly, investing heavily in infrastructure and positioning themselves effectively in the international market.
For The Hague, the challenge is also one of focus. We are globally recognized as the city of peace and justice, yet we have not fully translated that identity into a strong and consistent position as a leading conference and business destination. Our facilities are excellent, but not yet sufficient in scale or integration to capture the full potential of the international market.
This is why the coming years will be decisive. With new policymakers shaping the future of our city, we have a clear opportunity to make strategic choices that will define our long-term success. One of my key wishes is the development of a stronger and more coherent international zone. Such an environment would not only benefit embassies and international organizations, but also create a more attractive ecosystem for global companies.
Equally important is the expansion of our conference capacity. The World Forum remains an iconic venue with enormous potential. By investing in its growth and better connecting it with surrounding hotels and infrastructure, we can position The Hague once again as a leading European congress city. This is not simply about prestige—it is about creating sustainable economic value and ensuring that we remain relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape.
At the same time, we must strengthen our efforts beyond the city itself. Our lobbying—both nationally and internationally—needs to become more focused and effective. If we want to attract corporates, international organizations, and (b)leisure visits, we must tell a clearer and more compelling story about what The Hague and Scheveningen have to offer. This requires alignment between public and private stakeholders, and a willingness to invest in long-term positioning.
Ultimately, a strong hospitality sector is inseparable from a strong economy. When we succeed in attracting international visitors and events, the benefits extend far beyond our hotels. They support local businesses, cultural institutions, and the broader urban economy.
Looking ahead, I remain optimistic. The relationships we have built with embassies, the experience gained during events such as the NATO Summit, and the commitment within our sector provide a solid foundation. What we need now is ambition and direction.
By strengthening our international zone, expanding our conference infrastructure, and sharpening our global positioning, The Hague can continue to grow—not only as a centre of diplomacy, but as a vibrant, competitive, and internationally connected city.
The Role of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice
By H. E. Ms. Luz del Carmen Ibanez, Judge of the ICC
The pursuit of global stability, justice, and the strengthening of the rule of law is a central focus of international diplomacy. Yet, in an era of persistent global conflict and widespread human rights violations, can international legal institutions truly serve as guardians of justice and peace?
The complexities of modern conflicts raise important questions about the capacity of international courts to effectively address the root causes of violence and impunity. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stand at the forefront of this mission, acting as pivotal actors in the effort to uphold human rights, ensure accountability, and foster peace in regions fraught with instability.
Both, through their distinct but complementary mandates, can collaboratively reinforce the rule of law on a global scale. How do these courts shape international norms, and what challenges must they overcome to remain relevant and effective in an increasingly polarized world?. These questions lay the foundation for understanding how international justice mechanisms can address contemporary conflicts and promote a more stable and just world order.
The role of international courts in addressing armed conflicts has evolved significantly, reflecting the growing recognition that justice and accountability are indispensable for sustainable peace. The ICC and ICJ, as integral components of the international legal order, have progressively adapted their functions to confront complex crises, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that the rule of law is reinforced globally.
The ICC and ICJ emerged from distinct historical backgrounds, yet they share a fundamental commitment to international peace and justice through legal mechanisms. Established by the Rome Statute in 1998, the ICC was designed to address the impunity of individuals responsible for the most egregious crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The creation of the ICC marked a turning point in international criminal justice, as it signalled the international community’s resolve to prosecute individuals who threaten global security and violate human rights. By focusing on individual accountability, the ICC seeks not only to bring justice to victims but also to deter future violations and contribute to post-conflict reconciliation.
In contrast, the ICJ, established in 1945 as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, operates primarily at the state level, adjudicating disputes between nations and issuing advisory opinions on pressing legal questions. The ICJ’s role in shaping international legal norms has been instrumental in resolving inter-state conflicts and clarifying the legal obligations of states under international law. By addressing state responsibility rather than individual criminal accountability, the ICJ plays a role in fostering diplomatic solutions and reinforcing the principles of international law.
The engagement of both courts in scenarios of armed conflicts exemplifies their complementary approaches. The ICC intervenes by prosecuting individuals directly responsible for war crimes and atrocities committed in the territories of the states members to Rome Statue and by referral of UN Security Council in other territories. Through investigations and trials the ICC provides a legal avenue for victims to seek redress and reparations and for perpetrators to face justice, breaking the cycle of impunity that often perpetuates violence. Meanwhile, the ICJ addresses conflicts from a structural perspective, adjudicating interstates disputes that underpin broader tensions and offering legal clarity on state actions. At same time the court’s advisory opinions underscore it’s ability to expand the protection of the law to novel and complex world concerns and humanity’s emerging crucial issues reinforcing values and international legal standards.
The complementary nature of the ICC and ICJ is crucial for addressing the multifaceted dimensions of armed conflicts. While the ICC focuses on the prosecution of individuals, the ICJ’s emphasis on state responsibility ensures that justice operates on both micro and macro levels. This dual-track approach not only strengthens the accountability framework but also reinforces the preventive function of international justice. The ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants and the ICJ’s binding rulings create legal precedents that deter future violations and promote adherence to international norms. Moreover, the contributions of both courts to post-conflict reconstruction are vital in fostering reconciliation and building resilient societies.
The ICC and the ICJ are fundamental pillars of the Rule of Law. Their permanent dialogue nurtures world peace, global security and the wellbeing of humanity.
29 April 2026, Embassy of the French Republic to the Federal Republic of Germany: Katja Meier who served as Saxony’s State Minister of Justice, Democracy, European Affairs and Gender Equality between 20 December 2019 and 19 December 2024 was honoured with the Légion d’honneur.
Meier was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honor by French President Emmanuel Macron for her role as Saxony’s Minister for European Affairs, in which she ensured that the Free State of Saxony established a regional partnership with Occitania. Saxony was the last German federal state that did not yet hold such a relationship with a French region. “This outstanding recognition acknowledges her remarkable commitment to Franco-German cooperation, especially at the local level – precisely where it directly affects citizens,” said French Ambassador François Delattre during the accolade’s bestowal.
On her side, Katja Meier, remarked that “European politics are team work”. In his heartfelt address, French Ambassador François Delattre praised the numerous ideas and initiatives of recent years, the highlight of which was undoubtedly the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Dresden in May 2024.
Having already become the first woman to serve as Minister of Justice in Saxony, Katja Meier is now also the first Saxon to receive the French knighthood. After leaving her ministerial post in the latest cabinet reshuffle in Saxony, Meier, rejoined the Saxon State Assembly as a parliamentarian. She is married to Josefine Paul, former Minister of Family Affairs of North-Rhine Westphalia.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany: Speaker of the State Assembly of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Birgit Hesse, welcomed high-ranking guests from the Baltic region to Schwerin Castle – former residence of the dukes and finally grand dukes of Mecklenburg (Schwerin) and now headquarters of the State Assembly. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, H.E. Veronika Wand-Danielsson, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania, H.E. Giedrius Puodžiūnas, were guests of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Assembly and held in-depth discussions with its Speaker.
Following a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Schwerin Castle and the historic rooms of the Castle Museum, the guests were received in the Speaker’s Office. The focus of the visit was the exchange of views on current political issues at the European level.
The participants praised the existing diplomatic and economic relations between Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the Baltic states and emphasized the particular value of these connections in a rapidly changing political world. The upcoming state elections were also discussed. The official visit concluded with the guests signing the State Assembly’s guest book.
Visit of the Schwerin Castle Museum – Picture by Landtag MV.
Background
The visit took place ahead of the Baltic Sea Business Day on 16 April 2026 – a high-level meeting of Baltic Sea countries dedicated to strengthening and expanding cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. Entrepreneurs from numerous Baltic Sea countries will contribute their expertise on topics such as climate-neutral business practices, security, and a CO2-free Baltic Sea.
The Hague, 14 April 2026. The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in the Netherlands, in conjunction with Business Match Kosovo, successfully hosted the Kosovo Business Day 2026. Kosovo is firmly establishing itself as a dynamic near-shoring destination, supported by one of Europe’s youngest and most tech-savvy workforces.
The Business Day forum provided a critical platform for Dutch businesses eager to expand their operations. Attendees engaged in high-level matchmaking, practical workshops on the NL-KS Tax Treaty, and gained invaluable insights into investment subsidies and risk-mitigation tools essential for international ventures. Over 100 ambitious Kosovar and Dutch entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from both nations’ institutions gathered to explore tangible trade and partnership opportunities.
Additionally, the event also attracted members of the diplomatic community and small to medium-sized enterprises actively operating in Kosovo and the Netherlands.
Mr. Shpend Lila of the Innovation Centre Kosovo, H.E. Dr. Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kosovo, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade, and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo and H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands.
The forum opened with impactful remarks from Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila, the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade, and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo. This was followed by an insightful discussion moderated by Mr. Shpend Lila of the Innovation Centre Kosovo, featuring both ambassadors: H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands, and H.E. Dr. Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kosovo. Her powerful address set a clear tone for a day focused on enhancing economic cooperation and building sustainable partnerships between Kosovo and the Netherlands.
H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands / Kosovo Business DayKreshnik Thaqi, Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency.
The keynote session, “How to Invest and Do Business in Kosovo,” was delivered by Mr. Kreshnik Thaqi, representing the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency. He presented a compelling overview of the country’s investment landscape, highlighting strategic sectors such as public procurement, major infrastructure projects, railway modernization, and renewable energy, while outlining concrete pathways for international investors to seize opportunities in Kosovo.
Mr. Shpend Lila of the Innovation Centre Kosovo.
The business forum confidently advanced to the core of its agenda, featuring three essential panel discussions that tackled key sectors of mutual interest.
Mr. Mark Verheul, Director of the Global Alliance of Horticulture Regions Establishment.
Panel I made an strong statement about Agriculture, Retail, and Recycling. Keynote presentations were delivered by Ms. Kalina Vrieze, Business Developer for Türkiye, Southeast Europe, and Central Asia at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and Mr. Mark Verheul, Director of the Global Alliance of Horticulture Regions Establishment.
Additionally, impactful talks were presented by Mr. Valon Bahtiri, CEO and Founder of Mitrofresh B.V., and Mr. Theo Schilder, Director of Business Development at KIVO Plastic Verpakkingen.
Ms. Kalina Vrieze, Business Developer at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Kosovo Business Day
Subsequent to the lunch, Panel II took centre stage, focusing on ICT, Tech-Digital Talent, and the dynamic outsourcing opportunities within Kosovo’s rapidly growing tech sector. The session highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity in the modern economy.
The panel kicked off with a compelling keynote by Mr. Martijn van Helvert, Chairman of MKB Limburg and Owner of Meines Holla & Partners. Following this, influential insights were provided by Mr. Jelle Hoes, CCO of Buckaroo; Ms. Hana Qerimi, CEO of Starlabs & Digital School; Mr. Shpend Lila, Training, Events & PR Manager at the Innovation Centre Kosovo; Mr. Robert Shala, Board Member at Sentry Cyber Security; and Mr. Lennart Koetsier, CEO of Multiply and Datafuse.
Kosovo Business Day
In a significant development, an endorsement ceremony was conducted where various stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding, firmly establishing the Kosovo-Netherlands Chamber of Commerce. This landmark decision paves the way for deeper and more fruitful business cooperation.
The forum concluded powerfully with Panel III, moderated by Mr. Artan Djemajli, which addressed the Prefabricated and Construction Industry in Kosovo. This impactful panel included Mr. Diedon Kica, Chief Commercial Officer of Instabuilt; Ms. Sytrime Dervisholli, Executive Director of Kllasteri Prefab Kosova; and Mr. Erlind Gashi, an architect at EUROING Kosovo.
The discussions emphasized critical themes of innovation, sustainability, and significant opportunities for international collaboration within the construction sector.
The Kosovo Business Day provided crucial networking opportunities and facilitated productive B2B engagements, reinforcing existing connections and paving the way for new partnerships.
It articulated a clear and assertive message: cooperation between Kosovo and the Netherlands has transcended potential and has emerged as a dynamic and tangible reality.
Through strategic dialogue and purposeful networking, Kosovo Business Day 2026 has fortified business relationships, showcased impressive investment opportunities, and demonstrated Kosovo’s position as a competitive and progressive market.
Contributions from all speakers, panelists, partners, and participants were instrumental to the success of this event. Their expertise, engagement, and positive energy were vital in fostering meaningful dialogue and solidifying lasting connections between Kosovo and the Netherlands.
Farewell Interview with H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations based in The Hague
As Ambassador Salima Abdelhak concludes her mandate in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, she looks back on a rich diplomatic journey marked by strengthened bilateral relations, active multilateral engagement, and sustained efforts to consolidate Algeria’s standing as a credible, trusted, and forward-looking partner. In this farewell conversation, she reflects on the highlights of her tenure, the partnerships built, and the lasting ties she will carry forward.
Diplomat Magazine: Excellency, as you conclude your tenure in the Netherlands, could you share the personal and professional reflections that mark this moment?
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: I leave The Netherlands with a profound sense of gratitude and fulfilment. It is never easy to conclude such an intense and meaningful chapter of one’s professional and personal life.
Ambassador Abdelhak
Entrusted with the confidence of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, I have over these years had the privilege not only to represent Algeria in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but also to engage closely with the eminent international organizations based in this unique city of peace and justice.
DM: When you first assumed your post, what were the key priorities you set for strengthening Algeria–Netherlands relations? In your view, which strategic objective has been at the heart of your diplomatic engagement?
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Beyond the traditional responsibilities of diplomacy, my objective was not merely to preserve the excellent relations existing between Algeria and the Netherlands within their formal diplomatic framework, but to elevate them into a more concrete, dynamic, and confidence-based partnership.
This required making Algeria better known, better understood, and more visible in the Netherlands.
Too often, bilateral relations can remain below their true potential simply because partners do not fully perceive the opportunities that exist. I therefore considered it essential not only to promote Algeria’s assets, but also to build trust — trust in Algeria as a stable interlocutor, trust in its economic potential, trust in its reform trajectory, and trust in its willingness to engage in pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation.
This required sustained dialogue, patient explanation, and regular interaction with Dutch institutions, business circles, and sectoral partners. My ambition was to help move the relationship from general goodwill to concrete confidence.
H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen and the Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak.
DM: Could you elaborate on how these priorities were implemented on a practical level?
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: I worked actively to create structured encounters between Algerian and Dutch stakeholders so that cooperation could rest on direct knowledge rather than assumptions.
In this regard, I could facilitate strategic economic missions in both directions, notably with the Netherlands-African Business Council and the Netherlands MENA Business Council. We encouraged sectoral cooperation in agriculture, investment, tourism, renewable energy, water management, education, governance, and archives.
But more importantly, each of these initiatives served a broader diplomatic purpose, to present Algeria as a serious, reliable, and opportunity-rich partner with whom long-term cooperation makes sense.
I believe that, progressively, we succeeded in creating a climate of greater familiarity and confidence, which is the indispensable foundation for sustainable partnerships.
H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa, Dean of the African Group.African Ambassadors at H.E. Salima Abdelhak’s farewell.
DM: To what extent did your work aim to reshape or deepen the understanding of Algeria in the Netherlands—whether in diplomatic, economic, or cultural terms?
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Very much so. Advocacy in diplomacy is not merely about presenting one’s country in positive terms; it is about ensuring that interlocutors gain a nuanced and realistic understanding of its transformations, ambitions, and capacities.
I devoted considerable effort to ensuring that Dutch partners saw Algeria not only through traditional lenses, but as a country engaged in modernization, regional responsibility, economic diversification, and international cooperation.
Creating this trust-based narrative was, in my view, one of the most important aspects of my mission. Once confidence is established, cooperation follows much more naturally.
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak with the Ambassadors Arab Group.
DM: Cultural diplomacy also seems to have been an important dimension of your work.
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Absolutely. Cultural diplomacy is one of the most effective ways to humanize bilateral relations. Through festivals, artistic initiatives, fashion projects, and public diplomacy events across the Netherlands, we sought to bring Algeria closer to Dutch society and to create familiarity beyond official circles.
This softer dimension of diplomacy is crucial because it nourishes sympathy, curiosity, and openness, all of which reinforce institutional trust.
Ambassador Abdelhak and Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
DM: The Hague is also a major multilateral capital. How has this shaped your mission?
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: The multilateral dimension has been one of the most intellectually stimulating aspects of this posting. The Hague hosts some of the most influential legal, judicial, and security institutions in the world, and Algeria has always attached great importance to principled engagement with them.
Throughout my mandate, I sought to reflect Algeria’s steadfast commitment to peace, dialogue, international law, and effective multilateralism.
I worked closely with the various organizations based in The Hague on issues relating to security, notably within the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, where Algeria remains an active partner contributing to international peace and security and to the universal goal of a world free of chemical weapons, a commitment that earned recognition through the distinction awarded to one of its laboratories by OPCW and the City of the Hague. I’ve also worked on sustainable development matters within the Comon Fund for commodities based in Amsterdam.
The Mayor of Wassenaar, Mr. Leendert de Lange and the Ambassador of Algeria.
I was also proud to highlight Algeria’s active support for international legality through its participation in different legal and advisory proceedings, notably those touching upon matters of major international concern, including the state of Palestine.
This engagement reflects Algeria’s conviction that multilateral institutions remain indispensable in an increasingly complex international environment. I also engaged on matters of justice and legal cooperation with the International Court of Justice and the HCCH – The Hague Conference on Private International Law and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (CPA).
The Ambassador of Cameroon, H. E. Ms Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua, Ambassador Sheik Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of CFC and Ambassador Abdelhak.
DM: Finally, what message would you like to leave to your colleagues, partners, and the wider diplomatic community in The Hague?
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: I am deeply thankful to the Dutch authorities, institutions, businesses, cultural actors, and friends who placed their confidence in dialogue with Algeria and who engaged openly with us and for the lessons drawn how to turn challenges into opportunities.
I am equally grateful to the leadership of the international organizations and colleagues of the diplomatic corps for the constructive spirit, collegiality, and friendship that have accompanied this mission.
H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director General OPCW and H.E. Mr. Philippe Gauthier, Registrar of the International Court of Justice.
I also wish to express a special word of appreciation to Diplomat Magazine, which has accompanied me since the very beginning of my mandate with remarkable professionalism, constant interest, and generous visibility. Through its quality reporting and sustained engagement with the diplomatic community, the magazine has served as a valuable platform for dialogue, outreach, and mutual understanding. I am sincerely grateful for this faithful companionship throughout my years in The Hague.
I leave convinced that we have not merely organized activities or meetings; we have contributed to strengthening an atmosphere of trust and to anchoring Algeria more firmly as a credible and reliable partner in this country.
This is perhaps the most meaningful legacy a diplomatic mission can hope to leave behind.
Bibi van Zuylen van Nijevelt-den Beer Poortugael Mistress of the Robes•Dutch Royal Household, Ambassador Abdelhak and the Director of Protocol at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Gabriella Sancisi.
DM: One final word, Excellency?
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Diplomatic mandates come to an end, but trust, once built sincerely, continues to bear fruit.
As I return to Algeria, I do so with pride in the bridges I have consolidated, with gratitude for the friendships forged, and with the firm intention of continuing to advocate for deeper cooperation between Algeria, the Netherlands, and the international institutions based in The Hague.
My Gratitude goes to the many Excellencies, colleagues, partners, and friends with whom I have shared this journey. Whether we worked together for several years or crossed paths only recently, each encounter has contributed to making this mission deeply enriching. Diplomacy is built not only on institutions and negotiations, but also on trust, continuity, and human connection.
Photographs taken on the occasion of the Ambassador’s farewell audience with King Willem-Alexander and during Ambassador Abdelhak farewell at the Algerian residence.
