PRC and Germany up for green partnership

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PRC and Germany up for green partnership

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. 

For further information:

 Embassy of the PRC to Germany – HE Ambassador Wu Ken: http://www.china-botschaft.de/det/dszl/dsjl/

IEA holds talks vis-à-vis Azerbaijan

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IEA holds talks vis-à-vis Azerbaijan

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.

For further information: 
The meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHX2XRXgCqA
President of Azerbaijan: https://en.president.az/articles/35802

Embassy of Azerbaijan to Germany: http://berlin.mfa.gov.az/news/4/3640

Cuban Ambassador Ramón Ripoll welcomed in Bavaria

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Cuban Ambassador Ramón Ripoll welcomed in Bavaria

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. 

For further information: 
Embassy of Cuba in Germany: http://misiones.minrex.gob.cu/es/alemania

https://www.bayern.de/service/fotoreihen/?frid=in131635&fbclid=IwAR3GPq5Ey9iZ2y8O4ZAQVJIpJPafV3wtaHLtR6MyoWh_SvK9MOM3g73ULSE

71st Republic Day at the India House

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71st Republic Day at the India House

In the picture H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony, Ambassador of India.

Text and pictures by Catherine Dailey.

This morning, some 600 guests gathered outdoors, under sunny skies, to celebrate India’s 71st Republic Day at the “India House”, the residence of India’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, His Excellency Ambassador Venu Rajamony.

The program opened with a flag raising ceremony and the playing of the National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.”

On behalf of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Ambassador Venu Rajamony extended a warm welcome to his many guests, including scores of Indians who are working or studying in the Netherlands; Dutch citizens who, by way of Surinam, form the largest number of India’s diaspora; representatives from the municipalities of The Hague and Wassenaar and other “friends of India” who joined the Ambassador and his staff for the annual celebration.

Ambassador Rajamony read the President’s annual Republic Day address which emphasized the rights of his people as “citizens of a free and democratic nation” and called for an accompanying responsibility to “always adhere to the central tenets of our (Indian) democracy – justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.”

Noteworthy for Dutch guests, and others, was the President’s reference to the recently created “Ministry of Jalshakti” (May, 2019) which has been tasked with prioritizing water conservation and water management to meet current and future requirements for the world’s most populous, diverse and multi-lingual democracy. 

The President’s address also placed a strong emphasis on the government’s continued commitment to provide access to health and education and that both are “often considered the foundation of good governance.”  The availability of quality generic medicines, available at affordable prices to the “common people in the country”  are but one example of his government’s ambitious goals towards improving the lives of India’s 1.3 billion plus citizens.

In reading President Kovind’s address, the Ambassador also referred to the India Human Spaceflight Program, the Tokyo Olympics, and “another important source of national pride – the India diaspora.  In closing, he emphasized President’s Kovind’s words, “We are now in the third decade of the twenty-first century. This will be the decade of the rise of New India and a new generation of Indians.”

He continued, “Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals remain relevant” in the country’s “nation-building efforts” emphasizing the president’s call to reflect upon Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence” as part of one’s daily routine. The full text of the 71st Republic Day address can be accessed here.

In conclusion, Ambassador Rajamony, invited his guests to explore the parklike grounds of the India House, noting that it is one of the most beautiful properties belonging to “the people of India.” The 104 year old residence is a listed monumental property in Wassenaar and has been owned by the Indian government since 1953.

Ambassador Rajamony also commented on the state visit of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima to India in October, 2019.  Four Dutch ministers and a trade mission of over 250 persons accompanied the King and Queen to New Delhi, Mumbai and the State of Kerala. The delegation was, according to Ambassador Rajamony, by far, the largest in Dutch history.

Madras Chorus, at Indian House.

The crowd was also delighted to learn that KPN, will be illuminating the KPN building overlooking Rotterdam’s iconic Erasmus Bridge, with an image of India’s flag later this evening. India’s charismatic ambassador quipped that, “in addition to New York and Dubai, Rotterdam will also be partaking in celebrations” in honor of India’s Republic Day!.

He closed with a reference to his book, “India and The Netherlands – Past, Present and Future,” launched to coincide with the October State Visit, and he invited his guests to use it as an educational resource for India’s younger generation.  The luxuriously bound special edition book is available for purchase at local bookstores. It can also be ordered, here, through the publisher, Bombay Ink, or via various online booksellers.

71st Republic Day at the India House.

The 71st Republic Day tradition at the India House concluded with a cultural program featuring music performed by the Madras Chorus and a classical dance performance by dancers from the Laya School of Dance and Arts and finished with an Indian “breakfast buffet” for all. More information about today’s festive 71st Republic Day program is available at the “India in Netherlands (Embassy of India, The Hague) Facebook page.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Celebrates

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The Islamic Republic of Iran Celebrates

In the picture Dr. Alireza Kazemi Abadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Netherlands celebrated the 41st Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hundreds of guests came by to felicitate H.E. Dr. Alireza Kazemi Abadi, Ambassador of Iran in the Netherlands. The date was Tuesday 11 February 2020. H.E. Dr. Alireza Kazemi Abadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, delivered the following speech.

“It is a real honor for me to welcome you to the celebration of the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 This morning, millions of Iranian people came to the streets of all Iranian cities to celebrate the victory of their revolution against oppression, tyranny, arrogance, aggression and external interferences and to demonstrate once again their strong will and determination to stand up against economic terrorism, which manifest itself in the form of the so-called “U.S. maximum pressure campaign”.

In fact, from the outset, the Islamic Republic of Iran was subject to variety of illegal sanctions but the re-imposition of the U.S. sanctions after its unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA or nuclear deal with Iran) is manifestly in violation of all rules of international law, including the recent ruling of International Court of Justice and provisions of the Security Council resolution 2231.

This new wave of sanctions is part of a larger campaign of economic terrorism, which targets ordinary people with an aim an to starve them to submission. The continuation of these illegal sanctions will certainly constitute crimes against humanity and pose an imminent threat to international peace and security.

The first days of 2020 were very ominous for our nation, for our region and for the whole world. We in Iran lost a legendary hero and a noble soldier and our region lost a great anti-terrorist fighter. In fact, the premeditated vindictive assassination of General Soliemai and his companions by the United States in Iraq brought the Persian Gulf region to the edge of a war.

Guests attending the reception of the 41st Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Shouldn’t have Iran brought the Persian Gulf region to the edge of a war. Shouldn’t have Iran exercised self-restraint to this illegal and provocative act, the region was experiencing another deadly and destructive war whose consequences would most probably have exceeded way beyond the region.

Despite these provocations, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently followed its sublime principles; namely the principles of prohibition of the use of force, non-interference in domestic affairs of other nations and commitment to constructive dialogue and engagement with other countries based on the principle of mutual respect. 

Today, more than ever we need to cherish the value of dialogue, multilateralism, mutual understanding and respect for the principles of international law. One may put his country first, but we all have to remember in this interdependent world peace, security and economy of each and every state are indivisible from the others’.

In this line and as another step towards promoting peace and tranquility in the Persian Gulf region and beyond, President Ruhani presented his initiative, called HOPE, in last September. It is an endeavor to encourage dialogue and respect among the nations in the region, to strengthen territorial integrity and the inviolability of international borders, and to re-emphasis the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes, non-aggression and non-intervention in internal or external affairs of others.

On bilateral relations between Iran and the Netherlands, please allow me to remind you that the relations between our nations go back to over 400 years ago. Unfortunately, however, in the year 2019, because of the re-imposition of the U.S. extraterritorial sanctions, the level of economic relations between us decreased, but still several high-level political delegations were exchanged and we are expecting some ministerial visits in very near future. We on our part and as the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran try our outmost to strengthen the bond of friendship between our nations and to develop the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Before concluding, I would like to thank my colleagues in the embassy and their families who worked hard to make today’s event a successful one. I also thank Mr. Fadaei, who let us to display some of the paintings in the form of small exhibition at the margin of this reception. I strongly recommend you to visit the exhibition before you leave. 

Once again thank you for joining us and I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening with us.”

Burundian Ambassador meets with the President of the Dutch Senate

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Burundian Ambassador meets with the President of the Dutch Senate

Courtesy Call Between H.E Mr. Gamaliel Nkurunziza, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi and the Hon. Dr. Jan Anthonie Bruijn, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of The Netherlands 

The Burundian Ambassador’s, H.E. Mr. Nkurunziza recently paid a visit to the President of the Dutch Senate, during which the current political situation was discussed, whereby Mr. Nkurunziza explained the emphasis on harboring security in the country, as well as the upcoming 2020 general elections in Burundi. 

The discussion of H.E. Mr. Nkurunziza and Hon. Mr. Bruijn also brought an exchange of views on the relations between Burundi, the Netherlands, and the European Union on the one hand, as well as those between Burundi and the Region of the Large Lakes on the other hand.

H.E. Mr. Nkurunziza explained that peace and security are a reality in Burundi, which allows the population to pursue their ordinary activities in all parts of the country. However, the Burundian Ambassador emphasised the need of a political alternation at the top, which was initiated by party CNDD FDD and marked a historical act of the highest democratic value.

Remarkably enough, it is officially the first time in Burundi to see a changeover at the top of the political party in power. Indeed, on January 26th, the CNDD-FDD Extraordinary Congress resulted in a peaceful election of Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye as the candidate to the presidential election. The choice for Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye was well-received, as he is believed to be an apt candidate for the party as well as for Burundi for a number of reasons, principally as his primary goals are the promotion of unity, justice and development in Burundi. 

What is more, his past professional experience as the Minister of Interior, the Chief of the Office of the President, and as the Secretary General of the Ruling Party granted him the skills and knowledge required to rule the country effectively.

With regard to the subject of the general elections, the Burundian Ambassador expressed the goal of securing that the 2020 elections in Burundi will be more peaceful, more transparent and more inclusive. Indeed, the increasing number of candidates underscores this fact, thereby giving way to a historic first moment since the coming of the democratic era in Burundi.  

Later in the conversation,the Burundian Ambassador pointed out that the present achievements are the result of the legal and organizational framework established by the government. For instance, the Electoral Code and its structures of coordination and executions on all levels, as well as a consensual roadmap between the political parties for the 2020, have been put in place.

Moreover, Mr. Nkurunziza indicated that the electoral process is progressing smoothly and successfully owing to an allocated budget, which was financed by Burundians themselves, and thereby presented another memorable moment in Burundi’s history.

As far as relations between Burundi, the Netherlands and European Union are concerned,  the Ambassador appreciated the co-operation and friendly relations between Burundi and the Netherlands. Nevertheless, he stressed the former’s appeal for the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the negotiations with the European Union aimed at removing sanctions taken wrongfully against Burundi, as well as to support the country in its implementation of the National Development Plan (PND 2018-2027). 

“Burundi is a country full of opportunities in a varied range of domains, and thus we need investors to come to Burundi and work together on a win –win basis.”

In the words of Mr. Nkurunziza, the motivations of the sanctions appear to be unjust given that the elements referred to by the European Union differ from the real situation on ground in Burundi, where the respect of human rights, good governance, freedom of expression, democratic values and political space are a reality.

In the light of this positive evolution, Ambassador Nkurunziza solicited the EU to stop these unilateral sanctions of which the Burundian population is ultimately the victim. Mr. Nkurunziza also reiterated his invocation to the Netherlands in particular, and the EU in general, to reconsider their views on the security in Burundi. More specifically, Mr. Nkurunziza pointed out that the 2015 events are not the correct references anymore, hence Burundi should accordingly be removed from the UN Agenda.

Concerning Burundi’s relationships within the Great Lakes Region, H.E. Mr. Nkurunziza explained that Burundi lives in perfect harmony with all the countries of the region, with the exception of Rwanda. “We deplored this situation of Rwanda in conflict with all the countries of the region including its neighboring Burundi. Rwanda continues to set off social media so as to destabilize Burundi, and to show panic within the Burundian population.”

Finally, this audience was also an optimal opportunity to exchange the domestic and external policies for the pursuit of common interests.

The PLO strongly reject Trump’s “deal of the century”

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The PLO strongly reject Trump’s “deal of the century”

In the picture H.E. Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Head of the Palestinian Mission in The Netherlands.

By Guido Lanfranchi.

The Palestine Liberation Organization has officialized its firm rebuke of the peace plan recently unveiled by the United States administration. The Palestinian leadership had already criticized the US proposal ahead of its release, notably complaining about not being duly consulted during the drafting phase. Following the official unveiling [GL1] of the plan by US President Donald Trump in late January, the PLO doubled down its criticism with a strongly worded communiqué, which denounced the proposal as heavily unbalanced in favor of the demands set forth by the current Israeli government.

Dubbing the US proposal as “the so-called plan”, the communiqué unequivocally rejected its content, describing it as “a declaration of hostility against the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people”. The Palestinian leadership condemned the annexation of Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the city of East Jerusalem, accusing the plan of endorsing “the theft of resources byway of annexation and hegemonic Israeli military control”.

Moreover, the Palestinians lashed at the proposed conditions imposed by the plan on the Palestinian Authority in order to achieve statehood. “The US ‘plan’ proposes a disconnected and unviable archipelago of Palestinian communities stripped of any sovereignty or viability, engulfed in Israel’s belly and denied of any control over borders, airspace, territorial waters, security, or natural resources” – the communiqué said, concluding that “these are conditions that no country can accept.”

Against this backdrop, the Palestinian leadership reaffirmed that “the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, freedom, justice, and sovereignty are fundamental and non-negotiable”, and pledged to defend such rights “by pursuing all available legal and diplomatic avenues”. While pledging to further their interests “in line with international law”, the Palestinians condemned the plan for failing to abide by this very same standard, as well as for defying the United Nations Charter and the resolutions issued by UN bodies. 

Given these considerations about the US proposal, “the Palestinian leadership will not engage in any discussion based on its content” – the document pledged, urging countries around the world not to normalize the “US-Israeli agenda of annexation”. At the same time, however, the PLO reaffirmed its “readiness to engage in a constructive and meaningful political effort on the basis of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative”, and to “work with the international community to achieve a reality of peace, dignity, and justice on this solid foundation”.

During a European trip aimed at garnering support for the Palestinian cause, Palestinian Authority’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Ambassador Mr. Ammar Hijazi, landed in The Hague, where he was welcomed by H.E. Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Head of the Palestinian Representative Office in the Netherlands. During his stay in the city, the Assistant Foreign Minister met with diplomats, the press, and friends of Palestine in order to voice his country’s concerns regarding the US peace proposal. The reception was attended by several high-ranking diplomats and officials.

Ambassador Sulaiman took this opportunity to echo her government’s criticism of the proposal.

“For the stake of peace and the future generations of Palestine, we accepted to exercise our right to self-determination over 22% of historic Palestine, and to use international law as the reference to a peace agreement. We are now at a crossroads: the US plan is an assault on the basic foundations of international law. It sends a message to the world that ‘might is right’. It challenges and undermines universal values of human rights and the rule of law”.

“Instead of delivering on justice, freedom, and Palestinians’ inalienable rights, the US plan endorses annexation and aggression” – she continued. “What is at stake here is the international legal order that has governed international relations between states since World War II. This is not just about Palestine; it is about protecting our international legal order and our universal values of human rights and the rule of law as we know it”. 

 [GL1]https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2020/02/10/the-us-unveils-its-peace-plan-for-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/


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.

International Day against the use of Child Soldiers

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International Day against the use of Child Soldiers

Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, on the International Day against the use of Child Soldiers

This International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers serves as a bleak reminder that around the world today, girls and boys in their tens of thousands are still being forced to fight and die as soldiers in wars. Children should have no part in armed conflict. Today, and every day, we must reinforce our collective resolve for urgent action to eradicate the practice and its horrendous consequences.

In July 1998, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to put an end to impunity for atrocity crimes, including those perpetrated against and affecting children through the adoption of the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) – the world’s first permanent international criminal court.

The creation of the ICC was not only ground-breaking for the advancement of international criminal justice, its founding treaty is also the first international legal instrument to encompass an extensive catalogue of crimes against and affecting children, including their conscription, enlistment and use in armed conflicts.

As ICC Prosecutor, I witness too often, the egregious crimes inflicted upon children. The disheartening reality is that the situation for children in armed conflict has been dire with the proliferation of conflicts around the world. A recent report of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict demonstrates how serious the situation really is.  Thousands of children are drawn into bloody fighting on the front lines; while others are killed or maimed, subjected to sexual violence, or denied education because of the debilitating impact of conflict. 

Children with otherwise bright futures are lost to the violence, subjected to unimaginable atrocities, wrenched from the safety and security of their families, and deprived of the opportunity to grow and develop in a nurturing environment. It is a vicious cycle that calls for collective action to break.

We will not stand by idly as children are subjected to atrocities. One of the priorities of my Office is to challenge impunity for crimes against children by working towards strengthening measures to hold perpetrators accountable, prevent further atrocities, and deliver justice to victims and survivors in accordance with our mandate under the Rome Statute.

The conviction and 14-year sentence of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo for the war crime of enlisting, conscripting and operationalising children under the age of 15 in an armed conflict was the first guilty verdict at the Court for such a crime. Since then, my Office has investigated and brought similar charges against five other individuals for such crimes. 

The Office has also contributed to the recognition of the rape and sexual slavery of children incorporated into armed groups as war crimes under the Rome Statute, thereby extending the reach of justice to children who fall victim to sexual and gender-based crimes committed by members of the same armed group they are a part of.

My Office will continue this work alongside crucial efforts undertaken – and all the more needed – at the local, regional and international levels. Crimes against children are abhorrent violations of fundamental rights. They shock our collective conscience. But empathy alone with the suffering of boys and girls in times of conflict is not enough.

All human beings deserve to live their childhood years free of fear, to feel safe, to be protected in times of war and peace. It is our collective responsibility, each in our respective capacity, to strive for a world where the hopes, aspirations and dreams of all children truly matter.

Children are especially vulnerable in times of conflict. We must act to protect them.

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Fatou Bensouda. Photography by ​Photoline.

Cyprus’ Tourism Minister in Leiden

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Cyprus’ Tourism Minister in Leiden

Cyprus’ Tourism Minister presents strategic plan to Dutch tour operators at Cyprus Exhibition in Antiquities Museum Leiden

In the picture Director Wim Weijland, Minister Savvas Perdios and Ambassador Elpidoros Economou.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Savvas Perdios, is currently touring Europe to present his ambitious 10-year national strategic plan with the objective of placing Cyprus among the 30 main tourist destinations in the world by 2030.

Cyprus currently ranks 44th in the world, while Spain is number one, France in 3rd place and Italy in 8th place. Portugal is in 12th place and Greece 25th. The first European presentation the minister gave was in The Netherlands.

Minister Perdios presented his plan to Dutch tour operators and travel agents during a special dinner organized at the exhibition ‘Cyprus: A Dynamic Island’ at the Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. This is the largest exhibition ever organized in the Netherlands on ancient Cyprus, one of the most important crossroads of ancient cultures in the Mediterranean region.

Museum Director Wim Weijland explaining the Cyprus exhibition to minister Perdios and his guests.

During his presentation in the presence of among others H.E. Ambassador Elpidoros Economou of Cyprus, the tourism minister told his audience his plan comprises five key pillars.

The first is to increase the seasonality of tourism in Cyprus by making Cyprus a tourist destination throughout the year, the second is to have the whole island benefit from tourism, not just the coastal areas, the third pillar is to establish Cyprus as a destination for quality by being more competitive, the fourth pillar is a better use of data-driven decisions and the fifth is to make Cyprus perceived as a climate friendly destination by taking into account climate change and sustainable growth.

Minister Perdios explaining his new Tourism Strategic Plan.

Next to the traditional countries of origin of tourists, the UK and Russia, Cyprus will take measures to increase tourist arrivals from new markets such as the Netherlands and the Nordic countries.

After the dinner and the presentation, the invited tour operators and travel agents were given a guided tour by museum director Mr. Wim Weijland.

Albania National Day

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Albania National Day

A day of international solidarity

The National Day of Albania was held at the Lutherse Kerk in Den Haag in early December.

Besides commemorating this significant landmark in the history of the country, the aim of the event was to stand in solidarity with the families affected by the earthquake in Albania, as well as to provide support to the reconstruction process. 

The country’s infrastructure has been seriously damaged, with more than 1,465 buildings hit by the earthquake in the capital Tirana alone, and 900 other buildings seriously damages in the surrounding area.

USA Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Pete Hoekstra and H.E.Ms. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania.

It was rewarding to see so many heads of diplomatic missions attending the event, showing an interest to learn about the actual situation in the country after the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck in late November 2019. The earthquake caused the death of 51 persons, injured 2,500 and made more than 4,000 people suddenly homeless.

During her speech, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Ms. Adia Sakiqi,emphasized the importance of this holiday for all the Albanian diaspora, and described the challenges that Albania faced in the wake of the earthquake. She presented the online portal where donations could be carried out to help those affected. Present for the event were also Ms. Pandeli Majko, State Minister for Diaspora, and Ms. Elisa Spiropali, Minister for Relations with Parliament.


H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco, H.E.Ms. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania and H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen.

Many ambassadors and diplomats from EU countries, USA, India, Turkey, Japan, Morocco, Belarus, Armenia, Yemen, Tunisia, Lithuania, as well representatives of Dutch institutions and international organizations attended the reception on the occasion of Albania’s national day.

The event also hosted Dutch personalities, representatives of the foreign ministry, parliament, diplomatic corps, business and think tanks. The reception during the third part of the event was then held with representatives of the diaspora, Albanian students in the Netherlands, and Dutch friends of Albania.

H.E.Vidmantas Purlys, Ambassador of Lithuania and Ambassador Sakiqi.

An essential part of the event was the presentation of “Xhubleta”, a traditional Albanian costume, which easily distinguishes itself from any other traditional garment typical of countries in Southeast Europe.  According to ethnological studies, Xhubleta is a special and very interesting type of suit, and is considered the oldest in age, originating about four thousand years ago.

This fact is evidenced by the various archaeological findings carried out in some Mediterranean sites, such as in Crete, Mycenae, Klicevic (Bosnia), etc., which date to the second millennium BC. Three Albanian natives wore the traditional “Xhubleta” costume and showcased it for the guests.

“We are grateful for and particularly touched by the tremendous spirit of solidarity and strength among the population, doctors and nurses serving 24/7 to help.” said Ms. Pandeli Majko, State Minister for Diaspora.
Dr. Stanislav Vassilevsky, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Belarus, H.E.Ms. Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania, Ms. Pandeli Majko, State Albanian Minister for Diaspora and H.E. Mr. Tiogran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia.
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