| The city of The Hague was also hit hard in the Second World War. Each district has its own history; every resident has his or her own stories. To get to know these stories and each other better, Huis voor de Stad is once again organizing a city-wide commemoration of the dead this year. On Saturday, May 4, everyone is welcome at ‘The Hague Commemorated’ in the Grote Kerk. Reflecting on precious freedom Wietske Verkuyl, program manager Huis voor de Stad: “In 2021, together with various organizations in The Hague, we decided to revive an old tradition: an annual commemoration meeting in the Grote Kerk, where we talk to each other, share stories and experiences, commemorate war victims and reflect on the preciousness of freedom. Every year since then, the responses and increasing visitor numbers show how important it is to come together during this period. And relevant, unfortunately, given the current war situation in various places around the world. We hope to offer visitors comfort and connection on this day.” Talking about exclusion Prior to the commemoration meeting, Dialoog in The Hague is organizing a dialogue around the theme ‘Creeping exclusion’ from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Second World War was characterized by premeditated large-scale, gradual and systematic exclusion of population groups, motivated by ideology and racism. During the dialogue, attendees engage in small group discussions, sharing stories and experiences around the theme. Young people make short films and works of art Wendy Meijer, initiator of Dialoog in The Hague: “We think it is important that we pay attention to the systematic exclusion of groups, then and now. Unfortunately, exclusion is still the order of the day. By talking to each other and sharing experiences, we learn from the past and become stronger in the present. In March, in preparation for May 4, a dialogue meeting was organized with twenty-two students from Segbroek College, who entered into discussions with elderly people who experienced the war themselves or who experienced the consequences of the war up close. Based on these dialogues, a short film was made and the young people presented works of art around the theme. Both the short film and the works of art can be seen during the May 4 commemoration in the Grote Kerk.” Global program The Hague Commemorates in the Grote Kerk: Word of welcome by mayor Jan van Zanen; Music by the Ural Cossack Choir and the Ukrainian Orchestra Uzory; Inspiring interview with Hanneke Gelderblom; Lecture by John Dunkelgrün, author of the book ‘Where should I go’; Recitation of poem by a student from the Sorghvliet Gynnasium; Musical recitation on piano by a student from Segbroek College; Connecting peace ritual. The Hague Commemoration program starts at 6:00 PM and lasts until 7:00 PM. The doors open at 5:30 PM. After the memorial meeting, all visitors are invited for a joint walk to Carnegie Square, where the wreath-laying ceremony and two minutes of silence will take place. To register You can register for the dialogue and the commemoration meeting via the website www.huisvoordestad-denhaag.nl or by sending an email tokantoor@grote-kerk.nl . The Hague Commemoration is a joint initiative of the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk Foundation, Dialogue in The Hague, the Segbroek College, the Sorghvliet Gymnasium, the Prinsjesdag Celebration Foundation, the Protestant Church in The Hague, the Hague Community of Churches, The Hague Connecting Initiatives and Kleurrijk Segbroek and the National Remembrance Foundation The Hague. |
The Hague Commemorates
Africa Works! ’24 is about green industrialization: Made in Africa!
The African continent is showing strong economic growth. But where is the ‘Made in Africa’ label? The sixth edition of NABC ‘s conference Africa Works! is about Africa’s green industrialization.
Africa Works! was first organized in 2012 by the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC) and has since grown into the largest Africa-focused business conference in the Benelux, with between 250 and 400 participants per day in recent years. Africa Works! is therefore the place for the Netherlands and Africa to meet. Business delegations are expected from Angola, Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Angola and Sierra Leone, among others.
“Africa’s Green Industrialization (Made in Africa) is the theme we have chosen for this edition,” says Núria Vlonk-Cunha Soares, deputy Managing Director of NABC and project leader of Africa Works! “When Africa wants to take the next step in its development then more products must be manufactured locally.”
The main theme of Africa’s green industrialization includes three sub-themes: circular food production, renewable energy and sustainable agrologistics. The focus is on green solutions that aim to decouple economic growth from damage to the environment.
Africa Works! takes place on April 23 at the KIT (Royal Tropical Institute) in Amsterdam. During the conference we listen to inspiring keynote speeches and participants can attend workshops, an investor session (dragons den style) and country sessions (including opportunities in Angola, Ethiopia and Nigeria). In addition, there will be a roundtable discussion on financing Africa’s green industrialization.
During the opening session we will hear from a number of Keyonte speakers who are coming to Amsterdam for the conference. These include Kazeem Olanrewaju, CEO of the (Microcredit) bank Alert Group in Nigeria and Simon Davis, who set up a company that has developed electric trucks for the African market.
We also hear from Amany Asfour, president of the Africa Business Council, Lara van Druten, the CEO of Waste Transformers (who has made a system for converting waste into energy commercially deployable) and from the Dutchman Thijs Boer, who as a student went to Rwanda for research into potatoes and now runs a chips factory with 60 employees in the East African country.
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The Benefits of Academic Exchange
By H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
As Ambassador of Panama to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, establishing mutually benefitting relations between Dutch universities and their Panamanian counterparts was one of my objectives within the bilateral agenda. The purpose of this was to initiate academic collaboration ranging from the exchange of teaching methodology, knowledge, professors, students, amongst other opportunities.
Although it sounds like a simple task, there were many challenges along the way! First of all, identifying and achieving contact with the correct person within the selected Dutch universities. Secondly, prompting their interest to consider the collaboration. Thirdly, connecting the appropriate counterpart in Panama. Following this, the Embassy coordinated and participated in the subsequent virtual meetings until a well-defined and agreed project was reached. This was, and is, followed by periodic contact to provide support between the actors if and when necessary.
During the COVID pandemic, a limiting factor to tend patients was the availability of the respirators. Collaboration between Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Universidad Especializada de las Américas (UDELAS) was achieved to create a COVID respirator which would serve as an international prototype. One of the four produced was sent to Panama for UDELAS to continue with the process seeking medical approval and patenting.
True momentum started with a friend in Panama sharing the contact information of a Dutch who is well connected in both the logistics and the academic sectors. With his assistance, a virtual round table with 5 Dutch universities and 5 Panamanian universities and training centers was coordinated. This took months of preparation in addition to personally visiting each Dutch university as well as numerous conversations with the Panamanian counterparts. The effort paid off since it resulted in a successful round table with a focus in logistics. However, it would take many more months of following up before any concrete results were produced.
The first agreement signed was between the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS) and the Universidad de Santa María la Antigua (USMA). Although the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has not been implemented as expansively as expected, it’s a matter of time before it is. The agreement between Fontys University of Applied Sciences and the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) followed with the assistance of the Dutch Embassy in Panama.
Other mutually benefitting MoU´s in the final stages of coordination are between Panama´s Science, Technology and Innovation Institute (SENACYT) and University of Groningen, University of Leiden, and Wageningen University. Also in process are two others between UTP and University of Groningen and University of Leiden.
Although more complex and requiring much more time, conversations with the directors of the School at Sea program have been ongoing with the vision of implementing a similar program for students from Panama to the Netherlands.
Beyond the MoU´s that are already signed and those that are in the review process in respective legal departments, there are many success stories that are worth mentioning!
To list a few:
Mats Ruwe, a student from Wageningen University (WUR) did his master´s thesis project with Riba Smith Supermarket chain, a large family-owned business that produces, processes, packages, distributes, and exports products. The project, “The decision making-dynamics of a perishable CPG-nanostore supply chain” consisted in optimizing the supply chain logistics of direct distribution to convenience stores around Panama in order to minimize stockouts, minimize waste and increase sales. Months of work was done in The Netherlands before his departure to Panama for two weeks on site.
Rosanne Bartholomeus, from Utrecht University, did her master´s thesis with Reef2Reef Foundation living in Portobelo, Colón for 6 months while researching the degradation of coral reefs and applying restorative interventions to enhance resilience against local and global stressors. Her comprehensive research was shared with the foundation and has been essential to their ongoing restoration efforts. In addition, because of her work in Panama, Rosanne was selected to be a youth speaker at the Our Ocean Conference held in Panama in 2023.
Raf Verdaasdonk and Valentijn Elsman from WUR followed Rosanne´s footsteps with Reef2Reef doing their master´s research thesis with coral reefs as well. Their focus was in two areas respectively: 1. the predation by fireworms and slugs and the negative effect it has on coral planting projects and 2. the planting techniques in a natural environment that allow us to increase survival.
An internship for Tessa de Wilde, from Saxion University, with Electron Investment S.A. (EISA), in the hydroelectric sector was agreed at the end of March. Tessa will be traveling to Panama in July 2024 to initiate her work in civil engineering while focusing on the sustainability of the natural reservoir.
At Saxion University, in conjunction with Instituto de Innovación Agropecuario (IDIAP), a class project just concluded. The study utilized data provided by IDIAP to explore ways to increase drought and flood resiliency in the La Villa River in Panama from a Dutch perspective. Upon culmination of the project, Nout Lindenschot and Daan Smits, two of the four students who worked on it, delivered the results to IDIAP and to the Embassy during a personal presentation of the suggested recommendations. Further collaborative activities are already being discussed to since both actors have benefitted greatly.
Between INDICASAT and University of Groningen (RUG), joint research is being conducted on a new medication for the treatment of patients with tuberculosis. These findings will change the course of tuberculosis treatment globally.
Just recently, WUR initiated two class projects with challenges presented by MiAmbiente (the Panama Ministry of Environment) that focus on finding nature based sustainable solutions for the consequences of the predicted sea-level rise in regions in Panama. The data to be used is provided from previous research.
With Leiden University, there are many ongoing projects within the archeology department. Categorizing, documenting and packaging the 343 pieces of cultural heritage repatriated to Panama was done in conjunction with a specialized packaging company and students. Numerous archeological explorations to the indigenous part of the Darien jungle, guided by Natalia Donner, a lecturer at Leiden University, have been done with Leiden´s graduate students. Two Panamanian students are currently doing their doctorate work in archeology at Leiden.
Although the Embassy will continue seeking new opportunities, based on the proven success of mutual benefits, the road has been paved to further expand collaboration.
With each new cooperative effort, we improve the process making it smoother, especially for the travelling students. Prior to the Dutch students´ departure to Panama, we invite them to the Embassy, and brief them on topics such as Panama´s culture, gastronomy, public transportation, attire, places to visit, visa issues, amongst others. A brochure has been elaborated that contains summarized vital information which we update based of students´ feedback when they return. For those students coming from Panama to the Netherlands we designed a brochure with information that would be helpful prior to their arrival; this we shared with the Dutch Embassy in Panama since that would be a point of contact prior to their journey to The Netherlands.
In a globalized world, it is through the exchange of information and related experiences that we can learn from each other and advance more efficiently for the benefit of all.
Argentina Reaffirms Support for Israel Amidst Security Concerns in Triple Border
In a resolute stance, the Argentine government has reiterated its unwavering support for Israel while expressing deep concern over security challenges in the Triple Border region.
This affirmation comes in the wake of a high-level meeting chaired by President Javier Milei, with the presence of the Israeli Ambassador to Argentina, H.E. Mr. Eyal Sela. The meeting, convened urgently amidst escalating tensions, saw the Chief of Cabinet, Nicolás Posse, presenting a confidential document prepared by the Federal Intelligence Agency (AFI). Ambassador Sela provided crucial insights into recent Iranian attacks, shedding light on their modus operandi.
President Milei, who cut short his international tour and decided to suspend his visit to Denmark to address the pressing issues at hand, promptly called for an emergency session of his cabinet. The meeting, lasting just under an hour and a half, delved into sensitive areas such as Defense and Intelligence, with special reports presented by Nicolás Posse.
In response to the heightened security threats, the Argentine government has taken proactive measures, raising the alert level in various parts of the country, particularly in the Triple Border region. The move underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding national security and fostering robust international partnerships, particularly with allies like Israel.
Cardinal Sako back to Baghdad after a nine-month self-imposed exile
He was warmly welcomed by a church packed with members of the country’s Christian minority on his first mass in Baghdad
By Willy Fautré, Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers
HRWF (15.04.2024) – On Wednesday 10 April, Cardinal Sako returned to Baghdad after a nine-month self-imposed exile in the Kurdistan Region. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani issued the order for his return, marking a crucial step towards reconciliation and religious unity in the country.
Clergy members from Baghdad and Patriarchate staff were also present.
The new decision in 2023 withdrew widespread condemnations from Christians in Iraq and abroad, fearing the revocation could be part of a long-standing campaign against the dwindling community.
About the departure of Cardinal Sako
Sako’s departure from Baghdad in 2023 stemmed from the decree issued by President Abdul Latif Rashid revoking a 2013 decision by then-President Jalal Talabani. The Federal Supreme Court of Iraq upheld Rashid’s decision in November 2023, citing ‘constitutional’ concerns. The Chaldean Patriarchate expressed bewilderment, asserting that the withdrawal lacked a legal basis. Observers noted that the presidential decree potentially allowed the Babylon Movement, the political arm of a Christian militia under US sanctions, to gain more control over the community’s institutions in Iraq.
It followed a public spat between the leader of the Babylon Movement, Rayan Al-Kildani, and Cardinal Sako, each of whom accusing the other of political control over the Christian community. Last year, Cardinal Sako listed conditions for any return to Baghdad, including President Rashid formally recognising him as leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church and holder of its property. In a further display of protest, the Chaldean Patriarchate canceled Easter celebrations on March 25, standing in solidarity with Cardinal Sako.
The decrease of the Christian community
The Christian community in Iraq has dwindled significantly in recent years, largely due to ongoing conflict, persecution, and economic challenges. This trend has raised concerns about the future presence and influence of Christianity in a region where it has historical roots dating back nearly two thousand years. The community in Iraq, which numbered around 1.5 million before 2003, has significantly decreased to an estimated 250,000 by recent reports up to 2023. The population of Iraq is more than 40 million.
Ambassador Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe reflects on Rwanda’s journey over the past 30 years
Kwibuka 30
On the 7th of April 2024, Rwanda commemorated, for the 30th time, the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi “Kwibuka30” (meaning to remember). The 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi was devastating. One million killed in a hundred days from a population of 7.5 million; the economy was destroyed and infrastructures were in shambles. Unlike the Holocaust, the genocide against the Tutsi was not committed by the military or paramilitary apparatus only, it was mainly committed by civilians, neighbours, friends and even family members, killing all Tutsi, from the baby in the cradle to the sicks and bedridden old people. For many observers, the country was gone forever and could not recover.
Failure of the international community
The responsibility of the international community was well established by historians. Some countries supported the genocidal government in 1994, others chose to look the other way and even some, especially permanent members of the UN Security Council, refused to act in the face of evil. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations is also to blame, as it rejected multiple alarms, before the genocide, by the UN Force commander on the ground.
However, the UN and most of those countries acknowledged their responsibility and presented their apologies to the Rwandan people. For our part, we chose to move on and establish good relations with those countries, based on the established historical facts, for the interest of our respective peoples.
Rebuilding a nation
However, the Government of National Unity, led by the RPF-Inkotanyi that stopped the genocide on 4th July 1994 put in place many reforms that led to significant achievements over the past thirty years, mainly an unexpected unity and reconciliation and an ambitious socio-economic transformation.
Under the visionary leadership of H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the government and the people of Rwanda carried out reforms in four critical sectors:
Unity and reconciliation
“Rwandan chose to stay united”, as proclaimed by President Kagame. The priority after the genocide was justice for the victims. However, this turned out to be a daunting task, given the huge number of victims and perpetrators, not to mention the millions of refugees, who included judges, lawyers, prosecutors and court clerks. In this context, the Government didn’t want punitive justice and opted for restorative justice, to achieve reconciliation.
This is why we put in place the traditional justice system “Gacaca”, which put forward light sentences, community works and forgiveness in exchange of truth and confession by the perpetrators. The Gacaca jurisdictions, which were in force since 2001 to 2012, turned out to be successful with more than two million adjudications.
Socio-economic transformation
After the genocide, Rwanda chose to do more than simple recovery and reconstruction. The government decided to embark in an unprecedented, ambitious and pragmatic journey for transformation. With many reforms carried out, Rwanda became, in most international rankings and economic publications, a reference point for socio-economic transformation and good governance, being regularly ranked in the top three countries in Africa.
Rwanda has now moved from Vision 2020 to Vision 2050. In 2000, the government adopted Vision 2020, which is an economic blueprint with targeted goals for the year 2020. This was a rapid economic growth to achieve middle income status ($1,240 GDP per capita) and increased poverty reduction (poverty reduced to 20%, extreme poverty eliminated). In this regard, GDP per capita increased from $220 in 2000 to over $1,000 in 2023, and Rwanda was the sixth fastest growing economy in Africa (7.5% p.a. since 2007).
From Vision 2020, Rwanda adopted Vision 2050, to ensure high standards of living for all Rwandans, especially to become an upper middle-income country ($4,035 GDP per capita) by 2035 and a high income country ($12,476) by 2050.
Good governance
Following three decades of ethnic and regional discrimination, which led the country to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the leadership of Rwanda put in place an inclusive governance and put an end to any form of discrimination. In 2013, Rwanda became the first country in the world with the highest rate of women in parliament (currently at 61%), which also includes seats reserved for the youth and the disabled. Significant reforms were also introduced to empower women (i.e. a constitutional 30% of positions in decision-making organs, succession rights) and to fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
The economic success of Rwanda was largely enabled by an efficient use of taxpayers and donors’ money, as well as a resolute fight against corruption. The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International regularly ranks Rwanda as the first least corrupt country in the East African Community and the fourth in Africa (behind Seychelles, Cabo Verde and Botswana).
Far-reaching diplomacy
Since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the diplomacy of the new government was ambitious and far-reaching, especially in six areas: 1) extension of bilateral relations (expansion of diplomatic relations worldwide); 2) African and regional integration (active role in the institutional and financial reform of the African Union, as well as regional economic communities); 3) active multilateral engagement (active role in UN negotiations on climate change and digital transformation, adhesion to the Commonwealth and hosting its summit in 2022, as well as current leadership of the Francophonie); 4) peacekeeping interventions (Rwanda became the 4th troops contributing country in UN peacekeeping missions, as well as bilateral contributor of troops in Central African Republic and Mozambique); 5) economic diplomacy (including partnership with popular football teams in Europe to promote tourism in Rwanda); and 6) people-centered diplomacy (mobilization of the Rwandan community abroad, partnership with the AU and UNHCR to receive refugees stranded in Libya, policy of visa on arrival for all citizens of the world except members of the AU, Francophonie and Commonwealth who are exempted for visa etc.)
Cooperation between Rwanda and the Dutch government and private sector
Cooperation between Rwanda and the Netherlands was successful over the past thirty (30) years. In the aftermath of the genocide, the Dutch government made a substantial contribution to the humanitarian relief, and urged other countries to honour their pledges, put aside mistrust and support the Rwandan Government.
The two countries cooperated mainly in the judicial sector, agriculture, water management, trade. In particular, the Netherlands has been a longstanding partner of Rwanda’s Justice, Reconciliation and Order Sector Institutions, providing a significant support towards the restoration and strengthening of the justice sector. More than 19 courtrooms were constructed and provided with modern equipment. At the same time, a big number of judges and prosecutors were trained in different legal matters. Moreover, the Dutch government supported Rwanda in the investigation, prosecution and/or extradition of genocide fugitives who had fled to the Netherlands.
As the Government of Rwanda strives for self-reliance, both countries decided to transition from aid to trade from 2018 to 2022. Now, the formal cooperation is minimal and the Multi-Annual Country Strategy 2023-2026 by the Dutch Government enounced two priorities, which are (1) international legal order, human rights and host national policy, as well as (2) sustainable trade and investment.
In this regard, it’s worth noting that in 2022, Rwanda’s total exports to the Netherlands were valued at around US$15 million consisting mainly of horticultural products, fresh roses and minerals. This amount has tripled over the past six (6) years, as it was only around US$ 5 million in 2018. Moreover, Rwanda, which is a touristic country, receives more and more tourists from the Netherlands, which is ranked 4th in the European Union (after France, Germany and Belgium).
Commemoration and lessons learned from genocide
On 23rd December 2003, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/58/234, confirmed on 20th April 2020, establishing the date of 7 April as the “International Day on Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda”. The resolution further “[urged] Member States to develop educational programmes that will inculcate in future generations the lessons of the genocide in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide”.
Before and after this resolution, Rwanda developed a four-way strategy to preserve the memory of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi: 1) annual commemorations on 7th April and during the hundred days of remembrance, until the 3rd July; 2) establishment of genocide memorials, in Rwanda and abroad, including four that were inscribed last year in the UNESCO World Heritage; 3) education about genocide in schools in Rwanda and abroad, as well as a 4) laws criminalizing genocide denial, which was also enacted in France and in Rwanda.
This 30th commemoration of the genocide is an important milestone. We should note that today two Rwandans out of three were born after the genocide. This anniversary is therefore a generational turning point. While the work of healing and justice should continue, we have now a bigger responsibility of preservation of the memory and education, not only for the Rwandan young generation, but also for the world. As we speak, in this 21st century, people, in our region and beyond, are under threat of extermination.
Given our tragic experience, it’s unfortunate that the community of nations didn’t learn enough lessons about genocide but I still hope that humanity and responsibility will eventually prevail.
Fighting genocide denial
The UN resolution I was mentioning condemned “without reservation any denial of the genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group in Rwanda as a historical event in full or in part, as established by the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 2006, rejects any denial of the genocide”.
This scourge of genocide denial was spread in the world by genocide fugitives, through their families, communities and friends, including so-called scholars. This 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi provides an opportunity for the world to reflect on the lessons of the Genocide and the battle to preserve the integrity of the historical accounts of it. Indeed, there has been a concerted effort to minimize or deny the Genocide, using various tactics, ranging from questioning the numbers of victims, blaming the victims for causing the Genocide, and even suggesting that a double genocide took place.
These tactics are not new, as they have been deployed by perpetrators and deniers of other genocides since the Holocaust. But if we are not careful, this distortion of historical facts – supercharged by social media and AI tools now in the hands of deniers – could be deployed across the world, turning true history into contested debate.
Rwanda’s history has shaped Rwandan shared identity – this is why the historical clarity about the Genocide against the Tutsi is of national and international importance.
Greece is India’s gateway to Europe, with large and important agreements in defense, business, shipping, and technology
By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made an official visit to India a while ago, noting that he is the first Greek Prime Minister to visit the country in 16 years. Mr. Mitsotakis and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, spoke of significant deepening of bilateral cooperation and a doubling of trade between Greece and India by 2030, during their joint statements after the meeting of the enlarged delegations of the two countries in New Delhi. The joint declaration between the two countries signed last August is in place, while the progress in deepening strategic cooperation in security, defense, and cybersecurity is also very important. It was emphasized that the economic corridor of India – Middle East – Europe has a future and is brighter, as “one only has to look at the map to see that Greece is India’s gateway to Europe”.
Additionally, Mr. Mitsotakis stated that “In order to achieve this, peace and stability must be achieved in the Middle East. We need to be more ambitious on trade too, doubling bilateral trade by 2030 – why not sooner.”
The Greek Prime Minister also pointed out that just as India is a pillar of stability in the wider Indo-Pacific Ocean region, Greece is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, which brings the two countries closer together. He even added, among other things, that “we are focusing on renewable energy sources, shipping, infrastructure and we want to learn from the Indian miracle of IT. In Mr. Modi, I found a true friend and leader,” said the Prime Minister, noting that the relations between Greece and India will be strengthened due to the partnership agreement they signed. “I am sure that we will strengthen mobility in order to strengthen permanent immigration and combat trafficking,” added Mr. Mitsotakis.
Modi: “Extremely Satisfactory” Talks
The Indian Prime Minister referred, in his statements, to the visit he made to Athens last August and argued that the visit of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India is an “amazing opportunity”. He even stated that today’s discussions were “extremely satisfactory,” underlining for his part that the goal is to double trade between the two countries by 2030. Mr. Modi also stated that there are new opportunities for cooperation in the field of defense as well, mobility, and migration. In addition, regarding the education sector, the Indian Prime Minister pointed out that special emphasis was placed on the interconnection of the universities of the two countries. He even added that it was decided to create a new action plan on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Key Areas for Bilateral Cooperation
The two leaders also discussed the goal of more systematic contact and interconnection between Greek and Indian businesses. In addition, special mention was made of strengthening cooperation in the fields of high technology, digitization, startups, as well as infrastructure and logistics centers, a sector in which, as underlined by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, there are great opportunities for Indian companies, due to the strategic position of Greece. Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Narendra Modi also exchanged views on cooperation in defense, education, and culture, especially on the protection of cultural monuments. Possibilities of cooperation in “green” energy and in the agricultural sector were also discussed, while the two leaders expressed their will to complete the bilateral Mobility Agreement in the near future. Indians attach great importance to the official visit of the Greek Prime Minister and the strengthening of bilateral relations as part of their strategy to upgrade economic relations overall with Europe.
Business Contacts
During the first day of the conference, where the official presentation of Greece and the economic and investment opportunities it offers took place, it is estimated that more than 300 meetings were held between the representatives of the Greek companies participating in the mission and their counterparts from India, and signed memoranda of cooperation between Joist Innovation Park, the Innovation Park operating in Larissa, with Adani University.
“Our countries have a long history of cooperation and friendship. And as they are people of the sea, we recognize the need to strengthen our cooperation. “Greece can become a European gateway for India,” stressed, among other things, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for economic diplomacy, Mr. Costas Fragogiannis, during his speech on cooperation between the two sides in matters of shipping and the so-called “blue economy”, where the “GrECO islands” program was also presented.
Official Visit of the Head of the Greek Army (GEETHA) to India – A Military Cooperation Agreement was Signed
An official visit to India was made on April 11 by the head of the GEETHA, General Dimitrios Houpis, at the invitation of his counterpart, General Anil Chauhan. The two leaders, in their meeting, had the opportunity to discuss issues of common interest, which included, among others, the emerging situation at the regional and international level, as well as the emerging security challenges as a result of the prevailing foci of instability around the globe.
The Air Force chief also met Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, as well as Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, with whom they discussed operational issues, emphasizing at the same time the special value of the military cooperation of the two countries. In the context of the visit of the head of the Greek Armed Forces, the Greece-India military cooperation program was signed for the first time, which includes a number of activities that will be carried out in both countries, which are expected to strengthen military cooperation and excellent relations between them, the announcement added.
The GEETHA leader laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, while he had the opportunity for a private meeting with the Greek ambassador to India, Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, with whom they discussed international developments in the wider region, as well as the relations between two countries. India has friendly and cordial relations with Greece and recognizes the historical contribution of our country to world culture, while their military cooperation will be in the common interest of the two countries.
The India-Greece partnership could be a win-win situation for both countries, especially Greece, which will have a new powerful ally like India to counter the Turkey-Pakistan alliance in the Aegean and the SE Mediterranean. The conduct of joint air exercises between Greece and India would result in the familiarization of dealing with the F-16s from the Indian RAFALE, a fact very beneficial for the Indian pilots in order to deal with the “Pakistani” F-16s. Greece and India can collaborate on drone defense technologies to counter the drone threat posed by Turkey and Pakistan.
Eurojust helps tackle massive fraud of EUR 645 million
Eurojust has assisted national authorities across Europe in tackling a massive fraud involving fake investments in cannabis plants for medicinal use. Two linked criminal organisations that advertised the scheme online and laundered the profits, which are estimated to be approximately EUR 645 million, have been dismantled. In a coordinated action, nine suspects have been arrested. Eurojust supported authorities in Germany, Spain and France in setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) into the fraud.
In Germany, France and Spain alone, over 4 500 victims have lodged formal complaints against the fraudsters, who set up a crowd-funding programme to raise a minimum of EUR 50 per investor for the development of medicinal cannabis plants. In reality, no cannabis plants were ever bought, although the organisers of the scheme pretended to work with legitimate and licensed enterprises that would cultivate them. The fraud ran from at least January 2020 to July 2022.
The entire scheme had the character of a pyramid or ‘Ponzi fraud’ and promised extremely high returns on investment. Investigations in Germany and Spain, later followed by counterparts in other countries across Europe, showed that investors had been only partially paid.
Most of the invested money was used to pay affiliates, keep the scheme running and expand the fraud through extensive online campaigns. For this purpose and to launder the proceeds, a web of international enterprises was used. The scheme itself appears to have been run by a Russian criminal network, with an affiliated German-based crime group.
Victims in Germany and Spain claim to have lost at least EUR 51.5 million, but the total investment is estimated to be close to EUR 645 million. In total, around 550 000 participants worldwide were registered as online investors, most of them European citizens. Around 186 000 participants transferred funds, either via cryptocurrencies or bank transfers.
Since 2022, Eurojust has been extensively supporting the national authorities, including assisting the German, Spanish and French authorities in setting up and funding the JIT. This led to a successful Joint Action Day coordinated at Eurojust.
At the request of the German and Spanish authorities, in recent days operational actions against the criminal networks were also carried out in Estonia, Latvia, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic. The French authorities made a decisive contribution to the analysis of crypto flows during the investigations and took part in searches in Germany and Spain on the action day.
Europol supported this massive cross-border investigation from the outset, taking the lead in operational coordination and providing tailored analytical support. Furthermore, Europol shared results of the financial investigations as well as other intelligence with the involved countries. On the action day, Europol deployed officers with mobile offices to various locations worldwide.
During the action days, over thirty places were also searched and for several millions of Euros in crypto assets and bank accounts were frozen. Also real estate properties, luxury vehicles, artwork, cash and various luxury items were seized, as well as large numbers of electronic devices and documents.
The operations were carried out on the ground at request of and by:
- Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Berlin; Criminal Investigation Department Berlin (LKA)
- Spain: Central Investigative Judge no. 6 at the Audiencia Nacional; National Police (Policia Nacional – UDEF Central Brigade against Economic Crime, Financial Fraud Group)
- France: Paris’ Prosecutor’s Office JUNALCO (National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime); Gendarmerie National (Research Section Rennes)
- Estonia: Office of the Prosecutor General; Police and Border Guard Board
- Latvia: Prosecutor General’s Office; International Cooperation Department and Economic Crime Enforcement Department of the Central Criminal Police Department of the State Police
- Italy: Postal Police Service of the National Police – Operational Section for Cyber Security, Macerata, and Operational Centre for Cybersecurity of Marche
- Malta: Malta Police Force – International Relations Unit
- Poland: Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Jelenia Góra, Lublin, Warsaw, Warsaw Praga and Wrocław; Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime
- Portugal: Central Public Prosecutor’s Office Lisbon (DCIAP); Judicial Police (Policia Judiciária)United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
- United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
Five criminals behind multi-million pound benefit fraud convicted in the United Kingdom with support from Eurojust
Five members of an organised crime group (OCG) responsible for the largest ever fraud against the United Kingdom benefit system have been convicted. The suspects, all Bulgarian nationals, have pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering offences at the Wood Green Crown Court. The damage caused by the scam is estimated at more than GBP 50 million (EUR 58 million).
The Agency supported the case and assisted the UK and Bulgarian authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.
Between October 2016 and May 2021, the OCG made thousands of false claims for Universal Credit (UK social security payment) using either real people or hijacked identities. These claims were supported by an array of forged documents, including fictitious tenancy agreements, counterfeit payslips and forged letters from landlords, employers and GPs. If the claims were rejected, the fraudsters would try again and again until they were granted.
The money gained from these fraudulent claims was then laundered by moving it between several accounts through numerous transfers.
In some cases, the OCG leaders recruited people from Bulgaria, obtained their identity documents and paid them a share of the proceeds from the false benefit claims made on their behalf. The recruits then returned to Bulgaria with the proceeds of their crimes, which alerted the Bulgarian authorities.
The suspects were first arrested in the United Kingdom on 5 May 2021. Following his release under investigation, one of the five defendants fled to Bulgaria. As a result of collaborative work between the UK and Bulgarian authorities, the suspect was extradited back to the United Kingdom on 25 February 2023 to face justice.
The case was opened at Eurojust in June 2021 at the request of the UK authorities. Two coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to coordinate the national investigations and discuss judicial cooperation matters, including the surrender of suspects and asset recovery.
A JIT was set up between the UK and Bulgarian authorities with the support of Eurojust in January 2022. The JIT has enabled the direct exchange of evidence between authorities, especially banking evidence, to support the recovery and confiscation of assets.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
- Bulgaria: District Prosecutor’s Office- Sliven
- United Kingdom: Crown Prosecution Service, Department for Work and Pensions
Bangladesh Celebrates 53 Years of Independence
By Roy Lie Atjam
On March 26, 2024, the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands organized a reception at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Independence. The event was attended by a significant number of guests who came together to felicitate H.E. Ambassador M. Riaz Hamidullah on this special occasion.
Many politicians, academics, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, business persons, government officials, ambassadors, expatriates, and Bangladesh professionals attended the celebration.
The guest of honour was Prof. Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende, a former Dutch Prime Minister and Minister of State.
In his welcome speech, H.E. Ambassador M. Riaz Hamidullah briefly underlined the ways the ties shaped in the past five decades, our shared values and how Bangladesh intends to engage with the Netherlands in the time ahead.
The Ambassador recalled the contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “the architect of our independence. Defying many odds, Bangladesh made notable strides. Much of this is credited to political and social stability aside from sustained and equitable economic growth thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In positioning Bangladesh with her value-driven policies, we firmly hold on to democracy, pluralism and secularism. The Ambassador also mentioned that Bangladesh – Netherlands ties as also a vision of global well-being premised on shared prosperity – be it sustainable development, tackling climate change or advancing circularity.”
The highlight of the evening was the remarks made by Prof. Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende. He began his speech by recalling the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Balkenende also drew a comparison between Bangabandhu and the Dutch Father of the Nations in terms of their leadership and tragic demise. He then read out a quote from Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the Unfinished Memoir of Bangabandhu, from a daughter’s perspective. Balkenende praised the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and how she is working hard to materialize her father’s dream, and also highlighted Bangladesh’s economic progress over the years and its potential for trade and investment as a growing economy. The presence and remarks of Dr Balkenende moved the audience, resulting in spontaneous applause.
The festivities concluded with an (iftar) dinner that included a variety of delicious Bangladeshi dishes like Kacchi biriyani, polao, chicken korma, dal, vegetables, fish, chop, and homemade sweets.
“We were also considerate of the holy month of Ramadan and ensured that iftar items were available for guests who were fasting. The aim was to create a delightful culinary experience while keeping in mind the religious observances of our guests.”
At the end of the event, every guest received a handcrafted jute placemat created by the Bangladeshi entrepreneur Beni Boonon.
Based on all of this, we can confidently state that our National Day 2024 celebration left a lasting impression on the memories of all the attendees.