19 February 2020, Washington D.C., USA: President Donald Trump announced the appointment of his Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell as ‘Acting Director of National Intelligence’.
Grenell was confirmed to his incumbent role as Ambassador by the Senate in April 2018. In October 2019, he was further named ‘Special Envoy for Serbia-Kosovo Negotiations’. Swiftly he delivered on the latter position by negotiating the very first flight and train line is to be re-establish between Belgrade and Prishtina. Once implemented, the agreement would allow for the first direct air travel between the two countries since 1998.
A native of Michigan but previously California-based, Ambassador Grenell holds extensive senior policy and communications advisory experience for public officials at international, US federal, state and local levels as well as being for a partner in a Fortune 500 ranked company, that being Capital Media Partners.
In fact, Grenell served as the longest in duty U.S. spokesman and political appointee at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in history between 2001 and 2008.
As Acting Director Grenell becomes a member of Trump’s cabinet, advises upon the latter’s behest on issues of national security and coordinates all foreign and national intelligence programmes.
In the picture Ms. Jana van der Velde, Head of the Division Central and South Eastern Europe from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Alessandro Rotta, from the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities .
By Nynke van der Heide.
The Austrian Embassy hosted a panel discussion on ‘Vision 2030 for the New Balkans: The Importance of South Eastern Europe for the Prosperity, Stability and Security of the EU’ at the beautiful Austrian Residence in The Hague. This discussion is part of the dialogue that started in December 2018 with the initiative “New Horizons for the Young Generations in the Balkans”.
The initiative gives a voice to the vision of a young generation growing up in the Western Balkans. Resulting in the study published in December 2019: ‘Vision 2030 for the New Balkans: Towards Alternative Horizons’, which was presented by co-author Vedran Džihić, Senior Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs.
Ms. Jana van der Velde, Head of the Division Central and South Eastern Europe from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Alessandro Rotta from the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities., Dr. Arlinda Rrustemi, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, Security Expert, H.E. Ms. Heidemaria Gürer, Ambassador of Austria, Dr. Vedran Džihić, Senior Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Politics and the Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Ms. Dubravka Plejic Markovic.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia H.E. Ms. Dubravka Plejic Markovic, Head of the Division Central and South Eastern Europe from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jana van der Velde and Senior Political Adviser, Alessandro Rotta from the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities contributed valuable insights from different perspectives to the discussion as well.
The discussion was moderated by Security Expert Dr. Arlinda Rrustemi from the The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies.
Dr. Arlinda Rrustemi, Dr. Vedran Džihić, the Ambassador of Croatia, H.E. Ms. Dubravka Plejic Markovic, Ms. Jana van der Velde and Alessandro Rotta .
The panel discussion was opened by a speech from Ambassador H.E. Ms. Heidemaria Gürer whom emphasized the importance of the theme of the discussion for Austria in light of the 2018 Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Stability and security in the Western Balkans are important topics for the European Union and in particular Austria, which has close relations with its neighbouring countries. 2018 became known as the “Year of Hope” in which EU enlargement in the Balkans had a high priority. Especially the topic of today, the ambassador stressed, is vital. The Western Balkans orientating to the future through the lenses of a new generation.
The paper provides a platform for young people to let their voice be heard. It gives them a chance to set out their hopes for the future, Dr. Džihić explained. According to him there needs to be a horizon that guides the Western Balkans to a different future. This also means the present outlook is not so good. The vision of the European Union is still endangered within the region. Old-fashioned politics, loss of normative power and lack of economic, educational and social perspective were pointed out. But the paper offers a perspective of hope. Although a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the future has gone lost in the region – it is still visible with the young generation.
The major elements that the paper touches upon are about positive democratic feelings. The youth is more optimistic about a future together with the European Union than the older generation. In the paper the writers put their focus on sustainable economical, social, educational and environmental change.
They are lesser concerned with the problem of nationalism. Important is that the Western Balkans needs more identification with Europe. It needs to find a voice on European level, be part of the shaping forces of Europe. Young people believe in the possibility of change: an atmospheric change in politics. One of joy instead of fear, Dr. Džihić concluded.
H.E. Mirsada Čolaković, Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina, during an intervention. Also in the picture the Ambassador of Czech Republic, H.E. Ms. Kateřina Sequensová, the Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Ms. Adia Sakiqi, the Ambassador of Latvia, H.E. Aiga Liepina at Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara, Charge d’affaires of Venezuela.
In context of the current Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU the ambassador H.E. Ms. Dubravka Plejic Markovic pointed out the importance of looking at the problems. She stressed the struggle of the brain drain, young people leaving the region to work elsewhere. The Western Balkans have a good market, but the region is still relatively poor which stalls process.
Initiatives are being done, but it is not enough. There is a need for greater engagement on higher level. This needs more domestic homework. Reforms should be put in place, but this is difficult. It needs support. Therefore, the people need to understand their own value. They can make necessary change happen by becoming politically awake citizens. The ambassador pointed out that it is possible to work out these issues with the right amount of dedication.
Dr. Vedran Džihić, Senior Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Politics and Dr. Arlinda Rrustemi, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, Security Expert.
Head of the Division Central and South Eastern Europe from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jana van der Velde highlighted the Dutch position on the Western Balkans in regard to the accession in the European Union. It is important to make a distinction: the Western Balkans are six different countries.
“Each country is different and has its own problems”, she pointed out. The Netherlands care about these countries and where they stand. But their accession is determined by strict and fair criteria. The pace of accession is decided by the countries themselves and it takes hard work. The Dutch concerns are regarding the rule of law and regional issues and stability. Ms. van der Velde agreed that the focus on youth is important. The older generation is over represented in politics. Therefore, more engagement is necessary. But it is a package, she concluded. Europe is one continent and many issues are relevant to all of Europe. Working together is vital.
Ambassador Gürer during her remarks.
An outlook on instability regarding minorities in the Western Balkans was put forward by Alessandro Rotta from the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. He explained that the societies in which minorities are integrated are most stable. The framework – composed out of many elements such as rights, legislation and policy arrangements – for the Western Balkans is complex. It cannot always combat the daily political discourse in which minority issues are being used as a tool to divert attention from other problems such as corruption or other social-economic problems, he pointed out. Another important problem in these societies is the segregation of education. This is the recipe for a divided society, but it is very difficult to change.
The different views brought forward by the panel stimulated an engaged debate with the esteemed guests. Many interesting questions were raised and answered. The debate ended with a small reception where guests could share their thoughts on the subject.
In the picture, Knights of Rizal with H.E. Jaime Victor Ledda. Picture by Anton Lutter.
By Anton Lutter.
The Order of Knights of Rizal together with the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague launched Gerard Arp’s Dutch translation of El Filibusterismo, written in the 19th century by Jose Rizal, the national hero of The Philippines. Last year during the embassies Independence Day reception Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere was presented to H.E. Mr. Jaime Victor Ledda, the Ambassador of The Philippines to The Netherlands.
Ambassador Ledda held an interesting expose about Dr. Jose Rizal and his connection with The Netherlands. He mentioned the fact – although Rizal – never visited The Netherlands, the El Filibusterismo was clearly influenced by one of Netherlands’ greatest literary works the 19th century Max Havelaar by Multatuli.
After ambassador Ledda, the renowned Rizal scholar from Belgium, Lucien Spittael, entertained the attendants with a visual history of Rizal’s life in Europe, which brought us through countries like Great Britain, Swiss, Germany, France and Belgium. Finally, Jan Mulder’s lecture placed Rizal in the historical context of the 19th century in comparison with the Netherlands-Indies (nowadays Indonesia). This included also the earlier mentioned author Multatuli, who was in fact the civil servant Eduard Douwes Dekker, who wrote the Max Havelaar based on his experiences in in the residency Banten on Java.
De revolutie front – El Filibusterismo written by Dr Jose Rizal.
Of course the first exemplar of El Filibusterismo, translated from the original Spanish version, as De Revolutie, was presented to Ambassador Ledda by the translator and publisher Gerard Arp. The former profusely thanked Mr. Arp for his contribution to promote the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal, by publishing this Dutch translation.
The gathering took place on the 6th of February at Museum Sopiahof and included many guests from Philippine’s Diaspora, board members of the Multatuli Genootschap, academe as well as many others.
From the diplomatic corps we noticed the deputy head of the Embassy of Indonesia Minister Mr. Fikry Cassidy, the Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Malaysia Dr. Mohd Norhisyam Mohd Yusof, the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, Mr. Anthony Begida, the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten Mr. Rene Violenus and the Honorary Consul-General of The Philippines at Amsterdam, Mr. Eppo Horlings.
The Order of the Knights of Rizal is the sole official order of knighthood in The Philippines and created to honor and uphold the ideals of José Rizal. Organized on a global scale its headed in The Netherlands by The Hague chapter commander Sir Anton Lutter, KCR.
Next to the Dutch members a large delegation from Brussels attended the launching. Including the European Regional Commander Sir Albert Arevalo, KGOR and deputy Sir Juanito Villa, KGOR, former European commanders Honorary Consul Sir Tony Guansing, KGCR and Sir Lino Paras, KGCR. The latter being the sole person ever to have been awarded the Pro Patria Award outside of The Philippines.
The celebration of the Diplomats’ Day at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Netherlands
In the picture H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of Russia.
To mark Diplomats’ Day 2020, H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin, Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands, and his wife Mrs. Natalia Shulgina hosted a reception at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in The Hague.
Since 2002, Diplomats’ Day has been celebrated, as an opportunity for the nation to celebrate its foreign service and recognize the work carried out by Russian diplomats around the world.
Diplomat’s Day at the Russian Federation Embassy in The Hague.
Alexander Shulgin drew the attention of the all presents to the fact that this year we are celebrating two major anniversaries: the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II (remembered in Russia as the Great Patriotic War), and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
The Ambassador emphasized that Russia has done everything necessary in order to counter the falsification of history, to preserve the good name of the victorious soldiers, and to prevent the revision of the internationally recognized results of Nazism’s defeat. Along with Russia, many responsible states across the world advocate for a proper historical memory – he noted.
Ambassadors of Morocco, Jordan, Egypt and Algeria admiring the Russian art exhibition.
The head of Russian mission also touched upon the role played by Soviet diplomacy during World War II. To this memory – he explained – the hall of the ground floor at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs features a plaque in honor of the employees of the Soviet diplomatic service operating during the Great Patriotic War. This plaque – Mr. Shulgin noted – serves as a constant reminder for the new generations of diplomats of their predecessors’ courage and patriotism.
The Russian piano player Anna Frank during her remarkable performance.
Ambassador Shulgin also offers to guests an insight into the history of his country’s diplomatic corps. The foundations of Russian diplomacy were laid more than a 1000 years ago, he explained, when a delegation from Ancient Russia led by Princess Olga successfully conducted negotiations with the Byzantine Empire.
A photo exhibition depicting remarkable milestones of the Soviet and Russian diplomatic service was introduced to public.
The Russian piano player Anna Frank performed a variety of music pieces.
Edith Bergansius, The Hague Hispanic Association’s president, H.E. Ms. Laura Dupuy Lasserre, Ambassador of Uruguay and Prof. Gabriel Inzaurralde, Latin American Master Studies program at Leiden University.
Once again, the Embassy of Uruguay together with The Hague Hispanic Association, directed by the president Ms. Edith Bergansius, organised a successful event to pay tribute to the reputable writer of Latin American letters: Ida Vitale of Uruguay, the winner of the 2018 Miguel de Cervantes Prize.
The Koningkerk was filled to its maximum capacity, as the members of the Diplomatic Corps including Ambassadors of Ecuador, and Chile, as well as members of The Hague Hispanic Association which celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020, and other friends of Uruguay and groups of the Spanish speaking diaspora attended to hear Gabriel Inzaurralde, Professor at Leiden University of Hispanic Literature, to give a lecture about Vitale.
Professor Inzaurralde, Latin American Master Studies at Leiden University.
The evening began with H.E. Ms. Laura Dupuy Lasserre, the Ambassador of Uruguay, proudly presenting her views on one of the most important poets of the generation of 45’.
An essayist “critic, a professor of literature, a translator, the author of more than thirty books, as well as the recipient of countless wards and recognitions. It is a source of pride that an Uruguayan woman has received the highest award of the Spanish language, the Miguel de Cervantes Prize for Literature. She is the fifth woman to receive the Cervantes prize that was established in 1976” , noted Ambassador Ms. Dupuy.
H.E. MS. Laura Dupuy Lasserre, Ambassador of Uruguay.
Ida Vitale taught literature in Montevideo until her exile in Mexico from 1973 until 1980, then Vitale, together with Enrique Fierro, her husband, moved to Austin in Texas, where they remained for 30 years until Fierro’s death in 2016.
The poet then returned to Montevideo, were she is still living and writing today. At the age of 96, the author is currently working on a new novel recounting her years in Mexico.
H.E. Ms. Laura Dupuy, Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and the Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Mr. Andrés Terán Parral.
“Her poem Fortuna refers precisely to her status as a woman, and the fortune of having been able to develop in a free society. She belonged to the so-called “Generation of 45′, and like one of her contemporaries, Mario Benedetti, she had to live in exile in Mexico, a country that historically received many Uruguayans in solidarity, in particular from the world of art,” explained H.E. Ambassador Dupuy, who then added that at the event “we will deliver some of Vitale’s poems for your delight.”
Professor Mr. Inzaurralde gave a masteringly engaging speech that kept the public attentive until the end. He managed to bring the poet Vitale to the audience thanks to lively anecdotes, while also reading and analysing many of her poems as well as her life.
Gustavo Morales Bertinat, Cultural Attache, Embassy of Uruguay, the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador Dupuy, Professor Inzaurralde, Edith Berganisus and the Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Mr. Andrés Terán Parral.
On the screen, a broadcast of the Miguel de Cervantes awards ceremony with the King and Queen of Spain, together with Ms. Ida Vitale, as well as a short video of her addressing the audience from home was screened.
This evening full of cultural experiences continued when Ambassador Dupuy invited all guests to taste exclusive Uruguayan wines as well as traditional empanadas and alfajores. Thereafter, the conversations of all present continued until late, marking this event a great success.
Congratulations to Ida Vitale in Montevideo, as well as organisers and all participants!
The Hague, Thursday 5 February 2020. The Philippine Embassy in The Hague, together with the Netherlands Chapter of the sublime Order of the Nights of Rizal(1911) organized the launching of the first Dutch translation of El Filibusterismo written by Dr Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. The first copy of the book was presented to H.E. Mr. Jaime Victor Badillo Ledda, Ambassador of the Philippines.
Mr. Lucien Spittael a Rizal expert, delivered a lecture on the life and works of the Filipino colossal Dr Jose Rizal.
Mr. Jan Mulder also delivered a lecture on Rizal. The translation into Dutch was done by Mr. Gerard Arp of Arpenco Publishers. Notably present at the serene event was a contingent of Knights of Rizal in full regalia, coming all the way from Belgium.
De revolutie front – El Filibusterismo written by Dr Jose Rizal.
After presenting H.E. Mr. Jaime Victor Ledda, Ambassador of the Philippines with the first copy of El Filibusterismo in Dutch, the Order of Rizal anthem was sung and the “Sir” as the knights address one another, shared some experiences, reminiscent of the excellent time they have had with Ambassador Ledda when he was stationed in Brussels. Ambassador Ledda thanked the Order of the Nights of Rizal (The Hague Chapter) and expressed his gratitude for receiving the first copy of Dr Jose Rizal’ book in Dutch.
PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas – Picture by Xinhua, Wang Qing.
Friday, 14 February 2020, Berlin, Germany. During a visit to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, State Councillor and Foreign Minister of the PRC, Wang Yi encountered his German counterpart Dr. Heiko Maas.
The two chiefs of diplomacy agreed on an array of key agendas for this year, including cooperation and a push for aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the EU’s Eurasia connectivity strategy, explore the establishment of a China-EU green partnership and carry out cooperation in the digital sector.
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz & Foreign Minister Wang Yi – Picture by Austrian Federal Chancellery. Picture by Austrian Federal Chancellery/Dragan Tatic
At Munich Foreign Minister Wang Yi likewise pursued a similar bilateral agenda during a meeting he held with Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang was accompanied by the PRC Ambassador to Germany, Wu Ken.
IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol and President Ilham Aliyev – Picture by Presidency of Azerbaijan.
Saturday, 15 February 2020, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan sat for a tête-à-tête with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
Fatih Birol welcomed President Ilham Aliyev’s intervention during the Energy Security round table held as part of the conference.
Azerbaijan readies to increase its energetic weight in relation to Europe with the construction of the so-called “Southern Gas Corridor”, a chain of pipelines linking Azerbaijan to Italy that is almost ready.
Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann and Ambassador Ramón Ripoll Díaz – Picture by Bayerische Staatskanzlei.
Friday, 7 February 2020, Bavarian State Chancellery, Munich, Free State of Bavaria, Germany: State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann, Head of the State Chancellery and Minister of State for Federal and European Affairs and Media, received in his office the Cuban Ambassador Ramón Ripoll Díaz and the latter’s spouse, Maria Milagros Franco Suárez, for a meeting on bilateral relations Cuba-Bavaria.
There was an emphasis on exposing Cuba further to the Bavarian market as a tourist destination, but likewise to expand cooperation in economic and scientific affairs.
Ambassador Ripoll Díaz holds a degree in Economics from the Habana University, and is accredited to Germany since 15 December 2017.
