President Ingeborg Neumann & Premier Armin Laschet – Picture by Gesamtverband textil+mode.
Wednesday, 5 June 2019, Berlin, Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia to the German Federation: On World Environment Day approximately 300 guests gathered to attend the première of a fashion collaboration between the Gesamtverband textil+mode and the representation of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Picture by Gesamtverband textil+mode.
Under the motto “NRW makes fashion”, the fashion industry hosted the function to highlight sustainable fashion through the FASHION FORWARD show organised by the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. In total 40 young women and men had travelled from Mönchengladbach with their own designs, and enthralled the guests with their statements for textile future.
During his welcoming allocution, NRW Premier Armin Laschet addressed the great importance of the textile and fashion industry in North Rhine-Westphalia, and praised the high environmental and social standards of German companies.
For the President of the General Association of the German Textile and Fashion Industry, Ingeborg Neumann, the first PolitFashionNight in Berlin was a successful prelude to presenting the innovative strength of medium-sized textile companies on the political stage.
In the picture Minister of Tourism, Hon Anil Kumarsingh Gayan – Picture by MTPA.
Saturday, 1 June 2019, Mauritius: For its XVI edition, the World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala took place for the very first time in the idyllic island-state of Mauritius, namely at the Sugar Beach (a Sun Resort), which borders the vast sands of Flic-en-Flac Beach and town. The first gala held in Mauritius by the WTA was held under the protection of the country’s Deputy Prime Minister The Hon Ivan Collendavelloo, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities.
WTA Founder and President Graham Cooke stated during his allocution: “Our inaugural ceremony in Mauritius has proved an incredible success. We have had the privilege of recognising the leading destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines and travel providers from across Africa and the Indian Ocean and my congratulations to each of our winners.”
A further keynote speaker was the country’s Minister of Tourism, The Hon Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, who highlighted the relevance of Mauritius as a prime destination, and the efforts undertaken by the country to maintain tourism economically and environmentally sustainable. He was seconded in remarking Mauritius’s exceptional natural beauty and accessibility by MauritiusTourism Promotion Authority’s Director Arvind Bundhun.
Awardees at the red carpet reception included Kenya Tourism Board’s CEO, Dr. Betty Radier; Kenya having being voted ‘Africa’s Leading Destination’.
In the aviation sector, Ethiopian Airlines was voted ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’, whilst ‘Africa’s Leading Airport’ went to Cape Town International Airport. In the Indian Ocean, Air Mauritiusclaimed the titles of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Business Class’.
South Africa’s Table Mountainwas named ‘Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction’. Kenya enjoyed a strong showing, with Kenya Tourist Board named ‘Africa’s Leading Tourist Board’, capital Nairobi winning the new category ‘Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination’, and Kenyatta ICC gaining ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’.
In the Indian Ocean category, the Maldives cemented its reputation as the definitive romantic nation by being named ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’, whereas the Seychelles picked up ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination’. Minister for Tourism Civil Aviation Ports and Marine of Seychelles, Mr Didier Dogley and Mrs Anne Lafortune, Principal Secretary for Tourism as well as Mrs Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, represented the country at the awards ceremony.
This gala marked the third leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2019, a true quest for the finest travel and tourism organisations worldwide. Other 2019 regional ceremonies include Montego Bay, Jamaica; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Madeira, Portugal; La Paz, Bolivia; Phú Quốc, Vietnam, with the winners progressing to the Grand Finale to be held in November at Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
In the picture, King Felipe VI of Spain, Jürgen Linden, Charlemagne Prize Committee, SG António Guterres and Mayor of Aachen Marcel Philipp – Picture by Spanish Royal Household, Casa Real.
Thursday, 30 May 2019, Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Federal Republic of Germany: This year’s International Charlemagne Prize was bestowed upon the IX Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Portuguese national António Guterres for “his dedication in the revitalisation and consolidation of multilateral cooperation based on the values and objectives of the European Union and the United Nations” according to the awarding committee.
Awarded by the city of Aachen, the first city in western Germany to be liberated during the Second World War, the prize honours work performed in the service of the European community. It has been bestowed upon meritorious recipients since 1950.
Ambassador Ricardo Martínez Vázquez receives King Felipe VI at the Airbase Geilenkirchen – Picture by Spanish Royal Household, Casa Real
It is named after Emperor Carolus Magnus, or Charlemagne, ruler of the Franks; who united large territories of modern-day France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany. He lies buried at Aachen.
Other personalities who have received the prize include incumbent European Commission presidentJean-Claude Juncker, Bishops of Rome, Franciscus and Ioannis Paulus II, former European Parliament president Martin Schulz, EU founding father Robert Schuman, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger, former UK prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, the entire European Commission in 1969 and in 1986 the people of Luxembourg.
In the picture the Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mrs Rosa Batoréu, Miguel F. Porfirio Handelsattache, Director, Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency / Commercial Attaché.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
Portugal Day, or sometimes called Camões Day, is celebrated by Portuguese communities the world over to commemorate the unity of the Portuguese who have settled in all parts of the Earth.
In the Netherlands – The Hague, Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Mrs Rosa Batoréu, celebrate Portugal’s National Day with a superb reception at her residence on June 12th 2019.
In the picture, H.E. MR. Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru and spouse MS. Veronique Miclea, H.E. MS. Marithza Ruiz de Vielman, Ambassador of Guatemala, the Ambassador of Portugal, H.E. Ms. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Maria Teresa Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and the Ambassador of Korea, Mr. H.E. Mr. Yun Young Lee.
A huge number of Ambassadors, to mention just a few: Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Morocco, South Africa, Israel, Malaysia, Korea, Argentina, Australia, Ecuador, Czech Republic, Bolivia, Lebanon, Japan, Viet Nam, Guatemala, Chile, Armenia, Peru, Slovakia, Thailand, Ministers Plenipotentiary of Aruba and St Martin, Director General of the OPCW, Registrar of the International Court of Justice along with many invitees including the Portuguese diaspora, came by to say Feliz Dia de Portugal to Ambassador Rosa Batoréu.
H.E. Ms Eksiri Pintaruchi, Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Ms. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Maria Teresa Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Ms. Odette Melono, Deputy Director OPCW and H.E. Ms. Regina Maria Cordeiro Dunlop, Ambassador of Brazil.
The ambience was excellent and guests enjoyed the Portuguese wines and Portuguese snacks, including the traditional bolinhos de bacalhau, rissóis de camarões, pastéis de nata, queijo da serra and torta de laranja. Indeed, what a stylefull Portuguese afternoon it has been.
H.E. Mr. Aviv Shir-On, Ambassador of Israel and the Ambassador of Portugal.
On June 4th, 2019, Ms. Bonnie Glick, Deputy Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, visited the Gelderland Warehouse, which supplies humanitarian health kits for the crisis in Venezuela.
While The Hague’s World Forum was hosting the prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Forum, around 75 kilometers away a high-level level US official was on an official visit to The Medical Export Group, a Dutch medical company located in Vuren. The MEG is a company specialized in the provision of healthcare assistance to low- and middle-income countries, and it has a long-standing tradition of collaboration with governmental and intergovernmental organization, including the United Nations.
On June 4th, the company’s Gelderland Warehouse opened its doors to an unusual host: Mr. Bonnie Glick, Deputy Administrator of USAID, the United States Agency for International Development. Ms. Glick’s official visit to the warehouse sends a clear political signal, since the MEG is currently working on the provision of humanitarian health kits for the crisis affecting Venezuela.
The United States administration has recently been active and vocal on the crisis unfolding in Venezuela. With the aim of addressing the country’s humanitarian crisis, the United States has sought to supply humanitarian assistance inside Venezuela, although the harsh disputes between the Trump administration and the Maduro government have constituted a major obstacle in this regard. Specifically, Maduro and his government have repeatedly denied the existence of a humanitarian crisis, downplaying the US’ willingness to provide aid as a façade move.
The US administration has redirected its assistance towards the region. According to USAID figures, over the fiscal years 2017-2019 the US government has allocated over US$ 200 million to humanitarian funding for the Venezuela regional crisis response, with almost half of this sum coming from USAID. Much of the assistance has been directed to a number of regional countries, including the neighboring Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. Moreover, US$ 20 million worth of material has been pre-positioned in Colombia, “so they are ready to reach Venezuela as soon as possible” – USAID says in its factsheets. The support provided by the US takes different forms, ranging from health assistance to food support.
Ms. Glick’s visit to the Gelderland Warehouse thus reinforces the US’ commitment to continue addressing the Venezuelan crisis, in spite of the persisting political disagreements between the two countries’ governments.
Saturday, 1 June 2019, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Israel’s Ambassador to Germany, Jeremy Issacharoff, spoke before approximately 400 people at a demonstration against the Al-Quds march held in Berlin, deemed to be virulent towards the existential right of his homeland.
He wrote on Twitter: “Speaking in Berlin against the Al Quds Day and its Iranian sponsors. This blatantly anti-Semitic and hateful event should be banned. Iran as the leading sponsor of terror, a serial abuser of human rights that seeks to undermine any chance for ME peace has no place in Berlin.”
Ambassador of Israel to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff – Image by Israeli Embassy in Germany
His US colleague, Ambassador Richard Grenell, likewise attended the counter-protest to the al-Quds March, and uttered on Twitter: “Anti-Zionism denies the legitimacy of the State of Israel and the Jewish people…We are going to be unequivocal in calling it what it is”.
“Today we marched against al-Quds in Berlin – and my team asked me to wear a bullet proof vest because of their hate and support for terrorism. This group should be widely condemned.”
On Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Chancellor Dr. Merkel to outlaw Hezbollah’s activities in Germany, and was seconded by the Jewish community’s appeal to proscribe it.
Her landscape is like a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.
Just a simple walk through the streets of Dhaka or in any other city or village, the scenery is filled with splendidly dressed people.
Bangladesh is a place where hospitality and a sterling smile are the quintessential characteristics of being a true Bangladeshi!
In brief:
Bangladesh is a politically non-allied sovereign state-of approximately 170 million people in South-Asia. The official name of the country is, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The first President and the Father of the Nation was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) aims at playing a leading role in the branding and marketing of Bangladesh as a tourist destination.
The Shiva temple in Puthia, Bangladesh.
Branding:
Prompted by government’s policy, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, in conjunction with tour operator Tourism Window, organized the 2019 edition (6th) of the Bangladesh Tourism Board Familiarization Tour 2019.
The familiarisation tour is intended to increase the awareness of the journalists and knowledge of the core products they will be promoting. The familiarization tour is a mechanism aimed at targeting to increase the influx of tourists into Bangladesh.
Twenty-seven journalists from the countries as far as Japan, Republic of Korea, UK, Thailand, China, Italy, Netherlands, Lebanon, Spain and Belgium, each replete with energy and enthusiasm, were ready to take part in the tour.
An extensive program took the group to the country’s most important touristic sites, some with UNESCO recommendation. Among the places visited featured Bogura, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, and Bandarban.
Bangladesh has scores of tourist attractions.To mention a few: Royal Bengal Tiger watching, a 12th-century Buddhist temple ruins, the majestic Jamuna Bridge and the authentic weaving village of Tangail, where premium sarees are hand loomed.
Cox’s Bazar: come discover and enjoy- Sheer vastness and pristine beauty!
Cox’s – Bazar, Bangladesh
Cox’s Bazar is considered to be the longest sea beach in the world and the most visited in Bangladesh. There are a plethora of activities that can be enjoyed such as biking on the beach or parasailing. In addition to the opportunities to enjoy water sports, there are also quite a number of restaurants and cafes where one can enjoy the local cuisine and warm hospitality.
So go on and grab something to eat and stroll along the many boutiques. Even though there are many hotels and other places of accommodation that have been built to cater for visitors, the area never feels as though it is being overrun with vacationers.
Of course, there are certain parts of the beach that can become a bit crowded at certain times of the year, but there are many areas on the beach that offer a much needed respite where you can simply relax and enjoy doing your own things. Though is not Copacabana beach or the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean island of Anguilla, Cox’s Bazar gives the feeling of seclusion where you can enjoy having your private beach as it were. The beaches are clean, quiet and safe, perfect for a stroll. The inviting waters will no doubt beckon the visitor to enjoy a swim. The area is indeed enjoying a steady rate of growth and development, yet maintaining its natural charm and appeal, so get into the vibration of the city, Cox’s Bazar!
The village of Tangali is famous for the production of cotton silk and silk still count 60,000 looms. They are housed in private homes and small factories.
Bangladesh’s idyllic natural beauty, hospitality, vibrant colours as well as the warmth of the people will no doubt captivate the mind and heart of the visitor. The colorful Bengali New year celebration is truly an event to experience.
The people often wear fine linen garments and jewelry and gather together to watch the colourful parades. This spectacle features rhythmic drumming and dancing, quite reminiscent of the Carnival celebrations that are held in the Caribbean. This stimulating destination is truly an undiscovered gem where one can really become absorbed. Though Bangladesh is not commonly regarded as a known tourist destination, the country has been blessed by Mother Nature with unspoiled beauty and a vibrant culture just waiting to embrace and enchant the visitor.
Selecting a tropical vacation destination may prove to be a bit difficult as there are so many different options to choose from in South Asia. Are you looking for a relaxing getaway with a peaceful beach? Or, are you looking for a unique and exciting adventure? Luckily you don’t have to choose between the two. Bangladesh tourism opportunities provide you with the best of both worlds. In Bangladesh there is something for everyone.
The Somapura Mahavihara, ruins of a large Buddhist temple since 1985 protected by the UNESCO.
So, Welcome to Bangladesh, a tourist destination in South-Asia where hospitality and untouched nature meet. With a plethora of opportunities to enjoy this well-kept secret, there is truly something for everyone.
The closing Ceremony, Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) Chief Executive Officer presided over the closing ceremony of the 6thBangladesh Tourism Board Familiarisation Tour 2019 was graced by the presence of State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali. An agreeable gentleman, who took the time to speak individually to the reporters. State Minister Mahbub Ali delivered a powerful address.
Roy Lie Tjam, Editor
In conclusion, the journalists offered words of thanks to the organizers of the tour. In return they were presented with a token of gratitude by the organizers of the 2019 Bangladesh Familiarization Tour.
Ambassadors Florencia Vilanova (El Salvador), José Francisco Cali Tzay (Guatemala), Elmer Schialer (Peru), Gabriel Bellón Marrapodi (Uruguay) – Picture by Peruvian Embassy to Germany.
Tuesday, 28 May 2019, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: The German Foreign Ministry under the protection of responsible Minister Dr. Heiko Maas welcomed a total of twenty two Foreign Affairs ministers of the Latin America and Caribbean region for the summit titled “Latin America and Caribbean Initiative”.
The summit provided an opportunity for the Latin America and Caribbean region to present their regimes, democratic achievements and their countries as investment and tourist destinations during the various panels organised. More than five hundred people participated in the meeting, including top diplomats, business people, representatives of industries as well as universities.
German FM Heiko Maas chairs a general meeting, ambassadors Elmer Schialer (Peru) and Edgardo Malaroda (Argentina) in attendance – Picture by Embassy of Peru in Germany.
The Ministerial Conference was attended by ministers, state secretaries as well as the respective ambassadors accredited to Germany from the region. Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard was a speaker in the “Economic Partners” panel, alongside hisArgentinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Jorge Faurie, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Siemens AG, Joe Kaeser.
After the summit, Mexican Foreign Secretary Ebrard and some of his colleagues patronised the graphic exhibition “Humboldt in the Americas” being held at the Mexican Embassy in Berlin, and were guided by Ambassador Rogelio Granguillhome. The Mexican and Peruvian governments have in particular joined in the celebrations surrounding the 250th anniversary since the birth of Alexander von Humboldt, initiated by the Federal Government of Germany, through a programme of cultural and scientific activities that take place throughout the year 2019.
King and Queen at celebration 100 year general election law.Premier Manuela Schwesig looks on as HM King Willem-Alexander signs the regional guestbook – Picture by Staatskanzlei Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Monday, 20 May 2019, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Federal Republic of Germany: Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands were welcomed to Germany at the State Chancery of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania by the federal state’s Premier Manuela Schwesig and her spouse Stefan Schwesig for a formal acquaintance, followed by a luncheon offered by Premier Schwesig at the Orangerie in Schwerin Castle.
Both King Willem-Alexander and Premier Schwesig held allocutions during the luncheon. Thereafter Their Majesties paid a visit to the state’s Diet, wherein they were greeted by the Speaker Sylvia Bretschneider.
Afterwards, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima headed to the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW). The IOW is part of the Leibniz-Community, a network of German research institutes. During the visit, workshops took place in collaboration with Dutch partners, including the University of Utrecht and Deltares on various aspects of coastal protection. Central to the IOW’s research programme is the pollution of the coast by macro- and microplastics in the Baltic Sea.
On Monday evening a trade dinner was held in the Kurhaus in Warnemünde with the participants of the maritime trade mission, and other programme components such as coastal protection and agriculture.
Dutch Royal Couple accompanied by Premier Manuela Schwesig and husband Stefan Schwesig – Picture by Staatskanzlei Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
On the morning of Tuesday, 21 May, the Royal Couple paid a visit to MV Werften in Rostock, where cruise ships are being built. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were given a guided tour of the 850,000 m2 site, focusing on the craftsmanship within the company and the training of young people who are following a learning and working trajectory.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Royal Couple visited a field stone barn “Die Scheune” in the village of Bollewick, exemplary for rural regions in terms of development and demographics. In the cow barn, which has been converted into a cultural and market centre, a meeting is held on the challenges of rural areas in decline.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima encountered to the Honorary Mayor of Bollewick as well as the initiators of various projects in the field of care, social participation and work and education in rural areas.
In the picture the Cuban musician, Jorge Martinez and Edith Bergansius, President of the Hispanic Association of The Hague.
The Ambassador of Cuba to the Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Soraya Alvarez Nunez, celebrated with glam the 500th anniversary of the great city of La Habana, together with the members of the Hispanic Association of The Hague and many Latin American Ambassadors and diplomats, who gathered to support Cuba in this very special occasion.
Edith Bergansius, the President of the Hispanic Association of The Hague, introduced Ambassador Alvarez Nunez, after briefly outlining the event’s program. More than a hundred guests, the majority of them being Dutch, filled up the room to its maximum capacity, listening attentively to the Ambassador of Cuba.
The Ambassador of Cuba to The Netherlands, H.E. Ms Soraya Alvarez cutting the 500 Anniversary cake representing the monuments of La Habana.
In her remarks, the Ambassador said: “2019 is for Cuba a year full of great celebrations, which began on January 1 with the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution.
On this occasion we gathered to remember the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Villa of San Cristobal de La Habana on November 16, 1519 by Pánfilo de Narvéz, which received the title of city in 1592 and became the capital of the island. Its name comes from the Indian cacique Habaguanex, lord of those lands. Thanks to its excellent port and its geographical position, Havana became the main naval station of Spain in the Western Hemisphere.”
Members and guests of the Spanish Association of The Hague during the ambassador commemorative speech for the 500 Anniversary of La Habana.
Moreover, Ambassador Alvarez Nunez brought to the attention of the public the recovery of 700 houses in the historical part of La Habana – with the aim of giving them back to the people, thus making the citizens of Cuba the focus of the major renovation.
The essence of this project – as noted by the City’s Historian Eusebio Vidal – “is to make the historical places of La Habana habitable for its citizens, renewed to give them back as schools, community centers, businesses, offices, hotels, retirement houses and the like”.
Edith Bergansius, H.E. Hector Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Ms. Marithza Ruiz de Vieltman, Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Agustin Vazquez Gomez, Ambassador of El Salvador, the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and the Charge d’affaires of Venezuela, Mr. Wilhen Neomar Diaz Lara.
“ Cuba has celebrated in the last years the 500th anniversary of several cities of the national patrimony, among them, as they are known today, Baracoa in 2011, Bayamo in 2013, Trinidad and Puerto del Príncipe in 2014 and Santiago de Cuba in 2015.
Among the nine heritage sites declared by UNESCO in Cuba, is the Historic Center of Havana, declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1982 by UNESCO, for being one of the largest and best-preserved architectural complexes in America.
Currently, in Havana, capital of the Republic, military and residential buildings, which marked milestones in the sixteenth century; XVII and XVIII, continue showing their splendour; its cobblestone streets, its balustrades, the numerous squares and the semicircular arches that refine the interiors of the colonial palaces.” – Ambassador Alvarez Nunez said with pride.
After the Ambassador’s speech, the master of ceremony introduced the official video of the 500th anniversary of La Habana, where well-known Cuban artists participated with their different styles, giving a vast overview of the quality of Cuban musicians. The theme has been promoted since June last year.
Jorge Martinez playing well known Cuban’ songs.
Then, it was time for Jorge Martinez to come to show in person how Cubans play music. With a great soul and rhythm, he interpreted with the piano and the guitar many traditional songs, as well as a song from his own repertoire. The performance was so impressive that the public did not let him terminate the show, continuously asking more songs.
The guests enjoyed songs such El Manicero, Guantanamera, Silencio, until the artist finally asked the enthusiastic audience to listen to one last song, Enrique Iglesias’ hit Bailando. This showed Spain’s solidarity to Cuba, which is crucial nowadays: while investors and tourists coming from the United States are decreasing due to the recent economic sanctions imposed by the US government, Spain remains the largest foreign investor in Cuba.
A delicious chocolate cake, representing the monuments of La Habana – a creation of Marta Orban.
Mojitos and many Cuban delights accompanied the guests while waiting for the next key moment: the cut of a fabulous chocolate cake, representing the monuments of La Habana – a creation of Marta Orban. The Ambassador of Cuba invited her colleagues to cut the cake together.
Edit Bergansius, inexhaustible and galvanized by the event’s success, said goodbye to all the guests leaving the celebration. The Spanish Association continuously organizes precious Spanish-speaking events for its members.
