In Conversation with Ambassador of Malaysia to France:

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In Conversation with Ambassador of Malaysia to France:

Diplomat Magazine met with His Excellency Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Bin Khalid to discuss his views on Malaysia-France relations and other significant issues.

What were your thoughts when you were informed that you would be appointed as Ambassador of Malaysia to France?

When I was informed that I would be appointed as Ambassador of Malaysia to France, I could not figure if it was a blessing or a curse. As a junior diplomat, I was posted to the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris from 2000 to 2002. I was also fortunate to pursue a M.A. (Comparative Politics) at the Institute of Political Studies, Sciences Po between 2004 and 2006.

The Malaysian Government must have calculated their decision to send someone who is au fait or familiar with the country and who already had an established network as its top envoy to France as it is a rare feat in our system! Therefore, returning to France for a second time (or third time if my time as a master’s student is taken into account) definitely comes with higher expectation.

H.E. Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Bin Khalid, presenting his credentials to President Emmanuel Macron.

When did you arrive in France to take on your role as Ambassador of Malaysia? How would you describe the Malaysia-France bilateral relations at that point of time?

I arrived in Paris in September 2021, as the world was slowly reopening following the Covid-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding, I could not help but remark how invaluable Malaysia-France bilateral relations were throughout this difficult time. Both our countries had worked closely in repatriating our respective nationals and facilitated passage during international lockdown. Travel restrictions also did not deter high-level engagement. Both our then Foreign Ministers had engaged virtually in February 2021.

I was also happy to learn that there was robust cooperation on scientific research at the height of the pandemic whereby Malaysian virologists were attached at the Institut Pasteur in Paris to share and build expertise on Covid-19 genome sequencing and tracking.

Malaysian street performers – Eeiffel Tower, Paris.

Another important achievement was the acceptance of France as one of ASEAN’s development partner in September 2020. Travel restrictions and lockdown imposed no barrier but rather stimulated both sides to forge meaningful partnership in trying times.

The Covid years had put a brake on many defining sectors of Malaysia-France bilateral relations like trade and investment, tourism and to an extent education. These were among the first challenges I had to address as Ambassador of Malaysia. The post-pandemic landscape was a white canvas and it was only prudent that Malaysia seized the opportunity to reconnect with the French market. Malaysia was already open for business at the point and I was grateful to have the support of the colleagues at the Embassy as well as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Tourism Malaysia who readily doubled efforts to channel focus on Malaysia.

MIichelle Yeoh at Voyage Culinaire.

Considering that you have been at your post for two and a half years now, how would you describe Malaysia-France bilateral relations thus far? Are you contented with the way the relations are proceeding?

Today, I am pleased that Malaysia and France relations are at an all-time high. Each recognise the other as a key player – politically and economically in our respective regions. Our political leaders, including ministers and parliamentarians, continue to show commitment to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations between Malaysia and France. This is quantified by the number of high-level visits and exchanges between both sides in recent years.  At the senior official levels, we have launched regular bilateral consultations that will facilitate and help us take stock of cooperation in various sectors.

Economically, Malaysia regards France as a significant partner. After all, France is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner in the European Union (EU). Likewise, Malaysia is also France’s third largest trading partner in ASEAN. I must add that Malaysia has one of the most open economies in the world and with our strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, this makes us the ideal economic hub. Today, Malaysia is focused on attracting investments in aerospace and automotive as well as green technology. France and Europe are leaders in these sectors and therefore there are potentials for closer cooperation.

The diplomatic and business community aside, I observe that knowledge about Malaysia among the French is still lacking. While East Asia – its history, politics and culture are well known to the French, countries in Southeast Asia do not share the same pedestal. Therefore, I have undertaken to correct this through various outreach programmes to promote Malaysia and build closer people-to-people relations.

To this end, the Embassy in Paris has organised various programmes that showcase our gastronomy (something Malaysia and France have in common) as well as our culture from music and dance to costumes and martial arts. Our focus has been to reach a varied audience to show what Malaysia Truly Asia means.

How would you show what Malaysia Truly Asia means in a city like Paris?

I recall one event we held in Trocadéro, with the Eiffel Tower as background, tourists and locals alike were serenaded by a group of musicians playing traditional tunes on traditional musical instruments while a troop of dancers performed various traditional dances and invited the onlookers to participate. It was a warm summer afternoon but the crowd were just so happy to join in and have a good time.

I am particularly proud of the annual Voyage Culinaire, a flagship event of the Embassy whereby we take our visitors on a culinary journey of Malaysia’s best foods. Last year we brought Malaysian hawker and street food to the heart of Paris! Visitors were able to taste and try their hands at making popular dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Char Koay Teow and Teh Tarik, among others.

In keeping with Malaysia’s commitment to promote Silat, which has UNESCO’s recognition as an intangible cultural heritage, we find every opportunity to highlight this ancient martial art, rooted in the Malay Archipelago. This form of self-defence has stood the test of time, having been in practice since the 7th century during the Langkasuka Kingdom. I am very happy that the practice continues to live on and more importantly more and more French are learning this martial art discipline.

The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus-UPCC is Coming to Town

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The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus-UPCC is Coming to Town

Roy Lie Atjam

In Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The Embassy of the Philippines, under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Jose Eduardo E. Malaya III, is partnering with the Permanent Court of Arbitration and Diplomat Magazine to present a concert featuring the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC). The group will be specially flown in from Manila for the celebrations, and the performance will take place in The Hague in June 2024. Attendance will be by invitation only.

The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), also known as Korus, is an official performing group of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Since its inception in 1962, Korus has gained a reputation for her musicality, of perfecting versatility in bridging musical genres such as classical, folk, pop, and Broadway with their signature “Choreocapella” or choreographed a capella has dazzled many around the world. 

The UPCC is led by Professor Janet Sabas-Aracama, known as “Jai” to intimates, who serves as the Conductor and Artistic Director. Korus has been recognized with numerous awards locally and beyond.

When it comes to international singing contests, Filipinos do more than just stand out. The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC) attests to that. Competing against 42 other chorales from 25 countries some years back, the UPCC emerged among the best. In 2018, Korus was named one of the “Most Outstanding Institutions” of Quezon City -Philippines.

UPCC has a rich legacy of impressive stage performances, lively choreography, dramatic expressions, captivating costumes and a distinct Filipino charm. The UPCC Concert Chorus continues to revolutionize choral performance not only in the Philippines but also globally.

The iconic UPCC is coming to town in June and will and leave a lasting impact on The Hague’s music scene.

The Bangladeshi Food Festival in the Netherlands

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The Bangladeshi Food Festival in the Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Bangladesh Embassy organized the first-ever Bangladeshi Food Festival in the Netherlands, 7-8 March 2024 at the Royal Leonardo Hotel, The Hague. The Embassy rolled out this culinary exposition in collaboration with the Diplomat Magazine and Leonardo Royal Hotel.
Diplomatic missions in the Hague effectively use their culinary heritage as a tool for public diplomacy. “Many Europeans, particularly Dutch people, tend to think of Bangladeshi food as being similar to the “Indian food” found in restaurants. However, we have noticed that Bangladeshi cuisine is not often offered as a fine dining option. This is why we want to change the perception of our traditional cuisine and position it in an innovative way.” expressed H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh,

H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh and Bangladeshi chefs Sayat Chowdhury. and Sheikh Emdadul Haque.
Bangladesh Food Festival, March 2024.

Chef Sheikh Emdadul Haque, has been working as a chef at the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague for eight years. Prior to joining the embassy, he worked for four years at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tashkent. Emdadul hails from southern Bangladesh, a region famous for its freshwater fish, particularly the renowned black tiger shrimp. He has a deep passion for his culinary style and enjoys blending traditional spices into his dishes.

Chef Sayat Chowdhury Originally from southern Bangladesh, Sayat Chowdhury moved to the Netherlands seven years ago to attend university. Yet, his uncanny love for food and faith in his ability to connect-nurture-inform landed him in professional kitchens. Having worked at Restaurant Arles, Restaurant Elkaar and Foer, he pursued his Bachelor’s and Master’s in New Media & Digital Cultures (University of Amsterdam). Currently, he holds his first full-time position as chef de party at REM in Amsterdam.

The Bangladeshi Food Festival Menu

At the outset guests were greeted with a live Jhalmuri station and green mango juice to tantalize their taste buds.

“Finalizing the six course menu was a challenge as we tried to incorporate a variety of dishes ranging from street food (jhalmuri) to everyday dinner (khichuri, bharta) and special occasion dishes (pulao) as well as traditional sweetmeats. In a time where a vegan plant-based diet is trendy, even in continental Europe, let alone the Netherlands, we aimed to balance our menu and present the dishes attractively to our guests.”

“We used our aromatic rice – Chinigura – in pulao and khichuri and served the famous black-tiger shrimp. Homemade Potato Homemade halwa was served as a dessert to balance the sweetness with crunchy, savory bites as also connect with the Dutch i.e. where potato is a staple. Additionally, the main course was presented on banana leaf. Finishing with traditional milk tea.

To create an attractive ambience, we incorporated different elements that made the hotel staff stand out with their elegant checkered and striped patterns of red, orange, or green Gamcha (scarf), which added to the charm.” declared the Bangladeshi chefs.

On both evenings, two expatriate Bangladeshi artists,  Saikat Barua dressed in a majestic Bangladeshi traditional attire and Swarnaly Chowdhury, enthralled the guests with their rendition of popular live Bangladeshi songs.

Bangladeshi artists,  Saikat Barua and Swarnaly Chowdhury.

A selection of Bangladeshi crafts at the restaurant entrance added to the ambiance.

The Leonardo Royal Hotel The Hague Promenade was completely booked for an event attended by two former Dutch Ministers, Mr. Jan Pronk and Mr. Tom de Bruijn. The event was also attended by Dutch government officials, distinguished businessmen, and ambassadors, including the Dean of the diplomatic corps, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem. The gastronomic adventure received high praise from all attendees who were impressed by the distinct taste, aroma, and flavours of the culinary experience.

During the inauguration remarks, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh, declared “we highlighted the diversity of food in different regions of Bangladesh. We also emphasized how food is an integral part of people’s identity, and how specific ingredients have been traditionally used in the preparation of various dishes, which are still associated with Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh Food Festival Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.

The Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher expressed gratitude to the Embassy for their collaboration in organizing the special event. They appreciated the rich tradition of Bangladeshi cuisine, which they described as “a symphony of flavors”. The Hotel’s General Manager, Mr. Thomas Kortleve, then addressed the guests, explaining how the Bangladeshi gastronomic tour would offer an exciting experience that celebrates the authentic combination of spices, flavours, and colours.

A Bangladesh Food Festival raffle, with interesting prizes, was included as an integral part of the festive program.

If this continues in the future, it will have a lasting impact on Dutch society, which values and embraces multiculturalism.

Pakistan Urges Consensus at The Hague-Based Chemical Weapons Body

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Pakistan Urges Consensus at The Hague-Based Chemical Weapons Body

The 105th Session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has drawn to a close in The Hague, marking an important moment in the ongoing efforts to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

Pakistan, represented by H.E. Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, seized the opportunity to advocate for the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the Convention. In his national statement delivered during the session, Ambassador Tarar emphasized the urgent need for robust adherence to the principles outlined in the Chemical Weapons Convention.

He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace and security, particularly in light of the ongoing tragic situation in Gaza. Pakistan reiterated its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Pakistan’s dedication to upholding the Chemical Weapons Convention is evident through its robust national implementation mechanism and the establishment of a sub-regional Assistance and Protection Centre, which serves as a beacon of excellence in the region. Additionally, Pakistan boasts an OPCW designated laboratory, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting capacity-building activities under the Convention.

Ambassador Tarar also addressed the evolving threat landscape, noting the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence in the proliferation of chemical weapons. Pakistan stands ready to contribute to Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias’ initiative to address this emerging challenge, reaffirming its proactive stance on global security issues. Central to Pakistan’s message is the importance of consensus-based decision-making within the OPCW framework.

Ambassador Tarar emphasized that while Pakistan remains constant in its commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention, it is imperative to revert to consensus in all decision-making processes. As an active member of the 41-member Executive Council, Pakistan plays a key role in shaping the OPCW’s agenda and policies. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OPCW’s Executive Council, Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, holds the prestigious position of Chair of the 28th Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention. This leadership role underscores Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to advancing disarmament objectives and promoting international cooperation in combating the proliferation of chemical weapons.

Is there a possibility of ending the Russo-Ukrainian War before 2025?

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Is there a possibility of ending the Russo-Ukrainian War before 2025?

As the Russo-Ukrainian war enters its third year, there is considerable anticipation across Europe for its resolution, given the substantial human and material toll on both sides. Many questions loom over Europe regarding this protracted war, which unexpectedly erupted on the continent’s doorstep. Chief among these concerns is how will the war conclude in the next twelve months, and particularly – will Europe continue to support official Kiev. How long can the burdensome financial support to Ukraine be sustained? What impact might the upcoming US presidential elections at the end of the year have, especially if Republican Donald Trump wins? Is there a possibility of ending the war before 2025? Foremost remains the question – how long can Europe effectively insist on its exhaustive financial support to Ukraine?

Since the outset of the conflict, the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with a combined total of $96 billion in financial, military, and humanitarian aid. On 1 February 2024, European leaders agreed to allocate up to $54 billion to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation initiatives, alongside its efforts to implement reforms crucial for its prospective EU membership by 2027. Consequently, the cumulative financial commitments from the EU exceed $150 billion[2]. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has pledged over $15 billion to Ukraine since 2022, while the United States has already expended $66 billion, with an additional $60 billion earmarked for future assistance.

The resolution of this conflict remains elusive, and the expenditure of vast sums of money on Ukraine may become politically untenable for Western governments backing the country. Political pressures regarding expenditure are likely to become more pronounced in the lead-up to the upcoming European Parliament (EP) elections in June 2024, along with national parliamentary elections in several countries, including the United Kingdom, a key ally of Ukraine.

EU policy after the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June 2024?

Voters across the European Union’s 27 member states will participate in the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June, electing 720 Members of the European Parliament. Surveys suggest that right-wing extremist parties are poised to make significant advances in these elections.

While legislative voting largely follows party alliances, historically, the European Parliament has been dominated by parties from the broader centre, comprising the European People’s Party (EPP) on the right, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) on the left, and the liberal Renew Europe—ALDE.

These three groups currently hold 60% of the seats in the European Parliament. However, it is certain that this alliance will lose a substantial number of mandates to the far right, thereby shifting the balance of the new parliament towards the right-wing spectrum.

The composition of the upcoming European Parliament will not only impact the course of the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia but also influence the future of common European defence policy. Additionally, it may affect the issue of EU membership enlargement, making the accession of new member states nearly impossible.

Elections are coming at a time when the EU is poised to consider the possibility of continuing or reducing financial assistance to Kiev. The issue of common European defence will also be a major topic in these elections, especially after Donald Trump confirmed that the United States will protect and defend European states if they are willing to pay the price and increase defence spending.

What worries Kiev the most is the so-called “Ukraine fatigue,” indicating a waning of sympathy and support from the broader public in EU countries. Recent elections in the Netherlands and Slovakia have already resulted in a decline in support, with Slovakia halting a significant aid package for Ukraine, while the Netherlands may not fulfil its long-standing promise to deliver F-16 aircraft.

Poland’s Policy towards Ukraine

Tense negotiations are underway in the EU with Hungary and other member states regarding assistance to Ukraine. Hungary has taken Russia’s side, unlike the rest of the EU, and aims to completely halt aid to Ukraine.

After initially providing significant support and aid to Ukraine at the outset of the conflict with Russia, former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced in September 2023 that his country would cease arming Ukraine to prioritize strengthening its own defence forces. This decision coincided with an ongoing dispute between the two countries over the export of Ukrainian grains, leading Ukraine to threaten legal action against Poland with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Poland had extended support to Kiev amounting to nearly three billion euros, including military equipment worth 1.5 billion euros.

The new Polish government, elected in December 2023, has returned to the European course. Poland’s new Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, a seasoned European politician and former President of the European Council (2014-2019), visited Berlin and Paris in February 2024 to bolster cooperation in European foreign policy. Together with Germany and France, the Polish government activated the “Weimar Triangle” formula, further strengthening foreign policy and security cooperation. The “Weimar Triangle” formula, established in 1991, is an alliance among the three countries aimed at collaborating on European matters[3].

The United States presidential elections are set for 5 November 2024

US President Joe Biden is facing difficulties in passing a financial aid package for Ukraine through the American Congress in the election year. Compounding this challenging situation for Ukraine is the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House next year.

Trump has not clearly articulated his policy towards Ukraine, apart from his claim that he could end the war within 24 hours[4]. His anti-NATO rhetoric is well-known, along with his general disdain for European institutions and his surprising admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. There is already a growing apprehension in the EU about the potential return of Trump to the helm of the United States. While the exact financial implications of another Trump administration remain uncertain, it is prudent to anticipate the worst-case scenario for Ukraine, where their military is losing ground momentum, and it is expected that Trump will decide to halt billions in aid to Ukraine. This is a concerning prospect for European defence policy, which already believes that Putin is biding his time and trying to outlast the West. The next 12 months are crucial for European allies of Ukraine, as it is evident that Europe’s interest lies in preventing Putin from winning this war.

In the lead-up to the US presidential elections, concerns will inevitably be raised about the implications for European security if the United States is absent. Given that Ukrainian security is directly linked to broader European security, the question of how to support Kiev remains paramount. Europe’s long-term goal is to achieve greater security independence from Washington, which diverges from US transatlantic policy.

Over the next 12 months, Brussels will begin exploring the possibility of using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. While these funds cannot be legally used to purchase weapons, they can be utilized to cover reparations costs. Diplomats fear that setting a precedent for using frozen assets to raise funds for foreign wars could encourage countries like China to follow suit in their confrontations with the West, especially since Beijing passed a new law last year facilitating similar actions involving foreign assets within China.

Even if the US House of Representatives approves an additional $60 billion to support Ukraine, there is little prospect of stopping the Russian offensive or deterring Russia from continuing this war.

Is it just a matter of time before former President Donald Trump returns to the White House? What will he do in a second term, what lessons has he learned, and what mistakes will he avoid repeating? Trump disparages President Biden’s policies, but without presenting alternatives. This includes accusations against the US administration of handing Ukraine over to Russia and his critique of Biden’s decision not to deploy troops there, even though it’s widely understood that Trump will not send troops either.  Trump is unlikely to burden Americans with substantial financial commitments. Instead, he would seek to find a practical solution by accepting necessary concessions from Ukraine and negotiating based on them.

Trump doesn’t share the same beliefs in principles and values as Europeans, such as Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty and other justifications that don’t align with his priorities or calculations. He will probably engage with Putin to discuss resolving the crisis, which will likely come at the expense of Ukraine, as it lacks crucial leverage that matters to Trump and his opportunistic nature.

The United States is a nation governed by institutions that hold significant sway in decision-making, independent of party interests or individual agendas. These institutions often temper the whims of American presidents and administrations, especially if they perceive a genuine threat to US national security, as demonstrated several times during the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Even when the American administration acts in line with its interests, it is ultimately American decision-making centres that have the final say. Therefore, there is no real fear that a future American president would compromise Ukrainian statehood and integrity.

Is the status quo the ‘Korean scenario’ for halting the conflict in Ukraine?

Despite Russia’s denial of discussions about the “Korean scenario,” it presents a useful solution for Moscow for several reasons. The Russian conflict with Ukraine has been in a state of attrition for months. The “Korean scenario” guarantees Russia the preservation of territory it has occupied in eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as the fortification of its positions along the approximately 1,000 km border line.

The “Korean scenario” or “38th parallel” is typically referred to as the solution reached after the Korean War (1950-1953) along the ceasefire line between North and South Korea, where a demilitarized zone stretches between the two Koreas. However, this scenario did not involve the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries, effectively keeping them at war since 1953.

If this scenario is implemented along the existing battle lines and in future peace negotiations, Ukraine stands to lose approximately 100,000 square kilometres directly. It will be split into two parts, with the first under Russia’s control, encompassing the southern and southeastern regions, including the Crimean Peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014. The creation of a demilitarized zone several kilometres deep would secure a ceasefire, resulting in a de facto frozen conflict. Deploying peacekeeping forces along the demarcation lines would be necessary to establish this demilitarized zone. Given the current circumstances, the deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine is essential to guarantee Ukraine’s security.

On 26 February 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he does not rule out the possibility of deploying French ground troops in Ukraine. Following the conclusion of the conference on aid to Ukraine in Paris, Macron added that all options are on the table to prevent Russia from winning the war against Ukraine[5]. However, several NATO members, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, swiftly rejected this proposal. This development raises questions about whether the French President’s suggestion signals the beginning of efforts to establish demarcation lines akin to the Korean scenario.

Ukraine will not accept any formula for freezing the conflict akin to the “Korean scenario” unless Western support completely ceases. This is not expected to happen anytime soon as Europe still considers Ukraine its first line of defence.

A new Turkish peace initiative was announced on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum on 3 March 2024, following a meeting between the Turkish and Russian Foreign Ministers, Hakan Fidan and Sergei Lavrov. “On the issue of Ukraine, our view is that both sides have reached the limits of what they can get by war. We think that it is time to start a dialogue for a ceasefire,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan. This prompts the question of whether Turkey’s initiative continues the African initiative from July 2023[6] or aligns with Macron’s vision for ending the conflict.

Russia is in favour of freezing the conflict and status quo

Putin’s primary policy guideline in 2024 is maintaining the status quo on the Ukrainian front. Geopolitical and military experts do not anticipate a major offensive from the Kremlin, at least not in the first half of the year. This approach is strongly justified from their perspective. Moscow sees no need to alter the current war demarcation line, as doing so could upset the existing balance of power as the country prepares for important presidential elections. Despite the predictable outcome of these elections, it does not diminish the significance of the event, which practically positions Putin as the nation’s leader and the lifelong master of the Kremlin. This means solidifying the “Putinist” approach in Russia for many years to come, defying previous Western expectations of its collapse.

In the current circumstances, Moscow has positioned itself somewhat advantageously in the “war of attrition.” Consequently, its focus is on widening the rift among Western states amidst growing European discontent. Russia anticipates that several more countries will follow the examples of Slovakia, Hungary, and the Netherlands in toning down their rhetoric towards Moscow.

In the same context, the Russians are aware that Western stockpiles have run low on weapons and ammunition, meaning that the supply costs for Ukraine will escalate in the upcoming phase. This development is prompting some Western nations to favour establishing a joint defence industry with Kiev as an alternative to military arms deliveries and technology manufactured in NATO countries. There is even consideration regarding the potential involvement of Western Balkan states, leveraging their enhanced capacities, in producing much-needed ammunition for Ukraine.

For Russia, the stalemate in the conflict serves as a crucial basis for instigating internal discord within Ukraine, which could intensify as the date for the Ukrainian presidential elections approaches, elections that have been delayed thus far. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s mandate expires in May 2024. According to the constitution, the election of a new head of state in Ukraine should take place on the last Sunday in March, but due to the war, the electoral process is unlikely to commence.

Experts do not anticipate an expansion of the military conflict before the middle of the year, and any such escalation is likely to be linked to the internal (dis)order in Ukraine. Overall assessments indicate that the final quarter of 2024 will be decisive in determining the fate of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Analysis Published by the International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) on 18 March 2024.

Footnotes:
[1] IFIMES – International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has a special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC/UN in New York since 2018, and it is the publisher of the international scientific journal “European Perspectives.”
[2] EU Assistance to Ukraine, link: www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/united-states-america/eu-assistance-ukraine-us-dollars_en?s=253
Remarks by Executive Vice-President Vestager, link: https://europa.eu/newsroom/ecpc-failover/pdf/speech-24-1327_en.pdf
[3] “The Weimar Triangle” is a regional alliance of France, Germany, and Poland, established in 1991 in the German city of Weimar. The group is aimed at promoting cooperation between the three countries on cross-border and European issues. Available at: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/poland/the-weimar-triangle/  . 
[4] Trump to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, “If I’m president, I will have that war settled in one day, 24 hours.” Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/20/europe/zelensky-trump-end-russia-ukraine-war-intl-hnk/index.html .
[5] Macron not finding support to send NATO soldiers to Ukraine against Russia. Available at: www.eunews.it/en/2024/02/27/macron-nato-soldiers-ukraine-russia/
[6] An African Peace Initiative in the Russia-Ukraine War. Available at: link: https://blog.prif.org/2023/07/21/an-african-peace-initiative-in-the-russia-ukraine-war/

Ambassadors Visit International Greenhouse Horticulture Cluster Westland

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Ambassadors Visit International Greenhouse Horticulture Cluster Westland

By Roy Lie Atjam

The municipality of Westland and Diplomat Magazine extended an invitation to Ambassadors accredited in the Netherlands  to visit the International Greenhouse Horticulture Cluster of Westland. A large number of Ambassadors, including the Dean of the Corps Diplomatic and diplomats, responded positively to the invitation and visited the World Horti Center on Friday, March 1, 2024.

In his welcome remarks, the Mayor, Mr Bouke R. Arends, extended a warm welcome to his guests and spoke about the municipality of Westland.

01032024 – naaldwijk, world horti Centre; delegatie van ambassadeurs op bezoek in westland. Gemeente Westland © Thierry Schut

“As the largest concentrated greenhouse horticultural area in the world, Westland boasts of a unique economic strength. It is the capital of Greenport in West Holland, and the municipality strives towards local and sustainable food production worldwide.

Mayor Arends believes that the horticulture industry can be a vital solution to worldwide food security. In Westland and Greenport West-Holland, all the key players in the entire chain of greenhouse horticulture are concentrated in a region of less than 100 square kilometres. This includes seeds, packaging, transport and trade, supported by the government, as well as knowledge, technology and research institutes. The concentration of these key players in such a small region has led to many innovations in the sector. Ultimately, these innovations can even be implemented in other sectors or people’s homes.

01032024 – naaldwijk, world horti Centre; delegatie van ambassadeurs op bezoek in westland. Gemeente Westland © Thierry Schut

The greenhouse industry in Westland generates more than 6 billion Euros annually, and the added value of the entire horticultural cluster in the Netherlands is 24 billion Euros. Westland companies work daily on the newest innovations to improve horticulture, such as different types of (semi)-closed greenhouses, sustainable water use and almost autonomous greenhouses. By doing so, Westland contributes to a number of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

The Mayor believes that “engaging in economic relations, working together, and learning from each other with an open mind is the key to finding answers to some of these global challenges.”

01032024 -naaldwijk, World Horti Centre; Mayor Bouke R. Arends, with delegation of ambassadors visiting Westland. Municipality of Westland © Thierry Schut

Other speakers included Mrs Puck van Holsteijn, the director of the World Horti Center, Dutch Greenhouse Delta Mrs Daria van der Heijden, Diplomat Magazine, Mr. Roy Lie Atjam, and Ambassador Sahar Ghanem, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

H.E. Mrs Sahar Ghanem stressed the importance of international coordinating food security efforts since no country can achieve it alone. She also mentioned the impact of the current situation in the Middle East.

The guests were introduced to the power of the sustainable and innovative Westland greenhouse horticulture cluster through various presentations and guided tours. The collaboration between companies, education, and government was central.

01032024 – naaldwijk, world horti Centre; delegatie van ambassadeurs op bezoek in westland. Gemeente Westland © Thierry Schut

The visitors were given insights into the sustainable and innovative Westland greenhouse horticulture cluster through various presentations and guided tours. The central aspect of this cluster was the collaboration between companies, education, and government.

Afterwards, a networking lunch was arranged for the ambassadors and local businesses. The group then visited Ter Laak Orchids, where the focus was on sustainability in the sector. The visit is expected to generate more international interest in the local greenhouse horticulture cluster, benefiting the Municipality of Westland.

World Horti Center is the global knowledge and innovation centre for international greenhouse horticulture. It’s a place where businesses, education, research and public authorities innovate, connect, inspire and share knowledge together. Their work focuses on finding solutions to relevant social issues such as water, the supply of food, food safety, well-being and sustainability. Every year World Horti Center welcomes around 30,000 visitors from all over the world who come to gather inspiration and ideas from the knowledge and innovation on offer here.

US is partner of the CHIO 2024 announces CG Pauline Kao

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US is partner of the CHIO 2024 announces CG Pauline Kao

Wednesday, 13 March 2024, Aachen, NRW, Germany: The USA is the partner country of this year’s CHIO (World Equestrian Festival) Aachen – and that fits in perfectly with the joint history of over 340 years that unites the United States with North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Government of North Rhine-Westphalia calls this current close relationship, which pays tribute to and celebrates the NRW/USA year 2023/2024, “a perfect match”. “So, the fact that the USA is the partner country of the CHIO Aachen this year harmonises very well,” commented Nathanael Liminski, Minister of Federal, European and International Affairs and Media as well as Head of the State Chancellery of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

“The CHIO Aachen is one of the figureheads of international top sport. Staged in North Rhine-Westphalia, such an event offers the perfect platform to present the intimate friendship between the USA and NRW.” Pauline Kao, the US General Consul for North Rhine-Westphalia, who personally attended the announcement of the partner country, is also eagerly looking forward to Germany’s biggest sporting event: “This partnership is a dream come true for us. It really is a ‘perfect match’.“

And that is how this slogan – “A perfect match” – became the motto of the traditional Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen on the evening of July 2nd, 2024. Together with this year’s partner country the organisers are promising a spectacular evening for the big show. Because the CHIO Aachen – that has long since not only stood for world-class equestrian sport, but also for world-class entertainment. For example, the traditional Opening Ceremony proves to be a 90-minute, breath-taking perfect entertainment show in the floodlit Main Stadium. Theme-wise it is traditionally closely based on the respective partner country. “And in this respect the unique flair of the USA offers a huge and diversified spectrum,” stated Birgit Rosenberg, board member of the ALRV, who in her capacity as Head of Sport at the CHIO Aachen is also responsible for the show programme. In terms of tradition, culture, music and of course also clichés, that as usual also play a part in the overall concept of the decorations and supporting programme, the land of unlimited opportunities means the organisers have a huge spectrum of possibilities to fall back on.

Framed by cheerleaders from Rhein Fire Düsseldorf, who lent the press conference the appropriate flair with their golden pompons, Uwe Brandt already revealed a few concrete ideas about the Opening Ceremony, which thanks to public TV sector will be broadcast live throughout Germany from 8.15 p.m.: “I am conjuring up a picture full of glamour, football and of course plenty of horses and music,” explained the Creative Director, who has been supporting the CHIO Aachen team regarding the choreography, dramaturgy and staging of the event since 2015 already, adding with a grin: “Of course there will also be a bit of pink.” In addition to a Super Bowl atmosphere, Quarter horses and a US American-style presentation by the NRW State Stud from Warendorf, the spectators can also look forward to a show that pays homage to “Barbie”. With their performance, the two social media stars, Hella Gabbert and Julia Steinbrecher, will be depicting the probably most famous doll in the world. Because she has – of course – American roots.

However the USA will not only dominate the Opening Ceremony in the summer, it will indeed have a great influence throughout the CHIO days. For example, the typical US American flair will be noticeable throughout the entire showgrounds and will also be present in the city centre too: On Monday, July 1st, the traditional reception of the partner country will take place on the marketplace in Aachen.

Only the two “Horse & Symphony” concerts (June 28th and 29th) have a different theme this year. “In 2024 we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the show at the Aachen Soers,” explained Stefanie Peters, President of the ALRV. “And we are going to festively celebrate this anniversary in the scope of these two concerts.”

For further information

World Equestrian Festival: https://www.chioaachen.de/en/news/a-perfect-match-the-usa-is-the-official-partner-country-of-the-chio-aachen-2024/

Burundi Presentation of Letters of Credence to His Majesty Willem Alexander, King of the Netherlands

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Burundi Presentation of Letters of Credence to His Majesty Willem Alexander, King of the Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam

This Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi in the Netherlands H.E Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo presented her letters of credence to His Majesty Willem Alexander, King of the Netherlands, at an solemn ceremony held at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

« Unité – Travail – Progrès », est la devise nationale de la République du Burundi.

H.E Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo, Ambassador of Burundi at her arrival to Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. Photography by Chris Ronteltap.

Burundi and the Netherlands have maintained a strong and cordial relationship, collaborating through several bilateral and multilateral agreements. Burundi is committed to continue strengthening cooperation with the Netherlands, particularly in the areas of agriculture, livestock, healthcare, defence and security, energy production, infrastructure. These areas are essential for Burundi’s development projects and programs.

King Willem Alexander, welcome First Counsellor of Burundi, Mr. Stany Nuhizi who accompanied H.E Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo, Ambassador of Burundi to her presentation of credentials. Photography by Jeroen van der Meyde

The government of Burundi aims to maintain diplomatic relations based on mutual respect with other governments. They prioritize cooperation that is mutually beneficial and respectful. Their National Development Plan 2018-2027 has a vision of a democratic, united, and prosperous nation achieved through structural transformation of the national economy.

H.E Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo, Ambassador of Burundi and King Willem Alexander at Noordeinde Palace. Photography by Jeroen van der Meyde.

Diplomat Magazine avails itself of this opportunity to wish Ambassador Isabelle Ndahayo success during her stint in the Netherlands and looks forward to continuing the productive partnership between Burundi and our magazine.

H.E Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague. Photography by Chris Ronteltap.

Here Lived, laying Stolpersteine in Amsterdam

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Here Lived, laying Stolpersteine in Amsterdam

The premiere of “Here Lived,” hosted by the Ambassadors of the USA, H.E. Ms. Shefali Razdan Duggal, and Germany, H.E. Dr. Cyrill Nunn in Amsterdam, marked a touching moment of remembrance, reflection, and resilience. Held at the prestigious Royal Tuschinski Theater, the event not only commemorated the lives lost during the Holocaust but also celebrated the enduring legacy of Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine project.

Before the screening of the film, a solemn memorial took place outside the theater, where three Stolpersteine were laid in memory of Abraham Tuschinski, Hermann Gerschtanowitz, and Hermann Ehrlich, the original owners of the theater. Tuschinski and Gerschtanowitz were deported to Auschwitz, and Ehrlich to Sobibor; all three were murdered by the Nazis in 1942. These individuals, like millions of others, fell victim to the atrocities of Nazi persecution during World War II, highlighting the deeply personal and widespread impact of the Holocaust.

Three Stolpersteine laid in memory of Abraham Tuschinski, Hermann Gerschtanowitz, and Hermann Ehrlich.

After the placing of the stones, ambassadors invited guests for a drink during a small gathering in advance of the Netherlands premiere screening of Here Lived.

During his speech, H.E. Dr. Cyrill Jean Nunn cited the book “The Pity of All That” by Amos Elon, which reflects on 1,700 years of rich Jewish history in Germany, despite the atrocities that occurred between 1933 and 1945. He also mentioned the Jewish cemetery in Weissensee in Berlin, where a monument honors some of the 12,000 Jewish soldiers who died during World War I in the ranks of the German army.

“The commitment of every German government since WW II towards Israel is resolute and permanent. It is based on the necessity to look at the mirror of our history, without blinking, in order to see the past in its unvarnished truth. There is no alternative for us, definitely for us in Germany, than to know our history, to confront ourselves with it and to continue to learn the necessary lessons for today and for the future.”

In Berlin, often in front of old buildings, the sidewalks are literally plastered with Stolperstein. “At the beginning of the 20th century, Berlin had a population of 300,000 German citizens of Jewish faith and is therefore one of the cities in Europe with the biggest number of “Stolpersteine”.”

“In Europe, the “Stolpersteine” are becoming more and more visible. For instance, in Berlin and also here in Amsterdam, they remind us every day of the fate of our fellow citizens who were taken out of their daily life and killed for no other reason than to be a member of the Jewish community.”

“Around the corner of our house in Berlin in Charlottenburg, there are exactly 13 “Stolpersteine” placed on the sidewalk. Like so many people, I got familiar with the engraved names. By now I have established a sort of bond with them and my thoughts go to them every time I pass by. The stones are kept shiny by the new inhabitants of the buildings. This is perhaps our way to try to reintegrate them into a place where they had been living for a long time before being chased and murdered 80 years ago.

“We are therefore thankful to Günter Demnig for his work. Thanks to him, and so many volunteers all over Europe, some of whom are here today, our former neighbors have not vanished from our memory. They enjoy the respect of today’s inhabitants who know that in our society there is absolutely no place for anti-Semitism, racism, or other forms of discrimination. Allow me to conclude by thanking Jane Wells, her team, and everyone who contributed to the film that we will soon watch together.” Said Ambassador Nunn.

“Here Lived,” produced and directed by Jane Wells, delves into the profound story behind the Stolpersteine project. What began as a humble idea by conceptual artist Gunter Demnig has evolved into the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with tens of thousands of Stolpersteine laid across Europe. These small brass plaques, embedded into the pavement outside the last known residences of Holocaust victims, serve as a powerful reminder of the human lives extinguished by Nazi terror.

H.E. Ms. Shefali Razdan Duggal, talking to a guest at her arrival to the Royal Tuschinski Theater.

The film explores the untold stories of hidden children who evaded capture by the Nazis, as well as the courageous individuals who risked their lives to shelter and protect them.

Through interviews with survivors, descendants, volunteers, and politicians, “Here Lived” paints a vivid picture of resilience, love, and collective healing in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

After laying three Stolpersteine at the Royal Tuschinski Theater entrance.

One of the film’s central themes is the importance of remembering and honoring the lives lost during the Holocaust. By saying their names and sharing their stories, the Stolpersteine project ensures that the victims are never forgotten, reaffirming the commitment to combating anti-Semitism, racism, and intolerance in all its forms.

Set against the backdrop of rising nationalism and xenophobia in Europe and beyond, “Here Lived” carries a timely and profound message of solidarity. The premiere of “Here Lived” in Amsterdam serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art, storytelling, and community in preserving the memory of the past and shaping a more just and compassionate future.

U.S. – China Technological Cooperation: Charting a Pragmatic Path

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U.S. – China Technological Cooperation: Charting a Pragmatic Path

By Ms. Yi Wang, the Head of Global Development Program of ANBOUND

Prior to the formalization of diplomatic ties between the United States and China, there existed minimal official relations and a notable degree of mutual distrust. Scientific collaboration was then considered to be an avenue to initiate communication between the two nations during this period.

On January 31, 1979, then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping signed the U.S.-China Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement. 45 years later, this agreement expired on February 27, 2024, without renewal or extension by both parties. This outcome has sparked numerous discussions and policy debates not only in the U.S. and China, but also in Europe and Asia.

As it stands, both sides need to clearly and decisively answer three questions: is there a necessity to cooperate? If so, is there the will to do so? How can the cooperation be done?

The U.S. and its European allies have deep concerns about China’s competitiveness in the field of technology, especially the latter’s “civil-military fusion” strategy, transfer of core technologies, concentration of innovation resources to support state-owned enterprises, intellectual property infringement, and inadequate legal regulations. They believe that these aspects may pose risks to their national security and other regions of the world. Therefore, the governments of Western developed countries have taken strong measures to block cooperation and investment by China in the field of technology with foreign countries in recent years.

Concerns over national security, economic sovereignty, and fair competition have led to escalating trade tensions between the West and China, prompting a growing array of limitations on the adoption of Chinese smart technology. Clearly, this trend represents a phenomenon of “politicization” and “securitization”.

Meanwhile, issues such as climate change, pandemics, food crises, food safety, deepfake AI, and the proliferation of false information on the internet are causing widespread dissatisfaction, discomfort, and anxiety among people everywhere, leading to a palpable increase in feelings of discontent and insecurity in daily life. The world is witnessing a regression in human rights.

Science and technology were intended to serve as potent tools for humanity to conquer disasters. Regardless of our location, we all seek technological assistance to bolster our confidence as we navigate an uncertain future. However, amid the push for technological advancement, rifts and conflicts among groups are intensifying, and animosity is becoming more evident. If technological progress fails to enhance human happiness, then significant change is imperative for the world.

There is still much consensus among the research, academic, and business communities in Europe and the U.S. that without China’s participation in scientific and technological cooperation, the world’s most pressing challenges cannot be addressed.

“Science plays an enormous unseen role in keeping international avenues of contact open, even when political doors slam shut”, pointed out in an article published in Scientific American October last year, and the same article calls for keeping cooperation channels between the U.S. and China open.

Clearly, cooperation between the U.S.  and China in science and technology bears the responsibility and hopes for enhancing global development conditions.

From the perspective of partnership, priority needs to be given to the following points, which can be options in policy formulation.

First of all, countries can appoint their own national “science and technology affairs envoys”. In our current world, technology is deeply integrated with industry. The coverage of technology policies has hence extended to the entire industrial chain. This trend not only requires countries to strengthen international coordination and communication in technology policies but should also consider establishing dedicated positions, upgrading administrative levels, and expanding corresponding decision-making powers.

Secondly, in terms of developing cooperation, efforts should be made to establish accountability mechanisms, create an open trade and investment environment, and continuously enhance policy transparency, while striking a balance between protecting domestic interests and ensuring fair participation in the global market.

From basic research to industrial transformation, the path of technological innovation can be a long and arduous one. It is still the necessity for the Chinese to work harder, to enhance their abilities to transform scientific and technological achievements, promote the equalization of advanced technologies applied to basic public services in China, rectify unreasonable rules and regulations, strengthen China’s institutional framework of intellectual property protection systems, minimize IP infringement, and resolve loopholes in market regulation.

Moreover, it is important to promote dialogue, discussions, and public debates among foreign research institutions and think tanks across various nations. This is vital to safeguard the freedom of movement of innovative elements. At the same time, there should be an increase in scientific and technological exchange activities between cities and regions, while fostering multifaceted connections among social organizations, educational institutions, and scholars. Concrete steps could involve coordinating joint technological research on mutually interesting topics, partnering on scientific investigations and training initiatives, expanding collaborative networks, sharing best practices and expert insights, and facilitating cross-border data sharing to elevate research quality and influence.

Additionally, it is crucial to introduce courses on intellectual property rights and scientific ethics knowledge in primary and secondary school education in various countries, and this is especially true for China.

At its core, science and technology are aimed at enhancing human life but also encounter cognitive boundaries and involve various stakeholders. For instance, advancements in cutting-edge fields like the internet, artificial intelligence, and genome editing promise technological benefits, yet they may also give rise to new challenges. Therefore, achieving success in technology goes beyond merely claiming superiority. By instilling in children and young adults an understanding of the integrity of scientific research and the principles of law, they can drive positive transformations in future innovation.

Trust forms the foundation of collaboration. Whether it’s technological cooperation between China and the U.S., or with other nations, it is crucial to acknowledge cultural and legal differences. China is indeed tackling numerous challenges and shortcomings, including issues related to intellectual property awareness and legal compliance, which require time to address or improve. If all parties can efficiently utilize resources, foster mutual understanding through various means, and prioritize partnerships and communication, it will generate more innovation vitality.

In the end, each of these efforts contributes to fostering innovation and making the world a better place.

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