US ready to embrace artificial intelligence “to meet future global security challenges”

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US ready to embrace artificial intelligence “to meet future global security challenges”

Lt. Gen. John Shanahan, Director of the US military’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center. 

By Guido Lanfranchi.

As new technologies emerge in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), militaries around the world are increasingly considering using this technology to tackle security challenges. The United States aims at being at the forefront of such process – said Lt. Gen. John Shanahan, Director of the US military’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center.  

“We are entering a new era of global technological disruption, one that is fueled by data, software, AI, cyber, and cloud, with 5G soon to explode globally. The pace of change is breathtaking. With no end in sight to the speed or scope of change, the United States understands that we must embrace this technological transformation to meet future global security challenges”. These are the words employed by Lt. Gen. John Shanahan, Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) at the United States Department of Defense (DoD). His message is clear: the technology is out there, the stakes in terms of security are significant, and the United States’ military must be a leader in this new technological transition. 

The JAIC was established by the Pentagon in June 2018, with the aim of providing “a critical mass of expertise to help the Department of Defense harness the game-changing power of AI”. In order to do so, the Center relies on the cooperation between the military and the commercial sector, where most AI technologies are currently developed. The JAIC’s aim – Director Shanahan explained – is to leverage existing AI-enabled technologies in order to develop and deliver new capabilities. While up to now projects have focused on issues such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the priority project for next year concerns joint warfighting – the Director explained. However, the Center is also set to serve other goals, such as enabling the wider adoption of AI technology throughout the US military, as well as examining how to use AI-enabled capabilities “safely, lawfully, and ethically”. 

While the use of AI-based technologies in the military has been met with skepticism by some analysts, Lt. Gen. Shanahan outlined his – and his country’s – “pragmatic” view on the issue: “Like electricity, AI is a transformative, general purpose technology. AI is capable of being used for good or for bad, but it is not a thing unto itself”. From a military perspective, for instance, AI-based technologies could help commanders in the field making better decisions, or they could enable the streamlining of the military’s office functions – Director Shanahan explained, stressing that AI is the “number one technology modernization priority” for US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. 

Addressing some concerns on the use of AI-based technology for autonomous, unsupervised, independent weapon systems, Director Shanahan clarified that “that’s not something we’re interested in”. “We have humans that will be at some point in the loop, or on the loop, or outside the loop” – he added, stressing that “accountability” for mistakes will remain a crucial element of any AI-based system that will be developed by the US. Moreover – he reassured – due attention is being placed by the US on preventing the adoption of AI-enabled technology by malicious actors, including non-state-actors. 

One further factor shaping the US military’s willing to develop and deliver AI-powered capabilities is the adoption of this technology by other powers, such as China and Russia.

“We are keenly aware that our strategic competitors are embracing this technological revolution” – Director Shanahan said, stressing that “many of the AI applications of both Russia and China […] raise serious questions regarding international norms, human rights, and preserving a free and open international order”. On China’s side, Lt. Gen. Shanahan mentioned China’s use of AI technology to strengthen censorship, as well as the sale of AI-enabled autonomous weapons, while for Russia he mentioned the use of “machine learning and autonomation for its global disinformation campaigns as well as lethal autonomous weapons”. 

By contrast – Director Shanahan stressed – the US is willing to start a dialogue with the European Union and NATO on how to use AI-based technologies in a common framework, grounded in an “ethics-based discussion” and with a “human-centric approach”. “AI, like the major technology innovations of the past, has enormous potential to strengthen the NATO alliance” – the Director noted, expressing positive feelings on the upcoming meetings to be held by US, EU, and NATO leaders on the use of AI technologies for military purposes. 

In short – Lt. Gen. Shanahan concluded – AI is “one of the most important technologies that we’ve seen in a long time. It is just an enabling technology. It is up to us to figure out how really that we use it to make it the most effective and efficient capabilities that we can put into our respective militaries”. 


About the author:

Guido Lanfranchi is a student and young professional in the field of international affairs. He has pursued his studies both at Leiden University and Sciences Po Paris, where he is currently enrolled. In parallel, he has been gaining professional experience through internships (first at the Council of the European Union, and currently at Clingendael Institute), as well as by working as reporter and associate editor for Diplomat Magazine The Netherlands. His research and work focus on the Middle East and Africa, and especially on conflict situations in these regions.

Protests in Hong Kong: the take of the Chinese government

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Protests in Hong Kong: the take of the Chinese government

In the picture H.E. Ambassador Xu Hong.

In an open discussion with over twenty Dutch and Chinese journalists, China’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, voiced his government’s stance on the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. The Ambassador condemned the violent actions of the demonstrators, calling for the expression of any dissent through legal channels.

Since June 2019, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has been witnessing a strong wave of protests. At first, the demonstrators protested against a bill that would have allowed to extradite criminal suspects from Hong Kong to mainland China, voicing fears that such bill could be used by Beijing to target political opponents. While the incriminated bill has been withdrawn already in early September 2019, protests have now evolved into a broader anti-government movement, calling for democratic reforms, the release of people arrested during the protests, as well as an investigation into alleged police abuses committed during the demonstrations. 

Thousands of bombs Molotov prepared by Hong Kong Protesters found at the University of Hong Kong.

Meeting Chinese and Dutch journalist, China’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, sought to counterbalance the narrative that tends to dominate the coverage of Hong Kong’s protests in Western media. In particular, the Ambassador complained about the partial coverage offered by these outlets – which he accused of disproportionately covering police actions against demonstrators while ignoring the protesters’ provocations vis-à-vis the police. “Some violent scenes […] are deliberately deleted by some foreign media and thus are not known to our foreign friends” – Dr. Xu Hong noted while showing a longer video of images taken during the unrest. 

The Ambassador accused the protesters of damaging property, provoking the police, and causing a significant deterioration to the economy of the Hong Kong region. By contrast, he widely praised the police – accused of abuses by the demonstrators – for its restraint in dealing with the unrest. “The Government of Hong Kong SAR has been dealing with the situation in the framework of the law” – the Ambassador continued, noting that “in the past six months, with so many violent activities [by the demonstrators], none of the demonstrators died as a result of police law enforcement actions”.

Chinese ambassador with colleagues during the press meeting.

During the press conferences, Dr. Xu Hong also sought to downplay some of the complaints voiced by the protesters. The Ambassador praised the Hong Kong Basic Law, the region’s so-called “mini-constitution”, noting that since its return to China under the “one country, two systems” policy, the Hong Kong region has enjoyed a good degree of protection of democracy and human rights – as proved by indicators such as the 2018 Human Freedom Index report. In this context, the Ambassador noted, if the demonstrators have legitimate goals, such goals “should be achieved by the rule of law, not by destroying the rule of law”. “Law is the core value of Hong Kong. If the rule of law is undermined, nothing will be completed” – he stressed.

The Chinese Ambassador also spent a few words on the recent District Council elections in Hong Kong. The latest elections, which took place on November 24th, 2019, saw an unprecedentedly large victory of the so-called “pro-democracy camp” – a victory interpreted by several analysts as a blow to Beijing. While clarifying that “District Council elections are internal affairs of Hong Kong itself”, Dr. Xu Hong confidently declared that no result could “change the reality” of the support enjoyed by the “one country, two systems” scheme among the majority of Hong Kongers.

Finally, Dr. Xu Hong touched upon the thorny issue of foreign interference in China’s Special Administrative Region. He noted that, to some of his friends in Hong Kong, “it is difficult to understand why those protesters are so rich” – noting as an “indisputable fact” that in Hong Kong “there are some foreign organizations and people working behind the scenes”. 

Ambassador Xu Hong.

In this context, the Ambassador openly criticized the United States for passing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 – a US federal law that imposes sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials allegedly responsible for human rights abuses in the SAR, and calls for a yearly revision of privileged US-Hong Kong relations in light of the SAR’s relation with mainland China. “The real purpose of passing such as act […] is definitely not to promote human rights and democracy in Hong Kong” – Dr. Xu Hong protested, blaming US lawmakers for failing to present proper evidence to back up their claims, as well as for unduly interfering in other countries’ domestic affairs. 

In a similar way, Ambassador Xu Hong sought to clarify his country’s position on the interpretation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration – the negotiated text that formalized Hong Kong’s return to China – and the recently voiced allegations on the United Kingdom’s potential right to monitor the situation in Hong Kong. This debate – the Ambassador complained – shows that some people’s thoughts “still stay in the colonial era more than 100 years ago”. “The time of interfering with China’s domestic affairs and infringing on our sovereignty […] has long gone” – he continued, stressing that in 1997 “China officially resumed total sovereignty over Hong Kong” and that “there is no space left for any foreign interference”. 

While the situation in Hong Kong remains tense, Ambassador Xu Hong voiced his hopes for a relaxation of tensions – hopes that are also shared by Dutch businesses active in the area. “I have talked with many Dutch companies which have branches in Hong Kong, they all expressed the willingness to see restoration of order in Hong Kong as soon as possible” – the Ambassador explained.

Qatar blurs regional powers to diffuse Iran-US conflict

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Qatar blurs regional powers to diffuse Iran-US conflict

By Malik Ayub Sumbal.

Qatar once more takes the lead as a mediator in the recent crisis that engulfed the Middle East after the targeted assassination of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian Major General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who was targeted by the US drone strike at Baghdad’s International Airport on 3rd January 2020.

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Iran directly after the incident of Soleimani’s killing is being seen as a very serious and wise diplomatic move by the Qatari side to reduce the tension in the region.

For the last decade, Qatar has been playing a responsible and mature role in resolving the regional and global conflicts towards peaceful solutions and has a very solid stance on the implementation of international law. On one side, Qatar has been facing air, sea and land blockade from its neighboring Gulf States including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and UAE since 2017 but playing a very positive and responsible role in diffusing tension between major power players.

Despite the face of numerous challenges from the neighboring states, Qatar is getting the status of the most favorite state in the Middle East compared to any other country and it is because of equal treatment on part of Qatar towards all the other countries in the region and across the world.

The difference between Qatar’s diplomacy and the other GCC members is that Qatar used to engage other countries into dialogue and negotiations on the grounds of equality without resorting to hegemonic mantra, however, some other states in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia used the policy of supremacy and dominance and try to exploit the other states with its influence.

Qatar is getting huge leverage due to its diversified diplomatic style and moving successfully to become a regional and global hub for its diplomacy, dialogue, and diversity.

Qatar’s shuttle diplomacy towards the de-escalation in the Middle East and its emerging role as a mediator, proving a successful episode in diffusing tension not only between Iran and the USA but also played an effective role in bringing all the stakeholders at the negotiable table for peace in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister of Qatar Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Iraq and met his counterpart is another serious effort from Qatar in defusing tension among all parties towards restraint.

Kuala Lumpur Summit Aftermaths- A New Muslim Bloc in the making

A new Muslim country’s bloc is being seen in the making while witnessed a number of developments in the aftermath of the Kaula Lumpur Summit gesturing that there is a very strong desire for new leadership for the Muslim world.

The Muslim world needs a new Muslim’s order for the presentation of better counter-narrative, existing challenges and to combat the increasing threat of Islamophobia.

The dynamics of the Muslim world are changing very fast. Qatar, Turkey, and Malaysia are gearing up for the unity of the Muslim countries; however, Saudi Arabia feeling afraid of losing its hegemonic control. The KL Summit is likely the act to spurn the hold of the few Muslim countries’ overall on the Muslims world.

Unfortunately, those few countries who are claiming to have a hold on the entire Muslim world badly exploited the less developed Muslim states for their own interests and for the sake of the pro-western agenda.

Kuala Lumpur Summit was actually an effort to unite the divided Muslim world but the propaganda against the KL summit in its aftermath is actuallyexposing the fear of so-called Muslim countries who foresees their monopoly ending.

The recent Kuala Lumpur Summit is actually the first major gesture towards this new episode of the new Muslim world order. A new Islamic bloc is being anticipated to solve the challenges of the Muslim countries and to give the confidence of the depressed Muslim countries is the need of the hour.

The End of Saudi Hegemony

Malaysian Prime Minister calls for the Muslim world to get united after the assassination of the Qasem Solemini is another powerful stance from any Muslim country that scared the Saudi Arabia hegemony.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership specifically the crown prince Muhammad Bin Salman thinks that the control of Saudis is losing rapidly in the region and especially in the Muslim world.

Saudi Arabia did not want to get independent in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Qatar is a very good example that how Saudis made its blockage and try to use all its influence to let it down but as they pushed, Qatar emerged as a global hub and more interactive to the world.    

There is an increasing debate among the Muslims countries that whenever west want to implant their agenda or policies they implement through Saudi Arabia or its close allies.

So the Saudi hegemony is ending fast under the current circumstances and the existing policies of the kingdom leadership. After the successful show of the Kuala Lumpur Summit with the presence of three major Muslim states, experts are predicting a domino effect, which is going to end the theological and political grip of the oil-rich kingdom on Muslim governments.

About the author: Malik Ayub Sumbal is a Geopolitical Analyst, Commentator. He also President and Founder of The Caucasus Center for Strategic and International Studies (CCSIS). Malik tweets @ayubsumbal 

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© 2019 by the Caucasus Center for Strategic and International Studies. All rights reserved.

Bentley returns to profitability

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Bentley returns to profitability

British luxury automobile brand Bentley returned to profitability in 2019, aided by a 5% sales increase after a strong performance in Europe and the Americas as it was announced by Volkswagen per press release. 

Sales reached 11,006 vehicles last year, boosted by the new Continental GT Convertible model and a series of derivatives and limited edition models.

For further information:

 https://www.bentleymotors.com/en.html

Picture by Varenia Griebel.

France Contributes USD 1M to OPCW’s Trust Fund for Syria Missions

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France Contributes USD 1M to OPCW’s Trust Fund for Syria Missions

The Permanent Representative of France to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Luis Vassy and H. E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director General of the OPCW.

The Hague, Netherlands – 20 January 2020 – The Government of France is contributing USD 1M toward supporting the activities of the Trust Fund for Syria Missions at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which includes the work of the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT), the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM), and the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT).

The Fund supports the Organisation’s special missions and contingency operations related specifically to the Syrian Arab Republic. The French contribution aims to equip the OPCW with the means to maintain its professional and impartial standards in addressing the threat from chemical weapons use.

The voluntary contribution was announced in November 2019, when the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, visited the OPCW. It was formalised with an agreement signed on 20 January by the Director-General of the OPCW, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of France to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Luis Vassy, at the Organisation’s headquarters in The Hague.

The Permanent Representative of France to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Luis Vassy and H. E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director General of the OPCW.

The Director-General expressed his gratitude for France’s unwavering support, and remarked: “France has long been a central partner in the global disarmament regime and a determined supporter of the Chemical Weapons Convention. This kind of resolve is as vital as ever to ensuring that the OPCW can fulfil its mandate.”

Ambassador Vassy emphasised France’s continuous commitment to supporting the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and further advances in the eradication of chemical weapons. He stated: “France stands by the OPCW since the beginning of the Syrian chemical crisis in 2013, through its political and financial support. This voluntary contribution illustrates once more our commitment to putting an end to the use of chemical weapons in Syria by throwing light on Syria’s initial declaration as well as on the allegations of use and on the identification of the perpetrators of such attacks. France reiterates its confidence in the OPCW’s professional, impartial and independent work.” 

France has been an active member of the OPCW since the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997. France is a member of the Executive Council, the OPCW’s executive organ, which is charged with promoting the effective implementation of and compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention as well as supervising the activities of the Organisation’s Technical Secretariat.

The Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) is mandated to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. The IIT was launched following a decision adopted by the Conference of the States Parties to the CWC at its Fourth Special Session held in June 2018.

The OPCW Fact Finding Mission was set up in 2014 in response to persistent allegations of chemical weapon attacks in Syria, with the task to establish facts surrounding allegations of the use of toxic chemicals, reportedly chlorine, for hostile purposes.

Established in the same year, the Declaration Assessment Team engages the relevant Syrian authorities to resolve the identified gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in the Syrian declaration.

As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.

Over 97% of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor States have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.

Andorra Contributes €5,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

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Andorra Contributes €5,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

In the picture the Permanent Representative of Andorra to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Esther Rabas and the OPCW Director General, H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias.

The Hague, Netherlands – 20 January 2020 – The Government of Andorra has contributed €5,000 to a special Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project to upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store. This project will result in the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).

The contribution was formalised during a ceremony at the OPCW Headquarters between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of Andorra to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Esther Rabasa.

The Director-General expressed: “I thank the Government of Andorra for this contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology that will further build the capabilities of our Member States to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.”

Ambassador Rabasa remarked: “Andorra’s voluntary contributions express both its continuous support to the victims of chemical weapons and its will to be part of the efforts aiming at increasing the training and capacity-building capabilities the Secretariat can offer to States Parties through the establishment of the new ChemTech Centre.”

She added that “Andorra is well aware that as a country with a small territorial dimension, it owes its survival to the existence of, and compliance with, the rules of the international legal system and is strongly committed to multilateralism to address the threat from chemical weapons use”. She concluded by expressing Andorra’s full support for the efficiency and quality of the work undertaken by the Director-General and the Technical Secretariat.

Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats, boost its investigative capability, and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.

So far, thirty-one States Parties and the European Union have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date. In the coming days, several other States Parties are expected to contribute.

Bottega Veneta opens up in Miami

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Bottega Veneta opens up in Miami

In Miami Bottega Veneta’s Creative Director Daniel Lee presented last autumn the brand’s newest boutique in a fresh novel style.

Daniel Lee modernised the æsthetic DNA of Bottega Veneta and sparked a new hype about the Italian brand. The young Briton is now heralding his second year as head designer with the opening of the first store he designed for the Miami market. Inspired by Miami’s design district and the brand’s origins in Montebello, the bright, open spaces also reflect his modern vision of discreet elegance, which also defines his fashion. 

The new store focuses on the brand’s accessories. They line the walls and are displayed on free-standing azure blue tables. However, the architectural highlight is the pink plaster staircase to the upper floor, wherein the men’s collection is presented.

For further information:
https://www.bottegaveneta.com/de

Picture by Bottega Veneta.

The Russian Old New Year in The Hague

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The Russian Old New Year in The Hague

Reception at the Russian Embassy in the Netherlands on the occasion of the Old New Year

From Right, the Ambassador of Russia, H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin and Natalia Shulgin with two gorgeous dressed Russian ladies during the Old Year’s reception at the Russian Embassy.

On January 13, 2020, the Russian Embassy in The Hague hosted a traditional reception on the occasion of the Old New Year.

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Nikon, Dean of the Russian Orthodox Church of St Mary Magdalene and Father Elisey with Natalia Shulgina.

The event was attended by more than 100 guests. Among them were heads of diplomatic missions accredited in the Netherlands, the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, officials of international organizations, representatives of political and business circles, social sectors, the media, clergy, as well as compatriots residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director General of the OPCW and H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation,

The Russian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, delivered a welcome speech to the audience, presented the history of the festival and congratulated all the guests present on it, having wished them peace and prosperity.

Russian reception celebrating the Old New Year.

The head of the Embassy emphasized, that this year the whole world will celebrate a special anniversary – the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

These days when the attempts to falsify and distort historical facts related to the outbreak, course and end of the World War II have eminently intensified, it is even more necessary to commemorate this glorious date with dignity.

Russian illusionist Sergey Listopad.

The participants of the solemn reception got the opportunity to enjoy the art of the famous Russian illusionist Sergey Listopad.

A tasting of Russian wines from the Crimean peninsula produced by the winemaker Valery Zakharyin together with the presentation of a thematic video also took place during the evening.

A tasting of Russian wines from the Crimean peninsula produced by the winemaker Valery Zakharyin.

Residentie Orkest Business Circle – New Year Concert

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Residentie Orkest Business Circle – New Year Concert

By Roy Lie Atjam.

The Hague Philarmonic Orchestra New Year’ Concert –  The Hague Philharmonic Orchestra/The Residentie Orkest, enthusiastically welcome the new year 2020 no doubt will be a musical year.

The Zuiderstrand theater was full for this festive occasion. The program details: Mr Kazem Abdullah (USA), conductor, Kari Postma (Norway) soprano and Hermine Deurloo (Dutch) harmonica player. Master of ceremony was Mr Ab Nieuwdorp. The concert selection of pieces: Strauss Jr. – Overture ‘The Gypsy Baron.Gershwin – Suite Porgy and Bess, Gershwin – American in Paris, Amber – Overture ‘West Side Story.

The main focus was on Strauss and Gershwin. Furthermore, Various waltzes, polkas and arias.  The concert was nothing if not fascinating, the audience responded with a standing ovation.  Conductor Kazem Abdullah thanked the audience for coming out in such large numbers. He went on to say, we will start 2020 with music in our hearts . 

Mr Peter Arensman, president of the Residentie Orkest Business Circle cordially invited members of the circle to join him at a special concert at the Zuiderstrand theater on 10  January 2020. Following the concert, the Business Circle held a reception for its members and invitees at the Haven Foyer.

The Rabobank, a member of the Business Circle donated a cheque worth Euro 10,000 to the Residentie Orkest. A student  Efe Fargane, who is affiliated with the Residentie Orkest, also received a cheque from the Rabobank to pursue his education.

The theme of the 2020 new year concert was “A new Light”, the light will keep on shining all year long.         
Renta Brabander, Chairman of the Board of the Rabobank in The Hague, presented a check, in the amount of Euro 10,000 earmarked for “De Resident,” to Sven Arne Tepl.

Famous celebrity from the Netherlands Humberto Tan in Rwanda

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Famous celebrity from the Netherlands Humberto Tan in Rwanda

Humberto Tan is a famous and well appreciated TV host in the Netherlands who presents several prime time TV shows at RTL, being the largest commercial TV broadcasting company in the Netherlands.

Furthermore he is a well-know photographer and he has 378,000 followers on Instagram. Enough reasons for the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board to invite him to discover the land of a thousand hills. Humberto Tan accepted the invitation and made a roundtrip in Rwanda this week and was very much impressed by Rwanda’s people, its culture and the places he visited like e.g. Akagera NP, Volcanoes NP, Lake Kivu and Kigali. 

The gorilla tracking experience made a big impression on Humberto. “What struck me most? Their soft energy! The dominant man, the Silverback, keeps a close eye on everything and intervenes where it is needed. We have walked over 2.5 hours to find them but it is more than worth it!”

Followers responded with, among other things: “Really very cool!!! You can tick that off your Bucket List” and â€śso close… beautiful in an open light space! What beautiful photos you must have taken! Super!!!”

Humberto Tan in Rwanda on social media Instagram: www.instagram.com/humbertotan/ Instagram – Stories: www.instagram.com/stories/humbertotan/

The destination Rwanda is becoming more and more popular in the Netherlands. “Visit Rwanda initiated a market representation in this country and hosted several groups of media and tour operators in 2019”, said Rwanda’s envoy to the Netherlands H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga. “Next to Humberto’s multiple posts on Instagram, there was great cover story on Rwanda last Saturday in De Telegraaf, which is the largest newspaper in this country.

Furthermore, Visit Rwanda exhibits at the Vakantiebeurs show this week from 15 to 19 January 2020 with a delegation that consists of the Rwanda Development Board, RwandAir, Amahoro Tours, Heritage Travel, Palast Tours & Travel and Wildlife Tours Rwanda”, the Ambassador added.

Humberto Tan in Rwanda.

The show traditionally started with the Industry Day on 15 January and Visit Rwanda hosted a reception in cooperation with Dutch tour operator Untamed Travelling, which was visited by more than 200 travel agents and travel media. 

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