In the picture Caroline Bolduc and Marianne Garneau.
By Aurore Heugas.
2016. Caroline Bolduc, Canadian diplomat, moved along with her family to The Hague. Marianne Garneau, her 10 year old daughter, was discovering a brand new country, a new culture and a new passion along the way.
Sports has always been a way to unite people from around the world. As it turns out, it was also the way Marianne Garneau, 13 year old daughter of diplomat Caroline Bolduc, adapted to this new environment in The Netherlands.
Originally from Ottawa, raised in an international environment, being the daughter of a diplomat allowed Marianne to be open to new people, a new culture, and a new passion.
“My very first experience with running, was probably doing the ‘Santa run’ in Ireland, where I had to run in a Santa beard and hat. I only started being more serious about it once I arrived in The Hague. I started doing track and field and cross country at my school about three years ago, and have continued ever since”.
Marianne Garneau.
The American school of The Hague is where Marianne trains, with both the track and field and cross country teams. She has accumulated quite a few medals, arrived in the top 10 of all American schools in Europe in 2017 and represented her school in the NECIS competition in Denmark in May 2018.
More than being athletic accomplishments, running gave her a hobby, an activity to focus on when arriving in a foreign country, along with new friends and teammates.
Marianne Garneau with international Diplomats participating in the annual running event.
One of Marianne’s biggest running accomplishment happened last year, during the Diplomat Fun Run, a 5K organised by the Diplomat Magazine for the diplomatic community in The Hague. Marianne was 12 years old, running a 5K for the first time, yet she shone even amongst adults.
What advice would Marianne give to people her age moving to a different country? “At first you have to be prepared to the fact that it’s going to be hard to adapt. But once you’re actually there, try and immerse yourself in different activities after school for example, like running or kickboxing. During summer, go to camp. It can change the way you see a lot of things and help you make friends.”
With H.E. Mr Marcin Czepelak, Ambassador of Poland and the winners of the Diplomats Fun & Run 2018.
Being part of the second generation of diplomats in The Hague, can be challenging, “I had to leave my friends a few times, and learn to make new ones”, but rewarding, because it allows young students to learn about other cultures, learn a different language and discover new skills they didn’t know about.
Marianne is part of a small community in The Hague that has the privilege to travel, and often accomplish great things in the future.
By Irakli Beridze, Head, UNICRI Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
Advancements in artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics have resulted in, what was once an obscure academic field or science fiction, becoming increasingly integral to the very functioning of modern society.
The massive growth in computational power and increasing abundance of data that characterized the ‘Digital Revolution’ and the subsequent ‘Information Age’ have been at the core of this, vastly improving capabilities and broadening the range of real-world applications for AI and robotics.
The transformative potential of these technologies is already being leveraged by the healthcare, agriculture, automotive, manufacturing, energy, financial, communications, entertainment, retail, and many more sectors to enhance efficiency, improve powers of prediction, optimize resource allocation, reduce costs, create new revenue opportunities and contribute to the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
From a law crime, justice and security perspective, AI and robotics can support in the identification of persons of interest, stolen vehicles or suspicious sounds and behaviour; predict trends in criminality or terrorist action; track illicit money flows; and flag and respond to terrorist use of the internet. Their use is however not without its challenges, as ensuring respect for human rights remains a condicio sine qua non.
Irakli Beridze, Head, UNICRI Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
At the same time, in the hands of criminals or terrorist organizations AI and robotics can enable new digital, physical and political threats. Although the integration of these technologies into crime and terrorism has yet to be substantially identified, preparedness for the emergence of new threats and crimes must be a priority as these technologies become more accessible and pervasive throughout society.
In 2014, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) launched its programme on AI and robotics, which was one of the first international initiatives in this field. In 2017, UNICRI signed a Host Country Agreement with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, paving the way for opening a dedicated Centre for AI and Robotics in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Centre is committed to advancing understanding of these technologies from the perspective of crime, justice and security and to exploring their use for social good and contributing to a future free of violence and crime.
Since then, UNICRI has worked to build a solid knowledge base and an extensive international network of partners and stakeholders that it has utilised to carry out several activities and convened high-level political meetings, including at the United Nations General Assembly, expert-level gatherings, training courses and workshops. As an action-oriented research institute, UNICRI has also conducted several studies on various aspects of AI and robotics, including on the application of AI by law enforcement, the social economic aspects and geopolitical influences.
Last October, at the opening of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary-General, António Guterres, underlined that “rapidly developing fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and biotechnology have the potential to turbocharge progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals”. At the same time, acknowledged the risks associated with the advances in technology, describing these risks as an “epochal challenge”, alongside climate change.
This duality is at the core of the work of UNICRI Centre for AI and Robotics, as it seeks to reduce the risks of the malicious use of AI and robotics technology by criminals or terrorists, as well as leverage these technologies for positive change, enhancing crime prevention and control, criminal justice, and security in an ethical and human rights- and rule of law-consistent manner.
About UNICRI
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute was established in 1968. Within the broad scope of its mandate, the Institute contributes, through research, training, field activities and the collection, exchange and dissemination of information, to the formulation and implementation of improved policies in the field of crime prevention, justice and emerging security threats, due regard being paid to the integration of such policies within broader policies for socio-economic change and development, and to the protection of human rights.
Irakli Beridze, Head, UNICRI Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
More than 20 years of experience in leading multilateral negotiations, developing stakeholder engagement programmes with governments, UN agencies, international organisations, think tanks, civil society, foundations, academia, private industry and other partners on an international level. Since 2014, Initiated and managed one of the first United Nations Programme on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. He is a member of various of international task forces and working groups advising governments and international organisations on finding synergies with traditional threats and risks as well as identifying solutions that frontier technologies can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In the picture Marcel Beukeboom, International Representative for climate change. Photography by Imane Rachidi.
Marcel Beukeboom, Dutch International Representative for climate change, talked about the Dutch participation in the global fight against climate change, describing his efforts to reach out to countries all around the world in order to enhance cooperation in addressing this urgent challenge.
International efforts to address climate change reached a peak with the Paris Climate Agreement signed in 2015 by 195 countries, with the aim of limiting the destructive effects of global warming for the world’s population. The Paris Agreement established a global action plan, to be reviewed every five years, that established clear objectives to be reached by each country.
However, Mr. Beukeboom noted, “It is not enough to know the objectives. We need to work together to reach them, and especially with the bigger producers of CO2 emissions, who are unfortunately less active in implementing real changes. We should work without accusing other, but rather work together to reach the result of reducing global temperatures of 2°C. Climate change and global warming will not wait for us to act.”
Mr. Beukeboom travels all around the world meeting officials from governments willing to join the fight against global warming, sharing the Dutch experience, listening and learning about other countries’ policies, and attempting to consolidate shared views on the implementation of national plans of adaptation to climate change. In Europe, Mr. Beukeboom’s goal is “to convince governments to be more ambitious in their reduction of CO2 emissions, looking for innovative ways of reducing emissions. In the end, national reduction will lead to the expected results in the international arena.”
In Asia, a continent where he travels frequently due to the visible effects of climate change in the region, “countries like India, that in the beginning were not enthusiastic, are in practice implementing enormous changes, notably concerning solar energy production. I also frequently visit China; we need to count on them if we wish to reach out goals. I may say that the position of some African countries obstructs the progress. Paradoxically, these countries are very much affected by drought, but in fact are among those causing less CO2 emissions.”
“I always try not to mention the term ‘guilt’, but rather work towards reaching consensus, compromise, and recognition of the responsibility of each country, going ahead by working together” – Mr. Beukeboom said.
One of Mr. Beukeboom’s tasks is precisely to negotiate and to study plans to be presented to his international counterparts in 2020. Now – he said – plans are more concrete and clear for the common citizens, such in the cases of regulations on water, energy, transportation, consumption, diet and waste use. Very concrete measures that can be implemented by the governments looking for changes in the life of their own citizens.
H.E. Mr. Roman Buzek, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic awarded the overall winner of the competition, the startup Threatmark from the Czech Republic.
By Tereza Neuwirthova.
On 28th May 2019, the Embassy of the Slovak Republic together with the company AXS Capital Markets Amsterdam and the Czech Dutch Chamber of Commerce held a business matchmaking event under the name “V4 Startups in the Netherlands”, which was organised as a part of the programme of its presidency in the Visegrad Group, represented by Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
During this event, which took place at one of Europe’s leading centres for entrepreneurship- the Erasmus Centre of Entrepreneurship in Rotterdam, 25 entrepreneurs form the V4 countries as well as The Netherlands introduced their startups to the audience consisting of investors, representatives of trade chambers, as well as corporate, government, and diplomatic officials.
The event initiated with a speech by H.E. Mr. Roman Buzek, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, in which he stressed the need for exploring the great innovative and creative potential of the startups from the V4 countries to the fullest, as there is still a great amount of hidden potential among the entrepreneurs from these countries that can be transformed into profitable business opportunities.
“V4 Startups in the Netherlands”
Thereupon followed a lecture by the keynote speaker, Mr. Vlado Kysucky, who addressed topics such as venture capital industry in Central Europe, private equity in relation to the world, as well as the great potential of Central European countries that is driven by efficient market infrastructure and operational practices.
Thereafter, the entrepreneurs presented their startups from the sector of information and communication technologies (ICT) in a pitch competition, in which the winning prize for the best startup was a direct access to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit taking place at the World Forum in The Hague this June.
A panel discussion chaired by the moderator of V4 Startups in the Netherlands 2019, Keith Wallace from De Investeerders Club followed afterwards.The representatives from Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, as well as The Netherlands outlined the entrepreneurial and startup environment in their respective countries. Furthermore, they highlighted the ways the startup field is expanding through cross-border investment in the Visegrad Group countries, while stressing the cooperation and simultaneously a friendly competition between them.
The main aims of this event –to promote and explore the innovative entrepreneurship from the Visegrad Group countries in The Netherlands, to facilitate the raising of investments for ambitious startups, as well as to provide insight into the numerous opportunities in venture capital– were within the framework of economic diplomacy that is a part of the project scheme of Slovakia’s presidency of the V4.
During the last part of the event, H.E. Mr. Roman Buzek announced and awarded the overall winner of the competition, the startup Threatmark from the Czech Republic, which deals with cyber security issues.
Threatmark from the Czech Republic, which deals with cyber security issues.
Moreover, the judges also chose the most promising startup form each country, whereas each of these was awarded a prize consisting of an investment workshop as well as free office spaces for a month, provided by the sponsors of the event Andersen Tax & Legal and NIBC.
Following the awards, a networking session accompanied by refreshments ensued, during which the entrepreneurs, investors, and officials were given the space to informally discuss business opportunities and cooperation, as well as partnerships between the Visegrad Group countries and The Netherlands. This business matchmaking event was a great success not only for the winning startup, but also for all the attendees as it provided insights into the fast-growing but overlooked economies of the V4, and furthered the economic as well as diplomatic ties between the countries.
A distilled spirits tasting experience, where Embassies came together and celebrated as well as showcase their respective wine industries.
The soiree, which had been organized by Diplomat magazine was held at the Hotel Crowne Plaza on Monday 13 May 2019. The evening was a reception-style event with 18 tasting stations where guests were able to sample the different types of wine and spirits.
The countries that were featured at the show were: Armenia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Greece, India, Kosovo, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Noth Macedonia, Peru, Portugal, Russia, South Africa and Uruguay. Many of the invitees were able to appreciate and savour wines and spirits from countries both ancient and modern.
H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanon., H.E. Mr. I Gusti Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia and H.E. Mr. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa.
For instance, think of sampling the wine culture of Lebanon or Armenia both being very old civilisations compared to offerings of the so-called “new kids on the block” such as India and Ecuador.
The Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Ms. Tatiana Pârvu with her delegation and Moldovan’s wines.
Key Grape varieties producing fine selections of both reds and whites, not only afforded those in attendance the opportunity to relax and enjoy great company, but it also proved to be an educational experience. They were able to learn about the different regions’ viticulture, understanding how to taste, enjoy and evaluate the different varieties of wine.
Many persons were quite impressed by the quality and variety of the wines and spirits offered such as the Red Lebanon and the Ecuadorian Crespo Gin. The occasion also created fine opportunities to network and buildup new potential partnerships.
The Ambassador of Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa with representatives from the Lebanese wine industry.
Admission to the Diplomat Wine and Spirits Extravaganza was exclusively by invitation. Entertainment was provided by a jazz band which helped to create a convivial atmosphere at the well-attended evening. It is estimated that attendance of the event was approximately 250 to 300 people including many diplomats, importers, sommeliers, wine bars and shops, restaurants and members of the press.
Miguel Porfirio, Director of the Portuguese Trade Agency, Commercial Attache of the Embassy of Portugal showing their excellent selection with Portuguese wine importers
One visitor observed that it had been a pleasure to attend the Diplomat Extravaganza Wines & Spirts tasting and purchasing evening. The wide selection that was available, the elegant décor, the programme and staff, whose professionalism and attention to detail were beyond compare making the evening a great success with high notes of praise from all.
On the 22nd of April 1944, during World War II, the Consulaire Corps Curaçao was born. The 75th anniversary of the Corps was celebrated with a reception on 23 May 2019. The Governor of Curaçao, the Prime Minister, members of the Corps and many other dignitaries were present. Speeches were given by Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath and by the Dean of the Corps, Karel Frielink.
The fact that there is a Corps Consulaire in which more than 30 countries are represented, shows that Curacao, although a small island, is part of a large and important network. And fortunately, this network is being used more and more. For Curacao, it is important to export, and so good international relations, including trade relations, are of great importance.
Waleska Schumacher (honorary consul of Brazil), Carla Eering (Mr Frielink’s wife) Karel Frielink (Dean CCC & honorary consul of Germany) and Eugene Rhuggenaath (Prime Minister of Curaçao).
As far as individual consuls are concerned, they are a friendly face in an unfamiliar place. Quite frequently, they are dealing with citizens from the country they represent who have found themselves in unfortunate situations on the island, a lost or stolen passport, victims of a robbery or hospitalization. Assisting them and connecting them to the right people can matter so much, and may help to ensure that, despite their negative experiences, they eventually have a positive feeling about their visit.
People from the Indian community came in large numbers to the Gandhi center in The Hague, answering the call of the Ambassador of India, H.E. Venu Rajamony. The Ambassador had invited Indian citizens and other guests for a discussion on India’s democracy, the largest in the world, and specifically on the spectacular results of the May 2019 General Elections.
Against the expectations, incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won the national elections by a large margin, securing 303 of the 542 seats available in the lower parliamentary chamber. Over thirty parties participated in the elections, which were assisted by electronic voting technology and featured a historic turnout of 67%.
This election showed that the charisma and popularity of Modi are an undeniable fact: with a clear vision and a strong party line, Modi is steadily increasing his degree of popularity. The incumbent Prime Minister received a new mandate from his people, in order to transform India for five more years, making further steps on the path of development. During the previous term as Prime Minister, Modi has worked on enhancing Hindu traditions, and he has invested in technology and infrastructures. He has also created a vast program of social benefits that reached the immense population of India. Moreover, he has promoted education among India’s youth and has made significant steps towards modernising India.
Dr. Vikas Chaturvedi, Chairman of ASSOCHAM.
During the meeting in The Hague, H.E. Venu Rajamony sent conciliatory messages. He applauded India for this great exercise of democracy, also confirming that the opposition presented its congratulations to Prime Minister Modi. Many leaders in the world also congratulated the winner. The Ambassador read messages from the Presidents of many countries including the Netherlands, China, Russia, USA, United Kingdom, Nepal, Kazakhstan, France, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Namibia and many more.
Ambassador Rajamony went on by commenting on India’s domestic issues. “In terms of domestic economic policy in India, according to the IMF and World Bank, growth has been 7.3 percent and it is expected that we will continue to maintain this speed of growth in the coming years. With a young population and a connected world, thanks to the internet, technology and mobile phones, but also due to the growing demand and upstanding talent in terms of entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation and IT, we can be confident that the economy will also continue to grow, enhancing the wellbeing of our people. As PM Modi said, we want each Indian to create an income, instead of looking for a job. Concerning the economy, we can be proud on what India has achieved, but we still have a long way to go. We have many challenges that need to be addressed.”
Over the last term, the Modi government has installed a program to clean the great rivers, as well as a program to provide housing to the homeless, sanitation, clean water, health and education. “Not a single person will be left behind – Ambassador Rajamony said – We are celebrating the pluralism and the social harmony among all, and we should all contribute from inside the country, but also from abroad to maintain a united India. The government will dedicate itself to bringing development to every corner of the country, providing jobs, making sure that inflation remains in control and making sure that education, health and welfare structures will reach every corner of our country.”
Moreover, the Ambassador also touched upon his country’s foreign policy. “On foreign policy, we stand engaged to solve the world’s concerns. We remain global in our look, and we believe in cooperation to address the common challenges that confront humanity. Moreover, we believe in the peaceful resolution of all disputes, including those with our neighbours, some of whom we have had a difficult relationship with”.
The speech of Ambassador Rajamony was followed by a big applause. Former Dutch Ambassador to India Fons Stoelinga then addressed the public with a detailed speech on India elections, followed by a remarkable intervention of Dr. Vikas Chaturvedi, Chairman of ASSOCHAM, about India’s economy, progress and challenges. Lastly, an animated section of questions and answer took place, thanks to the input of the engaged attendees.
On the occasion of the 2nd Canada’s Ambassador of the Year&Public Diplomacy Awards 2019, the Faculty of Civil and Common Law of the University of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Deanship of the Diplomatic Corps of Canada and the International Public Diplomacy Council by Diplomat Magazine, celebrated in March its Awards Ceremony, that was followed by a reception.
The Award consisted in a Canadian Inukshuk sculpture, and it was presented by the Deans of the Faculties of Law and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
Twelve prizes went to heads of diplomatic missions from twelve geographical regions. to 12 award-winning ambassadors. Moreover, four special awards and recognitions were handed to organizations working closely with the foreign missions present in Canada. Special prizes also went to distinguished individuals, including a High Special Diplomatic Recognition to H.E. Constant Horace, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Canada and Ambassador of Madagascar to Canada.
The 2019 Awards ceremony also featured the farewell to Ambassador Constant, who will be returning to his country, after serving thirteen years in Canada. Mr. Pierre Thibault, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Civil Law, offered him a gift on behalf of the faculty.
Wassenaar 25 April 2019, the South African Mission in The Hague organized a reception to celebrate Freedom Day 2019. A host of South Africans, friends, Ambassadors and many well-wishers gathered in response to H.E. Ambassador Bruce Koloane’s invitation to come and join him in celebrating what took place on the memorable day of 27 April 1994. Freedom Day marks the day on which racial discrimination formally came to an end in South Africa.
After the welcome remarks by Ambassador Koloane a reception and gorgeous dinner followed. There was also a free flow of Soweto Beer
Mr. Robert-Jan Siegert, Deputy Director, Sub Saharan Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed the gathering. Many could not resist, got up and swing to the south African vibes.
Here follows a resume of Ambassador Kolone’s remarks:
“It is my honour, on behalf of the South African Government, to address you on the occasion of our Freedom Day celebrations. Twenty-five years ago, we were able for the first time in our lives to exercise our democratic right to vote as equals before the law – for a government of our choice marking our country’s historic transition from the dark period of apartheid, to a free and equal society.
27 April 1994 marks the day on which racial discrimination formally came to an end in South Africa. On that day, we took our rightful place as a people deserving of respect and our dignity was restored. With our then interim democratic Constitution embracing equal rights and opportunities for all, we ceased to be pariahs in the land of our birth. We had, at last, an opportunity to build a new and better life for all our people.
South Africa Freedom Day
Ladies and gentlemen, It was international solidarity that brought the apartheid regime to its knees. We recall the efforts of the international community, particularly our African brothers and sisters, who played an important role in the liberation of our country. It was through multilateralism and the role of the African Group at the UN in particular, that a number of resolutions denouncing apartheid were adopted; among others, UN General Assembly Resolution 1761; Security Council Resolution 181 which called on all UN states to stop the sale and shipment of arms, ammunition and military vehicles to South Africa; as well as the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid which came into force in 1976. Article 7 of the Rome Statute includes the crime of apartheid as a crime against humanity.
Ours was a long and bitter struggle for freedom and equal enjoyment of human, civil and political rights. Today, there are a number of peoples who continue to be denied their right to self-determination in violation of international law. Our late former President Nelson Mandela said,
“We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians”.
South Africa on 25-26 March 2019 hosted the SADC Solidarity Conference with Western Sahara. It was international solidarity that brought down the barbaric system of apartheid, and it is international solidarity that will see the realisation of the aspirations of both the Palestinian and Saharawi peoples.
Ladies and gentlemen, South Africa emerged from the ashes of apartheid as a strong proponent of multilateralism, the respect for international law, a commitment to human rights, inclusive dialogue and the pacific settlement of disputes. Our current term as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council is guided by these imperatives and by the Resolution of the AU to ‘Silence the Guns’ by 2020 in furtherance of Agenda 2063.
We believe that peace cannot be achieved without the participation of women in peace negotiations, peacekeeping operations, post-conflict peacebuilding and governance. Moreover, we will use our term to prioritise gender-sensitive responses and programmes aimed at addressing the needs of women and girls who are victims of sexual violence.
We are saddened and convey our condolences to the Republic of Sri Lanka following terrorist bombings of several churches over the Easter Weekend that claimed the lives of over 300 people. South Africa will continue to use its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to prioritise the fight against terrorism and extremist groups across the world.
We are determined to place South Africa’s economy more firmly on the path to recovery. We are on a path of renewal and are in the process of dealing with domestic challenges that have impeded our development in 6 recent years. We are on an ambitious drive to industrialise, to attract investment, and to create more jobs for our people. South Africa is open for business. To this end, President Ramaphosa has initiated an annual Investment Summit. As the most diversified African economy, with a host of unique comparative and competitive advantages, South Africa is an investment destination and reliable trade partner.
The Summit aims to expose domestic and international businesses to a unique investment case, and portfolio of investment projects across several sectors. We remain a gateway to the rest of Africa and a magnificent tourism destination. We are determined to attract 100 billion USD in investments over the next five years. We are pleased that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement has been ratified by a number of African countries, including South Africa.
We are grateful to the Kingdom of the Netherlands with which we enjoy long-standing relations. We continue to engage in ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in education, student exchange, tourism, trade and culture, as well as investments and skills exchange in the agro- 7 processing, chemicals, automotive, water management, ICT and the creative industry, among others.
In 2017, South Africa welcomed approximately 150 thousand Dutch tourists. South Africa has eight major gateway trading ports and harbours. Our coastline is approximately 3000 km with marine geographical presence on the eastern, southern and western seaboards.
We have launched Operation Phakisa which is an innovative approach to translate detailed plans into concrete results in the oceans economy, through targeting priority growth areas, namely; marine manufacturing, marine transport, offshore oil and gas, marine protection and governance, and aquaculture. As a shipping Kingdom, there is potential for enhanced skills exchange, investment and cooperation with South Africa in these identified growth areas in the blue economy.
South Africa and the Netherlands renewed the Memorandum of Understanding on Water and Sanitation in 2018 to facilitate cooperation on water management. The focus is on integrated water resource management, youth empowerment, water efficiency, re-use and climate change adaptation, which are important for our water-stressed country.
We look forward to strengthening our cooperation in all of these areas.
In conclusion, we are pleased that you have joined us to celebrate our 25 years of freedom and we invite you to enjoy the evening with us” .
In the picture Ambassador Ramin Hasanov & Premier Bodo Ramelow – Picture by Thüringische Staatskanzlei
Tuesday, 14 May 2019, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia: Azerbaijan’s top envoy to Germany, Ambassador Ramin Hasanov, paid a courtesy call on the Premier of Thuringia, Dr. Bodo Ramelow, the Speaker of the state’s Diet, Birgit Diezel as well as the Mayor of Erfurt, Andreas Bausewein.
Bilateral discussions with the Thuringian dignitaries were focused on existing ties, and the potential of cooperation in fields such as the economy, education, and culture between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Free State of Thuringia.
Ambassador Hasanov provided an overview of his homeland’s foreign policy objectives vis-à-vis Germany, its international cooperation as well as the contribution of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the energy security of Germany, and Europe at large.
Ambassador Hasanov is a career diplomat accredited to Germany since 7 September 2016, having served previously as Director of the Department on International Law and Treaties at his country’s Foreign Ministry.
